bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Ripple Effect of a Nationally Available Weight Management Program on Untreated Spouses
Authors: Gorin Amy A. , Lenz Erin M. , Cornelius Talea , Huedo‐Medina Tania , Wojtanowski Alexis C. , Foster Gary D.
Published: February 2018

Objective

For married couples, when one spouse participates in weight loss treatment, the untreated spouse can also experience weight loss. This study examined this ripple effect in a nationally available weight management program.

Methods

One hundred thirty dyads were randomized to Weight Watchers (WW; n = 65) or to a self‐guided control group (SG; n = 65) and assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 25 years, BMI 27 to 40 kg/m2 (≥ 25 kg/m2 for untreated spouses), and no weight loss contraindications. WW participants received 6 months of free access to in‐person meetings and online tools. SG participants received a weight loss handout. Spouses did not receive treatment.

Results

Untreated spouses lost weight at 3 months (WW = −1.5 ± 2.9 kg; SG = −1.1 ± 3.3 kg) and 6 months (WW = −2.2 ± 4.2 kg; SG = −1.9 ± 3.6 kg), but weight losses did not differ by condition. Overall, 32.0% of untreated spouses lost ≥ 3% of initial body weight by 6 months. Baseline weight was significantly correlated within couples (r = 0.26; P < 0.01) as were weight loss trajectories (r = 0.52; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Evidence of a ripple effect was found in untreated spouses in both formal and self‐guided weight management approaches. These data suggest that weight loss can spread within couples, and that widely available lifestyle programs have weight loss effects beyond the treated individual.
Influence of maleated polypropylene coupling agent on mechanical and thermal behavior of latania fiber‐reinforced PP/EPDM composites
Authors: Daghigh Vahid , Lacy Thomas E. , Pittman Charles U. , Daghigh Hamid
Published: February 2018

The influence of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) on the mechanical/thermal properties of short latania fiber‐reinforced poly(propylene)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer (SLF/PP/EPDM) composites was investigated. Two different MAPP weight percentages (0 and 2wt%) and five different fiber weight contents (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30wt%) were considered, where the density of MAPP at the fiber surfaces progressively decreased. For a given fiber loading, addition of 2wt% MAPP led to roughly a 3–9% increase in tensile/flexural moduli and strengths over SLF/PP/EPDM composites with no MAPP. Moreover, composites containing MAPP displayed a profound improvement (37–78%) in impact energy absorption. In addition, composite heat deflection temperatures notably increased by 3–4°C with MAPP addition. Microscopic imaging suggested that matrix crazing, fiber pull‐out, and fiber fractures were key failure mechanisms. Hence, SLF/PP/EPDM composites modified with 2%wt MAPP may serve as a low cost alternative to other natural fiber thermoplastic composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1751–E1759, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of overexpression of jasmonic acid biosynthesis genes on nicotine accumulation in tobacco
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Wang Bingwu , Geng Sisi , Arellano Consuelo , Chen Sixue , Qu Rongda
Published: February 2018

Nicotine is naturally synthesized in tobacco roots and accumulates in leaves as a defense compound against herbivory attack. Nicotine biosynthesis pathway has been extensively studied with major genes and enzymes being isolated and functionally characterized. However, the molecular regulation of nicotine synthesis has not been fully understood. The phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) mediates many aspects of plant defense responses including nicotine biosynthesis. In this study, five key genes (AtLOX2, AtAOS, AtAOC2, AtOPR3, AtJAR1) involved in JA biosynthesis from Arabidopsis were individually overexpressed, and a JA‐Ile hydrolysis‐related gene, NtJIH1, was suppressed by RNAi approach, to understand their effects on nicotine accumulation in tobacco. Interestingly, while transgene expression was high, levels of JA‐Ile (the biologically active form of JA) were often significantly reduced. Meanwhile, nicotine content in these transgenic plants did not increase. The research revealed a tightly controlled JA signaling pathway and a complicated regulatory network for nicotine biosynthesis by JA signaling.
Crystal structures of the extracellular domains of the CrRLK1L receptor‐like kinases ANXUR1 and ANXUR2
Authors: Du Shuo , Qu Li‐Jia , Xiao Junyu
Published: February 2018

Catharanthus roseus Receptor‐Like Kinase 1‐like (CrRLK1L) proteins contain two tandem malectin‐like modules in their extracellular domains (ECDs) and function in diverse signaling pathways in plants. Malectin is a carbohydrate‐binding protein in animals and recognizes a number of diglucosides; however, it remains unclear how the two malectin‐like domains in the CrRLK1L proteins sense the ligand molecule. In this study, we reveal the crystal structures of the ECDs of ANXUR1 and ANXUR2, two CrRLK1L members in Arabidopsis thaliana that have critical functions in controlling pollen tube rupture during the fertilization process. We show that the two malectin‐like domains in these proteins pack together to form a rigid architecture. Unlike animal malectin, these malectin‐like domains lack residues involved in binding to the diglucosides, suggesting that they have a distinct ligand‐binding mechanism. A cleft is observed between the two malectin‐like domains, which might function as a potential ligand‐binding pocket.
Prediction of the Pharmacokinetics of Pravastatin as an OATP Substrate Using Plateable Human Hepatocytes With Human Plasma Data and PBPK Modeling
Authors: Mao Jialin , Doshi Utkarsh , Wright Matthew , Hop Cornelis E. C. A. , Li Albert P. , Chen Yuan
Published: February 2018

