bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy detects phenotypic differences among Escherichia coli enriched for 1‐butanol tolerance using a metagenomic DNA library
Authors: Freedman Benjamin G. , Zu Theresah N. K. , Wallace Robert S. , Senger Ryan S.
Published: January 2016

Advances in Raman spectroscopy are enabling more comprehensive measurement of microbial cell chemical composition. Advantages include results returned in near real‐time and minimal sample preparation. In this research, Raman spectroscopy is used to analyze E. coli with engineered solvent tolerance, which is a multi‐genic trait associated with complex and uncharacterized phenotypes that are of value to industrial microbiology. To generate solvent tolerant phenotypes, E. coli transformed with DNA libraries are serially enriched in the presence of 0.9% (v/v) and 1.1% (v/v) 1‐butanol. DNA libraries are created using degenerate oligonucleotide primed PCR (DOP‐PCR) from the genomic DNA of E. coli, Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, and the metagenome of a stream bank soil sample, which contained DNA from 72 different phyla. DOP‐PCR enabled high efficiency library cloning (with no DNA shearing or end‐polishing) and the inclusion un‐culturable organisms. Nine strains with improved tolerance are analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and vastly different solvent‐tolerant phenotypes are characterized. Common among these are improved membrane rigidity from increasing the fraction of unsaturated fatty acids at the expense of cyclopropane fatty acids. Raman spectroscopy offers the ability to monitor cell phenotype changes in near real‐time and is adaptable to high‐throughput screening, making it relevant to metabolic engineering.
C‐type natriuretic peptide in combination with sildenafil attenuates proliferation of rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Zenitani Masahiro , Nojiri Takashi , Uehara Shuichiro , Miura Koichi , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kimura Toru , Nakahata Kengo , Miyazato Mikiya , Okuyama Hiroomi , Kangawa Kenji
Published: January 2016

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant mesenchymal tumor and the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Because of several complications associated with intensive multimodal therapies, including growth disturbance and secondary cancer, novel therapies with less toxicity are urgently needed. C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP), an endogenous peptide secreted by endothelial cells, exerts antiproliferative effects in multiple types of mesenchymal cells. Therefore, we investigated whether CNP attenuates proliferation of RMS cells. We examined RMS patient samples and RMS cell lines. All RMS clinical samples expressed higher levels of guanylyl cyclase B (GC‐B), the specific receptor for CNP, than RMS cell lines. GC‐B expression in RMS cells decreased with the number of passages in vitro. Therefore, GC‐B stable expression lines were established to mimic clinical samples. CNP increased cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in RMS cells in a dose‐dependent manner, demonstrating the biological activity of CNP. However, because cGMP is quickly degraded by phosphodiesterases (PDEs), the selective PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil was added to inhibit its degradation. In vitro, CNP, and sildenafil synergistically inhibited proliferation of RMS cells stably expressing GC‐B and decreased Raf‐1, Mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. These results suggested that CNP in combination with sildenafil exerts antiproliferative effects on RMS cells by inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. This regimen exerted synergistic effects on tumor growth inhibition without severe adverse effects in vivo such as body weight loss. Thus, CNP in combination with sildenafil represents a promising new therapeutic approach against RMS.
Adjusting for treatment switching in theMETRICstudy shows further improved overall survival with trametinib compared with chemotherapy
Authors: Latimer Nicholas R. , Bell Helen , Abrams Keith R. , Amonkar Mayur M. , Casey Michelle
Published: January 2016

Trametinib, a selective inhibitor of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) andMEK2, significantly improves progression‐free survival compared with chemotherapy in patients withBRAFV600E/K mutation–positive advanced or metastatic melanoma (MM). However, the pivotal clinical trial permitted randomized chemotherapy control group patients to switch to trametinib after disease progression, which confounded estimates of the overall survival (OS) advantage of trametinib. Our purpose was to estimate the switching‐adjusted treatment effect of trametinib forOSand assess the suitability of each adjustment method in the primary efficacy population. Of the patients randomized to chemotherapy, 67.4% switched to trametinib. We applied the rank‐preserving structural failure time model, inverse probability of censoring weights, and a two‐stage accelerated failure time model to obtain estimates of the relative treatment effect adjusted for switching. The intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis estimated a 28% reduction in the hazard of death with trametinib treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95%CI, 0.52–0.98) for patients in the primary efficacy population (data cut May 20, 2013). Adjustment analyses deemed plausible providedOS HRpoint estimates ranging from 0.48 to 0.53. Similar reductions in theHRwere estimated for the first‐line metastatic subgroup. Treatment with trametinib, compared with chemotherapy, significantly reduced the risk of death and risk of disease progression in patients withBRAFV600E/K mutation–positive advanced melanoma orMM. Adjusting for switching resulted in lowerHRs than those obtained from standardITTanalyses. However,CIare wide and results are sensitive to the assumptions associated with each adjustment method.
Dendronized Anionic Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antiviral Activity
Authors: Peña‐González Cornelia E. , García‐Broncano Pilar , Ottaviani M. Francesca , Cangiotti Michela , Fattori Alberto , Hierro‐Oliva Margarita , González‐Martín M. Luisa , Pérez‐Serrano Jorge , Gómez Rafael , Muñoz‐Fernández M. Ángeles , Sánchez‐Nieves Javier , de la Mata F. Javier
Published: January 2016

