bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stoned—A Syndrome of D‐Lactic Acidosis and Urolithiasis
Authors: Berman Casey M. , Merritt Russell J.
Published: March 2018

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) can lead to many complications related to the condition and its therapy. We describe 2 children with SBS who we believe are the second and third patients documented to have experienced both D‐lactic acidosis and urolithiasis. We review aspects of these SBS complications and recent findings on the microbiome of patients with SBS that may predispose to these complications.
Inherently Lean Rats Have Enhanced Activity and Skeletal Muscle Response to Central Melanocortin Receptors
Authors: Gavini Chaitanya K. , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Novak Colleen M.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Activity thermogenesis and energy expenditure (EE) are elevated in intrinsically lean rats (high‐capacity runners [HCR]) and are also stimulated by melanocortin receptor activation in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). This study determined whether HCR are more responsive to central modulation of activity EE compared with low‐capacity runners (LCR).

Methods

HCR and LCR rats received intra‐VMH microinjections of melanotan II (MTII), a mixed melanocortin receptor agonist. Changes in EE, respiratory exchange ratio, activity EE, muscle heat, norepinephrine turnover, and muscle energetic modulators were compared.

Results

HCR were significantly more responsive to intra‐VMH MTII‐induced changes in EE, activity EE, norepinephrine turnover to some muscle subgroups, and muscle mRNA expression of some energetic modulators. Though HCR had high muscle activity thermogenesis, limited MTII‐induced modulation of muscle thermogenesis during activity was seen in LCR only.

Conclusions

An inherently lean, high‐capacity rat phenotype showed elevated response to central melanocortin stimulation of activity EE and use of fat as fuel. This may be driven by sympathetic outflow to skeletal muscle, which was elevated after MTII. Central melanocortin receptor activation also altered skeletal muscle energetic modulators in a manner consistent with elevated EE and lowered respiratory exchange ratio.
Modular synthesis of polymers containing 2,5‐di(thiophenyl)‐N‐arylpyrrole
Authors: Truong Tran N. B. , Savagatrup Suchol , Jeon Intak , Swager Timothy M.
Published: March 2018

A modular and facile route has been developed to synthesize functionalized 2,5‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1‐H‐arylpyrroles from readily available starting materials. These units are compatible with various polymerization conditions and are versatile building blocks for conjugated polymers. The polymers show high thermal stability and solubility in a number of solvents. Characterization of the polymers reveals a correlation between molecular packing, controllable by polymer design, and charge carrier mobility. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1133–1139
Many Flavors of Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis: Part II – Modeling Summary Level Longitudinal Responses
Authors: Boucher Martin , Bennetts Meg
Published: March 2018

Meta‐analyses typically assess comparative treatment response for an end point at specific timepoints across studies. However, during drug development, it is often of interest to understand the response time‐course of competitor compounds for a variety of purposes. Examples of such application include informing study design and characterizing the onset, maintenance, and offset of action. This tutorial acts as a “points for consideration” document, reviews relevant literature, and fits a longitudinal model to an example dataset.
Shape and core‐excited resonances of thionucleobases
Authors: Cheng Hsiu‐Yao , Lin Cheng‐Jung
Published: March 2018

Thionucleobases can be used in chemoradiation therapy of cancer. Shape resonances (SRs) and core‐excited resonances (CERs) can lead to fragmentation and eventually result in strand breaks of DNA. In particular, the more energetic CERs are believed to cause double‐strand breaks that can hardly be repaired. In this work, both the SRs and CERs of exemplary 2‐thiouracil, 4‐thiouracil, 2‐thiothymine, 4‐thiothymine, and 6‐aza‐2‐thiothymine are investigated using stabilization method in conjunction with long range corrected time‐dependent density functional theory. Results indicate that the energies of (1) π*1 and π*2 SRs, (2) n‐π* CERs, and (3) mixed resonances of π‐π* CERs with π* SRs can be significantly stabilized due to thionation of uracil or thymine. It is noteworthy that the resonant cases of (2) and (3) can be accessed by electrons even at energies below 4 eV. Consequently, the increased decay of temporary anions can enhance strand breaks of DNA.
The changing rationale for governance choices: Early vs. late adopters of global services sourcing
Authors: Manning Stephan , Massini Silvia , Peeters Carine , Lewin Arie Y.
Published: March 2018

Research Summary: This article studies how the logic of firm governance choices varies as a function of the time of adoption of particular sourcing practices. Using data on the diffusion of global business services sourcing as a management practice from early experiments in the 1980s through 2011, we show that the extent to which governance choices are affected by process commoditization, availability of external service capabilities, and past governance choices depends on whether firms are early or late adopters. Findings inform research on governance choice dynamics specifically in highly diverse and evolving firm populations.

