bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal development of psychopathology and subjective health status in CHD adults: a 30- to 43-year follow-up in a unique cohort
Authors: Opić Petra , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Cuypers Judith A. A. C. , Witsenburg Maarten , van den Bosch Annemien , van Domburg Ron T. , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Utens Elisabeth M. W. J.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To determine longitudinal changes in psychopathology in a cohort of patients 30–43 years after their first cardiac surgery for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in childhood, to compare outcomes of the 30- to 43-year follow-up with normative data, and to identify medical predictors for psychopathology.

Methods

This study is the third follow-up of this cohort. The first and second follow-ups of this same cohort were conducted in 1990 and 2001, respectively. At all three follow-ups, psychopathology was assessed with standardised, parallel questionnaires. In 2011, subjective health status was assessed by the Short Form-36. Medical predictor variables were derived from medical examinations and medical records.

Results

In this third follow-up, a total of 252 patients participated. Of these, 152 patients participated in all three follow-ups. Over a 30-year period, proportions of patients showing psychopathology decreased significantly.

At the 30- to 43-year follow-up, overall outcomes on psychopathology for the CHD sample were similar or even better compared with normative groups. Subjective health status was also better compared with normative data.

No differences were found between cardiac diagnostic groups. Medical variables that predicted the course of psychopathology over time were as follows: the scar, as judged by the patient, results of the first cardiac surgery, and the number of hospitalisations.

Conclusions

Over a 30-year period, psychopathology decreased in patients with CHD. Levels of psychopathology in these patients, who are now aged between 30 and 54 years, were comparable or even better than normative data.
Characterization of Sputtered CdTe Thin Films with Electron Backscatter Diffraction and Correlation with Device Performance
Authors: Nowell Matthew M. , Scarpulla Michael A. , Paudel Naba R. , Wieland Kristopher A. , Compaan Alvin D. , Liu Xiangxin
Published: June 2015

The performance of polycrystalline CdTe photovoltaic thin films is expected to depend on the grain boundary density and corresponding grain size of the film microstructure. However, the electrical performance of grain boundaries within these films is not well understood, and can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral in terms of film performance. Electron backscatter diffraction has been used to characterize the grain size, grain boundary structure, and crystallographic texture of sputtered CdTe at varying deposition pressures before and after CdCl2 treatment in order to correlate performance with microstructure. Weak fiber textures were observed in the as-deposited films, with (111) textures present at lower deposition pressures and (110) textures observed at higher deposition pressures. The CdCl2-treated samples exhibited significant grain recrystallization with a high fraction of twin boundaries. Good correlation of solar cell efficiency was observed with twin-corrected grain size while poor correlation was found if the twin boundaries were considered as grain boundaries in the grain size determination. This implies that the twin boundaries are neutral with respect to recombination and carrier transport.
An examination of the research priorities for a hospice service in New Zealand: A Delphi study
Authors: de Vries Kay , Walton Jo , Nelson Katherine , Knox Rhondda
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

Palliative care research is relatively diverse and prioritizing research in this field is dependent on multiple factors such as complex ethical decisions in designing and conducting the research; access to participants who may be deemed “vulnerable” and an increasingly medically focused approach to care. The aim of this study was to inform organizational decision-making and policy development regarding future research priorities for a hospice service in New Zealand.

Methods:

A modified three-round Delphi technique was employed. Participants were drawn from one dedicated specialist palliative care service that delivers care in the community, day-care, hospice inpatient, aged residential care, and acute hospital palliative care service. A purposive sample included palliative care staff (n = 10, 18, 9, for rounds 1–3, respectively) volunteers (n = 10, 12, 11); and patients and family carers (n = 6, 8, for rounds 1 and 2). Patients and family carers were not involved in the third round.

Results:

At final ranking of six research themes encompassing 23 research topics were identified by staff and volunteers. These were: symptom management; aged care; education; community; patient and family; and bereavement support and young people. Patients and family carers agreed on four themes, made up of 10 research topics. These were: decision-making, bereavement and loss, symptom management; and recognition of need and response of service.

Significance of results:

The study generated a rich set of research themes and specific research topics. The perspectives of staff and volunteers are significantly different from those of patients and family members, in spite of the recognition by all concerned that palliative care services work within a philosophy of patient-centered care. Open discussion of ideas has the potential to engage both staff and patients and carers in quality improvement initiatives, and to reinforce the value of research for patient care.
Coping strategies and distress reduction in psychological well-being? A structural equation modelling analysis using a national population sample
Authors: Meng X. , D'Arcy C.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Little is understood about of the role of coping strategies in psychological well-being (PWB) and distress for the general population and different physical and psychiatric disease groups. A thorough examination of these relationships may provide evidence for the implementation of public mental health promotion and psychiatric disease prevention strategies aimed at improving the use of positive coping approaches or addressing the causes and maintainers of distress. The present study using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and nationally representative data on the Canadian population investigates the relationships among PWB, distress and coping strategies and identifies major factors related to PWB for both the general population and diverse-specific disease groups.

