bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of regional origin and genotype on intraspecific root communication in the desert shrub Ambrosia dumosa (Asteraceae)
Authors: Mahall Bruce E. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: January 2018

Previous work has shown that the contact inhibition that occurs among roots of Ambrosia dumosa shrubs has a self/nonself recognition capability. In the current study, we investigated some of the geographic and genotypic dimensions of this recognition capability by using root observation chambers to observe the effects of encounters of individual roots on root elongation rates. We measured such effects in encounters between roots of plants from the same region and compared these to effects in encounters between roots of plants from two different regions. We also measured effects of encounters between roots of plants from the same clones and compared these to effects of encounters of roots of plants from different clones. Roots of plants from the same region (population) showed the usual “nonself” precipitous decline in elongation rates following contact, but when roots of plants from different regions contacted each other, elongation rates continued unchanged. When roots of separate plants from the same clone contacted each other, the same “nonself” precipitous decline in elongation rates as seen in encounters between roots of plants of different clones from the same region occurred. Meanwhile, in these same experiments “self” contacts between sister roots connected to the same plants resulted in no changes in elongation rates. Thus, differences between individuals from two geographically separate populations of Ambrosia dumosa may be sufficient to thwart the “nonself,” population‐level recognition of similarity apparently necessary for contact inhibition. Furthermore, the “self” recognition mechanism, which precludes contact inhibition between two roots on the same plant, appears to be physiological rather than genetic in nature.
Isozyme evidence for host races of the fungus Atkinsonella hypoxylon (Clavicipitaceae) infecting the Danthonia (Poaceae) complex in the southern Appalachians
Authors: Leuchtmann Adrian , Clay Keith
Published: January 2018

On granite outcrops around Highlands, North Carolina four sympatric Danthonia grass species are infected by the fungus Atkinsonella hypoxylon (Clavicipitaceae). Danthonia epilis and D. sericea (rare hosts) are infected only in this small region, although they range more widely, while D. compressa and D. spicata (widespread hosts) are infected throughout their ranges in eastern North America. To test the hypothesis that infection of the rare hosts has recently spread from the widespread hosts, the genetic structure of fungal populations on different Danthonia hosts was investigated by isozyme electrophoresis. Two hundred isolates were collected from 46 sites and analyzed for ten polymorphic isozyme loci to examine levels of variation, genetic differentiation, and gene flow among fungal populations infecting different hosts. Genetic identities (I) indicated that isolates from within each of the widespread and rare host species pairs were homogeneous (I > 0.99), but the pairs were highly differentiated (0.66 < I < 0.69). With one exception there was no overlap in fungal genotypes isolated from the widespread hosts (12 genotypes) vs. the rare hosts (seven genotypes). Two plants of D. compressa growing sympatrically with infected D. epilis at one site were infected with a genotype characteristic of the latter species. Estimates of gene flow suggest a high degree of host‐mediated reproductive isolation in A. hypoxylon, indicating that the fungus forms distinct, long‐standing host races or sibling species in the southern Appalachians.
The evolution of actinorhizal symbioses: Evidence for multiple origins of the symbiotic association
Authors: Swensen Susan M.
Published: January 2018

According to morphologically based classification systems, actinorhizal plants, engaged in nitrogen‐fixing symbioses with Frankia bacteria, are considered to be only distantly related. However, recent phylogenetic analyses of seed plants based on chloroplast rbcL gene sequences have suggested closer relationships among actinorhizal plants. A more thorough sampling of chloroplast rbcL gene sequences from actinorhizal plants and their nonsymbiotic close relatives was conducted in an effort to better understand the phylogenetic relationships of these plants, and ultimately, to assess the homology of the different actinorhizal symbioses. Sequence data from 70 taxa were analyzed using parsimony analysis. Strict consensus trees based on 24 equally parsimonious trees revealed evolutionary divergence between groups of actinorhizal species suggesting that not all symbioses are homologous. The arrangement of actinorhizal species, interspersed with nonactinorhizal taxa, is suggestive of multiple origins of the actinorhizal symbiosis. Morphological and anatomical characteristics of nodules from different actinorhizal hosts were mapped onto the rbclL‐based consensus tree to further assess homology among rbcL‐based actinorhizal groups. The morphological and anatomical features provide additional support for the rbcL‐based groupings, and thus, together, suggest that actinorhizal symbioses have originated more than once in evolutionary history.
MicroRNA hsa‐let‐7b suppresses the odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity of stem cells from apical papilla by targeting MMP1
Authors: Wang Yanqiu , Pang Xiyao , Wu Jintao , Jin Lin , Yu Yan , Gobin Romila , Yu Jinhua
Published: January 2018