Plateable human hepatocytes with human plasma were utilized to generate the uptake transporter kinetic data for pravastatin, an organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporter substrate. The active hepatic uptake of pravastatin was determined with a Jmax value of 134.4 pmol/min/million cells and Km of 76.77 µM in plateable human hepatocytes with human plasma. The physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model with incorporation of these in vitro kinetic data successfully simulated the i.v. pharmacokinetic profile of pravastatin without applying scaling factor (the mean predicted area under the curve (AUC) is within 1.5‐fold of the observed). Furthermore, the PBPK model also adequately described the oral plasma concentration‐time profiles of pravastatin at different dose levels. The current investigation demonstrates an approach allowing us to build upon the translation of in vitro OATP uptake transporter data to in vivo, with a hope of utilizing the in vitro data for the prospective human pharmacokinetic (PK) prediction.
Study on dual pre‐warning of transmission line icing based on improved residual MGM‐Markov theory
Authors: Wang Junhua , Liu Shiqi , Shao Jianwei , Long Mengjiao , Wang Jingjing , Tang Yake
Published: February 2018

In order to reduce the impact of transmission line icing on the operation safety of power grid, this paper proposes a dual pre‐warning scheme based on improved residual multivariable gray model and Markov process. First, on the basis of analyzing the multivariable gray model (MGM) and the Markov process, the improved residual MGM‐Markov theory is expounded in detail. Second, a dual pre‐warning scheme of transmission line icing is proposed based on the improved residual MGM‐Markov theory, which takes into account both the predicted ice thickness and a three‐level pre‐warning based on the parameters of instantaneous wind speed, instantaneous wind direction, temperature, humidity, and rainfall monitored by an online monitoring device. Eventually, the scheme is applied to predict transmission line icing in a province of China. The error is less than 5%, which proves its accuracy and applicability. The scheme can predict future ice thickness accurately and give better guidance to the design of anti‐icing systems for transmission lines. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) in Children and Adolescents with Pheochromocytomas and Retroperitoneal Paragangliomas: Experiences in 42 Patients
Authors: Walz Martin K. , Iova Laura D. , Deimel Judith , Neumann Hartmut P. H. , Bausch Birke , Zschiedrich Stefan , Groeben Harald , Alesina Pier F.
Published: February 2018

Background

Pheochromocytomas (PH) and paragangliomas (PGL) are rare tumours in children accounting for about 1% of the paediatric hypertension. While minimally invasive surgical techniques are well established in adult patients with PH, the experience in children is extremely limited. To the best of our knowledge, we herewith present the largest series of young patients operated on chromaffin tumours by minimally invasive access.

Materials

In the setting of a prospective study (1/2001–12/2016), 42 consecutive children and adolescents (33 m, 9 f) were operated on. Thirty‐seven patients (88%) suffered from inherited diseases. Twenty‐six patients had PH, 11 presented retroperitoneal PGL, and five patients suffered from both. Altogether, 70 tumours (mean size 2.7 cm) were removed (45 PH, 25 PGL). All operations were performed by a minimally invasive access (retroperitoneoscopic, laparoscopic, extraperitoneal). Partial adrenalectomy was the preferred procedure for PH (31 out of 39 patients). Twenty patients received α‐receptor blockade preoperatively.

Results

One patient died after induction of anaesthesia due to cardiac arrest. All other complications were minor. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in two cases with PGL. Median operating time for unilateral PH was 55 min, in bilateral cases 125, 143 min in PGs, and 180 min in combined cases. Median blood loss was 20 ml (range 0–1000). Blood transfusion was necessary in two cases. Intraoperative, systolic peak pressure was 170 ± 39 mmHg with α‐receptor blockade and 191 ± 33 mmHg without α‐receptor blockade (p = 0.41). The median post‐operative hospital stay was 3 days. After a mean follow‐up of 8.5 years, two patients presented ipsilateral recurrence (after partial adrenalectomy). All patients with bilateral PH (n = 13) are steroid independent post‐operatively.

Conclusions

PH and PGL in children and adolescents should preferably be removed by minimally invasive surgery. Partial adrenalectomy provides long‐term steroid independence in bilateral PH and a low rate of (ipsilateral) recurrence. α‐Receptor blockade may not be necessary in these patients.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio for Preoperative Prognostic Prediction Nomogram in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Choi Jong‐Ho , Suh Yun‐Suhk , Choi Yunhee , Han Jiyeon , Kim Tae Han , Park Shin‐Hoo , Kong Seong‐Ho , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Yang Han‐Kwang
Published: February 2018

Background

The role of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and preoperative prediction model in gastric cancer is controversial, while postoperative prognostic models are available. This study investigated NLR as a preoperative prognostic indicator in gastric cancer.

