bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual attention in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder before and after stimulant treatment
Authors: Low Ann-Marie , Vangkilde Signe , le Sommer Julijana , Fagerlund Birgitte , Glenthøj Birte , Jepsen Jens Richardt Møllegaard , Bundesen Claus , Petersen Anders , Habekost Thomas
Published: December 2018

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which frequently persists into adulthood. The primary goal of the current study was to (a) investigate attentional functions of stimulant medication-naïve adults with ADHD, and (b) investigate the effects of 6 weeks of methylphenidate treatment on these functions.

Methods

The study was a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded, 6-week follow-up design with 42 stimulant medication-naïve adult patients with ADHD, and 42 age and parental education-matched healthy controls. Assessments included measures of visual attention, based on Bundesen's Theory of Visual Attention (TVA), which yields five precise measures of aspects of visual attention; general psychopathology; ADHD symptoms; dyslexia screening; and estimates of IQ.

Results

At baseline, significant differences were found between patients and controls on three attentional parameters: visual short-term memory capacity, threshold of conscious perception, and to a lesser extent visual processing speed. Secondary analyses revealed no significant correlations between TVA parameter estimates and severity of ADHD symptomatology. At follow-up, significant improvements were found specifically for visual processing speed; this improvement had a large effect size, and remained when controlling for re-test effects, IQ, and dyslexia screen performance. There were no significant correlations between changes in visual processing speed and changes in ADHD symptomatology.

Conclusions

ADHD in adults may be associated with deficits in three distinct aspects of visual attention. Improvements after 6 weeks of medication are seen specifically in visual processing speed, which could represent an improvement in alertness. Clinical symptoms and visual attentional deficits may represent separate aspects of ADHD in adults.
FAT-Based Robust Adaptive Control of Electrically Driven Robots in Interaction with Environment
Authors: Izadbakhsh Alireza , Kheirkhahan Payam , Khorashadizadeh Saeed
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a robust adaptive impedance controller for robot manipulators using function approximation techniques (FAT). Recently, FAT-based robust impedance controllers have been presented using Fourier series expansion for uncertainty estimation. In fact, sinusoidal functions can approximate nonlinear functions with arbitrary small approximation error based on the orthogonal functions theorem. The novelty of this paper in comparison with previous related works is that the number of required regressor matrices in this paper has been reduced. This superiority becomes more dominant when the manipulator degrees of freedom (DOFs) are increased. First, the desired signals for motor currents are calculated, and then the desired voltages are obtained. In the proposed approach, only a simple model of the actuator and manipulator dynamics is used in the controller design and all the rest dynamics are treated as external disturbance. The external disturbances can then be approximated by Fourier series expansion. The adaptation laws for Fourier series coefficients are derived from a Lyapunov-based stability analysis. Simulation results on a 2-DOF planar robot manipulator including the actuator dynamics indicate the efficiency of proposed method.
Effect of follicle size and atresia grade on mitochondrial membrane potential and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Ostuni Angela , Faruolo Maria Pina , Sileo Carmen , Petillo Agata , Boni Raffaele
Published: December 2018

During follicular development, granulosa cells undergo functional and structural changes affecting their steroidogenic activity. Oestrogen synthesis mainly occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and relies on aromatase activity to convert androgens that arise from theca cells. In the present study, indicators of mitochondria-related steroidogenic capacity, as steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), have been evaluated in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) and related to follicle growth and atresia. Atresia was estimated by morphological examination of follicle walls and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) and assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis detection. Bovine ovarian follicles were macroscopically classified according to their atresia grade and grouped into small, medium or large follicles. After follicle opening, the COCs were morphologically classified for follicle atresia and the GCs were collected. Granulosa cells were fixed for immunofluorescence (IF) and TUNEL assay, frozen for western blotting (WB) or freshly maintained for MMP analyses. StAR protein expression was assessed using both IF and WB analyses. The follicle atresia grade could be efficiently discriminated based on either follicle wall or COC morphological evaluations. Granulosa cells collected from small non-atretic follicles showed a higher (P <0.01) MMP and WB-based StAR protein expression than small atretic follicles. For IF analysis, StAR protein expression in large atretic follicles was higher (P <0.05) than that in large non-atretic follicles. These results suggest a role played by mitochondria in GC steroidogenic activity, which declines in healthy follicles along with their growth. In large follicles, steroidogenic activity increases with atresia and is possibly associated with progesterone production.
‘VALUE IS NOT A FACT’: REPRODUCTION COST AND THE TRANSITION FROM CLASSICAL TO NEOCLASSICAL REGULATION IN GILDED AGE AMERICA
Authors: Giocoli Nicola
Published: December 2018

The paper draws on Stephen Siegel (1984) to argue that, while paving the way for constitutionalizing the free market inLochner v. New York(1905), the reproduction cost method that the Supreme Court established inSmyth v. Ames(1898) as the preferred technique for assessing the value of a business for regulatory purposes also exposed the conventional character of any valuation exercise, against the claims of objectivity made by classical economists and mainstream jurists. The inconsistency between recognizing that “value is not a fact” and the classical laissez-faire philosophy underlying the Court’s jurisprudence did not escape progressive critics, who concluded that government could legitimately fine-tune regulation in order to affect a business’s value and pursue alternative socio-economic goals.
NEW WOMEN IN RED: REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA, FEMINISM, AND THE FIRST RED SCARE
Authors: Mickenberg Julia L.
Published: December 2018