Methods.

Data examined were from the Canadian Community Health Survey of Mental Health and Well-being (CCHS 1.2), a large national survey (n = 36 984). We applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis and SEM to build structural relationships among PWB, distress and coping strategies in the general population.

Results.

Both SEM measurement and structure models provided a good fit. Distress was positively related to negative coping and negatively related to positive coping. Positive coping indicated a higher level of PWB, whereas negative coping was associated with a lower level of PWB. PWB was negatively related to distress. These same relationships were also found in the population subgroups. For the population with diseases (both physical and psychiatric diseases, except agoraphobia), distress was the more important factor determining subjective PWB than the person's coping strategies, whereas, negative coping had a major impact on distress in the general population. Strengths and limitations were also discussed.

Conclusions.

Our findings have practical implications for public psychiatric disease intervention and mental health promotion. As previously noted positive/adaptive coping increased the level of PWB, whereas negative/maladaptive coping was positively related to distress and negatively related to PWB. Distress decreased the level of PWB. Our findings identified major correlates of PWB in both the general population and population subgroups. Our results provide evidence for the differential use of intervention tactics among different target audiences. In order to improve the mental health of the general population public mental health promotion should focus on strategies that reduce negative coping at a population level, whereas clinicians treating individual clients should make the reduction of distress their primary target to maintain or improve patients’ PWB.
Comparing Cognitive, Metacognitive, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Models of Depression: a Longitudinal Study Survey
Authors: Ruiz Francisco J. , Odriozola-González Paula
Published: June 2015

This study analyzed the interrelationships between key constructs of cognitive therapy (CT; depressogenic schemas), metacognitive therapy (MCT; dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT; psychological inflexibility) in the prediction of depressive symptoms. With a lapse of nine months, 106 nonclinical participants responded twice to an anonymous online survey containing the following questionnaires: the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS), the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale Revised (DAS-R), the Positive beliefs, Negative beliefs and Need to control subscales of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – II (AAQ-II). Results showed that when controlling for baseline levels of depressive symptoms and demographic variables, psychological inflexibility longitudinally mediated the effect of depressogenic schemas (path ab = .023, SE = .010; 95% BC CI [.008, .048]) and dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs on depressive symptoms (positive metacognitive beliefs: path ab = .052, SE = .031; 95% BC CI [.005, .134]; negative metacognitive beliefs: path ab = .087, SE = .049; 95% BC CI [.016, .214]; need to control: path ab = .087, SE = .051; 95% BC CI [.013, .220]). Results are discussed emphasizing the role of psychological inflexibility in the CT and MCT models of depression.
French Validation of the O-LIFE Short Questionnaire
Authors: Sierro Guillaume , Rossier Jérȏme , Mason Oliver J. , Mohr Christine
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The original 104-item Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE) questionnaire is a validated schizotypy questionnaire distinguishing three schizotypy dimensions (Unusual experiences, Introvertive anhedonia, Cognitive disorganization). It also includes items on Impulsive nonconformity assessing traits sensitive to borderline and antisocial personality. Recently, Mason et al. (2005) published a shortened 43-item version including all sub-dimensions. The aim of this study was to validate a French version of this short form and to study the relationships between its French- and English-speaking versions. O-LIFE short data was obtained from 1,048 students from two higher education institutions in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Results were compared with those from an English normative sample (n = 439). A series of confirmatory factor analyses showed acceptable configural and metric invariances across the two language versions. Moreover, results from the French data support the use of both four- and three-dimensional models of schizotypy and show expected correlations with other relevant self-report instruments. This French version of the O-LIFE short form is an appropriate tool to use in French-speaking environments.
A Meta-Analytical Multilevel Reliability Generalization of	Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)
Authors: Kasten Nadine , Freund Philipp Alexander
Published: June 2015