Managerial Summary: This article considers how firms have chosen delivery models in global services sourcing decisions over time. Based on comprehensive data, we make two major observations. First, we find that firms that began with global services sourcing early, invested mainly in their internal sourcing capacity, while outsourcing only simple tasks to external providers, whereas firms that started later invested more in their capability to outsource various services to increasingly sophisticated suppliers. Second, we find that initial investments in internal or external sourcing capabilities have a strong effect on future choices of delivery models. This explains why, even today, firms vary greatly in how they implement global sourcing decisions, and it suggests that newcomers should learn from their own peer group rather than from highly experienced firms.
Molybdenum Carbide‐Decorated Metallic Cobalt@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Polyhedrons for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wu Can , Liu Dan , Li Hui , Li Jinghong
Published: March 2018

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) based on water splitting holds great promise for clean energy technologies, in which the key issue is exploring cost‐effective materials to replace noble metal catalysts. Here, a sequential chemical etching and pyrolysis strategy are developed to prepare molybdenum carbide‐decorated metallic cobalt@nitrogen‐doped porous carbon polyhedrons (denoted as Mo/Co@N–C) hybrids for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The obtained metallic Co nanoparticles are coated by N‐doped carbon thin layers while the formed molybdenum carbide nanoparticles are well‐dispersed in the whole Co@N–C frames. Benefiting from the additionally implanted molybdenum carbide active sites, the HER performance of Mo/Co@N–C hybrids is significantly promoted compared with the single Co@N–C that is derived from the pristine ZIF‐67 both in alkaline and acidic media. As a result, the as‐synthesized Mo/Co@N–C hybrids exhibit superior HER electrocatalytic activity, and only very low overpotentials of 157 and 187 mV are needed at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH and 0.5 m H2SO4, respectively, opening a door for rational design and fabrication of novel low‐cost electrocatalysts with hierarchical structures toward electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
Hypoxia-Activated Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevents Irradiation-Induced Salivary Hypofunction by Enhanced Paracrine Effect Through Fibroblast Growth Factor 10
Authors: Shin Hyun-Soo , Lee Songyi , Kim Young-Mo , Lim Jae-Yol
Published: March 2018

To explore the effects and mechanisms of paracrine factors secreted from human adipose mesenchymal stem cell (hAdMSCs) that are activated by hypoxia on radioprotection against irradiation-induced salivary hypofunction in subjects undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. An organotypic spheroid coculture model to mimic irradiation (IR)-induced salivary hypofunction was set up for in vitro experiments. Human parotid gland epithelial cells were organized to form three-dimensional (3D) acinus-like spheroids on growth factor reduced -Matrigel. Cellular, structural, and functional damage following IR were examined after cells were cocultured with hAdMSCs preconditioned with either normoxia (hAdMSCNMX) or hypoxia (hAdMSCHPX). A key paracrine factor secreted by hAdMSCsHPX was identified by high-throughput microarray-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways on radioprotection were explored. Therapeutic effects of hAdMSCsHPX were evaluated after in vivo transplant into mice with IR-induced salivary hypofunction. In our 3D coculture experiment, hAdMSCsHPX significantly enhanced radioresistance of spheroidal human parotid epithelial cells, and led to greater preservation of salivary epithelial integrity and acinar secretory function relative to hAdMSCsNMX. Coculture with hAdMSCsHPX promoted FGFR expression and suppressed FGFR diminished antiapoptotic activity of hAdMSCsHPX. Among FGFR-binding secreted factors, we found that fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) contributed to therapeutic effects of hAdMSCsHPX by enhancing antiapoptotic effect, which was dependent on FGFR–PI3K signaling. An in vivo transplant of hAdMSCsHPX into irradiated salivary glands of mice reversed IR-induced salivary hypofunction where hAdMSC-released FGF10 contributed to tissue remodeling. Our results suggest that hAdMSCsHPX protect salivary glands from IR-induced apoptosis and preserve acinar structure and functions by activation of FGFR-PI3K signaling via actions of hAdMSC-secreted factors, including FGF10.
Follistatin-Like 3 Enhances the Function of Endothelial Cells Derived from Pluripotent Stem Cells by Facilitating β-Catenin Nuclear Translocation Through Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Activity
Authors: Kelaini Sophia , Vilà-González Marta , Caines Rachel , Campbell David , Eleftheriadou Magdalini , Tsifaki Marianna , Magee Corey , Cochrane Amy , O'neill Karla , Yang Chunbo , Stitt Alan W. , Zeng Lingfang , Grieve David J. , Margariti Andriana
Published: March 2018

The fight against vascular disease requires functional endothelial cells (ECs) which could be provided by differentiation of induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS Cells) in great numbers for use in the clinic. However, the great promise of the generated ECs (iPS-ECs) in therapy is often restricted due to the challenge in iPS-ECs preserving their phenotype and function. We identified that Follistatin-Like 3 (FSTL3) is highly expressed in iPS-ECs, and, as such, we sought to clarify its possible role in retaining and improving iPS-ECs function and phenotype, which are crucial in increasing the cells’ potential as a therapeutic tool. We overexpressed FSTL3 in iPS-ECs and found that FSTL3 could induce and enhance endothelial features by facilitating β-catenin nuclear translocation through inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β activity and induction of Endothelin-1. The angiogenic potential of FSTL3 was also confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. When iPS-ECs overexpressing FSTL3 were subcutaneously injected in in vivo angiogenic model or intramuscularly injected in a hind limb ischemia NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/NcrCrl SCID mice model, FSTL3 significantly induced angiogenesis and blood flow recovery, respectively. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that FSTL3 can greatly enhance the function and maturity of iPS-ECs. It advances our understanding of iPS-ECs and identifies a novel pathway that can be applied in cell therapy. These findings could therefore help improve efficiency and generation of therapeutically relevant numbers of ECs for use in patient-specific cell-based therapies. In addition, it can be particularly useful toward the treatment of vascular diseases instigated by EC dysfunction.
Notch and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Impact Definitive Hematopoiesis from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Leung Amy , Zulick Elizabeth , Skvir Nicholas , Vanuytsel Kim , Morrison Tasha A. , Naing Zaw Htut , Wang Zhongyan , Dai Yan , Chui David H. K. , Steinberg Martin H. , Sherr David H. , Murphy George J.
Published: March 2018

