bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotyping by sequencing reveals contrasting patterns of population structure, ecologically mediated divergence, and long‐distance dispersal in North American palms
Authors: Klimova Anastasia , Ortega‐Rubio Alfredo , Vendrami David L. J. , Hoffman Joseph I.
Published: May 2018

Comparative studies can provide powerful insights into processes that affect population divergence and thereby help to elucidate the mechanisms by which contemporary populations may respond to environmental change. Furthermore, approaches such as genotyping by sequencing (GBS) provide unprecedented power for resolving genetic differences among species and populations. We therefore usedGBSto provide a genomewide perspective on the comparative population structure of two palm genera,WashingtoniaandBrahea, on the Baja California peninsula, a region of high landscape and ecological complexity. First, we used phylogenetic analysis to address taxonomic uncertainties among five currently recognized species. We resolved three main clades, the first corresponding toW. robustaandW. filifera, the second toB. brandegeeiandB. armata, and the third toB. edulisfrom Guadalupe Island. Focusing on the first two clades, we then delved deeper by investigating the underlying population structure. Striking differences were found, withGBSuncovering four distinctWashingtoniapopulations and identifying a suite of loci associated with temperature, consistent with ecologically mediated divergence. By contrast, individual mountain ranges could be resolved inBraheaand few loci were associated with environmental variables, implying a more prominent role of neutral divergence. Finally, evidence was found for long‐distance dispersal events inWashingtoniabut notBrahea, in line with knowledge of the dispersal mechanisms of these palms including the possibility of human‐mediated dispersal. Overall, our study demonstrates the power ofGBStogether with a comparative approach to elucidate markedly different patterns of genomewide divergence mediated by multiple effectors.
Analysis on behavioral characteristics of agents to suppress bullying
Authors: Ide Hiroyasu , Okuda Takashi
Published: May 2018

The number of bullying recognition at school is increasing every year, and it is a very serious problem in Japan. It is said that the cause of bullying is attributed to the fact that students have independent values in groups and they interact in a complicated way. In this research, we added some special agents into the agent‐based model of bullying, and verified what behavioral characteristics are most effective in suppressing bullying by using multi‐agent simulation. As a result, it was found that the behavioral characteristic “take the tuning action to an agent with a small number of selected values when the number of bullying candidates exceeds the threshold value, and take the tuning action to an agent who is a bullying candidate when the number of bullying candidates is less than or equal to the threshold value” of special agents is most effective in suppressing bullying.
Oxone‐Mediated Oxidation of Vinyl Selenides in Water
Authors: Palomba Martina , Trappetti Francesco , Bagnoli Luana , Santi Claudio , Marini Francesca
Published: May 2018

A simple and practical procedure for the oxidation of vinyl selenides into the corresponding selenones using Oxone in water at 60 °C has been reported. Structurally diverse phenyl vinyl selenones were oxidized under heterogeneous conditions without organic co‐solvents or additional catalysts.
Comparison of protein precipitation methods from adipose tissue using difference gel electrophoresis
Authors: Benabdelkamel Hicham , Masood Afshan , Alanazi Ibrahim O , Alfadda Assim A
Published: May 2018

Proteomic methods have great potential to aid our understanding of the functional and pathological roles of adipose tissue. A critical initial step in the proteomic studies is the efficient isolation of proteins before conducting detailed analysis. In this study, three different methods were used for precipitating proteins; we analyzed samples from visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and stromal visceral fraction extracts after chloroform/methanol, acetone, and trichloroacetic acid precipitation. The proteins recovered after the precipitation steps were examined by 2D‐DIGE. Statistical analyses were carried out using simple linear regression analyses and R2 values were calculated for the intra‐ and inter‐method comparisons. We found that all three precipitation methods provided highly reproducible protein spots that were recovered when run in duplicate using the same method of precipitation, irrespective of whether it was solvent (R2 = 0.85–0.98) or acid‐based (R2 = 0.80–0.96). A higher variation and poor correlation was noted for the recovered protein spots when comparisons were made between the methods (R2 = 0.40–0.88) and also when the same method was compared between different sample types. In this study, TCA‐precipitated samples were enriched in lower molecular mass proteins compared to the samples extracted by solvent‐based precipitation methods.
Multisensory integration processing during olfactory‐visual stimulation—An fMRI graph theoretical network analysis
Authors: Ripp Isabelle , zur Nieden Anna‐Nora , Blankenagel Sonja , Franzmeier Nicolai , Lundström Johan N. , Freiherr Jessica
Published: May 2018

In this study, we aimed to understand how whole‐brain neural networks compute sensory information integration based on the olfactory and visual system. Task‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data was obtained during unimodal and bimodal sensory stimulation. Based on the identification of multisensory integration processing (MIP) specific hub‐like network nodes analyzed with network‐based statistics using region‐of‐interest based connectivity matrices, we conclude the following brain areas to be important for processing the presented bimodal sensory information: right precuneus connected contralaterally to the supramarginal gyrus for memory‐related imagery and phonology retrieval, and the left middle occipital gyrus connected ipsilaterally to the inferior frontal gyrus via the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus including functional aspects of working memory. Applied graph theory for quantification of the resulting complex network topologies indicates a significantly increased global efficiency and clustering coefficient in networks including aspects of MIP reflecting a simultaneous better integration and segregation. Graph theoretical analysis of positive and negative network correlations allowing for inferences about excitatory and inhibitory network architectures revealed—not significant, but very consistent—that MIP‐specific neural networks are dominated by inhibitory relationships between brain regions involved in stimulus processing.
Identification of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using multimodal sparse hierarchical extreme learning machine
Authors: Kim Jongin , Lee Boreom
Published: May 2018