Abstract. During the past 20 years, Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) have developed into a viable tool in personnel selection. Despite their growing popularity, research examining the extent of measurement error is widely lacking. Using reliability generalization, the aim of this article was twofold: (1) establish an estimate for an average coefficient alpha of SJT scores across studies and (2) examine the influence of essential SJT features and selected study variables on score reliability. To handle potential dependent observations a three-level hierarchical linear model was used. The results indicate that the reliability of SJT scores is typically rather low and below recommended levels for high-stakes applications. Additionally, both SJT and study characteristics affect score reliability. Implications for practitioners and researchers are provided to guide an appropriate use of SJTs and to initiate future research.
Exploring the Utility of the Multidimensional State Boredom	Scale
Authors: Hunter Jennifer A. , Dyer Kieran J. , Cribbie Robert A. , Eastwood John D.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. State boredom – the experience of boredom in the moment – is related to a number of psychosocial issues. Until the recent creation of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS), research was constrained by the lack of a comprehensive, validated measure. However, the MSBS could benefit from further evaluation. To more thoroughly validate the MSBS. In two studies, participants were induced into a state of either boredom or non-boredom, and then completed the MSBS. Discriminant analysis showed that the full MSBS was able to correctly classify 68.1% (Study 2) – 84.1% (Study 1) of participants into their experimental condition. Based on further DA analysis, a subset of eight items (a potential short form) is proposed. Differential item functioning (Study 1) found only one item to which responding differed by gender. Use of the MSBS, including the full scale versus the short form, is discussed. Which experiential components of boredom may be particularly important for classifying bored individuals, and the issue of variability across boredom manipulations, are also considered.
Is Seeing Believing?
Authors: Eyssel Jana , Geschke Daniel , Frindte Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Islamophobia is a severe issue in Germany and other Western societies. To advance our understanding and contribute to possible solutions, the present two-wave field study investigated the role of TV consumption in the emergence and maintenance of Islamophobia in a weighted sample of non-Muslim Germans (N = 97; aged 14–33 years). Past research has indicated a negative bias in Islam-related news coverage, which is especially extreme on German private TV channels. The present study investigated the relationship between TV consumption and Islamophobia using Slater’s theory of reinforcing spirals of media selectivity and effects ( Slater, 2007 , Communication Theory, 17, 281–303). It sought to investigate the validity of and to refine Slater’s theory. Thus, TV consumption was differentiated between quantity and quality (divided between preference for public channels ARD/ZDF and private channels RTL/Sat.1). We hypothesized (a) a significant cross-sectional relationship of quantity and quality of TV consumption (preference for public/private channels) to the Islamophobia level, and (b) a mutual reinforcement of quantity/quality of TV consumption and Islamophobia over time. Results of step-wise linear regressions showed significant relations of private channel preference to levels of Islamophobia (cross-sectional) and a mutually reinforcing spiral process between the private channel preference and Islamophobia over time. The results emphasize (a) the importance of a specification of the construct of media use central to Slater's theory and (b) the need for an improvement of the Islam-related news coverage to decrease Islamophobia in Germany.
Dispelling Clouds of Uncertainty
Authors: Lewis Ernie , Teixeira João
Published: June 2015

How do you build a climate model that accounts for cloud physics and the transitions between cloud regimes? Use MAGIC.
Electronic Health Records: A Graduate Student’s Experience
Authors: Wallace Claire E.
Published: June 2015

Navigating the use of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system can be a challenging undertaking for health care providers transitioning from paper documentation systems. As EHR systems are becoming more commonplace, today’s graduate students are often introduced to patient recordkeeping in an electronic format. The challenges for trainees are somewhat different than for established psychologists, as trainees are learning basic principles of confidentiality and documentation in systems that document their every move and are sensitive to error. This commentary serves as a narrative of learning EHR systems from the graduate trainee’s perspective and offers suggestions to trainees and trainers alike to help facilitate the learning process.
Individual protomers of a G protein-coupled receptor dimer integrate distinct functional modules
Authors: Camp Nathan D , Lee Kyung-Soon , Wacker-Mhyre Jennifer L , Kountz Timothy S , Park Ji-Min , Harris Dorathy-Ann , Estrada Marianne , Stewart Aaron , Wolf-Yadlin Alejandro , Hague Chris
Published: June 2015

Recent advances in proteomic technology reveal G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are organized as large, macromolecular protein complexes in cell membranes, adding a new layer of intricacy to GPCR signaling. We previously reported the α1D-adrenergic receptor (ADRA1D)—a key regulator of cardiovascular, urinary and CNS function—binds the syntrophin family of PDZ domain proteins (SNTA, SNTB1, and SNTB2) through a C-terminal PDZ ligand interaction, ensuring receptor plasma membrane localization and G-protein coupling. To assess the uniqueness of this novel GPCR complex, 23 human GPCRs containing Type I PDZ ligands were subjected to TAP/MS proteomic analysis. Syntrophins did not interact with any other GPCRs. Unexpectedly, a second PDZ domain protein, scribble (SCRIB), was detected in ADRA1D complexes. Biochemical, proteomic, and dynamic mass redistribution analyses indicate syntrophins and SCRIB compete for the PDZ ligand, simultaneously exist within an ADRA1D multimer, and impart divergent pharmacological properties to the complex. Our results reveal an unprecedented modular dimeric architecture for the ADRA1D in the cell membrane, providing unexpected opportunities for fine-tuning receptor function through novel protein interactions in vivo, and for intervening in signal transduction with small molecules that can stabilize or disrupt unique GPCR:PDZ protein interfaces.
Parkinson-causing α-synuclein missense mutations shift native tetramers to monomers as a mechanism for disease initiation
Authors: Dettmer Ulf , Newman Andrew J. , Soldner Frank , Luth Eric S. , Kim Nora C. , von Saucken Victoria E. , Sanderson John B. , Jaenisch Rudolf , Bartels Tim , Selkoe Dennis
Published: June 2015

