bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmon Modes in Bilayer–Monolayer Graphene Heterostructures
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Nguyen Van Men
Published: February 2018

We investigate the dispersion relation and damping of plasmon modes in a bilayer–monolayer graphene heterostructure with carrier densities and at zero temperature within the random‐phase‐approximation taking into account the nonhomogeneity of the dielectric background of the system. We derive analytical expressions for plasmon frequencies by using long wavelength expansion of response and bare Coulomb interaction functions. We show that the optical plasmon dispersion curve of the bilayer–monolayer system lies slightly below that of double‐layer graphene (DLG) and the acoustic one lies much lower than that of DLG. We find that while decay rates of acoustic modes of the system and DLG are remarkably different, those of optical modes in both double‐layer systems are similar. Except the damping rate of acoustic mode, the properties of plasmon excitations in the considered system depend remarkably on the interlayer distance, inhomogeneity of the background, density ratio and spacer dielectric constant, especially at large wave‐vectors.
Sensing of Vimentin mRNA in 2D and 3D Models of Wounded Skin Using DNA‐Coated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Vilela Patrick , Heuer‐Jungemann Amelie , El‐Sagheer Afaf , Brown Tom , Muskens Otto L. , Smyth Neil R. , Kanaras Antonios G.
Published: February 2018

Wound healing is a highly complex biological process, which is accompanied by changes in cell phenotype, variations in protein expression, and the production of active biomolecules. Currently, the detection of proteins in cells is done by immunostaining where the proteins in fixed cells are detected by labeled antibodies. However, immunostaining cannot provide information about dynamic processes in living cells, within the whole tissue. Here, an easy method is presented to detect the transition of epithelial to mesenchymal cells during wound healing. The method employs DNA‐coated gold nanoparticle fluorescent nanoprobes to sense the production of Vimentin mRNA expressed in mesenchymal cells. Fluorescence microscopy is used to achieve temporal detection of Vimentin mRNA in wounds. 3D light‐sheet microscopy is utilized to observe the dynamic expression of Vimentin mRNA spatially around the wounded site in skin tissue. The use of DNA–gold nanoprobes to detect mRNA expression during wound healing opens up new possibilities for the study of real‐time mechanisms in complex biological processes.
Dual‐Hole Excitons Activated Photoelectrolysis in Neutral Solution
Authors: Hung Sung‐Fu , Chen Zhi‐Zhong , Chang Chun‐Chih , Hsu Chia‐Shuo , Tsai Ming‐Kang , Kang Chia‐Cheng , Chen Hao Ming
Published: February 2018

II–VI semiconductors exhibit unique behaviors that can generate dual‐holes (“heavy and light”), but the application in photocatalysis is still missing. Herein, an empirical utilization of light/heavy holes in a hybrid metal cluster‐2D semiconductor nanoplatelets is reported. This hybrid material can boost the hole‐transfer at the surface and suppress the recombination. Different roles are enacted by light‐holes and heavy‐holes, in which the light‐holes with higher energy and mobility can facilitate the slow kinetics of water oxidation and further reduce the onset voltage, while the massive heavy‐holes can increase the resulting photocurrent by about five times, achieving a photocurrent of 2 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus RHE under AM 1.5 G illumination in nonsacrificial neutral solution. These strategies can be the solutions for photoelectrolysis and be beneficial for sustainable development in solar conversion.
Dual‐Native Vacancy Activated Basal Plane and Conductivity of MoSe2 with High‐Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Daqiang , Xia Baorui , Wang Yanyan , Xiao Wen , Xi Pinxian , Xue Desheng , Ding Jun
Published: February 2018

Although transition metal dichalcogenide MoSe2 is recognized as one of the low‐cost and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), its thermodynamically stable basal plane and semiconducting property still hamper the electrocatalytic activity. Here, it is demonstrated that the basal plane and edges of 2H‐MoSe2 toward HER can be activated by introducing dual‐native vacancy. The first‐principle calculations indicate that both the Se and Mo vacancies together activate the electrocatalytic sites in the basal plane and edges of MoSe2 with the optimal hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔGH*) of 0 eV. Experimentally, 2D MoSe2 nanosheet arrays with a large amount of dual‐native vacancies are fabricated as a catalytic working electrode, which possesses an overpotential of 126 mV at a current density of 100 mV cm−2, a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, and an excellent long‐term durability. The findings pave a rational pathway to trigger the activity of inert MoSe2 toward HER and also can be extended to other layered dichalcogenide.
Quantitative and qualitative safety analysis of a hemodialysis machine with S#
Authors: Leupolz Johannes , Habermaier Axel , Reif Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