Methods

We reviewed patients with primary gastric cancer who underwent surgery during 2007–2010. Preoperative clinicopathologic factors were analyzed with their interaction and used to develop a prognosis prediction nomogram. That preoperative prediction nomogram was compared to a nomogram using pTNM or a historical postoperative prediction nomogram. The contribution of NLR to a preoperative nomogram was evaluated with integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

Using 2539 records, multivariable analysis revealed that NLR was one of the independent prognostic factors and had a significant interaction with only age among other preoperative factors (especially significant in patients < 50 years old). NLR was constantly significant between 1.1 and 3.1 without any distinctive cutoff value. Preoperative prediction nomogram using NLR showed a Harrell’s C‐index of 0.79 and an R2 of 25.2%, which was comparable to the C‐index of 0.78 and 0.82 and R2 of 26.6 and 25.8% from nomogram using pTNM and a historical postoperative prediction nomogram, respectively. IDI of NLR to nomogram in the overall population was 0.65%, and that of patients < 50 years old was 2.72%.

Conclusions

NLR is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer, especially in patients < 50 years old. A preoperative prediction nomogram using NLR can predict prognosis of gastric cancer as effectively as pTNM and a historical postoperative prediction nomogram.
Global solvability of massless Dirac–Maxwell systems
Authors: Ginoux Nicolas , Müller Olaf
Published: February 2018

We consider the Cauchy problem for massless Dirac–Maxwell equations on an asymptotically flat background and give a global existence and uniqueness theorem for initial values small in an appropriate weighted Sobolev space. The result can be extended via analogous methods to Dirac–Higgs–Yang–Mills theories.
Numerical simulation and experimental comparison of flaw evolution on a bearing raceway: Case of thrust ball bearing
Authors: Toumi M.Y. , Murer S. , Bogard F. , Bolaers F.
Published: February 2018

Bearings are essential elements in the design of rotating machines. In an industrial context, bearing failure can have costly consequences. This paper presents a study of the rolling contact fatigue damage applied to thrust ball bearings. It consists in building a dynamic three-dimensional numerical model of the cyclic shift of a ball on an indented rolling surface, using finite element analysis (FEA). Assessment of the evolution in size of a surface spall as a function of loading cycles is also performed using FEM coupled with fatigue laws. Results are in good agreement with laboratory tests carried out under the same conditions using a fatigue test cell dedicated to ball bearings. This study may improve knowledge about estimating the lifetime of rolling components after onset of a spall using FEA and accounting for structural damage state.

Highlights The experimental apparatus and damaged thrust ball bearing are described. We model a portion of the thrust ball bearing featuring a spherical indent. Numerical results in terms of stress field are compared to analytical results from the literature. A fatigue software is used to assess the evolution of spalling size. Good agreement is obtained between experimental test campaigns at different loads and FEA results.
Bridging the gap between design and print
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: February 2018

How can designers and engineers ensure that 3D printing designs find the most effective path to final manufacture? Liz Nickels spoke to software company Tech Soft 3D about how cutting-edge technology can help.
Remote art centres and Indigenous development
Authors: Congreve Susan , Burgess John
Published: February 2018

Art centres fulfil many functions in remote regions as a source of Indigenous identity and creativity; as a link to the global art market; as centres for community engagement and participation; and as a source of social capital providing a range of services for local communities. They are dependent on funding from State and Federal authorities and they are identified as one of the success stories in remote community development. However, they face an uncertain future in the light of their multiple functions and their position as both a source of traditional identity and a link to an external art market. The article highlights the challenges faced by government in the evaluation of their effectiveness and contribution; and in particular discusses the suitability of the hybrid economy model as a representation of their functions.
Leibniz Rule on Higher Pages of Unstable Spectral Sequences
Authors: Ivanov Sergei O. , Mikhailov Roman , Wu Jie
Published: February 2018

A natural composition ⊙ on all pages of the lower central series spectral sequence for spheres is defined. Moreover, it is defined for the p-lower central series spectral sequence of a simplicial group. It is proved that the rth differential satisfies a ‘Leibniz rule with suspension’: dr(a ⊙ σ b) = ±dra ⊙ b + a ⊙ dr σ b, where σ is the suspension homomorphism.
Evaluation of Two-Ship Collision Severity using Ordered Probit Approaches
Authors: Weng Jinxian , Li Guorong , Chai Tian , Yang Dong
Published: February 2018

This study develops an ordered probit model to evaluate the factors influencing two-ship collision severity using ten years’ ship collision accident data from Fujian sea areas. The model results show that the involvement of big ships has the largest impact in increasing the probability of a serious or very serious accident, followed by the involvement of fishing vessels. There will be a bigger probability of a serious accident if both ships involved in the collision are cargo ships. We found that the season of spring, poor visibility and night time periods are more likely to be factors in high severity levels of ship collision. The results also reveal that lookout failure plays a decisive role in increasing serious accident risk compared with other types of human errors. The results of this study may be beneficial for policy-makers in proposing efficient strategies to reduce the likelihood of serious ship collisions.
Public preferences for improved urban waste management: a choice experiment
Authors: Tarfasa Solomon , Brouwer Roy
Published: February 2018

A discrete choice experiment, aiming to elicit public preferences for improvements in solid waste services, is carefully administered across socioeconomic zones in the city of Hawassa, Ethiopia. Observed and unobserved preference heterogeneity are analyzed using mixed logit choice models. The results show that there exists substantial willingness to pay to increase collection frequency and separate recyclable waste. A new issue is the focus on child labor in the waste management sector. Significant gender effects are found: women are more interested than men in increasing waste collection frequency and value the abolishment of child labor more highly, as do higher income households. As expected, respondents living in wealthier neighborhoods are more likely to pay higher service charges. Education indirectly influences preferences for waste separation. The study provides important insight into the social benefits of public investment decisions to improve the quality of solid waste management services in large cities in Ethiopia.
Development of a tool to measure the number of foods and beverages consumed by children using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) FFQ data
Authors: Tanner Kelly J , Watowicz Rosanna P
Published: February 2018

Objective

There is currently no standard, objective definition of selective eating. This is partially because normative values for the number of different foods eaten by US children have not been established. The present study objectives were to: (i) perform exploratory analysis on the number of different foods, beverages, and total foods and beverages consumed by US children aged 2–18 years over a year’s time, and the types of foods consumed by those in the lowest 2·5th percentile; and (ii) determine whether those values differ according to demographic variables and weight status.