β-Sheet-rich α-synuclein (αS) aggregates characterize Parkinson’s disease (PD). αS was long believed to be a natively unfolded monomer, but recent work suggests it also occurs in α-helix-rich tetramers. Crosslinking traps principally tetrameric αS in intact normal neurons, but not after cell lysis, suggesting a dynamic equilibrium. Here we show that freshly biopsied normal human brain contains abundant αS tetramers. The PD-causing mutation A53T decreases tetramers in mouse brain. Neurons derived from an A53T patient have decreased tetramers. Neurons expressing E46K do also, and adding 1-2 E46K-like mutations into the canonical αS repeat motifs (KTKEGV) further reduces tetramers, decreases αS solubility and induces neurotoxicity and round inclusions. The other three fPD missense mutations likewise decrease tetramer:monomer ratios. The destabilization of physiological tetramers by PD-causing missense mutations and the neurotoxicity and inclusions induced by markedly decreasing tetramers suggest that decreased α-helical tetramers and increased unfolded monomers initiate pathogenesis. Tetramer-stabilizing compounds should prevent this.
CD24 tracks divergent pluripotent states in mouse and human cells
Authors: Shakiba Nika , White Carl A. , Lipsitz Yonatan Y. , Yachie-Kinoshita Ayako , Tonge Peter D , Hussein Samer M. I. , Puri Mira C. , Elbaz Judith , Morrissey-Scoot James , Li Mira , Munoz Javier , Benevento Marco , Rogers Ian M. , Hanna Jacob H. , Heck Albert J. R. , Wollscheid Bernd , Nagy Andras , Zandstra Peter W
Published: June 2015

Reprogramming is a dynamic process that can result in multiple pluripotent cell types emerging from divergent paths. Cell surface protein expression is a particularly desirable tool to categorize reprogramming and pluripotency as it enables robust quantification and enrichment of live cells. Here we use cell surface proteomics to interrogate mouse cell reprogramming dynamics and discover CD24 as a marker that tracks the emergence of reprogramming-responsive cells, while enabling the analysis and enrichment of transgene-dependent (F-class) and -independent (traditional) induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at later stages. Furthermore, CD24 can be used to delineate epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in mouse pluripotent culture. Importantly, regulated CD24 expression is conserved in human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), tracking the conversion of human ESCs to more naive-like PSC states. Thus, CD24 is a conserved marker for tracking divergent states in both reprogramming and standard pluripotent culture.
Scaling up nanoscale water-driven energy conversion into evaporation-driven engines and generators
Authors: Chen Xi , Goodnight Davis , Gao Zhenghan , Cavusoglu Ahmet H. , Sabharwal Nina , DeLay Michael , Driks Adam , Sahin Ozgur
Published: June 2015

Evaporation is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the natural environment and a dominant form of energy transfer in the Earth’s climate. Engineered systems rarely, if ever, use evaporation as a source of energy, despite myriad examples of such adaptations in the biological world. Here, we report evaporation-driven engines that can power common tasks like locomotion and electricity generation. These engines start and run autonomously when placed at air–water interfaces. They generate rotary and piston-like linear motion using specially designed, biologically based artificial muscles responsive to moisture fluctuations. Using these engines, we demonstrate an electricity generator that rests on water while harvesting its evaporation to power a light source, and a miniature car (weighing 0.1 kg) that moves forward as the water in the car evaporates. Evaporation-driven engines may find applications in powering robotic systems, sensors, devices and machinery that function in the natural environment.
Marine foods sourced from farther as their use of global ocean primary production increases
Authors: Watson Reg A. , Nowara Gabrielle B. , Hartmann Klaas , Green Bridget S. , Tracey Sean R. , Carter Chris G.
Published: June 2015

The growing human population must be fed, but historic land-based systems struggle to meet expanding demand. Marine production supports some of the world’s poorest people but increasingly provides for the needs of the affluent, either directly by fishing or via fodder-based feeds for marine and terrestrial farming. Here we show the expanding footprint of humans to utilize global ocean productivity to feed themselves. Our results illustrate how incrementally each year, marine foods are sourced farther from where they are consumed and moreover, require an increasing proportion of the ocean’s primary productivity that underpins all marine life. Though mariculture supports increased consumption of seafood, it continues to require feeds based on fully exploited wild stocks. Here we examine the ocean’s ability to meet our future demands to 2100 and find that even with mariculture supplementing near-static wild catches our growing needs are unlikely to be met without significant changes.
Neutralization and clearance of GM-CSF by autoantibodies in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Piccoli Luca , Campo Ilaria , Fregni Chiara Silacci , Rodriguez Blanca Maria Fernandez , Minola Andrea , Sallusto Federica , Luisetti Maurizio , Corti Davide , Lanzavecchia Antonio
Published: June 2015