This paper reports on our experiences of applying S# (“safety sharp”) to model and analyze the case study “hemodialysis machine.” The S# safety analysis approach focuses on the question, what happens if we place a controller with correct software into an unreliable environment. To answer that question, the S# toolchain natively supports the Deductive Cause Consequence Analysis, a fully automatic model checking‐based safety analysis technique that determines all sets of component faults with the potential of causing a system hazard. Furthermore, S# can give an approximate estimate of the hazard's probability. To demonstrate our approach, we created a model with a simplified controller of the hemodialysis machine and relevant parts of its environment and performed a safety analysis using Deductive Cause Consequence Analysis.
Synthesis and Photo‐Thermal Conversion Properties of Hierarchical Titanium Nitride Nanotube Mesh for Solar Water Evaporation
Authors: Ren Peng , Yang Xiuchun
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical TiN nanotube mesh (HTNM) is prepared by calcining TiO2 nanotube mesh (TONM) in NH3 flow where the TONM is fabricated by electrochemical anodic oxidation of Ti mesh. Calcining temperature affects not only phase composition but also morphology of the HTNM, which further affects its optical absorption and solar water evaporation conversion efficiency (η). The η can reach to 85.36% under 2.5 kW m−2 simulated solar irradiation because HTNM efficiently utilizes solar light. Moreover, it can be reutilized because of its stabilities of the phase composition and nanostructure during the measurements of solar water evaporation performance.
Influence of the Crystalline Nature of Small Donors Molecules on the Efficiency and Stability of Organic Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Lee Kyu Cheol , An Na Gyeong , Lee Sang Myeon , Heo Jungwoo , Kim Dong Suk , Kim Jin Young , Yang Changduk
Published: February 2018

Small‐molecule‐based organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have gained attention because they offer more batch‐to‐batch consistency than their polymer‐based counterparts. Herein, we present two novel small molecules, 2,2′‐(((4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)bis(4‐octylthiophene‐5,2‐diyl))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione) (BDTTID) and 2,2′‐(((4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)bis(3,3″‐dioctyl‐[2,2′:5′,2″‐terthiophene]‐5″,5‐diyl))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione) (BDT3TID), which can be used as donors in OPV devices. These small molecules contain a benzo [1,2‐b:4,5‐b′] dithiophene (BDT) core and 1,3‐indandione (ID) terminal units with different numbers of thiophene flanking groups between the BDT core and the ID terminal units. The greater number of thiophene spacers in BDT3TID compared with BDTTID not only enhances the absorption coefficient of the small molecule but also broadens and redshifts its absorption spectrum. These properties may enable a high light‐harvesting efficiency, which is beneficial for achieving a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with a high photocurrent. The highest PCE, i.e., 5.54%, is obtained from the optimized BDTTID‐based device treated with thermal annealing, which is attributed to the positive effects of its crystalline‐like nature. In contrast, the thermal annealing of BDT3TID‐based devices is found to considerably deteriorate the device performance due to its amorphous‐like structure. Moreover, the BDTTID‐based device is shown to possess superior thermal stability upon thermal treatment at 100 °C for 40 h. The PCE of the BDTTID‐based device remain above 66% of its initial PCE, whereas the PCE of the BDT3TID‐based device is dramatically reduced from 4.60 to 1.11%. These results show the importance of controlling the crystallinity when designing small donor molecules for efficient and stable OPV devices.
Melting of Moving Strip during Steel Strip Feeding in Continuous Casting Process
Authors: Niu Ran , Li Baokuan , Liu Zhongqiu , Li Xianglong
Published: February 2018

Steel strip feeding into continuous casting mold is an innovative technology improving the slab quality through decreasing the melt superheat and increasing the proportion of equiaxed dendrites. To investigate the embedded complex melting and solidification processes, a mathematical model has been developed to model all the essential physical behaviors of the fluid flow, heat transfer, melting, and solidification during steel strip feeding into the mold. The enthalpy method is adopted to describe both the melting of steel strip and the solidification of slab. The complex heat transfer between cold steel strip and hot melt is considered. The melting of moving strip and the growth of solidified shell are compared with the experimental measurements and empirical equation, respectively. The validated model is then used to predict the melting and solidification characteristics during steel strip feeding into the mold. Based on the experimental and numerical findings, the whole melting process of steel strip can be divided into three periods: the steel sheath formation, steel sheath melting, and steel strip melting. Effects of the strip thickness (), melt superheat (), and strip feeding speed () on the melting of steel strip have been analyzed. An empirical equation is proposed to correlate the total melting time with aforementioned parameters: . Furthermore, sensitivity study has also performed to reveal the influence of the strip thickness, melt superheat, and strip feeding speed on the final strip tip position.
Synthesis and Some Physico‐Chemical Properties of Novel Starch‐g‐poly(citronellyl acrylate) Copolymers
Authors: Worzakowska Marta
Published: February 2018

