bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite sequential Monte Carlo test for post‐market vaccine safety surveillance
Authors: Silva Ivair R.
Published: November 2015

Group sequential hypothesis testing is now widely used to analyze prospective data. If Monte Carlo simulation is used to construct the signaling threshold, the challenge is how to manage the type I error probability for each one of the multiple tests without losing control on the overall significance level. This paper introduces a valid method for a true management of the alpha spending at each one of a sequence of Monte Carlo tests. The method also enables the use of a sequential simulation strategy for each Monte Carlo test, which is useful for saving computational execution time. Thus, the proposed procedure allows for sequential Monte Carlo test in sequential analysis, and this is the reason that it is called ‘composite sequential’ test. An upper bound for the potential power losses from the proposed method is deduced. The composite sequential design is illustrated through an application for post‐market vaccine safety surveillance data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Authors: Gibson James
Published: November 2015

In 2002, World of Books Group was founded on an ethos to do good, protect the planet and support charities by enabling more goods to be reused. Since then, we've grown into to a global company pioneering the circular economy. Today, we drive the circular economy through three re-commerce brands: - Wob: Through Wob, we sell. We provide affordable, preloved books and media to customers all over the world. A book leaves our collection of over seven million titles and begins a new chapter every two seconds, enabling more goods to be reused. - Ziffit: Through Ziffit, we buy. We give people around the world the opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, earn money and protect the planet, by trading their unwanted books and media. - Shopiago: Through Shopiago, we help others. By sharing the technology that has grown World of Books Group into the business it is today, we re helping charities increase revenue and reduce waste through re-commerce.
Suture Versus Mesh Repair in Primary and Incisional Ventral Hernias: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mathes Tim , Walgenbach Maren , Siegel Robert
Published: November 2015

Background

Today, ventral hernia repair is predominantly performed with meshes. There is no meta‐analysis of high quality evidence that compares the results of suture to mesh repair. The objective of this systematic review with meta‐analysis is to compare patient centred outcomes of suture versus mesh repair.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL (inception to 06/2014). Furthermore a hand search was performed. RCTs comparing suture versus mesh repair in primary and incisional ventral hernia repair were included. Data on patient characteristics, interventions and results were extracted in standardized tables. Risk of bias was assessed with the cochrane risk of bias tool. Results of studies were pooled with a meta‐analysis. All steps were performed by two reviewers. Discrepancies were discussed until a consensus.

Results

The search in the databases resulted in 1560 hits. After screening, 10 randomized controlled trials including 1215 patients satisfied all inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was moderate to high. The relative risk for recurrence was 0.36 [95% CI (0.27, 0.49); I2 = 0; heterogeneity p = 0.70]. Other complications did not differ significantly. Results for chronic pain were heterogeneous across studies.

Conclusion

Mesh repair reduces the number of recurrences significantly. In patients without recurrence mesh repairs seem to be associated with a risk of chronic pain especially if the mesh is fixed sublay.
Location Frequency of Missed Parathyroid Glands After Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Persistent or Recurrent Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Okada Manabu , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Takayuki , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko
Published: November 2015

Background

Reoperative parathyroidectomy (RPTX) because parathyroid glands have been missed is frequently required in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The usual locations of these missed glands in patients with SHPT are yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the locations of missed glands in 165 patients who underwent RPTX for persistent or recurrent SHPT at our institution from August 1982 to July 2014. At our institution, total parathyroidectomy with forearm autograft is the routine operative procedure for SHPT. We also routinely resect the thymic tongue.

Results

Of 165 patients, 82 underwent initial parathyroidectomy at our institution (Group A), and the remaining 83 underwent initial parathyroidectomy at other institutions (Group B). A total of 239 parathyroid glands were resected (Group A, 93; Group B, 146). Missed glands were most commonly located in the mediastinum (Group A, 22/93) and the thymic tongue (Group B, 31/146).

Conclusions

In patients with persistent or recurrent SHPT, ectopic parathyroid glands are frequently located in the mediastinum and thymic tongue. Therefore, resecting the thymic tongue during the initial operation may reduce the need for RPTX.
Socioeconomic Status, Religion and Health in India: An Examination of Chronic and Communicable Diseases
Authors: Childers Trenita B. , Chiou Kevin
Published: November 2015

The literature on socioeconomic status and health suggests that those in higher positions have better health, and those in lower positions have worse health. There is little evidence of an SES gradient in non-industrialized countries, however, and it is uncertain whether the health gradient established in many Western countries would apply in developing countries. In this study, the authors examine patterns in health outcomes by caste and religion in India, a developing country. Results from a nationally representative sample, the Indian Human Development Survey, suggest that while high SES social groups report less communicable disease, they report a higher prevalence of chronic diseases than low SES groups. This study demonstrates the need to examine diseases of affluence among high SES groups in developing countries while also identifying the particular health concerns that are prevalent among low SES groups.
Teen Religiosity and Fertility in Adulthood in a Canadian Prairie Province
Authors: Trovato Frank
Published: November 2015