MicroRNA let‐7 family acts as the key regulator of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the influence of let‐7b on biological characteristics of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) is still controversial. In this study, the expression of hsa‐let‐7b was obviously downregulated during the osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. SCAPs were then infected with hsa‐let‐7b or hsa‐let‐7b inhibitor lentiviruses. The proliferation ability was determined by CCK‐8 and flow cytometry. The odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining, Western blot assay, and real‐time RT‐PCR. Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen out the target of hsa‐let‐7b and the target relationship was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Hsa‐let‐7b was of no influence on the proliferation of SCAPs. Interferential expression of hsa‐let‐7b increased the ALP activity as well as the formation of calcified nodules of SCAPs. Moreover, the mRNA levels of osteoblastic markers (ALP, RUNX2, OSX, OPN, and OCN) were upregulated while the protein levels of DSPP, ALP, RUNX2, OSX, OPN, and OCN also increased considerably. Conversely, overexpression of hsa‐let‐7b inhibited the odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity of SCAPs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a putative binding site of hsa‐let‐7b in the matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR). Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that hsa‐let‐7b targets MMP1. The odonto/osteogenic differentiation ability of SCAPs ascended after repression of hsa‐let‐7b, which was then reversed after co‐transfection with siMMP1. Together, hsa‐let‐7b can suppress the odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity of SCAPs by targeting MMP1.
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA XIST promotes osteosarcoma progression by targeting YAP via miR‐195‐5p
Authors: Yang Chao , Wu Ke , Wang Shan , Wei Guanghui
Published: January 2018

The lncRNA XIST (X inactive‐specific transcript) is an oncogenic lncRNA that is present in various malignant tumors; however, its role and molecular mechanisms in osteosarcoma (OS) progression remain unclear. In the current study, 40 pairs of OS tissues and matched adjacent non‐tumor tissues were collected. qRT‐PCR was conducted to investigate the differences in XIST expression in tissues and OS cell lines. The proliferation, invasion, and EMT status of OS cells after transfection were assessed with WST‐1 assays, Transwell assays, and Western blot analysis, respectively. Whether miR‐195‐5p was a direct downstream target of XIST was verified by both bioinformatics target gene prediction and dual‐luciferase report analysis. A mouse model was established to evaluate tumor proliferation in vivo. Our results demonstrated that XIST expression was significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with clinical prognosis. XIST knockdown inhibited cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, inhibited the EMT of OS cells in vitro, and suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Further analysis demonstrated that XIST regulated YAP expression by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA that sponged miR‐195‐5p in OS cells. XIST directly interacted with miR‐195‐5p and decreased the binding of miR‐195‐5p to the YAP 3′UTR, which suppressed the degradation of YAP mRNA by miR‐195‐5p. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that lncRNA XIST enhances OS cancer cell proliferation and invasion in part through the miR‐195‐5p/YAP pathway. Therefore, lncRNA XIST might be a promising therapeutic target for OS.
Diagnostic validity of flow cytometry vs manual counting of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Osman Heba Ahmed , Aly Sanaa Shaker , Salah‐Eldin Eman M. , El‐Masry Muhammad Abbas , Hassan Mohammed H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is frequently occurring infection among patients with liver cirrhosis, defined by polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytic count ≥250 cell/mm3 with or without a positive ascitic fluid (AF) bacterial culture. So, this study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of flow cytometry versus manual counting of ascitic fluid PMNL in cirrhotic patients, with clinical suspicion of SBP.

Methods

A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out on 320 cirrhotic patients with clinical suspicion of SBP. Abdominal paracentesis was performed in all cases for microscopic manual and flow cytometry counting of PMNL. Anti‐HLA‐DR, anti‐CD15, anti‐CD16, and anti‐CD45 monoclonal antibodies were used for flow cytometry method.

Results

Flow cytometric PMNL count had 100% sensitivity and specificity, while manual PMNL count had a sensitivity of 65.52% and specificity of 90% with significant difference (P value < .05).

Conclusion

Flow cytometry is more reliable rapid method for PMNL counting, than the manual method that is less accurate and time‐consuming in diagnosing clinically suspected SBP.
The importance of miRNAs and epigenetics in acute lymphoblastic leukemia prognosis
Authors: Ranjbar Reza , Karimian Ansar , Aghaie Fard Arad , Tourani Mehdi , Majidinia Maryam , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Yousefi Bahman
Published: January 2018

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), one of the most common malignant human disorders, originates in different important genetic lesions in T‐cell or B‐cell progenitors. ALL is a malignant lymphoid progenitor with peak prevalence in children (2–5 years). The rate of survival when one is suffering from ALL depends on various agents including the age of the patient, responses to anti‐leukemic therapy, and cell biology. miRNAs and epigenetics are important regulatory factors in the expression of genes. miRNAs are noncoding RNA with inhibitory effectors on specific mRNA. Patterns of DNA methylation are profoundly changed in ALL by epigenetic mechanisms. The deciphering of miRNA and the epigenetic pathogenesis in ALL could revolutionize response to the therapy and outcome, and create an enormous promise for novel approaches to reduce the toxic side‐effects of intensive leukemia. Hence, pathogenetic miRNAs and epigenetics leading to the initiation and the progression of ALL are summarized in this review.
Melanoidin removal from aqueous systems by a hybrid flotation‐filtration technique
Authors: Christoforakos Nikolaos PR , Lazaridis Nikolaos K
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Melanoidins are brown colored polymers found in wastewater produced by the fermentation industry. Melanoidins are recalcitrant compounds that are toxic to living systems, therefore, must be treated before disposal. The aim of the present study is the removal of melanoidins from simulated effluents by a hybrid flotation–filtration process. Coagulation‐flocculation or adsorption processes were evaluated as pre‐treatment stages.

