bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal control of heart rate during treadmill exercise
Authors: Hunt Kenneth J. , Liu Ming
Published: September 2017

Feedback control of heart rate (HR) for treadmills is important for exercise intensity specification and prescription. This work aimed to formulate HR control within a stochastic optimal control framework and to experimentally evaluate controller performance. A quadratic cost function is developed and linked to quantitative performance outcome measures, namely, root‐mean‐square tracking error and average control signal power. An optimal polynomial systems design is combined with frequency‐domain analysis of feedback loop properties, with focus on the input sensitivity function, which governs the response to broad‐spectrum HR variability disturbances. These, in turn, are modelled using stochastic process theory. A simple and approximate model of HR dynamics was used for the linear time‐invariant controller design. Twelve healthy male subjects were recruited for comparative experimental evaluation of 3 controllers, giving 36 tests in total. The mean root‐mean‐square tracking error for the optimal controllers was around 2.2 beats per minute. Significant differences were observed in average control signal power for 2 different settings of the control weighting (mean power 22.6 vs 62.5×10−4 m2/s2, high vs low setting, p=2.3×10−5). The stochastic optimal control framework provides a suitable method for attainment of high‐precision, stable, and robust control of HR during treadmill exercise. The control weighting can be used to set the balance between regulation accuracy and control signal intensity, and it has a clear and systematic influence on the shape of the input sensitivity function. Future work should extend the problem formulation to encompass low‐pass compensator and input sensitivity characteristics.
The protein kinase C super‐family member PKN is regulated by mTOR and influences differentiation during prostate cancer progression
Authors: Yang Chun‐Song , Melhuish Tiffany A. , Spencer Adam , Ni Li , Hao Yi , Jividen Kasey , Harris Thurl E. , Snow Chelsi , Frierson Henry F. , Wotton David , Paschal Bryce M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Phosphoinositide‐3 (PI‐3) kinase signaling has a pervasive role in cancer. One of the key effectors of PI‐3 kinase signaling is AKT, a kinase that promotes growth and survival in a variety of cancers. Genetically engineered mouse models of prostate cancer have shown that AKT signaling is sufficient to induce prostatic epithelial neoplasia (PIN), but insufficient for progression to adenocarcinoma. This contrasts with the phenotype of mice with prostate‐specific deletion of Pten, where excessive PI‐3 kinase signaling induces both PIN and locally invasive carcinoma. We reasoned that additional PI‐3 kinase effector kinases promote prostate cancer progression via activities that provide biological complementarity to AKT. We focused on the PKN kinase family members, which undergo activation in response to PI‐3 kinase signaling, show expression changes in prostate cancer, and contribute to cell motility pathways in cancer cells.

Methods

PKN kinase activity was measured by incorporation of 32P into protein substrates. Phosphorylation of the turn‐motif (TM) in PKN proteins by mTOR was analyzed using the TORC2‐specific inhibitor torin and a PKN1 phospho‐TM‐specific antibody. Amino acid substitutions in the TM of PKN were engineered and assayed for effects on kinase activity. Cell motility‐related functions and PKN localization was analyzed by depletion approaches and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. The contribution of PKN proteins to prostate tumorigenesis was characterized in several mouse models that express PKN transgenes. The requirement for PKN activity in prostate cancer initiated by loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten), and the potential redundancy between PKN isoforms, was analyzed by prostate‐specific deletion of Pkn1, Pkn2, and Pten.

Results and Conclusions

PKN1 and PKN2 contribute to motility pathways in human prostate cancer cells. PKN1 and PKN2 kinase activity is regulated by TORC2‐dependent phosphorylation of the TM, which together with published data indicates that PKN proteins receive multiple PI‐3 kinase‐dependent inputs. Transgenic expression of active AKT and PKN1 is not sufficient for progression beyond PIN. Moreover, Pkn1 is not required for tumorigenesis initiated by loss of Pten. Triple knockout of Pten, Pkn1, and Pkn2 in mouse prostate results in squamous cell carcinoma, an uncommon but therapy‐resistant form of prostate cancer.
Fluensulfone sorption and mobility as affected by soil type
Authors: Morris Kelly A , Li Xiao , Langston David B , Davis Richard F , Timper Patricia , Grey Timothy L
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Fluensulfone is a fluoroalkenyl chemical with activity against multiple genera of plant‐parasitic nematodes. The adsorption, desorption, and mobility of fluensulfone were evaluated on multiple soils from the USA in laboratory and column experiments.

RESULTS

Adsorption data regressed to the logarithmic Freundlich equation resulted in isotherm values of 1.24 to 3.28. Soil adsorption of fluensulfone correlated positively with organic matter (0.67) and clay (0.34), but negatively with sand (‐0.54). Fluensulfone soil desorption correlated to pH (0.38) and cation exchange capacity (0.44). Fluensulfone desorption from Arredondo sand soil was 26%, and from other soils ranged from 43 to 70%. In mobility experiments, fluensulfone in the leachate peaked at 3 h, gradually declining and becoming undetectable after 9 h. Recovery from leachate was 45% of the initial fluensulfone applied to the soil surface. In separate experiments, 30‐cm‐long soil columns were saturated with 1 L of water, and then segregated into three 10‐cm sections. Fluensulfone recovery was 41, 34, 29, and 13% in Chualar sandy loam, Arredondo sand, Greenville sandy clay loam, and Tifton loamy sand, respectively, in the top 10‐cm section.