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a severe autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies that neutralize GM-CSF resulting in impaired function of alveolar macrophages. In this study, we characterize 21 GM-CSF autoantibodies from PAP patients and find that somatic mutations critically determine their specificity for the self-antigen. Individual antibodies only partially neutralize GM-CSF activity using an in vitro bioassay, depending on the experimental conditions, while, when injected in mice together with human GM-CSF, they lead to the accumulation of a large pool of circulating GM-CSF that remains partially bioavailable. In contrast, a combination of three non-cross-competing antibodies completely neutralizes GM-CSF activity in vitro by sequestering the cytokine in high-molecular-weight complexes, and in vivo promotes the rapid degradation of GM-CSF-containing immune complexes in an Fc-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings provide a plausible explanation for the severe phenotype of PAP patients and for the safety of treatments based on single anti-GM-CSF monoclonal antibodies.
A palladium-catalysed multicomponent coupling approach to conjugated poly(1,3-dipoles) and polyheterocycles
Authors: Leitch David C. , Kayser Laure V. , Han Zhi-Yong , Siamaki Ali R. , Keyzer Evan N. , Gefen Ashley , Arndtsen Bruce A.
Published: June 2015

Conjugated polymers have emerged over the past several decades as key components for a range of applications, including semiconductors, molecular wires, sensors, light switchable transistors and OLEDs. Nevertheless, the construction of many such polymers, especially highly substituted variants, typically involves a multistep synthesis. This can limit the ability to both access and tune polymer structures for desired properties. Here we show an alternative approach to synthesize conjugated materials: a metal-catalysed multicomponent polymerization. This reaction assembles multiple monomer units into a new polymer containing reactive 1,3-dipoles, which can be modified using cycloaddition reactions. In addition to the synthetic ease of this approach, its modularity allows easy adaptation to incorporate a range of desired substituents, all via one-pot reactions.
Enabling unassisted solar water splitting by iron oxide and silicon
Authors: Jang Ji-Wook , Du Chun , Ye Yifan , Lin Yongjing , Yao Xiahui , Thorne James , Liu Erik , McMahon Gregory , Zhu Junfa , Javey Ali , Guo Jinghua , Wang Dunwei
Published: June 2015

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting promises a solution to the problem of large-scale solar energy storage. However, its development has been impeded by the poor performance of photoanodes, particularly in their capability for photovoltage generation. Many examples employing photovoltaic modules to correct the deficiency for unassisted solar water splitting have been reported to-date. Here we show that, by using the prototypical photoanode material of haematite as a study tool, structural disorders on or near the surfaces are important causes of the low photovoltages. We develop a facile re-growth strategy to reduce surface disorders and as a consequence, a turn-on voltage of 0.45 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode) is achieved. This result permits us to construct a photoelectrochemical device with a haematite photoanode and Si photocathode to split water at an overall efficiency of 0.91%, with NiFeOx and TiO2/Pt overlayers, respectively.
Comparative integrated omics: identification of key functionalities in microbial community-wide metabolic networks
Authors: Roume Hugo , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Muller Emilie E L , May Patrick , Satagopam Venkata P , Laczny Cédric C , Narayanasamy Shaman , Lebrun Laura A , Hoopmann Michael R , Schupp James M , Gillece John D , Hicks Nathan D , Engelthaler David M , Sauter Thomas , Keim Paul S , Moritz Robert L , Wilmes Paul
Published: June 2015

Background:

Mixed microbial communities underpin important biotechnological processes such as biological wastewater treatment (BWWT). A detailed knowledge of community structure and function relationships is essential for ultimately driving these systems towards desired outcomes, e.g., the enrichment in organisms capable of accumulating valuable resources during BWWT.

Methods:

A comparative integrated omic analysis including metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics was carried out to elucidate functional differences between seasonally distinct oleaginous mixed microbial communities (OMMCs) sampled from an anoxic BWWT tank. A computational framework for the reconstruction of community-wide metabolic networks from multi-omic data was developed. These provide an overview of the functional capabilities by incorporating gene copy, transcript and protein abundances. To identify functional genes, which have a disproportionately important role in community function, we define a high relative gene expression and a high betweenness centrality relative to node degree as gene-centric and network topological features, respectively.

Results:

Genes exhibiting high expression relative to gene copy abundance include genes involved in glycerolipid metabolism, particularly triacylglycerol lipase, encoded by known lipid accumulating populations, e.g.,CandidatusMicrothrix parvicella. Genes with a high relative gene expression and topologically important positions in the network include genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis, encoded byNitrosomonasspp. andRhodococcusspp. Such genes may be regarded as ‘keystone genes’ as they are likely to be encoded by keystone species.