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) stand to revolutionize the way we study human development, model disease, and eventually, treat patients. However, these cell sources produce progeny that retain embryonic and/or fetal characteristics. The failure to mature to definitive, adult-type cells is a major barrier for iPSC-based disease modeling and drug discovery. To directly address these concerns, we have developed a chemically defined, serum and feeder-free–directed differentiation platform to generate hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells (HSPCs) and resultant adult-type progeny from iPSCs. This system allows for strict control of signaling pathways over time through growth factor and/or small molecule modulation. Through direct comparison with our previously described protocol for the production of primitive wave hematopoietic cells, we demonstrate that induced HSPCs are enhanced for erythroid and myeloid colony forming potential, and strikingly, resultant erythroid-lineage cells display enhanced expression of adult β globin indicating definitive pathway patterning. Using this system, we demonstrate the stage-specific roles of two key signaling pathways, Notch and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), in the derivation of definitive hematopoietic cells. We illustrate the stage-specific necessity of Notch signaling in the emergence of hematopoietic progenitors and downstream definitive, adult-type erythroblasts. We also show that genetic or small molecule inhibition of the AHR results in the increased production of CD34+CD45+ HSPCs while conversely, activation of the same receptor results in a block of hematopoietic cell emergence. Results presented here should have broad implications for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and future clinical translation of iPSC-derived blood cells.
5-brane webs for 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 G2 gauge theories
Authors: Hayashi Hirotaka , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Kimyeong , Yagi Futoshi
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We propose 5-brane webs for 5d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 G
2 gauge theories. From a Higgsing of the SO(7) gauge theory with a hypermultiplet in the spinor representation, we construct two types of 5-brane web configurations for the pure G
2 gauge theory using an O5-plane or an

$$ \tilde{\mathrm{O}5} $$

O
5

˜

-plane. Adding flavors to the 5-brane web for the pure G
2 gauge theory is also discussed. Based on the obtained 5-brane webs, we compute the partition functions for the 5d G
2 gauge theories using the recently suggested topological vertex formulation with an O5-plane, and we find agreement with known results.
Conformal manifolds: ODEs from OPEs
Authors: Behan Connor
Published: March 2018

Abstract

The existence of an exactly marginal deformation in a conformal field theory is very special, but it is not well understood how this is reflected in the allowed dimensions and OPE coefficients of local operators. To shed light on this question, we compute perturbative corrections to several observables in an abstract CFT, starting with the beta function. This yields a sum rule that the theory must obey in order to be part of a conformal manifold. The set of constraints relating CFT data at different values of the coupling can in principle be written as a dynamical system that allows one to flow arbitrarily far. We begin the analysis of it by finding a simple form for the differential equations when the spacetime and theory space are both one-dimensional. A useful feature we can immediately observe is that our system makes it very difficult for level crossing to occur.
Managing an invasive corallimorph at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Line Islands, Central Pacific
Authors: Work Thierry M. , Aeby Greta S. , Neal Benjamin P. , Price Nichole N. , Conklin Eric , Pollock Amanda
Published: March 2018

In 2007, a phase shift from corals to corallimorpharians (CM) centered around a shipwreck was documented at Palmyra Atoll, Line Islands. Subsequent surveys revealed CM to be overgrowing the reef benthos, including corals and coralline algae, potentially placing coral ecosystems in the atoll at risk. This prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the lead management agency of the atoll, to remove the shipwreck. Subsequent surveys showed reductions in CM around the ship impact site. We explain patterns of spread of the CM in terms of both life history and local currents and show with a pilot study that pulverized bleach may be an effective tool to eradicate CM on a local scale. If applied strategically, particularly in heavily infested (> 66% cover) areas, active intervention such as this could be an effective management tool to reduce CM impact on localized areas and decrease colonization rate of remaining reefs. This is the first documentation of the response of an invasive cnidarian to shipwreck removal. While this was a singular event in Palmyra, the spatial and temporal patterns of this invasion and the eradications lessons described herein, are useful for anticipating and controlling similar situations elsewhere.
Longitudinal decreases in multiple cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of neuronal injury in symptomatic late onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sutphen Courtney L. , McCue Lena , Herries Elizabeth M. , Xiong Chengjie , Ladenson Jack H. , Holtzman David M. , Fagan Anne M. ,   On behalf of ADNI
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Individuals in early stages of Alzheimer's disease are a targeted population for secondary prevention trials aimed at preserving normal cognition. Understanding within‐person biomarker(s) change over time is critical for trial enrollment and design.

Methods

Longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid samples from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were assayed for novel markers of neuronal/synaptic injury (visinin‐like protein 1, Ng, and SNAP‐25) and neuroinflammation (YKL‐40) and compared with β amyloid 42, tau, and phospho‐tau181. General linear mixed models were used to compare within‐person rates of change in three clinical groups (cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease) further defined by β amyloid status.

