bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of stunting on obesity in adulthood: results from the EPIPorto cohort
Authors: Henriques Ana , Teixeira Vânia , Cardoso Hugo FV , Azevedo Ana
Published: March 2018

Objective

To retrospectively investigate the association between short stature and increased sitting height ratio (SHR) – indicators of stunting – and obesity markers in adults.

Design

Cross-sectional evaluation of the EPIPorto cohort. Weight, height, sitting height and waist circumference were measured. Obesity was assessed for men and women through BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Short stature (women, <152 cm; men, <164 cm) and high SHR (women, ≥54·05 %; men, ≥53·25 %) were taken as stunting measures. OR with 95 % CI were computed using logistic regression models.

Setting

Representative sample of adults from EPIPorto, an adult cohort study from Porto, Portugal.

Subjects

A sample of 1682 adults, aged 18–86 years, was analysed.

Results

Higher obesity prevalence was found among women (BMI≥30·0 kg/m2: 25·5v.13·3 %,P<0·001) and a higher proportion of men presented abdominal obesity (WHtR≥0·5: 80·1v.71·1 %,P<0·001). A positive association was found between short stature and obesity measures for women (multivariate-adjusted OR; 95 % CI: 1·75; 1·17, 2·62 for BMI≥30·0 kg/m2; 1·89; 1·24, 2·87 for WHtR≥0·5). Increased SHR was associated with higher likelihood of having BMI≥30·0 kg/m2in both sexes (multivariate-adjusted OR; 95 % CI: 2·10; 1·40, 3·16 for women; 1·92; 1·07, 3·43 for men) but not with WHtR≥0·5.

Conclusions

Different growth markers are associated with obesity in adults. However, this association depends on the population and anthropometric measures used: short stature is associated with a higher risk of presenting excessive weight in women but not in men; SHR is more sensitive to detect this effect in both sexes.
Understanding the Prevalence and Drivers of Food Bank Use: Evidence from Deprived Communities in Glasgow
Authors: MacLeod Mary Anne , Curl Angela , Kearns Ade
Published: March 2018

This article provides quantitative analysis of a self-reported measure of food bank use in the UK, adding to a sparse evidence base. Evidence from fifteen deprived communities in Glasgow is used to examine the scale of food bank use and to consider its relationship with socio-demographic, health, and financial variables. Being affected by welfare reforms was found to increase the likelihood of food bank use. Young men and those with mental health problems were found to be more likely than others to have used a food bank. Food banks appear to be used by groups who are being under-served by the welfare state and suffering the most acute impacts of austerity. The very low prevalence of food bank use among those who struggle to afford food points to their inadequacy as a response to food insecurity.
Variation in floret size explains differences in wild bee visitation to cultivated sunflowers
Authors: Portlas Zoe M. , Tetlie Jonathan R. , Prischmann-Voldseth Deirdre , Hulke Brent S. , Prasifka Jarrad R.
Published: March 2018

Wild and managed bees are needed to move sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen, both to create hybrid seed and to encourage high, consistent yields when those hybrids are subsequently grown. Among floral traits that influence bee preference, floret size may be critical, as the depth of the corolla affects the accessibility of nectar. Sampling and observation of inbred maintainer (HA) lines were used to assess variation in floret size, and to measure any effects of floret size on pollinator visitation. Among 100 inbreds sampled, there was significant variation among the lines, with floret lengths of 6.8–9.9 mm. Floret length, measured before anthesis, was closely related to corolla depth during anthesis and was consistent between 2 years (environments). Pollinator observations on 30 inbred lines showed floret size explained a majority (52%) of the variation in wild bee preference, with a reduction in floret length of 2 mm more than doubling pollinator activity. Though honey bee, Apis mellifera L., colonies were located ≈ 60 m from the plots, near-zero honey bee activity in the sunflowers precluded an assessment of how strongly this managed pollinator is affected by floret length. Production of inbreds and hybrids with smaller florets could enhance sunflower pollination, but genetic markers for floret size are needed to facilitate selection, and an understanding of potential trade-offs also is required. Information on variation and heritability of other traits, such as pollen and nectar rewards, could help explain residual variation in wild bee visitation to sunflowers.
Drawing Positive Lessons From the Presence of ‘The Social’ Outside of EU Social PolicyStricto Sensu
Authors: Muir Elise
Published: March 2018

Treaty obligations: the EU shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, and promote social justice and protection – EU institutions responses to social challenges outside of the Social Policy Title – Fragmentation of Social Policy: in many ways deeply unsatisfactory, yet useful lessons may be learnt – Social implications of economic integration – Rethinking EU intervention on the protection of individuals owing to a fundamental rights’ narrative.
How has the Court of Justice changed its management and approach towards the social acquis?
Authors: Davies A.C.L.
Published: March 2018

Social Europe – Case law of the Court of Justice – ‘Real’ and ‘apparent’ displacement – Court’s interpretive task more complex and contested – Directives based on ‘flexicurity’ policy – Cases in which workers have competing interests, e.g. age discrimination – Viking and Laval – Re-framing of employers’ interests as fundamental rights under Article 16 EU Charter – Declining relevance of the Court in labour law – Challenges for EU labour lawyers
Delays in making initial treatment contact after the first onset of mental health disorders in the Argentinean Study of Mental Health Epidemiology
Authors: Stagnaro J. C. , Cia A. H. , Vommaro H. , Sustas S. , Vázquez N. , Serfaty E. , Kessler R. C. , Benjet C.
Published: March 2018

Aims.

