bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing identified and statistically significant lipids and polar metabolites in 15‐year old serum and dried blood spot samples for longitudinal studies
Authors: Kyle Jennifer E. , Casey Cameron P. , Stratton Kelly G. , Zink Erika M. , Kim Young‐Mo , Zheng Xueyun , Monroe Matthew E. , Weitz Karl K. , Bloodsworth Kent J. , Orton Daniel J. , Ibrahim Yehia M. , Moore Ronald J. , Lee Christine G. , Pedersen Catherine , Orwoll Eric , Smith Richard D. , Burnum‐Johnson Kristin E. , Baker Erin S.
Published: December 2016

Rationale

The use of dried blood spots (DBS) has many advantages over traditional plasma and serum samples such as the smaller blood volume required, storage at room temperature, and ability to sample in remote locations. However, understanding the robustness of different analytes in DBS samples is essential, especially in older samples collected for longitudinal studies.

Methods

Here we analyzed the stability of polar metabolites and lipids in DBS samples collected in 2000‐2001 and stored at room temperature. The identified and statistically significant molecules were then compared to matched serum samples stored at –80°C to determine if the DBS samples could be effectively used in a longitudinal study following metabolic disease.

Results

A total of 400 polar metabolites and lipids were identified in the serum and DBS samples using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography (LC)/MS, and LC/ion mobility spectrometry‐MS (LC/IMS‐MS). The identified polar metabolites overlapped well between the sample types, though only one statistically significant metabolite was conserved in a case‐control study of older diabetic males with low amounts of high‐density lipoproteins and high body mass indices, triacylglycerides and glucose levels when compared to non‐diabetic patients with normal levels, indicating that degradation in the DBS samples affects polar metabolite quantitation. Differences in the lipid identifications indicated that some oxidation occurs in the DBS samples. However, 36 statistically significant lipids correlated in both sample types.

Conclusions

The difference in the number of statistically significant polar metabolites and lipids indicated that the lipids did not degrade to as great of a degree as the polar metabolites in the DBS samples and lipid quantitation was still possible. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drug‐Loaded Mesoporous Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Synergetic Chemoradiotherapy with Reduced Systemic Toxicity
Authors: Chen Yuyan , Song Guosheng , Dong Ziliang , Yi Xuan , Chao Yu , Liang Chao , Yang Kai , Cheng Liang , Liu Zhuang
Published: December 2016

Combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) has been widely applied in many clinical practices, showing promises in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Nontoxic nanocarriers that not only are able to deliver chemotherapeutics into tumors, but could also act as radiosensitizers to enhance radiotherapy would thus be of great interest in the development of chemoradiotherapies. To achieve this aim, herein mesoporous tantalum oxide (mTa2O5) nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification are fabricated. Those mTa2O5‐PEG nanoparticles could serve as a drug delivery vehicle to allow efficient loading of chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin (DOX), whose release appears to be pH responsive. Meanwhile, owing to the interaction of Ta with X‐ray, mTa2O5‐PEG nanoparticles could offer an intrinsic radiosensitization effect to increase X‐ray‐induced DNA damages during radiotherapy. As a result, DOX‐loaded mTa2O5‐PEG (mTa2O5‐PEG/DOX) nanoparticles can offer a strong synergistic therapeutic effect during the combined chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, in chemoradiotherapy, such mTa2O5‐PEG/DOX shows remarkably reduced side effects compared to free DOX, which at the same dose appears to be lethal to animals. This work thus presents a new type of mesoporous nanocarrier particularly useful for the delivery of safe and effective chemoradiotherapy.
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in BRCA1/2‐Mutation Carriers Around Childbearing Age
Authors: van Erkelens A. , Derks L. , Sie A. S. , Egbers L. , Woldringh G. , Prins J. B. , Manders P. , Hoogerbrugge N.
Published: December 2016

BRCA1/2‐mutation carriers are at high risk of breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer. Physical inactivity, overweight (body mass index ≥25, BMI), smoking, and alcohol consumption are jointly responsible for about 1 in 4 postmenopausal BC cases in the general population. Limited evidence suggests physical activity also increases BC risk in BRCA1/2‐mutation carriers. Women who have children often reduce physical activity and have weight gain, which increases BC risk. We assessed aforementioned lifestyle factors in a cohort of 268 BRCA1/2‐mutation carriers around childbearing age (born between 1968 and 1983, median age 33 years, range 21–44). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of having children on physical inactivity and overweight. Carriers were asked about lifestyle 4–6 weeks after genetic diagnosis at the Familial Cancer Clinic Nijmegen. Physical inactivity was defined as sports activity fewer than once a week. Carriers were categorized according to the age of their youngest child (no children, age 0–3 years and ≥4 years). In total, 48% of carriers were physically inactive, 41% were overweight, 27% smoked, and 70% consumed alcohol (3% ≥8 beverages/week). Physical inactivity was 4–5 times more likely in carriers with children. Overweight was not associated with having children. Carriers with children are a subgroup that may specifically benefit from lifestyle support to reduce BC risk.
Effects of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Clavijo Raul I. , Kohn Taylor P. , Kohn Jaden R. , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been proposed as an effective non-invasive treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To use systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of Li-ESWT by comparing change in erectile function as assessed by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) in men undergoing Li-ESWT vs sham therapy for the treatment of ED.