RESULTS

In the coagulation hybrid flotation/filtration process, coagulation is realized by ferric ions and a cationic flocculant, flotation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and filtration by a 250 µm filter. In the adsorption hybrid flotation/filtration process, adsorption is performed by powdered activated carbon, flotation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and filtration by a 16–40 µm filter.

CONCLUSION

The results show effective melanoidin removal (about 90%) for both processes and limited filter fouling in the second process, which was corrected by air back‐flushing. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation of immunoglobulin G using aqueous biphasic systems composed of cholinium‐based ionic liquids and poly(propylene glycol)
Authors: Ramalho Catarina C , Neves Catarina MSS , Quental Maria V , Coutinho João AP , Freire Mara G
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of antibodies, such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), has seen a significant growth in recent decades for biomedical and research purposes. However, antibodies are high cost biopharmaceuticals, for which the development of alternative and cost‐effective purification strategies is still in high demand.

RESULTS

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and cholinium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) were investigated for the separation of IgG. The ABS phase diagrams were determined whenever required. Initial studies with commercial IgG were carried out, followed by IgG separation from rabbit serum. In all ABS, IgG preferentially partitions to the IL‐rich phase, unveiling preferential interactions between IgG and ILs. Extraction efficiencies ranging between 93% and 100%, and recovery yields ranging between 20% and 100%, were obtained for commercial IgG. Two of the best and two of the worst identified ABS were then evaluated for their performance to separate IgG from rabbit serum, where extraction efficiencies of 100% and recovery yields >80% were obtained. Under the best conditions studied, IgG with a purity level of 49% was obtained in a single‐step. After an ultrafiltration step applied to the best ABS, allowing the IgG recovery from the IL‐rich phase, the IgG purity level increased to 66%. This purity level of IgG is higher than those previously reported using other IL–polymer ABS.

CONCLUSION

IgG preferentially migrates to the IL‐rich phase in ABS formed by ILs and polymers, allowing the design of effective separation systems for its recovery from serum samples. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mercury tolerance and biosorption in bacteria isolated from Ny‐Ålesund, Svalbard, Arctic
Authors: Mechirackal Balan Binish , Shini Sruthy , Krishnan Kottekkattu P. , Mohan Mahesh
Published: January 2018

Mercury tolerant bacteria Pseudarthrobacter oxydans strain MM20 and Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis strain SS18 were isolated from the tundra ecosystem of Ny‐Ålesund, Svalbard, where commercial exploitation of the coal existed till 1960s. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), mercury removal, mercury biosorption, and antibiotic resistance of these strains were analyzed. P. frederiksbergensis strain SS18 showed high tolerance (2.0 ppm) to mercury than P. oxydans strain MM20 (1.5 ppm). Mercury removal and biosorption studies were carried out in liquid media containing 1.0 ppm mercury. More than 90% of mercury was removed from the culture media by the selected strains. The mercury biosorption assay revealed that a part of mercury was accumulated in cell pellets and was 22 and 25% respectively for P. oxydans strain MM20 and P. frederiksbergensis strain SS18. Fourier transform infrared study revealed that alkyl halide, alkynes, alcoholic, aliphatic and aromatic amines, alkanes, nitro compound, primary amines, carboxylic acid, alkenes, and amide groups play a major role in the development of tolerance towards mercury. Out of eleven antibiotics tested, P. oxydans strain MM20 was found to be resistant to lincomycin and novobiocin while P. frederiksbergensis strain SS18 was found to be resistant to seven antibiotics. Our study demonstrates that under experimental conditions, bacterial isolates undergo detailed structural and functional changes to tolerate as well as immobilize toxic elements like mercury.
Creative at Each Age: Age‐Related Differences in Drivers of Workplace Creativity from an Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Volmer Judith , Richter Stefanie , Syrek Christine J.
Published: January 2018

Creativity and innovation are essential agents for change processes and accelerating technical development. Having to face challenges, such as demographic change, organizations require individuals who are creative and innovative at each age. Previous research identified affect as a crucial determinant of creativity, even though empirical findings showed inconsistencies. Drawing on literature on age‐related changes in affective experiences, we investigated the moderating effect of employees’ age on the association between daily positive and negative affect and creativity using a daily diary study. A total of 116 employees responded to daily questionnaires twice a day over five consecutive working days. As expected, hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed differential effects regarding the affect‐creativity association, dependent on employees’ age. Although older employees were most creative on days when they experienced a high level of positive affect (compared to their mean level of positive affect), younger employees were particularly creative when experiencing negative affect (compared to their mean level of negative affect). We discuss practical implications on how organizations could provide creativity‐enhancing work environments for employees at each age.
Customer knowledge management antecedent factors: A systematic literature review
Authors: Khosravi Arash , Hussin Ab Razak Che
Published: January 2018

