bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging of Bilateral Synchronous Testicular Tumors of Different Histologic Types and Implications for Surgical Management
Authors: Bertolotto Michele , Grenier Nicolas , Hamm Bernd , Stocca Tiziano , Sarocchi Francesca , Derchi Lorenzo E.
Published: October 2016

The clinical history and imaging and pathologic findings in 4 patients with bilateral synchronous testicular tumors of dissimilar histologic types were reviewed. All patients had a large scrotal mass on one side and a smaller nodule on the other one. The appearances of each pair of lesions were different enough to suggest that they could possibly be of different histologic types. The most important role of imaging, however, was its capability to guide the surgical approach to these patients: in 1 case, the smallest lesion was recognized as an epidermoid cyst; in 2 others a conservative approach was deemed possible, given the lesions' small volumes and peripheral locations.
Sonographic Measurement of the Quadriceps Muscle in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cruz-Montecinos Carlos , Guajardo-Rojas Carlos , Montt Eloísa , Contreras-Briceño Felipe , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Díaz Orlando , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between functionality as assessed by the 6‐minute walking test (6MWT), maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps (MVCQ), and quadriceps thickness and echo intensity as measured by sonography, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps and the thickness and echo intensity of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius were evaluated in 20 patients with COPD. Functionality was assessed by the 6MWT. Differences between the evaluated muscles were determined by the Student t test. Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to analyze relationships between variables of interest, according to data characteristics. Finally, multivariate regression models were applied.

Results

There was a positive correlation between MVCQ and rectus femoris and vastus intermedius thickness (r = 0.427; P = .030; r = 0.469; P= .018, respectively) and a negative correlation between MVCQ and rectus femoris and vastus intermedius echo intensity (r= −0.500; P= .012; r= −0.482; P= .016). No correlation was found between MVCQ and the 6MWT (r = 0.319; P = .085). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the rectus femoris echo intensity, vastus intermedius echo intensity, and vastus intermedius thickness explained 70% of the variance in the distance walked during the 6MWT.

Conclusions

These results indicate that, in patients with COPD, both quadriceps force and exercise capacity are associated with quantitative (thickness) and qualitative (echo intensity) characteristics of the quadriceps. Consequently, comprehensive assessments of peripheral muscles should simultaneously include both measurements.
Bioconjugation and Applications of Amino Functional Fluorescence Polymers
Authors: Geyik Caner , Guler Emine , Gumus Zinar Pinar , Barlas Firat Baris , Akbulut Huseyin , Demirkol Dilek Odaci , Timur Suna , Yagci Yusuf
Published: October 2016

Synthesis and novel applications of biofunctional polymers for diagnosis and therapy are promising area involving various research domains. Herein, three fluorescent polymers, poly(p‐phenylene‐co‐thiophene), poly(p‐phenylene), and polythiophene with amino groups (PPT‐NH2, PPP‐NH2, and PT‐NH2, respectively) are synthesized and investigated for cancer cell targeted imaging, drug delivery, and radiotherapy. Polymers are conjugated to anti‐HER2 antibody for targeted imaging studies in nontoxic concentrations. Three cell lines (A549, Vero, and HeLa) with different expression levels of HER2 are used. In a model of HER2 expressing cell line (A549), radiotherapy experiments are carried out and results show that all three polymers increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. This effect is even more increased when conjugated to anti‐HER2. In the second part of this work, one of the selected polymers (PT‐NH2) is conjugated with a drug model; methotrexate via pH responsive hydrazone linkage and a drug carrier property of PT‐NH2 is demonstrated on neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cell model. Our results indicate that, PPT‐NH2, PPP‐NH2, and PT‐NH2 have a great potential as biomaterials for various bioapplications in cancer research.

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Experimental demonstration of strain detection using resonant tunneling delta‐sigma modulation sensors
Authors: Tajika Takumi , Kakutani Yuichiro , Mori Masayuki , Maezawa Koichi
Published: October 2016

A strain sensor was fabricated based on a resonant tunneling diode (RTD) oscillator. This sensor uses strain‐dependent frequency change of the RTD oscillator, and the frequency delta‐sigma modulation technique, which can convert a frequency to a digital signal with wide dynamic range and wide bandwidth. The sensor consists of an oscillator using an LC resonator and an RTD loaded on a beam of the cantilever. The cantilever was fabricated using selective wet etching of the InP substrate. In this sensor, the strain applied to the cantilever changes the current–voltage characteristics of the RTD due to the piezoelectric effect, and hence it changes the oscillation frequency. In this paper, it was demonstrated that the acoustic strain signal can be successfully detected by this sensor with noise shaping behavior, which is a unique nature of the delta‐sigma modulation.
Intellectual Property Rights and Integration by Conflict: The Past, Present and Future
Authors: HUSOVEC Martin
Published: October 2016