Methods

Systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials that were published in peer-reviewed journals or presented in abstract form of Li-ESWT used for the treatment of ED from January 2010 through March 2016. Randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they were published in the peer-reviewed literature and assessed erectile function outcomes using the IIEF-EF score. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in IIEF-EF score after treatment with Li-ESWT in patients treated with active treatment vs sham Li-ESWT probes.

Results

Data were extracted from seven trials involving 602 participants. The average age was 60.7 years and the average follow-up was 19.8 weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in pooled change in IIEF-EF score from baseline to follow-up in men undergoing Li-ESWT vs those undergoing sham therapy (6.40 points; 95% CI = 1.78–11.02; I2 = 98.7%; P < .0001 vs 1.65 points; 95% CI = 0.92–2.39; I2 = 64.6%; P < .0001; between-group difference, P = .047). Significant between-group differences were found for total treatment shocks received by patients (P < .0001).

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, treatment of ED with Li-ESWT resulted in a significant increase in IIEF-EF scores.
REVISITING TELL BEGUM: A PREHISTORIC SITE IN THE SHAHRIZOR PLAIN, IRAQI KURDISTAN
Authors: Nieuwenhuyse Olivier , Odaka Takahiro , Kaneda Akemi , Mühl Simone , Rasheed Kamal , Altaweel Mark
Published: December 2016

Tell Begum was previously explored by Iraqi archaeologists in the 1960s when excavations revealed a multi-period site. Among the key finds were Halaf period remains that are relatively rare in the region of the Shahrizor plain and included polychrome ceramics suggesting a local variation of the Halaf culture. Recent investigations and excavations in 2011 and 2013 revealed a 5 hectare site inhabited during the Halaf, Ubaid, Late Chalcolithic, and medieval periods. The Halaf site may have had an area of about 3 hectares, making it a relatively large settlement for that period, although its full extent is unclear. Offsite work revealed the area to have been well watered in the past, with likely neighbouring regions of woodland and abundant shrubs. The heavy sedimentation in the region has partially obscured archaeological remains, including possibly Tell Begum's lower mound. The site, nevertheless, shows continuity of settlement, indicating relative stability in settlement over long timespans.
Heat/mass transport in shear flow over a reactive surface with inert defects
Authors: Shah Preyas N. , Lin Tiras Y. , Shaqfeh Eric S. G.
Published: December 2016

We study the problem of mass transport to surfaces with heterogeneous reaction rates in the presence of shear flow over these surfaces. The reactions are first order and the heterogeneity is due to the existence of inert regions on the surfaces. Such problems are ubiquitous in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemistry and even biological mass transport. In these problems, the microscale reaction rate is characterized by a Damköhler number $\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}$, while the Péclet number $P$ is the dimensionless ratio of the bulk shear rate to the inverse diffusion time scale. The area fraction of the reactive region is denoted by $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}$. The objective is to calculate the yield of reaction, which is directly related to the mass flux to the reactive region, denoted by the dimensionless Sherwood number $S$. Previously, we used boundary element simulations and examined the case of first-order reactive disks embedded in an inert surface (Shah & Shaqfeh J. Fluid Mech., vol. 782, 2015, pp. 260–299). Various correlations for the Sherwood number as a function of $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D705},P,\unicode[STIX]{x1D719})$ were obtained. In particular, we demonstrated that the ‘method of additive resistances’ provides a good approximation for the Sherwood number for a wide range of values of $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D705},P)$ for $0<\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}<0.78$. When $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}\approx 0.78$, the reactive disks are in a close packed configuration where the inert regions are essentially disconnected from each other. In this work, we develop an understanding of the physics when $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}>0.78$, by examining the inverse problem of inert disks on a reactive surface. We show that the method of resistances approach to obtain the Sherwood number fails in the limit as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}\rightarrow 1$, i.e. in the dilute limit of periodic inert disks, due to the existence of a surface concentration boundary layer around each disk that scales with ($1/\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}$). This boundary layer controls the screening length between inert disks and allows us to introduce a new theory, thus providing new correlations for the Sherwood number that are highly accurate in the limit of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}\rightarrow 1$.
Effects of inertia and turbulence on rheological measurements of neutrally buoyant suspensions
Authors: Linares-Guerrero Esperanza , Hunt Melany L. , Zenit Roberto
Published: December 2016