CONCLUSION

Data indicated that soil organic matter and clay contents will affect sorption, mobility, and dissipation of fluensulfone. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Age‐0 sturgeon and shallow water: A local‐ and reach‐scale assessment
Authors: Gosch N.J.C. , Gemeinhardt T.R. , Bouska W.W. , Miller M.L. , Brown T.L. , Bonneau J.L.
Published: September 2017

Despite the hypothesized benefits to age‐0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon, the role that slow, shallow water plays during early life history remains uncertain. Although several studies have reported the depths and velocities observed at age‐0 sturgeon capture sites, conditions at larger spatial scales beyond the immediate capture location may also be important. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study were to (a) compare catch among large reaches (26–37 km in length) that varied in the availability of water <1.5 m deep and (b) identify the local habitats that best promote use by age‐0 sturgeon within each reach. Results from the reach‐scale analysis suggested that increased availability of water <1.5 m did not yield increased age‐0 sturgeon catch. At the local‐scale, age‐0 sturgeon were routinely captured from a wide variety of depths, velocities, and microhabitats (L‐dike, wing‐dike, rootless‐dike, and channel sandbar); these results coupled with previous research suggest that age‐0 sturgeon may not require specific depth and velocity criteria but further study is needed to test this hypothesis. Although the prevalence of water <1.5 m had little effect on catch rates, this habitat may still be important to age‐0 sturgeon. Additional research should investigate the potential effects of shallow water, at local and broad scales, on prey consumption and condition of age‐0 sturgeon.
From transcriptional complexity to cellular phenotypes: Lessons from yeast
Authors: Pelechano Vicent
Published: September 2017

Pervasive transcription has been reported in many eukaryotic organisms, revealing a highly interleaved transcriptome organization that involves thousands of coding and non‐coding RNAs. However, to date, the biological impact of transcriptome complexity is still poorly understood. Here I will review how subtle variations of the transcriptome can lead to divergent cellular phenotypes by fine‐tuning both its coding potential and regulation. I will discuss strategies that can be used to link molecular variations with divergent biological outcomes. Finally, I will explore the implication of transcriptional complexity for our understanding of gene expression in the context of cell‐to‐cell phenotypic variability. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triheptanoin versus trioctanoin for long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders: a double blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gillingham Melanie B. , Heitner Stephen B. , Martin Julie , Rose Sarah , Goldstein Amy , El‐Gharbawy Areeg Hassan , Deward Stephanie , Lasarev Michael R. , Pollaro Jim , DeLany James P. , Burchill Luke J. , Goodpaster Bret , Shoemaker James , Matern Dietrich , Harding Cary O. , Vockley Jerry
Published: September 2017

Background

Observational reports suggest that supplementation that increases citric acid cycle intermediates via anaplerosis may have therapeutic advantages over traditional medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) treatment of long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC‐FAODs) but controlled trials have not been reported. The goal of our study was to compare the effects of triheptanoin (C7), an anaplerotic seven‐carbon fatty acid triglyceride, to trioctanoin (C8), an eight‐carbon fatty acid triglyceride, in patients with LC‐FAODs.

Methods

A double blinded, randomized controlled trial of 32 subjects with LC‐FAODs (carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐2, very long‐chain acylCoA dehydrogenase, trifunctional protein or long‐chain 3‐hydroxy acylCoA dehydrogenase deficiencies) who were randomly assigned a diet containing 20% of their total daily energy from either C7 or C8 for 4 months was conducted. Primary outcomes included changes in total energy expenditure (TEE), cardiac function by echocardiogram, exercise tolerance, and phosphocreatine recovery following acute exercise. Secondary outcomes included body composition, blood biomarkers, and adverse events, including incidence of rhabdomyolysis.

Results

Patients in the C7 group increased left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction by 7.4% (p = 0.046) while experiencing a 20% (p = 0.041) decrease in LV wall mass on their resting echocardiogram. They also required a lower heart rate for the same amount of work during a moderate‐intensity exercise stress test when compared to patients taking C8. There was no difference in TEE, phosphocreatine recovery, body composition, incidence of rhabdomyolysis, or any secondary outcome measures between the groups.

Conclusions

C7 improved LV ejection fraction and reduced LV mass at rest, as well as lowering heart rate during exercise among patients with LC‐FAODs.

Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01379625.
Dimensions of organized activity involvement among Latino youth: Impact on well‐being
Authors: Guzmán‐Rocha Maria D. , McLeod Dorothy L. , Bohnert Amy M.
Published: September 2017

Well‐being, including self‐ and academic perceptions, is a key element of Latino adolescents' experiences. One factor that may be related to well‐being among Latino adolescents is organized activity (OA) involvement. Drawing on a risk and resilience framework and utilizing principles of positive youth development, the current study aimed to examine this relation using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) with nested data from 660 Latino‐identified youth in the National Education Longitudinal Study: 88 (NELS:88). Furthermore, home language, sex, and family SES were explored as possible moderators of relations between dimensions of OA and well‐being. After accounting for prior levels of well‐being, results suggest that OA participation, particularly OA intensity, is related to greater self‐worth, locus of control, and educational expectations, and that the4se relations may be even stronger for youth from low‐SES backgrounds. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Intravenous drug abuse is a risk factor in the failure of two‐stage treatment for infected total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Su Yu‐Jie , Lin Sung‐Yen , Huang Hsuan‐Ti , Chang Je‐Ken , Chen Chung‐Hwan
Published: September 2017

Reinfection after two‐stage revision hip arthroplasty (RHA) is still a complex issue. Only few studies revealed the factors affecting the success rate in the treatment of periprosthetic hip infection (PHI), especially risk factors. A retrospective study was conducted using records of 30 patients underwent two‐stage RHA for infected total hip arthroplasty (THA). Treatment was defined as successful if a patient did not need any reoperation or invasive procedure such as image‐guided drainage during the two years after reimplantation. Treatment was defined as failure if any surgery or invasive procedure or long‐term antibiotic suppression was considered necessary to control infection. Four patients had infection recurrence defined as failed and three of them had intravenous drug abuse. Twenty‐six patients had no infection recurrence at the end of follow‐up and one of them had intravenous drug abuse but quitting after surgery. We suggest that once adequate cleaning up achieved, risk of reinfection may be little even in immunocompromised patients with RHA because of relative less old age than those with revisional total knee arthroplasty. Patients of the reinfection group were younger and non‐obese with adequate nutritional status. We may consider intravenous drug abuse could take a great toll on health and lead to reinfection. Finally, we suggest performing the gold‐standard two‐stage reimplantation technique to manage cases with infection, educating drug abusers regarding the risk of surgical failure, and implementing a quitting program at least 1 year before the index surgery.
GRADED UNIPOTENT GROUPS AND GROSSHANS THEORY
Authors: BÉRCZI GERGELY , KIRWAN FRANCES
Published: September 2017

Let $U$ be a unipotent group which is graded in the sense that it has an extension $H$ by the multiplicative group of the complex numbers such that all the weights of the adjoint action on the Lie algebra of $U$ are strictly positive. We study embeddings of $H$ in a general linear group $G$ which possess Grosshans-like properties. More precisely, suppose $H$ acts on a projective variety $X$ and its action extends to an action of $G$ which is linear with respect to an ample line bundle on $X$. Then, provided that we are willing to twist the linearization of the action of $H$ by a suitable (rational) character of $H$, we find that the $H$-invariants form a finitely generated algebra and hence define a projective variety $X/\!/H$; moreover, the natural morphism from the semistable locus in $X$ to $X/\!/H$ is surjective, and semistable points in $X$ are identified in $X/\!/H$ if and only if the closures of their $H$-orbits meet in the semistable locus. A similar result applies when we replace $X$ by its product with the projective line; this gives us a projective completion of a geometric quotient of a $U$-invariant open subset of $X$ by the action of the unipotent group $U$.
Water waves excited by near-impulsive wind forcing
Authors: Zavadsky Andrey , Shemer Lev
Published: September 2017

Only limited information is currently available on the evolution of waves generated by wind that varies in time, and in particular on the initial stages of wind–wave growth from rest under a suddenly applied wind forcing. The emerging wind–wave field varies in time as well as in space. Detailed knowledge of wave parameter distributions under those conditions contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of wind wave generation. In the present study, the instantaneous surface elevation and two components of the instantaneous surface slope were recorded at various fetches in a small-scale experimental facility under nearly impulsive wind forcing. Numerous independent realizations have been recorded for each selection of operational conditions. Sufficient data at a number of fetches were accumulated to calculate reliable ensemble-averaged statistical parameters of the evolving random wind–wave field as a function of the time elapsed from activation of wind forcing. Distinct stages in the wave evolution process from appearance of initial ripples to emergence of a quasi-steady wind–wave field were identified. The experimental results during each stage of evolution were analysed in view of the viscous instability theory by Kawai (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 93, 1979, pp. 661–703) and the resonance model by Phillips (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 2, 1957, pp. 417–445).
Throat swabs have no influence on the management of patients with sore throats
Authors: Cheung L , Pattni V , Peacock P , Sood S , Gupta D
Published: September 2017

Background:

Throat swabs are neither specific nor sensitive for micro-bacteria causing sore throat symptoms; however, current guidelines suggest they are still useful in some cases.

Method:

Retrospective and prospective analyses were conducted of throat swabs requested within the months of January 2016 and August 2016, respectively.

Results:

The study comprised 247 patients. Fifty-nine (24 per cent) had a positive culture. Forty-six grew group A beta-haemolytic streptococci, with the remainder growing candida (n = 10), coliform (n = 1) and klebsiella (n = 2). There was no significant difference in culture rates between primary or secondary care sources (χ2 = 0.56, p = 0.45). None of the swabs influenced a variation in patient management from local antimicrobial policies. Current practice has an estimated annual financial impact of £3 434 340 on the National Health Service.

