bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aeolian saltation on Mars at low wind speeds
Authors: Sullivan R. , Kok J. F.
Published: July 2017

Laboratory experiments indicate that the fluid threshold friction speed, u*tf, required to initiate fully developed aeolian saltation is much higher on Mars than on Earth. A discrepancy exists between Mars climate models that do not predict winds this strong and observations that sand‐sized particles are indeed moving. This paper describes how wind friction speeds well below u*tf, but above the impact threshold, u*ti, required to sustain saltation, can initiate sustained saltation on Mars, but at relatively low flux. Numerical experiments indicate that a sand grain on Mars mobilized sporadically between u*ti and u*tf will develop, over fetch lengths longer than generally available within low‐pressure wind tunnels, trajectories capable of splashing grains that propagate saltation and collectively form a cluster of saltating grains that migrate downwind together. The passage of a saltation cluster should leave behind a narrow zone of affected surface grains. The cumulative effect of many clusters represents a low‐flux phenomenon that should produce slow changes to aeolian bedforms over periods in which winds remain close to u*ti and never or rarely reach u*tf. Field evidence from small impact ripples along rover traverses is consistent with effects of saltation at these low friction speeds, without obvious evidence for events ≥u*tf. The potential utility of this grain mobility process is that it can operate entirely at more common winds well below u*tf and so help explain widespread sand movements observed on Mars wherever evidence might be mostly absent for u*tf being exceeded.
Exploring the role of trees in the evolution of meander bends: The Tagliamento River, Italy
Authors: Zen Simone , Gurnell Angela M. , Zolezzi Guido , Surian Nicola
Published: July 2017

To date, the role of riparian trees in the formation of scroll bars, ridges, and swales during the evolution of meandering channels has been inferred largely from field observations with support from air photographs. In situ field observations are usually limited to relatively short periods of time, whereas the evolution of these morphological features may take decades. By combining field observations of inner bank morphology and overlying riparian woodland structure with a detailed historical analysis of airborne LiDAR data, panchromatic, and color images, we reconstruct the spatial and temporal evolution of the morphology and vegetation across four meander bends of the Tagliamento River, Italy. Specifically we reveal (i) the appearance of deposited trees and elongated vegetated patches on the inner bank of meander bends following flood events; (ii) temporal progression from deposited trees, through small to larger elongated vegetated patches (pioneer islands), to their coalescence into long, linear vegetated features that eventually become absorbed into the continuous vegetation cover of the riparian forest; and (iii) a spatial correspondence between the resulting scrolls and ridge and swale topography, and tree cover development and persistence. We provide a conceptual model of the mechanisms by which vegetation can contribute to the formation of sequence of ridges and swales on the convex bank of meander bends. We discuss how these insights into the biomorphological processes that control meander bends advance can inform modeling activities that aim to describe the lateral and vertical accretion of the floodplain during the evolution of vegetated river meanders.
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus lytFM encoding an NlpC/P60 endopeptidase is also present in mite‐associated bacteria that express LytFM variants
Authors: Tang Vivian H. , Stewart Geoffrey A. , Chang Barbara J.
Published: July 2017

The bodies and faecal pellets of the house dust mite (HDM), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, are the source of many allergenic and nonallergenic proteins. One of these, the 14‐kDa bacteriolytic enzyme LytFM, originally isolated from the spent HDM growth medium, may contribute to bacteriolytic activity previously detected by zymography at 14 kDa in the culture supernatants of some bacterial species isolated from surface‐sterilised HDM. Based on previously reported findings of lateral gene transfer between microbes and their eukaryotic hosts, we investigated the presence of lytFM in the genomes of nine Gram‐positive bacteria from surface‐sterilised HDM, and the expression by these isolates of LytFM and its variants LytFM1/LytFM2. The lytFM gene was detected by PCR in the genomes of three of the isolates: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1, B. licheniformis strain 2 and Staphylococcus aureus. Expression of the variant LytFM1 was detected in culture supernatants of these bacteria by mass spectrometry (MS) and ELISA, and the bacterial LytFM proteins were shown by zymography to be able to hydrolyse peptidoglycan. Our previous reports of LytFM homologues in other mite species and their phylogenetic analysis had suggested that they originated from a common mite ancestor. The phylogenetic analysis reported herein and the detection of other D. pteronyssinus proteins by MS in the culture supernatants of the three isolates that secreted LytFM1 further support the hypothesis of lateral gene transfer to the bacterial endosymbionts from their HDM host. The complete sequence homology observed between the genes amplified from the microbes and those in their eukaryotic host indicated that the lateral gene transfer was an event that occurred recently.
Mass Transfer Performance of Porous Nickel Manufactured by Lost Carbonate Sintering Process
Authors: Zhu Pengcheng , Zhao Yuyuan
Published: July 2017

