bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Mechanical and Helical Properties with Achiral Calix[4]arene in a Co‐Assembled Hydrogel with a Helical Structure
Authors: Choi Heekyoung , Seo Hyowon , Go Misun , Lee Shim Sung , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: November 2017

A mixture of the building blocks 1A and 2G, featuring d‐alanine moieties and glycine‐functionalized calix[4]arene moieties, respectively, formed a co‐assembled hydrogel. In particular, the remarkable enhancement of helical intensity of co‐assembled gel was controlled by achiral calix[4]arene 2G, which was attributed to the bridging effect between 1A and 2G, similar to a helical structure. Furthermore, the improvement of the mechanical strength (G′ and G′′ values) of the co‐assembled hydrogel prepared with 1.0 equivalent of 2G were around 7000 % and 4400 % stronger, respectively, compared to the gel prepared from the 0.25 equivalents of 2G. The improved mechanical strength was attributed to the formation of a network structure with a H‐bonding interaction between 1A and 2G. The results indicate that the enhanced helical and mechanical strength of the co‐assembled gel could be controlled by achiral component 2G.
Transformation of parabolic dunes into mobile barchans triggered by environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Yan Na , Baas Andreas C.W.
Published: November 2017

Parabolic dunes are widely distributed on coasts and margins of deserts and steppes where ecosystems are vulnerable and sensitive to environmental changes and human disturbances. Some studies have indicated that vegetated parabolic dunes can be activated into highly mobile barchan dunes and the catastrophic shift of eco‐geomorphic systems is detrimental to land management and social‐economic development; however, no detailed study has clarified the physical processes and eco‐geomorphic interactions that control the stability of a parabolic dune and its resistance to unfavorable environmental changes. This study utilizes the Extended‐DECAL (Discrete Eco‐geomorphic Aeolian Landscapes) model, parameterized by field measurements of dune topography and vegetation characteristics combined with remote sensing, to explore how increases in drought stress, wind strength, and grazing stress may lead to the activation of stabilizing parabolic dunes into highly mobile barchans. The modeling results suggest that the mobility of an initial parabolic dune at the onset of a perturbation determines the capacity of a system to absorb environmental change, and a slight increase in vegetation cover of an initial parabolic dune can increase the activation threshold significantly. The characteristics of four eco‐geomorphic interaction zones control the processes and resulting morphologies of the transformations. A higher deposition tolerance of vegetation increases the activation threshold of the dune transformation under both a negative climatic impact and an increased sand transport rate, whereas the erosion tolerance of vegetation influences the patterns of resulting barchans (a single barchan versus multiple barchans). The change in the characteristics of eco‐geomorphic interaction zones may indirectly reflect the dune stability and predict an ongoing transformation, whilst the activation angle may be potentially used as a proxy of environmental stresses. In contrast to the natural environmental changes that tend to affect relatively weak and young plants, grazing stress can exert a broader impact on any plant indistinctively. A small increase in grazing stress just above the activation threshold can accelerate dune activation significantly. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using progressive ratio schedules to evaluate tokens as generalized conditioned reinforcers
Authors: Russell Danielle , Ingvarsson Einar T. , Haggar Jennifer L. , Jessel Joshua
Published: November 2017

The properties of operant reinforcers are dynamic and dependent on a number of variables, such as schedule and effort. There has been sparse research on the generalized conditioned properties of token reinforcement. We evaluated leisure items, edible items, and tokens using a progressive ratio schedule with three children with diagnoses of ASD and developmental delays. The highest break points occurred during the token reinforcement condition for two out of three participants, but response rates tended to be higher with edibles. We then evaluated the effects of presession access to edibles on the break points of edible items and tokens with two participants. Break points decreased only in the edible reinforcement condition, and the participants chose to work for leisure items rather than edibles when presession access to edibles was in place. These findings suggest that the tokens functioned as generalized conditioned reinforcers.
Quantitative Predictive Models for the Degree of Disability After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lim Hyeong‐Seok , Kim Seung Min , Kang Dong‐Wha
Published: November 2017

Although stroke is a leading cause of disability, the quantitative relationship between baseline clinical and imaging characteristics and long‐term disability outcomes has rarely been studied. Prospectively collected clinical data from 405 patients with acute ischemic stroke including brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and disability outcomes assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3 month after the onset of disease were analyzed using a proportional odds cumulative logit model implemented in NONMEM. The relationship between the difference in lesion volume (DLV) — lesion volume measured by brain MRI 5 days later — lesion volume at the onset of the disease, and the mRS measured at 3 months (mRS3) was modeled first, and the potential covariates were tested. The Emax model best described the relationship between DLV and the logit probability of each mRS3. DLV, baseline stroke severity, age, and diabetes mellitus were identified as significant predictors of the probabilities of mRS3. The quantitative model constructed in the current analysis will enable us to predict the long‐term disabilities of the patients with acute ischemic stroke using the patient‐specific MRI and other clinical information, which will be useful for individualizing therapies and for making the clinical development of a novel drug more efficient.
On triangles in ‐minor free graphs
Authors: Albar Boris , Gonçalves Daniel
Published: November 2017