While there are effective treatments for psychiatric disorders, many individuals with such disorders do not receive treatment and those that do often take years to get into treatment. Information regarding treatment contact failure and delay in Argentina is needed to guide public health policy and planning. Therefore, this study aimed to provide data on prompt treatment contact, lifetime treatment contact, median duration of treatment delays and socio-demographic predictors of treatment contact after the first onset of a mental disorder.

Methods.

The Argentinean Study of Mental Health Epidemiology (EAESM) is a multistage probability sample representative of adults (aged 18+) living in large urban areas of Argentina. A total of 2116 participants were evaluated with the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview to assess psychiatric diagnosis, treatment contact and delay.

Results.

Projections of cases that will make treatment contact by 50 years taken from a survival curve suggest that the majority of individuals with a mood (100%) or anxiety disorder (72.5%) in Argentina whose disorder persist for a sufficient period of time eventually make treatment contact while fewer with a substance disorder do so (41.6%). Timely treatment in the year of onset is rare (2.6% for a substance disorder, 14.6% for an anxiety disorder and 31.3% of those with a mood disorder) with mean delays between 8 years for mood disorders and 21 years for anxiety disorders. Younger cohorts are more likely to make treatment contact than older cohorts, whereas those with earlier ages of disorder onset are least likely to make treatment contact. Those with anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder are more likely to make treatment contact when they have comorbid disorders, whereas those with substance use disorders are less likely.

Conclusions.

Argentina needs to implement strategies to get individuals with substance use disorders into treatment, and to reduce treatment delays for all, but particularly to target early detection and treatment among children and adolescents.
Effects of Exposure to Alcohol-Related Cues on Racial	Prejudice
Authors: Stepanova Elena V. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Scott Saults J. , Friedman Ronald S. , Chi Jinhao , Hollis Abigail M.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Prior research ( Stepanova, Bartholow, Saults, & Friedman, 2012 ) indicates that exposure to alcohol-related cues increases expressions of racial biases. This study investigated whether such effects can be replicated with other tasks assessing racial bias and whether they stem from stereotyping or prejudice. In two experiments participants (N1 = 118; N2 = 152) were exposed to either alcohol-related or neutral advertisements, and then completed a race-priming lexical decision task (LDT, Wittenbrink, Judd, and Park, 1997) . Experiment 1 provided weak evidence that exposure to alcohol cues decreases positive attitudes toward Blacks, which was not confirmed in a high-powered replication (Experiment 2). Our findings suggest a short-lived nature (if any) of alcohol priming effects on racial bias when measured by the primed LDT.
Catalytic mechanism and molecular engineering of quinolone biosynthesis in dioxygenase AsqJ
Authors: Mader Sophie L. , Bräuer Alois , Groll Michael , Kaila Ville R. I.
Published: March 2018

The recently discovered FeII/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase AsqJ fromAspergillus nidulansstereoselectively catalyzes a multistep synthesis of quinolone alkaloids, natural products with significant biomedical applications. To probe molecular mechanisms of this elusive catalytic process, we combine here multi-scale quantum and classical molecular simulations with X-ray crystallography, and in vitro biochemical activity studies. We discover that methylation of the substrate is essential for the activity of AsqJ, establishing molecular strain that fine-tunes π-stacking interactions within the active site. To rationally engineer AsqJ for modified substrates, we amplify dispersive interactions within the active site. We demonstrate that the engineered enzyme has a drastically enhanced catalytic activity for non-methylated surrogates, confirming our computational data and resolved high-resolution X-ray structures at 1.55 Å resolution. Our combined findings provide crucial mechanistic understanding of the function of AsqJ and showcase how combination of computational and experimental data enables to rationally engineer enzymes.
Pressureless glass crystallization of transparent yttrium aluminum garnet-based nanoceramics
Authors: Ma Xiaoguang , Li Xiaoyu , Li Jianqiang , Genevois Cécile , Ma Bingqian , Etienne Auriane , Wan Chunlei , Véron Emmanuel , Peng Zhijian , Allix Mathieu
Published: March 2018

Transparent crystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG; Y3Al5O12) is a dominant host material used in phosphors, scintillators, and solid state lasers. However, YAG single crystals and transparent ceramics face several technological limitations including complex, time-consuming, and costly synthetic approaches. Here we report facile elaboration of transparent YAG-based ceramics by pressureless nano-crystallization of Y2O3–Al2O3 bulk glasses. The resulting ceramics present a nanostructuration composed of YAG nanocrystals (77 wt%) separated by small Al2O3 crystalline domains (23 wt%). The hardness of these YAG-Al2O3 nanoceramics is 10% higher than that of YAG single crystals. When doped by Ce3+, the YAG-Al2O3 ceramics show a 87.5% quantum efficiency. The combination of these mechanical and optical properties, coupled with their simple, economical, and innovative preparation method, could drive the development of technologically relevant materials with potential applications in wide optical fields such as scintillators, lenses, gem stones, and phosphor converters in high-power white-light LED and laser diode.
Visible light-driven C−H activation and C–C coupling of methanol into ethylene glycol
Authors: Xie Shunji , Shen Zebin , Deng Jiao , Guo Pu , Zhang Qinghong , Zhang Haikun , Ma Chao , Jiang Zheng , Cheng Jun , Deng Dehui , Wang Ye
Published: March 2018