This paper analyses how the Court of Justice of the European Union resolves conflicting situations surrounding intellectual property rights (IPR). More specifically, it looks into how it approaches clashes of IPR with other fundamental rights and economic freedoms and with what consequences. Building upon previous literature, I advance the argument that the resolution of the conflict, by means of the proportionality interest-balancing exercise, pursues a pro-harmonisation agenda not only in the obvious context of free movement, but also in the setting of fundamental rights. I show that the recentCoty Germanyruling is likely to accelerate this trend because of its recognition of positive obligations of the Member States in the context of fundamental rights. It is argued that this could also be used by national courts to improve an existing IPR framework, in particular by filing preliminary references that question legislators’ choices such as non-implementation of permissible exceptions and limitations. After highlighting the importance of maintaining a separation between different policy levels (secondary law vs Charter), I outline whyCoty Germanyis a very worrying reading of Article 17(2) of the EU Charter, and suggest that this could be remedied by synchronising its interpretation with the Court’s doctrine of ‘specific subject matter’ in the context of free movement.
Environmental Exposures and the Risk of Central Venous Catheter Complications and Readmissions in Home Infusion Therapy Patients
Authors: Keller Sara C. , Williams Deborah , Gavgani Mitra , Hirsch David , Adamovich John , Hohl Dawn , Krosche Amanda , Cosgrove Sara , Perl Trish M.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Patients are frequently discharged with central venous catheters (CVCs) for home infusion therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To study a prospective cohort of patients receiving home infusion therapy to identify environmental and other risk factors for complications.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study between March and December 2015.

SETTING

Home infusion therapy after discharge from academic medical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 368 eligible patients discharged from 2 academic hospitals to home with peripherally inserted central catheters and tunneled CVCs, 222 consented. Patients remained in the study until 30 days after CVC removal.

METHODS

Patients underwent chart abstraction and monthly telephone surveys while the CVC was in place, focusing on complications and environmental exposures. Multivariable analyses estimated adjusted odds ratios and adjusted incident rate ratios between clinical, demographic, and environmental risk factors and 30-day readmissions or CVC complications.

RESULTS

Of 222 patients, total parenteral nutrition was associated with increased 30-day readmissions (adjusted odds ratio, 4.80 [95% CI, 1.51–15.21) and CVC complications (adjusted odds ratio, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.09–5.33]). Exposure to soil through gardening or yard work was associated with a decreased likelihood of readmissions (adjusted odds ratio, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01–0.74]). Other environmental exposures were not associated with CVC complications.

CONCLUSIONS

complications and readmissions were common and associated with the use of total parenteral nutrition. Common environmental exposures (well water, cooking with raw meat, or pets) did not increase the rate of CVC complications, whereas soil exposures were associated with decreased readmissions. Interventions to decrease home CVC complications should focus on total parenteral nutrition patients.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–8
Which Matters Most: Party Strategic Exit or Voter Strategic Voting? A Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Bol Damien , Blais André , Labbé St-Vincent Simon
Published: October 2016

There is abundant empirical evidence that the plurality rule constrains party competition and favors two-party systems. This reduction of party system fragmentation may be due to parties deciding not to enter elections for which they are not viable and/or voters voting strategically. Yet, no prior research has attempted to estimate the respective role of parties and voters in this process. To fill this gap, we conducted a unique laboratory experiment where some subjects played the role of parties and others played the role of voters, and where the two were able to respond to each other just as in real-life elections. We find that the reduction due to party strategic exit is higher than that due to strategic voting. We conclude that parties play a key role in the effect of the plurality rule on party system fragmentation.
Essence of the patterns of cover and richness of intertidal hard bottom communities: a pan-European study
Authors: Kotta Jonne , Orav-Kotta Helen , Jänes Holger , Hummel Herman , Arvanitidis Christos , Van Avesaath Pim , Bachelet Guy , Benedetti-Cecchi Lisandro , Bojanić Natalia , Como Serena , Coppa Stefania , Coughlan Jennifer , Crowe Tasman , Dal Bello Martina , Degraer Steven , De La Pena Jose Antonio Juanes , Fernandes De Matos Valentina Kirienko , Espinosa Free , Faulwetter Sarah , Frost Matt , Guinda Xabier , Jankowska Emilia , Jourde Jérôme , Kerckhof Francis , Lavesque Nicolas , Leclerc Jean-Charles , Magni Paolo , Pavloudi Christina , Pedrotti Maria Luiza , Peleg Ohad , Pérez-Ruzafa Angel , Puente Araceli , Ribeiro Pedro , Rilov Gil , Rousou Maria , Ruginis Tomas , Silva Teresa , Simon Nathalie , Sousa-Pinto Isabel , Troncoso Jesús , Warzocha Jan , Weslawski Jan Marcin
Published: October 2016