Design

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional FFQ data. Differences in number of foods, beverages, and total foods and beverages were analysed using one-way ANOVA.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2003–2006.

Subjects

Non-institutionalized US children aged 2–18 years.

Results

The mean number of different foods and beverages consumed across the sample was 83·2. There were no significant differences by gender, BMI, race or food security categories. There was a difference in beverage consumption by age category, with children aged 12–18 years consuming a significantly higher number of different beverages compared with each of the other two age categories (i.e. 2–5 years and 6–11 years).

Conclusions

Normative values for the number of foods and drinks reported as consumed by children over the past 12 months may be a useful measure for researchers. Future research validating this measure is needed before cut-off values can be used to develop a definition of selective eating.
Random or Fixed? An Empirical Examination of Meta-Analysis Model Choices
Authors: Slaney Kathleen L. , Tafreshi Donna , Hohn Richard
Published: February 2018

When conducting meta-analyses, researchers must make decisions about which statistical model is most appropriate for the specific context and aims of the meta-analysis. Although there are several meta-analysis models, most researchers choose between two general models: fixed-effect (FE) and random-effects (RE). Yet, the basis on which these two general models are distinguished and of when it is appropriate to use one or the other varies in the methodological literature. Although model-to-inference inconsistencies have been previously noted, there has been little empirical investigation of whether, and to what extent, the varying conceptualizations of the distinctions between FE and RE models are reflected in published meta-analyses. The present study explores whether conceptualizations of model distinctions among psychological researchers are consistent with those in the methods literature. We also examine model choices and rationales given by psychological researchers in two samples of published meta-analyses in psychology-related journals. We identify four primary categories for distinguishing between FE and RE models, only two of which were predominant in our samples. Although model choice appears to be reported at a moderately high rate, many researchers continue not to provide explicit rationales for their model choices or do not clearly tie model choices to the specific research aims of the meta-analyses. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A systematic review of the role of the nociceptin receptor system in stress, cognition, and reward: relevance to schizophrenia
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saad , Boileau Isabelle , Kolla Nathan , Mizrahi Romina
Published: February 2018

Schizophrenia is a debilitating neuropsychiatric illness that is characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Research over the past two decades suggests that the nociceptin receptor system may be involved in domains affected in schizophrenia, based on evidence aligning it with hallmark features of the disorder. First, aberrant glutamatergic and striatal dopaminergic function are associated with psychotic symptoms, and the nociceptin receptor system has been shown to regulate dopamine and glutamate transmission. Second, stress is a critical risk factor for first break and relapse in schizophrenia, and evidence suggests that the nociceptin receptor system is also directly involved in stress modulation. Third, cognitive deficits are prevalent in schizophrenia, and the nociceptin receptor system has significant impact on learning and working memory. Last, reward processing is disrupted in schizophrenia, and nociceptin signaling has been shown to regulate reward cue salience. These findings provide the foundation for the involvement of the nociceptin receptor system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and outline the need for future research into this system.
Design of ultra-swollen lipidic mesophases for the crystallization of membrane proteins with large extracellular domains
Authors: Zabara Alexandru , Chong Josephine Tse Yin , Martiel Isabelle , Stark Laura , Cromer Brett A. , Speziale Chiara , Drummond Calum John , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: February 2018

In meso crystallization of membrane proteins from lipidic mesophases is central to protein structural biology but limited to membrane proteins with small extracellular domains (ECDs), comparable to the water channels (3–5 nm) of the mesophase. Here we present a strategy expanding the scope of in meso crystallization to membrane proteins with very large ECDs. We combine monoacylglycerols and phospholipids to design thermodynamically stable ultra-swollen bicontinuous cubic phases of double-gyroid (Ia3d), double-diamond (Pn3m), and double-primitive (Im3m) space groups, with water channels five times larger than traditional lipidic mesophases, and showing re-entrant behavior upon increasing hydration, of sequences Ia3d→Pn3m→Ia3d and Pn3m→Im3m→Pn3m, unknown in lipid self-assembly. We use these mesophases to crystallize membrane proteins with ECDs inaccessible to conventional in meso crystallization, demonstrating the methodology on the Gloeobacter ligand-gated ion channel (GLIC) protein, and show substantial modulation of packing, molecular contacts and activation state of the ensued proteins crystals, illuminating a general strategy in protein structural biology.
Cdk9 regulates a promoter-proximal checkpoint to modulate RNA polymerase II elongation rate in fission yeast
Authors: Booth Gregory T. , Parua Pabitra K. , Sansó Miriam , Fisher Robert P. , Lis John T.
Published: February 2018