The development of new methods for the direct transformation of methanol into two or multi-carbon compounds via controlled carbon–carbon coupling is a highly attractive but challenging goal. Here, we report the first visible-light-driven dehydrogenative coupling of methanol into ethylene glycol, an important chemical currently produced from petroleum. Ethylene glycol is formed with 90% selectivity and high efficiency, together with hydrogen over a molybdenum disulfide nanofoam-modified cadmium sulfide nanorod catalyst. Mechanistic studies reveal a preferential activation of C−H bond instead of O−H bond in methanol by photoexcited holes on CdS via a concerted proton–electron transfer mechanism, forming a hydroxymethyl radical (⋅CH2OH) that can readily desorb from catalyst surfaces for subsequent coupling. This work not only offers an alternative nonpetroleum route for the synthesis of EG but also presents a unique visible-light-driven catalytic C−H activation with the hydroxyl group in the same molecule keeping intact.
Review on modeling of the anode solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Aiping , Kadam Sanket , Li Hong , Shi Siqi , Qi Yue
Published: March 2018

A passivation layer called the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is formed on electrode surfaces from decomposition products of electrolytes. The SEI allows Li+ transport and blocks electrons in order to prevent further electrolyte decomposition and ensure continued electrochemical reactions. The formation and growth mechanism of the nanometer thick SEI films are yet to be completely understood owing to their complex structure and lack of reliable in situ experimental techniques. Significant advances in computational methods have made it possible to predictively model the fundamentals of SEI. This review aims to give an overview of state-of-the-art modeling progress in the investigation of SEI films on the anodes, ranging from electronic structure calculations to mesoscale modeling, covering the thermodynamics and kinetics of electrolyte reduction reactions, SEI formation, modification through electrolyte design, correlation of SEI properties with battery performance, and the artificial SEI design. Multi-scale simulations have been summarized and compared with each other as well as with experiments. Computational details of the fundamental properties of SEI, such as electron tunneling, Li-ion transport, chemical/mechanical stability of the bulk SEI and electrode/(SEI/) electrolyte interfaces have been discussed. This review shows the potential of computational approaches in the deconvolution of SEI properties and design of artificial SEI. We believe that computational modeling can be integrated with experiments to complement each other and lead to a better understanding of the complex SEI for the development of a highly efficient battery in the future.
Consensus and conflict among ecological forecasts of Zika virus outbreaks in the United States
Authors: Carlson Colin J. , Dougherty Eric , Boots Mike , Getz Wayne , Ryan Sadie J.
Published: March 2018

Ecologists are increasingly involved in the pandemic prediction process. In the course of the Zika outbreak in the Americas, several ecological models were developed to forecast the potential global distribution of the disease. Conflicting results produced by alternative methods are unresolved, hindering the development of appropriate public health forecasts. We compare ecological niche models and experimentally-driven mechanistic forecasts for Zika transmission in the continental United States. We use generic and uninformed stochastic county-level simulations to demonstrate the downstream epidemiological consequences of conflict among ecological models, and show how assumptions and parameterization in the ecological and epidemiological models propagate uncertainty and produce downstream model conflict. We conclude by proposing a basic consensus method that could resolve conflicting models of potential outbreak geography and seasonality. Our results illustrate the usually-undocumented margin of uncertainty that could emerge from using any one of these predictions without reservation or qualification. In the short term, ecologists face the task of developing better post hoc consensus that accurately forecasts spatial patterns of Zika virus outbreaks. Ultimately, methods are needed that bridge the gap between ecological and epidemiological approaches to predicting transmission and realistically capture both outbreak size and geography.
Identification of Sarcosine as a Target Molecule for the Canine Olfactory Detection of Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Pacik Dalibor , Plevova Mariana , Urbanova Lucie , Lackova Zuzana , Strmiska Vladislav , Necas Alois , Heger Zbynek , Adam Vojtech
Published: March 2018

The hypothesis that dogs can detect malignant tumours through the identification of specific molecules is nearly 30 years old. To date, several reports have described the successful detection of distinct types of cancer. However, is still a lack of data regarding the specific molecules that can be recognized by a dog’s olfactory apparatus. Hence, we performed a study with artificially prepared, well-characterized urinary specimens that were enriched with sarcosine, a widely reported urinary biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa). For the purposes of the study, a German shepherd dog was utilized for analyses of 60 positive and 120 negative samples. Our study provides the first evidence that a sniffer dog specially trained for the olfactory detection of PCa can recognize sarcosine in artificial urine with a performance [sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 95%, and precision of 90% for the highest amount of sarcosine (10 µmol/L)] that is comparable to the identification of PCa-diagnosed subjects (sensitivity of 93.5% and specificity of 91.6%). This study casts light on the unrevealed phenomenon of PCa olfactory detection and opens the door for further studies with canine olfactory detection and cancer diagnostics.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals phytohormone signalings, heat shock module and ROS scavenger mediate the cold-tolerance of rubber tree
Authors: Deng Xiaomin , Wang Jianxiao , Li Yan , Wu Shaohua , Yang Shuguang , Chao Jinquan , Chen Yueyi , Zhang Shixin , Shi Minjing , Tian Weimin
Published: March 2018