Coastal ecosystems are highly complex and driven by multiple environmental factors. To date we lack scientific evidence for the relative contribution of natural and anthropogenic drivers for the majority of marine habitats in order to adequately assess the role of different stressors across the European seas. Such relationship can be investigated by analysing the correlation between environmental variables and biotic patterns in multivariate space and taking into account non-linearities. Within the framework of the EMBOS (European Marine Biodiversity Observatory System) programme, hard bottom intertidal communities were sampled in a standardized way across European seas. Links between key natural and anthropogenic drivers and hard bottom communities were analysed using Boosted Regression Trees modelling. The study identified strong interregional variability and showed that patterns of hard bottom macroalgal and invertebrate communities were primarily a function of tidal regime, nutrient loading and water temperature (anomalies). The strength and shape of functional form relationships varied widely however among types of organisms (understorey algae composing mostly filamentous species, canopy-forming algae or sessile invertebrates) and aggregated community variables (cover or richness). Tidal regime significantly modulated the effect of nutrient load on the cover and richness of understorey algae and sessile invertebrates. In contrast, hydroclimate was more important for canopy algae and temperature anomalies and hydroclimate separately or interactively contributed to the observed patterns. The analyses also suggested that climate-induced shifts in weather patterns may result in the loss of algal richness and thereby in the loss of functional diversity in European hard bottom intertidal areas.
Evidence of leptospirosis in the kidneys and serum of feral swine (Sus scrofa) in the United States
Authors: PEDERSEN K. , ANDERSON T. D. , BEVINS S. N. , PABILONIA K. L. , WHITLEY P. N. , VIRCHOW D. R. , GIDLEWSKI T.
Published: October 2016

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in humans worldwide. In the United States, widespread detection of antibodies to leptospirosis have been identified in feral swine (Sus scrofa) with the highest detection of serovars, Bratislava, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona. Over the past few years, feral swine populations have expanded their geographical range and distribution in the United States with reports in at least 39 of 50 states. Since feral swine serve as reservoirs for serovars that can infect humans, it is important to understand the risk of transmission. In order to learn more about the probability that feral swine shed infectious leptospires, we collected kidneys and paired serum when possible from 677 feral swine in 124 counties of 29 states. These counties had previously been identified as antibody positive forLeptospira interrogansserovars Bratislava, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae or Pomona. Although exposure to these same six serovars of leptospirosis continued to be high (53% overall) in the counties we sampled, we detected leptospiral DNA in only 3·4% of feral swine kidneys tested. Based on these results, it appears that although feral swine can serve as a source of infection to humans, especially in those who are more likely to encounter them directly such as wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and hunters, the risk may be relatively low. However, further studies to examine the relationship between leptospiral shedding in the urine and kidneys in addition to culturing the organism are recommended in order to better understand the risk associated with feral swine.
Human cysticercosis in Portugal: long gone or still contemporary?
Authors: VILHENA M. , FONSECA A. G. , DIAS S. , MARQUES DA SILVA J. , TORGAL J.
Published: October 2016

Cysticercosis, a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries, has been controlled or eradicated in industrialized countries. This paradigm has recently been challenged, with human neurocysticercosis (NCC) being increasingly diagnosed in these countries. In order to assess the NCC burden in Portugal, a retrospective study on NCC hospitalizations (2006–2013) was conducted based on the national database on hospital morbidity: 357 hospitalized cases were detected. NCC was most frequent in the following age groups: 20–64 years (n = 197, 55·2%) >64 years (n = 111, 31·1%), and <20 years (n = 49, 13·7%). In the Norte and Centro regions cases tended to be older than in the Lisboa and Vale do Tejo Region. The results raise concerns for imported and autochthonous disease, suggesting the Lisboa and Vale do Tejo Region, due to its higher frequency of cases at younger ages, as a priority for research and intervention, and further suggest that NCC should be under surveillance (notifiable). The National Observatory of Cysticercosis and Taeniasis has been established and will define NCC cases as well as monitoring and surveillance.
Private Standards and the WTO: Reclusive No More
Authors: MAVROIDIS PETROS C. , WOLFE ROBERT
Published: October 2016