Different modalities such as structural MRI, FDG‐PET, and CSF have complementary information, which is likely to be very useful for diagnosis of AD and MCI. Therefore, it is possible to develop a more effective and accurate AD/MCI automatic diagnosis method by integrating complementary information of different modalities. In this paper, we propose multi‐modal sparse hierarchical extreme leaning machine (MSH‐ELM). We used volume and mean intensity extracted from 93 regions of interest (ROIs) as features of MRI and FDG‐PET, respectively, and used p‐tau, t‐tau, and as CSF features. In detail, high‐level representation was individually extracted from each of MRI, FDG‐PET, and CSF using a stacked sparse extreme learning machine auto‐encoder (sELM‐AE). Then, another stacked sELM‐AE was devised to acquire a joint hierarchical feature representation by fusing the high‐level representations obtained from each modality. Finally, we classified joint hierarchical feature representation using a kernel‐based extreme learning machine (KELM). The results of MSH‐ELM were compared with those of conventional ELM, single kernel support vector machine (SK‐SVM), multiple kernel support vector machine (MK‐SVM) and stacked auto‐encoder (SAE). Performance was evaluated through 10‐fold cross‐validation. In the classification of AD vs. HC and MCI vs. HC problem, the proposed MSH‐ELM method showed mean balanced accuracies of 96.10% and 86.46%, respectively, which is much better than those of competing methods. In summary, the proposed algorithm exhibits consistently better performance than SK‐SVM, ELM, MK‐SVM and SAE in the two binary classification problems (AD vs. HC and MCI vs. HC).
Experimental and analytical studies of solute transport during run‐off over vegetated surfaces
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Xiao Yang , Liang Dongfang , Wang Lei
Published: May 2018

Solute transport in overland flow is considered as one of the main contributors to water pollution. Although many models of pollutant transport mechanism from soil to run‐off water have been proposed, the characteristics of solute transport accompanying the water run‐off over vegetated surface have not been well studied. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to study the solute transport over vegetated surfaces. Based on the experimental results, an idea of the “stationary water layer” in run‐off was proposed. Applying the complete mixing theory in the stationary water layer, an analytical solute transport model was developed with the assumption that the upper run‐off completely mixes with the underlying water in the stationary water layer for each site. The results show that the predictions made by the present model are in good agreement with the measured experimental data. For the vegetated surfaces, the depth of stationary water layer is related to the rainfall intensity, bed slope, and vegetation density. The analytical solution shows that the maximum solute transport occurs at the time of concentration. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms of solute transport over vegetated areas.
Isotopic evidence of subtle nutrient enrichment in mangrove habitats of Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Authors: Samper‐Villarreal Jimena , Cortés Jorge , Polunin Nicholas V.C.
Published: May 2018

Mangroves are of great ecological and socio‐economic importance, yet they are under threat from urban development on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. To test for possible nutrient‐related impacts, we compared water‐column nutrient concentrations, C and N stable isotope values and other environmental variables between mangroves with known sewage loading (three “nutrient loaded” locations) and those without such loading (three “reference” locations). Instantaneous nutrient concentrations were low at all locations, Secchi depth was greater at reference locations, and chlorophyll concentrations were higher at nutrient loaded mangroves. Suspended matter did not vary between reference and nutrient loaded mangroves, and nor did bivalve and algal δ13C and δ15N values. Enrichment of δ15N and δ13C of red mangrove leaves at the nutrient loaded locations is attributed to pulsed inputs of materials that were not detected in the instantaneous nutrient data. We provide evidence of isotopic enrichment at nutrient loaded locations from mangrove material and recommend that adequate waste water treatment be carried out on all anthropogenic discharges into this vulnerable marine system.
Simulation of less‐mobile porosity dynamics in contrasting sediment water interface porous media
Authors: MahmoodPoor Dehkordy Farzaneh , Briggs Martin A. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Bagtzoglou Amvrossios C.
Published: May 2018