Anionic carbosilane dendrons decorated with sulfonate functions and one thiol moiety at the focal point have been used to synthesize water‐soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through the direct reaction of dendrons, gold precursor, and reducing agent in water, and also through a place‐exchange reaction. These nanoparticles have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and zeta‐potential measurements. The interacting ability of the anionic sulfonate functions was investigated by EPR spectroscopy with copper(II) as a probe. Different structures and conformations of the AuNPs modulate the availability of sulfonate and thiol groups for complexation by copper(II). Toxicity assays of AuNPs showed that those produced through direct reaction were less toxic than those obtained by ligand exchange. Inhibition of HIV‐1 infection was higher in the case of dendronized AuNPs than in dendrons.
Preoperative experience for public hospital patients with gynecologic cancer: Do structural barriers widen the gap?
Authors: Frey Melissa K. , Moss Haley A. , Musa Fernanda , Rolnitzky Linda , David‐West Gizelka , Chern Jing‐Yi , Boyd Leslie R. , Curtin John P.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Widespread disparities in care have been documented in women with gynecologic cancer in the United States. This study was designed to determine whether structural barriers to optimal care were present during the preoperative period for patients with gynecologic cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for patients undergoing surgery for a gynecologic malignancy at a public hospital or a private hospital staffed by the same team of gynecologic oncologists between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty‐seven cases were included for analysis (public hospital, 69; private hospital, 188). Patients treated at the private hospital were older (58 vs 52 years; P = .004) and had similar medical comorbidities (median Charlson comorbidity index at both hospitals, 6) but required fewer hospital visits in preparation for surgery (2 vs 4; P < .001). Public hospital patients had a longer wait time from the diagnosis of disease to surgery (63 vs 34 days; P < .001). According to a multiple linear regression model, the public hospital setting was associated with a longer interval from diagnosis to surgery with adjustments for the insurance status, age at diagnosis, cancer stage, and number of preoperative hospital visits (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients at the public hospital were subject to a greater number of preoperative visits and had to wait longer for surgery than patients at the private hospital. Attempts to reduce health care disparities should focus on improving efficiency in health care delivery systems once contact has been established. Cancer 2016;122:859–67. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Quality‐adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity analysis of pazopanib versus sunitinib in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Beaumont Jennifer L. , Salsman John M. , Diaz Jose , Deen Keith C. , McCann Lauren , Powles Thomas , Hackshaw Michelle D. , Motzer Robert J. , Cella David
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

In a phase 3, randomized, open‐label trial (Pazopanib versus Sunitinib in the Treatment of Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma, COMPARZ; NCT00720941), pazopanib was found to be noninferior to sunitinib in terms of progression‐free survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with no prior therapy. Overall treatment differences were evaluated in a post hoc analysis with a quality‐adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q‐TWiST) methodology.

METHODS

Each patient's overall survival was partitioned into 3 mutually exclusive health states: time with grade 3 or 4 toxicity (TOX), time without symptoms of disease or grade 3/4 toxicity of treatment, and time after tumor progression or relapse (REL). The time spent in each state was weighted by a health‐state utility associated with that state and summed to calculate the Q‐TWiST. A threshold utility analysis was used, and utilities were applied across the range of 0 (similar to death) to 1 (perfect health).

RESULTS

A total of 1110 patients were enrolled (557 on pazopanib and 553 on sunitinib). The mean TOX was 31 days (95% confidence interval, 13‐48 days) longer for sunitinib versus pazopanib. In the threshold utility analysis, the difference in the Q‐TWiST ranged from –11 days (utility for TOX, 1; utility for REL, 0) to 43 days (utility for TOX, 0; utility for REL, 1) in favor of pazopanib across most utility combinations. Differences were significant in less than half of the utility combinations examined, and this typically occurred when the utility for TOX was lower than the utility for REL.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients randomized to pazopanib had a slightly longer Q‐TWiST in comparison with sunitinib patients, and this was primarily due to the reduced length of TOX. Cancer 2016;122:1108–1115. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Somatosensory organ topography across the star of the star‐nosed mole (Condylura cristata)
Authors: Sawyer Eva K. , Catania Kenneth C.
Published: January 2016