Private standards are increasing in number, and they affect trade, but their status in the WTO remains problematic. Standards-takers are typically countries with little bargaining power, who cannot affect their terms of trade, and, thus, even if they possess domestic antitrust laws, will find it hard to persuade standard-setters to take account of their interests. Our concern is to bring more of these standards within the normative framework of the trade regime – that is, we worry that these private forms of social order can conflict with the fundamental norms of transparency and non-discrimination. The WTO membership has consumed itself in endless discussions regarding mundane, legalistic issues, and has not moved at all towards addressing the real concerns of developing countries. We discuss one aspect of the problem: How reclusive should the WTO allow product standards to be? We argue that the WTO should adopt a ‘Reference Paper’ that would encourage its members to apply WTO rules for adopting those standards that already come under the aegis of the WTO to private standards. In the absence of centralized enforcement, utopia in the WTO legal paradigm, transparency disciplines imposed on standard-setters is the best the WTO could offer to those who are negatively affected by private standards.
Self-amplified photo-induced gap quenching in a correlated electron material
Authors: Mathias S. , Eich S. , Urbancic J. , Michael S. , Carr A. V. , Emmerich S. , Stange A. , Popmintchev T. , Rohwer T. , Wiesenmayer M. , Ruffing A. , Jakobs S. , Hellmann S. , Matyba P. , Chen C. , Kipp L. , Bauer M. , Kapteyn H. C. , Schneider H. C. , Rossnagel K. , Murnane M. M. , Aeschlimann M.
Published: October 2016

Capturing the dynamic electronic band structure of a correlated material presents a powerful capability for uncovering the complex couplings between the electronic and structural degrees of freedom. When combined with ultrafast laser excitation, new phases of matter can result, since far-from-equilibrium excited states are instantaneously populated. Here, we elucidate a general relation between ultrafast non-equilibrium electron dynamics and the size of the characteristic energy gap in a correlated electron material. We show that carrier multiplication via impact ionization can be one of the most important processes in a gapped material, and that the speed of carrier multiplication critically depends on the size of the energy gap. In the case of the charge-density wave material 1T-TiSe2, our data indicate that carrier multiplication and gap dynamics mutually amplify each other, which explains—on a microscopic level—the extremely fast response of this material to ultrafast optical excitation.
Deubiquitinase activity is required for the proteasomal degradation of misfolded cytosolic proteins upon heat-stress
Authors: Fang Nancy N. , Zhu Mang , Rose Amalia , Wu Kuen-Phon , Mayor Thibault
Published: October 2016

Elimination of misfolded proteins is crucial for proteostasis and to prevent proteinopathies. Nedd4/Rsp5 emerged as a major E3-ligase involved in multiple quality control pathways that target misfolded plasma membrane proteins, aggregated polypeptides and cytosolic heat-induced misfolded proteins for degradation. It remained unclear how in one case cytosolic heat-induced Rsp5 substrates are destined for proteasomal degradation, whereas other Rsp5 quality control substrates are otherwise directed to lysosomal degradation. Here we find that Ubp2 and Ubp3 deubiquitinases are required for the proteasomal degradation of cytosolic misfolded proteins targeted by Rsp5 after heat-shock (HS). The two deubiquitinases associate more with Rsp5 upon heat-stress to prevent the assembly of K63-linked ubiquitin on Rsp5 heat-induced substrates. This activity was required to promote the K48-mediated proteasomal degradation of Rsp5 HS-induced substrates. Our results indicate that ubiquitin chain editing is key to the cytosolic protein quality control under stress conditions.
Contextuality without nonlocality in a superconducting quantum system
Authors: Jerger Markus , Reshitnyk Yarema , Oppliger Markus , Potočnik Anton , Mondal Mintu , Wallraff Andreas , Goodenough Kenneth , Wehner Stephanie , Juliusson Kristinn , Langford Nathan K. , Fedorov Arkady
Published: October 2016