Considering heterogeneity in porous media pore size and connectivity is essential to predicting reactive solute transport across interfaces. However, exchange with less‐mobile porosity is rarely considered in surface water/groundwater recharge studies. Previous research indicates that a combination of pore‐fluid sampling and geoelectrical measurements can be used to quantify less‐mobile porosity exchange dynamics using the time‐varying relation between fluid and bulk electrical conductivity. For this study, we use macro‐scale (10 s of cm) advection–dispersion solute transport models linked with electrical conduction in COMSOL Multiphysics to explore less‐mobile porosity dynamics in two different types of observed sediment water interface porous media. Modeled sediment textures contrast from strongly layered streambed deposits to poorly sorted lakebed sands and cobbles. During simulated ionic tracer perturbations, a lag between fluid and bulk electrical conductivity, and the resultant hysteresis, is observed for all simulations indicating differential loading of pore spaces with tracer. Less‐mobile exchange parameters are determined graphically from these tracer time series data without the need for inverse numerical model simulation. In both sediment types, effective less‐mobile porosity exchange parameters are variable in response to changes in flow direction and fluid flux. These observed flow‐dependent effects directly impact local less‐mobile residence times and associated contact time for biogeochemical reaction. The simulations indicate that for the sediment textures explored here, less‐mobile porosity exchange is dominated by variable rates of advection through the domain, rather than diffusion of solute, for typical low‐to‐moderate rate (approximately 3–40 cm/day) hyporheic fluid fluxes. Overall, our model‐based results show that less‐mobile porosity may be expected in a range of natural hyporheic sediments and that changes in flowpath orientation and magnitude will impact less‐mobile exchange parameters. These temporal dynamics can be assessed with the geoelectrical experimental tracer method applied at laboratory and field scales.
Suppression of IKK, but not activation of p53 is responsible for cell death mediated by naturally occurring oxidized tetranortriterpenoid
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Zaidi Adeel H. , Manna Sunil K.
Published: May 2018

Tetranortriterpenoids (limonoids) obtained from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have gained significant attention due to their anti‐proliferative properties. Here we are investigating the role of a highly oxidized tetranortriterpenoid, azadirachtin on induction of the cell death. Using various apoptotic assays, we show that azadirachtin induces cell death independent of cell types. Although azadirachtin‐treated cells show increased expression of p53, but no phosphorylation of p53 (at Ser15 and Ser46) is detected. In silico analysis reveals that azadirachtin interacts with Mdm2 in the p53 binding site, postulating the mutually exclusive interaction of p53 and azadirachtin with Mdm2. Surprisingly, azadirachtin potentiates cell death efficiently in both p53 wild‐type and p53 negative cells. In addition, we find azadirachtin suppresses nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF‐κB) by inhibiting the phosphorylation of upstream inhibitory subunit of NF‐κB (IκB) kinase (IKK). Further, azadirachtin is unable to potentiate apoptosis in NF‐κB‐downregulated (IκB‐DN) cells, whereas ectopic expression of p65 rescues azadirachtin‐mediated apoptosis, regardless of their p53 status. Hence, our data suggest that azadirachtin mediates cell death through inhibition of NF‐κB, but not due to the activation of p53. In conclusion, this study proposes azadirachtin as a potential therapeutic agent where insensitivity toward chemotherapy occurs due to the inactivation or mutations in p53.
RXRG associated in PPAR signal regulated the differentiation of primordial germ cell
Authors: Cheng Shaoze , Wang Man , Wang Yingjie , Zhang Chen , Wang Yilin , Song Jiuzhou , Zuo Qisheng , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun
Published: May 2018

Primitive germ cells (PGCs) are the “ancestor” of sex germ cells. However, their regulation mechanism is not clear at present. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of PPAR signaling pathway on the differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into PGCs, providing theoretical support for the further study of the mechanism of regulation of chicken PGCs. Based on the results of RNA‐Seq analysis, the key signal pathway PPAR and the key signal molecule RXRG in the pathway were successfully screened. Also, we made the PPAR signal transduction pathway be activated in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that the expression of FABP3 and SCD‐1 was up‐regulated by high expression of RXRG, which significantly up‐regulated the expression of Cvh, C‐kit, and the ratio of Cvh + C‐kit+ cells was higher than that of control group. The formation of PGCs was blocked by interfering with PPAR signaling pathway. We conclude that RXRG positively regulates the PPAR signaling pathway and promotes differentiation of chicken ESCs into PGCs. Thus, gene RXRG can be used to study the regulation of PGCs differentiation in chickens.
Impact of a non‐synonymous Q281R polymorphism on structure of human Lipoprotein‐Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2)
Authors: Gurung Arun B. , Bhattacharjee Atanu
Published: May 2018

Non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) are genetic variations at single base resulting in an amino acid change which have been associated with various complex human diseases. The human Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) gene harbours a rare Q281R polymorphism which was previously reported to cause loss of enzymatic function. Lp‐PLA2 is an important enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of polar phospholipids releasing pro‐atherogenic and pro‐inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Our current study is aimed at elucidating the structural and functional consequences of Q281R polymorphism on Lp‐PLA2. The Q281R mutation is classified as deleterious and causes protein instability as deduced from evolutionary, folding free energy changes and Support vector machine (SVM)‐based methods. A Q281R mutant structure was deciphered using homology modelling approach and was validated using phi and psi dihedral angles distribution, ERRAT, Verify_3D scores, Protein Structure Analysis (ProSA) energ,y and Z‐score. A decreased hydrophobic interactions and weaker substrate binding affinity was observed in the mutant compared to the wild‐ type (WT) using molecular docking. Further, the mutant displayed enhanced structural flexibility particularly in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) binding domain, decreased solvent accessibility of catalytic residues‐Phe274 and Ser273 and increased Cɑ distance between Phe274 and Leu153 and large conformational entropy change as inferred from all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and essential dynamics (ED) studies. Our results corroborate well with previous experimental studies and thus these aberrations in the Q281R mutant structure may help explain the molecular basis of loss of enzyme activity.
Knockdown of Beclin‐1 impairs epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cells
Authors: Shen Hong , Yin Ling , Deng Ganlu , Guo Cao , Han Ying , Li Yiyi , Cai Changjing , Fu Yaojie , Liu Shanshan , Zeng Shan
Published: May 2018