This essay seeks to reinterpret both the gendered rhetoric of the First Red Scare as well as the reasons why many feminists came under attack in the years following World War I. It underscores the ways in which women's activist concerns were de-legitimized through accusations of Bolshevism, but also highlights the very real attractions that the Soviet system held for American women seeking peace, economic independence, voting rights, professional opportunity, and sexual freedom. Although a number of historians have demonstrated the ways in which a focus upon gender and women offers important insights into the First Red Scare, they have given only minimal attention to the Soviet Union's appeal, presumably wishing to avoid giving credence to inflammatory and exaggerated right-wing rhetoric. However, this tendency has the effect of distorting the historical record and, in particular, of eliding revolutionary Russia's role in fostering the American feminist imagination. Attention to several prominent targets of the First Red Scare, including Louise Bryant, Emma Goldman, and Rose Pastor Stokes, helps to clarify these dynamics.
INTERSECTIONALITY, COGNITION, DISCLOSURE AND BLACK LGBT VIEWS ON CIVIL RIGHTS AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Authors: McGuffey C. Shawn
Published: December 2018

Intersectionality has contributed to the ongoing deconstruction of dichotomous and essentializing categories of identity and oppression. As some scholars have noted, however, intersectionality has debunked a sociobiological, single-node paradigm and unintentionally codified a deterministic form of social cognition. I suggest one mechanism for understanding how to untangle this intersectional dilemma: disclosure practices. Disclosure of stigmatized statuses can illuminate how macro level inequalities manifest in individual thought processes. This study adds to emerging research by showing how social actors rely on intersectional experiences to understand, think about, and frame complex social problems. I examine this topic via 197 interviews with 102 Black participants who identify as LGBT about their views on same-sex marriage as a civil rights issue before and after same-sex marriage was nationally legalized. Specifically, I argue that the Black LGBT participants’ experience with intersectional discrimination and their levels of sexual and gender identity disclosure account for their personal views on same-sex marriage and Black civil rights. Further, the majority of Black participants across disclosure practices viewed marriage equality as primarily benefitting the property interests of White gays and lesbians. Last, I discuss the implications of my findings for LGBT politics and the connections between self-interest and political perspectives.
GENERALITY AND EXISTENCE 1: QUANTIFICATION AND FREE LOGIC
Authors: RESTALL GREG
Published: December 2018

In this paper, I motivate a cut free sequent calculus for classical logic with first order quantification, allowing for singular terms free of existential import. Along the way, I motivate a criterion for rules designed to answer Prior’s question about what distinguishes rules for logical concepts, like conjunction from apparently similar rules for putative concepts like Prior’s tonk, and I show that the rules for the quantifiers—and the existence predicate—satisfy that condition.
Wide scanned electronically steered conformal active phased array antenna for Ku-band SATCOM
Authors: Kumar Raj , Verma Pramendra Kumar , Kartikeyan Machavaram Venkateshwar
Published: December 2018

The paper describes the design and development of a low profile wide scanned conformal active 1 × 32 phased array antenna for Ku-band SATCOM applications. The realized antenna is diagonally polarized and covers full transmit frequency band (i.e. 13.75–14.5 GHz) of Ku band SATCOM. All the developed sub-systems of the antenna, i.e. conformal radiating array, conformal transmit module, manifold network, and beam steering unit are described. The VSWR of the antenna is better than 1.65 over the complete transmit frequency band. The antenna has the beam steering capability of ±60° in the array plane. Designed antenna is best suited for airborne applications, where antenna profile contributes considerable aero drag and RCS to the host platform.
Target-Site Resistance Mechanisms to Tribenuron-methyl and Cross-resistance Patterns to ALS-inhibiting Herbicides of Catchweed Bedstraw (Galium aparine) with Different ALS Mutations
Authors: Deng Wei , Di Yingjie , Cai Jingxuan , Chen Yueyang , Yuan Shuzhong
Published: December 2018

Catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.) is a problematic dicot weed that occurs in major winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields in China. Tribenuron-methyl has been widely used to control broadleaf weeds since 1988 in China. However, overuse has led to the resistance evolution of G. aparine to tribenuron-methyl. In this study, 20 G. aparine populations collected from Shandong and Henan provinces were used to determine tribenuron-methyl resistance and target-site resistance mechanisms. In dose–response experiments, 12 G. aparine populations showed different resistance levels (2.92 to 842.41-fold) to tribenuron-methyl compared with the susceptible population. Five different acetolactate synthase (ALS) mutations (Pro-197-Leu, Pro-197-Ser, Pro-197-His, Asp-376-Glu, and Trp-574-Leu) were detected in different resistant populations. Individuals heterozygous for Pro-197-Ser and Trp-574-Leu mutations were also observed in a resistant population (HN6). In addition, pHB4 (Pro-197-Ser), pHB7 (Pro-197-His), pHB8 (Pro-197-Leu), pHB5 (Asp-376-Glu), and pHB3 (Trp-574-Leu) subpopulations individually homozygous for specific ALS mutations were generated to evaluate the cross-resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The pHB4, pHB7, pHB8, pHB5, and pHB3 subpopulations all were resistant to sulfonylurea, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, triazolopyrimidine, flumetsulam, sulfonylamino-carbonyl-triazolinone, flucarbazone-sodium, pyrimidinyl thiobenzoate, pyribenzoxim, and the imidazolinone imazethapyr. These results indicated the diversity of the resistance-conferring ALS mutations in G. aparine, and all these mutations resulted in broad cross-resistance to five kinds of ALS-inhibiting herbicides.
Healing Architecture for Sick Kids
Authors: Fricke Oliver P. , Halswick Daniel , Längler Alfred , Martin David D.
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Scientific data are sparse on hospital design in child and adolescent psychiatry. The present article aims to give an overview of various concepts of hospital design and to develop concepts how architecture can consider the special needs of children and adolescents in their recovery from psychiatric diseases. Literature research is provided from PubMed and collected from architectural and anthroposophic bibliography. Access to daylight and nature, reduced level of noise and an atmosphere of privacy are general principles to support convalescence in patients. Especially in psychiatry, spatial structures and colour can strengthen appropriate social interrelations on both the patient and staff level. Authors suggest that children and adolescents benefit from architectural concepts which consider the issues: Welcome, Path, Territory, Area of Freedom, Outdoor Space, Access to Light, Motion in the Structure and Orientation of Space.
Observations on a Series of Merging Magnetic Flux Ropes Within an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection
Authors: Feng Hengqiang , Zhao Yan , Zhao Guoqing , Liu Qiang , Wu Dejin
Published: December 2018

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are intense solar explosive eruptions. CMEs are highly important players in solar‐terrestrial relationships, and they have important consequences for major geomagnetic storms and energetic particle events. It has been unclear how CMEs evolve when they propagate in the heliosphere. Here we report an interplanetary CME consisting of multiple magnetic flux ropes measured by WIND on 25–26 March 1998. These magnetic flux ropes were merging with each other. The observations indicate that internal interactions (reconnections) within multiflux rope CME can coalesce into large‐scale ropes, which may improve our understanding of the interplanetary evolution of CMEs. In addition, we speculated that the reported rope‐rope interactions may also exist between successive rope‐like CMEs and are important for the space weather forecasting.
Limited Retention of Wildfire‐Derived PAHs and Trace Elements in Indoor Environments
Authors: Kohl Lukas , Meng Meng , de Vera Joan , Bergquist Bridget , Cooke Colin A. , Hustins Sarah , Jackson Brian , Chow Chung‐Wai , Chan Arthur W. H.
Published: December 2018

Wildfires are increasing in prevalence and intensity and emit large quantities of persistent organic and inorganic pollutants. Recent fires have caused elevated concerns that residual pollutants in indoor environments pose a long‐term health hazard to residents; however, to date no studies have investigated how long fire‐derived pollutants are retained in indoor environments. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic trace elements in ground ashes from the 2016 wildland‐urban interface fires in Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada) and in house dust from 64 homes. We document residual arsenic pollution from local building fires but found no evidence that forest fire ash remained in households 14 months after the fire. Overall, house dust pollutant concentrations were equal or lower than in other locations unaffected by wildfires. Given the current and future concerns over wildfire impacts, this study provides importance evidence on the degree of their long‐term effects on the residential environment.
Carbonate Dissolution Enhanced by Ocean Stagnation and Respiration at the Onset of the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Ilyina Tatiana , Heinze Mathias
Published: December 2018

The Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum was a transient, carbon‐induced global warming event, considered the closest analog to ongoing climate change. Impacts of a decrease in deepwater formation during the onset of the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum suggested by proxy data on the carbon cycle are not yet fully understood. Using an Earth System Model, we find that changes in overturning circulation are key to reproduce the deoxygenation and carbonate dissolution record. Weakening of the Southern Ocean deepwater formation and enhancement of ocean stratification driven by warming cause an asymmetry in carbonate dissolution between the Atlantic and Pacific basins suggested by proxy data. Reduced ventilation results in accumulation of remineralization products (CO2 and nutrients) in intermediate waters, thereby lowering O2 and increasing CO2. As a result, carbonate dissolution is triggered throughout the water column, while the ocean surface remains supersaturated. Our findings contribute to understanding of the long‐term response of the carbon cycle to climate change.
Black Carbon Amplifies Haze Over the North China Plain by Weakening the East Asian Winter Monsoon
Authors: Lou Sijia , Yang Yang , Wang Hailong , Smith Steven J. , Qian Yun , Rasch Philip J.
Published: December 2018

Black carbon (BC) has previously been found to intensify haze in China by stabilizing the planetary boundary layer. With ocean, sea ice, and cloud feedbacks included in a global aerosol‐climate model, we show that BC emitted from the North China Plain can be transported to the oceans, which in turn changes cloud structure and land‐sea thermal contrast. As a result, East Asian winter monsoon wind speeds decrease over the North China Plain. This decrease causes air stagnation that can further intensify haze. Our results suggest that in addition to the local BC‐induced interactions between aerosol and the planetary boundary layer, BC can also amplify haze in the North China Plain by weakening East Asian winter monsoon through ocean, sea ice, and cloud feedbacks. It implies that reducing BC emissions could have significant indirect benefits for air quality in the North China Plain.
Natural Variability Has Slowed the Decline in Western U.S. Snowpack Since the 1980s
Authors: Siler Nicholas , Proistosescu Cristian , Po‐Chedley Stephen
Published: December 2018