Quantifying somatosensory receptor distribution in glabrous skin is usually difficult because of the diversity of skin receptor subtypes and their location within the dermis and epidermis. However, the glabrous noses of moles are an exception. In most species of moles, the skin on the nose is covered with domed mechanosensory units known as an Eimer's organs. Eimer's organs contain a stereotyped array of different mechanosensory neurons, meaning that the distribution of mechanosensitive nerve endings can be inferred by visual inspection of the skin surface. Here we detail the distribution of Eimer's organs on the highly derived somatosensory star on the rostrum of the star‐nosed mole (Condylura cristata). The star consists of 22 fleshy appendages, or rays, that are covered in Eimer's organs. We find that the density of Eimer's organs increases from proximal to distal locations along the length of the star's rays with a ratio of 1:2.3:3.1 from the surface nearest to the nostril, to the middle part of ray, to the ray tip, respectively. This ratio is comparable to the increase in receptor unit density reported for the human hand, from the palm, to the middle of the digits, to the distal fingertips. We also note that the tactile fovea of the star‐nosed mole, located on the medial ventral ray, does not have increased sensory organ density, and we describe these findings in comparison with other sensory fovea. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:917–929, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Summer temperature can predict the distribution of wild yeast populations
Authors: Robinson Heather A. , Pinharanda Ana , Bensasson Douda
Published: January 2016

The wine yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is the best understood microbial eukaryote at the molecular and cellular level, yet its natural geographic distribution is unknown. Here we report the results of a field survey for S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus and other budding yeast on oak trees in Europe. We show that yeast species differ in their geographic distributions, and investigated which ecological variables can predict the isolation rate of S. paradoxus, the most abundant species. We find a positive association between trunk girth and S. paradoxus abundance suggesting that older trees harbor more yeast. S. paradoxus isolation frequency is also associated with summer temperature, showing highest isolation rates at intermediate temperatures. Using our statistical model, we estimated a range of summer temperatures at which we expect high S. paradoxus isolation rates, and show that the geographic distribution predicted by this optimum temperature range is consistent with the worldwide distribution of sites where S. paradoxus has been isolated. Using laboratory estimates of optimal growth temperatures for S. cerevisiae relative to S. paradoxus, we also estimated an optimum range of summer temperatures for S. cerevisiae. The geographic distribution of these optimum temperatures is consistent with the locations where wild S. cerevisiae have been reported, and can explain why only human‐associated S. cerevisiae strains are isolated at northernmost latitudes. Our results provide a starting point for targeted isolation of S. cerevisiae from natural habitats, which could lead to a better understanding of climate associations and natural history in this important model microbe.
Niche partitioning in a sympatric cryptic species complex
Authors: Scriven Jessica J. , Whitehorn Penelope R. , Goulson Dave , Tinsley Matthew. C.
Published: January 2016

Competition theory states that multiple species should not be able to occupy the same niche indefinitely. Morphologically, similar species are expected to be ecologically alike and exhibit little niche differentiation, which makes it difficult to explain the co‐occurrence of cryptic species. Here, we investigated interspecific niche differentiation within a complex of cryptic bumblebee species that co‐occur extensively in the United Kingdom. We compared the interspecific variation along different niche dimensions, to determine how they partition a niche to avoid competitive exclusion. We studied the species B. cryptarum, B. lucorum, and B. magnus at a single location in the northwest of Scotland throughout the flight season. Using mitochondrial DNA for species identification, we investigated differences in phenology, response to weather variables and forage use. We also estimated niche region and niche overlap between different castes of the three species. Our results show varying levels of niche partitioning between the bumblebee species along three niche dimensions. The species had contrasting phenologies: The phenology of B. magnus was delayed relative to the other two species, while B. cryptarum had a relatively extended phenology, with workers and males more common than B. lucorum early and late in the season. We found divergent thermal specialisation: In contrast to B. cryptarum and B. magnus, B. lucorum worker activity was skewed toward warmer, sunnier conditions, leading to interspecific temporal variation. Furthermore, the three species differentially exploited the available forage plants: In particular, unlike the other two species, B. magnus fed predominantly on species of heather. The results suggest that ecological divergence in different niche dimensions and spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in the environment may contribute to the persistence of cryptic species in sympatry. Furthermore, our study suggests that cryptic species provide distinct and unique ecosystem services, demonstrating that morphological similarity does not necessarily equate to ecological equivalence.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of 57Fe‐Doped TiO2 and 57Fe/Sn‐Codoped TiO2 Prepared by a Soft‐Chemical Process
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Nomura Kiyoshi , Liu Xin , Rykov Alexandre I. , Jin Changzi , Liu Tao , Wang Junhu
Published: January 2016

A series of 57Fe‐doped TiO2 and 57Fe/Sn‐codoped TiO2 materials were prepared by a soft‐chemical solution process with various 57Fe concentrations from 0.1 to 1.0 at.‐% and a fixed Sn concentration of 2.0 at.‐%. In this process, an aqueous H2O2 solution reacts with iron and titanium or iron, tin, and titanium precursor compounds to produce peroxopolymetallic acids. The structures and magnetic properties of the products were characterized by magnetic‐moment measurements, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results showed that all samples consisted of a rutile phase (and a trace amount of anatase in 57Fe‐TiO2). All samples exhibited hysteresis loops in the M–H curves, which demonstrated the presence of room‐temperature ferromagnetism. In addition, their magnetic properties decreased with increasing degree of 57Fe doping. Oxygen vacancies were considered to be responsible for the presence of ferromagnetism.
What Can Electron Microscopy Tell Us Beyond Crystal Structures?
Authors: Zhou Wuzong , Greer Heather F.
Published: January 2016