Open cell porous metals are excellent electrode materials due to their unique electrochemical properties. However, very little research has been conducted to date on the mass transport of porous metals manufactured by the space holder methods, which have distinctive porous structures. This paper measures the mass transfer coefficient of porous nickel manufactured by the Lost Carbonate Sintering process. For porous nickel samples with a porosity of 0.55–0.75 and a pore size of 250–1500 μm measured at an electrolyte flow velocity of 1–12 cm s−1, the mass transfer coefficient is in the range of 0.0007–0.014 cm s−1, which is up to seven times higher than that of a solid nickel plate electrode. The mass transfer coefficient increases with pore size but decreases with porosity. The porous nickel has Sherwood numbers considerably higher than the other nickel electrodes reported in the literature, due to its high real surface area and its tortuous porous structure, which promotes turbulent flow.
Nature Inspired Strategy to Enhance Mechanical Properties via Liquid Reinforcement
Authors: Owuor Peter Samora , Hiremath Shashishekarayya , Chipara Alin C. , Vajtai Robert , Lou Jun , Mahapatra D. Roy , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: July 2017

Solid–solid interface mechanism understanding of composite inclusions, when extended to solid–liquid interface design of composite using Eshelby theory, indicates a possibility of decreasing effective stiffness with increasing liquid inclusion in a solid matrix. In contrast, experimental evidence in the current paper suggests high stiffness and enhanced dynamic energy absorption in a soft polymer (polydimethylsiloxane) with high bulk modulus liquid inclusions (gallium). The basic deformation mechanism is governed by hydrostatic stress causing shape change of the liquid inclusion in large deformation regime and strain hardening of a soft polymer matrix. In addition, dynamic viscoelasticity and fluid motion also play a significant role. These understandings are developed here based on analytical modeling and a detailed finite element with smooth particle hydrodynamic simulations. The large deformation with viscoelasticity of gallium composite shows higher energy absorption and dissipation. Similar strategies of liquid reinforcement to compliant solid matrices are abundant in nature, for example, the intervertebral discs in the spinal cord and deep sea animal skin and lungs.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Intermolecular Cross Rauhut–Currier Reaction of β‐Perfluoroalkyl‐Substituted Enones and Vinyl Ketones
Authors: Tao Mengna , Zhou Wei , Zhang Junliang
Published: July 2017

The highly enantioselective N‐acylaminophosphine‐catalyzed challenging asymmetric intermolecular cross Rauhut–Currier reaction of vinyl ketones with β‐perfluoroalkyl enones is described, which provides a facile access to chiral multifunctional compounds bearing a perfluoroalkyl‐substituted stereocenter in good yields and ees.

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Youth doing dangerous tasks: Supervision matters
Authors: Zierold Kristina M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Supervisors are partially responsible for ensuring that teens are safe at work. The purpose of this study was to explore whether supervision is related to teens’ willingness to do a dangerous task at work.

Methods

A mixed‐methods study consisting of focus groups and a cross‐sectional survey was conducted with teens from two public high schools.

Results

If asked by a supervisor, 21% of working teens would do a dangerous task. After controlling for gender and age, teens whose supervisor did not establish weekly goals (AOR = 3.54, 95%CI = 1.55‐8.08), teens who perceived their supervisors as not approachable (AOR = 2.35, 95%CI = 1.34‐4.13), and teens who were not comfortable talking about safety issues (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.08‐3.61) were more likely to do a dangerous task if asked by their supervisors.

Conclusion

This study indicates that how teens perceive their supervisor may be associated with whether teens do a dangerous task when asked by their supervisor.
Self‐Healable Organogel Nanocomposite with Angle‐Independent Structural Colors
Authors: Zhou Jinming , Han Peng , Liu Meijin , Zhou Haiyan , Zhang Yingxue , Jiang Jieke , Liu Peng , Wei Yu , Song Yanlin , Yao Xi
Published: July 2017

Structural colors have profound implications in the fields of pigments, displays and sensors, but none of the current non‐iridescent photonic materials can restore their functions after mechanical damage. Herein, we report the first self‐healable organogel nanocomposites with angle‐independent structural colors. The organogel nanocomposites were prepared through the co‐assembly of oleophilic silica nanoparticles, silicone‐based supramolecular gels, and carbon black. The organogel system enables amorphous aggregation of silica nanoparticles and the angle‐independent structural colors in the nanocomposites. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding in the supramolecular gel provides self‐healing ability to the system, and the structural colored films obtained could heal themselves in tens of seconds to restore storage modulus, structural color, and surface slipperiness from mechanical cuts or shear failure repeatedly.
Effect of the Amount of Sludge on Physicochemical Properties and Chemical Structure of Low‐rank Coal under Hydrothermal Conditions
Authors: Liu Meng , Cardoso Aderlanio , Zhao Liang , Duan Yufeng
Published: July 2017