Spring snowpack in the mountains of the western United States has not declined substantially since the 1980s, despite significant global and regional warming. Here we show that this apparent insensitivity of snowpack to warming is a result of changes in the atmospheric circulation over the western United States, which have reduced snowpack losses due to warming. Climate model simulations indicate that the observed circulation changes have been driven in part by a shift in Pacific sea surface temperatures that is attributable to natural variability, and not part of the simulated response to anthropogenic forcing. Removing the influence of natural variability reveals a robust anthropogenic decline in western U.S. snowpack since the 1980s, particularly during the early months of the accumulation season (October–November). These results suggest that the recent stability of western U.S. snowpack will be followed by a period of accelerated decline once the current mode of natural variability subsides.
Modeling the Global Sowing and Harvesting Windows of Major Crops Around the Year 2000
Authors: Iizumi Toshichika , Kim Wonsik , Nishimori Motoki
Published: December 2018

The lack of spatially detailed crop calendars is a significant source of uncertainty in modeling, monitoring, and forecasting crop production. In this paper, we present a rule‐based model to estimate the sowing and harvesting windows of major crops over the global land area. The model considers field workability due to snow cover and heavy rainfall in addition to crop biological requirements for heat, chilling, and moisture. Using daily weather data for the period 1996–2005 as model input, we derive calendars for maize, rice, winter and spring wheat, and soybeans around the year 2000 with a spatial resolution of 0.5° in latitude and longitude. Separate calendars for rainfed and irrigated conditions and three representative varieties (short‐, medium‐ and long‐season varieties) are estimated. The daily probabilities of sowing and harvesting derived using the model well capture the major characteristics of reported calendars. Our modeling reveals that field workability is an important determinant of sowing and harvesting dates and that multicropping patterns influence the calendars of individual crops. The case studies show that the model is capable of capturing multicropping patterns such as triple rice cropping in Bangladesh, double rice cropping in the Philippines, winter wheat‐maize rotations in France, and maize‐winter wheat‐soybean rotations in Brazil. The model outputs are particularly valuable for agricultural and hydrological applications in regions where existing crop calendars are sparse or unreliable.
Sex difference in association of symptoms and white matter deficits in first-episode and drug-naive schizophrenia
Authors: Lang Xiao-E , Zhu Daomin , Zhang Guangya , Du Xiangdong , Jia Qiufang , Yin Guangzhong , Chen Dachun , Xiu Meihong , Cao Bo , Wang Li , Li Xiaosi , Soares Jair C. , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: December 2018

Accumulating evidence shows that disruption of white matter (WM) may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, even at the onset of psychosis. However, very few studies have explored sex difference in its association with psychopathology in schizophrenia. This study aims to compare sex differences in clinical features and WM abnormalities in first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) schizophrenia among Han Chinese inpatients. The WM fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the whole-brain were determined using voxel-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in 39 (16 males and 23 females) FEDN patients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls (13 males and 17 females) matched for gender, age, and education. Patient psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).Our results showed that compared with the controls, the patients showed widespread areas of lower FA, including corpus callosum, brainstem, internal capsule, cingulate, and cerebellum (all adjustedp < 0.01). Further, male patients showed lower FA values in left cingulate (F = 4.92,p = 0.033), but higher scores on the PANSS total, positive, and general psychopathology subscale scores (allp < 0.01) than female patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that for male patients, FA values in right corpus callosum were positively associated with the PANSS total (beta = 0.785,t = 3.76,p = 0.002) and the negative symptom scores (beta = 0.494,t = 2.20,p = 0.044), while for female patients, FA values in left cingulate were negatively associated with the PANSS positive symptom score (beta = −0.717,t = −2.25,p = 0.041). Our findings indicate sex difference in white matter disconnectivity and its association with psychopathological symptoms in an early course of schizophrenia onset.
Lack of the brain-specific isoform of apoptosis-inducing factor aggravates cerebral damage in a model of neonatal hypoxia–ischemia
Authors: Rodriguez Juan , Zhang Yaodong , Li Tao , Xie Cuicui , Sun Yanyan , Xu Yiran , Zhou Kai , Huo Kaiming , Wang Yafeng , Wang Xiaoyang , Andersson Daniel , Ståhlberg Anders , Xing Qinghe , Mallard Carina , Hagberg Henrik , Modjtahedi Nazanine , Kroemer Guido , Blomgren Klas , Zhu Changlian
Published: December 2018