Conclusion:

Throat swabs do not influence the antimicrobial treatment for patients with sore throats, even under current guidelines, and incur unnecessary cost. Current clinical guidelines could be reviewed to reduce the number of throat swabs being conducted unnecessarily.
A GAME-THEORETIC ANALYSIS OF PASCAL’S WAGER
Authors: Tarar Ahmer
Published: September 2017

Formal analyses of Pascal’s Wager have almost all been decision-theoretic, with a human as the sole decision-maker. This paper analyses Pascal’s Wager in a game-theoretic setting in which the deity whose existence the human is considering wagering on is also a decision-maker. There is an equilibrium in which the human chooses to wager that the deity exists and Pascal’s Wager thus operates, but also one in which the human does not wager. Thus, in a game-theoretic setting, Pascal’s Wager is indeterminate: wagering and not wagering are both consistent with equilibrium behaviour.
Citation Practices of the International Criminal Court: The Situation in Darfur, Sudan
Authors: MANLEY STEWART
Published: September 2017

This article analyzes the 9,203 citations made by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its cases involving Sudan. To date, few empirical studies have assessed the citation practices of courts and even fewer of international courts. The data is rich. It reveals, for instance, the changing nature of the Court's citations over time, the disproportionate distribution of citations among chambers, the potential impact of party pleadings on citations, and the allocation of citations to previous rulings of the Court, other international tribunals and domestic courts. The article also explores possible explanations for the patterns that emerge and assesses what the patterns may mean for the Court. Unlike most other citation analyses, the study provides the additional benefit of having categorized the citations based on their function, distinguishing for instance between citations that the Court uses to help it decide legal and factual issues, and those it does not.
Fine-temporal forecasting of outbreak probability and severity: Ross River virus in Western Australia
Authors: KOOLHOF I. S. , BETTIOL S. , CARVER S.
Published: September 2017

Health warnings of mosquito-borne disease risk require forecasts that are accurate at fine-temporal resolutions (weekly scales); however, most forecasting is coarse (monthly). We use environmental and Ross River virus (RRV) surveillance to predict weekly outbreak probabilities and incidence spanning tropical, semi-arid, and Mediterranean regions of Western Australia (1991–2014). Hurdle and linear models were used to predict outbreak probabilities and incidence respectively, using time-lagged environmental variables. Forecast accuracy was assessed by model fit and cross-validation. Residual RRV notification data were also examined against mitigation expenditure for one site, Mandurah 2007–2014. Models were predictive of RRV activity, except at one site (Capel). Minimum temperature was an important predictor of RRV outbreaks and incidence at all predicted sites. Precipitation was more likely to cause outbreaks and greater incidence among tropical and semi-arid sites. While variable, mitigation expenditure coincided positively with increased RRV incidence (r2 = 0·21). Our research demonstrates capacity to accurately predict mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and incidence at fine-temporal resolutions. We apply our findings, developing a user-friendly tool enabling managers to easily adopt this research to forecast region-specific RRV outbreaks and incidence. Approaches here may be of value to fine-scale forecasting of RRV in other areas of Australia, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Emotion perception improvement following high frequency transcranial random noise stimulation of the inferior frontal cortex
Authors: Penton Tegan , Dixon Laura , Evans Lauren Jayne , Banissy Michael J.
Published: September 2017

Facial emotion perception plays a key role in interpersonal communication and is a precursor for a variety of socio-cognitive abilities. One brain region thought to support emotion perception is the inferior frontal cortex (IFC). The current study aimed to examine whether modulating neural activity in the IFC using high frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) could enhance emotion perception abilities. In Experiment 1, participants received either tRNS to IFC or sham stimulation prior to completing facial emotion and identity perception tasks. Those receiving tRNS significantly outperformed those receiving sham stimulation on facial emotion, but not identity, perception tasks. In Experiment 2, we examined whether baseline performance interacted with the effects of stimulation. Participants completed a facial emotion and identity discrimination task prior to and following tRNS to either IFC or an active control region (area V5/MT). Baseline performance was a significant predictor of emotion discrimination performance change following tRNS to IFC. This effect was not observed for tRNS targeted at V5/MT or for identity discrimination. Overall, the findings implicate the IFC in emotion processing and demonstrate that tRNS may be a useful tool to modulate emotion perception when accounting for individual differences in factors such as baseline task performance.
Screening candidate microRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs for predicting the response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer by a bioinformatics approach
Authors: Peng Qiliang , Zhu Junjia , Shen Peipei , Yao Wenyan , Lei Yu , Zou Li , Xu Yingying , Shen Yuntian , Zhu Yaqun
Published: September 2017