Sewage sludge mixed with Yunnan low‐rank coal was treated by hydrothermal treatment (HT) at mild temperature and high‐pressure conditions. The fuel characteristics and chemical structure of HT solid products were investigated to explore the synergistic effects between low‐rank coal and sludge. The results indicated that the fuel properties of HT solid products were negatively influenced as the amount of sludge increased, but there were synergistic positive effects on the content of volatile matter, fixed carbon, oxygen, and calorific value when the amount of sludge was more than 30 wt% in the HT at 300 °C. More hydrogen groups in sludge were involved in the hydrogen transfer reactions between the low‐rank coal and sludge, which promoted the occurrence of synergistic effects during the HT process. CO2 and H2 were the main gas products, but the yield of both gases produced by the HT of sewage sludge was significantly higher than that of low‐rank coal. The aromaticity of HT solid products reduced from 60.65% to 51.83%, and the aliphaticity increased from 39.35% to 48.17% when the amount of sludge increased from 10 to 70 wt%. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic evaluation of antibiotic therapy versus appendicectomy for the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis from the APPAC randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sippola S , Grönroos J , Tuominen R , Paajanen H , Rautio T , Nordström P , Aarnio M , Rantanen T , Hurme S , Salminen P
Published: July 2017

Background

An increasing amount of evidence supports antibiotic therapy for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The objective of this study was to compare the costs of antibiotics alone versus appendicectomy in treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis within the randomized controlled APPAC (APPendicitis ACuta) trial.

Methods

The APPAC multicentre, non-inferiority RCT was conducted on patients with CT-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Patients were assigned randomly to appendicectomy or antibiotic treatment. All costs were recorded, whether generated by the initial visit and subsequent treatment or possible recurrent appendicitis during the 1-year follow-up. The cost estimates were based on cost levels for the year 2012.

Results

Some 273 patients were assigned to the appendicectomy group and 257 to antibiotic treatment. Most patients randomized to antibiotic treatment did not require appendicectomy during the 1-year follow-up. In the operative group, overall societal costs (€5989·2, 95 per cent c.i. 5787·3 to 6191·1) were 1·6 times higher (€2244·8, 1940·5 to 2549·1) than those in the antibiotic group (€3744·4, 3514·6 to 3974·2). In both groups, productivity losses represented a slightly higher proportion of overall societal costs than all treatment costs together, with diagnostics and medicines having a minor role. Those in the operative group were prescribed significantly more sick leave than those in the antibiotic group (mean(s.d.) 17·0(8·3) (95 per cent c.i. 16·0 to 18·0) versus 9·2(6·9) (8·3 to 10·0) days respectively; P < 0·001). When the age and sex of the patient as well as the hospital were controlled for simultaneously, the operative treatment generated significantly more costs in all models.

Conclusion

Patients receiving antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis incurred lower costs than those who had surgery.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase germline mutations and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Donati Benedetta , Pietrelli Alessandro , Pingitore Piero , Dongiovanni Paola , Caddeo Andrea , Walker Lucy , Baselli Guido , Pelusi Serena , Rosso Chiara , Vanni Ester , Daly Ann , Mancina Rosellina Margherita , Grieco Antonio , Miele Luca , Grimaudo Stefania , Craxi Antonio , Petta Salvatore , De Luca Laura , Maier Silvia , Soardo Giorgio , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Colli Fabio , Romagnoli Renato , Anstee Quentin M. , Reeves Helen L. , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Fargion Silvia , Romeo Stefano , Valenti Luca
Published: July 2017

In an increasing proportion of cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) are associated with familial liver diseases. The aim of this study was to examine telomere length and germline hTERT mutations as associated with NAFLD‐HCC. In 40 patients with NAFLD‐HCC, 45 with NAFLD‐cirrhosis and 64 healthy controls, peripheral blood telomere length was evaluated by qRT‐PCR and hTERT coding regions and intron–exon boundaries sequenced. We further analyzed 78 patients affected by primary liver cancer (NAFLD‐PLC, 76 with HCC). Enrichment of rare coding mutations (allelic frequency <0.001) was evaluated by Burden test. Functional consequences were estimated in silico and by over‐expressing protein variants in HEK‐293 cells. We found that telomere length was reduced in individuals with NAFLD‐HCC versus those with cirrhosis (P = 0.048) and healthy controls (P = 0.0006), independently of age and sex. We detected an enrichment of hTERT mutations in NAFLD‐HCC, that was confirmed when we further considered a larger cohort of NAFLD‐PLC, and was more marked in female patients (P = 0.03). No mutations were found in cirrhosis and local controls, and only one in 503 healthy Europeans from the 1000 Genomes Project (allelic frequency = 0.025 vs. <0.001; P = 0.0005). Mutations with predicted functional impact, including the frameshift Glu113Argfs*79 and missense Glu668Asp, cosegregated with liver disease in two families. Three patients carried missense mutations (Ala67Val in homozygosity, Pro193Leu and His296Pro in heterozygosity) in the N‐terminal template‐binding domain (P = 0.037 for specific enrichment). Besides Glu668Asp, the Ala67Val variant resulted in reduced intracellular protein levels. In conclusion, we detected an association between shorter telomeres in peripheral blood and rare germline hTERT mutations and NAFLD‐HCC.
Factors associated with progression in the London pathway project
Authors: Jolliffe Darrick , Cattell Jack , Raza Annabelle , Minoudis Philip
Published: July 2017

Background

The London Pathways Partnership (LPP) Community Service is an approach to mainstreaming the identification of offenders with severe personality disorder to address their needs and reduce their risk.