Results

Levels of injury markers were highly positively correlated. Despite elevated baseline levels as a function of clinical status and amyloid‐positivity, within‐person decreases in these measures were observed in the early symptomatic, amyloid‐positive Alzheimer's disease group.

Discussion

Knowledge of within‐person biomarker change will impact interpretation of biomarker outcomes in clinical trials that are dependent on disease stage.
Risk of Incident Psychiatric Disorders in Sexual Assault Victims: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tung Tao-Hsin , Shen Sheng-Ang , Chen Chih-Hao , Huang Chien
Published: March 2018

Sexual offenses cause harm to the victims’ physical and psychological functions. This study was conducted to evaluate the risk of incident psychiatric disorders in sexual assault victims. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database was used to conduct a nationwide population-based cohort study to assess the risk of incident psychiatric disorders in sexual assault victims and to further evaluate the respective risk estimates on the basis of diagnostic patterns. A total of 81 sexual assault victims and 324 controls matched by sex, age and residential area were included. The mean age of the sexual assault victims was 18.39 (sd10.23) years, and 93.83% (76/81) of the sample were females. Sexual assault victims had a higher incidence density of psychiatric disorders than did the control group (9.2% per year, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–33.2% per yearv.1.1% per year, 95% CI .4–15.7% per year;p=.037). Sexual assault was an independent risk factor for incident psychiatric disorders, with an incidence rate ratio of 3.40 (95% CI 1.04–26.41) after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Assessment of psychiatric disorders should be implemented in the integrative care of sexual assault victims. Physicians providing clinical care to the sexual assault victims should receive more all-round training to understand and manage this type of violence.
Solution selection of axisymmetric Taylor bubbles
Authors: Doak A. , Vanden-Broeck J.-M.
Published: March 2018

A finite difference scheme is proposed to solve the problem of axisymmetric Taylor bubbles rising at a constant velocity in a tube. A method to remove singularities from the numerical scheme is presented, allowing accurate computation of the bubbles with the inclusion of both gravity and surface tension. This paper confirms the long-held belief that the solution space of the axisymmetric Taylor bubble for small surface tension is qualitatively similar to that of the plane Taylor bubble. Furthermore, evidence suggesting that the solution selection mechanism associated with plane bubbles also occurs in the axisymmetric case is presented.
On models for predicting thermodynamic regimes in high-pressure turbulent mixing and combustion of multispecies mixtures
Authors: Castiglioni Giacomo , Bellan Josette
Published: March 2018

The thermodynamic regime of a complex mixture depends on the composition, the pressure and the temperature; the spinodal locus separates the regime of thermodynamic instability from the remainder of the phase space. Since diffusion is one of the phenomena affecting the local chemical composition, the first focus is here on evaluating diffusion models in the context of high-pressure (high-$p$) multispecies mixing and combustion. It is shown that the diffusion model equations previously used to create two high-$p$ direct numerical simulation (DNS) databases can reproduce classical experimental observations of uphill diffusion in an accurate spatiotemporal manner, whereas the popular model which has a diagonal diffusion matrix and uses a velocity correction lacks spatiotemporal accuracy. Further, a mathematical formalism is used to compute the spinodal locus for mixtures for which either experimental data or previous computations from the literature are available, and it is shown that the agreement of the present calculations with that previously existing information is excellent. Using the spinodal-calculation mathematical formalism, the aforementioned DNS databases are then examined to determine the thermodynamic regime of the mixture at important stages of the simulations. In the first subset of the DNS databases that portrays mixing of five species under high-$p$ conditions, this stage is that of the transitional state representing the individual time station at which each simulation, having been initiated in a laminar state, transitions to a state having turbulent characteristics. In the second subset of the DNS databases that portrays high-$p$ turbulent combustion, this stage represents the individual time station at the peak $p$ achieved during the calculations. In both databases, the influence of the initial Reynolds number, the free-stream composition and the free-stream $p$ is studied. The results show that in all cases the mixture is in the single-phase regime. The present DNS databases have only five species, but it is shown that the methodology for computing the spinodal locus can be applied to very complex mixtures, with examples given for a twelve-species mixture and surrogate diesel fuels, thereby boding well for determining the thermodynamic regime of practical mixtures in high-$p$ turbulent flow simulations for engineering applications. According to these calculations, diesel-fuel surrogates are always in the single-phase regime at injection-conditions $p$ and temperatures existing in diesel-engine combustion chambers.
Experimental investigation of the scaling of vortex wandering in turbulent surroundings
Authors: Bailey Sean C. C. , Pentelow Steffen , Ghimire Hari C. , Estejab Bahareh , Green Melissa A. , Tavoularis Stavros
Published: March 2018