Transmission electron microscopy is a powerful tool to directly image crystal structures. Not only that, it is often used to reveal crystal size and morphology, crystal orientation, crystal defects, surface structures, superstructures, etc. However, due to the 2D nature of TEM images, it is easy to make mistakes when we try to recover a 3D structure from them. Scanning electron microscopy is able to provide information on the particle size, morphology and surface topography. However, obtaining information on crystallinity of particles using SEM is difficult. In this microreview article, some practical cases of transmission and scanning electron microscopy investigations of inorganic crystals are reviewed. Commonly occurring uncertainties, imperfection and misunderstandings are discussed.
(Picrylamino)‐1,2,4‐triazole Derivatives – Thermally Stable Explosives
Authors: Chioato Zoe L. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Mieskes Frank , Stierstorfer Jörg , Weyrauther Michael
Published: January 2016

3‐(Picrylamino)‐1,2,4‐triazole (PATO) and 3‐amino‐5‐(picrylamino)‐1,2,4‐triazole (APATO) were synthesized and analyzed. During the syntheses of the compounds, two interesting side‐products were isolated. The reactions of PATO and APATO with different nitrogen‐rich bases, such as ammonia, hydrazine, triethylamine, and triaminoguanidine, resulted in the deprotonation of both triazole compounds and the formation of the corresponding salts (cation/anion ratio = 1:1). The compounds were obtained at ambient temperature in H2O or EtOH as qualitatively pure products with the characteristic properties of secondary explosives. The compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The low‐temperature structures of two compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal stabilities were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sensitivities were determined through the BAM drophammer and friction tests. The heats of formation were calculated by the atomization method from the CBS‐4M enthalpies and the densities determined by X‐ray diffraction or pycnometry. Several detonation parameters including the detonation pressure, detonation velocity, detonation energy, and detonation temperature were computed with the EXPLO5 code.
Antioxidant activity evaluation and HPLC‐photodiode array/MS polyphenols analysis of pomegranate juice from selected italian cultivars: A comparative study
Authors: Fanali Chiara , Belluomo Maria Giovanna , Cirilli Marco , Cristofori Valerio , Zecchini Maurizio , Cacciola Francesco , Russo Marina , Muleo Rosario , Dugo Laura
Published: January 2016

Chemical composition of pomegranate juice can vary due to cultivar, area of cultivation, ripening, climate, and other variables. This study investigates the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of juices obtained from six old Italian pomegranate cultivars. Fruit accessions physicochemical characteristics were determined. Total polyphenols content (TPC), anthocyanin content (TAC) and proanthocyanidin content (TPAC) were measured in the juice samples. Phenolic bioactive molecules were analyzed by HPLC‐photodiode array (PDA)/ESI‐MS in all the pomegranate juices. In total, seven nonanthocyanidinic and six anthocyanidinic compounds were identified. The six anthocyanins were found in all juices although at different amounts. These results were correlated with antioxidant activity measured by three different chemical assays: 2,2 diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging activity assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) method and ferric reducing‐antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Pomegranate juices obtained by six different varieties show variable polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant capacity methods used have shown variable sensitivity, supporting the hypothesis that different methods for the assessment of antioxidant capacity of food compounds are indeed necessary, due to complexity of sample composition and assay chemical mechanism and sensitivity. Juices from Italian pomegranate show good levels of polyphenols content and antioxidant activity making them potential candidates for employment in the food industry.
Composites Enhance Heat Transfer in Paraffin/Melamine Resin Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials
Authors: Liu Chenzhen , Rao Zhonghao , Li Yimin
Published: January 2016

To enhance the heat storage efficiency of microencapsuled phase‐change materials (MicroPCMs), different mass fractions of expanded graphite (EG), graphene nanoplatelets, (GNs), and nanocopper were added to a MicroPCM of paraffin/melamine resin as heat transfer promoters. The thermal conductivities of the MicroPCM/nanocopper, MicroPCM/GN and MicroPCM/EG composites were measured by using heat flux methods and compared to that of MicroPCM. The melting temperatures and latent heat capacities of the MicroPCM and composite were tested. Furthermore, the heat transfer effect on the heat storage with different mass fractions of additives and different flow rates of heat transfer fluid were investigated. The addition of EG proved to be an effective method to increase the thermal conductivity and heat storage efficiency of MicroPCM without greatly reducing its latent heat storage capacity.
Water‐Soluble Acrylate Binder for Graphite Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pohjalainen Elina , Sorsa Olli , Juurikivi Jouni , Kallio Tanja
Published: January 2016