This study examines the association of self-reported religiosity during one's teens with cumulative fertility in adulthood based on a representative sample of women in Alberta, a province in the prairie region of Canada. A significant association is found between these two variables. The association persists even after relevant controls have been taken into account in Poisson regression analysis. Women reporting a high degree of religiosity during their teen years achieve a larger family size than women who stated they were nonreligious or had a low level of religious engagement in their teens. The findings of this study are consistent with the proposition that early life experiences can have long term effects into adulthood, including in this case, cumulative fertility. Religiosity remains an important factor in the explanation of fertility differentials.
Brief report: Explaining differences in depressive symptoms between African American and European American adolescents
Authors: Mrug Sylvie , King Vinetra , Windle Michael
Published: November 2015

African American adolescents report more depressive symptoms than their European American peers, but the reasons for these differences are poorly understood. This study examines whether risk factors in individual, family, school, and community domains explain these differences. African American and European American adolescents participating in the Birmingham Youth Violence Study (N = 594; mean age 13.2 years) reported on their depressive symptoms, pubertal development, aggressive and delinquent behavior, connectedness to school, witnessing violence, and poor parenting. Primary caregivers provided information on family income and their education level, marital status, and depression, and the adolescents' academic performance. African American adolescents reported more depressive symptoms than European American participants. Family socioeconomic factors reduced this difference by 29%; all risk factors reduced it by 88%. Adolescents' exposure to violence, antisocial behavior, and low school connectedness, as well as lower parental education and parenting quality, emerged as significant mediators of the group differences in depressive symptoms.
Nonpharmacologic Options for Treating Acute and Chronic Pain
Authors: Wu Peter I‐Kung , Meleger Alec , Witkower Alan , Mondale Timothy , Borg‐Stein Joanne
Published: November 2015

This article provides a broad overview of the clinical nonpharmacologic treatment options for managing acute and chronic pain. Physical therapy and modalities, interventional techniques, emerging regenerative medicine, and cognitive behavioral paradigms of treatment are presented. Recommendations are evidence‐based and are a practical resource for the musculoskeletal pain and sports medicine practitioner.
Truth, Sense and Assertion
Authors: Anscombe G.E.M.
Published: November 2015

Protagoras and his pupil Euthalos argued against one another in paradoxical fashion regarding the fulfilment of a contract. Protagoras was a Sophist, the first European inventors of logical puzzles who also argued that there cannot be false thinking. A paradox, however, does not say anything, and there is no solution to the question as to who is right in the exchange between Protagoras and Euthalos. On the other hand there is a real question as to how it is that a false proposition makes sense, and the Sophists were right in as much as a false proposition, while it does say something does not, being believed, tell its believer anything. The exclusion of paradoxical propositions is not to be achieved, as Russell supposed, by applying some general principle; rather matters need arguing through in particular cases as they arise.
From Guadagni’s Suitcase: A Primo Uomo’s Signature Aria and its Transformation
Authors: Butler Margaret R.
Published: November 2015

By 1760, the greatmusicoGaetano Guadagni had made a name for himself singing the role of Arbace in Baldassare Galuppi’s popular setting ofArtaserse. A replacement aria connected with that work emerged as Guadagni’s signature song. Its text appears in all librettos for Galuppi’s setting that Guadagni sang; Johann Christian Bach provided Guadagni with another setting of the text; and a third by an unknown composer suggests links between the poetry and settings by Gaetano Pampani and Leonardo Vinci. This article examines Guadagni’s aria and its transformation, re-examining the role of a solo song in the creation of a singer’s international reputation, its power to evoke memories of other celebrities in the minds of audiences and its function in placing a singer within a broad community of star performers.
WIESER’S UNITY OF THOUGHT
Authors: Tokumaru Natsuka
Published: November 2015

In his attempt to improve Carl Menger’s economics, Friedrich von Wieser frequently discussed methodological issues. This paper proposes that Wieser’s epistemological position can be understood as the result of a reformulation of the empirical position that Menger (1871) developed in his Grundsätze der Volkswirthschaftslehre. This paper proposes four ways of interpreting Wieser’s concept of “experience”: i) experience stored in language, ii) experience as introspection, iii) experience as a mental experiment, and iv) experience as observation. Because Wieser applied the concept of “motivational power” derived from psychological induction in order to explain observable social phenomena, this paper calls his position “methodological motivationalism.” This particular position can help explain his later shift to sociological studies.
The molecular architecture of the Dam1 kinetochore complex is defined by cross-linking based structural modelling
Authors: Zelter Alex , Bonomi Massimiliano , Kim Jae ook , Umbreit Neil T. , Hoopmann Michael R. , Johnson Richard , Riffle Michael , Jaschob Daniel , MacCoss Michael J. , Moritz Robert L. , Davis Trisha N.
Published: November 2015

Accurate segregation of chromosomes during cell division is essential. The Dam1 complex binds kinetochores to microtubules and its oligomerization is required to form strong attachments. It is a key target of Aurora B kinase, which destabilizes erroneous attachments allowing subsequent correction. Understanding the roles and regulation of the Dam1 complex requires structural information. Here we apply cross-linking/mass spectrometry and structural modelling to determine the molecular architecture of the Dam1 complex. We find microtubule attachment is accompanied by substantial conformational changes, with direct binding mediated by the carboxy termini of Dam1p and Duo1p. Aurora B phosphorylation of Dam1p C terminus weakens direct interaction with the microtubule. Furthermore, the Dam1p amino terminus forms an interaction interface between Dam1 complexes, which is also disrupted by phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that Aurora B inhibits both direct interaction with the microtubule and oligomerization of the Dam1 complex to drive error correction during mitosis.
Global biomass production potentials exceed expected future demand without the need for cropland expansion
Authors: Mauser Wolfram , Klepper Gernot , Zabel Florian , Delzeit Ruth , Hank Tobias , Putzenlechner Birgitta , Calzadilla Alvaro
Published: November 2015

