bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System Dynamics Modelling and Simulation of the Malaysian Rice Value Chain: Effects of the Removal of Price Controls and an Import Monopoly on Rice Prices and Self‐sufficiency Levels in Malaysia
Authors: Chung Bonhee
Published: August 2017

A system dynamics model is developed to describe the dynamic structure of and decision‐making processes occurring along the Malaysian rice value chain; then, the impacts of removing price controls and an import monopoly on rice prices and self‐sufficiency levels (SSLs) in Malaysia are examined. The simulation results show that removing price controls would lead to sharp increases in rice prices but that Malaysia could, in turn, achieve 100% self‐sufficiency. Terminating the import monopoly would stabilize rice prices, but Malaysia cannot achieve self‐sufficiency. There are two alternative policies that Malaysia could pursue to reduce the trade‐off between rice prices and SSL. Although irrigation development would stabilize rice prices, it would place heavy financial burdens on Malaysia. Therefore, Malaysia should explore the feasibility of paddy importation strategies, which could not only increase rice outputs, stabilize prices and achieve 100% SSL but also create more business opportunities and jobs in Malaysia's rural areas. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GUICop: Approach and toolset for specification‐based GUI testing
Authors: Hammoud Dalal , Zaraket Fadi A. , Masri Wes
Published: August 2017

Oracles used for testing graphical user interface (GUI) programmes are required to take into consideration complicating factors such as variations in screen resolution or colour scheme when comparing observed GUI elements with expected GUI elements. Researchers proposed fuzzy comparison rules and computationally expensive image processing techniques to tame the comparison process because otherwise the naïve matching comparison would be too constraining and consequently impractical. Alternatively, this paper proposes GUICop, a novel approach with a supporting toolset that takes (1) a GUI programme and (2) user‐defined GUI specifications characterizing the rendering behaviour of the GUI elements and checks whether the execution traces of the programme satisfy the specifications. GUICop comprises the following: (1) a GUI Specification Language; (2) a Driver; (3) Instrumented GUI Libraries; 4) a Solver; and (5) a Code Weaver. The user defines the specifications of the subject GUI programme using the GUI Specification Language. The Driver traverses the GUI structure of the programme and generates events that drive its execution. The Instrumented GUI Libraries capture the GUI execution trace, ie, information about the positions and visibility of the GUI elements. And the Solver, enabled by code injected by the Code Weaver, checks whether the traces satisfy the specifications. GUICop was successfully evaluated using 4 open source GUI applications that included 8 defects, namely, Jajuk, Gason, JEdit, and TerpPaint.
Adopting a circular business model improves market equity value
Authors: Aboulamer Anas
Published: August 2017

The circular economy is set to be the future paradigm in business. Consumer preferences and demographics changed the way companies design products, market them, and interact with their customers. In this conceptual article, it is argued that the positive externalities documented in the circular economy literature (environmental impact, creating of a sustainable economy) can also be translated into a financial gain for shareholders. This article focuses on only one aspect of this potential multifaceted financial gain: an improvement in the customer relationship. The finance–marketing hybrid model of consumer life value is used to explain the extent of this possible increase in the market equity value of the firm when adopting this new economic paradigm.
Single cell transcriptomics of noncoding RNAs and their cell‐specificity
Authors: Gawronski Katerina A.B. , Kim Junhyong
Published: August 2017

Recent developments of single cell transcriptome profiling methods have led to the realization that many seemingly homogeneous cells have surprising levels of expression variability. The biological implications of the high degree of variability is unclear but one possibility is that many genes are restricted in expression to small lineages of cells, suggesting the existence of many more cell types than previously estimated. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) are thought to be key parts of gene regulatory processes and their single cell expression patterns may help to dissect the biological function of single cell variability. Technology for measuring ncRNA in single cell is still in development and most of the current single cell datasets have reliable measurements for only long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Most works report that lncRNAs show lineage‐specific restricted expression patterns, which suggest that they might determine, at least in part, lineage fates and cell subtypes. However, evidence is still inconclusive as to whether lncRNAs and other ncRNAs are more lineage‐specific than protein‐coding genes. Nevertheless, measurement of ncRNAs in single cells will be important for studies of cell types and single cell function. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1433. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1433

This article is categorized under:

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
Voltammetric Anion Sensors based on Redox‐active Ferrocene‐bearing Macrocyclic Amides
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Xia , Song Maoping
Published: August 2017

Reactions between 5‐ferrocenylisophthalic dichloride and 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane yield 1:1‐ and 2:2‐cyclization products with amide linkages, which are marked as L1 and L2, respectively. The crystal structure of the 2:2‐macrocycle L2 is determined by X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. Interestingly, L2 affords a folded conformation due to the intermolecular π–π interaction between two isophthaloyl groups, so as to stabilize the marcocylic conformation. The electrochemical anion sensing studies of L1 and L2 show that they have a good ability to recognize H2PO4–, and the 2:2‐cyclization products (L2) with two ferrocene groups, more anion binding sites, and larger cavities, give better electrochemical anion recognition results than L1.
Short-day photoperiods affect expression of genes related to dormancy and freezing tolerance in Norway spruce seedlings
Authors: Wallin Elisabeth , Gräns Daniel , Jacobs Douglass F. , Lindström Anders , Verhoef Nathalie
Published: August 2017

Key Message

Gene expression analysis showed that prolonged short day (SD) treatment deepened dormancy and stimulated development of freezing tolerance ofPicea abiesseedlings. Prolonged SD treatment also caused later appearance of visible buds in autumn, reduced risks for reflushing, and promoted earlier spring bud break.