Classical realism demands that system properties exist independently of whether they are measured, while noncontextuality demands that the results of measurements do not depend on what other measurements are performed in conjunction with them. The Bell–Kochen–Specker theorem states that noncontextual realism cannot reproduce the measurement statistics of a single three-level quantum system (qutrit). Noncontextual realistic models may thus be tested using a single qutrit without relying on the notion of quantum entanglement in contrast to Bell inequality tests. It is challenging to refute such models experimentally, since imperfections may introduce loopholes that enable a realist interpretation. Here we use a superconducting qutrit with deterministic, binary-outcome readouts to violate a noncontextuality inequality while addressing the detection, individual-existence and compatibility loopholes. This evidence of state-dependent contextuality also demonstrates the fitness of superconducting quantum circuits for fault-tolerant quantum computation in surface-code architectures, currently the most promising route to scalable quantum computing.
Fhf2 gene deletion causes temperature-sensitive cardiac conduction failure
Authors: Park David S. , Shekhar Akshay , Marra Christopher , Lin Xianming , Vasquez Carolina , Solinas Sergio , Kelley Kevin , Morley Gregory , Goldfarb Mitchell , Fishman Glenn I.
Published: October 2016

Fever is a highly conserved systemic response to infection dating back over 600 million years. Although conferring a survival benefit, fever can negatively impact the function of excitable tissues, such as the heart, producing cardiac arrhythmias. Here we show that mice lacking fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 2 (FHF2) have normal cardiac rhythm at baseline, but increasing core body temperature by as little as 3 °C causes coved-type ST elevations and progressive conduction failure that is fully reversible upon return to normothermia. FHF2-deficient cardiomyocytes generate action potentials upon current injection at 25 °C but are unexcitable at 40 °C. The absence of FHF2 accelerates the rate of closed-state and open-state sodium channel inactivation, which synergizes with temperature-dependent enhancement of inactivation rate to severely suppress cardiac sodium currents at elevated temperatures. Our experimental and computational results identify an essential role for FHF2 in dictating myocardial excitability and conduction that safeguards against temperature-sensitive conduction failure.
Massive yet grossly underestimated global costs of invasive insects
Authors: Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Leroy Boris , Bellard Céline , Roiz David , Albert Céline , Fournier Alice , Barbet-Massin Morgane , Salles Jean-Michel , Simard Frédéric , Courchamp Franck
Published: October 2016

Insects have presented human society with some of its greatest development challenges by spreading diseases, consuming crops and damaging infrastructure. Despite the massive human and financial toll of invasive insects, cost estimates of their impacts remain sporadic, spatially incomplete and of questionable quality. Here we compile a comprehensive database of economic costs of invasive insects. Taking all reported goods and service estimates, invasive insects cost a minimum of US$70.0 billion per year globally, while associated health costs exceed US$6.9 billion per year. Total costs rise as the number of estimate increases, although many of the worst costs have already been estimated (especially those related to human health). A lack of dedicated studies, especially for reproducible goods and service estimates, implies gross underestimation of global costs. Global warming as a consequence of climate change, rising human population densities and intensifying international trade will allow these costly insects to spread into new areas, but substantial savings could be achieved by increasing surveillance, containment and public awareness.
Structural insights into the assembly and regulation of distinct viral capsid complexes
Authors: Sarker Subir , Terrón María C. , Khandokar Yogesh , Aragão David , Hardy Joshua M. , Radjainia Mazdak , Jiménez-Zaragoza Manuel , de Pablo Pedro J. , Coulibaly Fasséli , Luque Daniel , Raidal Shane R. , Forwood Jade K.
Published: October 2016

The assembly and regulation of viral capsid proteins into highly ordered macromolecular complexes is essential for viral replication. Here, we utilize crystal structures of the capsid protein from the smallest and simplest known viruses capable of autonomously replicating in animal cells, circoviruses, to establish structural and mechanistic insights into capsid morphogenesis and regulation. The beak and feather disease virus, like many circoviruses, encode only two genes: a capsid protein and a replication initiation protein. The capsid protein forms distinct macromolecular assemblies during replication and here we elucidate these structures at high resolution, showing that these complexes reverse the exposure of the N-terminal arginine rich domain responsible for DNA binding and nuclear localization. We show that assembly of these complexes is regulated by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and provide a structural basis of capsid assembly around single-stranded DNA, highlighting novel binding interfaces distinct from the highly positively charged N-terminal ARM domain.
Anti-tubulin drugs conjugated to anti-ErbB antibodies selectively radiosensitize
Authors: Adams Stephen R. , Yang Howard C. , Savariar Elamprakash N. , Aguilera Joe , Crisp Jessica L. , Jones Karra A. , Whitney Michael A. , Lippman Scott M. , Cohen Ezra E. W. , Tsien Roger Y. , Advani Sunil J.
Published: October 2016