For low-Reynolds-number shear flows of neutrally buoyant suspensions, the shear stress is often modelled using an effective viscosity that depends only on the solid fraction. As the Reynolds number ($Re$) is increased and inertia becomes important, the effective viscosity also depends on the Reynolds number itself. The current experiments measure the torque for flows of neutrally buoyant particles in a coaxial-cylinder rheometer for solid fractions, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}$, from 10 % to 50 % and Reynolds numbers based on particle diameter from 2 to 1000. For experiments for Reynolds of $O(10)$ and solid fractions less than $30\,\%$, the effective viscosity increases with Reynolds number, in good agreement with recent numerical simulations found in the literature. At higher solid fractions over the same range of $Re$, the results show a decrease in torque with shear rate. For Reynolds numbers greater than 100 and lower solids concentrations, the effective viscosity continues to increase with Reynolds number. However, based on comparisons with pure fluid measurements the increase in the measured effective viscosity results from the transition to turbulence. The particles augment the turbulence by increasing the magnitude of the measured torques and causing the flow to transition at lower Reynolds numbers. For the highest solid fractions, the measurements show a significant increase in the magnitude of the torques, but the effective viscosity is independent of Reynolds number.
Turbulent boundary layer response to the introduction of stable stratification
Authors: Van Buren Tyler , Williams Owen , Smits Alexander J.
Published: December 2016

The response of an initially neutral rough-wall turbulent boundary layer to a change in wall temperature is investigated experimentally. The change causes a localized peak in stable stratification that diffuses and moves away from the wall with downstream distance. The streamwise and wall-normal components of turbulent velocity fluctuations are damped at similar rates, even though the stratification only directly impacts the wall-normal component. The Reynolds shear profiles reveal the growth of an internal layer that scales approximately with the bulk Brunt–Väisälä frequency.
Revisiting the History of Agribusiness
Authors: Hamilton Shane
Published: December 2016

Nearly sixty years have passed since the publication of A Concept of Agribusiness by John H. Davis and Ray A. Goldberg. The book, which circulated widely among agricultural policymakers, business leaders, and academic economists, cemented the neologism “agribusiness” in the English lexicon. By opening up a new discourse for understanding the political economy of agriculture, Davis and Goldberg introduced a potentially revolutionary strategy for exploring the workings of a food and fiber economy anchored by large corporations. After briefly exploring how the book was received (and often misunderstood) in its own time, this essay will consider whether recent historical work has effectively revived the crucial insights Davis and Goldberg offered more than half a century ago.
What's wrong with ‘expeditioner’?
Authors: Leane Elizabeth , Philpott Carolyn
Published: December 2016

Some – particularly Australasian – authors who have published in Polar Record may be familiar with the debate around the acceptability of the word ‘expeditioner’. The term is regularly used by Australians and New Zealanders, in both casual and official contexts. In The Antarctic Dictionary, Bernadette Hince (herself Australian) classifies the word as particularly (although not solely) Australian, notes its regular use by the Australian national programme, which publishes an Expeditioner Handbook, and defines it as ‘A member of an [A]ntarctic expedition, including a government expedition’ (Hince 2000: 118–119). However, ‘expeditioner’ appears in the Oxford English Dictionary only as a rare and obsolete term. The sole example cited in the OED Online is from 1758, in a non-polar context; the definition provided is ‘One engaged in an expedition’. Neither The Australian Oxford Dictionary (2nd edition, 2004) nor The New Zealand Oxford Dictionary (2005) includes ‘expeditioner’, although the term is included in the Australian Macquarie Dictionary (5th edition, 2009) and the US-based Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1993). There is clearly significant national variation in the term's acceptability and its use in an academic publication can draw negative attention (Stone 2003: 172 – not coincidentally, a British review of a book by an Australian author). This note argues that ‘expeditioner’ should not be dismissed as an idiolectic ungrammatical term unsuitable for use in British publications. We make a case for the use of ‘expeditioner’ on three grounds: conceptual appropriateness, precedence and convenience of expression.
Biases in research: risk factors for non-replicability in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy research
Authors: Leichsenring F. , Abbass A. , Hilsenroth M. J. , Leweke F. , Luyten P. , Keefe J. R. , Midgley N. , Rabung S. , Salzer S. , Steinert C.
Published: December 2016

Replicability of findings is an essential prerequisite of research. For both basic and clinical research, however, low replicability of findings has recently been reported. Replicability may be affected by research biases not sufficiently controlled for by the existing research standards. Several biases such as researcher allegiance or selective reporting are well-known for affecting results. For psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy research, specific additional biases may affect outcome (e.g. therapist allegiance, therapist effects or impairments in treatment implementation). For meta-analyses further specific biases are relevant. In psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy research these biases have not yet been systematically discussed in the context of replicability. Using a list of 13 biases as a starting point, we discuss each bias's impact on replicability. We illustrate each bias by selective findings of recent research, showing that (1) several biases are not yet sufficiently controlled for by the presently applied research standards, (2) these biases have a pernicious effect on replicability of findings. For the sake of research credibility, it is critical to avoid these biases in future research. To control for biases and to improve replicability, we propose to systematically implement several measures in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy research, such as adversarial collaboration (inviting academic rivals to collaborate), reviewing study design prior to knowing the results, triple-blind data analysis (including subjects, investigators and data managers/statisticians), data analysis by other research teams (crowdsourcing), and, last not least, updating reporting standards such as CONSORT or the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR).
A Socratic History: Theology in Xenophon's Rewriting of Herodotus’ Croesus Logos
Authors: Ellis Anthony
Published: December 2016