Conclusion:

The linking of key functionalities to community members through integrated omics opens up exciting possibilities for devising prediction and control strategies for microbial communities in the future.
Elastic Deformations in 2D van der waals Heterostructures and their Impact on Optoelectronic Properties: Predictions from a Multiscale Computational Approach
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Er Dequan , Dong Liang , Li Junwen , Shenoy Vivek B.
Published: June 2015

Recent technological advances in the isolation and transfer of different 2-dimensional (2D) materials have led to renewed interest in stacked Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. Interlayer interactions and lattice mismatch between two different monolayers cause elastic strains, which significantly affects their electronic properties. Using a multiscale computational method, we demonstrate that significant in-plane strains and the out-of-plane displacements are introduced in three different bilayer structures, namely graphene-hBN, MoS2-WS2 and MoSe2-WSe2, due to interlayer interactions which can cause bandgap change of up to ~300 meV. Furthermore, the magnitude of the elastic deformations can be controlled by changing the relative rotation angle between two layers. Magnitude of the out-of-plane displacements in graphene agrees well with those observed in experiments and can explain the experimentally observed bandgap opening in graphene. Upon increasing the relative rotation angle between the two lattices from 0° to 10°, the magnitude of the out-of-plane displacements decrease while in-plane strains peaks when the angle is ~6°. For large misorientation angles (>10°), the out-of-plane displacements become negligible. We further predict the deformation fields for MoS2-WS2 and MoSe2-WSe2 heterostructures that have been recently synthesized experimentally and estimate the effect of these deformation fields on near-gap states.
Subgingival microbiome in patients with healthy and ailing dental implants
Authors: Zheng Hui , Xu Lixin , Wang Zicheng , Li Lianshuo , Zhang Jieni , Zhang Qian , Chen Ting , Lin Jiuxiang , Chen Feng
Published: June 2015

Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth. However, the dysbiotic polymicrobial communities of peri-implant sites are responsible for peri-implant diseases, such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. In this study, we analyzed the microbial characteristics of oral plaque from peri-implant pockets or sulci of healthy implants (n = 10), peri-implant mucositis (n = 8) and peri-implantitis (n = 6) sites using pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. An increase in microbial diversity was observed in subgingival sites of ailing implants, compared with healthy implants. Microbial co-occurrence analysis revealed that periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia, were clustered into modules in the peri-implant mucositis network. Putative pathogens associated with peri-implantitis were present at a moderate relative abundance in peri-implant mucositis, suggesting that peri-implant mucositis an important early transitional phase during the development of peri-implantitis. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Eubacterium was increased at peri-implantitis locations and co-occurrence analysis revealed that Eubacterium minutum was correlated with Prevotella intermedia in peri-implantitis sites, which suggests the association of Eubacterium with peri-implantitis. This study indicates that periodontal pathogens may play important roles in the shifting of healthy implant status to peri-implant disease.
Suppression of cell division-associated genes by Helicobacter pylori attenuates proliferation of RAW264.7 monocytic macrophage cells
Authors: Tan Grace Min Yi , Looi Chung Yeng , Fernandez Keith Conrad , Vadivelu Jamuna , Loke Mun Fai , Wong Won Fen
Published: June 2015

Helicobacter pylori at multiplicity of infection (MOI ≥ 50) have been shown to cause apoptosis in RAW264.7 monocytic macrophage cells. Because chronic gastric infection by H. pylori results in the persistence of macrophages in the host’s gut, it is likely that H. pylori is present at low to moderate, rather than high numbers in the infected host. At present, the effect of low-MOI H. pylori infection on macrophage has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the genome-wide transcriptional regulation of H. pylori-infected RAW264.7 cells at MOI 1, 5 and 10 in the absence of cellular apoptosis. Microarray data revealed up- and down-regulation of 1341 and 1591 genes, respectively. The expression of genes encoding for DNA replication and cell cycle-associated molecules, including Aurora-B kinase (AurkB) were down-regulated. Immunoblot analysis verified the decreased expression of AurkB and downstream phosphorylation of Cdk1 caused by H. pylori infection. Consistently, we observed that H. pylori infection inhibited cell proliferation and progression through the G1/S and G2/M checkpoints. In summary, we suggest that H. pylori disrupts expression of cell cycle-associated genes, thereby impeding proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and such disruption may be an immunoevasive strategy utilized by H. pylori.
Light-controlling, flexible and transparent ethanol gas sensor based on ZnO nanoparticles for wearable devices
Authors: Zheng Z. Q. , Yao J. D. , Wang B. , Yang G. W.
Published: June 2015

In recent years, owing to the significant applications of health monitoring, wearable electronic devices such as smart watches, smart glass and wearable cameras have been growing rapidly. Gas sensor is an important part of wearable electronic devices for detecting pollutant, toxic and combustible gases. However, in order to apply to wearable electronic devices, the gas sensor needs flexible, transparent and working at room temperature, which are not available for traditional gas sensors. Here, we for the first time fabricate a light-controlling, flexible, transparentand working at room-temperature ethanol gas sensor by using commercial ZnO nanoparticles. The fabricated sensor not only exhibits fast and excellent photoresponse, but also shows high sensing response to ethanol under UV irradiation. Meanwhile, its transmittance exceeds 62% in the visible spectral range and the sensing performance keeps the same even bent it at a curvature angle of 90o. Additionally, using commercial ZnO nanoparticles provides a facile and low-cost route to fabricate wearable electronic devices.
Rayleigh scatter based order of magnitude increase in distributed temperature and strain sensing by simple UV exposure of optical fibre
Authors: Loranger Sébastien , Gagné Mathieu , Lambin-Iezzi Victor , Kashyap Raman
Published: June 2015