Tumour resistance to radiotherapy remains a barrier to improving cancer patient outcomes. To overcome radioresistance, certain drugs have been found to sensitize cells to ionizing radiation (IR). In theory, more potent radiosensitizing drugs should increase tumour kill and improve patient outcomes. In practice, clinical utility of potent radiosensitizing drugs is curtailed by off-target side effects. Here we report potent anti-tubulin drugs conjugated to anti-ErbB antibodies selectively radiosensitize to tumours based on surface receptor expression. While two classes of potent anti-tubulins, auristatins and maytansinoids, indiscriminately radiosensitize tumour cells, conjugating these potent anti-tubulins to anti-ErbB antibodies restrict their radiosensitizing capacity. Of translational significance, we report that a clinically used maytansinoid ADC, ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), with IR prolongs tumour control in target expressing HER2+ tumours but not target negative tumours. In contrast to ErbB signal inhibition, our findings establish an alternative therapeutic paradigm for ErbB-based radiosensitization using antibodies to restrict radiosensitizer delivery.
Enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclohexadienones via an intramolecular Rauhut–Currier reaction of allenoates
Authors: Yao Weijun , Dou Xiaowei , Wen Shan , Wu Ji’en , Vittal Jagadese J. , Lu Yixin
Published: October 2016

The Rauhut–Currier (RC) reaction represents an efficient method for the construction of carbon–carbon bond in organic synthesis. However, the RC reactions involving allenoate substrates are very rare, and in particular, asymmetric intramolecular RC reaction of allenoates is yet to be discovered. Here, we show that the intramolecular RC reaction proceeds smoothly in the presence of 1 mol% β-ICD, and bicyclic lactones are obtained in high yields and with excellent enantiomeric excesses. With the employment of γ-substituted allenoates as racemic precursors, a novel dynamic kinetic resolution of allenes via RC reaction is observed, which allows for facile synthesis of highly enantiomerically enriched allenes.
Measuring cell surface area and deformability of individual human red blood cells over blood storage using quantitative phase imaging
Authors: Park HyunJoo , Lee SangYun , Ji Misuk , Kim Kyoohyun , Son YongHak , Jang Seongsoo , Park YongKeun
Published: October 2016

The functionality and viability of stored human red blood cells (RBCs) is an important clinical issue in transfusions. To systematically investigate changes in stored whole blood, the hematological properties of individual RBCs were quantified in blood samples stored for various periods with and without a preservation solution called citrate phosphate dextrose adenine-1 (CPDA-1). With 3-D quantitative phase imaging techniques, the optical measurements for 3-D refractive index (RI) distributions and membrane fluctuations were done at the individual cell level. From the optical measurements, the morphological (volume, surface area and sphericity), biochemical (hemoglobin content and concentration), and mechanical parameters (dynamic membrane fluctuation) were simultaneously quantified to investigate the functionalities and progressive alterations of stored RBCs. Our results show that stored RBCs without CPDA-1 had a dramatic morphological transformation from discocytes to spherocytes within two weeks which was accompanied by significant decreases in cell deformability and cell surface area, and increases in sphericity. However, the stored RBCs with CPDA-1 maintained their morphology and deformability for up to 6 weeks.
Nuclear DNA content in Miscanthus sp. and the geographical variation pattern in Miscanthus lutarioriparius
Authors: Sheng Jiajing , Hu Xiaohu , Zeng Xiaofei , Li Ye , Zhou Fasong , Hu Zhongli , Jin Surong , Diao Ying
Published: October 2016