Activation of autophagy significantly affects cancer cell behaviors, such as proliferation, differentiation, and invasiveness. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) as an initial step of malignant transformation of cancer cells was linked to the activation of autophagy, but the detailed molecular mechanisms are still unknown. The present study investigates the effects of Beclin‐1, a key molecule involved in activation of autophagy, on EMT of colon cancer cells. The normal colon epithelia cell line of CCD‐18Co and six colon cancer cell lines with different expression levels of Beclin‐1 were used in this study. The activation of autophagy and EMT markers of cancer cells were monitored by Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR assay in the presence or absence of rapamycin (autophagy activator) and 3‐MA (autophagy inhibitor). The expression of Beclin‐1 in selected cell lines was modulated using small interfering RNA, and consequentially EMT markers, and cancer cell behaviors including migration and invasion, were also explored. Activation or inhibition of autophagy in colon cancer cells had positive or negative impacts on the expression of EMT markers and malignant behaviors such as cell migration and invasion. Knockdown of beclin‐1 by siRNA apparently inhibited the activation of autophagy induced by rapamycin, consequentially resulted in suppression of EMT and attenuation of invasiveness of colon cancer cells. The results in this study demonstrated an association between activation of autophagy and EMT in colon cancer cells. The results showed suppression of Beclin‐1 expression significantly reduced EMT and invasive behaviors in colon cancer cells.
Retracted: Beta‐elemene increases chemosensitivity to 5‐fluorouracil through down‐regulating microRNA‐191 expression in colorectal carcinoma cells
Authors: Guo Zongbing , Liu Zhenzhen , Yue Haifeng , Wang Jingyuan
Published: May 2018

Colorectal carcinoma is a common malignant tumor occurring in the alimentary system. Despite developments of modern medicine, developed resistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) may lead to poor prognosis. Herein, we aimed to explore the effects of beta‐elemene on colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116 and HT29) as well as the underlying mechanisms. Beta‐elemene reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in HCT116 and HT29 cells. Increased apoptosis following beta‐elemene exposure was due to enhanced sensitivity to 5‐FU through down‐regulating miR‐191. Expression of key kinases, including Wnt3a, and β‐catenin, were down‐regulated by beta‐elemene through a miR‐191 mechanism. Moreover, beta‐elemene might improve resistance of colorectal carcinoma cells to 5‐FU by down‐regulating miR‐191, thereby inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Pterostilbene inhibits amyloid‐β‐induced neuroinflammation in a microglia cell line by inactivating the NLRP3/caspase‐1 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Li Qiushi , Chen Long , Liu Xuewen , Li Xidong , Cao Yue , Bai Yang , Qi Fengjiao
Published: May 2018

Neuroinflammation has been known as an important pathogenetic contributor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pterostilbene is a natural compound which has neuroprotective activity. However, the effect of pterostilbene on amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐induced neuroinflammation has not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of pterostilbene on Aβ‐induced neuroinflammation in microglia. The results indicated that pterostilbene attenuated Aβ1−42‐induced cytotoxicity of BV‐2 cells. Aβ1−42 induced NO production and iNOS mRNA and protein expression, while pterostilbene inhibited the induction. The expression and secretion levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α were enhanced by Aβ1−42 treatment, whereas pterostilbene decreased them. Aβ1−42 activated NLRP3/caspase‐1 inflammasome, which was inactivated by pterostilbene. In addition, the inhibitor of caspase‐1 Z‐YVAD‐FMK attenuated the Aβ1−42‐induced neuroinflammation in BV‐2 cells. In conclusion, pterostilbene attenuated the neuroinflammatory response induced by Aβ1−42 in microglia through inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase‐1 inflammasome pathway, indicating that pterostilbene might be an effective therapy for AD.
Long non‐coding RNA PlncRNA‐1 promotes cell proliferation and hepatic metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jia Gui‐Qing , Zhang Ming‐Ming , Wang Kang , Zhao Gao‐Ping , Pang Ming‐Hui , Chen Zhe‐Yu
Published: May 2018

Emerging evidence has identified that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of many cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of PlncRNA‐1 in CRC remains unclear. The aim of our present study was to investigate the potential functions of PlncRNA‐1 in CRC and to identify the underlying mechanisms of action. We demonstrated that up‐regulated PlncRNA‐1 in CRC tissues and cells promoted cell proliferation by accelerating cell cycle process and inhibiting cell apoptosis in vitro, enhanced tumor growth and matastasis in vivo and was associated with cell migration and invasion, EMT process of CRC cells. In addition, PlncRNA‐1 was a target of miR‐204 and enhanced the expression of an endogenous miR‐204 target, MMP9 in CRC cells. Furthermore, we found that PlncRNA‐1 activates Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through the miR‐204 in CRC cells. These results suggest that the PlncRNA‐1/miR‐204/ Wnt/β‐catenin regulatory network may shed light on tumorigenesis in CRC.
Evaluation of the clinical application of multiple tumor marker protein chip in the diagnostic of lung cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaochuan , Zhang Yi , Sun Liangqi , Wang Shuaiping , Nie Jing , Zhao Wenqing , Zheng Guobao
Published: May 2018

Background

The early diagnostic of lung cancer plays an important role in the prognosis of surgical treatment among lung cancer patients. To evaluate the clinical application of multi‐tumor markers protein biochip in the diagnosis of lung cancer, 12 tumor markers were detected in patients with different stages of lung cancer.