Extensive efforts have been undertaken in search of biomarkers for predicting the chemoradiotherapy response in rectal cancer. However, most attention on treatment efficiency prediction in carcinoma is addicted to single or limited molecules. Network biomarkers are considered to outperform single molecules in predictive power. In this study, candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified from the PubMed citations and miRNA expression profiles. Targets of miRNAs were obtained from four experimentally confirmed interactions and three computationally predicted databases. Functional enrichment analysis of all the targets revealed their associations with chemoradiotherapy response, indicating they could be promising biomarkers. Two lists of key target mRNAs of the candidate miRNAs were retrieved from protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and mRNA expression profiles, respectively. Pathway analysis and literature validation revealed that the mRNA lists were highly related to the ionizing radiation. The above miRNAs along with the key miRNA targets provide potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs as network biomarkers in which all the network components may be used for predicting the chemoradiotherapy response. These results demonstrated that the network biomarkers could provide a useful model for predicting the chemoradiotherapy response and help in further understanding the molecular basis of response differences, which should be prioritized for further study.
Thiol–ene/oxidation tandem reaction under visible light photocatalysis: synthesis of alkyl sulfoxides
Authors: Guerrero-Corella Andrea , María Martinez-Gualda Ana , Ahmadi Fereshteh , Ming Enrique , Fraile Alberto , Alemán José
Published: September 2017

The photocatalyzed synthesis of sulfoxides from alkenes and thiols has been carried out using Eosin Y.
Ru atom-modified covalent triazine framework as a robust electrocatalyst for selective alcohol oxidation in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Yamaguchi Shingi , Kamiya Kazuhide , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Nakanishi Shuji
Published: September 2017

The ruthenium atom-modified covalent triazine framework has selective activity for the electrooxidation of alcohol over competitive water oxidation and self-decomposition.
Microbial separation from a complex matrix by a hand-held microfluidic device
Authors: Singh Renu , Brockgreitens John , Saiapina Olga , Wu Yan , Abbas Abdennour
Published: September 2017

Through a simple chemical activation of biomolecules present in the outer structures of microbial cells, microorganisms can be rapidly isolated on gold-coated surfaces in a microfluidic device with over 99% capture efficiency.
Two novel metal–organic coordination polymers based on ligand 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane N,N′-dioxide with phase transition, and ferroelectric and dielectric properties
Authors: Chen Lizhuang , Ji Qin , Wang Xingang , Pan Qijian , Cao Xingxing , Xu Guancheng
Published: September 2017

The synthesis of two low-temperature structural phase transition compounds {[Ag3(dabcodo)(NO3)3]·H2O}n (1) and [Ca(Dabcodo)(H2O)4Cl2]n (2) are described. Compound 1 displayed ferroelectric–ferroelectric phase transition.
Ca2B2O5·H2O:Tb3+hierarchical micro–nanostructures: formation and optical properties
Authors: Wang Peng , Fang Ming , Liu Mao , Kong Mingguang , Xu Wei , Zhang Lide
Published: September 2017

The morphology and phase of the calcium borates were modulated under hydrothermal conditions, and the process of energy transfer in the materials was investigated.
Controlling the ferroelectric and resistive switching properties of a BiFeO3thin film prepared using sub-5 nm dimension nanoparticles
Authors: Shirolkar Mandar M. , Li Jieni , Dong Xiaolei , Li Ming , Wang Haiqian
Published: September 2017

The effects of thin film formation on the multiferroic and resistive switching properties of sub-5 nm BiFeO3nanoparticles were investigated.
Structure and crystallization of SiO2and B2O3doped lithium disilicate glasses from theory and experiment
Authors: Erlebach Andreas , Thieme Katrin , Sierka Marek , Rüssel Christian
Published: September 2017

Solid solutions of SiO2and B2O3in Li2O·2SiO2are synthesized and characterized for the first time by calculations and experiments.
Ultrafast flavin photoreduction in an oxidized animal (6-4) photolyase through an unconventional tryptophan tetrad
Authors: Martin Ryan , Lacombat Fabien , Espagne Agathe , Dozova Nadia , Plaza Pascal , Yamamoto Junpei , Müller Pavel , Brettel Klaus , de la Lande Aurélien
Published: September 2017

Ultrafast photoreduction of animal (6-4) photolyase: delocalized oxidation hole reaches fourth tryptophan in less than 40 ps.
Mechanism of C–C and C–H bond cleavage in ethanol oxidation reaction on Cu2O(111): a DFT-D and DFT+U study
Authors: Xu Han , Miao Bei , Zhang Minhua , Chen Yifei , Wang Lichang
Published: September 2017

The C–C and C–H cleavage of hydrocarbons in EOR on Cu2O(111) and the specific effects of +U were investigated by DFT+U.
On the viability of Mg extraction in MgMoN2: a combined experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Verrelli R. , Arroyo-de-Dompablo M. E. , Tchitchekova D. , Black A. P. , Frontera C. , Fuertes A. , Palacin M. R.
Published: September 2017

Extraction of magnesium from MgMoN2 was attempted by different methods but the migration barriers were found to be too high.
Efficient electrosynthesis of phosphinic amides via oxidative cross-coupling between N–H/P–H
Authors: Wang Yukang , Qian Peng , Su Ji-Hu , Li Yanan , Bi Meixiang , Zha Zhenggen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: September 2017