We study graphs where each edge that is incident to a vertex of small degree (of degree at most 7 and 9, respectively) belongs to many triangles (at least 4 and 5, respectively) and show that these graphs contain a complete graph (K6 and K7, respectively) as a minor. The second case settles a problem of Nevo. Moreover, if each edge of a graph belongs to six triangles, then the graph contains a K8‐minor or contains K2, 2, 2, 2, 2 as an induced subgraph. We then show applications of these structural properties to stress freeness and coloring of graphs. In particular, motivated by Hadwiger's conjecture, we prove that every K7‐minor free graph is 8‐colorable and every K8‐minor free graph is 10‐colorable.
Activation of caspase‐6 and cleavage of caspase‐6 substrates is an early event in NMDA receptor–mediated excitotoxicity
Authors: Girling Kimberly D. , Demers Marie‐Josee , Laine Jean , Zhang Shu , Wang Yu Tian , Graham Rona K.
Published: November 2017

Excitotoxicity, due to overstimulation of N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), has a pivotal role in many neurological disorders. However, NMDAR antagonists often cause side effects, and identifying more druggable therapeutic targets for NMDAR excitotoxicity is an important goal. Activation of caspases is a downstream effect of excitotoxicity that may be critically involved in NMDAR‐mediated cell death. Caspase‐6 (casp6) in particular has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of stroke, Huntington disease, and Alzheimer disease. Using N‐methyl D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced excitotoxic injuries of primary rat neurons, we demonstrate that there is an early increase in caspase profiles after an excitotoxic event at the level of mRNA, protein, and activity. Casp6 is elevated and activated first, followed by caspase‐8 and caspase‐3. Similarly, known casp6 substrates huntingtin, as well as novel casp6 substrates serine/threonine kinase 3 and death domain‐associated protein, are cleaved in similar temporal patterns post NMDA. On the basis of these data, we propose that casp6 may be an initiator caspase in apoptotic cascades leading to neuronal death after an excitotoxic event and suggest casp6 as a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders where NMDAR‐mediated excitotoxicity has been shown to play a role.
The Microvine, a plant model to study the effect of vine‐shoot extract on the accumulation of glycosylated aroma precursors in grapes
Authors: Sánchez‐Gómez Rosario , Torregrosa Laurent , Zalacain Amaya , Ojeda Hernán , Bouckenooghe Virginie , Schneider Rémi , Alonso Gonzalo L , Salinas María Rosario
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The Microvine plant model displays unique reproductive organ behavior and is suitable for grapevine fruit physiological studies, allowing one to undertake studies up to five times more rapidly than the current situation with grapevines. Recently, vine‐shoot aqueous extracts, which have an interesting phenolic and aroma composition, have been proposed as viticultural biostimulants, since their post‐veraison foliar application to grapevines impacts the wine aroma profile. Using Microvines, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of vine‐shoot extract foliar application on 21 stages of grape development. The application was carried out from BBCH 53 (inflorescences clearly visible) to BBCH 85 (softening of berries) to reveal stage‐specific responses of the accumulation of glycosylated aroma precursors at BBCH 89 (berries ripe for harvest), the phenological stage selected to study the treatment effect.

RESULTS

Microvine use made it possible to carry out 15 sampling time points during 86 days of the experiment, which were established by the cumulative degree days (CDD) parameter. The results confirmed that vine‐shoot extract treatment had a positive impact on total glycosylated compounds, especially aglycones such as alcohols, terpenes and C13‐norisoprenoids, with a higher effect when the treatment was applied during ripening.

CONCLUSION

Extrapolation of the results to grapevines suggests that vine‐shoot extract treatment could modulate the synthesis of grape glycosylated aroma precursors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Comparison Between 2‐Dimensional Ultrasonography (US), 3‐Dimensional US, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Guerriero Stefano , Alcázar Juan Luis , Pascual Maria Angela , Ajossa Silvia , Perniciano Maura , Piras Alba , Mais Valerio , Piras Bruno , Schirru Federica , Benedetto Melis Gian , Saba Luca
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (US) in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for identification of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, 159 premenopausal women who underwent surgery for a clinical suspicion of deep infiltrating endometriosis were prospectively enrolled. All women underwent 2DUS, 3DUS, and MRI. The following 3 locations of deep endometriosis were considered: (1) intestinal; (2) other posterior lesions (retrocervical septum, rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, and vaginal fornix); and (3) anterior. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 2D and 3D transvaginal US in comparison with MRI were determined.

Results

Intestinal deep infiltrating endometriosis was identified by 2DUS in 56 of 66 patients, by 3DUS in 59 of 66, and by MRI in 61 of 66. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed optimal results for 2DUS, 3DUS, and MRI (areas under the curve, 0.86, 0.915, and 0.935, respectively) with a statistically significant difference between 2DUS and MRI (P = .0103), even when the 95% confidence interval showed an overlap. Other posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis was identified by 2DUS in 55 of 75 patients, by 3DUS in 65 of 75, and by MRI in 66 of 75. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed very good results for 2DUS, 3DUS, and MRI (areas under the curve, 0.801, 0.838, and 0.857) with no statistically significant differences. In the 12 women with deep infiltrating endometriosis in the anterior location, the nodules were correctly identified by 2DUS in 3 of 12 patients, by 3DUS in 5 of 12, and by MRI in 6 of 12.