Methods

Serum CA125, CA19‐9, Ferritin, CA15‐3, CA242, CEA, AFP, NSE, PSA, f‐PSA, HGH, and β‐HGH were assessed in 506 patients, with 224 patients with lung cancer (including 123 cases of adenocarcinoma, 30 squamous cell carcinoma, 54 small‐cell carcinoma, and 17 non classification), 159 patients with benign lung disease and 90 healthy people control by the C‐12 multiple tumor protein‐chip detective system.

Results

The positive rate of C‐12 (77.23%) in lung cancer was significantly higher than that of benign lung disease (13.84%) and healthy people (9.76%) (P < .01). In lung cancer, the positive rate of CA199, NSE, CEA, CA242, Ferritin, f‐PSA, and CA125 were significantly higher than that of benign lung disease and healthy people. In adenocarcinoma, the positive rate of CA125 (73.53%) was significantly higher than that of squamous cell carcinoma (36.67%) and small‐cell carcinoma (56.62%).

Conclusion

The C‐12 multiple tumor protein‐chip detective system has acceptable sensitivity in the diagnostic of lung cancer.
Spouses' prenatal autonomous motivation to have a child and postpartum depression symptoms
Authors: Reut Nachoum , Kanat‐ Maymon Yaniv
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Maternal postpartum depression symptoms (PDS) are linked with negative personal, family, and child developmental outcomes. However, paternal PDS, let alone dyadic process, are understudied. Grounded in the Self‐Determination Theory of motivation, this longitudinal study examined whether mothers' and fathers' type of prenatal motivation to have a child predicted depression symptoms 3‐6 months after birth.

Method

The data (N = 90 heterosexual couples) were analyzed using the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model.

Results

Dyadic analyses showed that a person's prenatal autonomous motivation to have a child significantly predicted own PDS and partner's PDS. Importantly, these finding were equivalent across genders.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of dyadic prenatal motivational processes as antecedents of PDS.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of human parechovirus in individuals with acute diarrhea and healthy controls in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Xuejiao , Shi Tingli , Huang Jianhua , Xiao Gang , Huang Jing , Xiong Yiquan , Li Xiufen , Chen Huifang , Zheng Xueyan , Yu Shouyi , Chen Qing
Published: May 2018

Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) are prevalent in young children; however, their effects are incompletely understood. We investigated the prevalence, genotype distribution, and phylogeny of HPeVs in individuals with diarrhea (n = 430) and healthy controls (n = 93) by the analysis of stool specimens collected from July 2013 to December 2014; 51 (11.86%) and 6 (6.45%) specimens were HPeV positive, respectively. HPeV1A occurred in 28 (6.51%) and 6 (6.45%) individuals with diarrhea and controls, respectively, whereas HPeV1B (3.95%), HPeV3 (0.23%), HPeV4 (0.70%), and HPeV14 (a rare genotype, 0.47%) were only detected in individuals with diarrhea. There was no significant difference in the rate of HPeV detection between the 2 groups; however, the mean age of HPeV infection was significantly lower in males. We conclude that HPeVs may be opportunistic pathogens associated with acute diarrhea. Immunocompromised individuals, such as children aged under 2 years and the elderly, could be vulnerable to HPeV infections.
Effect of Pb‐resistant plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria inoculation on growth and lead uptake by Lathyrus sativus
Authors: Abdelkrim Souhir , Jebara Salwa H. , Saadani Omar , Chiboub Manel , Abid Ghassen , Jebara Moez
Published: May 2018

In search of efficient and resistant plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains with multiple activities, a total of twelve bacterial belonging to R. leguminosarum, S. meliloti, Pseudomonas sp., P. fluorescens, Luteibacter sp., Variovorax sp., B. simplex, and B. megaterium were isolated from root nodules of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) grown in contaminated soils. Upon screening, all test strains were able to synthesize indoleacetic acid; more than 90% were siderophore producers and 75% showed varying levels of phosphate solubilizing ability. The gaseous metabolite biosynthesis showed that 42% of strains were cyanogenic. The lead (Pb) bioaccumulation differs with incubation times between cell wall and cytoplasm. Indeed, the most part of Pb was adsorbed to cell surface. A pot experiment was conducted for investigating the capability of combined bacteria to promote plant growth of Lathyrus sativus under controlled conditions. Subsequently, the performance of symbiosis Lathyrus sativus‐PGPR (I4: R. leguminosarum (M5) + B. simplex + Luteibacter sp. + Variovorax sp.) was investigated under lead stress using hydroponic culture to elucidate the effect of bacterial inoculation on Pb uptake as well as plant growth. Results showed that under 0.5 mM Pb, inoculation with I4 significantly increased shoots and roots biomass by 59% and 56%, respectively, and improved Pb uptake in both shoots and roots by 39% and 47%, respectively, as compared to uninoculated plants. The inoculation of Lathyrus sativus with efficient and Pb resistant PGPR is a promising symbiosis that having significant potential to improve phytoremediation of Pb‐polluted soils.
Late Pleistocene–Holocene environmental change in eastern Turkey: multi‐proxy palaeoecological data of vegetation and lake‐catchment changes
Authors: Bİltekİn Demet , Erİş Kürşad Kadİr , Çağatay Memet Namık , Ön Sena Akçer , Akkoca Dİcle Bal
Published: May 2018