A facile and efficient approach to phosphinic amides was developed from diarylphosphine oxides and amines via electrosynthesis. A variety of phosphinic amides were obtained in one step with good to excellent yields under mild and metal-free conditions. The corresponding mechanism was investigated.
An ionic liquid catalyzed probase method for one-pot synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters from esters and aldehydes under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Gang , Xu Yiming , Zhang Suojiang , Li Zengxi , Li Chunshan
Published: September 2017

An ionic liquid catalyzed probase method for unsaturated ester synthesis under mild conditions was reported.
Synthesis and characterization of scale and corrosion inhibitors with hyper-branched structure and the mechanism
Authors: Huang Henghui , Yao Qi , Liu Bailing , Shan Ning , Chen Hualin
Published: September 2017

In this study, a new type of scale and corrosion inhibitors with hyper-branched structure has been developed.
A fluorogenic and red-shifted diphenyl phosphinate-based probe for selective peroxynitrite detection as demonstrated in fixed cells
Authors: Mulay Sandip V. , Kim Youngsam , Lee Kyung Jin , Yudhistira Tesla , Park Hee-Sung , Churchill David G.
Published: September 2017

A new dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran-based fluorescent probe has been designed, synthesized and characterized. It shows selective “TURN-ON” fluorescence response upon reaction with ONOO−.
Kurzfristige Schmerzreduktion durch Interferenzstromtherapie bei Patienten mit chronischen Kreuzschmerzen
Authors: Ammer Kurt
Published: September 2017

In einer privaten Physiotherapiepraxis in Barcelona wurde die Wirksamkeit einer 2 Wochen dauernden Interferenzstromtherapie im Vergleich zur Behandlung mit Massage und Mobilisationstechniken hinsichtlich Schmerzminderung und Aktivitätsverbesserung von Patienten mit chronischen unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen untersucht.
Morphologically constrained and data informed cell segmentation of budding yeast
Authors: Bakker Elco , Swain Peter S , Crane Matthew M
Published: September 2017

Motivation

Although high-content image cytometry is becoming increasingly routine, processing the large amount of data acquired during time-lapse experiments remains a challenge. The majority of approaches for automated single-cell segmentation focus on flat, uniform fields of view covered with a single layer of cells. In the increasingly popular microfluidic devices that trap individual cells for long term imaging, these conditions are not met. Consequently, most techniques for segmentation perform poorly. Although potentially constraining the generalizability of software, incorporating information about the microfluidic features, flow of media and the morphology of the cells can substantially improve performance.

Results

Here we present DISCO (Data Informed Segmentation of Cell Objects), a framework for using the physical constraints imposed by microfluidic traps, the shape based morphological constraints of budding yeast and temporal information about cell growth and motion to allow tracking and segmentation of cells in microfluidic devices. Using manually curated datasets, we demonstrate substantial improvements in both tracking and segmentation when compared with existing software.

Availability and implementation

The MATLAB code for the algorithm and for measuring performance is available at https://github.com/pswain/segmentation-software and the test images and the curated ground-truth results used for comparing the algorithms are available at http://datashare.is.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/2002.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Tornadoes and Their Parent Convective Storms
Authors: Bluestein Howard B.
Published: September 2017

In the past four decades much has been discovered about tornado formation and structure from observations, laboratory models, and numerical-simulation experiments. Observations include nearby movies and photographs of tornadoes, fixed-site, airborne, and ground-based mobile Doppler radar remote measurements, and in situ measurements using instrumented probes. Laboratory models are vortex chambers and numerical-simulations are based on the governing fluid dynamical equations. However, questions remain: How and why do tornadoes form? and How does the wind field associated with them vary in space and time? Recent studies of tornadoes based on observations, particularly by radar, are detailed. The major aspects of numerically simulating a tornado and its formation are reviewed, and the dynamics of tornado formation and structure based on both observations and laboratory and numerical-simulation experiments are described. Finally, future avenues of research and suggested instrument development for furthering our knowledge are discussed.
Re-Scaling the Geography of Citizenship
Authors: Diener Alexander C.
Published: September 2017

Rather than following a linear narrative, this discussion of rescaling citizenship reveals varied modes socio-spatial organization and belonging that, at times, coincide with the dominant political units of historic eras and, at others, reject or transcend them. While varied ideals of belonging and civil responsibility may be more visible or articulated today, they have existed throughout history, and perpetually formed alternative scales of citizenship. Re-scaling citizenship has always been part of efforts to organize political space at an optimal scale for civil beneficence, rights, and responsibilities. Despite efforts to rigidly link concepts of membership to territory, contingencies of social process, technology, and shifting values make citizenship multivalent and polilocal. While affirming the continued allure of the territorial state, this chapter calls for consideration of increasing mobilities and communication technology, supra and sub-state political communities, as well as cross-border relationships and the daily practices of integration that pervade contemporary human existence.
Ancient Egyptian pottery
Authors: Bader Bettina
Published: September 2017