Global biomass demand is expected to roughly double between 2005 and 2050. Current studies suggest that agricultural intensification through optimally managed crops on today’s cropland alone is insufficient to satisfy future demand. In practice though, improving crop growth management through better technology and knowledge almost inevitably goes along with (1) improving farm management with increased cropping intensity and more annual harvests where feasible and (2) an economically more efficient spatial allocation of crops which maximizes farmers’ profit. By explicitly considering these two factors we show that, without expansion of cropland, today’s global biomass potentials substantially exceed previous estimates and even 2050s’ demands. We attribute 39% increase in estimated global production potentials to increasing cropping intensities and 30% to the spatial reallocation of crops to their profit-maximizing locations. The additional potentials would make cropland expansion redundant. Their geographic distribution points at possible hotspots for future intensification.
Preventing and Lessening Exacerbations of Asthma in School-aged children Associated with a New Term (PLEASANT): Recruiting Primary Care Research Sites–the PLEASANT experience
Authors: Horspool Michelle J , Julious Steven A , Mooney Cara , May Robin , Sully Ben , Smithson W Henry
Published: November 2015

Background:

Recruitment of general practices and their patients into research studies is frequently reported as a challenge. The Preventing and Lessening Exacerbations of Asthma in School-aged children Associated with a New Term (PLEASANT) trial recruited 142 general practices, across England and Wales and delivered the study intervention to time and target.

Aims:

To describe the process of recruitment used within the cluster randomised PLEASANT trial and present results on factors that influenced recruitment.

Methods:

Data were collected on the number of and types of contact used to gain expression of interest and subsequent randomisation into the PLEASANT trial. Practice size and previous research experience were also collected.

Results:

The mean number of contacts required to gain expression of interest were m=3.01 (s.d. 1.6) and total number of contacts from initial invitation to randomisation m=6.8 (s.d. 3.5). Previous randomised controlled trial involvement (hazard ratio (HR)=1.81 (confidence interval (CI) 95%, 1.55–2.11) P<0.001) and number of studies a practice had previously engaged in (odds ratio (OR) 1.91 (CI 95%, (1.52–2.42)) P<0.001), significantly influenced whether a practice would participate in PLEASANT. Practice size was not a significant deciding factor (OR=1.04 (95% CI 0.99–1.08) P=0.137).

Conclusions:

Recruitment to time and target can be achieved in general practice. The amount of resource required for site recruitment should not, however, be underestimated and multiple strategies for contacting practices should be considered. General practitioners with more research experience are more likely to participate in studies.
Correction: Corrigendum: Combination of mild hypothermia with neuroprotectants has greater neuroprotective effects during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation-mediated neuronal injury
Authors: Gao Xiao-Ya , Huang Jian-Ou , Hu Ya-Fang , Gu Yong , Zhu Shu-Zhen , Huang Kai-Bin , Chen Jin-Yu , Pan Su-Yue
Published: November 2015

Co-treatment of neuroprotective reagents may improve the therapeutic efficacy of hypothermia in protecting neurons during ischemic stroke. This study aimed to find promising drugs that enhance the neuroprotective effect of mild hypothermia (MH). 26 candidate drugs were selected based on different targets. Primary cultured cortical neurons were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) to induce neuronal damage, followed by either single treatment (a drug or MH) or a combination of a drug and MH. Results showed that, compared with single treatment, combination of MH with brain derived neurotrophic factor, glibenclamide, dizocilpine, human urinary kallidinogenase or neuroglobin displayed higher proportion of neuronal cell viability. The latter three drugs also caused less apoptosis rate in combined treatment. Furthermore, co-treatment of those three drugs and MH decreased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium accumulation, as well as stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), indicating the combined neuroprotective effects are probably via inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Taken together, the study suggests that combined treatment with hypothermia and certain neuroprotective reagents provide a better protection against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury.
Photodamage to the oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II by visible light
Authors: Zavafer Alonso , Cheah Mun Hon , Hillier Warwick , Chow Wah Soon , Takahashi Shunichi
Published: November 2015

Light damages photosynthetic machinery, primarily photosystem II (PSII) and it results in photoinhibition. A new photodamage model, the two-step photodamage model, suggests that photodamage to PSII initially occurs at the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) by light energy absorbed by manganese and that the PSII reaction center is subsequently damaged by light energy absorbed by photosynthetic pigments due to the limitation of electrons to the PSII reaction center. However, it is still uncertain whether this model is applicable to photodamage to PSII under visible light as manganese absorbs visible light only weakly. In the present study, we identified the initial site of photodamage to PSII upon illumination of visible light using PSII membrane fragments isolated from spinach leaves. When PSII samples were exposed to visible light in the presence of an exogenous electron acceptor, both PSII total activity and the PSII reaction centre activity declined due to photodamage. The supplemental addition of an electron donor to the PSII reaction centre alleviated the decline of the reaction centre activity but not the PSII total activity upon the light exposure. Our results demonstrate that visible light damages OEC prior to photodamage to the PSII reaction center, consistent with two-step photodamage model.
Essentiality drives the orientation bias of bacterial genes in a continuous manner
Authors: Zheng Wen-Xin , Luo Cheng-Si , Deng Yan-Yan , Guo Feng-Biao
Published: November 2015