Context

Short day (SD) treatment of seedlings is a common practice in boreal forest tree nurseries to regulate shoot growth and prepare the seedlings for autumn planting or frozen storage.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine responses of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) to a range of SD treatments of different length and evaluate gene expression related to dormancy induction and development of freezing tolerance.

Methods

The seedlings were SD treated for 11 h a day during 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. Molecular tests were performed, and the expression profiles of dormancy and freezing tolerance-related genes were analyzed as well as determination of shoot growth, bud set, bud size, reflushing, dry matter content, and timing of spring bud break.

Results

The 7-day SD treatment was as effective as longer SD treatments in terminating apical shoot growth. However, short (7 days) SD treatment resulted in later activation of dormancy-related genes and of genes related to freezing tolerance compared to the longer treatments which had an impact on seedling phenology.

Conclusion

Gene expression analysis indicated an effective stimulus of dormancy-related genes when the SD treatment is prolonged for at least 1–2 weeks after shoot elongation has terminated and that seedlings thereafter are exposed to ambient outdoor climate conditions.
Ethnic differences in bullying victimization and psychological distress: A test of an ecological model☆
Authors: Rhee Siyon , Lee Sei‐Young , Jung Sook‐Hee
Published: August 2017

This study examines ethnic differences in the prevalence of bullying victimization by peers as well as the associations between bullying victimization and psychological distress with relevant ecological factors including parental supervision, school support, and community safety. The study utilized the 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Adolescents Data, which was collected in the United States using a multi‐stage stratified sampling design with a Random Digit‐Dial method. The final study sample contained a total of 2367 adolescents, comprised of 48.7% Whites, followed by 35.8% Latinos, 11.1% Asians, and 4.4% African Americans. About 49.3% were males with an overall mean age of 14.6 (sd = 1.7). Results showed that there were significant differences in rates of bullying victimization among the four surveyed ethnic subgroups of adolescents. Black adolescents reported the highest and Asian adolescents the lowest level of victimization. The results of the SEM test using the calibration sample revealed an adequate fit to the data (CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.04, Δχ2/Δdf = 2.99). Separate model tests with the four subgroups of adolescents revealed good fits with the subsample data with the exception of the subsample of African Americans. Additionally, results show that factors associated with psychological distress vary widely among the White, Latino and Asian subgroups.
Do I fit in? Psychosocial ramifications of low gender typicality in early adolescence
Authors: Smith Danielle Sayre , Juvonen Jaana
Published: August 2017

The current longitudinal study was designed to examine one of the possible underlying mechanisms that can help account for why low gender typicality (i.e., not feeling like a typical boy or girl) is related to subsequent psychosocial adjustment problems: peer victimization. Relying on a large (N = 5,991, 52% female), ethnically diverse U.S. sample, the results suggested that peer victimization at 7th grade partially accounts for associations between 7th grade gender typicality and 8th grade social anxiety, somatic complaints, and externalizing behavior, when controlling for earlier (e.g., 6th grade) levels of adjustment. Associations were similar across ethnic groups. Peer victimization mediated associations for boys and girls across all outcomes; however, girls showed stronger associations with somatic complaints and boys showed stronger associations with externalizing behavior. These results suggest that attempts to improve adjustment for youth feeling low gender typicality should focus in part on reducing peer victimization.
Three cases of vasospastic angina following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kagawa Yoshihiko , Fujii Eitaro , Fujita Satoshi , Yamada Norikazu , Ito Masaaki
Published: August 2017

Pulmonary vein isolation is an effective treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Although vasospastic angina (VSA) is not a common complication after ablation of AF, we report 3 cases of VSA following ablation of persistent AF. Two of the 3 patients felt chest pain following pulmonary vein isolation, and complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablations were performed. ST elevation in the inferior leads and atrioventricular block occurred because of severe coronary vasospasm. In the third patient, the electrocardiography monitor detected transient ST elevation within an hour after ablation. Treatment of VSA may be required following catheter ablation of AF.
Association Between HIV Infection and Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Lianmin , Deng Tuo , Zhao Shankun , Li Ermao , Liu Luhao , Li Futian , Wang Jiamin , Zhao Zhigang
Published: August 2017

Background

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men positive for HIV has been reported to exceed the baseline of the general population. However, no meta-analysis or conclusive review has investigated whether individuals with HIV infection have a significantly higher prevalence of ED.

Aim

To explore the exact association between HIV infection and the prevalence of ED.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify studies concerning the association between HIV infection and the prevalence of ED that were published up to December 2016. Manual searches also were performed. Relative risks and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the strength of association between HIV infection and the prevalence of ED. The methodologic quality of the included cohort studies was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The cross-sectional study quality methodology checklist was used to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess potential bias. This study was conducted according to the guidelines for Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies (MOOSE).