Customer knowledge (CK) is recognized as a critical organizational resource that provides competitive advantage. Capability of absorbing, sharing, and applying CK can be a challenge for organizations. Human, Organizational, and Technological conditions that facilitate CK management (CKM) are vital capabilities for organizations. This article intends to delve into the world of CKM by appraising and scrutinizing the present state of research and extracting organizational, individual, and technological CKM precursor factors. On the basis of a systematic literature review, this study gathers, integrates, and scrutinizes 66 papers pertaining to CKM precursor factors published during the period 2003–2016 on seven databases by adhering to a predefined review convention. The chosen articles have been appraised so as to mine pertinent information on a series of research questions. We noted a general rise in the number of related papers in the last 8‐year period. Selected articles have investigated CKM in 14 different contexts and 19 different countries. The result of extracting CKM antecedent factors shows that “Customer‐Centric Culture,” “Collaboration System,” and “CRM Technology Infrastructure” have the most frequency in the literature. However, “Intellectual Property,” “Program Champion,” and “Trust” are less iterative factors. Therefore, companies and researchers can use the result of this research for developing Human, Organization, and Technological capabilities in order to implement CKM successfully.
High‐Power, High‐Efficiency Tm:YAG and Ho:YAG Thin‐Disk Lasers
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Schulze Felix , Mak Ka Fai , Pervak Vladimir , Bauer Dominik , Sutter Dirk , Pronin Oleg
Published: January 2018

Continuous‐wave Tm:YAG and Ho:YAG thin‐disk lasers with maximum optical‐to‐optical efficiencies of 41% and 58% respectively are presented. Pumped by a 780 nm laser diode, the Tm:YAG laser generated a maximum output power of 24 W. In comparison, the Ho:YAG laser, pumped by a fiber laser at 1908 nm, delivered a maximum output power of 50 W. The reported output powers are, to the best of our knowledge, the highest among all thin‐disk lasers emitting at ≈2 μm, and provide a solid foundation for the further development of next‐generation 2 μm thin‐disk technologies.
Local transmitting boundaries for the generalized interpolation material point method
Authors: Bisht Vibhav , Salgado Rodrigo
Published: January 2018

The boundary‐value problems of mechanics can be solved using the material point method with explicit solver formulations. In explicit formulations, even quasi‐static problems are solved as if dynamic, which means that waves are reflected at computational boundaries, generating spurious oscillations in the solution to the boundary‐value problem. Such oscillations can be reduced to a level such that they are barely noticeable with the use of transmitting boundaries. Current implementations of transmitting boundaries in the material point method are limited to the standard viscous boundary. The absence of any stiffness component in the standard viscous boundary may lead to an undesirable finite rigid‐body motion over time. This motion can be minimized through the adoption of the transmitting cone boundary that approximates the stiffness of the unbounded domain. This paper lays out the implementation of the transmitting cone boundary for the generalized interpolation material point method. The cone boundary reflection‐canceling tractions can be applied to either the edges or the centroids of material points; this paper discusses the implications of both approaches.
Hydrophobicity‐enhanced adhesion of novel biomimetic biocompatible polyaspartamide derivative glues
Authors: Wang Bo , Lee Jae Sang , Jeon Young‐Sil , Kim Jaeyun , Kim Ji‐Heung
Published: January 2018

The development of wet bioadhesives for tissue fixation and wound care remains a challenge. While various commercial bioadhesive products based on both natural and synthetic materials are available, both types of adhesive have several drawbacks including weak adhesion or toxicity. In this study, we present a novel mussel‐inspired synthetic adhesive based on polyaspartamide derivatives modified with dopamine and a series of hydrophobic n‐alkylamines (lauryl, octyl, hexyl and butyl), which shows very strong adhesion toward various types of substrates such as paper, glass and metals as well as several common plastics (0.1–0.6 MPa). Additionally, the effect of adding metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+) as a coordination crosslinker to enhance adhesion performance was investigated using acryl plastic substrate. Even under deionized water conditions, the strong adhesion was found to be maintained for an appreciably long time after 24 h. This novel and biocompatible polymer glue system has potential in various applications including as a medical tissue adhesive and sealant. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Osteoblast‐derived factors promote metastatic potential in human prostate cancer cells, in part via non‐canonical transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling
Authors: Karlsson Terese , Sundar Reshma , Widmark Anders , Landström Maréne , Persson Emma
Published: January 2018

Background

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) functions as a double‐edged sword in prostate cancer tumorigenesis. In initial stages of the disease, TGFβ acts as a growth inhibitor upon tumor cells, whereas it in later stages of disease rather promotes invasion and metastatic potential. One well‐known cellular source of TGFβ in the bone metastatic site is the bone‐forming osteoblasts. Here we have studied the effects by osteoblast‐derived factors on metastatic potential in several human prostate cancer cell lines.

Methods

Effects on metastatic potential in prostate cancer cells by osteoblast‐derived factors were studied in vitro using several methods, including Transwell migration and evaluation of formation of pro‐migratory protrusions. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate possible changes in differentiation state in tumor cells by analysis of markers for epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The Matrigel‐on‐top 3D culture method was used for further assessment of metastatic characteristics in tumor cells by analysis of formation of filopodium‐like protrusions (FLPs).