Studies had found that bacterial genes are preferentially located on the leading strands. Subsequently, the preferences of essential genes and highly expressed genes were compared by classifying all genes into four groups, which showed that the former has an exclusive influence on orientation. However, only some functional classes of essential genes have this orientation bias. Nevertheless, previous studies only performed comparative analyzes by differentiating the orientation bias extent of two types of genes. Thus, it is unclear whether the influence of essentiality on strand bias works continuously. Herein, we found a significant correlation between essentiality and orientation bias extent in 19 of 21 analyzed bacterial genomes, based on quantitative measurement of gene essentiality (or fitness). The correlation coefficient was much higher than that derived from binary essentiality measures (essential or non-essential). This suggested that genes with relatively lower essentiality, i.e., conditionally essential genes, also have some orientation bias, although it is weaker than that of absolutely essential genes. The results demonstrated the continuous influence of essentiality on orientation bias and provided details on this visible structural feature of bacterial genomes. It also proved that Geptop and IFIM could serve as useful resources of bacterial gene essentiality, particularly for quantitative analysis.
OASIS modulates hypoxia pathway activity to regulate bone angiogenesis
Authors: Cui Min , Kanemoto Soshi , Cui Xiang , Kaneko Masayuki , Asada Rie , Matsuhisa Koji , Tanimoto Keiji , Yoshimoto Yuki , Shukunami Chisa , Imaizumi Kazunori
Published: November 2015

OASIS/CREB3L1, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident transcription factor, plays important roles in osteoblast differentiation. In this study, we identified new crosstalk between OASIS and the hypoxia signaling pathway, which regulates vascularization during bone development. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analyses revealed significant decreases in the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) target genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in OASIS-deficient (Oasis−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In coimmunoprecipitation experiments, the N-terminal fragment of OASIS (OASIS-N; activated form of OASIS) bound to HIF-1α through the bZIP domain. Luciferase assays showed that OASIS-N promoted the transcription activities of a reporter gene via a hypoxia-response element (HRE). Furthermore, the expression levels of an angiogenic factor Vegfa was decreased in Oasis−/− osteoblasts. Immunostaining and metatarsal angiogenesis assay showed retarded vascularization in bone tissue of Oasis−/− mice. These results suggest that OASIS affects the expression of HIF-1α target genes through the protein interaction with HIF-1α and that OASIS-HIF-1α complexes may play essential roles in angiogenesis during bone development.
The complete mitogenome of a 500-year-old Inca child mummy
Authors: Gómez-Carballa Alberto , Catelli Laura , Pardo-Seco Jacobo , Martinón-Torres Federico , Roewer Lutz , Vullo Carlos , Salas Antonio
Published: November 2015

In 1985, a frozen mummy was found in Cerro Aconcagua (Argentina). Archaeological studies identified the mummy as a seven-year-old Inca sacrifice victim who lived >500 years ago, at the time of the expansion of the Inca Empire towards the southern cone. The sequence of its entire mitogenome was obtained. After querying a large worldwide database of mitogenomes (>28,000) we found that the Inca haplotype belonged to a branch of haplogroup C1b (C1bi) that has not yet been identified in modern Native Americans. The expansion of C1b into the Americas, as estimated using 203 C1b mitogenomes, dates to the initial Paleoindian settlements (~18.3 thousand years ago [kya]); however, its internal variation differs between Mesoamerica and South America. By querying large databases of control region haplotypes (>150,000), we found only a few C1bi members in Peru and Bolivia (e.g. Aymaras), including one haplotype retrieved from ancient DNA of an individual belonging to the Wari Empire (Peruvian Andes). Overall, the results suggest that the profile of the mummy represents a very rare sub-clade that arose 14.3 (5–23.6) kya and could have been more frequent in the past. A Peruvian Inca origin for present-day C1bi haplotypes would satisfy both the genetic and paleo-anthropological findings.
HydroCrowd: a citizen science snapshot to assess the spatial control of nitrogen solutes in surface waters
Authors: Breuer Lutz , Hiery Noreen , Kraft Philipp , Bach Martin , Aubert Alice H. , Frede Hans-Georg
Published: November 2015

We organized a crowdsourcing experiment in the form of a snapshot sampling campaign to assess the spatial distribution of nitrogen solutes, namely, nitrate, ammonium and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), in German surface waters. In particular, we investigated (i) whether crowdsourcing is a reasonable sampling method in hydrology and (ii) what the effects of population density, soil humus content and arable land were on actual nitrogen solute concentrations and surface water quality. The statistical analyses revealed a significant correlation between nitrate and arable land (0.46), as well as soil humus content (0.37) but a weak correlation with population density (0.12). DON correlations were weak but significant with humus content (0.14) and arable land (0.13). The mean contribution of DON to total dissolved nitrogen was 22%. Samples were classified as water quality class II or above, following the European Water Framework Directive for nitrate and ammonium (53% and 82%, respectively). Crowdsourcing turned out to be a useful method to assess the spatial distribution of stream solutes, as considerable amounts of samples were collected with comparatively little effort.
Single cell analysis of cancer cells using an improved RT-MLPA method has potential for cancer diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Kvastad L. , Werne Solnestam B. , Johansson E. , Nygren A. O. , Laddach N. , Sahlén P. , Vickovic S. , Bendigtsen Schirmer C. , Aaserud M. , Floer L. , Borgen E. , Schwind C. , Himmelreich R. , Latta D. , Lundeberg J.
Published: November 2015