Water‐soluble acrylate (Acryl S020) was tested as a potential binder for graphite negative electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries, and the results were compared to the commonly used carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) CMC+SBR binder combination. Similar performance was observed at low C‐rates and room temperature with both binders in Li/graphite half‐cells. However, at high C‐rates and/or low temperature, better results were obtained with Acryl S020 and the difference at room temperature and 1C was 166 mAh g−1 vs. 92 mAh g−1 (Acryl S020 vs. CMC+SBR). The stability of the electrodes was similar in graphite/NMC (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2) full‐cell tests. The structures of the electrodes using different binders were slightly different as evidenced by SEM images. These results indicate that the Acryl S020 binder is also applicable for graphite negative electrodes and can tolerate the volume change of graphite during charging/discharging.
Effect of the interaction between childhood abuse and rs1360780 of the FKBP5 gene on gray matter volume in a general population sample
Authors: Grabe Hans Jörgen , Wittfeld Katharina , Van der Auwera Sandra , Janowitz Deborah , Hegenscheid Katrin , Habes Mohamad , Homuth Georg , Barnow Sven , John Ulrich , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette , Freyberger Harald Jürgen , Hosten Norbert
Published: January 2016

Objective

The FKBP5 gene codes for a co‐chaperone that regulates glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and thereby impacts the reactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)‐axis. Evidence suggested that subjects exposed to childhood abuse and carrying the TT genotype of the FKBP5 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1360780 have an increased susceptibility to stress‐related disorders.

Method

The hypothesis that abused TT genotype carriers show changes in gray matter (GM) volumes in affect‐processing brain areas was investigated. About 1,826 Caucasian subjects (age ≤ 65 years) from the general population [Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)] in Germany were investigated. The interaction between rs1360780 and child abuse (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and its effect on GM were analyzed.

Results

Voxel‐based whole‐brain interaction analysis revealed three large clusters (FWE‐corrected) of reduced GM volumes comprising the bilateral insula, the superior and middle temporal gyrus, the bilateral hippocampus, the right amygdala, and the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex in abused TT carriers. These results were not confounded by major depressive disorders. In region of interest analyses, highly significant volume reductions in the right hippocampus/parahippocampus, the bilateral anterior and middle cingulate cortex, the insula, and the amygdala were confirmed in abused TT carriers compared with abused CT/CC carriers.

Conclusion

The results supported the hypothesis that the FKBP5 rs1360780 TT genotype predisposes subjects who have experienced childhood abuse to widespread structural brain changes in the subcortical and cortical emotion‐processing brain areas. Those brain changes might contribute to an increased vulnerability of stress‐related disorders in TT genotype carriers. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1602‐1613, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporating landscape depression heterogeneity into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) using a probability distribution
Authors: Mekonnen Balew A. , Mazurek Kerry A. , Putz Gordon
Published: January 2016

Modelling the hydrology of North American Prairie watersheds is complicated because of the existence of numerous landscape depressions that vary in storage capacity. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a widely applied model for long‐term hydrological simulations in watersheds dominated by agricultural land uses. However, several studies show that the SWAT model has had limited success in handling prairie watersheds. In past works using SWAT, landscape depression storage heterogeneity has largely been neglected or lumped. In this study, a probability distributed model of depression storage is introduced into the SWAT model to better handle landscape storage heterogeneity. The work utilizes a probability density function to describe the spatial heterogeneity of the landscape depression storages that was developed from topographic characteristics. The integrated SWAT–PDLD model is tested using datasets for two prairie depression dominated watersheds in Canada: the Moose Jaw River watershed, Saskatchewan; and the Assiniboine River watershed, Saskatchewan. Simulation results were compared to observed streamflow using graphical and multiple statistical criterions. Representation of landscape depressions within SWAT using a probability distribution (SWAT–PDLD) provides improved estimations of streamflow for large prairie watersheds in comparison to results using a lumped, single storage approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Throughfall patterns in sugarcane and riparian forest: understanding the effect of sugarcane age and land use conversion
Authors: Silva Robson Willians da Costa , Salemi Luiz Felippe , Fernandes Rafael Pires , de Andrade Tatiana Morgan Berteli , de Moraes Jorge Marcos , de Camargo Plínio Barbosa , Martinelli Luiz Antonio
Published: January 2016

Sugarcane is an annual crop with a dynamic canopy that changes over time mainly because of genetic adaptation. There is uncertainty about the temporal trends of throughfall (TF) in this important commercial crop. In the present paper, we used troughs to measure TF in a third and fourth ratoon and subsequently in a fourth and fifth ratoon. Additional measurements were carried out in an adjacent riparian forest. There were no significant differences between cycles of sugarcane, growth phases and riparian forest. The TF results for ratoon crop and riparian forest in 2011/2012 were 76% and 79.5% of gross rainfall, respectively, while in 2012/2013, they were 79% and 78%, respectively. However, TF was remarkably lower in the riparian forest relative to ratoon from the second half of the culm formation and elongation phase (280 days after harvest) until harvest. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Z: A putative novel biomarker for early detection of ovarian cancer
Authors: Russell Matthew R. , Walker Michael J. , Williamson Andrew J. K. , Gentry‐Maharaj Aleksandra , Ryan Andy , Kalsi Jatinderpal , Skates Steven , D'Amato Alfonsina , Dive Caroline , Pernemalm Maria , Humphryes Phillip C. , Fourkala Evangelia‐Ourania , Whetton Anthony D. , Menon Usha , Jacobs Ian , Graham Robert L.J.
Published: January 2016

Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality of all gynaecological cancers. Early diagnosis offers an approach to achieving better outcomes. We conducted a blinded‐evaluation of prospectively collected preclinical serum from participants in the multimodal group of the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening. Using isobaric tags (iTRAQ) we identified 90 proteins differentially expressed between OC cases and controls. A second targeted mass spectrometry analysis of twenty of these candidates identified Protein Z as a potential early detection biomarker for OC. This was further validated by ELISA analysis in 482 serial serum samples, from 80 individuals, 49 OC cases and 31 controls, spanning up to 7 years prior to diagnosis. Protein Z was significantly down‐regulated up to 2 years pre‐diagnosis (p = 0.000000411) in 8 of 19 Type I patients whilst in 5 Type II individuals, it was significantly up‐regulated up to 4 years before diagnosis (p = 0.01). ROC curve analysis for CA‐125 and CA‐125 combined with Protein Z showed a statistically significant (p= 0.00033) increase in the AUC from 77 to 81% for Type I and a statistically significant (p= 0.00003) increase in the AUC from 76 to 82% for Type II. Protein Z is a novel independent early detection biomarker for Type I and Type II ovarian cancer; which can discriminate between both types. Protein Z also adds to CA‐125 and potentially the Risk of Ovarian Cancer algorithm in the detection of both subtypes.
Combined QM(DFT)/MM molecular dynamics simulations of the deamination of cytosine by yeast cytosine deaminase (yCD)
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhao Yuan , Yan Honggao , Cao Zexing , Mo Yirong
Published: January 2016

Extensive combined quantum mechanical (B3LYP/6‐31G*) and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to elucidate the hydrolytic deamination mechanism of cytosine to uracil catalyzed by the yeast cytosine deaminase (yCD). Though cytosine has no direct binding to the zinc center, it reacts with the water molecule coordinated to zinc, and the adjacent conserved Glu64 serves as a general acid/base to shuttle protons from water to cytosine. The overall reaction consists of several proton‐transfer processes and nucleophilic attacks. A tetrahedral intermediate adduct of cytosine and water binding to zinc is identified and similar to the crystal structure of yCD with the inhibitor 2‐pyrimidinone. The rate‐determining step with the barrier of 18.0 kcal/mol in the whole catalytic cycle occurs in the process of uracil departure where the proton transfer from water to Glu64 and nucleophilic attack of the resulting hydroxide anion to C2 of the uracil ring occurs synchronously. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early Improvements in Individual Symptoms to Predict Later Remission in Major Depressive Disorder Treated With Mirtazapine
Authors: Funaki Kei , Nakajima Shinichiro , Suzuki Takefumi , Mimura Masaru , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: January 2016

Few studies, to our knowledge, have examined whether early improvements in individual, instead of overall, depressive symptoms predict remission in major depressive disorder (MDD). This post hoc analysis used data from 194 patients with MDD enrolled in a 6‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial of mirtazapine, to identify improvements in specific individual depressive symptoms in the early phase that are associated with subsequent remission. Trajectories of individual depressive symptoms over 6 weeks were compared between remitters and nonremitters. Early improvement was defined as a ≥20% decrease in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression 17 items (HAM‐D17) total score in weeks 1 and 2, and remission was defined as a HAM‐D17 final score of ≤7. Reliability parameters were calculated for early improvements in predicting later remission. Whether improvement in each of the HAM‐D17 symptoms in weeks 1 or 2 predicted remission was examined, using binary logistic regression analyses. As a result, improvements in weeks 1 and 2 were associated with sensitivity of 0.82 and 0.99 and specificity of 0.54 and 0.44, respectively, in predicting remission in week 6. Improvements in insomnia late (P = .04) and insight (P = .007) in week 1 and somatic symptoms general (P = .002) and insight (P = .04) in week 2 were associated with remission in week 6. In conclusion, early improvements in insight, insomnia late, and somatic symptoms general, as well as overall depressive symptoms, may serve as specific clinical indicators of subsequent remission in patients with MDD receiving mirtazapine.
Police Attitudes in England to Return Interviews, in Repeat Missing Person Cases
Authors: Harris Michael F. , Shalev Greene Karen
Published: January 2016

The aim of this article is to examine the attitudes of English police officers to return interviews of people who are reported missing repeatedly (e.g. three times or more). In addition to a brief police ‘Safe & Well Check’ a return interview is also carried out by a police officer and seeks to find out where people went and why, in order to identify potential risks to their safety and whether they experienced harm whilst they were missing. A mixed‐methods survey of 50 constables from one police force in England ran in March 2014, using quantitative and open qualitative questions. Key themes that emerged were individual frustration at repetition, negativity around usefulness of the interviews, a challenge to involve third sector partners, and development areas in training. Statistical significance was found in variables relating to officer experience and gender, against views on interviewing missing people. The article looks at the limited existing literature and makes recommendations about best practice with return interviews, advocating a multi‐agency approach to improve interventions, and better training to improve positivity towards missing people. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite right/left‐handed transmission lines in use for ultra‐wideband matching of front‐end amplifiers with modified cuckoo search optimization
Authors: Güneş Filiz , Karataev Tologon , Demirel Salih
Published: January 2016