This chapter sketches the nature of evidence to be gained from careful analysis of the ceramic remains in ancient Egypt, and the ways to achieve it, explaining some of the advances made in recent years. Pottery provides the most ubiquitous archaeological source material derived from ancient Egypt. Early archaeologists only tended to show interest in pottery when it was intact and/or of aesthetically pleasing shape or decoration, but this important source material has turned into primary evidence when dating a site. It provides information on the history of use of a site as well as on socio-economic issues, such as importations from other sites or even abroad, and glimpses into possible functions of sites.
Lemierre’s Syndrome Presenting as Multifocal Pyomyositis in a Young Child
Authors: Held Melissa R. , Kotler Hannah , Sneller Hannah , Sullivan Catherine B.
Published: September 2017

Lemierre’s syndrome is more common in young adults and the majority of patients present with pharyngitis. Multifocal pyomyositis is very rare in this setting and in young children. We present here a case of multifocal pyomyositis caused by Fusobacterium spp. in a young child. Fusobacterium should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multifocal pyomyositis of unclear etiology.
Risk of Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Isolated Great Saphenous Vein Thrombus
Authors: Gupta Akshya , Pandya Vijay , Baran Timothy , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: September 2017

Risks associated with isolated great saphenous vein (GSV) thrombosis remain controversial. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with isolated GSV thrombosis, particularly those with thrombus within 3 cm of the sapheno-femoral junction. A retrospective chart review of color flow Doppler lower extremity venous ultrasound examinations from an academic hospital from 2011 to 2016 was conducted. Seventy-eight patients were identified as having acute thrombus in their GSV and were then further stratified based on the presence or absence of concomitant deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A control group of 49 patients who presented with leg swelling and were found to have a normal color flow Doppler examination was also identified. Patients without thrombus (n = 49), patients with isolated GSV thrombus (n = 29), and patients with GSV thrombus with concomitant DVT (n = 49) underwent full chart review to determine whether any patients developed PE. This was diagnosed specifically by computed tomography angiogram or ventilation/perfusion scan, within 60 days of initial diagnosis of lower extremity thrombus. In our analysis, there was no significant difference in the risk of PE in patients with isolated GSV thrombus compared with a control group of normal patients (3.5% vs 2.0%, P = 0.38). However, patients with GSV thrombus and concomitant DVT had a significantly increased risk of PE compared with patients with isolated GSV thrombus (26.5% vs 3.5%, P = 0.01). We found that the risk of PE in patients with isolated GSV thrombus is not significantly increased compared with a normal cohort.
The evolving spirit: morals and mutualism in Arabella Buckley's evolutionary epic
Authors: Larsen Jordan
Published: September 2017

Contemporaries of Charles Darwin were divided on reconciling his theory of natural selection with religion and morality. Although Alfred Russel Wallace stands out as a spiritualist advocate of natural selection who rejected a natural origin of morality, the science popularizer and spiritualist Arabella Buckley (1840–1929) offers a more representative example of how theists, whether spiritualist or more orthodox in their religion, found reconciliation. Unlike Wallace, Buckley emphasized the lawful evolution of morality and of the soul, drawing from the theological tradition of traducianism. Significantly, Buckley argued for a mutualistic and deeply theistic interpretation of Darwinian evolution, particularly the evolution of morals, without sacrificing the uniformity of natural law. Though Buckley's understanding of the evolutionary epic has been represented as emphasizing mutualism (Gates 1998) and spiritualist theology (Lightman 2007), here I demonstrate that her distinctive addition to the debate lies in her unifying theory of traducianism. In contrast to other authors, I argue that through Buckley we better understand Victorian spiritualism as more of a religion than an occult science. However, it was a conception of religion that, through her evolutionary traducianism, bridged science and spiritualism. This offers historians a more complex but satisfying image of the Victorian worldview after Darwin.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Inhibits Growth of Chromosomally instablebub1Δ mutant inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Azman Zeynep N. , Kiyici Aysel , Oncel Mufide , Yilmaz H. Ramazan , Gunduz Esra , Gunduz Mehmet , Basrai Munira A. , Ciftci-Yilmaz Sultan
Published: September 2017

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer cells. Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) proteins such as Bub1 monitor errors in chromosome segregation and cause cell cycle delay to prevent CIN. Altered expression ofBUBlis observed in several tumor samples and cancer cell lines which display CIN. Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) which is an active component of propolis obtained from bee hives has anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. We used budding yeastS. cerevisiaeas a model organism to investigate the molecular mechanism by which CAPE can inhibit the growth of cells with high levels of CIN. Here we show that CAPE leads to growth inhibition ofbub1Δ strains. CAPE treatment suppressed chromosome mis-segregation inbub1Δstrain possibly due to apoptosis of chromosomally instablebub1Δ cells. We propose that CAPE may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment ofBUB1deficient cancers and other cancers that exhibit CIN.
A topographic visual pathway into the central brain of Drosophila
Authors: Timaeus Lorin , Geid Laura , Hummel Thomas
Published: September 2017

The visual system is characterized by a strict topographic organization from the retina towards multiple layers of synaptic integration. Recent studies in Drosophila have shown that in the transition from the optic lobes to the central brain, due to convergence of columnar neurons onto optic glomeruli, distinct synaptic units employed in the computation of different visual features, the retinotopic representation is lost in these circuits. However, functional imaging revealed aspatial representation of visual cuesin the Drosophila central complex, raising the question about the underlying circuitry, which bypasses optic glomerulus convergence.