Conclusions

Our results seem to suggest that there is a statistically significant difference between 2DUS and MRI for the intestinal location of deep infiltrating endometriosis, whereas no differences were found among the techniques for the other locations.
Impact of forest fires generated black carbon deposition fluxes in Great Hinggan Mountains (China)
Authors: Gao Chuanyu , He Jiabao , Cong Jinxin , Zhang Shaoqing , Wang Guoping
Published: November 2017

Black carbon is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. The production of black carbon over the last several centuries has been primarily influenced by human activities. Human exploitation of forest resources, together with increases in regional fire frequency and intensity, can increase regional black carbon emissions and can led more black carbon deposited into natural ecosystem. Here, based on 210Pb age‐depth model, we investigated black carbon deposition over several key periods in the last 150 years in 5 peatlands of the Great Hinggan Mountains (Northeast China), an area that has been exploited by humans without forest protection policies. The results showed that average black carbon deposition fluxes from different peatlands in the Great Hinggan Mountains were 1.1 to 4.8 mg·year−1·cm−2, which were similar to other peatland distribution regions and higher than other ecosystems. Frequent and intense fire events during the exploitation period led to regional peak black carbon deposition before the 1980s. After the 1980s, fire events were controlled, and the government implemented forest protection policies that decreased the trend in regional fire frequency in the Great Hinggan Mountains and markedly decreased black carbon deposition. Fire events controlled by regional human activities are therefore the major factor that influence regional black carbon deposition fluxes, and frequent forest fires could increase black carbon deposition fluxes in surrounding ecosystem.
Proper generalized decomposition solutions within a domain decomposition strategy
Authors: Huerta Antonio , Nadal Enrique , Chinesta Francisco
Published: November 2017

Domain decomposition strategies and proper generalized decomposition are efficiently combined to obtain a fast evaluation of the solution approximation in parameterized elliptic problems with complex geometries. The classical difficulties associated to the combination of layered domains with arbitrarily oriented midsurfaces, which may require in‐plane–out‐of‐plane techniques, are now dismissed. More generally, solutions on large domains can now be confronted within a domain decomposition approach. This is done with a reduced cost in the offline phase because the proper generalized decomposition gives an explicit description of the solution in each subdomain in terms of the solution at the interface. Thus, the evaluation of the approximation in each subdomain is a simple function evaluation given the interface values (and the other problem parameters). The interface solution can be characterized by any a priori user‐defined approximation. Here, for illustration purposes, hierarchical polynomials are used. The repetitiveness of the subdomains is exploited to reduce drastically the offline computational effort. The online phase requires solving a nonlinear problem to determine all the interface solutions. However, this problem only has degrees of freedom on the interfaces and the Jacobian matrix is explicitly determined. Obviously, other parameters characterizing the solution (material constants, external loads, and geometry) can also be incorporated in the explicit description of the solution.
Insulin Access to Skeletal Muscle is Preserved in Obesity Induced by Polyunsaturated Diet
Authors: Broussard Josiane L. , Bergman Richard N. , Bediako Isaac Asare , Paszkiewicz Rebecca L. , Iyer Malini S. , Kolka Cathryn M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Diets high in saturated fat induce obesity and insulin resistance and impair insulin access to skeletal muscle, leading to reduced insulin levels at the muscle cell surface available to bind insulin receptors and induce glucose uptake. In contrast, diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fat improve insulin sensitivity (SI) and reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. It was hypothesized that a diet high in polyunsaturated fat would preserve SI and insulin access to muscle, as compared with a diet high in saturated fat.

Methods

After 12 weeks of control, saturated (LARD), or polyunsaturated (salmon oil [SO]) high‐fat diet feeding, muscle SI and insulin access to skeletal muscle were measured by using lymph, a surrogate of skeletal muscle interstitial fluid.

Results

Both high‐fat diets induced similar weight gain, yet only LARD impaired SI. Hyperinsulinemia in the LARD group did not induce an increase in basal interstitial insulin, suggesting reduced insulin access to muscle after LARD, but not after SO.

Conclusions

A diet high in polyunsaturated fat does not impair insulin access to muscle interstitium or induce insulin resistance as observed with a saturated fat diet, despite similar weight gain. Future studies should determine whether dietary SO supplementation improves impairments in insulin access to skeletal muscle.
Direct arylation synthesis of thienoisoindigo‐based low‐band‐gap polymer from asymmetric donor–acceptor monomer
Authors: Nakabayashi Kazuhiro , Fukuzawa Haruka , Fujita Karin , Mori Hideharu
Published: November 2017