In this work, the broadband capability of composite right/left‐handed transmission lines (CRLH TLs) in the balanced condition is exploited for ultra‐wideband matching of a compact single transistor front‐end amplifier. For this purpose, the LC element values and the number of identical asymmetric CRLH TL cells are taken as optimization variables. The minimum noise and maximum power delivery at each operation frequency of the chosen high technology transistor are considered as the feasible design target provided that the stability of the transistor is ensured. This feasible design target is expressed simply by a single objective function in terms of the port impedances of the input and output matching circuits together with the realization conditions of the CRLH TLs. Thus, human efforts for the design optimization process are reduced as much as possible. A novel metaheuristic algorithm ‘modified cuckoo search’ is used as a fast and accurate tool to find out ‘the global optimum’ within the feasible design variable space in the design procedure. In the study case, BPF640 is chosen as a high performance low‐noise microwave transistor. The design optimization results in a low‐noise amplifier using a single CRLH TL cell input and output matching circuits provided that a good agreement is obtained with the targetted performance and verified by Applied Wave Research, Inc. (AWR) simulation software. Thus, it can be concluded that CRLH TLs enable a designer to design high‐performance miniaturized low‐noise amplifiers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy's role in the extraversion (dis)advantage: How energy ties and task conflict help clarify the relationship between extraversion and proactive performance
Authors: Cullen‐Lester Kristin L. , Leroy Hannes , Gerbasi Alexandra , Nishii Lisa
Published: January 2016

While academic and practitioner literatures have proposed that extraverts are at an advantage in team‐based work, it remains unclear exactly what that advantage might be, how extraverts attain such an advantage, and under which conditions. Theory highlighting the importance of energy in the coordination of team efforts helps to answer these questions. We propose that extraverted individuals are able to develop more energizing relationships with their teammates and as a result are seen as proactively contributing to their team. However, problems in coordination (i.e., team task conflict) can reverse this extraversion advantage. We studied 27 project‐based teams at their formation, peak performance, and after disbandment. Results suggest that when team task conflict is low, extraverts energize their teammates and are viewed by others as proactively contributing to the team. However, when team task conflict is high, extraverts develop energizing relationships with fewer of their teammates and are not viewed as proactively contributing to the team. Our findings regarding energizing relationships and team task conflict clarify why extraversion is related to proactive performance and in what way, how, and when extraverts may be at a (dis)advantage in team‐based work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Femoral epiphyseal cartilage matrix changes at predilection sites of equine osteochondrosis: Quantitative MRI, second‐harmonic microscopy, and histological findings
Authors: Martel Gabrielle , Couture Charles‐André , Gilbert Guillaume , Bancelin Stéphane , Richard Hélène , Moser Thomas , Kiss Sabrina , Légaré François , Laverty Sheila
Published: January 2016

Osteochondrosis is an ischemic chondronecrosis of epiphyseal growth cartilage that results in focal failure of endochondral ossification and osteochondritis dissecans at specific sites in the epiphyses of humans and animals, including horses. The upstream events leading to the focal ischemia remain unknown. The epiphyseal growth cartilage matrix is composed of proteoglycan and collagen macromolecules and encases its vascular tree in canals. The matrix undergoes major dynamic changes in early life that could weaken it biomechanically and predispose it to focal trauma and vascular failure. Subregions in neonatal foal femoral epiphyses (n = 10 osteochondrosis predisposed; n = 6 control) were assessed for proteoglycan and collagen structure/content employing 3T quantitative MRI (3T qMRI: T1ρ and T2 maps). Site‐matched validations were made with histology, immunohistochemistry, and second‐harmonic microscopy. Growth cartilage T1ρ and T2 relaxation times were significantly increased (p < 0.002) within the proximal third of the trochlea, a site predisposed to osteochondrosis, when compared with other regions. However, this was observed in both control and osteochondrosis predisposed specimens. Microscopic evaluation of this region revealed an expansive area with low proteoglycan content and a hypertrophic‐like appearance on second‐harmonic microscopy. We speculate that this matrix structure and composition, though physiological, may weaken the epiphyseal growth cartilage biomechanically in focal regions and could enhance the risk of vascular failure with trauma leading to osteochondrosis. However, additional investigations are now required to confirm this. 3T qMRI will be useful for future non‐invasive longitudinal studies to track the osteochondrosis disease trajectory in animals and humans. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1743–1752, 2016.
Rapid, sensitive separation of the three main isoflavones in soybean using immunoaffinity chromatography
Authors: Qu Huihua , Qu Baoping , Wang Xueqian , Zhang Yue , Cheng Jinjun , Zeng Wenhao , Liu Shuchen , Wang Qingguo , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2016