Novel amphiphilic, more environmentally friendly starch graft copolymers obtained by applying the “grafting from” method are prepared. The graft copolymerization of various ratios of citronellyl acrylate monomer and potato starch at 80 °C in the presence of potassium persulfate (1 wt.%) as an initiator is performed. The maximum of the grafting percent (%G) is observed for potato starch to monomer ratio 1:1.25 where ca. 1.8 hydroxyl groups per glycoside unit are covalently bonded with hydrophobic polymer chains. The graft materials are characterized by the attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (13C CP/MAS NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The performed analyses affirm the structure of the graft materials and confirm the creation of non‐porous copolymers with brief, heterogeneous surface. The selected physico‐chemical properties of the obtained graft copolymers such as ability to gelation, moisture absorption, swelling in polar and non‐polar solvents, chemical resistance, thermal properties, and pyrolysis mechanism are evaluated and compared with the previously tested starch‐g‐poly(citronellyl methacrylate) copolymers.
Effect of Moisture Content on Structure and Properties of Fried Potato Starch
Authors: Shi Miaomiao , Li Dan , Yan Yizhe , Liu Yanqi
Published: February 2018

In this study, potato starches with different moisture contents (5, 15, 25, and 30%) are directly immersed in edible oil and fried at 180 °C for 3 min. The effects of moisture content on the morphological, pasting, and structural properties of the samples are investigated. After frying, the granular appearance of some fried samples is destroyed. As the moisture content increases, the polarized crosses of the fried starch granules become more blurred, and the fried samples exhibit a higher number of shorter amylose chains. The higher moisture content contributes to a progressive decrease in the peak viscosity and pasting temperature of the fried starches, but increased phosphorus content. Changes in the structure and properties of the fried starch samples are attributed to the availability of water around granules during frying.
Revisiting Polyarenes and Related Molecules: An Update of Synthetic Approaches and Structure‐Activity‐Mechanistic Correlation for Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sar Dinabandhu , Kim Benjamin , Ostadhossein Fatemeh , Misra Santosh K. , Pan Dipanjan
Published: February 2018

A major proportion of basic cause for human cancer has been linked to widespread environmental pollutants including analogs of polyarenes. Search of an effective therapy can be started with the understanding of the generation of such “carcinogens” and their biological interactions. This review is to discuss the syntheses, structural activities, mechanistic and biological studies of polyarenes such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polycyclic azaarenes (PAAs) and their thia‐analogs (PASH). It also summarizes the mechanism of mutagenicity and tumorigenicity via metabolic interventions producing diol epoxide complexes and eventually formation of DNA adducts. It suggests that inhibition of oxidative reactions and formation of diols and epoxides and unspecific intracellular activation of cytochrome P450 enzymes could be approaches in therapy against such mutagenicity and tumorigenicity. Thus, this review reflects that understanding of molecular mechanisms and activations along with a clinical and translational medicine approach would require achieving both prevention and treatment of this atrocity.
Evaluating the efficacy of carbachol at reducing corvid predation on artificial nests
Authors: Brinkman Matthew P. , Garcelon David K. , Colwell Mark A.
Published: February 2018

Nest predation often limits recovery of threatened and endangered birds, especially ground‐nesting species. Accordingly, a variety of techniques are used to reduce the impact of nest predation on listed species. We examined the efficacy of conditioned taste aversion, a nonlethal technique designed to induce avoidance behavior in predators after being exposed to prey items that have been treated, usually with a chemical emetic that causes predators to become ill within minutes of consumption. We used carbachol (carbamyl choline chloride) as a taste‐aversive agent to condition corvids responsible for high levels of nest predation on 2 federally listed species—the western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) and California least tern (Sternula antillarum browni)—breeding at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, USA. We conducted 2 separate experiments in 2013 and 2014, during which we deployed 772 artificial nests during the first experiment and 760 artificial nests during the second experiment. Each artificial nest contained 3 quail (Coturnix spp.) eggs. During the first stage of both experiments all of the nests only contained untreated quail eggs, and nest predation was high with >90% of nests failing within 1–2 days of deployment. In subsequent stages, we deployed carbachol‐treated eggs in increasing proportion. We used nest survival models to evaluate daily survival rates (DSR) of artificial nests in all stages of both experiments. During both experiments, DSR increased concomitant with a greater proportion of carbachol‐treated eggs. Common ravens (Corvus corax) accounted for 98.1% (n = 471) of all artificial nest predations in Experiment 1, and 95.6% (n = 498) of all artificial nest predations in Experiment 2. Using carbachol as a taste‐aversive agent was effective at reducing predation on artificial nests as illustrated by increased DSR (0.47 to 0.98 in the first experiment and 0.00 to 0.99 in the second experiment); however, transferability of this technique to plover and tern nests was not fully realized. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
The Effect of Temperature on the Preferential Intergranular Oxidation Susceptibility of Alloy 600
Authors: Bertali G. , Burke M. G. , Scenini F. , Huin N.
Published: February 2018