The wandering of a wing-tip vortex in free-stream turbulence was documented by analysis of multi-probe hot-wire measurements in a wind tunnel and flow visualisation and particle image velocimetry measurements in a water tunnel. An error-minimisation approach was applied to the hot-wire measurements to estimate the time history of the location of the vortex axis, whereas flow visualisation from two orthogonal views permitted the reconstruction of relatively long sections of the vortex axis. The amplitude of the wandering motion was found to scale with the turbulence intensity, the core radius and the vortex turnover time; this amplitude was insensitive to changes in the integral length and time scales of the turbulence. The period of the vortex wandering was distributed in the range between 1 and 10 vortex turnover times. The wavelength of wandering was distributed at a relatively long value, which scaled with the vortex turnover time. The velocity of vortex wandering depended on the vortex turnover time, but also contained an additional contribution that was consistent with motion induced by bending waves. The prevalence of the vortex turnover time as the scale for vortex wandering was interpreted as evidence that vortex-induced straining of the free-stream eddies bounds the interaction time between the two, thus limiting the time available for linear and angular momentum transfer.
Trypanosoma amblyommi sp. nov. (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) isolated from Amblyomma brasiliense (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Marotta Carolina R. , Dos Santos Priscilla N. , Cordeiro Matheus D. , Barros Juliana Helena Da S. , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Fonseca Adivaldo H.
Published: March 2018

Parasites of the genusTrypanosomaare microorganisms that display wide morphological, biological and genetic variability. Here we present the first description of an isolate of the genusTrypanosomanaturally infecting the tickAmblyomma brasiliense. The ticks were collected from a specimen ofTayassu pecari(Queixada, white-lipped peccary) from the Itatiaia National Park, Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The isolate was characterized by molecular, morphometric and biological analyses. ATrypanosomaculture was isolated from crushed nymphal and adult ticks, propagated in the tick cell line IDE8 and maintained in L15B culture medium, incubated at 32 °C. The isolate grew well in L15B medium at 30, 32 and 34 °C but not at lower or higher temperatures. The culture remained stable in axenic L15B medium at 30 °C. Cryopreserved cultures retained viability after cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen. Growth in axenic medium and developmental forms of the trypanosomes were analysed. Analysis of the 18S rDNA region confirmed the authenticity of this new species and the nucleotide sequence was deposited in Genbank. The species was namedTrypanosoma amblyommisp. nov. strain C1RJ. Characteristics related to pathogenicity, involvement with vertebrate hosts, epidemiology, developmental cycle and transmission mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, further studies are necessary to understand the aspects of the biological cycle ofT. amblyommisp. nov.
Reading V. S. Naipaul’s A House for Mr. Biswas
Authors: Opoku-Agyemang Adwoa A.
Published: March 2018

This essay proposes V. S. Naipaul’s A House for Mr. Biswas for study in an undergraduate class in Ghana. It addresses some of the particularities inherent in treating a Caribbean text in a West African context. Focusing on how characters read can encourage students to re-examine their own approaches to a text. To a large extent, the class is based on textual analysis, which is useful for bringing the various layers of the book to life.
Postcolonial Studies and the Specter of Misplaced Polemics against Postcolonial Theory: A Review of the Chibber Debate
Authors: Taylor Christopher
Published: March 2018

This field review provides a critical interpretation of Vivek Chibber’s generative polemic,Postcolonial Studies and the Specter of Capitalism.1Situating Chibber’s work within a long history of Marxist critiques of postcolonial theory, as well as within an even longer interdisciplinary debate over method catalyzed but not caused by poststructuralist thought, this review argues that Chibber fails to articulate an adequately materialist account of capitalism in the colonial and postcolonial world. It then examines recent initiates of scholars of postcolonial studies to develop materialist methodologies in the wake of poststructuralism’s disciplinary hegemony.
Leucine promotes differentiation of porcine myoblasts through the protein kinase B (Akt)/Forkhead box O1 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Shurun , Chen Xiaoling , Huang Zhiqing , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Chen Hong , Luo Junqiu , He Jun , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie
Published: March 2018

Leucine, one of the branched-chain amino acids, is the only amino acid to regulate protein turnover in skeletal muscle. Leucine not only increases muscle protein synthesis, but also decreases muscle protein degradation. It is well documented that leucine plays a positive role in differentiation of murine muscle cells. However, the role of leucine on porcine myoblast differentiation and its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, porcine myoblasts were induced to differentiate with differentiation medium containing different concentrations of leucine, and wortmannin was used to interdict the activity of protein kinase B (Akt). We found that leucine increased the number of myosin heavy chain-positive cells and creatine kinase activity. Moreover, leucine increased the mRNA and protein levels of myogenin and myogenic determining factor (MyoD). In addition, leucine increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt/Akt and phosphorylated Forkhead box O1 (P-FoxO1)/FoxO1, as well as decreased the protein level of FoxO1. However, wortmannin, a specific repressor of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, attenuated the positive role of leucine on porcine myoblast differentiation. Our results suggest that leucine promotes porcine myoblast differentiation through the Akt/FoxO1 signalling pathway.
A comparison between two healthy diet scores, the modified Mediterranean diet score and the Healthy Nordic Food Index, in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality
Authors: Warensjö Lemming Eva , Byberg Liisa , Wolk Alicja , Michaëlsson Karl
Published: March 2018