Outcomes

The strength of association between HIV infection and the prevalence of ED was evaluated using summarized unadjusted pooled relative risks and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Two cohort studies and three cross-sectional studies involving 4,252 participants were included. Mean age of patients ranged from 35.2 to 52 years in the included studies. Based on the random-effects model, analyses of all studies showed that HIV infection was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of ED (relative risk = 2.32, 95% confidence interval = 1.52–3.55, P < .001). There was significant heterogeneity among included studies (I2 = 84%, P < .001). Estimates of total effects were generally consistent with the sensitivity.

Clinical Implications

Individuals with HIV infection had a significantly increased prevalence of ED, which suggests that ED should be of concern to clinicians when managing men with HIV infection.

Strengths and Limitations

A strength of this study is that it is the first meta-analysis to explore the relation between HIV infection and the prevalence of ED. A limitation is that all included studies were observational studies, which can induce recall bias or selection bias.

Conclusion

Evidence from the observational studies suggested that individuals with HIV infection had a significantly increased prevalence of ED despite significant heterogeneity. More research is warranted to clarify the relation between HIV infection and the prevalence of ED.
Families ofDiaporthalesbased on morphological and phylogenetic evidence
Authors: Senanayake I.C. , Crous P.W. , Groenewald J.Z. , Maharachchikumbura S.S.N. , Jeewon R. , Phillips A.J.L. , Bhat J.D. , Perera R.H. , Li Q.R. , Li W.J. , Tangthirasunun N. , Norphanphoun C. , Karunarathna S.C. , Camporesi E. , Manawasighe I.S. , Al-Sadi A.M. , Hyde K.D.
Published: August 2017

Diaporthalesis an important ascomycetous order comprising phytopathogenic, saprobic, and endophytic fungi, but interfamilial taxonomic relationships are still ambiguous. Despite its cosmopolitan distribution and high diversity with distinctive morphologies, this order has received relativelyiaceae,Macrohilaceae,Melanconidaceae,Pseudoplagiostomaceae,Schizoparmaceae,StilbosporaceaeandSydowiellaceae. Taxonomic uncertainties among genera are also clarified and recurrent discrepancies in the taxonomic position of families within theDiaporthalesare discussed. An updated outline and key to families and genera of the order is presented.
International Intervention and Local Politics
Authors: Hameiri Shahar , Hughes Caroline , Scarpello Fabio
Published: August 2017

International peace- and state-building interventions have become ubiquitous in international politics since the 1990s, aiming to tackle the security problems stemming from the instability afflicting many developing states. Their frequent failures have prompted a shift towards analysing how the interaction between interveners and recipients shapes outcomes. This book critically assesses the rapidly growing literature in international relations and development studies on international intervention and local politics. It advances an innovative approach, placing the politics of scale at the core of the conflicts and compromises shaping the outcomes of international intervention. Different scales - local, national, international - privilege different interests, unevenly allocating power, resources and political opportunity structures. Interveners and recipients thus pursue scalar strategies and socio-political alliances that reinforce their power and marginalise rivals. This approach is harnessed towards examining three prominent case studies of international intervention - Aceh, Cambodia and Solomon Islands - with a focus on public administration reform.
Revisiting Dworkin’s Philosophy of International Law: Could the Hedgehog Have Done It Any Other Way?
Authors: Bustamante Thomas
Published: August 2017

This paper replies to the criticisms raised by Eric Scarffe and Thomas Christiano against Dworkin’s philosophy of international law. While the former argues that Dworkin’s philosophy of international law boils down into some form of political realism, the latter upholds that Dworkin’s attempt to ground the legitimacy of international law on the states’ duty to improve their own legitimacy is insufficient to establish a solid foundation for international obligations. In my response to these critics, I hold that they are based on an uncharitable and implausible reading of Dworkin’s theory of international law, since Dworkin’s theses about the law, whether we are considering “municipal” or “international” law, only make sense if they are understood in an interpretive way. This is, I submit, the only way to avoid turning Dworkin’s assumption of the “unity of value” into an implausible metaphysical theory of natural law. Once we adopt Dworkin’s interpretive attitude, it becomes clear that the route taken by Dworkin in “A New Philosophy for International Law” was the only route that remained available for his interpretive account of political legitimacy and the foundations of law.
The value of long-term, community-based monitoring of marine turtle nesting: a study in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya
Authors: Olendo Mike I. , Okemwa Gladys M. , Munga Cosmas N. , Mulupi Lilian K. , Mwasi Lily D. , Mohamed Hassan B. , Sibanda Mxolisi , Ong'anda Harrison O.
Published: August 2017