Single cell analysis techniques have great potential in the cancer genomics field. The detection and characterization of circulating tumour cells are important for identifying metastatic disease at an early stage and monitoring it. This protocol is based on transcript profiling using Reverse Transcriptase Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (RT-MLPA), which is a specific method for simultaneous detection of multiple mRNA transcripts. Because of the small amount of (circulating) tumour cells, a pre-amplification reaction is performed after reverse transcription to generate a sufficient number of target molecules for the MLPA reaction. We designed a highly sensitive method for detecting and quantifying a panel of seven genes whose expression patterns are associated with breast cancer and optimized the method for single cell analysis. For detection we used a fluorescence-dependent semi-quantitative method involving hybridization of unique barcodes to an array. We evaluated the method using three human breast cancer cell lines and identified specific gene expression profiles for each line. Furthermore, we applied the method to single cells and confirmed the heterogeneity of a cell population. Successful gene detection from cancer cells in human blood from metastatic breast cancer patients supports the use of RT-MLPA as a diagnostic tool for cancer genomics.
Guided Self-Assembly of Nano-Precipitates into Mesocrystals
Authors: Liu H. , Gao Y. , Xu Z. , Zhu Y.M. , Wang Y. , Nie J.F.
Published: November 2015

We show by a combination of computer simulation and experimental characterization guided self-assembly of coherent nano-precipitates into a mesocrystal having a honeycomb structure in bulk materials. The structure consists of different orientation variants of a product phase precipitated out of the parent phase by heterogeneous nucleation on a hexagonal dislocation network. The predicted honeycomb mesocrystal has been confirmed by experimental observations in an Mg-Y-Nd alloy. The structure and lattice parameters of the mesocrystal and the size of the nano-precipitates are readily tuneable, offering ample opportunities to tailor its properties for a wide range of technological applications.
Multi-Toxin Resistance Enables Pink Bollworm Survival on Pyramided Bt Cotton
Authors: Fabrick Jeffrey A. , Unnithan Gopalan C. , Yelich Alex J. , DeGain Ben , Masson Luke , Zhang Jie , Carrière Yves , Tabashnik Bruce E.
Published: November 2015

Transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins kill key insect pests, providing economic and environmental benefits. However, the evolution of pest resistance threatens the continued success of such Bt crops. To delay or counter resistance, transgenic plant “pyramids” producing two or more Bt proteins that kill the same pest have been adopted extensively. Field populations of the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in the United States have remained susceptible to Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, but field-evolved practical resistance to Bt cotton producing Cry1Ac has occurred widely in India. Here we used two rounds of laboratory selection to achieve 18,000- to 150,000-fold resistance to Cry2Ab in pink bollworm. Inheritance of resistance to Cry2Ab was recessive, autosomal, conferred primarily by one locus and independent of Cry1Ac resistance. We created a strain with high resistance to both toxins by crossing the Cry2Ab-resistant strain with a Cry1Ac-resistant strain, followed by one selection with Cry2Ab. This multi-toxin resistant strain survived on field-collected Bt cotton bolls producing both toxins. The results here demonstrate the risk of evolution of resistance to pyramided Bt plants, particularly when toxins are deployed sequentially and refuges are scarce, as seen with Bt cotton and pink bollworm in India.
Identification of a New Cell Population Constitutively Circulating in Healthy Conditions and Endowed with a Homing Ability Toward Injured Sites
Authors: Lo Sicco Claudia , Tasso Roberta , Reverberi Daniele , Cilli Michele , Pfeffer Ulrich , Cancedda Ranieri
Published: November 2015

Stem and progenitor cells are the critical units for tissue maintenance, regeneration and repair. The activation of regenerative events in response to tissue injury has been correlated with mobilization of tissue-resident progenitor cells, which is functional to the wound healing process. However, until now there has been no evidence for the presence of cells with a healing capacity circulating in healthy conditions. We identified a rare cell population present in the peripheral blood of healthy mice that actively participates in tissue repair. These Circulating cells, with a Homing ability and involved in the Healing process (CH cells), were identified by an innovative flowcytometry strategy as small cells not expressing CD45 and lineage markers. Their transcriptome profile revealed that CH cells are unique and present a high expression of key pluripotency- and epiblast-associated genes. More importantly, CH-labeled cells derived from healthy Red Fluorescent Protein (RFP)-transgenic mice and systemically injected into syngeneic fractured wild-type mice migrated and engrafted in wounded tissues, ultimately differentiating into tissue-specific cells. Accordingly, the number of CH cells in the peripheral blood rapidly decreased following femoral fracture. These findings uncover the existence of constitutively circulating cells that may represent novel, accessible and versatile effectors of therapeutic tissue regeneration.
Quantitative Neutron Dark-field Imaging through Spin-Echo Interferometry
Authors: Strobl Markus , Sales Morten , Plomp Jeroen , Bouwman Wim G. , Tremsin Anton S. , Kaestner Anders , Pappas Catherine , Habicht Klaus
Published: November 2015