Oxidation studies were performed on solution-annealed Alloy 600 in high-temperature steam at 400 °C and in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water at 320 °C under environmental conditions where this alloy is known to be susceptible to intergranular stress corrosion cracking. Advanced analytical transmission electron microscopy characterization and detailed scanning electron microscopy analysis highlighted extensive preferential intergranular oxidation as well as enhanced Cr and O diffusivities associated with this oxidation. These findings, as well as the preferential intergranular oxidation susceptibility and diffusion-induced grain boundary migration, are discussed in terms of their roles as precursors to stress corrosion cracking.
An appraisal of the fit of a cognitive behavioural model of headache in University students
Authors: Moretti Luciana Sofía , Candini Valentina , Cárdenas Florencia , Conn Hanne , Fabbro Franca , Muñoz-Navarro Roger , Adrian Medrano Leonardo
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fit of a cognitive behavioural model of headache in the population of University students, from Córdoba,Argentina. The direct and indirect contributions to pain intensity of control beliefs, beliefs and thoughts about pain and coping strategies weredetermined, as were the direct contributions of pain behaviours and disability. The sample was comprised of 382 students of both genders fromseveral Universities. Multiple instruments were administered to measure the variables proposed in the cognitive behavioural model of headachefollowed by a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the data. Structural equation modelling was used and revealed an acceptable fit of the modelbut with lower levels than the criteria proposed. The model was therefore redefined by eliminating two indicators and was then found to achieve abetter fit (CFI = .91; GFI = .95) and an optimal RMSEA index of .05. The new model explained 47% of the variance of headache intensity. All thevariables of the model predicted pain intensity directly, with beliefs and thoughts about pain having the greatest predictive value (β = 0.68).© 2018 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Asociación Mexicana de Comportamiento y Salud. This is an open access article under theCC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
A multi-scale multi-physics modeling framework of laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Yi , Lee Weng Hoh , Wu Linmin , Choi Hyun-Hee , Jung Yeon-Gil
Published: February 2018

A longstanding challenge is to optimize additive manufacturing (AM) process in order to reduce AM component failure due to excessive distortion and cracking. To address this challenge, a multi-scale physics-based modeling framework is presented to understand the interrelationship between AM processing parameters and resulting properties. In particular, a multi-scale approach, spanning from atomic, particle, to component levels, is employed. The simulations of sintered material show that sintered particles have lower mechanical strengths than the bulk metal because of their porous structures. Higher heating rate leads to a higher mechanical strength due to accelerated sintering rates. The average temperature in the powder bed increases with higher laser power. The predicted distortion due to residual stress in the AM fabricated component is in good agreement with experimental measurements. In summary, the model framework provides a design tool to optimize the metal powder based additive manufacturing process.
Footwear‐Generated Dynamic Biomechanical Manipulation and Perturbation Training for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Lee Se Won , Veeramachaneni Ratnakar , Saleh Ibrahim Abou , Morice Karen , Tiu Timothy , Lo Yungtai , Frison Kevin , Bartels Matthew N.
Published: February 2018

Background

Home‐based therapy optimizing biomechanics and neuromuscular control is increasingly recognized as a treatment option for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). However, its impact on pain, function, and gait is limited among patients in a metropolitan area.

Objective

To evaluate the change of pain, function, and gait parameters with home‐based therapy with the use of footwear‐generated biomechanical manipulation and perturbation training in a population with CNSLBP in a metropolitan area.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Outpatient rehabilitation clinic at an academic teaching hospital.

Participants

One hundred sixteen patients with CNSLBP for more than 6 months.

Intervention

Six months of home‐based therapy with a biomechanical device using 4 modular elements attached to a foot‐worn platform.

Main Outcome Measures

Instrumental gait analysis (gait velocity, step length, single limb support phase % of gait cycle), Numeric Rating Scale for pain, and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire Index for pain and function.

Results

Only 43 patients (37.1%) completed the study. Among 43 patients, mean gait velocity increased from 86.6 ± 20.7 to 99.7 ± 22.1 cm/s (P < .0001) in 6 months. Mean left step length increased from 51.1 ± 8.4 to 54.8 ± 9.8 cm (P < .0001). Mean right step length increased from 51.0 ± 7.9 to 55.4 ± 9.0 cm (P < .0001). Mean single limb support increased from 36.4 ± 2.8 to 37.2 ± 2.5%, (P = .208) in the right side and from 36.6 ± 3.0 to 37.8 ± 4.4%, (P = .019) in the left side. Median Oswestry Disability Questionnaire Index score improved from 28 (18‐44; interquartile range) to 17 (10‐35) (P = .045). Mean Numeric Rating Scale for back pain improved from 7.7 ± 1.8 to 3.3 ± 3.1 (P < .0001).

Conclusion

At 6 months, patients with CNSLBP undergoing home‐based therapy with footwear‐generated biomechanical manipulation and perturbation training demonstrated significant improvement of objective gait parameters, pain, and function.

Level of Evidence

IV
Considerations for Exercise Prescription in Patients With Bone Metastases: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
Authors: Sheill Gráinne , Guinan Emer M. , Peat Nicola , Hussey Juliette
Published: February 2018

Metastatic disease is a frequent complication of advanced cancer, with bone representing one of the most common sites of metastatic occurrence. Patients with bone metastases receive long‐term systemic treatments that have a significant attritional impact on muscle strength, fatigue, and physical functioning. Physical rehabilitation involving exercise and physical activity prescription has a considerable role in counteracting these changes; however, exercise is often perceived as a contraindication in the presence of bone metastases due to concerns about aggravating skeletal related events. This article examines the physical sequelae of bone metastases and outlines the factors for consideration with exercise prescription in metastatic bone disease, including bone health, pain levels, and oncologic treatment. This article includes a comprehensive review of the evidence from trials of exercise prescription in this population, including the efficacy and safety outcomes of exercise interventions. Exercise interventions for patients with bone metastases are associated with positive physical and self‐reported outcomes. Studies reviewed reporting adverse events did not find a high fracture incidence with exercise in comparison with control participants, or an association between exercise and fracture risk. The need to individualize exercise prescription and adapt exercises to patient ability were reinforced in all papers reviewed. Exercise prescription to patients with bone metastases does involve complex decision making; however, a number of tools are available that may inform both the assessment of patients and the prescription of exercise.