Monitoring of nesting beaches is often the only feasible and low-cost approach for assessing sea turtle populations. We investigated spatio-temporal patterns of sea turtle nesting activity monitored over 17 successive years in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya. Community-based patrols were conducted on 26 stretches of beach clustered in five major locations. A total of 2,021 nests were recorded: 1,971 (97.5%) green turtleChelonia mydasnests, 31 (1.5%) hawksbillEretmochelys imbricatanests, 8 (0.4%) olive ridleyLepidochelys olivaceanests and 11 (0.5%) unidentified nests. Nesting occurred year-round, increasing during March–July, when 74% of nests were recorded. A stable trend in mean annual nesting densities was observed in all locations. Mean clutch sizes were 117.7 ± SE 1 eggs (range 20–189) for green turtles, 103±SE 6 eggs (range 37–150) for hawksbill turtles, and 103±SE 6 eggs (range 80–133) for olive ridley turtles. Curved carapace length for green turtles was 65–125 cm, and mean annual incubation duration was 55.5±SE 0.05 days. The mean incubation duration for green turtle nests differed significantly between months and seasons but not locations. The hatching success (pooled data) was 81.3% (n = 1,841) and was higher for in situ nests (81.0±SE 1.5%) compared to relocated nests (77.8±SE 1.4%). The results highlight the important contribution of community-based monitoring in Kenya to sustaining the sea turtle populations of the Western Indian Ocean region.
Observability-based Mars Autonomous Navigation Using Formation Flying Spacecraft
Authors: Ou Yangwei , Zhang Hongbo
Published: August 2017

This paper concentrates on designing an autonomous navigation scheme for Mars exploration. In this scheme, formation flying spacecraft are used to realise absolute orbit determination when orbiting around Mars. Inertial Line-Of-Sight (LOS) vectors from “deputy” spacecraft to the “chief” are measured using radio cross-link, optical devices and attitude sensors. Since the system's observability is closely related to the navigation performance, an analytical approach is proposed to optimise the observability. In this method, the gravity gradient tensor difference is chosen as the performance index to optimise two navigation scenarios. When there is one deputy flying around the chief, optimal parameters are obtained by solving the constrained optimisation problem. When a second deputy is added into the formation, the optimal configuration is also obtained. These results reveal that the observability is mainly determined by the magnitude of the in-track and cross-track distances in the configuration. An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is used to estimate the position and velocity of the chief. The results of a navigation simulation confirms that adding more deputies can significantly improve the navigational performance.
Kompromat Goes Global?: Assessing a Russian Media Tool in the United States
Authors: Oates Sarah
Published: August 2017

The Russian and American media spheres converged to an unprecedented degree during the 2016 US presidential elections when reports of a possible dossier on Donald Trump emerged. This article considers the degree to which the media tactic of kompromat, which is the Russian abbreviation for “compromising material,” can infiltrate the US media ecology.
Height, selected genetic markers and prostate cancer risk: results from the PRACTICAL consortium
Authors:   APCB BioResource, Lophatananon Artitaya ,   The PRACTICAL consortium, Stewart-Brown Sarah , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Olama Ali Amin Al , Garcia Sara Benlloch , Neal David E , Hamdy Freddie C , Donovan Jenny L , Giles Graham G , Fitzgerald Liesel M , Southey Melissa C , Pharoah Paul , Pashayan Nora , Gronberg Henrik , Wiklund Fredrik , Aly Markus , Stanford Janet L , Brenner Hermann , Dieffenbach Aida K , Arndt Volker , Park Jong Y , Lin Hui-Yi , Sellers Thomas , Slavov Chavdar , Kaneva Radka , Mitev Vanio , Batra Jyotsna , Spurdle Amanda , Clements Judith A , Easton Douglas , Eeles Rosalind A , Muir Kenneth
Published: August 2017

Background:

Evidence on height and prostate cancer risk is mixed, however, recent studies with large data sets support a possible role for its association with the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Methods:

We analysed data from the PRACTICAL consortium consisting of 6207 prostate cancer cases and 6016 controls and a subset of high grade cases (2480 cases). We explored height, polymorphisms in genes related to growth processes as main effects and their possible interactions.

Results:

The results suggest that height is associated with high-grade prostate cancer risk. Men with height >180 cm are at a 22% increased risk as compared to men with height <173 cm (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01–1.48). Genetic variants in the growth pathway gene showed an association with prostate cancer risk. The aggregate scores of the selected variants identified a significantly increased risk of overall prostate cancer and high-grade prostate cancer by 13% and 15%, respectively, in the highest score group as compared to lowest score group.

Conclusions:

There was no evidence of gene-environment interaction between height and the selected candidate SNPs.

Our findings suggest a role of height in high-grade prostate cancer. The effect of genetic variants in the genes related to growth is seen in all cases and high-grade prostate cancer. There is no interaction between these two exposures.
Corrosion resistance of MCrAlX coatings in a molten chloride for thermal storage in concentrating solar power applications
Authors: Gomez-Vidal Judith C.
Published: August 2017