Daidzin, genistin, and glycitein are major isoflavone compounds in soybean that are indispensable nutrients in traditional Chinese foods. Generally, strategies for detecting and separating soy isoflavones have been based on HPLC and chromatographic techniques, which are tedious and time‐consuming procedures. In the present study, we developed an ELISA‐based approach for daidzin detection using a broad‐specificity monoclonal antibody (clone number: AA9) with an effective detection range of 10–10 000 ng/mL. Subsequently, we prepared an immunoaffinity column by coupling the monoclonal antibody AA9 to CNBr‐activated Sepharose 4B. Our results demonstrate that the immunoaffinity column can efficiently and specifically extract daidzin, glycitein, and genistin from numerous structurally similar soy isoflavones in leguminous plants, thereby providing a new method for the extraction of target components from similar compounds in natural products.
Consumption of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 impacts upper respiratory tract infection and the function of NK and T cells in healthy adults
Authors: Meng Huicui , Lee Yujin , Ba Zhaoyong , Peng Jiayu , Lin Junli , Boyer Alexander S. , Fleming Jennifer A. , Furumoto Emily J. , Roberts Robert F. , Kris‐Etherton Penny M. , Rogers Connie J.
Published: January 2016

Scope

Probiotics can modulate immunity and reduce upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in humans; however few studies have examined both outcomes in the same trial. The goal of the current study was to investigate the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12, on natural killer (NK) and T‐cell function in conjunction with self‐reported cold/flu outcomes in healthy adults.

Methods and results

In a randomized, partially blinded, four‐period crossover study, healthy adults (n = 30) were recruited, and received four treatments for 4 weeks in a random order: (i) yogurt smoothies alone (YS); smoothies with BB‐12 added (ii) before (PRE) or (iii) after (POST) yogurt fermentation, or (iv) BB‐12 capsule (CAP). NK‐ and T‐cell function was assessed at baseline and after each treatment. Incidence and severity of cold/flu infection was quantified using self‐reported URTI questionnaires. Participants on YS, PRE, or CAP treatments had elevated IL‐2 secretion and NK‐cell cytotoxicity, concurrently with fewer days with URTI. However, the POST treatment did not change immune outcomes or the severity of URTI.

Conclusion

The timing of BB‐12 addition to yogurt smoothies in relation to the fermentation process influenced the impact of BB‐12 on immune function and cold/flu severity in young healthy adults.
Bandwidth enhancement of rectangular dielectric resonator antenna using circular slot coupled technique
Authors: Sukur M. I. A. , Rahim M. K. A. , Murad N. A.
Published: January 2016

This article presents a technique to enhance the bandwidth of a rectangular dielectric resonator antenna using a circular slot. The structures are designed and simulated using CST Microwave Studio software, and it is found that the circular slot exhibits a bandwidth of 36.44% (0.92–1.33 GHz). The circular slot is compared with the rectangular slot. It is shown that the rectangular slot produces a bandwidth of 6.39% (1.06–1.13 GHz). Both structures exhibit similar radiation patterns with slightly different gains at 3.10 and 3.25 dBi. The bandwidth is enhanced more than five times using the circular slot, compared to the rectangular slot. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:506–509, 2016
AKa‐band VCO with low phase noise and wide tuning range using a 90‐nm dual‐gate device
Authors: Chou Min‐Li , Chiu Hsien‐Chin , Huang Fan‐Hsiu
Published: January 2016

The design and characterization of a Ka‐band 90‐nm CMOS voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) with low phase noise and a wide tuning range is presented in this latter. In this work, the flicker noise (1/f) performance of single‐ and dual‐gate devices is measured and compared. By using the proposed dual‐gate device, the VCO design can improve the oscillator phase‐noise performance owing to its high output resistance. The measurement results also show a wide frequency tuning range of 3.1 GHz and a low phase noise of below −95 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 1 MHz, under a supply voltage of 1.2 V, and a current consumption of 11.0 mA. The proposed VCO exhibits a figure‐of‐merit of −180 dBc/Hz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:502–505, 2016
A compact fractal UWB antenna with reconfigurable band notch functions
Authors: Tripathi Shrivishal , Mohan Akhilesh , Yadav Sandeep
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a compact reconfigurable single/dual notch band ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with triple notch band characteristics is presented for portable UWB applications. The desired compactness and wideband is achieved using fractals in antenna design. It has the compact dimensions of 24.5 mm × 20 mm. The single/dual notch band reconfigurability is demonstrated in WiMAX band as well as in X‐band using two p‐i‐n diodes for efficient utilization of UWB bands in case of no interference scenarios. The band rejections are obtained by introducing two C‐shaped slots in the fractal monopole, whereas band rejection in WLAN band is achieved by placing two C‐shaped single split ring resonator on either sides of feed line. In addition, the time‐domain characteristic of antenna is also evaluated in terms of fidelity factor, which is more than 0.71. These results illustrates that the presented antenna is appropriate candidate for portable UWB applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:509–514, 2016