Aims

To evaluate the result of the full‐scale implementation of the LPP and evaluate factors associated with an offender's progression on the pathway.

Method

The data collected as part of the LPP project and Offender Assessment System data were used to evaluate who was screened into the pathway and their progression on the pathway.

Results

Over 3,400 offenders were screened into the pathway in the first 48 months of implementation but fewer were recorded as having progressed. It was not possible to determine whether this attrition reflected appropriate pathway action, inefficient service provision or weak recording procedures. Certain types of offenders were represented at progressive stages of the pathway. Those who had violent or sexual offences, had received custodial sentences, had more personality disorder indicators and were of higher risk were more likely to be found at progressive stages of the pathway. When probation areas began implementing the service was also found to be related to pathway movement. Also, those of Non‐White ethnicity were no less likely than those of White ethnicity to be recommended or referred for services but were significantly less likely to start services.

Conclusions

The LPP attempts to balance breadth (covering all offenders being convicted in London) with depth (developing a feasible pathway for all offenders identified with severe personality disorder) and has done so with some success.

Implications

Future research should examine the continued rollout of the LPP service, and importantly the relationship between salient individual, risk and personality features, pathway inputs and measures of later reoffending. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected papilledema in a young male with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Paniagua Juan A. , Bahamondes Rodrigo , Cano‐Sánchez Antonio , Velasco Francisco
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

In young patients with T1D, neurological manifestations of cerebral hypertension should suggest the possibility of a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). In these patients an inherited prothrombotic risk factor, including factor V Leiden G1691A gene mutation, should be considered during an event of thrombosis. Improving the glycemic control is the first factor that should be controlled in a patient who carries a genetic prothrombotic risk factor. Anticoagulant treatment should be started as son as CVST has been diagnosed. Long‐term antithrombotic treatment with tinzaparin 175 IU/kg/day, a low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH), could be reliable and well tolerated, although an indefinite special follow‐up, including neurological controls, is advisable even in asymptomatic patients.
Skin nodule reveals lung cancer in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Doberstein Taylor , Swick Brian L. , Singh Namrata
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

A 69‐year‐old male with granulomatosis with polyangiitis presented with new skin nodules. Skin biopsy showed metastatic poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinoma. The skin nodule was the initial presentation of his lung cancer. There is need for increased vigilance for cancer risk in ANCA‐associated vasculitis patients.
Active Platinum Nanoparticles as a Bifunctional Promoter for Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Lin Zejing , Li Xia , Huang Wenlong , Zhu Xi , Wang Yun , Shan Zhongqiang
Published: July 2017

As a widely used electrocatalyst in fuel cells, metallic platinum has achieved great success in terms of kinetic promotion. Still plagued by a familiar problem, owing to the sluggish kinetics of irreversible Li2S2/Li2S species deposition, lithium−sulfur batteries with high theoretical energy are far from being realized. Inspired by the similarity between oxygen and sulfur, being in the same group, commercially available Pt/C was investigated here to explore the possible effect on the sulfur cathode. The electrochemical tests show that the electrode with 2 wt% Pt added delivers a 61 % enhancement in the discharging specific capacity compared to the control electrode after 200 cycles at 0.5 C, along with an average coulombic efficiency of 98.3 %. It is proven that these beneficial results can be attributed to the favorable capability of polysulfide immobilization and effective inhibition of self‐discharging behavior. The ex situ XPS analysis and the increased exchange current density further reveal that the involved platinum nanoparticles could not only function as a static chemical absorber for polysulfide species, but, more importantly, to promote the redox kinetic effectively as an electrochemical catalyst. The positive effect of utilizing commercial Pt/C materials directly on sulfur cathodes is of great significance in developing sulfur cathodes for Li/S batteries.
Synthesis of Trisubstituted Isoxazoles from Nitroenamines and Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Lei Chao , Gao Zhenhong , Shao Xusheng , Xu Xiaoyong , Li Zhong
Published: July 2017

A novel approach for the synthesis of trisubstituted isoxazoles from nitroenamines and aromatic aldehydes is developed. L‐Proline/potassium carbonate system was employed to promote this process. The reaction underwent nucleophilic attack of nitroenamines to aromatic aldehydes, intramolecular denitration, tautomerization and elimination of H2O to furnish the target compounds.
Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles through Elemental Sulfur Promoted Cyclization of Hydrazides with Isocyanides
Authors: Bao Wenhu , Chen Chuang , Yi Niannian , Jiang Jun , Zeng Zebing , Deng Wei , Peng Zhihong , Xiang Jiannan
Published: July 2017

A novel sulfur‐promoted cyclization of hydrazides and isonitriles to produce 1,3,4‐oxadiazole has been developed. The method is operationally simple and compatible with a wide scope of substrates and various 2‐amino‐ 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles are efficiently obtained in good yields.
Clinical, scintigraphic, and angiographic predictors of oxygen pulse abnormality in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Authors: De Lorenzo Andrea , da Silva Carlito Lessa , Souza Fernando Cesar Castro , Serra Salvador , Marino Pablo , SL Lima Ronaldo
Published: July 2017

Background

The oxygen (O2) pulse curve obtained at cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides information on cardiorespiratory fitness and the presence of cardiovascular disease. O2 pulse abnormalities have been attributed to myocardial ischemia, among other conditions, but the predictors of abnormal O2 pulse curves are not completely known.