Neutron dark-field imaging constitutes a seminal progress in the field of neutron imaging as it combines real space resolution capability with information provided by one of the most significant neutron scattering techniques, namely small angle scattering. The success of structural characterizations bridging the gap between macroscopic and microscopic features has been enabled by the introduction of grating interferometers so far. The induced interference pattern, a spatial beam modulation, allows for mapping of small-angle scattering signals and hence addressing microstructures beyond direct spatial resolution of the imaging system with high efficiency. However, to date the quantification in the small angle scattering regime is severely limited by the monochromatic approach. To overcome such drawback we here introduce an alternative and more flexible method of interferometric beam modulation utilizing a spin-echo technique. This novel method facilitates straightforward quantitative dark-field neutron imaging, i.e. the required quantitative microstructural characterization combined with real space image resolution. For the first time quantitative microstructural reciprocal space information from small angle neutron scattering becomes available together with macroscopic image information creating the potential to quantify several orders of magnitude in structure sizes simultaneously.
Crystallization and precipitation of phosphate from swine wastewater by magnesium metal corrosion
Authors: Huang Haiming , Liu Jiahui , Jiang Yang
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a unique approach for magnesium dosage in struvite precipitation by Mg metal corrosion. The experimental results showed that using an air bubbling column filled with Mg metal and graphite pellets for the magnesium dosage was the optimal operation mode, which could significantly accelerate the corrosion of the Mg metal pellets due to the presence of graphite granules. The reaction mechanism experiments revealed that the solution pH could be used as the indicator for struvite crystallization by the process. Increases in the Mg metal dosage, mass ratio of graphite and magnesium metal (G:M) and airflow rate could rapidly increase the solution pH. When all three conditions were at 10 g L–1, 1:1 and 1 L min–1, respectively, the phosphate recovery efficiency reached 97.5%. To achieve a high level of automation for the phosphate recovery process, a continuous-flow reactor immersed with the graphite-magnesium air bubbling column was designed to harvest the phosphate from actual swine wastewater. Under conditions of intermittently supplementing small amounts of Mg metal pellets, approximately 95% of the phosphate could be stably recovered as struvite of 95.8% (±0.5) purity. An economic analysis indicated that the process proposed was technically simple and economically feasible.
π-Extended rigid triptycene-trisaroylenimidazoles as electron acceptors
Authors: Menke Elisabeth H. , Lami Vincent , Vaynzof Yana , Mastalerz Michael
Published: November 2015

Three blade aroylenimidazoles as soluble electron acceptors for bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Cobalt(i)-catalysed CH-alkylation of terminal olefins, and beyond
Authors: Giedyk Maciej , Goliszewska Katarzyna , ó Proinsias Keith , Gryko Dorota
Published: November 2015

Cobalester, a natural nontoxic vitamin B12 derivative, was found to catalyse unusual olefinic sp2 C–H alkylation with diazo reagents as a carbene source instead of the expected cyclopropanation.
Tools of gene transfer applied to the intracellular delivery of non-nucleic acid polyanionic drugs
Authors: Kryger Mille B. L. , Pedersen Søren L. , Wohl Benjamin M. , Zelikin Alexander N.
Published: November 2015

Commercial agents originally developed for intracellular delivery of DNA (polyethylene imine, lipofectamine) facilitate internalization of polyanionic drugs and drug conjugates.
Probing the dynamics of highly excited toluene on the fs timescale
Authors: Papadopoulou C. C. , Kaziannis S. , Kosmidis C.
Published: November 2015

The relaxation dynamics of toluene excited at 160 nm involving CI and vibrational wavepacket oscillations is studied on the fs timescale.
Possible interstellar formation of glycine from the reaction of CH2NH, CO and H2O: catalysis by extra water molecules through the hydrogen relay transport
Authors: Nhlabatsi Zanele P. , Bhasi Priya , Sitha Sanyasi
Published: November 2015

Computational study shows the interstellar formation of glycine from CH2NH, CO2 and H2, both in the hot-cores and cold interstellar clouds.
Reaction between HN and SN: a possible channel for the interstellar formation of N2 and SH in the cold interstellar clouds
Authors: Bhasi Priya , Nhlabatsi Zanele P. , Sitha Sanyasi
Published: November 2015

A computational study of the reaction between HN and NS shows the formation of N2 and SH in the cold interstellar clouds.
Structural instability and mechanical properties of MoS2toroidal nanostructures
Authors: Wu Jianyang , Nie Gaosheng , Xu Jun , He Jianying , Xu Qingchi , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: November 2015

Classic molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of hypothetical MoS2NT nanorings and their woven hierarchical structures shows a strong dimension-dependent structural stability, and reveals that the hierarchical structures with 4-in-1 weaves exhibit high tensile strength and Young's modulus.
Enhanced low temperature CO oxidation by pretreatment: specialty of the Au–Co3O4 oxide interfacial structures
Authors: Yao Y. , Gu L. L. , Jiang W. , Sun H. C. , Su Q. , Zhao J. , Ji W. J. , Au C. T.
Published: November 2015