Post-translational modifications of the transcription elongation complex provide mechanisms to fine-tune gene expression, yet their specific impacts on RNA polymerase II regulation remain difficult to ascertain. Here, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we examine the role of Cdk9, and related Mcs6/Cdk7 and Lsk1/Cdk12 kinases, on transcription at base-pair resolution with Precision Run-On sequencing (PRO-seq). Within a minute of Cdk9 inhibition, phosphorylation of Pol II-associated factor, Spt5 is undetectable. The effects of Cdk9 inhibition are more severe than inhibition of Cdk7 and Cdk12, resulting in a shift of Pol II toward the transcription start site (TSS). A time course of Cdk9 inhibition reveals that early transcribing Pol II can escape promoter-proximal regions, but with a severely reduced elongation rate of only ~400 bp/min. Our results in fission yeast suggest the existence of a conserved global regulatory checkpoint that requires Cdk9 kinase activity.
BRE/BRCC45 regulates CDC25A stability by recruiting USP7 in response to DNA damage
Authors: Biswas Kajal , Philip Subha , Yadav Aditya , Martin Betty K. , Burkett Sandra , Singh Vaibhav , Babbar Anav , North Susan Lynn , Chang Suhwan , Sharan Shyam K.
Published: February 2018

BRCA2 is essential for maintaining genomic integrity. BRCA2-deficient primary cells are either not viable or exhibit severe proliferation defects. Yet, BRCA2 deficiency contributes to tumorigenesis. It is believed that mutations in genes such as TRP53 allow BRCA2 heterozygous cells to overcome growth arrest when they undergo loss of heterozygosity. Here, we report the use of an insertional mutagenesis screen to identify a role for BRE (Brain and Reproductive organ Expressed, also known as BRCC45), known to be a part of the BRCA1-DNA damage sensing complex, in the survival of BRCA2-deficient mouse ES cells. Cell viability by BRE overexpression is mediated by deregulation of CDC25A phosphatase, a key cell cycle regulator and an oncogene. We show that BRE facilitates deubiquitylation of CDC25A by recruiting ubiquitin-specific-processing protease 7 (USP7) in the presence of DNA damage. Additionally, we uncovered the role of CDC25A in BRCA-mediated tumorigenesis, which can have implications in cancer treatment.
Structural basis for amino acid transport by the CAT family of SLC7 transporters
Authors: Jungnickel Katharina E. J. , Parker Joanne L. , Newstead Simon
Published: February 2018

Amino acids play essential roles in cell biology as regulators of metabolic pathways. Arginine in particular is a major signalling molecule inside the cell, being a precursor for both l-ornithine and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and a key regulator of the mTORC1 pathway. In mammals, cellular arginine availability is determined by members of the solute carrier (SLC) 7 family of cationic amino acid transporters. Whereas CAT-1 functions to supply cationic amino acids for cellular metabolism, CAT-2A and -2B are required for macrophage activation and play important roles in regulating inflammation. Here, we present the crystal structure of a close homologue of the mammalian CAT transporters that reveals how these proteins specifically recognise arginine. Our structural and functional data provide a model for cationic amino acid transport in mammalian cells and reveals mechanistic insights into proton-coupled, sodium-independent amino acid transport in the wider APC superfamily.
Author Correction: Deep Learning for Fully-Automated Localization and Segmentation of Rectal Cancer on Multiparametric MR
Authors: Trebeschi Stefano , van Griethuysen Joost J. M. , Lambregts Doenja M. J. , Lahaye Max J. , Parmar Chintan , Bakers Frans C. H. , Peters Nicky H. G. M. , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Aerts Hugo J. W. L.
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Dietary arginine affects the insulin signaling pathway, glucose metabolism and lipogenesis in juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Liang Hualiang , Habte-Tsion Habte-Michael , Ge Xianping , Ren Mingchun , Xie Jun , Miao Linghong , Zhou Qunlan , Lin Yan , Pan Wenjing
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: A novel miRNA analysis framework to analyze differential biological networks
Authors: Bansal Ankush , Singh Tiratha Raj , Chauhan Rajinder Singh
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Threshold-induced correlations in the Random Field Ising Model
Authors: Janićević Sanja , Jovković Dragutin , Laurson Lasse , Spasojević Djordje
Published: February 2018

We present a numerical study of the correlations in the occurrence times of consecutive crackling noise events in the nonequilibrium zero-temperature Random Field Ising model in three dimensions. The critical behavior of the system is portrayed by the intermittent bursts of activity known as avalanches with scale-invariant properties which are power-law distributed. Our findings, based on the scaling analysis and collapse of data collected in extensive simulations show that the observed correlations emerge upon applying a finite threshold to the pertaining signals when defining events of interest. Such events are called subavalanches and are obtained by separation of original avalanches in the thresholding process. The correlations are evidenced by power law distributed waiting times and are present in the system even when the original avalanche triggerings are described by a random uncorrelated process.
Layer-specific lipid signatures in the human subventricular zone demonstrated by imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Hunter Mandana , Demarais Nicholas J. , Faull Richard L. M. , Grey Angus C. , Curtis Maurice A.
Published: February 2018