Hypothesis

Perfusion abnormalities detected by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) may be associated with abnormal O2 pulse curves.

Methods

Forty patients with normal left ventricular function underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with radiotracer injection at peak exercise, followed by MPS. The O2 pulse curves were classified as (A) normal; (B) probably normal (normal slope with lower peak value); (C) probably abnormal (flat, with low peak value); or (D) definitely abnormal (descending slope), and analyzed as A/B vs C/D. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as >50% stenosis. MPS perfusion scores were calculated (summed rest score [SRS], indicating myocardial fibrosis; summed difference score, indicating ischemia).

Results

Comparing patients with A/B vs C/D curves, the latter were more frequently female and had higher SRS. The prevalence of ischemic MPS, of any CAD, or multivessel CAD was not significantly different among patients with A/B or C/D curve patterns. On logistic regression, female sex, body mass index, and the SRS were significantly associated with C/D curves.

Conclusions

Female sex, increasing body mass index, and myocardial fibrosis were significant predictors of abnormal O2 pulse curves. Myocardial ischemia and the presence and extent of CAD were not associated with the abnormal patterns of the O2 pulse curve.
The influence of the noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) resection diagnosis on the false‐positive thyroid cytology rate relates to quality assurance thresholds and the application of NIFTP criteria
Authors: Ohori N. Paul , Wolfe Jenna , Carty Sally E. , Yip Linwah , LeBeau Shane O. , Berg Aaron N. , Schoedel Karen E. , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Seethala Raja R.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) is a newly defined entity and recent studies have suggested a decrease of a few percentage points in the rate of malignancy (ROM) for the positive‐for‐malignancy (PFM) cytology category as a result of NIFTP implementation. However, the distinction between a diagnosis of PFM and one of suspicious for malignancy (SFM) may depend on a variety of factors. In the current study, the authors investigated the ROM for the PFM and SFM diagnoses before and after histologic NIFTP reclassification.

METHODS

Cytology cases with PFM and SFM diagnoses and subsequent surgical resection specimens were searched in the files of the study institution from September 2008 to September 2016. The surgical pathology cases of noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma were reexamined to determine whether they qualified for NIFTP. The distinct ROMs for the PFM and SFM cases were calculated accordingly.

RESULTS

The authors' search identified 338 cases of PFM and 139 cases of SFM with a resection outcome. Before NIFTP reclassification, the PFM cases had a ROM of 99.4%; after NIFTP reclassification, the ROM was 99.1% (P = .6861). The ROM of the SFM cases decreased from 75.5% to 66.9% with NIFTP reclassification (P = .1402). One case in the PFM group and 6 cases in the SFM group could not be verified due to insufficient sampling.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current large series, NIFTP reclassification did not appear to significantly alter the high ROM for the PFM diagnosis. The authors attribute this finding to a strict quality assurance policy, an emphasis on key cytologic criteria, and systematic application of the NIFTP criteria to follicular‐patterned lesions. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:692‐700. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Production and Potential Applications of Elemental Two‐Dimensional Materials beyond Graphene
Authors: Tsai Hsu‐Sheng , Liang Jenq‐Horng
Published: July 2017

Following the rapid and extensive development of graphene, other elemental two‐dimensional (2D) materials have been regularly announced and it has been predicted that they possess significant potential for a variety of (opto)electronic devices. So far, the research reports on these 2D materials focus primarily on the growth or synthesis, but there are a few of reports concerning their use in device fabrication. In addition, most of the developed growth or synthesis methods still need to be improved for real applications. This review will include a comprehensive discussion and comparison of these methods, as well as the potential applications of these 2D materials.
Mitochondrial Ribosome (Mitoribosome) Profiling for Monitoring Mitochondrial Translation In Vivo
Authors: Couvillion Mary T. , Churchman L. Stirling
Published: July 2017