Level of Evidence

NA
Instabilities and small-scale waves within the Stewartson layers of a thermally driven rotating annulus
Authors: von Larcher Thomas , Viazzo Stéphane , Harlander Uwe , Vincze Miklos , Randriamampianina Anthony
Published: February 2018

We report on small-scale instabilities in a thermally driven rotating annulus filled with a liquid with moderate Prandtl number. The study is based on direct numerical simulations and an accompanying laboratory experiment. The computations are performed independently with two different flow solvers, that is, first, the non-oscillatory forward-in-time differencing flow solver EULAG and, second, a higher-order finite-difference compact scheme (HOC). Both branches consistently show the occurrence of small-scale patterns at both vertical sidewalls in the Stewartson layers of the annulus. Small-scale flow structures are known to exist at the inner sidewall. In contrast, short-period waves at the outer sidewall have not yet been reported. The physical mechanisms that possibly trigger these patterns are discussed. We also debate whether these small-scale structures are a gravity wave signal.
Moral(ity and) Economy
Authors: Hann Chris
Published: February 2018

The relationship between morality and economy has been muddied in the course of disciplinary specialization. While dominant paradigms in economics abstract from the moral dimension, recent approaches to morality and ethics in anthropology neglect the material economy. E. P. Thompson’s “moral economy” has been an influential bridging concept in recent decades, but recent inflationary usage has highlighted shortcomings. Following an overview of the disciplinary debates, the moral dimension of economic life is illustrated in this paper with reference towork as a valuebetween the late 19th and early 21st centuries in Hungary. Contemporary workfare is explored with local examples. It is shown how discourses of work and fairness are being extended into new ethical registers to justify negative attitudes towards a new category of migrants.
Magnetothermodynamics: measurements of the thermodynamic properties in a relaxed magnetohydrodynamic plasma
Authors: Kaur M. , Barbano L. J. , Suen-Lewis E. M. , Shrock J. E. , Light A. D. , Schaffner D. A. , Brown M. B. , Woodruff S. , Meyer T.
Published: February 2018

We have explored the thermodynamics of compressed magnetized plasmas in laboratory experiments and we call these studies ‘magnetothermodynamics’. The experiments are carried out in the Swarthmore Spheromak eXperiment device. In this device, a magnetized plasma source is located at one end and at the other end, a closed conducting can is installed. We generate parcels of magnetized plasma and observe their compression against the end wall of the conducting cylinder. The plasma parameters such as plasma density, temperature and magnetic field are measured during compression using HeNe laser interferometry, ion Doppler spectroscopy and a linear ${\dot{B}}$ probe array, respectively. To identify the instances of ion heating during compression, a PV diagram is constructed using measured density, temperature and a proxy for the volume of the magnetized plasma. Different equations of state are analysed to evaluate the adiabatic nature of the compressed plasma. A three-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic code (NIMROD) is employed to simulate the twisted Taylor states and shows stagnation against the end wall of the closed conducting can. The simulation results are consistent to what we observe in our experiments.
Local climate controls among-population variation in germination patterns in twoEricaspecies across western Iberia
Authors: Chamorro Daniel , Luna Belén , Moreno José M.
Published: February 2018

In seasonal climates, germination timing is mainly controlled by temperature, especially in species with physiological seed dormancy. The germination response to temperature may, however, vary among populations across the distribution range of species. Understanding how populations along climate gradients vary in their sensitivity to temperature is important for determining their vulnerability to climate variability and change. Here, we investigated the germination response of twoEricaspecies with physiological seed dormancy (E. australisandE. umbellata) to changes in temperature throughout the seasons (simulated autumn through to spring) and to the local climate in six localities across a latitudinal gradient in western Iberia. Effects were studied with and without exposing the seeds to a heat shock. The local climate of seed provenance emerged as a key factor in modifying the germination sensitivity to germination temperature and their variation through the seasons. Although each species showed idiosyncratic germination responses to temperature treatments and across the gradient, germination of both species was sensitive to warmer temperatures and to a heat shock. Both showed similar seasonal germination patterns: as we moved from south to north, populations tended to have a larger germination peak in spring, which was greater at colder temperatures. We conclude that rising temperatures associated with climate change will affect these species, particularly at their northern ranges, where many seeds will remain dormant during warmer winters. Arguably, models aiming at assessing climate change impacts in these species need to include such variability across latitude.
Consumption of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks and risk of obesity-related cancers
Authors: Hodge Allison M , Bassett Julie K , Milne Roger L , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G
Published: February 2018

Objective

To test the hypothesis that more frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks would be associated with increased risk of obesity-related cancers. Associations for artificially sweetened soft drinks were assessed for comparison.