Thienoisoindigo (TIG) moiety has been paid numerous attentions as an excellent acceptor building block in low‐band‐gap polymers. Herein, a new TIG‐dithiophene alternating copolymer (PTIG2T) was successfully synthesized from an asymmetric TIG‐based donor–acceptor (D‐A) monomer via the self‐condensation‐type direct arylation polymerization. PTIG2T exhibited the light absorption over 1000 nm owing to the intramolecular charge transfer in the thin film state, which corresponded to an optical band gap of 1.24 eV. The HOMO and LUMO levels of PTIG2T were determined to be −5.08 and −3.60 eV, respectively. Furthermore, the organic photovoltaic (OPV) with a PTIG2T/PC61BM active layer achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.19%, which is one of the highest PEC achieved by OPVs with TIG‐based materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 430–436
Simulating local mobility and mechanical properties of thermostable polyimides with different dianhydride fragments
Authors: Nazarychev Victor M. , Dobrovskiy Alexey Yu , Larin Sergey V. , Lyulin Alexey V. , Lyulin Sergey V.
Published: November 2017

The dynamic and mechanical properties of the three thermoplastic polyimides—crystallizable polyimide BPDA‐P3 and amorphous polyimides ODPA‐P3 and aBPDA‐P3—have been simulated using the atomistic molecular dynamics technique. The three simulated polyimides differ in the chemical structure of their corresponding dianhydride fragments. Analyzing the local orientational mobility of different phenylene rings, it has been established that the increase of the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) in the ordered set
is caused by the slowing down of the phthalimide rings relaxation in the corresponding dianhydride fragments. It has been observed that rather poor mechanical characteristics upon aBPDA‐P3 stretching in the strain‐hardening regime are also due to the low orientational mobility of the phthalimide rings. The correlation between the dynamic fragility and the polyimides strain‐hardening moduli has been observed; the increase of the dynamic fragility leads to the increase of the strain‐hardening modulus. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 375–382
Thermal actuation performance modification of coiled artificial muscle by controlling annealing stress
Authors: Li Te , Wang Yongqing , Liu Kuo , Liu Haibo , Zhang Jiali , Sheng Xianjun , Guo Dongming
Published: November 2017

Twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) is a promising linear artificial muscle fabricated from nylon or other polymeric fibers, whose geometric structure is similar to a coil spring. TCP muscle is actuated reversibly with negative coefficients of thermal expansion. Twisting, coiling, and annealing are the main fabricating procedures. Annealing is the key process to form TCP muscles with stable performance. To modify and enhance actuation performance, it is necessary to explore and reveal influences of annealing process on thermal actuation (contraction strain, nominal modulus, and geometrical characteristic). Therefore, a new TCP fabrication and test platform is first established, which can quantize key geometrical and force parameters by multiple precise sensors. Then, four types of TCP muscles using nylon 6 fibers with varied diameters are fabricated and annealed under different conditions. As one of the important factors in annealing process, the nominal tensile stress is adjusted and controlled. Meanwhile, the contraction strain and nominal modulus are tested compared with the general annealing method. Finally, the experiment results show that contraction strain can be enhanced about two times (nominal modulus decreases accordingly) by increasing annealing stress, and the actuation performance can be remodeled reversibly by adjusting annealing stress and annealing repetitively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 383–390
Differential interaction of PRMT1 with RGG‐boxes of the FET family proteins EWS and TAF15
Authors: Li Kim K. C. , Chau Bess L. , Lee Kevin A.W.
Published: November 2017

The FET sub‐family (FUS/TLS, EWS, TAF15) of RNA‐binding proteins have remarkably similar overall structure but diverse biological and pathological roles. The molecular basis for FET protein specialization is largely unknown. Gly‐Arg‐Rich regions (RGG‐boxes) within FET proteins are targets for methylation by Protein‐Arginine‐Methyl‐Transferase‐1 (PRMT1) and substrate capture is thought to involve electrostatic attraction between positively charged polyRGG substrates and negatively charged surface channels of PRMT1. Unlike FUS and EWS, a high proportion of TAF15 RGG‐boxes are embedded within neutrally charged YGGDR(S/G)G repeats, suggesting that they might not bind well to PRMT1. This notion runs contrary however to a report that YGGDR(S/G)G repeats are methylated by PRMT1. Using peptide‐based polyRGG substrates and a novel 2‐hybrid binding assay, we find that the Asp residue in YGGDR(S/G)G repeats confers poor binding to PRMT1. Our results therefore indicate that YGGDR(S/G)G repeats may contribute to TAF15 specialization by enabling differential interactions with PRMT1 and reduced overall levels of TAF15 methylation compared with other FET proteins. By analogy with molecular recognition of other disordered polyvalent ligands by globular protein partners, we also propose a dynamic polyelectrostatic model for substrate capture by PRMT1.
Metabolism of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid contributes to resistance in a common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) population
Authors: Figueiredo Marcelo RA , Leibhart Lacy J , Reicher Zachary J , Tranel Patrick J , Nissen Scott J , Westra Philip , Bernards Mark L , Kruger Greg R , Gaines Todd A , Jugulam Mithila
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Synthetic auxins such as 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) have been widely used for selective control of broadleaf weeds since the mid‐1940s. In 2009, an Amaranthus tuberculatus (common waterhemp) population with 10‐fold resistance to 2,4‐D was found in Nebraska, USA. The 2,4‐D resistance mechanism was examined by conducting [14C] 2,4‐D absorption, translocation and metabolism experiments.