This study presents the first pollen record from Lake Hazar, eastern Turkey, together with previously published multi‐proxy records from core Hz11‐P03. The data provide insight into multi‐centennial‐scale climatic changes during the late Pleistocene–Holocene period. The onset of the Younger Dryas was marked by an increase in the number of herbaceous plants (such as those in the families Poaceae and Asteraceae and the genus Centaurea) and lake level lowering with a −73 m erosional terrace on the lake margin. At the beginning of the early Holocene, the expansion of deciduous Quercus was attributed to significant afforestation due to high humidity that was presumably sufficient for the establishment of the oak forest. An increase in deciduous Quercus was maintained until the middle Holocene. An increase in herbaceous plants, and lower lake levels occurred during the late Holocene as a result of cold and dry climatic conditions. Moreover, a deciduous Quercus delay was not detected in Lake Hazar, indicating that the presence of a warm and humid climate created favourable conditions for oaks to expand at the onset of the early Holocene.
Covalent modification of soy protein isolate by (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate: effects on structural and emulsifying properties
Authors: Tao Fei , Jiang He , Chen Wenwei , Zhang Yongyong , Pan Jiarong , Jiang Jiaxin , Jia Zhenbao
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Soy protein isolate (SPI) has promising applications in various food products because of its excellent functional properties and nutritional quality. The structural and emulsifying properties of covalently modified SPI by (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) were investigated.

RESULTS

SPI was covalently modified by EGCG under alkaline conditions. SDS‐PAGE analysis revealed that EGCG modification caused crosslinking of SPI proteins. Circular dichroism spectra demonstrated that the secondary structure of SPI proteins was changed by EGCG modification. In addition, the modifications resulted in the perturbation of the tertiary structure of SPI as evidenced by intrinsic fluorescence spectra and surface hydrophobicity measurements. Oil‐in‐water emulsions of modified SPI had smaller droplet sizes and better creaming stability compared to those from unmodified SPI.

CONCLUSION

The covalent modification by EGCG improved the emulsifying property of SPI. This study therefore provided an innovative approach for improving the emulsifying properties of proteins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of high‐intensity ultrasound treatment on functional properties of plum (Pruni domesticae semen) seed protein isolate
Authors: Xue Feng , Zhu Chengshu , Liu Fan , Wang Shenyan , Liu Haozhen , Li Chen
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

In order to improve the functional properties of plum seed protein isolate (PSPI), the effects of high‐intensity ultrasound (20 kHz) at different levels of power output (200, 400 and 600 W) on the water/oil holding, solubility, emulsifying, foaming, gel, film formation capacity and hydrolysis degrees of PSPI were investigated.

RESULTS

Compared with untreated PSPI, ultrasound treatment improved water holding capacity, solubility, emulsifying properties, foaming capacity of PSPI. The gel prepared from ultrasound treated PSPI showed the higher gel strength compared with untreated protein. The film prepared from ultrasound treated PSPI showed higher tensile strength, lower elongation and permeability, denser and more compact microstructure compared with untreated protein. Ultrasonic treatment also improved the accessibility of PSPI to the protease (Alcalase, Trypsin, Neutrase, Protamex, Papain and Flavourzyme). Furthermore, the ultrasonic treatment could induce a decrease in particle size and relative fluorescence intensity, an increase in surface hydrophobicity, and changes in secondary structure and microstructure of PSPI.

CONCLUSION

The changes in structure analysis of PSPI indicated that ultrasound treatment could induce molecular unfolding of protein, which might be helpful for improving the functional properties and efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of an acryloyl β‐cyclodextrin‐silica hybrid monolithic column and its application in pipette tip solid‐phase extraction and HPLC analysis of methyl parathion and fenthion
Authors: Chen Ling , Dang Xueping , Ai Youhong , Chen Huaixia
Published: May 2018

An acryloyl β‐cyclodextrin‐silica hybrid monolithic column for pipette tip solid‐phase extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography determination of methyl parathion and fenthion has been prepared through a sol–gel polymerization method. The synthesis conditions, including the volume of cross‐linker and the ratio of inorganic solution to organic solution, were optimized. The prepared monolithic column was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The eluent type, volume and flow rate, sample volume, flow rate, acidity, and ionic strength were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, a simple and sensitive pipette tip solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the determination of methyl parathion and fenthion in lettuce. The method yielded a linear calibration curve in the concentration ranges of 15–400 μg/kg for methyl parathion and 20–400 μg/kg for fenthion with correlation coefficients of above 0.9957. The limits of detection were 4.5 μg/kg for methyl parathion and 6.0 μg/kg for fenthion, respectively. The recoveries of methyl parathion and fenthion spiked in lettuce ranged from 96.0 to 104.2% with relative standard deviations less than 8.4%.
Huntington's disease: Current and future therapeutic prospects
Authors: Kieburtz Karl , Reilmann Ralf , Olanow C. Warren
Published: May 2018

Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which therapies are woefully inadequate and do not prevent inevitable progression. Currently approved therapies are primarily aimed at treating chorea, but do not address the more clinically meaningful motor, behavioral, and cognitive features of the disease. However, there are a number of promising new therapies that are currently being studied in the laboratory, and in the clinic. This article will review the wide variety of therapies currently being tested, the advances in clinical trials and end points, and the many potentially relevant new targets. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A full probabilistic solution of the random linear fractional differential equation via the random variable transformation technique
Authors: Burgos C. , Calatayud J. , Cortés J.‐C. , Navarro‐Quiles A.
Published: May 2018

This paper provides a full probabilistic solution of the randomized fractional linear nonhomogeneous differential equation with a random initial condition via the computation of the first probability density function of the solution stochastic process. To account for most generality in our analysis, we assume that uncertainty appears in all input parameters (diffusion coefficient, source term, and initial condition) and that a wide range of probabilistic distributions can be assigned to these parameters. Throughout our study, we will consider that the fractional order of Caputo derivative lies in ]0,1], that corresponds to the main standard case. To conduct our analysis, we take advantage of the random variable transformation technique to construct approximations of the first probability density function of the solution process from a suitable infinite series representation. We then prove these approximations do converge to the exact density assuming mild conditions on random input parameters. Our theoretical findings are illustrated through 2 numerical examples.
A full D‐band CMOS envelope detector for high‐speed OOK wireless communication
Authors: Suh Bohee , Jeon Sanggeun
Published: May 2018

This article presents a D‐band CMOS envelope detector (ED) used for a wideband on‐off‐keying (OOK) receiver. The ED consists of an input balun and a differential common‐source pair. The input balun is designed in a low‐loss rat‐race coupler. The baseband output signal is taken at the common node of the differential pair while the carrier is simultaneously suppressed. The ED is fabricated in a low‐cost 65‐nm bulk CMOS technology. The measured average responsivity and noise equivalent power are 1.16 kV/W and 234 pW/Hz1/2, respectively, from 110 to 170 GHz. To demonstrate its high‐speed demodulation capability, the ED is employed as an OOK receiver along with an on‐chip D‐band amplifier. The receiver demodulates the OOK signal of up to 4 Gbps through the air channel over a distance of 0.11 m. Furthermore, an air‐channel transfer of high‐definition video signal complying with the SMPTE 292M standard is successfully demonstrated using the receiver.
A compact slotted patch antenna for breast tumor detection
Authors: Islam M. Tarikul , Samsuzzaman M. , Rahman M. N. , Islam M. T.
Published: May 2018

A new efficient, comprehensive, and compact breast phantom measurement scheme with microstrip patch antenna is presented. The radiating element of the antenna is modified by cutting slots in both patch and ground plane for enhancing the electrical length and achieving omnidirectional radiation pattern with high gain. This methodology increases the operating frequency and as well as gain and efficiency without affecting the dimension of the antenna. The overall dimension of the antenna is 23 mm × 21 mm. The fractional bandwidth of the antenna is near about 117% (3.1–12 GHz) for −10 dB return loss with omnidirectional radiation pattern. The result shows that the average gain is 4.7 dBi with a maximum of 6.2 dBi and maximum efficiency of 98% over the operating bandwidth. The proposed prototype is simulated, fabricated, and measured, and simulated results are properly analyzed. The fidelity factor for 2 scenario of face to face and side by side also observed. Various parameters of the antenna are studied on breast phantom model with tumor sample for validating the antennas performance on breast phantom measurement. A simulation model is proposed where the antennas act as a transceiver in breast phantom measurement system for detecting undesirable tumor cells interior to the breast.
Resonator based metamaterial sensor to detect unknown materials
Authors: Rahman Md. Naimur , Islam Mohammad T. , Md. Samsuzzaman Sobuz
Published: May 2018

A resonator based metamaterial sensor to detect unknown materials is proposed in this article. The metamaterial structure consists of a resonator, which is surrounded by a partial ground frame and excited by a microstrip feeding transmission line. Having a geometric size of 30 × 30 mm2, the metamaterial is printed on Rogers RO3010 (tm) substrate with the relative permittivity of 10.2. Numbers of unit cells are needed for traditional metamaterial design, whereas the proposed metamaterial structure has only one cell, which can achieve the metamaterial properties. The aim of the study is to apply the metamaterial in sensor applications and the results exhibit that the metamaterial is appropriate for the microwave sensor applications.
A dual‐band class‐E power amplifier with concurrent matching network in 0.18‐μm CMOS
Authors: Lin Wen‐Jie , Huang Po‐Shun , Cheng Jen‐Hao , Tsai Jeng‐Han , Alsuraisry Hamed , Huang Tian‐Wei
Published: May 2018