While characterizing afferent arborizations within Drosophila visual glomeruli, we discovered a spatial segregation of topographic and non-topographic projections from distinct molecular classes of medulla projection neurons,medullo-tubercular(MeTu) neurons, into a specific central brain glomerulus, theanterior optic tubercle(AOTu). Single cell analysis revealed that topographic information is organized by ensembles of MeTu neurons (type 1), forming parallel channels within the AOTu, while a separate class of MeTu neurons (type 2) displays convergent projection, associated with a loss of spatial resolution. MeTu afferents in the AOTu synapse onto a matching topographic field of output projection neurons, thesetubercular-bulbar(TuBu) neurons relay visual information towards dendritic fields of central complex ring neurons in the bulb neuropil. Within the bulb, neuronal proximity of the topographic AOTu map as well as channel identity is maintained despite the absence of a stereotyped map organization, providing the structural basis for spatial representation of visual information in the central complex (CX). TuBu neurons project onto dendritic fields of efferent ring neurons, where distinct sectors of the bulb correspond to a distinct ring domain in the ellipsoid body. We found a stereotypic circuitry for each analyzed TuBu class, thus the individual channels of peripheral topography are maintained in the central complex structure. Together with previous data showing rough topography within the lobula AOTu domain, our results on the organization of medulla projection neurons define the AOTu neuropil as the main relay station for spatial information from the optic lobes into the central brain.
Numb prevents a complete EMT by modulating Notch signalling
Authors: Bocci Federico , Jolly Mohit Kumar , Tripathi Satyendra C. , Aguilar Mitzi , Hanash Samir M , Levine Herbert , Onuchic José N.
Published: September 2017

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays key roles during embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Cells in a partial EMT or hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype tend to exhibit collective cell migration, forming clusters of circulating tumour cells – the primary drivers of metastasis. Activation of cell-cell signalling pathways such as Notch fosters a partial or complete EMT, yet the mechanisms enabling cluster formation remain poorly understood. Using an integrated computational-experimental approach, we examine the role of Numb – an inhibitor of Notch intercellular signalling – in mediating EMT and clusters formation of hybrid E/M cells. Knockdown of Numb in stable hybrid E/M cells H1975 results in a full EMT, thereby showing that Numb acts as a brake for a full EMT. Consistent with this observation, we show via a mathematical model that Numb inhibits a full EMT by stabilizing a hybrid E/M phenotype. Thus, Numb can behave as a ‘phenotypic stability factor’ by modulating Notch-driven EMT. By generalizing the mathematical model to a multi-cell level, Numb is predicted to alter the balance of hybrid E/M versus mesenchymal cells in clusters, potentially resulting in a higher tumour-initiation ability. Finally, Numb correlates with a poor survival in multiple independent lung and ovarian cancer datasets, hence confirming its relationship with increased cancer aggressiveness.

Major Findings: we adopt an integrative computational-experimental approach to identify that Numb, an inhibitor of Notch signalling, can stabilize a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype. We show that knockdown of Numb in H1975 cells that display a stable hybrid E/M state is sufficient to destabilize a hybrid E/M state and push them to a full EMT phenotype. Next, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical model that recapitulates this ability of Numb in maintaining a hybrid E/M state, and predicts that Numb can alter the relative frequency of hybrid E/M and mesenchymal cells at a tissue level or in clusters of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) – the primary drivers of metastasis. Finally, we show that across cancer types, Numb correlates with worse patient survival, thus reinforcing the emerging notion that a hybrid E/M, but not necessarily a completely mesenchymal, phenotype associates with elevated tumour progression.
What exactly is ‘N’ in cell culture and animal experiments?
Authors: Lazic Stanley E. , Clarke-Williams Charlie J. , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: September 2017

Biologists establish the existence of experimental effects by applying treatments or interventions to biological entities or units, such as people, animals, slice preparations, or cells. When done appropriately, independent replication of the entity-intervention pair contributes to the sample size (N) and forms the basis of statistical inference. However, sometimes the appropriate entity-intervention pair may not be obvious, and the wrong choice can make an experiment worthless. We surveyed a random sample of published animal experiments from 2011 to 2016 where interventions were applied to parents but effects examined in the offspring, as regulatory authorities have provided clear guidelines on replication with such designs. We found that only 22% of studies (95% CI = 17% to 29%) replicated the correct entity-intervention pair and thus made valid statistical inferences. Approximately half of the studies (46%, 95% CI = 38% to 53%) had pseudoreplication while 32% (95% CI = 26% to 39%) provided insufficient information to make a judgement. Pseudoreplication artificially inflates the sample size, leading to more false positive results and inflating the apparent evidence supporting a scientific claim. It is hard for science to advance when so many experiments are poorly designed and analysed. We argue that distinguishing between biological units, experimental units, and observational units clarifies where replication should occur, describe the criteria for genuine replication, and provide guidelines for designing and analysingin vitro, ex vivo,andin vivoexperiments.