The enhanced CO oxidation by Au deposition and particularly He- and in situ-pretreatments was elucidated in light of the structural specialties associated with the facets of Co3O4 substrates and the corresponding Au–Co3O4 interfaces.
Direct preparation of [(CH3)3NC16H33]4Mo8O26 and its catalytic performance in oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Zhang Xiangwen , Shi Yawei , Liu Guozhu
Published: November 2015

The catalyst [(CH3)3NC16H33]4Mo8O26 has been synthesized by a direct precipitation method and shows efficient oxidative desulfurization performance.
Synergistic effect of Mo2N and Pt for promoted selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over Pt–Mo2N/SBA-15
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhu Yujun , Tian Chungui , Wang Lei , Zhou Wei , Dong Yongli , Han Qing , Liu Yunfei , Yuan Fulong , Fu Honggang
Published: November 2015

Pt–Mo2N/SBA-15 exhibits high activity for selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde due to the synergistic effect between Mo2N and Pt.
Dual mode ratiometric recognition of zinc acetate: nanomolar detection with in vitro tracking of endophytic bacteria in rice root tissue
Authors: Ghosh Abhijit , Ta Sabyasachi , Ghosh Milan , Karmakar Subhajit , Banik Avishek , Dangar Tushar Kanti , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Das Debasis
Published: November 2015

Structurally characterized naphthalene-based ratiometric probe detects zinc acetate (ZA) by colorimetric and fluorescence tools. In vitro tracking of ZA in endophytic bacteria in rice root tissue and human breast cancer cells (MCF7) is possible.
Rare earth anthracenedicarboxylate metal–organic frameworks: slow relaxation of magnetization of Nd3+, Gd3+, Dy3+, Er3+ and Yb3+ based materials
Authors: Calahorro Antonio J. , Oyarzabal Itziar , Fernández Belén , Seco José M. , Tian Tian , Fairen-Jimenez David , Colacio Enrique , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio
Published: November 2015

We report lanthanide-based MOFs with interesting magnetic behaviours. To the best of our knowledge, Nd3+ and Yb3+ materials are the first examples of 3D- and 2D-MOFs, respectively, that show slow relaxation of magnetization.
Natural attenuation processes of arsenic in the groundwater of the Brahmaputra floodplain of Assam, India
Authors: Sailo Lalsangzela , Mahanta Chandan
Published: November 2015

Natural attenuation of higher arsenic (As) concentration in the groundwater of the Brahmaputra valley of Assam can be a viable option for its remediation.
Research highlights: towards further understanding nanoparticle–cellular membrane interactions
Authors: Pettibone John , Louie Stacey
Published: November 2015

With the continued increase in commercial and industrial use of nanomaterials, their interactions with biological interfaces in applied and natural systems will need to be understood to improve efficacy and assess ecological risks.
Discovery of trace amine-associated receptor 1 ligands by molecular docking screening against a homology model
Authors: Lam V. M. , Rodríguez D. , Zhang T. , Koh E. J. , Carlsson J. , Salahpour A.
Published: November 2015

An in silico screen of a TAAR1 homology model identifies novel ligands.
Differential effects of metal ions on TCDD-induced cytotoxicity and cytochrome P4501A1 gene expression in a zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell-line
Authors: Chen Ying Ying , Chan King Ming
Published: November 2015

Trace metal ions and trace organic compounds are common co-contaminants in the environment that pose risks to human health.
Transition metal phosphonates with supramolecular structures: syntheses, structures, surface photovoltage and luminescence properties
Authors: Zhu Yan-Yu , Wang Mei-Ling , Ma Ming-Xue , Sun Zhen-Gang , Jiao Cheng-Qi , Ma Chao , Li Huan-Yu
Published: November 2015

Four new transition metal phosphonates with 2D and 3D supramolecular structures have been hydrothermally synthesized. The surface photovoltage and luminescence properties of the title compounds have also been studied.
Artemisinin, a miracle of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Kong Ling Yi , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: November 2015

The background information about the discovery of artemisinin-based antimalarials is provided along with authors' viewpoint towards the extractability of modern medicines from natural products.
Thiazole derivative-modified upconversion nanoparticles for Hg2+ detection in living cells
Authors: Gu Bin , Zhou Yi , Zhang Xiao , Liu Xiaowang , Zhang Yuhai , Marks Robert , Zhang Hua , Liu Xiaogang , Zhang Qichun
Published: November 2015

Thiazole-derivative-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) can detect Hg2+ in living cells and show excellent photo stability and high selectivity.
A study into the role of surface capping on energy transfer in metal cluster–semiconductor nanocomposites
Authors: Bain Dipankar , Paramanik Bipattaran , Sadhu Suparna , Patra Amitava
Published: November 2015

Metal cluster–semiconductor nanocomposite materials remain a frontier area of research for the development of optoelectronic, photovoltaic and light harvesting devices because metal nanoclusters and semiconductor QDs are promising candidates for photon harvesting.
Atomistic modeling of BN nanofillers for mechanical and thermal properties: a review
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Parashar Avinash
Published: November 2015