Design

Prospective cohort study with cancers identified by linkage to cancer registries. At baseline, participants completed a 121-item FFQ including separate questions about the number of times in the past year they had consumed sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened soft drinks. Anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference, were taken and questions about smoking, leisure-time physical activity and intake of alcoholic beverages were completed.

Setting

The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) is a prospective cohort study which recruited 41 514 men and women aged 40–69 years between 1990 and 1994. A second wave of data collection occurred in 2003–2007.

Subjects

Data for 35 593 participants who developed 3283 incident obesity-related cancers were included in the main analysis.

Results

Increasing frequency of consumption of both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks was associated with greater waist circumference at baseline. For sugar-sweetened soft drinks, the hazard ratio (HR) for obesity-related cancers increased as frequency of consumption increased (HR for consumption >1/dv. <1/month=1·18; 95 % CI 0·97, 1·45;P-trend=0·007). For artificially sweetened soft drinks, the HR for obesity-related cancers was not associated with consumption (HR for consumption >1/dv. <1/month=1·00; 95 % CI 0·79, 1·27;P-trend=0·61).

Conclusions

Our results add to the justification to minimise intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Towards an EU Regulatory Framework for Climate-Smart Agriculture: The Example of Soil Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Verschuuren Jonathan
Published: February 2018

This article assesses current and proposed European Union (EU) climate and environmental law, and the legal instruments associated with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), to see whether soil carbon sequestration is sufficiently promoted as a promising example of ‘climate-smart agriculture’. The assessment shows that current and proposed policies and instruments are inadequate to stimulate large-scale adoption of soil carbon projects across Europe. Given the identified structural flaws, it is likely that this is true for all climate-smart agricultural practices. An alternative approach needs to be developed. Under EU climate policy, agriculture should be included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) by allowing regulated industries to buy offsets from the agricultural sector, following the examples set by Australia and others. The second element of a new approach is aimed at the CAP, which needs to be far more focused on the specific requirements of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Yet, such stronger focus does not take away the need to explore new income streams for farmers from offsets under the ETS, as the CAP will never have sufficient funds for the deep and full transition of Europe’s agriculture sector that is needed.
FGF1 induces resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian granulosa tumor cells through regulation of p53 mitochondrial localization
Authors: Manousakidi Sevasti , Guillaume Arnaud , Pirou Caroline , Bouleau Sylvina , Mignotte Bernard , Renaud Flore , Le Floch Nathalie
Published: February 2018

Ovarian cancer remains associated with a high mortality rate and relapse is too frequently seen after chemotherapeutic treatment of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) or epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). It is thus of major importance to progress in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance of ovarian tumors. Overexpression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) is observed in various cancers, correlates with poor survival and could be responsible for resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy of serous ovarian cancers. How FGF1 promotes escape to chemotherapy remains unknown. In previous studies, we showed that FGF1 inhibits p53 transcriptional activities, leading to increased cell survival of neuronal or fibroblast cell lines. In this study, we show that FGF1 favors survival of COV434 cells upon treatment with etoposide and cisplatin, two common chemotherapeutic molecules used for ovarian cancer. Etoposide and cisplatin induced mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c release and caspase activation in COV434 cells. Overexpression of FGF1 counteracts these events and thus allows increased survival of ovarian cells. In this study, FGF1 had little effect on p53 stability and transcriptional activities. Etoposide induced p21 expression as expected, but p21 protein levels were even increased in the presence of FGF1. Using RNA interference, we showed that p21 exerts an anti-apoptotic activity in COV434 cells. However abrogating this activity was not sufficient to restore cell death of FGF1-overexpressing cells. We also show for the first time that p53 mitochondrial pathway is involved in the cell death of COV434 cells. Indeed, p53 accumulates at mitochondria upon etoposide treatment and inhibition of p53 mitochondrial localization using pifithrin-µ inhibits apoptosis of COV434 cells. FGF1 also decreases mitochondrial accumulation of p53 induced by etoposide. This constitutes a novel mechanism of action for FGF1 to promote cell survival in response to chemotherapy.
LINC01016 promotes the malignant phenotype of endometrial cancer cells by regulating the miR-302a-3p/miR-3130-3p/NFYA/SATB1 axis
Authors: Pan Xin , Li Da , Huo Jianing , Kong Fanfei , Yang Hui , Ma Xiaoxin
Published: February 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression and are tightly associated with the phenotypes of numerous cancers. However, the functional roles underlying these effects are unknown. The expression levels of LINC01016, miR-302a-3p, miR-3130-3p, NFYA, and SATB1 were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 33 endometrial cancer tissues and 20 normal tissues. Bioinformatics analyses, luciferase reporter analyses, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, and qRT-PCR assays were performed to verify potential binding sites. The qRT-PCR and western blot were used to identify the regulatory mechanisms of LINC01016 in cell biological behavior, which were also examined by cell counting kit -8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, flow cytometry, wound healing assays, and transwell assays. LINC01016 was substantially upregulated in endometrial cancer tissues, and LINC01016 silencing abolished the malignant behavior of endometrial cancer cells. LINC01016 positively rescued the downstream gene nuclear factor YA (NFYA) by competitively “sponging” miR-302a-3p and miR-3130-3p. In turn, these two miRNAs could inhibit LINC01016 transcription, thus forming two reciprocal repression cycles, which influenced the biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells. MiR-302a-3p and miR-3130-3p could specifically bind with the 3′-UTR regions of NFYA, and NFYA could upregulate the expression of special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) as a transcriptional factor. This study was the first to show that the LINC01016–miR-302a-3p/miR-3130-3p/NFYA/SATB1 axis played a crucial role in the occurrence of endometrial cancer. These findings may provide relevant insights into the diagnosis and therapy of endometrial cancer.
Loss of the Drosophila m-AAA mitochondrial protease paraplegin results in mitochondrial dysfunction, shortened lifespan, and neuronal and muscular degeneration
Authors: Pareek Gautam , Thomas Ruth E. , Pallanck Leo J.
Published: February 2018