Two contrasting cold response rubber tree clones, the cold-resistant ‘93-114’ and cold-sensitive ‘Reken501’, were subject to a global transcriptome response assessing via high-throughput RNA-seq technique and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis using the referenced rubber tree genome with the purpose of exploring the potential molecular cues underlying the tolerance of rubber trees to cold stress. As a result, a total of 1919 genes had significantly higher expression, while 2929 genes had significantly lower expression in ‘93–114’ than in ‘Reken501’ without cold stress. Upon cold stress, the numbers of genes with significantly higher expression decreased to 1501 at 1 h treatment and to 1285 at 24 h treatment in ‘93–114’ than that of ‘Reken501’, conversely, the numbers of genes with significantly lower expression increased to 7567 at 1 h treatment and to 5482 at 24 h treatment. Functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes between ‘93–114’ and ‘Reken501’ suggests that down-regulation of auxin and ethylene signaling and activation of heat shock module and ROS scavengers is a primary strategy forH. brasiliensisto cope with cold stress. Our identified vital differentially expressed genes may be beneficial for elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance and for genetic improvement ofH. brasiliensisclones.
Phosphoinositides regulate the TCR/CD3 complex membrane dynamics and activation
Authors: Chouaki Benmansour Nassima , Ruminski Kilian , Sartre Anne-Marie , Phelipot Marie-Claire , Salles Audrey , Bergot Elise , Wu Ambroise , Chicanne Gaëtan , Fallet Mathieu , Brustlein Sophie , Billaudeau Cyrille , Formisano Anthony , Mailfert Sébastien , Payrastre Bernard , Marguet Didier , Brasselet Sophie , Hamon Yannick , He Hai-Tao
Published: March 2018

Phosphoinositides (PIs) play important roles in numerous membrane-based cellular activities. However, their involvement in the mechanism of T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction across the plasma membrane (PM) is poorly defined. Here, we investigate their role, and in particular that of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] in TCR PM dynamics and activity in a mouse T-cell hybridoma upon ectopic expression of a PM-localized inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (Inp54p). We observed that dephosphorylation of PI(4,5)P2 by the phosphatase increased the TCR/CD3 complex PM lateral mobility prior stimulation. The constitutive and antigen-elicited CD3 phosphorylation as well as the antigen-stimulated early signaling pathways were all found to be significantly augmented in cells expressing the phosphatase. Using state-of-the-art biophotonic approaches, we further showed that PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation strongly promoted the CD3ε cytoplasmic domain unbinding from the PM inner leaflet in living cells, thus resulting in an increased CD3 availability for interactions with Lck kinase. This could significantly account for the observed effects of PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation on the CD3 phosphorylation. Our data thus suggest that PIs play a key role in the regulation of the TCR/CD3 complex dynamics and activation at the PM.
Propagation-based phase-contrast x-ray tomography of cochlea using a compact synchrotron source
Authors: Töpperwien Mareike , Gradl Regine , Keppeler Daniel , Vassholz Malte , Meyer Alexander , Hessler Roland , Achterhold Klaus , Gleich Bernhard , Dierolf Martin , Pfeiffer Franz , Moser Tobias , Salditt Tim
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate that phase retrieval and tomographic imaging at the organ level of small animals can be advantageously carried out using the monochromatic radiation emitted by a compact x-ray light source, without further optical elements apart from source and detector. This approach allows to carry out microtomography experiments which - due to the large performance gap with respect to conventional laboratory instruments - so far were usually limited to synchrotron sources. We demonstrate the potential by mapping the functional soft tissue within the guinea pig and marmoset cochlea, including in the latter case an electrical cochlear implant. We show how 3d microanatomical studies without dissection or microscopic imaging can enhance future research on cochlear implants.
Probiotic Escherichia coli inhibits biofilm formation of pathogenic E. coli via extracellular activity of DegP
Authors: Fang Kuili , Jin Xing , Hong Seok Hoon
Published: March 2018

Many chronic infections involve bacterial biofilms, which are difficult to eliminate using conventional antibiotic treatments. Biofilm formation is a result of dynamic intra- or inter-species interactions. However, the nature of molecular interactions between bacteria in multi-species biofilms are not well understood compared to those in single-species biofilms. This study investigated the ability of probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to outcompete the biofilm formation of pathogens including enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis. When dual-species biofilms were formed, EcN inhibited the EHEC biofilm population by 14-fold compared to EHEC single-species biofilms. This figure was 1,100-fold for S. aureus and 8,300-fold for S. epidermidis; however, EcN did not inhibit P. aeruginosa biofilms. In contrast, commensal E. coli did not exhibit any inhibitory effect toward other bacterial biofilms. We identified that EcN secretes DegP, a bifunctional (protease and chaperone) periplasmic protein, outside the cells and controls other biofilms. Although three E. coli strains tested in this study expressed degP, only the EcN strain secreted DegP outside the cells. The deletion of degP disabled the activity of EcN in inhibiting EHEC biofilms, and purified DegP directly repressed EHEC biofilm formation. Hence, probiotic E. coli outcompetes pathogenic biofilms via extracellular DegP activity during dual-species biofilm formation.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles embedded thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for water treatment
Authors: Lakhotia Sonia R. , Mukhopadhyay Mausumi , Kumari Premlata
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a new approach to synthesize thin-film nanocomposite membranes using cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) by pre-seeding interfacial polymerization method was reported. Prepared membranes were examined using contact angle, molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to observe its hydrophilicity, pore size, morphology, surface chemistry, and roughness, respectively. Surface charges of the prepared membranes were also qualitatively calculated with the help of contact angle measurements by using the Grahame equation. MWCO studies revealed >90% polyethylene glycol (M.W. 1500 Da) rejection, which was fitted in the range of nanofiltration. By increasing the concentration of CeO2 NPs, flux (33.12 to 41.28 L/m2h), hydrophilicity (77.3 to 51.1°) and surface charges (−7.58 to −13.39 mC/m2) of the membranes was successfully improved, and also showed the high (>90%) salt rejections. The CeO2 embedded membrane was also found out in successful prevention from the attack of bacteria (Escherichia coli) compared to pure polyamide (PA) membrane and confirmed through SEM and viable cell count method. The membrane performances were also evaluated using seawater for fouling study and found that CeO2 embedded surface increased the rejection of hydrophobic contaminants, and notably reduced the fouling.
Applicability of Automated Cell Counter with a Chlorophyll Detector in Routine Management of Microalgae
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki
Published: March 2018