This article examines Xenophon's rewriting of Herodotus’ Croesus logos (Hdt. 1.6–91) in the Cyropaedia (Cyr. 7.2), focusing on the very different role of the divine in the two narratives. Through a comparison with Xenophon's Memorabilia and several Platonic dialogues, I argue that Xenophon's retelling attempts to bring Herodotus’ Croesus logos in line with his own ‘Socratic’ theology and his pedagogical goals, and in doing so performatively rejects Herodotus’ vision of the role of the gods in historical causation. The Cyropaedia is, I argue, the first extant text in the Greek historiographical tradition which attempts to present divine justice and philanthropy as the central forces in the historical process, and the first in a long series of critical engagements with Herodotus’ theology.
Diagoras, Bellerophon and the Siege of Olympus
Authors: Whitmarsh Tim
Published: December 2016

A consensus has formed over the last 30 years that Diagoras was not really an atheist and that the famous Apopurgizontes Logoi were falsely attributed to him at a later stage. This note argues that the evidence is consistent with the view that Diagoras was indeed an atheist and did indeed compose the Apopurgizontes. Further hints in other sources allow us to reconstruct, albeit speculatively, aspects of Diagoras’ thought and self-presentation.
Workplace Abuse and Harassment: The Vulnerability of Informal and Migrant Domestic Workers in Portugal
Authors: Figueiredo Maria da Conceição , Suleman Fátima , Botelho Maria do Carmo
Published: December 2016

Policy makers and researchers are alarmed by the pervasive substandard working conditions and mistreatment in domestic work worldwide. Using an original dataset from a sample of domestic workers in Portugal (n = 684), our study explores types of abuse and harassment and tries to unveil the potential factors affecting the likelihood of having been a victim. Empirical evidence pointed to three segments of domestic workers: victims of labour abuses related to contract and wages, victims of multiple abuses including mistreatment and also psychological and sexual harassment, and a segment with no occurrence of abuse. Informal workers are more often victims of labour abuses, while migrants, especially Brazilian women, are more likely to report all types of abuse and harassment. On the other hand, carers of the elderly often suffered multiple abuses. The results suggest that despite the prevalence of labour abuses in Portugal, the most severe abuses are uncommon.
Development and Feasibility of a Virtual Reality Task for the Cognitive Assessment of Older Adults: The ECO-VR
Authors: Oliveira Camila R. , Lopes Filho Brandel José P. , Sugarman Michael A. , Esteves Cristiane S. , Lima Margarida Maria B. M. P. , Moret-Tatay Carmen , Irigaray Tatiana Q. , Argimon Irani Iracema L.
Published: December 2016

Cognitive assessment with virtual reality (VR) may have superior ecological validity for older adults compared to traditional pencil-and-paper cognitive assessment. However, few studies have reported the development of VR tasks. The aim of this study was to present the development, feasibility, content validity, and preliminary evidence of construct validity of an ecological task of cognitive assessment for older adults in VR (ECO-VR). The tasks were prepared based on theoretical and clinical backgrounds. We had 29 non-expert judges identify virtual visual stimuli and three-dimensional scenarios, and five expert judges assisted with content analysis and developing instructions. Finally, six older persons participated in three pilot studies and thirty older persons participated in the preliminary study to identify construct validity evidence. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and partial correlation. Target stimuli and three-dimensional scenarios were judged adequate and the content analysis demonstrated that ECO-VR evaluates temporo-spatial orientation, memory, language and executive functioning. We made significant changes to the instructions after the pilot studies to increase comprehensibility and reduce the completion time. The total score of ECO-VR was positively correlated mainly with performance in executive function (r = .172, p < .05) and memory tests (r = .488, p ≤ .01). The ECO-VR demonstrated feasibility for cognitive assessment in older adults, as well as content and construct validity evidences.
Prävention von Essstörungen: Ein Überblick
Authors: Bauer Stephanie , Kindermann Sally Sophie , Moessner Markus
Published: December 2016

Zusammenfassung. Essstörungen sind schwer behandelbare, oft chronisch verlaufende psychische Erkrankungen, die mit einer extremen Belastung auf der psychischen, körperlichen, interpersonellen und sozialen Ebene einhergehen und mit erheblichen direkten und indirekten Kosten assoziiert sind. Prävention und frühe Intervention besitzen deshalb eine hohe Relevanz. Auf der Basis einer qualitativen Literaturübersicht wurde in der vorliegenden Arbeit die aktuelle Evidenzlage zur Wirksamkeit von deutsch- und englischsprachigen Programmen zur universellen und selektiven Prävention von Essstörungen zusammengefasst. Als wesentliche Aufgaben zukünftiger Forschung werden, über die weitere Wirksamkeitsprüfung hinaus, Themen der Implementierung, Dissemination und Reichweite sowie die Analyse des Verhältnisses zwischen Kosten, Nutzen und Risiken präventiver Angebote diskutiert.
In vitro protease cleavage and computer simulations reveal the HIV-1 capsid maturation pathway
Authors: Ning Jiying , Erdemci-Tandogan Gonca , Yufenyuy Ernest L. , Wagner Jef , Himes Benjamin A. , Zhao Gongpu , Aiken Christopher , Zandi Roya , Zhang Peijun
Published: December 2016