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) may contribute to neuronal cell death, and its influence is particularly prominent in the immature brain after hypoxia–ischemia (HI). A brain-specific AIF splice-isoform (AIF2) has recently been discovered, but has not yet been characterized at the genetic level. The aim of this study was to determine the functional and regulatory profile of AIF2 under physiological conditions and after HI in mice. We generated AIF2 knockout (KO) mice by removing the AIF2-specific exon and found that the relative expression of Aif1 mRNA increased in Aif2 KO mice and that this increase became even more pronounced as Aif2 KO mice aged compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Mitochondrial morphology and function, reproductive function, and behavior showed no differences between WT and Aif2 KO mice. However, lack of AIF2 enhanced brain injury in neonatal mice after HI compared to WT controls, and this effect was linked to increased oxidative stress but not to caspase-dependent or -independent apoptosis pathways. These results indicate that AIF2 deficiency exacerbates free radical production and HI-induced neonatal brain injury.
Pharmacological stimulation of NQO1 decreases NADPH levels and ameliorates acute pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Shen AiHua , Kim Hyung-Jin , Oh Gi-Su , Lee Su-Bin , Lee SeungHoon , Pandit Arpana , Khadka Dipendra , Sharma Subham , Kim Seon Young , Choe Seong-Kyu , Yang Sei-Hoon , Cho Eun-Young , Shim Hyuk , Park Raekil , Kwak Tae Hwan , So Hong-Seob
Published: December 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulates the activation of inflammatory cascades and tissue damage in acute pancreatitis. NADPH oxidase (NOX) is upregulated in pancreatitis and is one of the major enzymes involved in ROS production using NADPH as a general rate-limiting substrate. Dunnione, a well-known substrate of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), reduces the ratio of cellular NADPH/NADP+ through the enzymatic action of NQO1. This study assessed whether a reduction in cellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio can be used to regulate caerulein-induced pancreatic damage associated with NOX-induced ROS production in animal models. Dunnione treatment significantly reduced the cellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio and NOX activity through the enzymatic action of NQO1 in the pancreas of the caerulein-injection group. Similar to these results, total ROS production and expressions of mRNA and protein for NOX subunits Nox1, p27phox, p47phox, and p67phox also decreased in the dunnione-treated group. In addition, caerulein-induced pancreatic inflammation and acinar cell injury were significantly reduced by dunnione treatment. This study is the first to demonstrate that modulation of the cellular NADPH:NADP+ ratio by enzymatic action of NQO1 protects acute pancreatitis through the regulation of NOX activity. Furthermore, these results suggest that modulation of the NADPH:NADP+ ratio in cells by NQO1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for acute pancreatitis.
Midostaurin potentiates rituximab antitumor activity in Burkitt’s lymphoma by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Ge Xiaowen , Chen Jianfeng , Li Ling , Ding Peipei , Wang Qi , Zhang Wei , Li Luying , Lv Xinyue , Zhou Danlei , Jiang Zhengzeng , Zeng Haiying , Xu Yifan , Hou Yingyong , Hu Weiguo
Published: December 2018

An intensive short-term chemotherapy regimen has substantially prolonged the overall survival of Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) patients, which has been further improved by addition of rituximab. However, the inevitable development of resistance to rituximab and the toxicity of chemotherapy remain obstacles. We first prepared two BL cell lines resistant to rituximab-mediated CDC. Using a phosphorylation antibody microarray, we revealed that PI3K/AKT pathway contained the most phosphorylated proteins/hits, while apoptosis pathway that may be regulated by PKC displayed the greatest fold enrichment in the resistant cells. The PI3K/AKT inhibitor IPI-145 failed to reverse the resistance. In contrast, the pan-PKC inhibitor midostaurin exhibited potent antitumor activity in both original and resistant cells, alone or in combination with rituximab. Notably, midostaurin promoted apoptosis by reducing the phosphorylation of PKC and consequently of downstream Bad, Bcl-2 and NF-κB. Therefore, midostaurin improved rituximab activity by supplementing pro-apoptotic effects. In vivo, midostaurin alone powerfully prolonged the survival of mice bearing the resistant BL cells compared to rituximab alone treatments. Addition of midostaurin to rituximab led to dramatically improved survival compared to rituximab but not midostaurin monotherapy. Our findings call for further evaluation of midostaurin alone or in combination with rituximab in treating resistant BL in particular.
Inhibition of SIRT2 limits tumour angiogenesis via inactivation of the STAT3/VEGFA signalling pathway
Authors: Hu Fuqing , Sun Xuling , Li Geng , Wu Qi , Chen Yaqi , Yang Xi , Luo Xuelai , Hu Junbo , Wang Guihua
Published: December 2018

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that angiogenesis plays an important role in tumour progression. However, the key regulators in tumour angiogenesis remain unclear. Recently, emerging reports have indicated that SIRT2 plays critical roles in proliferation, metastasis and tumourigenesis in diverse tumours. However, the function of SIRT2 in tumour angiogenesis and the mechanism underlying the regulation of angiogenesis by SIRT2 are still unknown. Here, we found that SIRT2 was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared to that in normal samples and that the elevated SIRT2 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. In addition, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to demonstrate the role of SIRT2 in tumour angiogenesis. We showed that silencing SIRT2 significantly suppressed tumour angiogenesis. Mechanistically, the knockdown of SIRT2 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, causing decreased secretion of VEGFA. Notably, we found that SIRT2 directly interacted with STAT3 and affected the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the translocation of phosphorylated STAT3 to the nucleus. Importantly, a series of rescue experiments suggested that the function of SIRT2 in tumour angiogenesis depends on the STAT3/VEGFA signalling pathway. Our findings provide insight into the important role of SIRT2 in colon tumour angiogenesis and suggest that SIRT2/STAT3/VEGFA might be a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for patients with colorectal cancer.
SEC24A identified as an essential mediator of thapsigargin-induced cell death in a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen
Authors: Chidawanyika Tamutenda , Sergison Elizabeth , Cole Michael , Mark Kenneth , Supattapone Surachai
Published: December 2018