Results

Osteoblast‐derived factors increased migration of PC‐3U cells, an effect less prominent in cells overexpressing a mutated type I TGFβ receptor (TβRI) preventing non‐canonical TRAF6‐dependent TGFβ signaling. Osteoblast‐derived factors also increased the formation of long protrusions and loss of cell‐cell contacts in PC‐3U cells, suggesting induction of a more aggressive phenotype. In addition, treatment with TGFβ or osteoblast‐derived factors of PC‐3U cells in Matrigel‐on‐top 3D cultures promoted formation of FLPs, previously shown to be essential for metastatic establishment.

Conclusions

These findings suggests that factors secreted from osteoblasts, including TGFβ, can induce several cellular traits involved in metastatic potential of PC‐3U cells, further strengthening the role for bone cells to promote metastatic tumor cell behavior.
Investigating energy‐based pool structure selection in the structure ensemble modeling with experimental distance constraints: The example from a multidomain protein Pub1
Authors: Zhu Guanhua , Liu Wei , Bao Chenglong , Tong Dudu , Ji Hui , Shen Zuowei , Yang Daiwen , Lu Lanyuan
Published: January 2018

The structural variations of multidomain proteins with flexible parts mediate many biological processes, and a structure ensemble can be determined by selecting a weighted combination of representative structures from a simulated structure pool, producing the best fit to experimental constraints such as interatomic distance. In this study, a hybrid structure‐based and physics‐based atomistic force field with an efficient sampling strategy is adopted to simulate a model di‐domain protein against experimental paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) data that correspond to distance constraints. The molecular dynamics simulations produce a wide range of conformations depicted on a protein energy landscape. Subsequently, a conformational ensemble recovered with low‐energy structures and the minimum‐size restraint is identified in good agreement with experimental PRE rates, and the result is also supported by chemical shift perturbations and small‐angle X‐ray scattering data. It is illustrated that the regularizations of energy and ensemble‐size prevent an arbitrary interpretation of protein conformations. Moreover, energy is found to serve as a critical control to refine the structure pool and prevent data overfitting, because the absence of energy regularization exposes ensemble construction to the noise from high‐energy structures and causes a more ambiguous representation of protein conformations. Finally, we perform structure‐ensemble optimizations with a topology‐based structure pool, to enhance the understanding on the ensemble results from different sources of pool candidates.
Cover Image, Volume 74, Issue 3
Authors: Yang Yajun , Wang Caiyun , Xu Hongxing , Lu Zhongxian
Published: January 2018

The cover image, by Chenxi Wu et al., is based on the Research Article Sublethal effects of four insecticides on folding and spinning behavior in the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), DOI: 10.1002/ps.4753. Photo Credit: Yajun Yang.

image
Carboxyl Functionalized Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes‐Lead Zirconate Titanate‐Polyvinyl Alcohol Tri‐Phase Percolative Composites with Enhanced Dielectric and Electrical Properties
Authors: Moharana Srikanta , Mahaling Ram Naresh
Published: January 2018

A tri‐phase composite film with carboxyl functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNT) and ferroelectric phase lead zirconate titanate (PZT) particles introduced in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and are prepared via solution casting technique. The f‐MWCNT‐PZT‐PVA composites are characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR studies indicate the chemical interaction between f‐MWCNT and polymer matrix. SEM results confirm that PZT particles were seated on the floor of functionalized MWCNTs and dispersed within the polymer matrix. The said composite with enhanced dielectric properties with a wide range of frequency exhibits high dielectric constant (114) and loss value remains 1.8 (100 Hz) for 2 wt.% of filler loading. The percolation theory was used to explain the dielectric properties of the composites. Further, the AC electrical conductivity of the composites significantly improved and the conductivity with frequency had been described by the power law. These findings may suggest the utility of tri‐phase composites in the field of energy storage applications.
Fisetin induces apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in human uveal melanoma cells
Authors: Wang Kai , Hu Dan‐Ning , Lin Hui‐Wen , Yang Wei‐En , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Chien Hsiang‐Wen , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: January 2018

Fisetin, a diatery flavonoid, been reported that possess anticancer effects in various cancers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the antitumor effects of fisetin in cultured uveal melanoma cell lines and compared with normal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. MTT assay was used for evaluating cytotoxic effects of fisetin. Flow cytometry study was used for the determination of apoptosis. JC‐1 fluorescent reader was used to determine mitochondrial transmembrane potential changes. The results shown that fisetin dose‐dependently decreased the cell viability of uveal melanoma cells but not influenced the cell viability of RPE cells. Apoptosis of uveal melanoma cells was induced by fisetin efficiently. Fisetin inhibited antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins and damaged the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The levels of proapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins, cytochrome c, and various caspase activities were increased by fisetin. In conclusion, fisetin induces apoptosis of uveal melanoma cells selectively and may be a promising agent to be explored for the treatment of uveal melanoma.
Retracted: Encapsulation of 5‐Fluorouracil in a Copper(II)‐based Porous Metal‐organic Framework: Drug Delivery and Inhibiting Human Spinal Cord Tumor Cells
Authors: Li Rongrui , Liu, Shichen , Tang Qingxi , Wang Tianshu , Xie Yunchuan , Zhai Raosheng
Published: January 2018