The subventricular zone is a key site of adult neurogenesis and is also implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancers. In the subventricular zone, cell proliferation, migration and differentiation of nascent stem cells and neuroblasts are regulated at least in part by lipids. The human subventricular zone is distinctly layered and each layer contains discrete cell types that support the processes of neuroblast migration and neurogenesis. We set out to determine the lipid signatures of each subventricular layer in the adult human brain (n = 4). We utilised matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to characterise the lipidome of the subventricular zone, with histology and microscopy used for identifying anatomical landmarks. Our findings showed that the subventricular zone was rich in sphingomyelins and phosphatidylserines but deficient in phosphatidylethanolamines. The ependymal layer had an abundance of phosphatidylinositols, whereas the myelin layer was rich in sulfatides and triglycerides. The hypocellular layer showed enrichment of sphingomyelins. No discrete lipid signature was seen in the astrocytic ribbon. The biochemical functions of these lipid classes are consistent with the localisation we observed within the SVZ. Our study may, therefore, shed new light on the role of lipids in the regulation of adult neurogenesis.
Characteristics of multiple Fano resonances in waveguide-coupled surface plasmon resonance sensors based on waveguide theory
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Jicheng , Yang Li-zhi , Hu Zheng-Da , Wu Xiaojun , Zheng Gaige
Published: February 2018

We observe and analyze multiple Fano resonances and the plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) arising from waveguidecoupled surface plasmon resonance in a metal-dielectric Kretschmann configuration. It is shown that the simulation results for designed structures agree well with those of the dispersion relation of waveguide theory. We demonstrate that the coupling between the surface plasmon polariton mode and multi-order planar waveguide modes leads to multiple Fano resonances and PIT. The obtained results show that the number of Fano resonances and the linewidth of resonances depend on two structural parameters, the Parylene C and SiO2 layers, respectively. For the sensing action of Fano resonance, the figure of merit for the sensitivity by intensity is estimated to be 44 times higher than that of conventional surface plasmon resonance sensors. Our research reveals the potential advantage of sensors with high sensitivity based on coupling between the SPP mode and multi-order PWG modes.
Potential for re-emergence of wheat stem rust in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lewis Clare M. , Persoons Antoine , Bebber Daniel P. , Kigathi Rose N. , Maintz Jens , Findlay Kim , Bueno-Sancho Vanessa , Corredor-Moreno Pilar , Harrington Sophie A. , Kangara Ngonidzashe , Berlin Anna , García Richard , Germán Silvia E. , Hanzalová Alena , Hodson David P. , Hovmøller Mogens S. , Huerta-Espino Julio , Imtiaz Muhammed , Mirza Javed Iqbal , Justesen Annemarie F. , Niks Rients E. , Omrani Ali , Patpour Mehran , Pretorius Zacharias A. , Roohparvar Ramin , Sela Hanan , Singh Ravi P. , Steffenson Brian , Visser Botma , Fenwick Paul M. , Thomas Jane , Wulff Brande B. H. , Saunders Diane G. O.
Published: February 2018

Wheat stem rust, a devastating disease of wheat and barley caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, was largely eradicated in Western Europe during the mid-to-late twentieth century. However, isolated outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Here we investigate whether a lack of resistance in modern European varieties, increased presence of its alternate host barberry and changes in climatic conditions could be facilitating its resurgence. We report the first wheat stem rust occurrence in the United Kingdom in nearly 60 years, with only 20% of UK wheat varieties resistant to this strain. Climate changes over the past 25 years also suggest increasingly conducive conditions for infection. Furthermore, we document the first occurrence in decades of P. graminis on barberry in the UK . Our data illustrate that wheat stem rust does occur in the UK and, when climatic conditions are conducive, could severely harm wheat and barley production.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of semiconductor quantum dots and their bioconjugates: materials characterization and physical insights from spectrofluorimetric detection
Authors: Kim Hyungki , Jeen Tiffany , Tran Michael V. , Algar W. Russ
Published: February 2018

A new method for the characterization of quantum dots and their conjugates reveals details that go unseen with other electrophoretic methods.
Selective determination of semi-volatile thiophene compounds in water by molecularly imprinted polymer thin films with direct headspace gas chromatography sulfur chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Hijazi Hassan Y. , Bottaro Christina S.
Published: February 2018

Water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymer films are coupled with headspace gas chromatography sulfur chemiluminescence detection (HS-GC-SCD) for the determination of thiophenes in water.
GC-MS profiling of leukemia cells: an optimized preparation protocol for the intracellular metabolome
Authors: He Y. , Zhang Z. M. , Ma P. , Ji H. C. , Lu H. M.
Published: February 2018

A preparation protocol for the robust and reproducible metabolome profiling of leukemia cells with relatively high coverage has been developed.
A binary matrix for the rapid detection and characterization of small-molecule cardiovascular drugs by MALDI-MS and MS/MS
Authors: Dong Jinlan , Ning Wenjing , Mans Daniel J. , Mans Jamie D.
Published: February 2018

A mixture of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and 1,5-diaminonaphthalene was discovered as a novel binary matrix for the qualitative analysis of 14 small-molecule (∼250–550 Da) cardiovascular drugs by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and MS/MS in either positive or negative ion mode.
Transition metal free regio-selective C–H hydroxylation of chromanones towards the synthesis of hydroxyl-chromanones using PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant
Authors: Viswanadh N. , Ghotekar Ganesh S. , Thoke Mahesh B. , Velayudham R. , Shaikh Aslam C. , Karthikeyan M. , Muthukrishnan M.
Published: February 2018