In this letter, a dual‐band class‐E CMOS power amplifier (PA) in 0.18‐μm CMOS process is presented. By using concurrent dual‐band impedance matching network, the proposed dual‐band PA can achieve high efficiency in a compact chip area. This dual‐band class‐E PA demonstrates the power gain ≥ 8.4 dB, Psat ≥ 21.4 dBm with power added efficiency ≥ 31% in a compact chip size of 0.5 mm2. This dual‐band class‐E PA achieves comparable power area density of 284.5 (mW/mm2) with other state‐of‐the‐art class‐E PAs at higher frequency.
Compact and low‐loss wilkinson power divider using a high‐Q spiral inductor on a sapphire substrate
Authors: Yoon Tae‐Woong , Kim Dong‐Su , Yook Jong‐Min
Published: May 2018

In this article, a high‐performance Wilkinson power divider (WPD) using lumped elements on a sapphire substrate is presented. The proposed WPD is achieved by replacing the transmission line of the conventional WPD with a π‐type equivalent circuit. It has a thick metal spiral inductor, and an organic layer, with thicknesses of 40 and 60 μm, respectively, and the Q‐factor was 47 at 2 GHz. The measurement result shows excellent RF performance with return loss (S11) and isolation (S21) better than 15 and 12 dB, respectively, and the average insertion loss is lower than 0.3 dB in the operating bandwidths of 3.2 to 4.2 GHz and 6.3 to 10 GHz.
Design of filtering power divider with high frequency selectivity
Authors: Xu Kai‐Da , Bai Yecheng , Zhu Chunhui , Liu Yanhui
Published: May 2018

A novel controllable wideband filtering power divider (FPD) with sharp roll‐off skirt and good isolation is presented in this article. By introducing a pair of coupled lines and several uniformed quarter‐wavelength microstrip lines to the power divider, a wide flat passband with good selectivity is achieved. A resistor is then arranged between the 2 coupled line structures to obtain good isolation. Even‐mode and odd‐mode approach is applied to deduce the design equations of the proposed FPD. The center frequency can be adjusted flexibly by simply controlling the length of the coupled lines and the other microstrip lines. Eventually, the proposed power divider centered at 2.3 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 75% is fabricated and measured for verification. The measured minimum in‐band insertion loss is 0.3 dB, while the isolation is better than 20 dB. Good agreement is shown between the simulated and measured results.
Design and characterization simulation of Ti: Sapphire‐based femtosecond laser system using Lab2 tools in the NI LabVIEW
Authors: Hussain M. , Imran T.
Published: May 2018

We report on the 825‐nm center wavelength, 9.17 mJ pulse energy Ti:sapphire‐based femtosecond laser system simulation carried out by Lab2 tools in LabVIEW (National Instruments, Inc.). The design investigation and characterization of stretched, amplified and compressed pulses made by intensity module and second harmonic generation frequency‐resolved optical gating module in Lab2. The minimum pulse duration of ∼37.80 fs at the output of the compressor end obtained by simulations. The variation of pulse energy, FWHM and central wavelength versus number of passes in the amplifier are computed. The Lab2 tools help to design and characterize laser system before to set up on the optical table. The simulation results save time to calculate parameters which are essential in femtosecond laser system designing. The Lab2 simulation tools, along with financial constraints, it is easier, simple, and efficient to obtain results in short time.
Microwave imaging of periodic rough surfaces
Authors: Chiu Chien‐Ching , Chan Ming‐Kai
Published: May 2018

This article presents the reconstruction of the periodic rough surface. By the Maxwell equations, the periodic Green functions and the boundary conditions, we can get the integral equations; then these equations can be converted into matrix form by the method of moment. We can reconstruct the relative permittivity and shape of periodic rough surfaces through the application of the integral equations and the measured scattered field. The inverse scattering problem is transformed into an optimization problem and solved by self‐adaptive dynamic differential evolution (SADDE) which can process a lot of unknowns for the electromagnetic imaging problems. The article tests the search ability and the resistance to noise for SADDE by different initial guesses for the periodic rough surface. By using the SADDE to reconstruct the periodic rough surface, numerical results show that the SADDE converges to the overall extreme value (global extreme) regardless of the initial guess. Even if the initial guess is far away from the actual value, SADDE can get the correct periodic length, the relative permittivity and shape of the periodic rough surface. Simulation results also show that good reconstruction can be obtained for the noise <1%.
ESPAR‐inspired mechanical beam steering antenna with high gain and wide bandwidth performance
Authors: Katare Kranti Kumar , Biswas Animesh , Akhtar M. J.
Published: May 2018

This article presents electrically steerable passive array radiator inspired high gain, mechanical beam steering configuration, operating in the wide frequency band with frequency dependent radiation characteristics. Monopole antenna in combination with twelve parasitic elements is fed through impedance matching network and offered impedance bandwidth of 32.0% and approximate gain of 9.0 dBi.
Scattering from anisotropic surfaces analyzed with method of moments
Authors: Basta Nikola , Olćan Dragan I.
Published: May 2018

A general approach for calculation of scattering from anisotropic conductive surfaces is outlined. It uses method of moments with surface integral‐equation formulation utilizing higher order and edge‐singular basis functions. Scattering from: an anisotropic plate, an array with different anisotropies, and a surface with spatially varying anisotropy are used for verification.