Solvothermal reaction of a semirigid tricarboxylic acid with Cu(NO3)2·3H2O gives rise to a robust microporous metal‐organic framework with the formula {[Cu2(OH)bcb](DMF)2(H2O)3}n (1) [H3bcb = 3,5‐bis((4′‐carboxylbenzyl)‐oxy)benzoic acid, DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide]. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. The efficient encapsulation of an anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) on the desolvated 1 (1a) was studied by both grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation and drug release experiments. In addition, in vitro anticancer activity of compounds 1 and 5‐Fu loaded 1a were also evaluated using MTT assay.
Interdepartmental Spread of Innovations: A Multicentre Study of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programme
Authors: de Groot Jeanny J. A. , Maessen José M. C. , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Winkens Bjorn , Kruitwagen Roy F. P. M. , Slangen Brigitte F. M. , van der Weijden Trudy ,   all the members of the study group, Bekkers R. L. M. , Boss E. A. , van Dorst E. B. L. , van Driel W. J. , Fons G. , Gaarenstroom K. N. , Gerestein C. G. , van Haaften M. , van Haaften‐de Jong A. M. L. D. , de Haan H. H. , van Hamont D. , Hermans R. H. M. , Hofhuis W. , Hofman L. N. , Martens J. E. , Mertens H. , Pijlman B. M. , Pijnenborg J. M. A. , Reesink‐Peters N. , Roes E. M. , Schagen van Leeuwen J. H. , Snijders M. P. L. M. , Vencken P. M. L. H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Spread of evidence‐based innovations beyond pioneering settings is essential to improve quality of care. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a national project to implement ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery’ (ERAS) among colorectal teams on the spread of this innovation to gynaecological procedures.

Methods

A retrospective observational multicentre study was performed of a consecutive sample of patients who underwent major elective gynaecological surgery in 2012–2013. Ten Dutch hospitals (294 patients) had participated in a colorectal breakthrough project implementing ERAS on a nationwide basis and were assigned to the intervention group. Thirteen hospitals (390 patients) that had not participated in this project acted as controls. Outcome measures were time to functional recovery and total length of postoperative hospital stay. Multilevel models adjusted for clustering and baseline demographics were used for analysis. The uptake of ten selected perioperative care elements was evaluated for each hospital.

Results

The estimated mean difference (95% confidence interval) between the intervention and control hospitals was −0.3 (−0.9 to 0.3) days in the time to recovery and 0.2 (−0.8 to 1.3) days in the total length of hospital stay. The mean (± standard deviation) absolute rate of implemented perioperative care elements per hospital was 28.9 ± 14.9% in the control, versus 29.3 ± 11.1% in the intervention group (p = 0.934).

Conclusion

Initial implementation effects seem to be restricted to the participating teams and do not automatically spread to other surgical teams in the same hospital.
Phishing – challenges and solutions
Authors: Vayansky Ike , Kumar Sathish
Published: January 2018

Phishing is a major threat to all Internet users and is difficult to trace or defend against since it does not present itself as obviously malicious in nature. In today's society, everything is put online and the safety of personal credentials is at risk. Phishing can be seen as one of the oldest and easiest ways of stealing information from people and it is used for obtaining a wide range of personal details. It also has a fairly simple approach – send an email, email sends victim to a site, site steals information.
TRANSFER OF CHATTELS BY NON-OWNERS: STILL AN OPEN PROBLEM
Authors: Tettenborn Andrew
Published: January 2018

The current law relating to the unauthorised dispositions of chattels is an arbitrary and unpredictable mess that has grown up haphazardly and piecemeal. In this connection we need a default rule that is straightforward rational and logical. Such a rule should follow three principles. First there should be a background rule of entrustment, whereby anyone entrusting another with goods takes the risk of subsequent misdealing. Secondly, this rule should apply to all proprietary interests and not simply to ownership. Thirdly, it should be open to exceptions where there is good reason to admit them, for example to accommodate specific schemes covering particular types of security interest.
What Can We Learn from Political History? Leo Strauss and Raymond Aron, Readers of Thucydides
Authors: Marcotte-Chenard Sophie
Published: January 2018

Through a comparison of Leo Strauss's and Raymond Aron's interpretations of Thucydides's history, this paper sheds light on the relationship between political history and political philosophy. In continuing the dialogue between the two thinkers, I demonstrate that in spite of their opposed views on modern historical consciousness, they converge in a defense of the object and method of classical political history. However, there is a deeper disagreement regarding the relationship between philosophy and politics. While Strauss makes the case for the compatibility of classical political history and classical political philosophy on the grounds that Thucydides is a “philosophic historian,” Aron argues that it is precisely because Thucydides is not a philosopher that he succeeds in understanding an essential feature of political things, namely, contingency in history.
Negotiating Parenting Support: Welfare Politics in Sweden between the 1960s and the 2000s
Authors: Littmarck Sofia , Lind Judith , Sandin Bengt
Published: January 2018