We present a technique to improve signal strength and therefore sensitivity in distributed temperature and strain sensing (DTSS) using Frequency domain Rayleigh scatter. A simple UV exposure of a hydrogen loaded standard SMF-28 fibre core is shown to enhance the Rayleigh back-scattered light dramatically by ten-fold, independent of the presence of a Bragg grating and is therefore created by the UV exposure alone. This increase in Rayleigh back-scatter allows an order-of-magnitude increase in temperature and strain resolution for DTSS compared to un-exposed SMF-28 fibre used as a sensing element. This enhancement in sensitivity is effective for cm range or more sensor gauge length, below which is the theoretical cross-correlation limit. The detection of a 20 mK temperature rise with a spatial resolution of 2 cm is demonstrated. This gain in sensitivity for SMF-28 is compared with a high Ge doped photosensitive fibre with a characteristically high NA. For the latter, the UV enhancement is also present although of lower amplitude and enables an even lower noise level for sensing, due to the fibre’s intrinsically higher Rayleigh scatter signal.
Elevated Serum GAD65 and GAD65-GADA Immune Complexes in Stiff Person Syndrome
Authors: Gu Urban Gucci Jijuan , Friedman Mikaela , Ren Ping , Törn Carina , Fex Malin , Hampe Christiane S. , Lernmark Åke , Landegren Ulf , Kamali-Moghaddam Masood
Published: June 2015

Glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) and autoantibodies specific for GAD65 (GADA) are associated with autoimmune diseases including Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and Type 1 diabetes (T1D). GADA is recognized as a biomarker of value for clinical diagnosis and prognostication in these diseases. Nonetheless, it remains medically interesting to develop sensitive and specific assays to detect GAD65 preceding GADA emergence and to monitor GADA-GAD65 immune complexes in blood samples. In the present study, we developed a highly sensitive proximity ligation assay to measure serum GAD65. This novel assay allowed detection of as little as 0.65 pg/ml GAD65. We were also able to detect immune complexes involving GAD65 and GADA. Both free GAD65 and GAD65-GADA levels were significantly higher in serum samples from SPS patients compared to healthy controls. The proximity ligation assays applied for detection of GAD65 and its immune complexes may thus enable improved diagnosis and better understanding of SPS.
Inhomogeneous field in cavities of zero index metamaterials
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Xu Yadong , Chen Huanyang
Published: June 2015

In common media, electromagnetic wave always possesses a fluctuant field variation, analogous to an undulant surface of sea. While electromagnetic wave in the media with zero index metamaterials (ZIMs), whose refractive indices are near zero, homogeneous or constant field distribution will emerge, resembling a tranquil surface of lake. Such impression almost could be found in all previous literatures related to ZIMs. However, in this letter, we theoretically and numerically find that, in a cavity structure with ZIMs, when higher order modes (e.g., dipole modes) are excited inside cavity, inhomogeneous field could take place in ZIMs. Such a finding challenges the common perception in ZIMs: It is generally considered that homogeneous or constant field is generated in ZIMs. In addition, the proposed cavity structure herein could be used to manipulate radiation of light, such as enhancing or suppressing radiation, controlling radiation pattern and achieving isotropic or directive radiation, thereby potential applications are expected. These effects are well confirmed by numerical simulations.
The peatlands developing history in the Sanjiang Plain, NE China and its response to East Asian monsoon variation
Authors: Zhang Zhenqing , Xing Wei , Wang Guoping , Tong Shouzheng , Lv Xianguo , Sun Jimin
Published: June 2015

Studying the peatlands accumulation and carbon (C) storage in monsoonal areas could provide useful insights into the response of C dynamics to climate variation in the geological past. Here, we integrated 40 well-dated peat/lake sediment cores to reveal the peatlands evolution history in the Sanjiang Plain and examine its links to East Asian monsoon variations during the Holocene. The results show that 80% peatlands in the Sanjiang Plain initiated after 4.7 ka (1 ka = 1000 cal yr BP), with the largest initiating frequency around 4.5 ka. The mean C accumulation rate of peatlands in the Sanjiang Plain exhibits a synchronous increase with the peatlands expansion during the Holocene. Such a peatlands expanding and C accumulating pattern corresponds well to the remarkable drying event subsequent to the Holocene monsoon maximum. We suggest that in addition to the locally topographic conditions, Holocene variations of East Asian summer monsoon (especially its associated precipitation) have played a critical role in driving the peatlands initiation and expansion in the Sanjiang Plain.
Cytokine profile in severe gram-positive and gram-negative abdominal sepsis
Authors: Surbatovic Maja , Popovic Nada , Vojvodic Danilo , Milosevic Ivan , Acimovic Gordana , Stojicic Milan , Veljovic Milic , Jevdjic Jasna , Djordjevic Dragan , Radakovic Sonja
Published: June 2015