Microalgae have attracted attention for several industrial applications, but all such applications demand culture quality because of their sensitivity to environmental changes. Although simplicity, speed, and accuracy are important to assess algal cultures, researchers have expended vast amounts of labor to monitor algal health using hemocytometry. Along with its user bias, quantifying the cell status aside from the cell density is not easy. This paper describes the easy and rapid evaluation of algal number and status using an image-based cell counter (Countess II FL; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.) with a fluorescent filter for chlorophyll. Unlike mammalian cultured cells larger than microalgae, it is not easy for a low-resolution camera alone to distinguish microalgae from grimy spots and microbubbles on counting plates. To assess this method’s performance, freshwater/marine microalgae and environmental samples were evaluated using the instrument. Results reveal that an instrument with a fluorescence filter can distinguish microalgae from other particles more precisely than a device with no filter. Values obtained using the instrument were not significantly different from those obtained using hemocytometry. Moreover, the cell counter, but not hemocytometry, can qualify the algal status. Results demonstrate that this system, which has no user bias, can contribute to algal assessment.
Genome-wide identification, putative functionality and interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs in Brassica species
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Wei Lijuan , Jiang Jun , Mason Annaliese S. , Li Haojie , Cui Cheng , Chai Liang , Zheng Benchuan , Zhu Yongqing , Xia Qing , Jiang Liangcai , Fu Donghui
Published: March 2018

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is abundant in plant genomes, but is poorly described with unknown functionality in most species. Using whole genome RNA sequencing, we identified 1885, 1910 and 1299 lncRNAs and 186, 157 and 161 miRNAs at the whole genome level in the three Brassica species B. napus, B. oleracea and B. rapa, respectively. The lncRNA sequences were divergent between the three Brassica species. One quarter of lncRNAs were located in tandem repeat (TR) region. The expression of both lncRNAs and miRNAs was strongly biased towards the A rather than the C subgenome in B. napus, unlike mRNA expression. miRNAs in genic regions had higher average expression than miRNAs in non-genic regions in B. napus and B. oleracea. We provide a comprehensive reference for the distribution, functionality and interactions of lncRNAs and miRNAs in Brassica.
Aspirin Use and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a National Cohort Study of Korean Adults
Authors: Hwang In Cheol , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Kyuwoong , Park Sang Min
Published: March 2018

The effect of aspirin on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We investigated the association between aspirin use and HCC development in a region where viral hepatitis prevails. We conducted a population-based cohort study including a total of 460,755 participants who were tracked to identify incidents of HCC since 2007. The use of drug before the index date was assessed and standardized by the Defined Daily Dose system. We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between aspirin use and HCC occurrence, using Cox proportional hazard regression models. There were 2,336 cases of HCC during the period of 2,965,500 person-years. Overall, aspirin users had a lower HCC risk (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77–0.98) than non-users in a dose-response manner (Ptrend = 0.002). The protective effect of aspirin was amplified when combined with those of non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50–0.85). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant chemopreventive effect of aspirin in individuals who were young, were male, or had viral hepatitis, whereas no protective effect was observed in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our results, suggesting different carcinogenic pathways between viral and non-viral etiologies, may validate the design of future intervention trials of aspirin for HCC prevention in eligible populations.
Hypoxia, but not an electrolyte-imbalanced diet, reduces feed intake, growth and oxygen consumption in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Magnoni Leonardo J. , Eding Ep , Leguen Isabelle , Prunet Patrick , Geurden Inge , Ozório Rodrigo O. A. , Schrama Johan W.
Published: March 2018

Oxygen limitation and dietary imbalances are key aspects influencing feed intake (FI) and growth performance in cultured fish. This study investigated the combined effects of hypoxia and dietary electrolyte balance on the growth performance, body composition and nutrient utilization in a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) isogenic line. Fish were fed ad libitum two experimental diets: electrolyte-balanced or -imbalanced diets (DEB 200 or 700 mEq kg−1, respectively) and exposed to normoxia or hypoxia (7.9 or 4.5 mg O2 l−1, respectively) for 42 days. DEB did not affect FI, growth performance or body composition. Nevertheless, hypoxia had a negative impact, reducing FI (6%), growth rate (8%), oxygen consumption (19%), energy (5%) and lipid (42%) contents. Digestible energy intake and heat production were higher in normoxic fish (40% and 23%, respectively), retaining 64% more energy in lipid or protein. Hypoxia reduced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, ash, protein, lipid, carbohydrates and energy. Trout fed DEB 700 diet were energetically less efficient, reflected in higher heat production and energy requirements for maintenance. FI was inhibited by low dissolved oxygen levels, but not by electrolyte-imbalanced diet, in spite of the higher energy requirements for maintenance. This study highlights the importance that dietary-electrolyte content and DO levels have on energy balance and growth performance when fish are fed to satiation.
Multi-level coding-recoding by ultrafast phase transition on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films
Authors: Wen Shuai , Meng Yun , Jiang Minghui , Wang Yang
Published: March 2018