Due to their exceptional mechanical properties, thermal conductivity and a wide band gap (5–6 eV), boron nitride nanotubes and nanosheets have promising applications in the field of engineering and biomedical science.
The effect of RO3201195 and a pyrazolyl ketone P38 MAPK inhibitor library on the proliferation of Werner syndrome cells
Authors: Bagley Mark C. , Dwyer Jessica E. , Baashen Mohammed , Dix Matthew C. , Murziani Paola G. S. , Rokicki Michal J. , Kipling David , Davis Terence
Published: November 2015

Microwave-assisted synthesis of the p38α MAPK inhibitor RO3201195 and its effect on the proliferation of Werner syndrome cells.
Synthesis and characterization of a phosphorus-containing flame retardant with double bonds and its application in bismaleimide resins
Authors: Li Song , Yan Hongxia , Feng Shuyao , Niu Song
Published: November 2015

A novel reactive phosphorus-containing flame retardant was synthesized and used to modify bismaleimide resin. According to investigations, the modified bismaleimide resin has good mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy.
Palladium complexes with 3-phenylpropylamine ligands: synthesis, structures, theoretical studies and application in the aerobic oxidation of alcohols as heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Karami Kazem , Naeini Nasrin Haghighat , Eigner Vaclav , Dusek Michal , Lipkowski Janusz , Hervés Pablo , Tavakol Hossein
Published: November 2015

Palladium complexes with 3-phenylpropylamine ligands were synthesized and characterized. Palladium nanoparticles were supported on cucurbit[6]uril and used as heterogeneous catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to corresponding compounds.
Degradation and detoxification of methylene blue dye adsorbed on water hyacinth in semi continuous anaerobic–aerobic bioreactors by novel microbial consortium-SB
Authors: Bedekar Priyanka A. , Kshirsagar Siddheshwar D. , Gholave Avinash R. , Govindwar Sanjay P.
Published: November 2015

Combinatorial adsorption–biodegradation treatment of textile wastewater provides a cost effective and ecofriendly alternative to conventional physicochemical treatment methods.
Facile fabrication of polycaprolactone/h-MoO3 nanocomposites and their structural, optical and electrical properties
Authors: Saravanamoorthy Somasundaram , Chandra Bose Arumugam , Velmathi Sivan
Published: November 2015

Hexagonal molybdenum oxide (h-MoO3) nanocrystals with a flower-like hierarchical structure were successfully incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix by a simple solution casting technique.
Photoinduced adsorption of spiropyran into mesoporous silicas as photomerocyanine
Authors: Okabe Y. , Ogawa M.
Published: November 2015

UV irradiation to a spiropyran-containing suspended mesoporous silica in toluene, the photochemically formed photomerocyanine was adsorbed into the mesoporous silica to give a very stable red-colored product.
Novel conductive core–shell particles of elastomeric nanoparticles coated with polypyrrole
Authors: Zhang Jiangru , Qi Guicun , Wang Xiang , Li Binghai , Song Zhihai , Ru Yue , Zhang Xiaohong , Qiao Jinliang
Published: November 2015

For the first time, an ultrafine conductive particle with core–shell structure, acrylonitrile-butadiene elastomeric nanoparticle (NBR-ENP) coated with polypyrrole (PPy), was prepared byin situoxidative polymerization.
Ohmic contacts of ZnO/SnO2 equal-cosubstituted In2O3 films to n-InP and p-GaAs
Authors: Tang Xiufeng , Hseih Chunhan , Ou Fang , Ho Seng-Tiong
Published: November 2015

ZnO/SnO2 equal-cosubstituted In2O3 (ZITO) films were deposited by ion beam assisted deposition onto n-InP and p-GaAs substrates.
Preparation and application of hollow ZnFe2O4@PANI hybrids as high performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ke , Huang Ying , Wang Duo , Zhao Yang , Wang Mingyue , Chen Xuefang , Qin Xiulan , Li Suping
Published: November 2015

We firstly designed the conductive PANI layer coated hollow ZnFe2O4 nanospheres by a micro emulsion polymerization. Two strategies of hollow structure and PANI coating are attempted to relieve expansion and increase conductivity.
S,N-Heteropentacene based small molecules with A–D–A structure for solution processed organic bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Jo Hyeonjun , Park Sojin , Choi Hyeju , Lee Subok , Song Kihyung , Biswas S. , Sharma Abhishek , Sharma Ganesh. D. , Ko Jaejung
Published: November 2015

SN(BTTh2)2 and SN(BTAOTh2)2, containing an electron rich planar S,N-heteropentacene flanked with alkoxy substituted and unsubstituted benzothiadiazole and end capped with hexyl-substituted bi-thiophene units, were designed and synthesized.
Highly effective sites and selectivity of nitrogen-doped graphene/CNT catalysts for CO2electrochemical reduction
Authors: Chai Guo-Liang , Guo Zheng-Xiao
Published: November 2015

The selectivity of CO2electrochemical reduction can be tuned for N-doped graphene/CNT catalysts after active sites are determined.
Single-step electrospun TiO2–Au hybrid electrodes for high selectivity photoelectrocatalytic glutathione bioanalysis
Authors: Devadoss Anitha , Kuragano Asako , Terashima Chiaki , Sudhagar P. , Nakata Kazuya , Kondo Takeshi , Yuasa Makoto , Fujishima Akira
Published: November 2015

One-step electrospun Au nanoparticle decorated TiO2 nanofiber membrane served as effective photoanode for highly selective glutathione analysis with a photoelectrocatalytic oxidation process.