Sepsis is a principal cause of death in critical care units worldwide and consumes considerable healthcare resources. The aim of our study was to determine whether the early cytokine profile can discriminate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteraemia (GPB and GNB, respectively) and to assess the prognostic value regarding outcome in critically ill patients with severe abdominal sepsis. The outcome measure was hospital mortality. Blood samples were obtained from 165 adult patients with confirmed severe abdominal sepsis. Levels of the proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-8, IL-12 and IFN-γ and the anti-inflammatory mediators IL-1ra, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were determined and correlated with the nature of the bacteria isolated from the blood culture and outcome. The cytokine profile in our study indicated that the TNF-α levels were 2-fold, IL-8 were 3.3-fold, IFN-γ were 13-fold, IL-1ra were 1.05-fold, IL-4 were 1.4-fold and IL-10 were 1.83-fold higher in the GNB group compared with the GPB group. The TNF-α levels were 4.7-fold, IL-8 were 4.6-fold, IL-1ra were 1.5-fold and IL-10 were 3.3-fold higher in the non-survivors compared with the survivors.
Visualizing the appearance and disappearance of the attractor of differentiation using Raman spectral imaging
Authors: Ichimura Taro , Chiu Liang-da , Fujita Katsumasa , Machiyama Hiroaki , Kawata Satoshi , Watanabe Tomonobu M. , Fujita Hideaki
Published: June 2015

Using Raman spectral imaging, we visualized the cell state transition during differentiation and constructed hypothetical potential landscapes for attractors of cellular states on a state space composed of parameters related to the shape of the Raman spectra. As models of differentiation, we used the myogenic C2C12 cell line and mouse embryonic stem cells. Raman spectral imaging can validate the amounts and locations of multiple cellular components that describe the cell state such as proteins, nucleic acids and lipids; thus, it can report the state of a single cell. Herein, we visualized the cell state transition during differentiation using Raman spectral imaging of cell nuclei in combination with principal component analysis. During differentiation, cell populations with a seemingly homogeneous cell state before differentiation showed heterogeneity at the early stage of differentiation. At later differentiation stages, the cells returned to a homogeneous cell state that was different from the undifferentiated state. Thus, Raman spectral imaging enables us to illustrate the disappearance and reappearance of an attractor in a differentiation landscape, where cells stochastically fluctuate between states at the early stage of differentiation.
Large-scale identification of encystment-related proteins and genes in Pseudourostyla cristata
Authors: Gao Xiuxia , Chen Fenfen , Niu Tao , Qu Ruidan , Chen Jiwu
Published: June 2015

The transformation of a ciliate into cyst is an advance strategy against an adverse situation. However, the molecular mechanism for the encystation of free-living ciliates is poorly understood. A large-scale identification of the encystment-related proteins and genes in ciliate would provide us with deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms for the encystations of ciliate. We identified the encystment-related proteins and genes in Pseudourostyla cristata with shotgun LC-MS/MS and scale qRT-PCR, respectively, in this report. A total of 668 proteins were detected in the resting cysts, 102 of these proteins were high credible proteins, whereas 88 high credible proteins of the 724 total proteins were found in the vegetative cells. Compared with the vegetative cell, 6 specific proteins were found in the resting cyst. However, the majority of high credible proteins in the resting cyst and the vegetative cell were co-expressed. We compared 47 genes of the co-expressed proteins with known functions in both the cyst and the vegetative cell using scale qRT-PCR. Twenty-seven of 47 genes were differentially expressed in the cyst compared with the vegetative cell. In our identifications, many uncharacterized proteins were also found. These results will help reveal the molecular mechanism for the formation of cyst in ciliates.
Large Displacement in Relaxor Ferroelectric Terpolymer Blend Derived Actuators Using Al Electrode for Braille Displays
Authors: Lu S. G. , Chen X. , Levard T. , Diglio P. J. , Gorny L. J. , Rahn C. D. , Zhang Q. M.
Published: June 2015

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based polymers are attractive for applications for artificial muscles, high energy density storage devices etc. Recently these polymers have been found great potential for being used as actuators for refreshable full-page Braille displays for visually impaired people in terms of light weight, miniaturized size and larger displacement, compared with currently used lead zirconate titanate ceramic actuators. The applied voltages of published polymer actuators, however, cannot be reduced to meet the requirements of using city power. Here, we report the polymer actuator generating quite large displacement and blocking force at a voltage close to the city power. Our embodiments also show good self-healing performance and disuse of lead-containing material, which makes the Braille device safer, more reliable and more environment-friendly.