RESULTS

No differences were found in 2,4‐D absorption or translocation between resistant and susceptible A. tuberculatus plants. Resistant plants metabolized [14C] 2,4‐D more rapidly than did susceptible plants. The half‐life of [14C] 2,4‐D in susceptible plants was 105 h, compared with 22 h in resistant plants. Pretreatment with the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion inhibited [14C] 2,4‐D metabolism in resistant plants and reduced the 2,4‐D dose required for 50% growth inhibition (GR50) of resistant plants by 7‐fold to 27 g ha‐1, similar to the GR50 for susceptible plants in the absence of malathion.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that rapid 2,4‐D metabolism is a contributing factor to resistance in A. tuberculatus, potentially mediated by cytochrome P450. Metabolism‐based resistance to 2,4‐D could pose a serious challenge for A. tuberculatus control because of the potential for cross‐resistance to other herbicides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
(−)‐Epicatechin‐induced relaxation of isolated human saphenous vein: Roles of K+ and Ca2+ channels
Authors: Marinko Marija , Jankovic Goran , Nenezic Dragoslav , Milojevic Predrag , Stojanovic Ivan , Kanjuh Vladimir , Novakovic Aleksandra
Published: November 2017

In this study, we aimed to investigate relaxant effect of flavanol (−)‐epicatechin on the isolated human saphenous vein (HSV), as a part of its cardioprotective action, and to define the mechanisms underlying this vasorelaxation. (−)‐Epicatechin induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of HSV pre‐contracted by phenylephrine. Among K+ channel blockers, 4‐aminopyridine, margatoxin, and iberiotoxin significantly inhibited relaxation of HSV, while glibenclamide considerably reduced effects of the high concentrations of (−)‐epicatechin. Additionally, (−)‐epicatechin relaxed contraction induced by 80 mM K+, whereas in the presence of nifedipine produced partial relaxation of HSV rings pre‐contracted by phenylephrine. In Ca2+‐free solution, (−)‐epicatechin relaxed contraction induced by phenylephrine, but had no effect on contraction induced by caffeine. A sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, significantly reduced relaxation of HSV produced by (−)‐epicatechin. These results demonstrate that (−)‐epicatechin produces endothelium‐independent relaxation of isolated HSV rings. Vasorelaxation to (−)‐epicatechin probably involves activation of 4‐aminopyridine‐ and margatoxin‐sensitive KV channels, BKCa channels, and at least partly, KATP channels. In addition, not only the inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ influx, but regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ release, via inositol‐trisphosphate receptors and reuptake into sarcoplasmic reticulum, via stimulation of Ca2+‐ATPase, as well, most likely participate in (−)‐epicatechin‐induced relaxation of HSV.
Cytotoxic activity of carotenoid rich fractions from Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella salina microalgae and the identification of the phytoconstituents using LC‐DAD/ESI‐MS
Authors: El‐Baz Farouk K. , Hussein Rehab A. , Mahmoud Khaled , Abdo Sayeda M.
Published: November 2017

Microalgae represent a rich source that satisfies the growing need for novel ingredients of nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and food supplements. Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella salina microalgae are isolated from the Egyptian hydro‐flora and are reported for their potent antioxidant activities. The cytotoxic activity of different fractions of both microalgae was investigated on 4 cell lines HePG2, MCF7, HCT116, and A549. The carotenoid rich fraction of H. pluvialis showed potent cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cell line and moderate activity against both liver and breast cancer cell lines. On the other hand, the carotenoid rich fraction of D. salina showed mild cytotoxic activity on breast and liver cancer cell lines. The carotenoid rich fraction of H. pluvialis was analysed using LC‐DAD/ESI‐MS and the major carotenoids were identified either free as well as bounded to fatty acids.
Advance warning for loss of separation in an industrial distillation column
Authors: Van Impe Jan , Augustinus Klaas , De Prins Michiel , Gins Geert
Published: November 2017

This paper describes the development of a data‐driven advance warning system for the onset of loss of separation in an industrial distillation column. The system would enable preventive actions to avoid several hours of bad operation and subsequent recovery of the process. Data of more than 2 years of process operation were used to identify and validate various monitoring systems based on both static principal component analysis (PCA) and dynamic PCA. Despite the presence of autocorrelation in the data, only minor differences in advance warning were observed between PCA and dynamic PCA.