Translation in the mitochondria is regulated by mechanisms distinct from those acting in the cytosol and in bacteria, yet precise methods for investigating it have lagged behind. This unit describes an approach, mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) profiling, to quantitatively monitor mitochondrial translation with high temporal and spatial resolution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mitoribosomes are immunoprecipitated from whole‐cell lysate and the protected mRNA fragments are isolated. These fragments are then converted to sequencing libraries or analyzed by northern blot hybridization to reveal the distribution of mitoribosomes across the mitochondrial transcriptome. As information about RNA abundance is required to resolve translational from RNA effects, we also present an RNA sequencing approach that can be performed in parallel. Accurately capturing the biologically relevant distribution of mitoribosome positions depends on several critical parameters that are discussed. Application of mitoribosome profiling can reveal mechanisms of mitochondrial translational control that were not previously possible to uncover. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CRISPR/Cas9‐Directed Gene Editing for the Generation of Loss‐of‐Function Mutants in High‐Throughput Zebrafish F0 Screens
Authors: Shankaran Sunita S. , Dahlem Timothy J. , Bisgrove Brent W. , Yost H. Joseph , Tristani‐Firouzi Martin
Published: July 2017

The ability to perform reverse genetics in the zebrafish model organism has been greatly advanced with the advent of the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR‐associated) system. The high level of efficiency in generating mutations when using the CRISPR/Cas9 system combined with the rapid generation time of the zebrafish model organism has made the possibility of performing F0 screens in this organism a reality. This unit describes a detailed protocol for performing an F0 screen using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in zebrafish starting with the design and production of custom CRISPR/Cas9 reagents for injection. Next, two approaches for determining the efficiency of mutation induction by the custom CRISPR/Cas9 reagents that are easily performed using standard molecular biology protocols are detailed. Finally, screening for F0 induced phenotypes using the zebrafish flh gene as an example is discussed. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Semi‐automated scoring of triple‐probe FISH in human sperm using confocal microscopy
Authors: Branch Francesca , Nguyen GiaLinh , Porter Nicholas , Young Heather A. , Martenies Sheena E. , McCray Nathan , Deloid Glen , Popratiloff Anastas , Perry Melissa J.
Published: July 2017

Structural and numerical sperm chromosomal aberrations result from abnormal meiosis and are directly linked to infertility. Any live births that arise from aneuploid conceptuses can result in syndromes such as Kleinfelter, Turners, XYY and Edwards. Multi‐probe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is commonly used to study sperm aneuploidy, however manual FISH scoring in sperm samples is labor‐intensive and introduces errors. Automated scoring methods are continuously evolving. One challenging aspect for optimizing automated sperm FISH scoring has been the overlap in excitation and emission of the fluorescent probes used to enumerate the chromosomes of interest. Our objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of combining confocal microscopy and spectral imaging with high‐throughput methods for accurately measuring sperm aneuploidy. Our approach used confocal microscopy to analyze numerical chromosomal abnormalities in human sperm using enhanced slide preparation and rigorous semi‐automated scoring methods. FISH for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 was conducted to determine sex chromosome disomy in sperm nuclei. Application of online spectral linear unmixing was used for effective separation of four fluorochromes while decreasing data acquisition time. Semi‐automated image processing, segmentation, classification, and scoring were performed on 10 slides using custom image processing and analysis software and results were compared with manual methods. No significant differences in disomy frequencies were seen between the semi automated and manual methods. Samples treated with pepsin were observed to have reduced background autofluorescence and more uniform distribution of cells. These results demonstrate that semi‐automated methods using spectral imaging on a confocal platform are a feasible approach for analyzing numerical chromosomal aberrations in sperm, and are comparable to manual methods. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Characterization of companion animal pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Paterson Y.Z. , Kafarnik C. , Guest D.J.
Published: July 2017

Pluripotent stem cells have the capacity to grow indefinitely in culture and differentiate into derivatives of the three germ layers. These properties underpin their potential to be used in regenerative medicine. Originally derived from early embryos, pluripotent stem cells can now be derived by reprogramming an adult cell back to a pluripotent state. Companion animals such as horses, dogs, and cats suffer from many injuries and diseases for which regenerative medicine may offer new treatments. As many of the injuries and diseases are similar to conditions in humans the use of companion animals for the experimental and clinical testing of stem cell and regenerative medicine products would provide relevant animal models for the translation of therapies to the human field. In order to fully utilize companion animal pluripotent stem cells robust, standardized methods of characterization must be developed to ensure that safe and effective treatments can be delivered. In this review we discuss the methods that are available for characterizing pluripotent stem cells and the techniques that have been applied in cells from companion animals. We describe characteristics which have been described consistently across reports as well as highlighting discrepant results. Significant steps have been made to define the in vitro culture requirements and drive lineage specific differentiation of pluripotent stem cells in companion animal species. However, additional basic research to compare pluripotent stem cell types and define characteristics of pluripotency in companion animal species is still required. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Switching from monoculture to polyculture farming benefits birds in oil palm production landscapes: Evidence from mist netting data
Authors: Yahya Muhammad S. , Syafiq Muhamad , Ashton‐Butt Adham , Ghazali Amal , Asmah Siti , Azhar Badrul
Published: July 2017