Corrosion evaluations of Incoloy 800 H (In800H) and stainless steel AISI 310 (310SS), in bare and coated conditions, were performed in 34.42 wt% NaCl – 55.47 wt% KCl at 700 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. This NaCl–KCl composition has a melting point of 657 °C, which makes it suitable for latent-heat thermal energy storage in concentrating solar power applications. Several nickel-based MCrAlX coatings were tested, where M = Ni and/or Co and X = Y, Ta, Hf, and/or Si. Electrochemical testing was carried out to determine corrosion rates. The bare In800H and 310SS alloys corroded rapidly (~2500 and 4500 µm/yr, respectively, assuming uniform corrosion). Concentrating solar power plants need containment materials with a lifetime of at least 30 years; thus, these corrosion rates are excessive. Corrosion mitigation approaches are being investigated to obtain degradation on the order of 20 µm/yr or lower. The lowest corrosion rate of 190 µm/yr was obtained for atmospheric plasma spray NiCoCrAlY coatings pre-oxidized in air at 900 °C for 24 h with a heating/cooling rate of 0.5 °C/min. Metallographic characterization of the corroded surfaces showed that the formation of a uniform thin alumina scale before exposure to the molten chloride system considerably reduced the corrosion of the alloy. However, the rates of corrosion determined herein are considerable, highlighting the relevance of testing materials durability in solar power applications.
MicroCT reveals domesticated rice (Oryza sativa) within pottery sherds from early Neolithic sites (4150–3265 cal BP) in Southeast Asia
Authors: Barron Aleese , Turner Michael , Beeching Levi , Bellwood Peter , Piper Philip , Grono Elle , Jones Rebecca , Oxenham Marc , Kien Nguyen Khanh Trung , Senden Tim , Denham Tim
Published: August 2017

Rice (Oryza sativa) was domesticated in the Yangtze Valley region at least 6000–8000 years ago, yet the timing of dispersal of domesticated rice to Southeast Asia is contentious. Often rice is not well-preserved in archaeobotanical assemblages at early Neolithic sites in the wet tropics of Southeast Asia and consequently rice impressions in pottery have been used as a proxy for rice cultivation despite their uncertain taxonomic and domestication status. In this research, we use microCT technology to determine the 3D microscale morphology of rice husk and spikelet base inclusions within pottery sherds from early Neolithic sites in Vietnam. In contrast to surface impressions, microCT provides images of the entire husk and spikelet base preserved within the pottery, including the abscission scar characteristic of domesticated rice. This research demonstrates the potential of microCT to be a new, non-destructive method for the identification of domesticated plant remains within pottery sherds, especially in contexts where archaeobotanical preservation is poor and chaff-tempered sherds are rare and unavailable for destructive analysis. The method has the potential to greatly advance the understanding of crop domestication and agricultural dispersal for ceramic cultures in different parts of the world.
Lactation during cholestasis: Role of ABC proteins in bile acid traffic across the mammary gland
Authors: Blazquez Alba M. G. , Macias Rocio I. R. , Cives-Losada Candela , de la Iglesia Alberto , Marin Jose J. G. , Monte Maria J.
Published: August 2017

Transporters involved in bile acid (BA) handling by the mammary gland are poorly understood. Here we have investigated the role of ABC proteins in blood-milk BA traffic and its sensitivity to maternal cholestasis. BA concentrations in rat and mouse serum were higher than in milk. BA profiles in both fluids were also different. In mammary gland, mRNA levels of ABC pumps transporting BAs were high for Bcrp, less abundant for Mrp1, Mrp3 and Mrp4 and negligible for Bsep and Mrp2. Milk BA concentrations were lower in Abcg2−/− than in wild-type mice. Taurocholate administration (5 µmol, i.p.) increased 20-fold BA concentrations in serum, but only moderately in milk, even in Abcg2−/− mice. Bile duct ligation (BDL) in pregnant rats markedly increased serum BA concentrations, which was not proportionally reflected in milk. In rat mammary tissue, Mrp4 was up-regulated by BDL. Serum BA levels were 2-fold higher in 10-day-old neonates of the BDL group, whereas their body weight was lower. The exchange of breastfeeding mothers immediately after birth reverted the situation without changes in endogenous BA synthesis. In conclusion, Bcrp is involved in BA secretion into milk, whereas Mrp4 participates in a blood-milk barrier that protects neonates from maternal hypercholanemia during breastfeeding.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of 21-Hydroxylase deficiency using target capture sequencing of maternal plasma DNA
Authors: Ma Dingyuan , Yuan Yuan , Luo Chunyu , Wang Yaoshen , Jiang Tao , Guo Fengyu , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Chao , Sun Yun , Cheng Jian , Hu Ping , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Yi Xin , Wang Wei , Asan  , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: August 2017

Here, we aimed to validate a noninvasive method using capture sequencing for prenatal diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of 21-OHD was based on 14 plasma samples collected from 12 families, including four plasma sample collected during the first trimester. Targeted capture sequencing was performed using genomic DNA from the parents and child trios to determine the pathogenic and wild-type alleles associated with the haplotypes. Maternal plasma DNA was also sequenced to determine the fetal inheritance of the allele using hidden Markov model-based haplotype linkage analysis. The effect of fetal DNA fraction and sequencing depth on the accuracy of NIPD was investigated. The lower limit of fetal DNA fraction was 2% and the threshold mean sequence depth was 38, suggesting potential advantage if used in early gestation. The CYP21A2 genotype of the fetus was accurately determined in all the 14 plasma samples as early as day 1 and 8 weeks of gestation. Results suggest the accuracy and feasibility of NIPD of 21-OHD using a small target capture region with a low threshold for fetal DNA fraction and sequence depth. Our method is cost-effective and suggests diagnostic applications in clinical practice.
Effects of influent COD/N ratios on nitrous oxide emission in a sequencing biofilm batch reactor for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal
Authors: Ge Guanghuan , Zhao Jianqiang , Li Xiaoling , Ding Xiaoqian , Chen Aixia , Chen Ying , Hu Bo , Wang Sha
Published: August 2017