The genome sizes of fiveMiscanthusspecies, including 79 accessions ofM. lutarioriparius, 8 ofM. floridulus, 6 ofM. sacchariflorus, 7 ofM. sinensis, and 4 ofM.×giganteuswere examined using flow cytometry. The overall average nuclear DNA content were 4.256 ± 0.6 pg/2C inM. lutarioriparius, 5.175 ± 0.3 pg/2C inM. floridulus, 3.956 ± 0.2 pg/2C inM. sacchariflorus, 5.272 ± 0.2 pg/2C inM. sinensis, and 6.932 ± 0.1 pg/2C inM.×giganteus. Interspecific variation was found at the diploid level, suggesting that DNA content might be a parameter that can be used to differentiate the species. Tetraploid populations were found inM. lutarioriparius, M. sacchariflorus, andM. sinensis, and their DNA content were 8.34 ± 1.2, 8.52, and 8.355 pg, respectively. The association between the DNA content ofM. lutarioriparius, collected from representative ranges across the Yangtze River, and its geographic distribution was statistically analyzed. A consistent pattern of DNA content variation in 79M. lutarioripariusaccessions across its entire geographic range was found in this study. Along the Yangtze River, the DNA content ofM. lutarioripariustended to increase from the upstream to the downstream areas, and almost all tetraploids gathered in the upstream area extended to coastal regions.
In-vivo Imaging of Magnetic Fields Induced by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Human Brain using MRI
Authors: Jog Mayank V. , Smith Robert X. , Jann Kay , Dunn Walter , Lafon Belen , Truong Dennis , Wu Allan , Parra Lucas , Bikson Marom , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: October 2016

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that applies mA currents at the scalp to modulate cortical excitability. Here, we present a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, which detects magnetic fields induced by tDCS currents. This technique is based on Ampere’s law and exploits the linear relationship between direct current and induced magnetic fields. Following validation on a phantom with a known path of electric current and induced magnetic field, the proposed MRI technique was applied to a human limb (to demonstrate in-vivo feasibility using simple biological tissue) and human heads (to demonstrate feasibility in standard tDCS applications). The results show that the proposed technique detects tDCS induced magnetic fields as small as a nanotesla at millimeter spatial resolution. Through measurements of magnetic fields linearly proportional to the applied tDCS current, our approach opens a new avenue for direct in-vivo visualization of tDCS target engagement.
Sex pheromone recognition and characterization of three pheromone-binding proteins in the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Mao Aping , Zhou Jing , Bin Mao  , Zheng Ya , Wang Yufeng , Li Daiqin , Wang Pan , Liu Kaiyu , Wang Xiaoping , Ai Hui
Published: October 2016

Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are essential for the filtering, binding and transporting of sex pheromones across sensillum lymph to membrane-associated pheromone receptors of moths. In this study, three novel PBP genes were expressed in Escherichia coli to examine their involvement in the sex pheromone perception of Maruca vitrata. Fluorescence binding experiments indicated that MvitPBP1-3 had strong binding affinities with four sex pheromones. Moreover, molecular docking results demonstrated that six amino acid residues of three MvitPBPs were involved in the binding of the sex pheromones. These results suggested that MvitPBP1-3 might play critical roles in the perception of female sex pheromones. Additionally, the binding capacity of MvitPBP3 with the host-plant floral volatiles was high and was similar to that of MvitGOBP2. Furthermore, sequence alignment and docking analysis showed that both MvitGOBP2 and MvitPBP3 possessed an identical key binding site (arginine, R130/R140) and a similar protein pocket structure around the binding cavity. Therefore, we hypothesized that MvitPBP3 and MvitGOBP2 might have synergistic roles in binding different volatile ligands. In combination, the use of synthetic sex pheromones and floral volatiles from host-plant may be used in the exploration for more efficient monitoring and integrated management strategies for the legume pod borer in the field.
First Direct Evidence of Long-distance Seasonal Movements and Hibernation in a Migratory Bat
Authors: Weller Theodore J. , Castle Kevin T. , Liechti Felix , Hein Cris D. , Schirmacher Michael R. , Cryan Paul M.
Published: October 2016

Understanding of migration in small bats has been constrained by limitations of techniques that were labor-intensive, provided coarse levels of resolution, or were limited to population-level inferences. Knowledge of movements and behaviors of individual bats have been unknowable because of limitations in size of tracking devices and methods to attach them for long periods. We used sutures to attach miniature global positioning system (GPS) tags and data loggers that recorded light levels, activity, and temperature to male hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus). Results from recovered GPS tags illustrated profound differences among movement patterns by individuals, including one that completed a >1000 km round-trip journey during October 2014. Data loggers allowed us to record sub-hourly patterns of activity and torpor use, in one case over a period of 224 days that spanned an entire winter. In this latter bat, we documented 5 torpor bouts that lasted ≥16 days and a flightless period that lasted 40 nights. These first uses of miniature tags on small bats allowed us to discover that male hoary bats can make multi-directional movements during the migratory season and sometimes hibernate for an entire winter.
Co-acclimation of bacterial communities under stresses of hydrocarbons with different structures
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Bin , Dong Wenwen , Hu Xiaoke
Published: October 2016