The progressive accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria is implicated in aging and in common diseases of the elderly. To oppose this occurrence, organisms employ a variety of strategies, including the selective degradation of oxidatively damaged and misfolded mitochondrial proteins. Genetic studies in yeast indicate that the ATPase Associated with diverse cellular Activities (AAA+) family of mitochondrial proteases account for a substantial fraction of this protein degradation, but their metazoan counterparts have been little studied, despite the fact that mutations in the genes encoding these proteases cause a variety of human diseases. To begin to explore the biological roles of the metazoan mitochondrial AAA+ protease family, we have created a CRISPR/Cas9 allele of the Drosophila homolog of SPG7, which encodes an inner membrane-localized AAA+ protease known as paraplegin. Drosophila SPG7 mutants exhibited shortened lifespan, progressive locomotor defects, sensitivity to chemical and environmental stress, and muscular and neuronal degeneration. Ultrastructural examination of photoreceptor neurons indicated that the neurodegenerative phenotype of SPG7 mutants initiates at the synaptic terminal. A variety of mitochondrial defects accompanied the degenerative phenotypes of SPG7 mutants, including altered axonal transport of mitochondria, accumulation of electron-dense material in the matrix of flight muscle mitochondria, reduced activities of respiratory chain complexes I and II, and severely swollen and dysmorphic mitochondria in the synaptic terminals of photoreceptors. Drosophila SPG7 mutants recapitulate key features of human diseases caused by mutations in SPG7, and thus provide a foundation for the identification of Drosophila paraplegin substrates and strategies that could be used to ameliorate the symptoms of these diseases.
Characterization of dysregulated lncRNA-mRNA network based on ceRNA hypothesis to reveal the occurrence and recurrence of myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Guangde , Sun Haoran , Zhang Yawei , Zhao Hengqiang , Fan Wenjing , Li Jianfei , Lv Yingli , Song Qiong , Li Jiayao , Zhang Mingyu , Shi Hongbo
Published: February 2018

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play important roles in initiation and development of human diseases. However, the mechanism of ceRNA regulated by lncRNA in myocardial infarction (MI) remained unclear. In this study, we performed a multi-step computational method to construct dysregulated lncRNA-mRNA networks for MI occurrence (DLMN_MI_OC) and recurrence (DLMN_MI_Re) based on “ceRNA hypothesis”. We systematically integrated lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles and miRNA-target regulatory interactions. The constructed DLMN_MI_OC and DLMN_MI_Re both exhibited biological network characteristics, and functional analysis demonstrated that the networks were specific for MI. Additionally, we identified some lncRNA-mRNA ceRNA modules involved in MI occurrence and recurrence. Finally, two new panel biomarkers defined by four lncRNAs (RP1-239B22.5, AC135048.13, RP11-4O1.2, RP11-285F7.2) from DLMN_MI_OC and three lncRNAs (RP11-363E7.4, CTA-29F11.1, RP5-894A10.6) from DLMN_MI_Re with high classification performance were, respectively, identified in distinguishing controls from patients, and patients with recurrent events from those without recurrent events. This study will provide us new insight into ceRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms involved in MI occurrence and recurrence, and facilitate the discovery of candidate diagnostic and prognosis biomarkers for MI.
Opponent control of behavioral reinforcement by inhibitory and excitatory projections from the ventral pallidum
Authors: Faget Lauren , Zell Vivien , Souter Elizabeth , McPherson Adam , Ressler Reed , Gutierrez-Reed Navarre , Yoo Ji Hoon , Dulcis Davide , Hnasko Thomas S.
Published: February 2018