Quickly switching among different states (levels) is crucial for reconfigurable metamaterials and devices. In this study, the dynamics of establishment and transformation of five amorphous or near-amorphous intermediate states with obvious optical contrasts on Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change thin films driven by ultrashort laser pulses were investigated using real-time reflectivity measurements. The reversible coding-recoding among the five optical levels was realized by using single-shot picosecond laser pulses with designed fluences. The optical constants, crystalline states and surface morphologies before and after ultrafast multi-level coding were also compared and analyzed. These results may lay a foundation for the further design and application of dynamically reconfigurable optical/photonic devices.
The Burden of Statin Therapy based on ACC/AHA and NCEP ATP-III Guidelines: An Iranian Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors
Authors: Asgari Samaneh , Abdi Hengameh , Hezaveh Alireza Mahdavi , Moghisi Alireza , Etemad Koorosh , Beni Hassan Riahi , Khalili Davood
Published: March 2018

To compare the burden of statin therapy according to the Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines the Survey of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Disease (SuRFNCD)−2011of Iran was used. A survey analysis associated with sex and age categorization was run. Of total 3496 persons (1322 men) aged 40–70 years, based on the ACC/AHA guidelines, about 46.5% were eligible to receive moderate- to high-intensity statin therapy. Based on the ATP-III guidelines, 17.0% were considered as needing statin drugs. Among adults aged <60 years, the proportion of those who were eligible for statin therapy was higher (38.3%) according to the ACC/AHA guidelines compared to the ATP-III guidelines (15.2%), a difference more prominent in adults aged ≥60 years (85.2% versus 25.0%). Agreement between the two guidelines was low (kappa: 0.32). Compared to the ATP-III guidelines, the ACC/AHA guidelines increase the number of adults eligible for statin therapy in an Iraninan population from 2.5 million to 7.0 million people according to the 2011 census, specifically in those aged ≥ 60 years, a finding in agreement with those of studies from different countries.
Impedance-based analysis of Natural Killer cell stimulation
Authors: Fasbender Frank , Watzl Carsten
Published: March 2018

The use of impedance-based label free cell analysis is increasingly popular and has many different applications. Here, we report that a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) can be used to study the stimulation of Natural Killer (NK) cells. Engagement of NK cells via plate-bound antibodies directed against different activating surface receptors could be measured in real time using the label-free detection of impedance. The change in impedance was dependent on early signal transduction events in the NK cells as it was blocked by inhibitors of Src-family kinases and by inhibiting actin polymerization. While CD16 was the only receptor that could induce a strong change in impedance in primary NK cells, several activating receptors induced changes in impedance in expanded NK cells. Using PBMCs we could detect T cell receptor-mediated T cell activation and CD16-mediated NK cell activation in the same sample. Performing a dose-response analysis for the Src-family kinases inhibitor PP1 we show that T cells are more sensitive to inhibition compared to NK cells. Our data demonstrate that the RTCA can be used to detect physiological activation events in NK cells in a label-free and real-time fashion.
Fatigue life of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds under tension-tension, tension-compression and compression-compression fatigue load
Authors: Lietaert Karel , Cutolo Antonio , Boey Dries , Van Hooreweder Brecht
Published: March 2018

Mechanical performance of additively manufactured (AM) Ti6Al4V scaffolds has mostly been studied in uniaxial compression. However, in real-life applications, more complex load conditions occur. To address this, a novel sample geometry was designed, tested and analyzed in this work. The new scaffold geometry, with porosity gradient between the solid ends and scaffold middle, was successfully used for quasi-static tension, tension-tension (R = 0.1), tension-compression (R = −1) and compression-compression (R = 10) fatigue tests. Results show that global loading in tension-tension leads to a decreased fatigue performance compared to global loading in compression-compression. This difference in fatigue life can be understood fairly well by approximating the local tensile stress amplitudes in the struts near the nodes. Local stress based Haigh diagrams were constructed to provide more insight in the fatigue behavior. When fatigue life is interpreted in terms of local stresses, the behavior of single struts is shown to be qualitatively the same as bulk Ti6Al4V. Compression-compression and tension-tension fatigue regimes lead to a shorter fatigue life than fully reversed loading due to the presence of a mean local tensile stress. Fractographic analysis showed that most fracture sites were located close to the nodes, where the highest tensile stresses are located.
Enhanced hydrological extremes in the western United States under global warming through the lens of water vapor wave activity
Authors: Lu Jian , Xue Daokai , Gao Yang , Chen Gang , Leung L. R. , Staten P.
Published: March 2018