Parent education surfaced as a political question in Sweden in the 1960s and support for parents has since remained on the political agenda. Despite different views on the ideal relationship between the welfare state, the family and children, support for parents has been advocated by parties from all over the political spectrum. By tracing the political debate, this article addresses the question of how the notion of support for parents was adapted to different political ideas, ideologies and ways of defining the relationship between state, family and children from the 1960s until the 2000s in Sweden. We analyse the arguments that different political parties offered and the varying meanings attributed to terms like ‘parent education’ (föräldrautbildning) and ‘parenting support’ (föräldrastöd) during three different phases in the transformation of the Swedish welfare state: the final period of its expansion in the 1960s and 1970s; the economic crisis and retrenchments of welfare services in the 1990s; and the era of individual responsibility in the 2000s. Support for parents has been actualised as a solution to different social and political problems and the notions of parent education and parenting support have proven the capacity to accommodate different political ideas, ideologies and visions.
Were Mexico’s September Quakes Chance or a Chain Reaction?
Authors: Skibba Ramin
Published: January 2018

Last year, two major earthquakes—one 12 days after the first—shook Mexico. New analysis blames this very unlikely event on chance. But one of the pair may have triggered a third large nearby temblor.
Publisher Correction: Coherent Ising machines—optical neural networks operating at the quantum limit
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihisa , Aihara Kazuyuki , Leleu Timothee , Kawarabayashi Ken-ichi , Kako Satoshi , Fejer Martin , Inoue Kyo , Takesue Hiroki
Published: January 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this article.
A diseasome cluster-based drug repurposing of soluble guanylate cyclase activators from smooth muscle relaxation to direct neuroprotection
Authors: Langhauser Friederike , Casas Ana I. , Dao Vu-Thao-Vi , Guney Emre , Menche Jörg , Geuss Eva , Kleikers Pamela W. M. , López Manuela G. , Barabási Albert-L. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Schmidt Harald H. H. W.
Published: January 2018

Network medicine utilizes common genetic origins, markers and co-morbidities to uncover mechanistic links between diseases. These links can be summarized in the diseasome, a comprehensive network of disease–disease relationships and clusters. The diseasome has been influential during the past decade, although most of its links are not followed up experimentally. Here, we investigate a high prevalence unmet medical need cluster of disease phenotypes linked to cyclic GMP. Hitherto, the central cGMP-forming enzyme, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), has been targeted pharmacologically exclusively for smooth muscle modulation in cardiology and pulmonology. Here, we examine the disease associations of sGC in a non-hypothesis based manner in order to identify possibly previously unrecognized clinical indications. Surprisingly, we find that sGC, is closest linked to neurological disorders, an application that has so far not been explored clinically. Indeed, when investigating the neurological indication of this cluster with the highest unmet medical need, ischemic stroke, pre-clinically we find that sGC activity is virtually absent post-stroke. Conversely, a heme-free form of sGC, apo-sGC, was now the predominant isoform suggesting it may be a mechanism-based target in stroke. Indeed, this repurposing hypothesis could be validated experimentally in vivo as specific activators of apo-sGC were directly neuroprotective, reduced infarct size and increased survival. Thus, common mechanism clusters of the diseasome allow direct drug repurposing across previously unrelated disease phenotypes redefining them in a mechanism-based manner. Specifically, our example of repurposing apo-sGC activators for ischemic stroke should be urgently validated clinically as a possible first-in-class neuroprotective therapy.
Non-knee-spanning muscles contribute to tibiofemoral shear as well as valgus and rotational joint reaction moments during unanticipated sidestep cutting
Authors: Maniar Nirav , Schache Anthony G. , Sritharan Prasanna , Opar David A.
Published: January 2018

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a burdensome condition due to potential surgical requirements and increased risk of long term debilitation. Previous studies indicate that muscle forces play an important role in the development of ligamentous loading, yet these studies have typically used cadaveric models considering only the knee-spanning quadriceps, hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscle groups. Using a musculoskeletal modelling approach, we investigated how lower-limb muscles produce and oppose key tibiofemoral reaction forces and moments during the weight acceptance phase of unanticipated sidestep cutting. Muscles capable of opposing (or controlling the magnitude of) the anterior shear force and the external valgus moment at the knee are thought to be have the greatest potential for protecting the anterior cruciate ligament from injury. We found the best muscles for generating posterior shear to be the soleus, biceps femoris long head and medial hamstrings, providing up to 173N, 111N and 77N of force directly opposing the anterior shear force. The valgus moment was primarily opposed by the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and piriformis, with these muscles providing contributions of up to 32 Nm, 19 Nm and 21 Nm towards a knee varus moment, respectively. Our findings highlight key muscle targets for ACL preventative and rehabilitative interventions.
Distractor displacements during saccades are reflected in the time-course of saccade curvature
Authors: van Leeuwen Jonathan , Belopolsky Artem V.
Published: January 2018