The ventral pallidum (VP) lies at the interface between sensory, motor, and cognitive processing—with a particular role in mounting behavioral responses to rewards. Though the VP is predominantly GABAergic, glutamate neurons were recently identified, though their relative abundances and respective roles are unknown. Here, we show that VP glutamate neurons are concentrated in the rostral ventromedial VP and project to qualitatively similar targets as do VP GABA neurons. At the functional level, we used optogenetics to show that activity in VP GABA neurons can drive positive reinforcement, particularly through projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). On the other hand, activation of VP glutamate neurons leads to behavioral avoidance, particularly through projections to the lateral habenula. These findings highlight cell-type and projection-target specific roles for VP neurons in behavioral reinforcement, dysregulation of which could contribute to the emergence of negative symptoms associated with drug addiction and other neuropsychiatric disease.
A G-protein pathway determines grain size in rice
Authors: Sun Shengyuan , Wang Lei , Mao Hailiang , Shao Lin , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Ouyang Yidan , Zhang Qifa
Published: February 2018

Manipulating grain size is an effective strategy for increasing cereal yields. Here we identify a pathway composed of five subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins that regulate grain length in rice. The Gβ protein is essential for plant survival and growth. Gα provides a foundation for grain size expansion. Three Gγ proteins, DEP1, GGC2 and GS3, antagonistically regulate grain size. DEP1 and GGC2, individually or in combination, increase grain length when in complex with Gβ. GS3, having no effect on grain size by itself, reduces grain length by competitively interacting with Gβ. By combining different G-protein variants, we can decrease grain length by up to 35% or increase it by up to 19%, which leads to over 40% decreasing to 28% increasing of grain weight. The wide existence of such a conserved system among angiosperms suggests a possible general predictable approach to manipulating grain/organ sizes.
Bonding dissimilar polymer networks in various manufacturing processes
Authors: Liu Qihan , Nian Guodong , Yang Canhui , Qu Shaoxing , Suo Zhigang
Published: February 2018

Recently developed devices mimic neuromuscular and neurosensory systems by integrating hydrogels and hydrophobic elastomers. While different methods are developed to bond hydrogels with hydrophobic elastomers, it remains a challenge to coat and print various hydrogels and elastomers of arbitrary shapes, in arbitrary sequences, with strong adhesion. Here we report an approach to meet this challenge. We mix silane coupling agents into the precursors of the networks, and tune the kinetics such that, when the networks form, the coupling agents incorporate into the polymer chains, but do not condensate. After a manufacturing step, the coupling agents condensate, add crosslinks inside the networks, and form bonds between the networks. This approach enables independent bonding and manufacturing. We formulate oxygen-tolerant hydrogel resins for spinning, printing, and coating in the open air. We find that thin elastomer coatings enable hydrogels to sustain high temperatures without boiling.
Author Correction: Tropical explosive volcanic eruptions can trigger El Niño by cooling tropical Africa
Authors: Khodri Myriam , Izumo Takeshi , Vialard Jérôme , Janicot Serge , Cassou Christophe , Lengaigne Matthieu , Mignot Juliette , Gastineau Guillaume , Guilyardi Eric , Lebas Nicolas , Robock Alan , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: February 2018

The original version of this Article omitted a reference to previous work in ‘Mann, M.E., Cane, M.A., Zebiak, S.E., Clement, A., Volcanic and Solar Forcing of the Tropical Pacific Over the Past 1000 Years, J. Climate18, 447–456 (2005)’. This has been added as reference 62 at the end of the fourth sentence of the fourth paragraph of the Introduction: ‘Early studies using simple coupled ocean–atmosphere models26 proposed that following volcano-induced surface cooling, upwelling in the eastern equatorial Pacific acting on a reduced vertical temperature contrast between the ocean surface and interior leads to anomalous warming in this region, thereby favouring El Niño development the following year12, 27, 62.’ This has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Impact of weight changes on the incidence of diabetes mellitus: a Korean nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Eun Sook , Jeong Jee Sun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Mee Kyoung , Lee Seung-Hwan , Park Yong-Moon , Baek Ki Hyun , Moon Sung Dae , Han Je-Ho , Song Ki-Ho , Kwon Hyuk-Sang
Published: February 2018

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but few data exist on the association between weight changes and diabetes risk in non-obese subjects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of weight changes on the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Korea, using 51,405 non-diabetic subjects. Individuals who developed type 2 diabetes were more likely to be older and male, to have high body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and total cholesterol, to be current smokers and frequent drinkers, to be hypertensive and hyperlipidemic, and to have a family history of diabetes, compared to those without type 2 diabetes. Compared with the consistently non-obese group, there was a higher hazard ratio for incident diabetes (95% confidence interval) in subjects becoming obese [1.49 (1.26–1.77)] and remaining obese [2.56 (2.34–2.81)] after adjustment for confounding factors. Decreased BMI was significantly associated with lower risks for incident diabetes and the trends were more evident in the non-obese group. However, overall there was no significant association of increased BMI with incident diabetes. In conclusion, weight loss was significantly associated with lower risk for diabetes both in non-obese and obese Koreans, but particularly in the non-obese.