HIV-1 virions assemble as immature particles containing Gag polyproteins that are processed by the viral protease into individual components, resulting in the formation of mature infectious particles. There are two competing models for the process of forming the mature HIV-1 core: the disassembly and de novo reassembly model and the non-diffusional displacive model. To study the maturation pathway, we simulate HIV-1 maturation in vitro by digesting immature particles and assembled virus-like particles with recombinant HIV-1 protease and monitor the process with biochemical assays and cryoEM structural analysis in parallel. Processing of Gag in vitro is accurate and efficient and results in both soluble capsid protein and conical or tubular capsid assemblies, seemingly converted from immature Gag particles. Computer simulations further reveal probable assembly pathways of HIV-1 capsid formation. Combining the experimental data and computer simulations, our results suggest a sequential combination of both displacive and disassembly/reassembly processes for HIV-1 maturation.
Radiative cooling to deep sub-freezing temperatures through a 24-h day–night cycle
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zhu Linxiao , Raman Aaswath , Fan Shanhui
Published: December 2016

Radiative cooling technology utilizes the atmospheric transparency window (8–13 μm) to passively dissipate heat from Earth into outer space (3 K). This technology has attracted broad interests from both fundamental sciences and real world applications, ranging from passive building cooling, renewable energy harvesting and passive refrigeration in arid regions. However, the temperature reduction experimentally demonstrated, thus far, has been relatively modest. Here we theoretically show that ultra-large temperature reduction for as much as 60 °C from ambient is achievable by using a selective thermal emitter and by eliminating parasitic thermal load, and experimentally demonstrate a temperature reduction that far exceeds previous works. In a populous area at sea level, we have achieved an average temperature reduction of 37 °C from the ambient air temperature through a 24-h day–night cycle, with a maximal reduction of 42 °C that occurs when the experimental set-up enclosing the emitter is exposed to peak solar irradiance.
Imaging high-speed friction at the nanometer scale
Authors: Thorén Per-Anders , de Wijn Astrid S. , Borgani Riccardo , Forchheimer Daniel , Haviland David B.
Published: December 2016

Friction is a complicated phenomenon involving nonlinear dynamics at different length and time scales. Understanding its microscopic origin requires methods for measuring force on nanometer-scale asperities sliding at velocities reaching centimetres per second. Despite enormous advances in experimental technique, this combination of small length scale and high velocity remain elusive. We present a technique for rapidly measuring the frictional forces on a single asperity over a velocity range from zero to several centimetres per second. At each image pixel we obtain the velocity dependence of both conservative and dissipative forces, revealing the transition from stick-slip to smooth sliding friction. We explain measurements on graphite using a modified Prandtl–Tomlinson model, including the damped elastic deformation of the asperity. With its improved force sensitivity and small sliding amplitude, our method enables rapid and detailed surface mapping of the velocity dependence of frictional forces with less than 10 nm spatial resolution.
A metal-free electrocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction to multi-carbon hydrocarbons and oxygenates
Authors: Wu Jingjie , Ma Sichao , Sun Jing , Gold Jake I. , Tiwary ChandraSekhar , Kim Byoungsu , Zhu Lingyang , Chopra Nitin , Odeh Ihab N. , Vajtai Robert , Yu Aaron Z. , Luo Raymond , Lou Jun , Ding Guqiao , Kenis Paul J. A. , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: December 2016

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide into higher-energy liquid fuels and chemicals is a promising but challenging renewable energy conversion technology. Among the electrocatalysts screened so far for carbon dioxide reduction, which includes metals, alloys, organometallics, layered materials and carbon nanostructures, only copper exhibits selectivity towards formation of hydrocarbons and multi-carbon oxygenates at fairly high efficiencies, whereas most others favour production of carbon monoxide or formate. Here we report that nanometre-size N-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) catalyse the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into multi-carbon hydrocarbons and oxygenates at high Faradaic efficiencies, high current densities and low overpotentials. The NGQDs show a high total Faradaic efficiency of carbon dioxide reduction of up to 90%, with selectivity for ethylene and ethanol conversions reaching 45%. The C2 and C3 product distribution and production rate for NGQD-catalysed carbon dioxide reduction is comparable to those obtained with copper nanoparticle-based electrocatalysts.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Light-assisted Polymerization by Multimechanism Action
Authors: Zhou Hua , Song Dandan , Zhong Cheng , Ye Guodong
Published: December 2016