High adherence to healthy diets has the potential to prevent disease and prolong life span, and healthy dietary pattern scores have each been associated with disease and mortality. We studied two commonly promoted healthy diet scores (modified Mediterranean diet score (mMED) and the Healthy Nordic Food Index (HNFI)) and the combined effect of the two scores in association with all-cause and cause-specific mortality (cancer, CVD and ischaemic heart disease). The study included 38 428 women (median age of 61 years) from the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Diet and covariate data were collected in a questionnaire. mMED and HNFI were generated and categorised into low-, medium- and high-adherence groups, and in nine combinations of these. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of register-ascertained mortality and 95 % CI were calculated in Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. During follow-up (median: 17 years), 10 478 women died. In the high-adherence categories compared with low-adherence categories, the HR for all-cause mortality was 0·76 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·81) for mMED and 0·89 (95 % CI 0·83, 0·96) for HNFI. Higher adherence to mMED was associated with lower mortality in each stratum of HNFI in the combined analysis. In general, mMED, compared with HNFI, was more strongly associated with a lower cause-specific mortality. In Swedish women, both mMED and HNFI were inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The combined analysis, however, indicated an advantage to be adherent to the mMED. The present version of HNFI did not associate with mortality independent of mMED score.
Experiments in Missionary Writing: Protestant Missions and the Imprensa Evangelica in Brazil, 1864–1892
Authors: FEITOZA PEDRO
Published: March 2018

The Imprensa Evangelica, published between 1864 and 1892 in Brazil by Presbyterian missionaries, furnished Brazilian Evangelical minorities with a means of crafting new religious identities and of asserting their presence in the public arena. Its editors defended the political rights of non-Catholics in the country, took part in religious controversies with Catholic publications in Brazil and Portugal, and intervened in on-going public debates on the separation of Church and State and the abolition of slavery. This article also examines how the periodical's circulation generated new reading practices in Brazil.
Imported case of measles in a university setting leading to an outbreak of measles in Edinburgh, Scotland from September to December 2016
Authors: Kirolos A. , Waugh C. , Templeton K. , McCormick D. , Othieno R. , Willocks L. J. , Stevenson J.
Published: March 2018

In September 2016, an imported case of measles in Edinburgh in a university student resulted in a further 17 confirmed cases during October and November 2016. All cases were genotype D8 and were associated with a virus strain most commonly seen in South East Asia. Twelve of the 18 cases were staff or students at a university in Edinburgh and 17 cases had incomplete or unknown measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccination status. The public health response included mass follow-up of all identified contacts, widespread communications throughout universities in Edinburgh and prompt vaccination clinics at affected campuses. Imported cases of measles pose a significant risk to university student cohorts who may be undervaccinated, include a large number of international students and have a highly mobile population. Public health departments should work closely with universities to promote MMR uptake and put in place mass vaccination plans to prevent rapidly spreading measles outbreaks in higher educational settings in future.
An explicit single-layer frequency selective surface design with wide stop band frequency response
Authors: Bashiri M. , Ghobadi Ch. , Nourinia J. , Majidzadeh M.
Published: March 2018

This manuscript deals with the development of a novel configuration of a wide-band single-layer frequency selective surface (FSS) for wide-band rejection applications. The established unit cell is composed of a simple circular ring on the top side of the substrate and a combined conductive element on the backside. Such an inclusion of conductive elements and accurate tuning of their dimensions ends in the rejection of a wide frequency band extended from 6.3 to 16.3 GHz. Moreover, the proposed structure exhibits a stable response against different angles of incidence for both TE and TM polarizations. Detailed simulation and measurement studies are carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed FSS. The obtained results are discussed in depth.
All-optical dynamic focusing of light via coherent absorption in a plasmonic metasurface
Authors: Papaioannou Maria , Plum Eric , Rogers Edward TF , Zheludev Nikolay I
Published: March 2018

Vision, microscopy, imaging, optical data projection and storage all depend on focusing of light. Dynamic focusing is conventionally achieved with mechanically reconfigurable lenses, spatial light modulators or microfluidics. Here we demonstrate that dynamic control of focusing can be achieved through coherent interaction of optical waves on a thin beam splitter. We use a nanostructured plasmonic metasurface of subwavelength thickness as the beam splitter, allowing operation in the regimes of coherent absorption and coherent transparency. Focusing of light resulting from illumination of the plasmonic metasurface with a Fresnel zone pattern is controlled by another patterned beam projected on the same metasurface. By altering the control pattern, its phase, or its intensity, we switch the lens function on and off, and alter the focal spot’s depth, diameter and intensity. Switching occurs as fast as the control beam is modulated and therefore tens of gigahertz modulation bandwidth is possible with electro-optical modulators, which is orders of magnitude faster than conventional dynamic focusing technologies.
MLL5 suppresses antiviral innate immune response by facilitating STUB1-mediated RIG-I degradation
Authors: Zhou Peipei , Ding Xiaodan , Wan Xiaoling , Liu Lulu , Yuan Xiujie , Zhang Wei , Hui Xinhui , Meng Guangxun , Xiao Hui , Li Bin , Zhong Jin , Hou Fajian , Deng Lihwen , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2018

Trithorax group protein MLL5 is an important epigenetic modifier that controls cell cycle progression, chromatin architecture maintenance, and hematopoiesis. However, whether MLL5 has a role in innate antiviral immunity is largely unknown. Here we show that MLL5 suppresses the RIG-I-mediated anti-viral immune response. Mll5-deficient mice infected with vesicular stomatitis virus show enhanced anti-viral innate immunity, reduced morbidity, and viral load. Mechanistically, a fraction of MLL5 located in the cytoplasm interacts with both RIG-I and its E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1, which promotes K48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of RIG-I. MLL5 deficiency attenuates the RIG-I and STUB1 association, reducing K48-linked polyubiquitination and accumulation of RIG-I protein in cells. Upon virus infection, nuclear MLL5 protein translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm inducing STUB1-mediated degradation of RIG-I. Our study uncovers a previously unrecognized role for MLL5 in antiviral innate immune responses and suggests a new target for controlling viral infection.
High-resolution spectral analysis of ammonia near 6.2 μm using a cw EC-QCL coupled with cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Maithani Sanchi , Mandal Santanu , Maity Abhijit , Pal Mithun , Pradhan Manik
Published: March 2018