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress from accumulated misfolded proteins in the ER can activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR acts either to restore proteostasis or to activate cell death pathways if the stress cannot be resolved. The key downstream effectors in these pathways have been studied extensively. However, in comparison, stressor-specific key mediators are not as well characterized. In this study, we sought to identify and compare the genes that are necessary for cell death induced by three classic pharmacological ER stressors with different mechanisms of action: thapsigargin, tunicamycin, and brefeldin A. We conducted genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based loss-of-function screens against these agents in HAP1 cells, which are a near-haploid cell line. Our screens confirmed that MFSD2A and ARF4, which were identified in previous screens, are necessary for tunicamycin- and brefeldin A-induced cytotoxicity, respectively. We identified a novel gene, SEC24A, as an essential gene for thapsigargin-induced cytotoxicity in HAP1 cells. Further experiments showed that the ability of SEC24A to facilitate ER stress-induced cell death is specific to thapsigargin and that SEC24A acts upstream of the UPR. These findings show that the genes required for ER stress-induced cell death are specific to the agent used to induce ER stress and that the resident ER cargo receptor protein SEC24A is an essential mediator of thapsigargin-induced UPR and cell death.
Evaluation of inert gas rebreathing for determination of cardiac output: influence of age, gender and body size
Authors:   On behalf of the ACCT Study Investigators, Middlemiss Jessica E. , Cocks Alex , Paapstel Kaido , Maki-Petaja Kaisa M. , Sunita  , Wilkinson Ian B. , McEniery Carmel M.
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate an inert gas rebreathing method (Innocor) for measurement of cardiac output and related haemodynamic variables and to provide robust normative data describing the influence of age, gender and body size on these variables. Four separate studies were conducted: measurement repeatability (study 1, n = 45); postural change (study 2, n = 40); response to submaximal cycling exercise (study 3, n = 20); and the influence of age, gender and body size (study 4, n = 1400). Repeated measurements of cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate were similar, with low mean (±SD) differences (0.26 ± 0.53 L/min, 0 ± 11 mL and 2 ± 6beats/min, respectively). In addition, cardiac output and stroke volume both declined progressively from supine to seated and standing positions (P < 0.001 for both) and there was a stepwise increase in both parameters moving from rest to submaximal exercise (P < 0.001 for both). In study 4, there was a significant age-related decline in cardiac output and stroke volume in males and females, which remained significant after adjusting for body surface area (BSA, P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Both parameters were also significantly higher in those with high body mass index (BMI; P < 0.01 versus those with normal BMI for all comparisons), although indexing cardiac output and stroke volume to BSA reversed these trends. Inert gas rebreathing using the Innocor device provides repeatable measurements of cardiac output and related indices, which are sensitive to the effects of acute physiological manoeuvres. Moreover, inert gas rebreathing is a suitable technique for examining chronic influences such as age, gender and body size on key haemodynamic components of the arterial blood pressure.
Construction of the REACHES climate database based on historical documents of China
Authors: Wang Pao K , Lin Kuan-Hui Elaine , Liao Yi-Chun , Liao Hsiung-Ming , Lin Yu-Shiuan , Hsu Ching-Tzu , Hsu Shih-Ming , Wan Chih-Wei , Lee Shih-Yu , Fan I-Chun , Tan Pei-Hua , Ting Te-Tien
Published: December 2018

This paper describes the methodology of an ongoing project of constructing an East Asian climate database REACHES based on Chinese historical documents. The record source is Compendium of Meteorological Records of China in the Last 3000 Years which collects meteorology and climate related records from mainly official and local chronicles along with a small number of other documents. We report the digitization of the records covering the period 1644–1795. An example of the original records is translated to illustrate the typical contents which contain time, location and type of events. Chinese historical times and location names are converted into Gregorian calendar and latitudes and longitudes. A hierarchical database system is developed that consists of the hierarchies of domains, main categories, subcategories, and further details. Historical events are then digitized and categorized into such a system. Code systems are developed at all levels such that the original descriptive entries are converted into digitized records suitable for treatment by computers. Statistics and characteristics of the digitized records in the database are described.
A terpyridine-based test strip for the detection of Hg2+ in various water samples and drinks
Authors: Wang Junjun , Rao Qingpeng , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Qiong , Liu Gang , Wu Zhichao , Yu Jianhua , Zhu Xiaojiao , Tian Yupeng , Zhou Hongping
Published: December 2018

TPI, a novel colorimetric fluorescent compound prepared for test strips, can be used for naked-eye detection of Hg2+ in tap water samples and drinks conveniently.
Investigation of handheld laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (HH LIBS) for the analysis of beryllium on swipe surfaces
Authors: Manard Benjamin T. , Schappert Michael F. , Wylie E. Miller , McMath Garrett E.
Published: December 2018