The characteristics of N2O emissions from an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic (A/O/A) sequencing biofilm batch reactor (SBBR) were investigated under different influent COD/nitrogen (C/N) ratios (from 1–4). Results indicated that the C/N ratios affected the quantity of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and residual organic substances after the anaerobic period, resulting in the largest N2O emission during aerobic period occurred at a C/N of 2. Moreover, during the anoxic PHB-driven denitrification period, the rapid decline in the dissolved N2O concentration indicated that the nitrite inhibition threshold for N2O reduction increased with the increased C/N ratios, which means the higher influent C/N ratios could lower the inhibition of nitrite on N2O reduction. Finally, more PHB and residual organic substances were provided to denitrification at a high C/N ratio, resulting in less total N2O emission was achieved at a high C/N ratio in the A/O/A SBBR.
Optimization of Magneto-thermally Controlled Release Kinetics by Tuning of Magnetoliposome Composition and Structure
Authors: Shirmardi Shaghasemi Behzad , Virk Mudassar Mumtaz , Reimhult Erik
Published: August 2017

Stealth (PEGylated) liposomes have taken a central role in drug formulation and delivery combining efficient transport with low nonspecific interactions. Controlling rapid release at a certain location and time remains a challenge dependent on environmental factors. We demonstrate a highly efficient and scalable way to produce liposomes of any lipid composition containing homogeneously dispersed monodisperse superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the membrane interior. We investigate the effect of lipid composition, particle concentration and magnetic field actuation on colloidal stability, magneto-thermally actuated release and passive release rates. We show that the rate and amount of encapsulated hydrophilic compound released by actuation using alternating magnetic fields can be precisely controlled from stealth liposomes with high membrane melting temperature. Extraordinarily low passive release and temperature sensitivity at body temperature makes this a promising encapsulation and external-trigger-on-demand release system. The introduced feature can be used as an add-on to existing stealth liposome drug delivery technology.
A non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging approach for assessment of real-time microcirculation dynamics
Authors: Ganesh Tameshwar , Estrada Marvin , Yeger Herman , Duffin James , Cheng Hai-Ling Margaret
Published: August 2017

We present a novel, non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to assess real-time dynamic vasomodulation of the microvascular bed. Unlike existing perfusion imaging techniques, our method is sensitive only to blood volume and not flow velocity. Using graded gas challenges and a long-life, blood-pool T1-reducing agent gadofosveset, we can sensitively assess microvascular volume response in the liver, kidney cortex, and paraspinal muscle to vasoactive stimuli (i.e. hypercapnia, hypoxia, and hypercapnic hypoxia). Healthy adult rats were imaged on a 3 Tesla scanner and cycled through 10-minute gas intervals to elicit vasoconstriction followed by vasodilatation. Quantitative T1 relaxation time mapping was performed dynamically; heart rate and blood oxygen saturation were continuously monitored. Laser Doppler perfusion measurements confirmed MRI findings: dynamic changes in T1 corresponded with perfusion changes to graded gas challenges. Our new technique uncovered differential microvascular response to gas stimuli in different organs: for example, mild hypercapnia vasodilates the kidney cortex but constricts muscle vasculature. Finally, we present a gas challenge protocol that produces a consistent vasoactive response and can be used to assess vasomodulatory capacity. Our imaging approach to monitor real-time vasomodulation may be extended to other imaging modalities and is valuable for investigating diseases where microvascular health is compromised.
Seismic evidence for a possible deep crustal hot zone beneath Southwest Washington
Authors: Flinders Ashton F. , Shen Yang
Published: August 2017

Crustal pathways connecting deep sources of melt and the active volcanoes they supply are poorly understood. Beneath Mounts St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier these pathways connect subduction-induced ascending melts to shallow magma reservoirs. Petrogenetic modeling predicts that when these melts are emplaced as a succession of sills into the lower crust they generate deep crustal hot zones. While these zones are increasingly recognized as a primary site for silicic differentiation at a range of volcanic settings globally, imaging them remains challenging. Near Mount Rainier, ascending melt has previously been imaged ~28 km northwest of the volcano, while to the south, the volcano lies on the margin of a broad conductive region in the deep crust. Using 3D full-waveform tomography, we reveal an expansive low-velocity zone, which we interpret as a possible hot zone, linking ascending melts and shallow reservoirs. This hot zone may supply evolved magmas to Mounts St. Helens and Adams, and possibly Rainier, and could contain approximately twice the melt volume as the total eruptive products of all three volcanoes combined. Hot zones like this may be the primary reservoirs for arc volcanism, influencing compositional variations and spatial-segmentation along the entire 1100 km-long Cascades Arc.
Driven translocation of a semi-flexible polymer through a nanopore
Authors: Sarabadani Jalal , Ikonen Timo , Mökkönen Harri , Ala-Nissila Tapio , Carson Spencer , Wanunu Meni
Published: August 2017

We study the driven translocation of a semi-flexible polymer through a nanopore by means of a modified version of the iso-flux tension propagation theory, and extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We show that in contrast to fully flexible chains, for semi-flexible polymers with a finite persistence length $${\tilde{{\boldsymbol{\ell }}}}_{{\boldsymbol{p}}}$$