A novel bicomponent alkyd system was designed to decrease the usage of Cobalt-based drier due to its latent carcinogensis. The system was polymerized using a Cobalt-salt complex as an air-sensitive drier and an isopropylthioxanthone photoinitiator as a light-sensitive accelerator, as well as using irradiation in the form of visible light. The combined influence of the two additives on autoxidation was analyzed using real-time infrared spectroscopy. The results show that isopropylthioxanthone can increase the efficiency of hydrogen abstraction at the beginning of the curing reaction. A linear free energy relationship was used to theoretically predict the hydrogen abstraction ability of photoinitiators. Nanosecond laser flash photolysis was used to obtain the quenching rate constants between alkyd monomers and isopropylthioxanthone according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The thermodynamic data of transition state theory, such as the activation energy, were calculated by using quantum chemistry program. The reaction rate constant and the Wigner tunneling factor were predicted from the result of quantum chemistry. The vertical excitation energy obtained from the time-dependent density functional theory was used to explain the anomalous behavior of the photoinitiators. These theoretical results fit well with the experimental result of linear free energy relationship. On the basis of these observed results, an accelerated mechanism of the photoassisted autoxidation of alkyd resins was proposed.
SGA as a Risk Factor for Cerebral Palsy in Moderate to Late Preterm Infants: a System Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Mengwen , Dai Hongmei , Deng Yuanying , Zhao Lingling
Published: December 2016

Small for gestational age (SGA) is an established risk factor for cerebral palsy (CP) in term infants. However, there is conflicting data on the association between SGA and CP in moderate to late preterm infants. The aim of the article was to explore the relationship between SGA and CP in the moderate to late preterm infants and its strength by meta-analysis. We performed a system search in OVID (EMBASE and MEDLINE) and WANFANG from inception to May 2016. The study-specific risk estimates were pooled using the random-effect model. A total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, consisting of three cohort and four case-control studies. A statistically significant association was found between SGA and CP in moderate to late premature infants (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.43–3.82). The association were higher in the several subgroups: 34–36 week gestational age (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.29–9.31), SGA < 2SDs (OR: 3.48; 95% CI: 1.86–6.49), and malformation included in CP (OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.71–5.26). In moderate to late premature infants, SGA is a convenient and reliable predictor for CP. More studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms between SGA and CP association.
Detection of Fungus Infection on Petals of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Using NIR Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Zhao Yan-Ru , Yu Ke-Qiang , Li Xiaoli , He Yong
Published: December 2016

Infected petals are often regarded as the source for the spread of fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in all growing process of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) plants. This research aimed to detect fungal infection of rapeseed petals by applying hyperspectral imaging in the spectral region of 874–1734 nm coupled with chemometrics. Reflectance was extracted from regions of interest (ROIs) in the hyperspectral image of each sample. Firstly, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to conduct a cluster analysis with the first several principal components (PCs). Then, two methods including X-loadings of PCA and random frog (RF) algorithm were used and compared for optimizing wavebands selection. Least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM) methodology was employed to establish discriminative models based on the optimal and full wavebands. Finally, area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was utilized to evaluate classification performance of these LS-SVM models. It was found that LS-SVM based on the combination of all optimal wavebands had the best performance with AUC of 0.929. These results were promising and demonstrated the potential of applying hyperspectral imaging in fungus infection detection on rapeseed petals.
The key role of meteorites in the formation of relevant prebiotic molecules in a formamide/water environment
Authors: Rotelli Luca , Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M. , Moyano-Cambero Carles E. , Carota Eleonora , Botta Lorenzo , Di Mauro Ernesto , Saladino Raffaele
Published: December 2016

We show that carbonaceous chondrite meteorites actively and selectively catalyze the formation of relevant prebiotic molecules from formamide in aqueous media. Specific catalytic behaviours are observed, depending on the origin and composition of the chondrites and on the type of water present in the system (activity: thermal > seawater > pure). We report the one-pot synthesis of all the natural nucleobases, of aminoacids and of eight carboxylic acids (forming, from pyruvic acid to citric acid, a continuous series encompassing a large part of the extant Krebs cycle). These data shape a general prebiotic scenario consisting of carbonaceous meteorites acting as catalysts and of a volcanic-like environment providing heat, thermal waters and formamide. This scenario also applies to the other solar system locations that experienced rich delivery of carbonaceous materials, and whose physical-chemical conditions could have allowed chemical evolution.
The biogeography of soil archaeal communities on the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shi Yu , Adams Jonathan M. , Ni Yingying , Yang Teng , Jing Xin , Chen Litong , He Jin-Sheng , Chu Haiyan
Published: December 2016