Handheld laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (HH LIBS) was explored for its feasibility to perform rapid, semi-quantitative analysis of beryllium (Be) on fibrous swipe materials which could prove to be impactful for industrial hygiene (IH) based applications.
En route to CO2-containing renewable materials: catalytic synthesis of polycarbonates and non-isocyanate polyhydroxyurethanes derived from cyclic carbonates
Authors: Bobbink Felix D. , van Muyden Antoine P. , Dyson Paul J.
Published: December 2018

The strategies and challenges in the preparation of fully renewable materials prepared from CO2 and biomass enabled by catalysis are presented.
Cooperative iodine and photoredox catalysis for direct oxidative lactonization of carboxylic acids
Authors: Duhamel Thomas , Muñiz Kilian
Published: December 2018

C–H lactonization is enabled by visible light-promoted cooperative catalysis combining molecular iodine and an organic dye.
Conversion of 12-membered d3- and l3-CoIII3CdII3 metallorings into a 24-membered d3l3-CoIII6CdII6 metalloring
Authors: Hayashi D. , Yoshinari N. , Konno T.
Published: December 2018

A unique example of a heterometallic coordination system, in which metalloring sizes are controlled via homochirality vs. heterochirality, is reported.
Self-assembling nanoprobes that display two-dimensional fluorescent signals for identification of surfactants and bacteria
Authors: Long Shuangshuang , Qiao Qinglong , Deng Fei , Miao Lu , Yoon Juyoung , Xu Zhaochao
Published: December 2018

The imidazolium-pyrene self-assembling nanoprobes can rapidly discriminate four types of surfactants.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of organic ferroelectrics
Authors: Cornelissen Tim D. , Biler Michal , Urbanaviciute Indre , Norman Patrick , Linares Mathieu , Kemerink Martijn
Published: December 2018

A newly developed kinetic Monte Carlo model for organic ferroelectrics gives insight into switching kinetics.
A coarse-grained model for mechanical behavior of phosphorene sheets
Authors: Liu Ning , Becton Matthew , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Heng , Zeng Xiaowei , Pidaparti Ramana , Wang Xianqiao
Published: December 2018

We have developed a coarse-grained model for phosphorene which can accurately depict the mechanical behaviors.
Control over coordination self-assembly of flexible, multidentate ligands by stepwise metal coordination of isopyrazole subunits
Authors: Ashida Yoshiko , Manabe Yumehiro , Yoshioka Shota , Yoneda Tomoki , Inokuma Yasuhide
Published: December 2018

Structural convergence of the self-assembly of flexible oligoisopyrazoles was controlled by stepwise palladium coordination and discrete complexes with structural diversity were selectively generated in a predictable fashion.
Plasma profiling-time of flight mass spectrometry: considerations to exploit its analytical performance for materials characterization
Authors: Muñiz Rocío , Lobo Lara , Fernández Beatriz , Pereiro Rosario
Published: December 2018

The combination of pulsed glow discharge (PGD) with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) provides quasi-simultaneous mass spectra of fast transient signals directly from solid materials.
Elucidation of the fate of zinc in model plants using single particle ICP-MS and ESI tandem MS
Authors: Wojcieszek Justyna , Jiménez-Lamana Javier , Bierla Katarzyna , Asztemborska Monika , Ruzik Lena , Jarosz Maciej , Szpunar Joanna
Published: December 2018

The fate of zinc in model plants was studied by an analytical approach based on mass spectrometry techniques.
Acoustophoretic focusing effects on particle synthesis and clogging in microreactors
Authors: Dong Zhengya , Fernandez Rivas David , Kuhn Simon
Published: December 2018

An acoustophoretic microreactor to manage particles in flow and to control the material synthesis process.
Luminescent enhancement study of 3Tb,5Ce,5Li:CaF2: effect of Li+ ion concentration and hyperthermia applications of 3Tb:CaF2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite
Authors: Singh Ningthoujam Premananda , Kumam Nandini , Singh Laishram Priyobarta , Singh Nongmaithem Rajmuhon , Srivastava Sri Krishna
Published: December 2018

Codoping of Li+ ions in luminescent CaF2:3Tb:5Ce nanoparticles more than doubled its intensity.
Synthesis and properties of insensitive [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]-1,2,4,5-tetrazine explosives
Authors: Wang Guilong , Lu Tian , Fan Guijuan , Yin Hongquan , Chen Fu-Xue
Published: December 2018

An insensitive explosive 3-nitro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]1,2,4,5-tetrazin-6-amine (TTNA) was prepared and fully structurally characterized with good detonation parameters (Td = 213 °C; P = 33.9 GPa; D = 8953 m s−1, IS > 40 J, and FS > 360 N).
Stimuli-responsive nanotheranostics intended for oncological diseases: in vitro evaluation of their target, diagnostic and drug release capabilities
Authors: Azcona Pamela Liliana , Montiel Schneider María Gabriela , Grünhut Marcos , Lassalle Verónica Leticia
Published: December 2018

This work reports an overview of required in vitro assays to evaluate nanotheranostics applications.
T3P® mediated domino C(sp2)–H sulfenylation/annulation of enaminones and methylsulfinyls for the synthesis of chromone thioether derivatives
Authors: Balakrishna C. , Gudipati Ramakrishna , Kandula Venu , Yennam Satyanarayana , Uma Devi P. , Behera Manoranjan
Published: December 2018