The developed system provides warnings for 35% to 45% of the observed periods of bad column operation, with respective advance warning times of 16 and 6 minutes. It proves a valuable additional tool to monitor the operation of the distillation column and avoid losses of product, with the potential of reducing bad operation (and the associated costs) by up to 45% and substantially improving overall process reliability.
Towards the minimal seesaw model via CP violation of neutrinos
Authors: Shimizu Yusuke , Takagi Kenta , Tanimoto Morimitsu
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We study the minimal seesaw model, where two right-handed Majorana neutrinos are introduced, focusing on the CP violating phase. In addition, we take the trimaximal mixing pattern for the neutrino flavor where the charged lepton mass matrix is diagonal. Owing to this symmetric framework, the 3 × 2 Dirac neutrino mass matrix is given in terms of a few parameters. It is found that the observation of the CP violating phase determines the flavor structure of the Dirac neutrino mass matrix in the minimal seesaw model. New minimal Dirac neutrino mass matrices are presented in the case of TM1, which is given by the additional 2-3 family mixing to the tri-bimaximal mixing basis in the normal hierarchy of neutrino masses. Our model includes the Littlest seesaw model by King et al. as one of the specific cases. Furthermore, it is remarked that our 3 × 2 Dirac neutrino mass matrix is reproduced by introducing gauge singlet flavons with the specific alignments of the VEV’s. These alignments are derived from the residual symmetry of S4 group.
Is there a relationship between the morphology of the forewing axillary sclerites and the way the wing folds in aphids (Aphidomorpha, Sternorrhyncha, Hemiptera)?
Authors: Franielczyk-Pietyra Barbara , Bernas Tytus , Sas-Nowosielska Hanna , Wegierek Piotr
Published: November 2017

The present study describes the relationship between the morphology of the forewing axillary sclerites and the way the wings fold among 24 aphid genera as compared to a representative of coccids. Architecture of the forewing base was imaged with scanning electron and optical (fluorescence) microscopy. Significant differences in morphology of axillary sclerites between aphid species were observed, despite their belonging to one infraorder. Detailed description of 41 features of axillary sclerites was made. There was no difference between axillaries of viviparous (Aphididae) and oviparous (Adelges sp., Phylloxera sp.) species. No clear relationship between morphology of the axillary sclerites and the wing folding could be confirmed. Instead, the thorax structure determines the way the wing folds in aphids. Phylogenetic analysis based on our results cannot be conducted at this stage of study. To show how three-dimensional the structures are and how difficult to describe, a short animation of Aphis fabae (Aphididae) wing base was added. This is a preliminary study about morphology of axillary sclerites among aphids.
Radiofrequency Ablation in Complicated Monochorionic Pregnancy: Initial Experience
Authors: Shinde Roopa , James Pio , Suresh Sudarshan , Ram Uma , Seshadri Suresh
Published: November 2017

To evaluate outcomes of complicated monochorionic pregnancies intervened by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and report the initial experience. It is a retrospective case series of 15 cases of complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies intervened by RFA in Mediscan Systems Chennai, a tertiary referral Fetal Medicine center, from February 2015 till February 2017. Perinatal outcomes were available for all 15 cases. Main indication for RFA was sIUGR in 10 cases, of which 2 had coexistent Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome. The procedure was technically successful in all cases. Median gestational age at procedure was 22.6 weeks (IQR 21, 25.6). The median number of RFA cycles to attain cardiac asystole was 4 (IQR 3, 7). Four of the fifteen cases (27%) had procedure related complications of which 3 occured within 2 weeks of procedure. There were 2 cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes which occurred within 2 weeks of procedure. One case had a miscarriage within 2 weeks of procedure at 21 weeks, another one had a mid-trimester loss 4 weeks after the procedure at 26 weeks. The median gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks (IQR 29.3, 35.5). Seventy-eight percent of the live borns were delivered after 34 weeks. The median procedure delivery interval was 10.4 weeks (IQR 4.1, 13.6). Median birth weight at delivery was 2000 g (IQR 1300, 2600). The present series had a live birth rate of 87%. In this initial small series, there was a good outcome in terms of live birth rates and take home baby rates. The efficacy needs to be ascertained by larger series and long term neurological outcome.
Emirati women do not shy away from competition: evidence from a patriarchal society in transition
Authors: Dariel Aurelie , Kephart Curtis , Nikiforakis Nikos , Zenker Christina
Published: November 2017

We explore gender attitudes towards competition in the United Arab Emirates—a traditionally patriarchal society which in recent times has adopted numerous policies to empower women and promote their role in the labor force. The experimental treatments vary whether individuals compete in single-sex or mixed-sex groups. In contrast to previous studies, women in our sample are not less willing to compete than men. In fact, once we control for individual performance, Emirati women are more likely to select into competition. Our analysis shows that neither women nor men shy away from competition, and both compete more than what would be optimal in monetary terms as the fraction of men in their group increases. We offer a detailed survey of the literature and discuss possible reasons for the lack of gender differences in our experiment.
Bridging the Gaps Between Basic Science and Cognitive-Behavioral	Treatments for Anxiety Disorders in Routine Care
Authors: Richter Jan , Pittig Andre , Hollandt Maike , Lueken Ulrike
Published: November 2017

Abstract. As a core component of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), behavioral exposure is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Still, recent treatment studies demonstrate relatively high rates of treatment dropout, nonresponse, and relapse, indicating a substantial need for optimizing and personalizing existing treatment procedures. In the present article, we aim to address current challenges and future demands for translational research in CBT for the anxiety disorders, including (a) a better understanding of those mechanisms conferring behavioral change, (b) identifying important sources of individual variation that may act as moderators of treatment response, and (c) targeting practical barriers for dissemination of exposure therapy to routine care. Based on a recursive process model of psychotherapy research we will describe distinct steps to systematically translate basic and clinical research “from bench to bedside” to routine care, but also vice versa. Some of these aspects may stimulate the future roadmap for evidence-based psychotherapy research in order to better target the treatment of anxiety disorders as one core health challenge of our time.
A Superb Summer of Science Journalism
Authors: Montanari Shaena
Published: November 2017