The biogeographical distribution of soil bacterial communities has been widely investigated. However, there has been little study of the biogeography of soil archaeal communities on a regional scale. Here, using high-throughput sequencing, we characterized the archaeal communities of 94 soil samples across the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Thaumarchaeota was the predominant archael phylum in all the soils, and Halobacteria was dominant only in dry soils. Archaeal community composition was significantly correlated with soil moisture content and C:N ratio, and archaeal phylotype richness was negatively correlated with soil moisture content (r = −0.47, P < 0.01). Spatial distance, a potential measure of the legacy effect of evolutionary and dispersal factors, was less important than measured environmental factors in determining the broad scale archaeal community pattern. These results indicate that soil moisture and C:N ratio are the key factors structuring soil archaeal communities on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Our findings suggest that archaeal communities have adjusted their distributions rapidly enough to reach range equilibrium in relation to past environmental changes e.g. in water availability and soil nutrient status. This responsiveness may allow better prediction of future responses of soil archaea to environmental change in these sensitive ecosystems.
Designing perfect linear polarization converters using perfect electric and magnetic conducting surfaces
Authors: Zhou Gaochao , Tao Xudong , Shen Ze , Zhu Guanghao , Jin Biaobing , Kang Lin , Xu Weiwei , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: December 2016

We propose a kind of general framework for the design of a perfect linear polarization converter that works in the transmission mode. Using an intuitive picture that is based on the method of bi-directional polarization mode decomposition, it is shown that when the device under consideration simultaneously possesses two complementary symmetry planes, with one being equivalent to a perfect electric conducting surface and the other being equivalent to a perfect magnetic conducting surface, linear polarization conversion can occur with an efficiency of 100% in the absence of absorptive losses. The proposed framework is validated by two design examples that operate near 10 GHz, where the numerical, experimental and analytic results are in good agreements.
System-specific periodicity in quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data questions threshold-based quantitation
Authors: Spiess Andrej-Nikolai , Rödiger Stefan , Burdukiewicz Michał , Volksdorf Thomas , Tellinghuisen Joel
Published: December 2016

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data are found to display periodic patterns in the fluorescence intensity as a function of sample number for fixed cycle number. This behavior is seen for technical replicate datasets recorded on several different commercial instruments; it occurs in the baseline region and typically increases with increasing cycle number in the growth and plateau regions. Autocorrelation analysis reveals periodicities of 12 for 96-well systems and 24 for a 384-well system, indicating a correlation with block architecture. Passive dye experiments show that the effect may be from optical detector bias. Importantly, the signal periodicity manifests as periodicity in quantification cycle (Cq) values when these are estimated by the widely applied fixed threshold approach, but not when scale-insensitive markers like first- and second-derivative maxima are used. Accordingly, any scale variability in the growth curves will lead to bias in constant-threshold-based Cqs, making it mandatory that workers should either use scale-insensitive Cqs or normalize their growth curves to constant amplitude before applying the constant threshold method.
Non-canonical integration events in Pichia pastoris encountered during standard transformation analysed with genome sequencing
Authors: Schwarzhans Jan-Philipp , Wibberg Daniel , Winkler Anika , Luttermann Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Friehs Karl
Published: December 2016

The non-conventional yeast Pichia pastoris is a popular host for recombinant protein production in scientific research and industry. Typically, the expression cassette is integrated into the genome via homologous recombination. Due to unknown integration events, a large clonal variability is often encountered consisting of clones with different productivities as well as aberrant morphological or growth characteristics. In this study, we analysed several clones with abnormal colony morphology and discovered unpredicted integration events via whole genome sequencing. These include (i) the relocation of the locus targeted for replacement to another chromosome (ii) co-integration of DNA from the E. coli plasmid host and (iii) the disruption of untargeted genes affecting colony morphology. Most of these events have not been reported so far in literature and present challenges for genetic engineering approaches in this yeast. Especially, the presence and independent activity of E. coli DNA elements in P. pastoris is of concern. In our study, we provide a deeper insight into these events and their potential origins. Steps preventing or reducing the risk for these phenomena are proposed and will help scientists working on genetic engineering of P. pastoris or similar non-conventional yeast to better understand and control clonal variability.
Analysis of complete genomes of the rubella virus genotypes 1E and 2B which circulated in China, 2000–2013
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Chen Min-hsin , Abernathy Emily , Icenogle Joseph , Zhou Shujie , Wang Changyin , Zhao Chunfang , Wang Yan , Chen Haiyun , Si Yuan , Xu Wenbo
Published: December 2016

Rubella viruses of genotypes 1E and 2B are currently the most frequently detected wild-type viruses in the world. Genotype 1E viruses from China have been genetically distinct from genotype 1E viruses found elsewhere, while genotype 2B viruses found in China are not distinguishable from genotype 2B viruses from other areas. Genetic clusters of viruses of both genotypes were defined previously using sequences of the 739-nt genotyping window. Here we report phylogenic analysis using whole genomic sequences from seven genotype 1E and three genotype 2B viruses which were isolated in China between 2000 and 2013 and confirm the subgrouping of current circulating genotypes 1E and 2B viruses. In addition, the whole genomic characterization of Chinese rubella viruses was clarified. The results indicated that the Chinese rubella viruses were highly conserved at the genomic level, and no predicted amino acid variations were found at positions where functional domains of the proteins were identified. Therefore, it gives us the idea that the rubella control and elimination goal should be achieved if vaccine immunization coverage continues maintaining at the high level.
Correction: Corrigendum: Increased water salinity applied to tomato plants accelerates the development of the leaf miner Tuta absoluta through bottom-up effects
Authors: Han Peng , Wang Zhi-jian , Lavoir Anne-Violette , Michel Thomas , Seassau Aurélie , Zheng Wen-yan , Niu Chang-ying , Desneux Nicolas
Published: December 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 32403; published online: 13 September 2016; updated: 13 December 2016
Deficiency of AXL in Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Does Not Affect Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression
Authors: Subramanian Manikandan , Proto Jonathan D. , Matsushima Glenn K. , Tabas Ira
Published: December 2016