Regio-selective preparation of 3-sulfenylated chromone using T3P® has been described for the first time.
Systematic oligoaniline-based derivatives: ACQ–AIE conversion with a tunable insertion effect and quantitative fluorescence “turn-on” detection of BSA
Authors: Lu Hao , Wang Kun , Liu Beibei , Wang Meng , Huang Mingming , Zhang Yue , Yang Jiping
Published: December 2018

Conversion from ACQ to AIE was achieved in aniline oligomer derivatives based on a novel “chain-insertion” pattern. The fully substituted anilines also showed a quantitative turn-on fluorescence response towards BSA.
Pd-Catalyzed carboannulation of γ,δ-alkenyl oximes: efficient access to 5-membered cyclic nitrones and dihydroazines
Authors: Sun Baozhen , Liu Shuang , Zhang Mengru , Zhao Jinbo , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2018

The Pd0-catalyzed carboannulation of γ,δ-alkenyl oximes with organohalides offers catalyst-controlled access to 5-membered cyclic nitrones or 6-membered cyclic oxime ethers.
C-doping into h-BN at low annealing temperature by alkaline earth metal borate for photoredox activity
Authors: Ri Myonghak , Choe Kwanghak , Kim Kumchol , Gao Yan , Tang Zhiyong
Published: December 2018

The alkaline earth metal borates promote the formation of C-doped h-BN nanosheets at low annealing temperature towards robust photocatalytic activity.
MicroRNA-625 inhibits cell invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by targeting SOX4 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Yuan , Tao Chenjuan , Dai Lili , Cui Caixia , Chen Chaohui , Wu Honglin , Wei Qingyu , Zhou Xuehua
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a highly aggressive malignant cancer, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its development and progression remain largely elusive. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the expression profile and functional role of microRNA-625 (miR-625) in LSCC.

Materials and methods: LSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 86 LSCC patients. The expression levels of miR-625 and SOX4 mRNA in tissues and cells were detected by RT-qPCR analysis. The expression levels of SOX4 and EMT-related proteins were detected by western blot analysis. In vitro cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the binding relationship between miR-625 and the 3′-UTR of SOX4.

Results: The results demonstrated that miR-625 is significantly down-regulated in clinical LSCC tissues, and its low expression may be closely associated with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics of LSCC patients. Overexpression of miR-625 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of LSCC cells. Furthermore, SOX4 was validated as a direct target of miR-625 in LSCC cells, and rescue experiments suggested that restoration of SOX4 blocked the tumor suppressive role of miR-625 in LSCC cells.

Conclusions: Taken together, these findings highlighted a critical role of miR-625 in the pathogenesis of LSCC, and restoration of miR-625 could be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy against this fatal disease.
Effects of static eccentricity on the no‐load back electromotive force of external rotor permanent magnet brushless DC motor used as in‐wheel motor
Authors: Ma Conggan , Li Qiongyao , Zheng Ping , Zhou Shengsen , Gao Haibo , Fang Jianguang , Wang Yanyan
Published: December 2018

The no‐load radial magnetic field and no‐load back electromotive force (EMF) of external rotor permanent magnet brushless DC motor (PMBLDCM) are calculated by applying the correction coefficient of magnetic conductance here, taking into account the stator slotting and static eccentricity effects. An external rotor PMBLDCM with 51‐slot/46‐pole, used as in‐wheel motor, is taken as an example, the analytical calculation results of the no‐load back EMF are validated by the finite‐element method and experiment. The influences of static eccentricity ratio on the no‐load radial magnetic field and no‐load back EMF are investigated based on the analytical model. The investigation shows that static eccentricity does not change the harmonic contents of no‐load radial magnetic field, so it does not change the harmonic contents of three‐phase no‐load back EMFs. However, static eccentricity changes the space order of no‐load radial magnetic field, resulting in the different total harmonic distortions of three‐phase no‐load back EMFs; in other words, the asymmetric distortions of three‐phase no‐load back EMFs are generated. The asymmetric distortions of three‐phase no‐load back EMFs are intensified with the increase in static eccentricity ratio.
Online maximum torque per power losses strategy for indirect rotor flux‐oriented control‐based induction motor drives
Authors: Abootorabi Zarchi Hossein , Mosaddegh Hesar Hamidreza , Ayaz Khoshhava Mojtaba
Published: December 2018

Among the conventional loss minimisation algorithms (LMAs), the model‐based approaches have the advantages of fast response and high accuracy. Here, a novel online model‐based power losses minimisation approach is presented for indirect field‐oriented control (IFOC) of induction motor (IM) drives. The proposed method is introduced as maximum torque per power losses (MTPPL) in which the power losses for a given torque are minimised. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach preserves the LMA merits, while the criterion for the MTPPL scheme is achieved. The mentioned criterion is investigated by a gradient approach so that while the gradient vectors of the torque and power losses are parallel, the MTPPL strategy is realised. The closed‐loop IFOC of the MTPPL approach is implemented in real time for a laboratory 2.2 kW three‐phase IM drive. The experimental results show the capability and validity of the proposed control scheme.