Monoculture farming is pervasive in industrial oil palm agriculture, including those RSPO plantations certified as sustainably managed. This farming practice does not promote the maintenance of farmland biodiversity. However, little scientific attention has been given to polyculture farming in oil palm production landscapes. Polyculture farming is likely to increase the floristic diversity and stand structural complexity that underpins biodiversity. Mist nets were used to sample birds at 120 smallholdings in Peninsular Malaysia. At each site, 12 vegetation structure characteristics were measured. We compared bird species richness, abundance, and composition between monoculture and polyculture smallholdings and used predictive models to examine the effects of habitat quality on avian biodiversity. Bird species richness was significantly greater in polyculture than that of monoculture smallholdings. The number of fallen and standing, dead oil palms were also important positive predictors of species richness. Bird abundance was also strongly increased by standing and dead oil palms and decreased with oil palm stand height. Our results indicate that polyculture farming can improve bird species richness in oil palm production landscapes. In addition, key habitat variables that are closely associated with farming practices, such as the removal of dead trees, should and can be managed by oil palm growers in order to promote biodiversity. To increase the sustainability of oil palm agriculture, it is imperative that stakeholders modify the way oil palms are currently planted and managed. Our findings can guide policy makers and certification bodies to promote oil palm production landscapes that will function more sustainably and increase existing biodiversity of oil palm landscapes.
Logical Genetic Programming (LGP) Development for Irrigation Water Supply Hedging Under Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Ashofteh Parisa‐Sadat , Bozorg‐Haddad Omid , Loáiciga Hugo A.
Published: July 2017

Traditional genetic programming (TGP) is herein enhanced by the addition of logical operators to form logical genetic programming (LGP). The LGP approach is applied to calculate hedging reservoir‐operation rules for the Aidoghmoush single‐purpose reservoir (north‐eastern Iran) to supply irrigation water during a 14‐year baseline operation period (1987–2000) and a climatically changed condition (2026–2039). The objective function of the hedging rule is to minimize the long‐term shortage ratio (LSR). Our results show that the LGP‐obtained hedging rule compares favourably with that obtained with the TGP approach, so that the former approach's objective function is 25 and 6% better than the latter's approach with the baseline and climate change conditions, respectively. The results obtained concerning the reliability, vulnerability and resiliency of water supply indicate that the LGP hedging operating rule decreases the water supply reliability by 34%, increases the vulnerability by 58%, and decreases the resiliency by 29% during climate change conditions compared with baseline conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Vaginally and Intravenously Administered Oxytocin in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Nielsen Elisabet I. , Al‐Saqi Shahla H. , Jonasson Aino F. , Uvnäs‐Moberg Kerstin
Published: July 2017

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide hormone used clinically for more than 50 years due to its ability to induce uterine contractions and milk ejection. Vagitocin is a vaginal oxytocin gel developed as a potential treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to characterize the oxytocin pharmacokinetics following vaginal and intravenous administration in postmenopausal women. Data from 33 participants enrolled in 2 clinical studies were used in the analysis, with a total of 651 observed oxytocin plasma concentrations, of which 78 were baseline observations, 178 observations following intravenous administration (10 IU), and 395 observations following vaginal administration (100 or 400 IU). The population pharmacokinetics of oxytocin was described using a 2‐compartment disposition model with a flexible parallel absorption model accounting for double‐peak profiles following vaginal administration. The clearance, volume of distribution at steady state, distribution half‐life, and terminal half‐life were estimated to be 27 L/h, 15 L, 5.5 minutes, and 1.2 hours, respectively. The bioavailability following vaginal administration was estimated to be 2.5% for the typical patient, but with considerable variability both between individuals (interindividual variability of 374%) and between occasions (interoccasion variability of 79%). The data and the developed model add new and important information as to the clinical pharmacokinetics of oxytocin.
Moving In and Moving Up? Labor Conditions and China's Changing Development Model
Authors: Yang Yujeong , Gallagher Mary
Published: July 2017

For the last decade, a large contingent of manufacturing firms in developmental zones on China's coast has moved to inland provinces. What are the implications of this move inland for Chinese workers? Research on labor conditions in the current period of economic globalization and mobile capital debates the existence of a “race to the bottom” in labor standards through the pressures of international capital mobility. These theories predict that as inland China develops and attracts a larger amount of foreign and domestic capital, inland governments will compete by offering cheap labor and lower or unenforced standards. Our argument in this paper is contrarian in that we propose the possibility of a positive relationship between the movement inland and labor conditions. We argue that the movement of manufacturing to inland China is not primarily about cheaper workers, but instead signals the beginning of a fundamental shift in the development model through the employment of a localized workforce. Having more workers from within the province, local governments in inland provinces will be more inclined to develop inclusive social policies and improve labor conditions. Local governments in coastal provinces that inherit fundamentally different demographic structures are less likely to pursue this governance style. We use audit data from Apple corporation suppliers (2007–2013), supplementary survey data, and in‐depth interviews to discuss the relationship between localized production and better labor conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas: are their differences attributable to distinct cells of origin?
Authors: Cochrane Dawn R , Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Lawrence Katherine M , Nazeran Tayyebeh , Karnezis Anthony N , Salamanca Clara , Cheng Angela S , McAlpine Jessica N , Hoang Lien N , Gilks C Blake , Huntsman David G
Published: July 2017