Herein, we report a highly efficient PhI(OAc)2 mediated regioselective, direct C–H hydroxylation of chromanones.
Challenges and advances in the computational modeling of biological phosphate hydrolysis
Authors: Petrović Dušan , Szeler Klaudia , Kamerlin Shina Caroline Lynn
Published: February 2018

We discuss the challenges and advances in modeling phosphate ester hydrolysis, and its implications for understanding biological phosphate transfer.
Massive quantum regions for simulations on bio-nanomaterials: synthetic ferritin nanocages
Authors: Torras Juan , Alemán Carlos
Published: February 2018

The potentiality of a new methodology to face synergies among a large number of active zones within huge biological systems is reported.
Copper-catalyzed three-component cyclization of amidines, styrenes, and fluoroalkyl halides for the synthesis of modular fluoroalkylated pyrimidines
Authors: Chu Xue-Qiang , Cheng Bu-Qing , Zhang Yao-Wei , Ge Danhua , Shen Zhi-Liang , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: February 2018

An efficient copper-catalyzed three-component cyclization for the construction of highly functionalized pyrimidine derivatives from amidines, styrenes and fluoroalkyl halides is developed.
Nickel-catalyzed C–O bond reduction of aryl and benzyl 2-pyridyl ethers
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Zhong-Xia
Published: February 2018

Aryl and benzyl 2-pyridyl ethers were effectively reduced with i-PrONa via Ni-catalyzed C–OPy bond cleavage.
CoV2O4: a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries with excellent electrochemical performance
Authors: Lu J. S. , Maggay I. V. B. , Liu W. R.
Published: February 2018

This study reports the electrochemical applications of CoV2O4 as a novel anode for lithium-ion batteries.
Insights from ion mobility-mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide structural dynamics: NAD+vs.NADH
Authors: Molano-Arevalo Juan Camilo , Gonzalez Walter , Jeanne Dit Fouque Kevin , Miksovska Jaroslava , Maitre Philippe , Fernandez-Lima Francisco
Published: February 2018

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is found in all living cells where the oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms play important roles in many enzymatic reactions.
X-ray absorption near edge structure and first-principles spectral investigations of cationic disorder in MgAl2O4 induced by swift heavy ions
Authors: Yoshioka S. , Tsuruta K. , Yamamoto T. , Yasuda K. , Matsumura S. , Ishikawa N. , Kobayashi E.
Published: February 2018

Cationic disorder in MgAl2O4 induced by swift heavy ions was quantitatively determined using experimental and theoretical XANES spectra.
Reactivity of amino acid anions with nitrogen and oxygen atoms
Authors: Wang Zhe-Chen , Li Ya-Ke , He Sheng-Gui , Bierbaum Veronica M.
Published: February 2018

Gas-phase reaction of deprotonated tyrosine with a ground state O atom generates five ionic products.
Study of low temperature chlorine atom initiated oxidation of methyl and ethyl butyrate using synchrotron photoionization TOF-mass spectrometry
Authors: Czekner Joseph , Taatjes Craig A. , Osborn David L. , Meloni Giovanni
Published: February 2018

The initial oxidation products of methyl butyrate (MB) and ethyl butyrate (EB) are studied using a time- and energy-resolved photoionization mass spectrometer.
Distribution of mercury species and mercury isotope ratios in soils and river suspended matter of a mercury mining area
Authors: Baptista-Salazar Carluvy , Hintelmann Holger , Biester Harald
Published: February 2018

Light/heavy isotope enrichment is strongly related with Hg species. Combining Hg isotope analysis and Hg speciation allows the differentiation between Hg sources and Hg species transformation in Hg contaminated areas.
Kinetic and equilibrium adsorption of lead from water using magnetic metformin-substituted SBA-15
Authors: Shahabuddin Syed , Tashakori Camellia , Kamboh Muhammad Afzal , Sotoudehnia Korrani Zahra , Saidur R. , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Bidhendi Mehdi Esmaeili
Published: February 2018

The present investigation demonstrates the successful and easy approach for the synthesis of magnetic amine-substituted SBA-15 nanocomposite for effective removal of lead (Pb2+) ions via adsorption from aqueous environment.
Impact of food structure on the compatibility of heated WPI–pectin-complexes in meat dispersions
Authors: Zeeb Benjamin , Schöck Vanessa , Schmid Nicole , Majer Lisa , Herrmann Kurt , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: February 2018

Process-stable complexes composed of whey protein isolate (WPI) and sugar beet pectin have great potential as structuring agents or fat replacers in meat dispersions.
Laser ablation ICP-MS for detection of substrate contamination from plated metal contacts in silicon solar cells
Authors: Colwell J. , Hsiao P. , Zhang W. , Wang X. , Akter R. , Lennon A.
Published: February 2018

This work demonstrates the first application of LA-ICP-MS for detection of substrate contamination from plated metals in silicon solar cells.
Fabrication of dual stimuli-responsive multicompartmental drug carriers for tumor-selective drug release
Authors: Kim Hyeon Ung , Choi Dae Gun , Lee Hyunjee , Shim Min Suk , Bong Ki Wan
Published: February 2018