A novel diagnostic framework based on the wave activity of column integrated water vapor (CWV) is used to probe into the higher moments of the hydrological cycle with bearings on the extremes. Applying the CWV wave activity analysis to the historical and RCP8.5 scenario simulations by the CMIP5 models reveals a super Clausius–Clapeyron rate of increase in the wet vs. dry disparity of daily net precipitation due to the enhanced stirring length of wave activity at the poleward flank of the storm track, despite a decrease in the hydrological cycling rate (HCR) measured by the reciprocal of wave activity residence time. The local variant of CWV wave activity unravels the unique characteristics of atmospheric rivers (ARs) in terms of their transport function and locally enhanced mixing efficiency. Under RCP8.5, the local moist wave activity increases by ~40% over the northeastern Pacific and western United States by the end of the 21st century, indicating lengthening and more frequent landfalling ARs with a consequence of a ~20% increase in the related hydrological extremes $$\widetilde {(P - E)}^ +$$

(

P
-
E

)

̃

+

in the west coast, despite a robust weakening of the local HCR. These results imply that the unusually wet winter the west coast just experienced in 2016/17 might be a harbinger of more frequent wet extremes in a warmer climate.
Analyzing the antiseptic capacity of silver-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)–heparin hydrogels after human whole blood exposure
Authors: Schulz Sandra , Maitz Manfred , Hänsel Stefanie , Renner Lars D. , Werner Carsten
Published: March 2018

Advanced blood contacting biomaterials are designed to combine antiseptic and anticoagulant functionalities.
Covalent and selective immobilization of GST fusion proteins with fluorophosphonate-based probes
Authors: Wang Xiafeng , Guo Tianlin , Chen Jiahui , Li Xiaofeng , Zhou Yiqing , Pan Zhengying
Published: March 2018

Fluorophosphonate probes covalently immobilize proteins onto solid support by reacting with tyrosine 111 in the GST tag.
The mechanism of catalase loading into porous vaterite CaCO3 crystals by co-synthesis
Authors: Vikulina A. S. , Feoktistova N. A. , Balabushevich N. G. , Skirtach A. G. , Volodkin D.
Published: March 2018

The mechanism of catalase loading into vaterite CaCO3 crystals through co-synthesis is deciphered showing the crucial role of Ca2+-induced catalase aggregation.
On the thickness of the double layer in ionic liquids
Authors: Ruzanov Anton , Lembinen Meeri , Jakovits Pelle , Srirama Satish N. , Voroshylova Iuliia V. , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S. , Pereira Carlos M. , Rossmeisl Jan , Ivaništšev Vladislav B.
Published: March 2018

The Au(111)|BF4−interface model in which BF4−reorients and spontaneously dissociates at surface coverageθ= 1/3.
Surfactants as mesogenic agents in layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolyte/surfactant multilayers: nanoarchitectured “soft” thin films displaying a tailored mesostructure
Authors: Piccinini Esteban , Tuninetti Jimena S. , Irigoyen Otamendi Joseba , Moya Sergio E. , Ceolín Marcelo , Battaglini Fernando , Azzaroni Omar
Published: March 2018

The integration of surfactants into LbL-assembled multilayers offers a strategy to control the internal film organization at the mesoscale level.
Magnetization switching through domain wall motion in Pt/Co/Cr racetracks with the assistance of the accompanying Joule heating effect
Authors: Cui Baoshan , Li Dong , Yun Jijun , Zuo Yalu , Guo Xiaobin , Wu Kai , Zhang Xu , Wang Yupei , Xi Li , Xue Desheng
Published: March 2018

Heavy metal/ferromagnetic layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) have potential applications for high-density information storage in racetrack memories and nonvolatile magnetic random access memories.
A guide to integrating immunohistochemistry and chemical imaging
Authors: Bishop David P. , Cole Nerida , Zhang Tracy , Doble Philip A. , Hare Dominic J.
Published: March 2018

A ‘how-to’ guide for designing chemical imaging experiments using antibodies and immunohistochemistry.
Influence of Cassia grandis galactomannan on the properties of sponge cakes: a substitute for fat
Authors: Andrade Francisca Joyce E. T. , de Albuquerque Priscilla B. S. , de Seixas José Roberto P. C. , Feitoza George S. , Barros Júnior Wilson , Vicente António A. , Carneiro-da-Cunha Maria das Graças
Published: March 2018

Here we have proposed to evaluate potential replacers of fat in sponge cake formulations.
Multi-element ion-exchange chromatography and high-precision MC-ICP-MS isotope analysis of Mg and Ti from sub-mm-sized meteorite inclusions
Authors: Larsen K. K. , Wielandt D. , Bizzarro M.
Published: March 2018

We present a refined multi-element (Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zr, Mo, Ru, Hf and W) ion chromatographic purification protocol applied to high-precision isotope analysis of Mg and Ti using MC-ICP-MS.
Simultaneous sensitive determination of benzenediol isomers using multiwall carbon nanotube–ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode by a combination of artificial neural network and fast Fourier transform admittance voltammetry
Authors: Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Norouzi Parviz , Ghasemi Jahan B.
Published: March 2018

A novel electrochemical method for the simultaneous determination of catechol, hydroquinone, and resorcinol.
Unusual PLS application for Pd(ii) sensing in extremely acidic solutions
Authors: Biesuz Raffaela , Nurchi Valeria Marina , Lachowicz Joanna Izabela , Alberti Giancarla
Published: March 2018