High-resolution cavity ring-down spectra of ammonia near 6.2 μm for trace gas sensing and biomedical applications.
Isomeric organic semiconductors containing fused-thiophene cores: molecular packing and charge transport
Authors: Dang Dongfeng , Zhou Pei , Wu Yong , Xu Yanzi , Zhi Ying , Zhu Weiguo
Published: March 2018

Isomeric TF1 and TF2 with fused-thiophene cores were developed to investigate their molecular packing properties, liquid crystalline properties and also charge transfer properties.
The performance of a sulfate-radical mediated advanced oxidation process in the degradation of organic matter from secondary effluents
Authors: Wang Dayang , Cheng Lirong , Wang Mingming , Zhang Xuezhen , Xue Dong , Zhuo Wenjing , Zheng Lei , Ding Aizhong
Published: March 2018

The effects of sulfate radical-mediated advanced oxidation processes with transition metal and energy activation methods were investigated during effluent organic matter (EfOM) degradation.
Determination of Cl, Br and I in soils by ICP-MS: microwave-assisted wet partial digestion using H2O2in an ultra-high pressure system
Authors: Pereira Leticia S. F. , Enders Michele S. P. , Iop Gabrielle D. , Mello Paola A. , Flores Erico M. M.
Published: March 2018

In this study, we proposed a method for halogen determination using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after partial digestion of soils basically using H2O2as a reagent for organic matrix composition.
Effects of chalcogen atom variation in chalcogenadiazole fused indolo[2,3-a]carbazoles
Authors: Ghosh Sirina , Kumar Neha Rani , Zade Sanjio S.
Published: March 2018

The chalcogen (O/S/Se)-induced intriguing variation of structural and optoelectronic properties in a series of chalcogenadiazole-fused indolo[2,3-a]carbazole donor–acceptor (D–A) molecules.
Improving the photovoltaic performance of planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells by mixed solvent vapor treatment
Authors: Yuan Binbin , Zhao Suling , Xu Zheng , Song Dandan , Qiao Bo , Li Yang , Qin Zilun , Meng Juan , Xu Xurong
Published: March 2018

The mixed solvent vapor treatment by the acetic acid with chlorobenzene (HAc/CB) improves the morphology and crystallization of CH3NH3PbI3 films.
Chiral macrocyclic terpyridine complexes
Authors: Brandl Thomas , Hoffmann Viktor , Pannwitz Andrea , Häussinger Daniel , Neuburger Markus , Fuhr Olaf , Bernhard Stefan , Wenger Oliver S. , Mayor Marcel
Published: March 2018

Interlinking of two terpyridine ligands results in mononuclear chiral metal complexes (Fe and Ru) which were separated into their enantiomers.
C–H activation and nucleophilic substitution in a photochemically generated high valent iron complex
Authors: Lim Jia Hui , Engelmann Xenia , Corby Sacha , Ganguly Rakesh , Ray Kallol , Soo Han Sen
Published: March 2018

The (photo) chemical oxidation of a (TAML)FeIII complex using outer-sphere oxidants results in valence tautomerisation and C–H activation governed by exogenous anions.
Reconstituting donor T cells increase their biomass following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Leslie Kevin A. , Rasheed Mahmood , Sabo Roy T. , Roberts Catherine C. , Toor Amir A. , Reed Jason
Published: March 2018

In this study, we used a rapid, highly-sensitive, single-cell biomass measurement method, Live Cell Interferometry (LCI), to measure biomass in populations of CD3 + T cells isolated from hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT) patients at various times pre- and post-transplant (days 0–100).
Shaping metal–organic framework materials with a honeycomb internal structure
Authors: Zhang Yingya , Cai Juanjuan , Zhang Dayou , Ke Xuebin , Zhang Lixiong
Published: March 2018

Fabricating hierarchical porous materials: a self-assembly process to incorporate ZIF-8 particles into a chitosan matrix exhibits a honeycomb internal structure.
Highly efficient white-light emission in a polar two-dimensional hybrid perovskite
Authors: Wang Sasa , Yao Yunpeng , Kong Jintao , Zhao Sangen , Sun Zhihua , Wu Zhenyue , Li Lina , Luo Junhua
Published: March 2018

A polar two-dimensional hybrid perovskite showing efficient white-light emission and a nonlinear optical effect suggests potential application in solid-state optics.
Investigations into the flexibility of the 3D structure and rigid backbone of quinoline by fluorine addition to enhance its blue emission
Authors: Alapour S. , Zamisa S. J. , Silva J. R. A. , Alves C. N. , Omondi B. , Ramjugernath D. , Koorbanally N. A.
Published: March 2018

Addition of fluorine to the quinoline structure was found to decrease its intermolecular interactions and influence its 3D structure.
Synthesis of a novel one-dimensional BiOBr–Bi4O5Br2 heterostructure with a high quality interface and its enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xu Jian , Mao Yan-Ge , Liu Ting , Peng Yin
Published: March 2018