To achieve tumor-selective combination chemotherapy, we produced two types of dual stimuli-responsive drug carriers.
Varying structural motifs, unusual X-band electron paramagnetic spectra, DFT studies and superoxide dismutase enzymatic activity of copper(ii) complexes withN′-[(E)-phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]benzohydrazide
Authors: Patel Ram N. , Singh Yogendra , Singh Yogendra Pratap , Patel Abhay K. , Patel Neetu , Singh Rita , Butcher Raymond J. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Colacio Enrique , Palacios Maria A.
Published: February 2018

A diverse set of new copper(ii) complexes synthesized as possible models for antioxidant superoxide dismutase mimics.
An asynchronous-alternating merging-zone flow-injection gold nanoparticles probe method for determination of anti-diabetic pioglitazone hydrochloride medicine
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qi , Li Yong-Sheng , Gao Xiu-Feng
Published: February 2018

A new method was established on the basis of coloration of gold nanoparticles by pioglitazone hydrochloride in acidic media.
EPR and 51V NMR studies of prospective anti-diabetic bis(3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonato)oxidovanadium(iv) complexes in aqueous solution and liposome suspensions
Authors: Ferreira S. , Leite A. , Moniz T. , Andrade M. , Amaral L. , de Castro B. , Rangel M.
Published: February 2018

EPR/51V-NMR parallel studies of [VO(3,4-HPO)2] complexes in MOPS buffer and POPC liposome suspensions provide information regarding solvents for oral administration.
Synthesis of 2-aminopyridines via ruthenium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of 1,6- and 1,7-diynes with cyanamides: scope and limitations
Authors: Ye Fei , Boukattaya Fatma , Haddad Mansour , Ratovelomanana-Vidal Virginie , Michelet Véronique
Published: February 2018

A direct route to access 2-aminopyridines using Ru-catalyzed-[2+2+2] cycloaddition of 1,n-diynes with cyanamides is described in excellent yields and regioselectivities.
Oxone-mediated annulation of 2-aminobenzamides and 1,2-diaminobenzenes withsec-aminesviaimine-N-oxides: new syntheses of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones and 1H-benzimidazoles
Authors: Sriramoju Vinodkumar , Kurva Srinivas , Madabhushi Sridhar
Published: February 2018

Synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones and 1H-benzimidazoles by reaction of imine-N-oxides with 2-aminobenzamides and 1,2-diaminobenzenes is described.
Highly stable SnO2–Fe2O3–C hollow spheres for reversible lithium storage with extremely long cycle life
Authors: Choi Jonghyun , Kim Won-Sik , Hong Seong-Hyeon
Published: February 2018

SnO2–Fe2O3–C triple-shell hollow nano-spheres are fabricated by combining the template-based sol–gel coating technique and hydrothermal method, and their electrochemical performance as an anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) is investigated, particularly focusing on their structural stability and long term cyclability.
Bimetallic CoNiSx nanocrystallites embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon anchored on reduced graphene oxide for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Qidi , Miao Jinkang , Quan Liang , Cai Daoping , Zhan Hongbing
Published: February 2018

An unique rGO/CoNiSx/N–C nanocomposite has been successfully designed and synthesized by a simple one-step carbonization/sulfurization treatment of the rGO/Co–Ni precursor.
Synergy of polypyrrole and carbon x-aerogel in lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Kim Christine H. J. , Varanasi Chakrapani V. , Liu Jie
Published: February 2018

A crucial step in the development of lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries is to design an oxygen cathode with high catalytic activity and stable porous structure.
Metastable morphological states of catalytic nanoparticles
Authors: Ann Lin Pin , Natarajan Bharath , Zwolak Michael , Sharma Renu
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate, using environmental transmission electron microscopy and modeling, that catalyst nanoparticles display functional, metastable states during CNT growth.
Development of catalyst complexes for upgrading biomass into ester-based biolubricants for automotive applications: a review
Authors: Hossain Md. Anwar , Mohamed Iqbal Mohammad Anwar , Julkapli Nurhidayatullaili Muhd , San Kong Pei , Ching Juan Joon , Lee Hwei Voon
Published: February 2018

The graphical abstract reflects the content of the entire paper; catalyst complexes for upgrading biomass to ester-based biolubricants.
Transition-metal-free regioselective C–H halogenation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines: sodium chlorite/bromite as the halogen source
Authors: Li Junxuan , Tang Jiayi , Wu Yuanheng , He Qiuxing , Yu Yue
Published: February 2018

We report highly efficient strategies for the synthesis of 3-Cl or 3-Br-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using sodium chlorite/bromite as the halogenic source.
Room temperature amine sensors enabled by sidewall functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Paoletti Clara , He Maggie , Salvo Pietro , Melai Bernardo , Calisi Nicola , Mannini Matteo , Cortigiani Brunetto , Bellagambi Francesca G. , Swager Timothy M. , Di Francesco Fabio , Pucci Andrea
Published: February 2018

Chemiresistive sensor based on sidewall modified SWCNTs with perfluorophenyl molecules bearing carboxylic acid were prepared for the detection of low concentrations (5–40 ppm) of gaseous NH3 and TMA at room temperature.
A simple route to preparing γ-Fe2O3/RGO composite electrode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Binghui , Guan Xianggang , Zhang Lian Ying , Liu Xiaowei , Jiao Zhengbo , Liu Xuehua , Hu Xiaoqi , Zhao X. S.
Published: February 2018

A simple approach to synthesizing γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets is demonstrated for the first time.