Endometrial epithelium is the presumed tissue of origin for both eutopic and endometriosis‐derived clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas. We had previously hypothesized that the morphological, biological and clinical differences between these carcinomas are due to histotype‐specific mutations. Although some mutations and genomic landscape features are more likely to be found in one of these histotypes, we were not able to identify a single class of mutations that was exclusively present in one histotype and not the other. This lack of genomic differences led us to an alternative hypothesis that these cancers could arise from distinct cells of origin within endometrial tissue, and that it is the cellular context that accounts for their differences. In a proteomic screen, we identified cystathionine γ‐lyase (CTH) as a marker for clear cell carcinoma, as it is expressed at high levels in clear cell carcinomas of the ovary and endometrium. In the current study, we analysed normal Müllerian tissues, and found that CTH is expressed in ciliated cells of endometrium (both eutopic endometrium and endometriosis) and fallopian tubes. We then demonstrated that other ciliated cell markers are expressed in clear cell carcinomas, whereas endometrial secretory cell markers are expressed in endometrioid carcinomas. The same differential staining of secretory and ciliated cells was demonstrable in a three‐dimensional organoid culture system, in which stem cells were stimulated to differentiate into an admixture of secretory and ciliated cells. These data suggest that endometrioid carcinomas are derived from cells of the secretory cell lineage, whereas clear cell carcinomas are derived from, or have similarities to, cells of the ciliated cell lineage. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐pronged proteomic analysis to study the glioma pathobiology using cerebrospinal fluid samples
Authors: Gahoi Nikita , Malhotra Darpan , Moiyadi Aliasgar , Varma Santosh G , Gandhi Mayuri N , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Gliomas are one of the most aggressive and lethal brain tumors arising from neoplastic transformation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. A comprehensive quantitative analysis of proteome level differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) across different grades of gliomas for a better understanding of glioma pathobiology is carried out.

Experimental design

Glioma patients are diagnosed by radiology and histochemistry‐based analyses. Differential proteomic analysis of high (n = 12) and low (n = 8) grade gliomas, and control (n = 3) samples is performed by using two complementary quantitative proteomic approaches; 2D‐DIGE and iTRAQ. Further, comparative analysis of three IDH wild‐type and five IDH mutants is performed to identify the proteome level differences between these two sub‐classes.

Results

Level of several proteins including haptoglobin, transthyretin, osteopontin, vitronectin, complement factor H and different classes of immunoglobulins are found to be considerably increased in CSF of higher grades of gliomas. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis indicated that many of the dysregulated CSF proteins are associated with metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins, complement and coagulation cascades and extracellular matrix remodeling in gliomas. Intriguingly, CSF of glioma patients with IDH mutations exhibite increased levels of multiple proteins involved in response to oxidative stress.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

To the best of our knowledge, this is the foremost proteome level investigation describing comprehensive proteome profiles of different grades of gliomas using proximal fluid (CSF); and thereby providing insights into disease pathobiology, which aided in identification of grade and sub‐type specific alterations. Moreover, if validated in larger clinical cohorts, a panel of differentially abundant CSF proteins may serve as potential disease monitoring and prognostic markers for gliomas.
Effect of social interactions on hippocampal protein expression in animal dominant and submissive model of behavioral disorders
Authors: Borovok Natalia , Nesher Elimelech , Reichenstein Michal , Tikhonova Tatiana , Levin Yishai , Pinhasov Albert , Michaelevski Izhak
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Psychiatric conditions, in many cases, arise from social interactions necessary for optimal mental functioning. Dominance and submissiveness are two opposite poles of behavior, stemming from processes of social interactions between members inside one group or species. Extreme dominance and submissiveness expressions in humans is accompanied by mental impairments, including mania and depression. Here, taking advantage of animals bred selectively for traits of dominance and submissiveness, we assess protein expression profiles in dominant and submissive mice in the context of social interaction.

Experimental design

Proteins extracted from hippocampi of naïve and social interaction subjected dominant, submissive and wild type mice (15 mice per each group) are quantified using label‐free quantitative LC/MS/MS analysis. Complexity of social interaction‐related protein expression is resolved by factor analysis and enriched with GO and protein‐protein interaction functional network analyses.

Results

In total, 1146 proteins exhibiting expression changes in the wild type mice, as well as dominant and submissive mice are enriched in protein datasets responsible for: 1) socially triggered dominance (90 proteins), 2) inherent submissiveness (75 proteins), 3) socially triggered submissiveness (117 proteins), and 4) social interaction triggered protein expression changes, related to resilience/adaptation to stress (69 proteins). Among the most enriched categories, extensive changes are found in proteins related to presynaptic release, ion channel regulation, circadian rhythm, MAPK, ErbB and NF‐kB pathways.

Conclusion

Data extracted from this first extensive proteomic study of a social interaction paradigm may facilitate decoding of molecular mechanisms responsible for pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.