Tazoc-Mar@: a simple device that turns into a deep blue colour in presence of Pd(ii) at very low concentration.
Highly (100)-oriented CH3NH3PbI3(Cl) perovskite solar cells prepared with NH4Cl using an air blow method
Authors: Oku Takeo , Ohishi Yuya , Ueoka Naoki
Published: March 2018

Perovskite solar cells with dense grains with strong (100) orientation were developed by adding NH4Cl and air blowing.
Drop on a bent fibre
Authors: Pan Zhao , Weyer Floriane , Pitt William G. , Vandewalle Nicolas , Truscott Tadd T.
Published: March 2018

Unraveling how a bent fibre can hold significantly more fluid than a horizontal one.
Reactive stability of promising scalable doped ceria materials for thermochemical two-step CO2 dissociation
Authors: Jacot R. , Naik J. Madhusudhan , Moré R. , Michalsky R. , Steinfeld A. , Patzke G. R.
Published: March 2018

This work reports an improved and stable oxygen exchange capacity (OEC) of optimized doped ceria Ce1−xMxO2−δ (M = Zr, Hf, Nb) materials for two-step thermochemical CO2 splitting over 50 consecutive redox cycles (7 days).
Remarkable impact of low BiYbO3 doping levels on the local structure and phase transitions of BaTiO3
Authors: Deluca M. , Al-Jlaihawi Z. G. , Reichmann K. , Bell A. M. T. , Feteira A.
Published: March 2018

Bi3+ with a stereochemically active lone-pair of electrons induces severe lattice strain in BaTiO3 as revealed by a significant Raman shift of the mode associated with the O–Ti–O bonds.
Versatile templates from cellulose nanofibrils for photosynthetic microbial biofuel production
Authors: Jämsä M. , Kosourov S. , Rissanen V. , Hakalahti M. , Pere J. , Ketoja J. A. , Tammelin T. , Allahverdiyeva Y.
Published: March 2018

Porous, transparent plant-based template constructed from cellulose nanofibrils acts as a versatile matrix for immobilization of H2-producing cyanobacteria and green algae.
An add-on organic green-to-blue photon-upconversion layer for organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Graf von Reventlow Lorenz , Bremer Matthias , Ebenhoch Bernd , Gerken Martina , Schmidt Timothy W. , Colsmann Alexander
Published: March 2018

Deep-blue emission from a green OLED is obtained by adding a thin gelled upconversion layer and additional dichroic filters.
Beneficial effects of folic acid on the kidneys and testes of adult albino rats after exposure to methomyl
Authors: Sakr Samar , Hassanien Hanan , Bester Megan Jean , Arbi Sandra , Sobhy Azza , el Negris Heba , Steenkamp Vanessa
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of folate against methomyl-induced toxicity on the kidneys and testes of male rats.
Fluorometric detection of EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation in lung cancer cells using graphene oxide
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Kim Dong Ho , Jung Woong , Lee Kye Young , Kim Dong-Eun
Published: March 2018

A sensitive fluorometric detection of EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation based on probe DNA-degrading PCR and graphene oxide.
Screening of DNAzyme mutants for highly sensitive and selective detection of calcium in milk
Authors: Yu Tianmeng , Zhou Wenhu , Liu Juewen
Published: March 2018

A mutant of the EtNa DNAzyme has excellent selectivity for calcium and it was used for detecting calcium ions in milk.
The interplay of nanointerface curvature and calcium binding in weak polyelectrolyte-coated nanoparticles
Authors: Nap Rikkert J. , Gonzalez Solveyra Estefania , Szleifer Igal
Published: March 2018

Calcium binding and surface curvature determine the structural and functional properties of weak polyelectrolytes grafted to nanoparticles in biological environments.
Rational design of substituted maleimide dyes with tunable fluorescence and solvafluorochromism
Authors: Xie Yujie , Husband Jonathan T. , Torrent-Sucarrat Miquel , Yang Huan , Liu Weisheng , O’Reilly Rachel K.
Published: March 2018

We herein present a simple methodology to systematically expand the scope of maleimide-based dyes and also provide an insight into the relationship between substitution pattern and optical properties.
Construction of β to carbonyl stereogenic centres by asymmetric 1,4-addition of alkylzirconocenes to dienones and ynenones
Authors: Gao Zhenbo , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: March 2018

A new asymmetric addition of alkylzirconium species to dienones, a dienthioate, ynenones, and ynethionates with good yields and excellent ee's is reported.
Impact of partial interpenetration in a hybrid ultramicroporous material on C2H2/C2H4separation performance
Authors: O’Nolan Daniel , Madden David G. , Kumar Amrit , Chen Kai-Jie , Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Patyk-Kazmierczak Ewa , Yang Qing-Yuan , Murray Claire A. , Tang Chiu C. , Space Brian , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Phases of a 2-foldpcuhybrid ultramicroporous material (HUM),SIFSIX-14-Cu-i, exhibiting 99%, 93%, 89%, and 70% partial interpenetration have been obtained.
Ultrasonication-assisted synthesis of high aspect ratio gold nanowires on a graphene template and investigation of their growth mechanism
Authors: Xin Wenbo , De Rosa Igor M. , Cao Yang , Yin Xunqian , Yu Hang , Ye Peiyi , Carlson Larry , Yang Jenn-Ming
Published: March 2018

We report a facile synthesis of Au nanowires (AuNWs) with a high aspect ratio (l/D) of up to 5000 on a plasma activated graphene template with ultrasound assistance.