A novel rod-like BiOBr–Bi4O5Br2 heterostructure with a high quality interface is synthesized by calcining a BiOBr precursor in air. The BiOBr–Bi4O5Br2 heterostructure exhibits outstanding photocatalytic activity for degrading RhB dyes at high concentrations under visible/solar light irradiation.
Organic–inorganic ionic co-crystals: a new class of multipurpose compounds
Authors: Braga Dario , Grepioni Fabrizia , Shemchuk Oleksii
Published: March 2018

Reacting molecular organic solids with inorganic salts gives access to novel properties via ionic co-crystal formation.
Effect of Al-distribution on oxygen activation over Cu–CHA
Authors: Chen Lin , Falsig Hanne , Janssens Ton V. W. , Jansson Jonas , Skoglundh Magnus , Grönbeck Henrik
Published: March 2018

The Al-distribution affects the formation of Cu(NH3)2+-pairs during NH3-SCR over Cu–CHA and oxygen dissociates with low barriers over such pairs.
Helical carbon tubes derived from epitaxial Cu-MOF coating on textile for enhanced supercapacitor performance
Authors: Li De-Jing , Lei Song , Wang Yan-Yue , Chen Shumei , Kang Yao , Gu Zhi-Gang , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2018

A new helical carbon tube material has been prepared from epitaxial Cu-MOF coating on textile by calcination treatment.
Dynamic NMR for coordination chemistry
Authors: Bányai István
Published: March 2018

Kinetic information that cannot be acquired with other techniques can be obtained by carefully planned and dynamic NMR experiments.
2D/2D FeOCl/graphite oxide heterojunction with enhanced catalytic performance as a photo-Fenton catalyst
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Guodong , Liu Shaojie
Published: March 2018

A novel 2D/2D FeOCl/graphite oxide heterojunction has been successfully prepared for the first time and shows remarkable enhanced photo-Fenton catalytic activity and stability.
A two step hydrothermal process to prepare carbon spheres from bamboo for construction of core–shell non-metallic photocatalysts
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Xiqing , Ma Changchang , Liu Yang , Dong Hongjun , Ma Wei , Liu Zhi , Wei Maobin , Li Chunxiang , Yan Yongsheng
Published: March 2018

Carbon spheres were prepared by a two step hydrothermal method from bamboo, both as electron receivers and electron donors.
SERS polarization-dependent effects for an ordered 3D plasmonic tilted silver nanorod array
Authors: Gao Renxian , Zhang Yongjun , Zhang Fan , Guo Shuang , Wang Yaxin , Chen Lei , Yang Jinghai
Published: March 2018

Hexagonal close-packed tilted Ag nanorod arrays that exhibit excellent uniformity and reproducibility were prepared. The polarization dependence of SERS of nanorod array is fundamentally explained by integrating the experimental and theoretical numerical simulation data.
Optimizing the precursor of sulfur source for hydrothermal synthesis of high performance CdS for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Lihua , Wang Ziqun , Zheng Xiuzhen , Meng Sugang , Chen Shifu , Fu Xianliang
Published: March 2018

The precursor of sulfur source for hydrothermal synthesis of high performance CdS for photocatalytic hydrogen production has been optimized.
Development of a liquid-phase microextraction based on the freezing of a deep eutectic solvent followed by HPLC-UV for sensitive determination of common pesticides in environmental water samples
Authors: Pirsaheb Meghdad , Fattahi Nazir
Published: March 2018

In this research, a new extraction method based on liquid-phase microextraction and the freezing of deep eutectic solvent has been developed for the determination of pesticides in water prior to their analysis by HPLC-UV.
Self-complementary nickel halides enable multifaceted comparisons of intermolecular halogen bonds: fluoride ligands vs. other halides
Authors: Thangavadivale Vargini , Aguiar Pedro M. , Jasim Naseralla A. , Pike Sarah J. , Smith Dan A. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Brammer Lee , Perutz Robin N.
Published: March 2018

Studies of X–Ni–C6F4I⋯X–Ni–C6F4I halogen-bonded networks reveal pronounced differences between fluoride (X = F) and other halides: the 19F-MAS NMR spectrum is a sensitive probe of the halogen bond.
Bifunctional electrocatalytic CoNi-doped manganese oxide produced from microdumbbell manganese carbonate towards oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Gatemala Harnchana , Kosasang Soracha , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: March 2018

Manganese carbonate microdumbbells grown via an oriented attachment mechanism were employed as a template for producing a bifunctional Co/Ni-doped MnO2 electrocatalyst towards the ORR/OER.
First-order wedge wetting revisited
Authors: Rascón C. , Pausch J. , Parry A. O.
Published: March 2018

We consider a fluid adsorbed in a wedge made from walls that exhibit a first-order wetting transition and revisit the argument as to why and how the pre-filling and pre-wetting coexistence lines merge when the opening angle is increased approaching the planar geometry.
Robust multifunctional Zr-based metal–organic polyhedra for high proton conductivity and selective CO2 capture
Authors: Xing Wen-Hao , Li Hai-Yang , Dong Xi-Yan , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: March 2018

A new stable Zr-based MOP is successfully constructed. Unique cavity and 2D hydrogen-bonding networks endow the MOP with highly selective CO2 capture and excellent proton conduction.