ℓ
˜

p

the trans side friction must be explicitly taken into account to properly describe the translocation process. In addition, the scaling of the end-to-end distance RN as a function of the chain length N must be known. To this end, we first derive a semi-analytic scaling form for RN, which reproduces the limits of a rod, an ideal chain, and an excluded volume chain in the appropriate limits. We then quantitatively characterize the nature of the trans side friction based on MD simulations. Augmented with these two factors, the theory shows that there are three main regimes for the scaling of the average translocation time τ ∝ N
α
. In the rod $${\boldsymbol{N}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\tilde{{\boldsymbol{\ell }}}}_{{\boldsymbol{p}}}{\boldsymbol{\ll }}1$$
N
/

ℓ
˜

p

≪
1
, Gaussian $${\boldsymbol{N}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\tilde{{\boldsymbol{\ell }}}}_{{\boldsymbol{p}}}\sim {\bf{1}}{{\bf{0}}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$
N
/

ℓ
˜

p

∼
1

0

2

and excluded volume chain $${\boldsymbol{N}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{\tilde{{\boldsymbol{\kappa }}}}_{{\boldsymbol{p}}}$$
N
/

κ

˜

p

 ≫ 10
6
limits, α = 2, 3/2 and 1 + ν, respectively, where ν is the Flory exponent. Our results are in good agreement with available simulations and experimental data.
Correction of CFTR function in nasal epithelial cells from cystic fibrosis patients predicts improvement of respiratory function by CFTR modulators
Authors: Pranke Iwona M. , Hatton Aurélie , Simonin Juliette , Jais Jean Philippe , Le Pimpec-Barthes Françoise , Carsin Ania , Bonnette Pierre , Fayon Michael , Stremler-Le Bel Nathalie , Grenet Dominique , Thumerel Matthieu , Mazenq Julie , Urbach Valerie , Mesbahi Myriam , Girodon-Boulandet Emanuelle , Hinzpeter Alexandre , Edelman Aleksander , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle
Published: August 2017

Clinical studies with modulators of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein have demonstrated that functional restoration of the mutated CFTR can lead to substantial clinical benefit. However, studies have shown highly variable patient responses. The objective of this study was to determine a biomarker predictive of the clinical response. CFTR function was assessed in vivo via nasal potential difference (NPD) and in human nasal epithelial (HNE) cultures by the response to Forskolin/IBMX and the CFTR potentiator VX-770 in short-circuit-current (∆IscF/I+V) experiments. CFTR expression was evaluated by apical membrane fluorescence semi-quantification. Isc measurements discriminated CFTR function between controls, healthy heterozygotes, patients homozygous for the severe F508del mutation and patients with genotypes leading to absent or residual function. ∆IscF/I+V correlated with CFTR cellular apical expression and NPD measurements. The CFTR correctors lumacaftor and tezacaftor significantly increased the ∆IscF/I+V response to about 25% (SEM = 4.4) of the WT-CFTR level and the CFTR apical expression to about 22% (SEM = 4.6) of the WT-CFTR level in F508del/F508del HNE cells. The level of CFTR correction in HNE cultures significantly correlated with the FEV1 change at 6 months in 8 patients treated with CFTR modulators. We provide the first evidence that correction of CFTR function in HNE cell cultures can predict respiratory improvement by CFTR modulators.
Formation of a nucleoplasmic reticulum requires de novo assembly of nascent phospholipids and shows preferential incorporation of nascent lamins
Authors: Drozdz Marek M. , Jiang Haibo , Pytowski Lior , Grovenor Chris , Vaux David J.
Published: August 2017

Structure of interphase cell nuclei remains dynamic and can undergo various changes of shape and organisation, in health and disease. The double-membraned envelope that separates nuclear genetic material from the rest of the cell frequently includes deep, branching tubular invaginations that form a dynamic nucleoplasmic reticulum (NR). This study addresses mechanisms by which NR can form in interphase nuclei. We present a combination of Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) approach and light microscopy techniques to follow formation of NR by using pulse-chase experiments to examine protein and lipid delivery to nascent NR in cultured cells. Lamina protein incorporation was assessed using precursor accumulation (for lamin A) or a MAPLE3 photoconvertible tag (for lamin B1) and membrane phospholipid incorporation using stable isotope labelling with deuterated precursors followed by high resolution NanoSIMS. In all three cases, nascent molecules were selectively incorporated into newly forming NR tubules; thus strongly suggesting that NR formation is a regulated process involving a focal assembly machine, rather than simple physical perturbation of a pre-existing nuclear envelope.
Vibronic Boson Sampling: Generalized Gaussian Boson Sampling for Molecular Vibronic Spectra at Finite Temperature
Authors: Huh Joonsuk , Yung Man-Hong
Published: August 2017