At National Geographic, Ph.D. paleontologist and Mass Media Fellow Shaena Montanari savored the challenge of covering everything from vintage Apollo photos to bone-eating giraffes.
Resolving a Mystery of the Ages
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: November 2017

High-precision radiometric dates shed new light on the puzzling 600,000-year disparity in the timing of one of Earth’s most pivotal timescale boundaries.
Modeling pollen-mediated gene flow from glyphosate-resistant to -susceptible giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) under field conditions
Authors: Ganie Zahoor A. , Jhala Amit J.
Published: November 2017

A field experiment was conducted to quantify pollen mediated gene flow (PMGF) from glyphosate-resistant (GR) to glyphosate-susceptible (GS) giant ragweed under simulated field conditions using glyphosate resistance as a selective marker. Field experiments were conducted in a concentric design with the GR giant ragweed pollen source planted in the center and GS giant ragweed pollen receptors surrounding the center in eight directional blocks at specified distances (between 0.1 and 35 m in cardinal and ordinal directions; and additional 50 m for ordinal directions). Seeds of GS giant ragweed were harvested from the pollen receptor blocks and a total of 100,938 giant ragweed plants were screened with glyphosate applied at 2,520 g ae ha−1 and 16,813 plants confirmed resistant. The frequency of PMGF was fit to a double exponential decay model selected by information-theoretic criteria. The highest frequency of gene flow (0.43 to 0.60) was observed at ≤0.5 m from the pollen source and reduced rapidly with increasing distances; however, gene flow (0.03 to 0.04) was detected up to 50 m. The correlation between PMGF and wind parameters was inconsistent in magnitude, direction, and years.
Deep tissue analysis of distal aqueous drainage structures and contractile features
Authors: Gonzalez Jose M. , Ko Minhee K. , Hong Young-Kwon , Weigert Robert , Tan James C. H.
Published: November 2017

Outflow resistance in the aqueous drainage tract distal to trabecular meshwork is potentially an important determinant of intraocular pressure and success of trabecular bypass glaucoma surgeries. It is unclear how distal resistance is modulated. We sought to establish: (a) multimodal 2-photon deep tissue imaging and 3-dimensional analysis of the distal aqueous drainage tract (DT) in transgenic mice in vivo and ex vivo; (b) criteria for distinguishing the DT from blood and lymphatic vessels; and (c) presence of a DT wall organization capable of contractility. DT lumen appeared as scleral collagen second harmonic generation signal voids that could be traced back to Schlemm’s canal. DT endothelium was Prox1-positive, CD31-positive and LYVE-1-negative, bearing a different molecular signature from blood and true lymphatic vessels. DT walls showed prominent filamentous actin (F-actin) labeling reflecting cells in a contracted state. F-actin co-localized with mesenchymal smooth muscle epitopes of alpha-smooth muscle actin, caldesmon and calponin, which localized adjacent and external to the endothelium. Our findings support a DT wall organization resembling that of blood vessels. This reflects a capacity to contract and support dynamic alteration of DT caliber and resistance analogous to the role of blood vessel tone in regulating blood flow.
Electrochemical Production of Glycolic Acid from Oxalic Acid Using a Polymer Electrolyte Alcohol Electrosynthesis Cell Containing a Porous TiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Sadakiyo Masaaki , Hata Shinichi , Cui Xuedong , Yamauchi Miho
Published: November 2017

A liquid flow-type electrolyser that continuously produces an alcohol from a carboxylic acid was constructed by employing a polymer electrolyte, named a polymer electrolyte alcohol electrosynthesis cell (PEAEC). Glycolic acid (GC, an alcoholic compound) is generated on anatase TiO2 catalysts via four-electron reduction of oxalic acid (OX, a divalent carboxylic acid), accompanied with water oxidation, which achieves continuous electric power storage in easily stored GC. Porous anatase TiO2 directly grown on Ti mesh (TiO2/Ti-M) or Ti felt (TiO2/Ti-F) was newly fabricated as a cathode having favourable substrate diffusivity. A membrane-electrode assembly composed of the TiO2/Ti-M, Nafion 117, and an IrO2 supported on a gas-diffusion carbon electrode (IrO2/C) was applied to the PEAEC. We achieved a maximum energy conversion efficiency of 49.6% and a continuous 99.8% conversion of 1 M OX, which is an almost saturated aqueous solution at room temperature.
Author Correction: The efficacy and toxicities of intensive induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with N3 disease
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Chen Mingqiu , Chen Cheng , Kong Lin , Lu Jiade J. , Xu Benhua
Published: November 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Automated Interpretation and Extraction of Topographic Information from Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Data
Authors: Ievlev Anton V. , Belianinov Alexei , Jesse Stephen , Allison David P. , Doktycz Mitchel J. , Retterer Scott T. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ovchinnikova Olga S.
Published: November 2017

Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a powerful surface-sensitive characterization tool allowing the imaging of chemical properties over a wide range of organic and inorganic material systems. This technique allows precise studies of chemical composition with sub-100-nm lateral and nanometer depth spatial resolution. However, comprehensive interpretation of ToF-SIMS results is challenging because of the very large data volume and high dimensionality. Furthermore, investigation of samples with pronounced topographical features is complicated by systematic and measureable shifts in the mass spectrum. In this work we developed an approach for the interpretation of the ToF-SIMS data, based on the advanced data analytics. Along with characterization of the chemical composition, our approach allows extraction of the sample surface morphology from a time of flight registration technique. This approach allows one to perform correlated investigations of surface morphology, biological function, and chemical composition of Arabidopsis roots.
Pak2 is essential for the function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype
Authors: O’Hagan Kyle L. , Miller Stephen D. , Phee Hyewon
Published: November 2017

Foxp3, a key transcription factor that drives lineage differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), was thought to imprint a unique and irreversible genetic signature within Tregs. Recent evidence, however, suggests that loss or attenuation of Foxp3 expression can cause Tregs to de-differentiate into effector T cells capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines. Herein, we report that the signaling kinase, p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2), is essential for maintaining Treg stability and suppressive function. Loss of Pak2, specifically in Tregs, resulted in reduced expression of multiple Treg functional molecules, including Foxp3, CD25, Nrp-1 and CTLA-4, coupled with a loss of Treg suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, Pak2-deficient Tregs gained expression of Th2-associated cytokines and the transcription factor, Gata3, becoming Th2-like cells, explaining their inability to regulate immune responses. Collectively, these findings suggest Pak2 as an important signaling molecule for guarding against aberrant immune responses through regulating the stability of Foxp3+ Tregs and maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype.
Heterogeneous responses of temperate-zone amphibian populations to climate change complicates conservation planning
Authors: Muths E. , Chambert T. , Schmidt B. R. , Miller D. A. W. , Hossack B. R. , Joly P. , Grolet O. , Green D. M. , Pilliod D. S. , Cheylan M. , Fisher R. N. , McCaffery R. M. , Adams M. J. , Palen W. J. , Arntzen J. W. , Garwood J. , Fellers G. , Thirion J.-M. , Besnard A. , Grant E. H. Campbell
Published: November 2017

The pervasive and unabated nature of global amphibian declines suggests common demographic responses to a given driver, and quantification of major drivers and responses could inform broad-scale conservation actions. We explored the influence of climate on demographic parameters (i.e., changes in the probabilities of survival and recruitment) using 31 datasets from temperate zone amphibian populations (North America and Europe) with more than a decade of observations each. There was evidence for an influence of climate on population demographic rates, but the direction and magnitude of responses to climate drivers was highly variable among taxa and among populations within taxa. These results reveal that climate drivers interact with variation in life-history traits and population-specific attributes resulting in a diversity of responses. This heterogeneity complicates the identification of conservation ‘rules of thumb’ for these taxa, and supports the notion of local focus as the most effective approach to overcome global-scale conservation challenges.
Comparative analysis of double-stranded RNA degradation and processing in insects
Authors: Singh Indrakant K. , Singh Satnam , Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Shukla Jayendra Nath , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: November 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) based methods are being developed for pest management. A few products for control of coleopteran pests are expected to be commercialized soon. However, variability in RNAi efficiency among insects is preventing the widespread use of this technology. In this study, we conducted research to identify reasons for variability in RNAi efficiency among thirty-seven (37) insects belonging to five orders. Studies on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation by dsRNases and processing of labeled dsRNA to siRNA showed that both dsRNA degradation and processing are variable among insects belonging to different orders as well as among different insect species within the same order. We identified homologs of key RNAi genes in the genomes of some of these insects and studied their domain architecture. These data suggest that dsRNA digestion by dsRNases and its processing to siRNAs in the cells are among the major factors contributing to differential RNAi efficiency reported among insects.
A Random Categorization Model for Hierarchical Taxonomies
Authors: D’Amico Guido , Rabadan Raul , Kleban Matthew
Published: November 2017

A taxonomy is a standardized framework to classify and organize items into categories. Hierarchical taxonomies are ubiquitous, ranging from the classification of organisms to the file system on a computer. Characterizing the typical distribution of items within taxonomic categories is an important question with applications in many disciplines. Ecologists have long sought to account for the patterns observed in species-abundance distributions (the number of individuals per species found in some sample), and computer scientists study the distribution of files per directory. Is there a universal statistical distribution describing how many items are typically found in each category in large taxonomies? Here, we analyze a wide array of large, real-world datasets – including items lost and found on the New York City transit system, library books, and a bacterial microbiome – and discover such an underlying commonality. A simple, non-parametric branching model that randomly categorizes items and takes as input only the total number of items and the total number of categories is quite successful in reproducing the observed abundance distributions. This result may shed light on patterns in species-abundance distributions long observed in ecology. The model also predicts the number of taxonomic categories that remain unrepresented in a finite sample.