Every time we make a saccade we form a prediction about where objects are going to be when the eye lands. This is crucial since the oculomotor system is retinotopically organized and every saccade drastically changes the projection of objects on the retina. We investigated how quickly the oculomotor system accommodates new spatial information when a distractor is displaced during a saccade. Participants performed sequences of horizontal and vertical saccades and oculomotor competition was induced by presenting a task-irrelevant distractor before the first saccade. On half of the trials the distractor remained in the same location after the first saccade and on the other half the distractor moved during the first saccade. Curvature of the second saccade was used to track target-distractor competition. At short intersaccadic intervals, saccades curved away from the original distractor location, confirming that in the oculomotor system spatiotopic representations emerge rapidly and automatically. Approximately 190 ms after the first saccade, second saccades curved away from the new distractor location. These results show that after a saccade the oculomotor system is initially driven by the spatial prediction made before the saccade, but it is able to quickly update these spatial predictions based on new visual information.
Author Correction: Characterization of slow cycling corneal limbal epithelial cells identifies putative stem cell markers
Authors: Sartaj R. , Zhang C. , Wan P. , Pasha Z. , Guaiquil V. , Liu A. , Liu J. , Luo Y. , Fuchs E. , Rosenblatt M. I.
Published: January 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.
Transparent Displays Utilizing Nanopatterned Quantum Dot Films
Authors: Shin Sang-ho , Hwang Boyeon , Zhao Zhi-Jun , Jeon So Hee , Jung JooYun , Lee Ji-Hye , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Jeong Jun-Ho
Published: January 2018

We report the realization of a transparent display using glass covered by a nanopatterned quantum dot (QD) film with good transmittance. The film was fabricated by nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and spin coating of colloidal QDs with specificexcitation maxima. The produced nanopatterned QD film was attached to transparent glass, enabling active image generation using a laser light source of a specific wavelength. Selective light emission was induced by strongly exciting the laser-exposed film surface, creating desired images, with color modulationenabled by controlling the QD layer (dozens of nanometers in size) via nanopatterning. The nanopatterned QD film used for image generation exhibits excellent transmittance (>80%), and can be used for transparent displays, with image realization in both bright and dark spaces. The fabricated displays have wide viewing anglesowing to their good light emission characteristics, and the fabrication through spin coating renders the fabrication process simple and applicable to large areas.
Progress in subseasonal to seasonal prediction through a joint weather and climate community effort
Authors: Mariotti Annarita , Ruti Paolo M. , Rixen Michel
Published: January 2018

Public expectations have been set for the development of skillful meteorological forecasts of unprecedented leads out to a month or two, filling the so-called subseasonal to seasonal prediction gap. While both the weather and climate communities, coordinated internationally by the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), respectively, can contribute to address this challenge, neither of them can effectively meet the challenge alone. The WWRP/WCRP Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) Prediction Project and related initiatives such as the Modeling, Analysis, Predictions and Projections (MAPP) Program S2S Prediction Task Force are providing a framework for needed weather–climate community interactions. Such joint weather–climate efforts need to be sustained in the future for continued progress in subseasonal to seasonal prediction.
Reduced graphene oxide doped predominantly with CF2 groups as a superior anode material for long-life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: An Haoran , Li Yu , Feng Yiyu , Cao Yu , Cao Chen , Long Peng , Li Shuangwen , Feng Wei
Published: January 2018

A fluorine-doped reduced graphene oxide (F-rGO), doped predominantly with CF2 groups, was synthesized through a solvothermal process, and applied as the anode material in a lithium-ion battery.
Palladium-catalyzed hydroformylation of terminal arylacetylenes with glyoxylic acid
Authors: Liu Yang , Cai Liangzhen , Xu Sheng , Pu Weiwen , Tao Xiaochun
Published: January 2018

A reaction process under syngas-free conditions using common ligands and terminal alkyne substrates. The mechanism has been studied.
Intermolecular chemo- and regioselective aromatic C–H amination of alkoxyarenes promoted by rhodium nitrenoids
Authors: Arai Kenta , Ueda Yoshihiro , Morisaki Kazuhiro , Furuta Takumi , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro , Kawabata Takeo
Published: January 2018

Intermolecular site-selective aromatic C(sp2)–H amination promoted by neutral rhodium nitrenoids proceeds even in the presence of potentially reactive C(sp3)–H bonds.
Growth of β-glycine crystals promoted by standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs)
Authors: Bai Cheng , Wang Chaohui , Zheng Tengfei , Hu Qiao
Published: January 2018

Glycine has three polymorphic forms, the α-, β- and γ-phase, where the β-phase is less stable than the other two, but it is the most useful one.
Monitoring photo-induced population dynamics in metastable linkage isomer crystals: a crystallographic kinetic study of [Pd(Bu4dien)NO2]BPh4
Authors: Hatcher Lauren E. , Skelton Jonathan M. , Warren Mark R. , Stubbs Clare , da Silva E. Lora , Raithby Paul R.
Published: January 2018

Photocrystallographic kinetic studies provide key insight into real-time photoswitching in linkage isomer crystals, helping development of systems towards device applications.
Magnetic field effects dynamics of ethylammonium nitrate ionic liquid confined between glass plates
Authors: Filippov Andrei , Antzutkin Oleg N.
Published: January 2018

Diffusion and NMR relaxation in ethylammonium nitrate confined between polar glass plates reversibly altered by application of a static magnetic field.