AXL, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) family of receptors, plays important roles in cell survival, clearance of dead cells (efferocytosis), and suppression of inflammation, which are processes that critically influence atherosclerosis progression. Whereas MerTK deficiency promotes defective efferocytosis, inflammation, and plaque necrosis in advanced murine atherosclerosis, the role of Axl in advanced atherosclerosis progression is not known. Towards this end, bone marrow cells from Axl−/− or wild-type mice were transplanted into lethally irradiated Ldlr−/− mice. These chimeric mice were then fed the Western-type diet (WD) for 17 weeks. We demonstrate that lesional macrophages in WT mice express Axl but that Axl deficiency in bone marrow-derived cells does not affect lesion size, cellularity, necrosis, or inflammatory parameters in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, apoptosis of lesional cells was unaffected, and we found no evidence of defective lesional efferocytosis. In contrast to previously reported findings with MerTK deficiency, hematopoietic cell-Axl deficiency in WD-fed Ldlr−/− mice does not affect the progression of advanced atherosclerosis or lesional processes associated with TAM receptor signaling. These findings suggest a heretofore unappreciated TAM receptor hierarchy in advanced atherosclerosis.
Cortical grey matter volume reduction in people with schizophrenia is associated with neuro-inflammation
Authors: Zhang Y , Catts V S , Sheedy D , McCrossin T , Kril J J , Shannon Weickert C
Published: December 2016

Cortical grey matter volume deficits and neuro-inflammation exist in patients with schizophrenia, although it is not clear whether elevated cytokines contribute to the cortical volume reduction. We quantified cortical and regional brain volumes in fixed postmortem brains from people with schizophrenia and matched controls using stereology. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and SERPINA3 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were quantified in the contralateral fresh frozen orbitofrontal cortex. We found a small, but significant reduction in cortical grey matter (1.3%; F(1,85)=4.478, P=0.037) and superior frontal gyrus (6.5%; F(1,80)=5.700, P=0.019) volumes in individuals with schizophrenia compared with controls. Significantly reduced cortical grey matter (9.2%; F(1,24)=8.272, P=0.008) and superior frontal gyrus (13.9%; F(1,20)=5.374, P=0.031) volumes were found in cases with schizophrenia and ‘high inflammation’ status relative to schizophrenia cases with ‘low inflammation’ status in the prefrontal cortex. The expression of inflammatory mRNAs in the orbitofrontal cortex was significantly correlated with those in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (all r>0.417, all P<0.022), except for IL-8. Moreover, average daily and lifetime antipsychotic intake negatively correlated with cortical grey matter and superior frontal gyrus volumes (all r<−0.362, all P<0.05). The results suggest that the reduction in cortical grey matter volume in people with schizophrenia is exaggerated in those who have high expression of inflammatory cytokines. Further, antipsychotic medication intake does not appear to ameliorate the reduction in brain volume.
Molecular genetic aetiology of general cognitive function is enriched in evolutionarily conserved regions
Authors: Hill W D , Davies G , Harris S E , Hagenaars S P ,   The neuroCHARGE Cognitive Working group, Davies Gail , Deary Ian J , Debette Stephanie , Verbaas Carla I , Bressler Jan , Schuur Maaike , Smith Albert V , Bis Joshua C , Bennett David A , Ikram M Arfan , Launer Lenore J , Fitzpatrick Annette L , Seshadri Sudha , van Duijn Cornelia M , Mosley Jr Thomas H , Liewald D C , Penke L , Gale C R , Deary I J
Published: December 2016

Differences in general cognitive function have been shown to be partly heritable and to show genetic correlations with several psychiatric and physical disease states. However, to date, few single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have demonstrated genome-wide significance, hampering efforts aimed at determining which genetic variants are most important for cognitive function and which regions drive the genetic associations between cognitive function and disease states. Here, we combine multiple large genome-wide association study (GWAS) data sets, from the CHARGE cognitive consortium (n=53 949) and UK Biobank (n=36 035), to partition the genome into 52 functional annotations and an additional 10 annotations describing tissue-specific histone marks. Using stratified linkage disequilibrium score regression we show that, in two measures of cognitive function, SNPs associated with cognitive function cluster in regions of the genome that are under evolutionary negative selective pressure. These conserved regions contained ~2.6% of the SNPs from each GWAS but accounted for ~40% of the SNP-based heritability. The results suggest that the search for causal variants associated with cognitive function, and those variants that exert a pleiotropic effect between cognitive function and health, will be facilitated by examining these enriched regions.