Molecular vibroic spectroscopy, where the transitions involve non-trivial Bosonic correlation due to the Duschinsky Rotation, is strongly believed to be in a similar complexity class as Boson Sampling. At finite temperature, the problem is represented as a Boson Sampling experiment with correlated Gaussian input states. This molecular problem with temperature effect is intimately related to the various versions of Boson Sampling sharing the similar computational complexity. Here we provide a full description to this relation in the context of Gaussian Boson Sampling. We find a hierarchical structure, which illustrates the relationship among various Boson Sampling schemes. Specifically, we show that every instance of Gaussian Boson Sampling with an initial correlation can be simulated by an instance of Gaussian Boson Sampling without initial correlation, with only a polynomial overhead. Since every Gaussian state is associated with a thermal state, our result implies that every sampling problem in molecular vibronic transitions, at any temperature, can be simulated by Gaussian Boson Sampling associated with a product of vacuum modes. We refer such a generalized Gaussian Boson Sampling motivated by the molecular sampling problem as Vibronic Boson Sampling.
Effect of Frozen Embryo Transfer and Progestin-primed Ovary Stimulation on IVF outcomes in women with high body mass index
Authors: Wang Li , Yin Mingru , Liu Yali , Chen Qiuju , Wang Yun , Ai Ai , Fu Yonglun , Yan Zhiguang , Jin Wei , Long Hui , Lyu Qifeng , Kuang Yanping
Published: August 2017

Among women undergoing IVF, high BMI negatively affects pregnancy outcomes when using the conventional ovary stimulating protocols combined with fresh embryo transfer. Therefore, finding a proper treatment for these high BMI women is more important and urgent when obesity is prevalent. In our study, we reported a retrospective study of 4457 women who were divided into normal BMI group (18.5 kg/m2–24.9 kg/m2) and high BMI group (≥25 kg/m2) undergoing 4611 IVF treatment cycles with frozen embryo transfer (FET). We found the high BMI group originally had the poor oocytes performance, but after FET they got the similar pregnancy outcomes as the normal BMI group. Then under FET we analyzed the IVF outcomes of our new progestin-primed ovary stimulation (PPOS) protocol, indicating that the hMG + MPA (4 or 10 mg/d) groups had the obvious better pregnancy results than the conventional short group in the high BMI group, and binary logistic regression analysis showed the hMG + MPA (10 mg/d) group was associated with better pregnancy outcomes than the hMG + MPA (4 mg/d) group. These results indicate PPOS - hMG + MPA (10 mg/d) combined with FET might be a new potential treatment choice for the high BMI women undergoing IVF treatments.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Inhibition of airway inflammation in a cockroach allergen model of asthma by agonists of miRNA-33b
Authors: Niu Ruichao , Xiao Xuping , Liu Bin , Li Yunqiu , zhong Yu , Ma Lijuan
Published: August 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play powerful roles in immune function by regulating target genes that mediate cell behavior. It is well known that mast cells have essential effector and immune regulatory functions in IgE-associated allergic disorders and in innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the role of miRNAs in mediating mast cell functions and the relevant mechanisms require further exploration. The roles of miR-33b in airway inflammation and mast cell functions are still unknown. To examine the role of miR-33b in mouse mast cells in cockroach allergen-induced asthma, we developed a lentiviral system for miRNA-33b overexpression to examine whether miRNA-33b mediates airway inflammation by regulating mast cell function and to evaluate the underlying mechanism. The results showed that miR-33b inhibited cockroach allergen-induced asthma in vivo: in particular, it inhibited TH2 cytokine production. In addition, we found that in cells in which miRNA-33b had been transfected, mast cell degranulation was inhibited through suppression of the calcium release and IgE/FcεRI pathway. Our study provides new insight into the roles of miR-33b in asthma and mast cell biology and identifies novel mechanisms that may contribute to mast cell-related pathological conditions in airway inflammation.
Helical and skyrmion lattice phases in three-dimensional chiral magnets: Effect of anisotropic interactions
Authors: Chen J. , Cai W. P. , Qin M. H. , Dong S. , Lu X. B. , Gao X. S. , Liu J.-M.
Published: August 2017

In this work, we study the magnetic orders of a classical spin model with anisotropic exchanges and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions in order to understand the uniaxial stress effect in chiral magnets such as MnSi. Variational zero temperature calculations demonstrate that various helical orders can be developed depending on the interaction anisotropy magnitude, consistent with experimental observations at low temperatures. Furthermore, the uniaxial stress induced creation and annihilation of skyrmions can be also qualitatively reproduced in our Monte Carlo simulations. Our work suggests that the interaction anisotropy tuned by applied uniaxial stress may play an essential role in modulating the magnetic orders in strained chiral magnets.
Broadband All-angle Negative Refraction by Optimized Phononic Crystals
Authors: Li Yang Fan , Meng Fei , Zhou Shiwei , Lu Ming-Hui , Huang Xiaodong
Published: August 2017

All-angle negative refraction (AANR) of phononic crystals and its frequency range are dependent on mechanical properties of constituent materials and their spatial distribution. So far, it is impossible to achieve the maximum operation frequency range of AANR theoretically. In this paper, we will present a numerical approach for designing a two-dimensional phononic crystal with broadband AANR without negative index. Through analyzing the mechanism of AANR, a topology optimization problem aiming at broadband AANR is established and solved by bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method. The optimal steel/air phononic crystal exhibits a record AANR range over 20% and its refractive properties and focusing effects are further investigated. The results demonstrate the multifunctionality of a flat phononic slab including superlensing effect near upper AANR frequencies and self-collimation at lower AANR frequencies.