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with different structures; its components vary in bioavailability and toxicity. It is important to understand how bacterial communities response to different hydrocarbons and their co-acclimation in the process of degradation. In this study, microcosms with the addition of structurally different hydrocarbons were setup to investigate the successions of bacterial communities and the interactions between different bacterial taxa. Hydrocarbons were effectively degraded in all microcosms after 40 days. High-throughput sequencing offered a great quantity of data for analyzing successions of bacterial communities. The results indicated that the bacterial communities responded dramatically different to various hydrocarbons. KEGG database and PICRUSt were applied to predict functions of individual bacterial taxa and networks were constructed to analyze co-acclimations between functional bacterial groups. Almost all functional genes catalyzing degradation of different hydrocarbons were predicted in bacterial communities. Most of bacterial taxa were believed to conduct biodegradation processes via interactions with each other. This study addressed a few investigated area of bacterial community responses to structurally different organic pollutants and their co-acclimation and interactions in the process of biodegradation. The study could provide useful information to guide the bioremediation of crude oil pollution.
Identification of drought-responsive microRNAs and their targets in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus by using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Gao Fei , Wang Ning , Li Huayun , Liu Jisheng , Fu Chenxi , Xiao Zihua , Wei Chunxiang , Lu Xiaoduo , Feng Jinchao , Zhou Yijun
Published: October 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate target gene expression to modulate plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress response at the post-transcriptional level. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, an ecologically important desert plant, is increasingly used as a model for studying stress tolerance in plants. The miRNA-mediated gene regulatory network might remarkably contribute to the high stress tolerance of A. mongolicus. However, a genome-wide identification of miRNAs and their targets is still lacking in A. mongolicus. In this study, 170 conserved and 156 non-conserved miRNAs were identified in A. mongolicus. We experimentally identified 298 miRNA-target pairs from the degradome data. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses identified 28 drought-responsive miRNAs in leaves and 15 in roots. Some characteristics of the miRNA-mediated regulatory network were found in A. mongolicus. Multiple miRNAs, including 2 newly identified non-conserved miRNAs, miR-P11 and miR-P14, generated from the precursors of miR169, were found to be involved in drought stress response. Further, miR2118 and miR858 participated in drought stress response by up-regulating OZF1 gene and certain MYB genes that were involved in the regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in A. mongolicus. The findings of this study might provide new insights for understanding the functions of miRNA in stress response in plants.
Aldo-keto reductase 1C1 induced by interleukin-1β mediates the invasive potential and drug resistance of metastatic bladder cancer cells
Authors: Matsumoto Ryuji , Tsuda Masumi , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Tanino Mishie , Kimura Taichi , Nishihara Hiroshi , Abe Takashige , Shinohara Nobuo , Nonomura Katsuya , Tanaka Shinya
Published: October 2016

In treating bladder cancer, determining the molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance are urgent to improving long-term patient survival. One of the metabolic enzymes, aldo-keto reductase 1C1 (AKR1C1), plays an essential role in cancer invasion/metastasis and chemoresistance. In orthotopic xenograft models of a human bladder cancer cell line, UM-UC-3, metastatic sublines were established from tumors in the liver, lung, and bone. These cells possessed elevated levels of EMT-associated markers, such as Snail, Slug, or CD44, and exhibited enhanced invasion. By microarray analysis, AKR1C1 was found to be up-regulated in metastatic lesions, which was verified in metastatic human bladder cancer specimens. Decreased invasion caused by AKR1C1 knockdown suggests a novel role of AKR1C1 in cancer invasion, which is probably due to the regulation of Rac1, Src, or Akt. An inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β, was found to increase AKR1C1 in bladder cancer cell lines. One particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flufenamic acid, antagonized AKR1C1 and decreased the cisplatin-resistance and invasion potential of metastatic sublines. These data uncover the crucial role of AKR1C1 in regulating both metastasis and drug resistance; as a result, AKR1C1 should be a potent molecular target in invasive bladder cancer treatment.
Hydrogen-bonding Interactions between Apigenin and Ethanol/Water: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Zheng Yan-Zhen , Zhou Yu , Liang Qin , Chen Da-Fu , Guo Rui , Lai Rong-Cai
Published: October 2016

In this work, hydrogen-bonding interactions between apigenin and water/ethanol were investigated from a theoretical perspective using quantum chemical calculations. Two conformations of apigenin molecule were considered in this work. The following results were found. (1) For apigenin monomer, the molecular structure is non-planar, and all of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms can be hydrogen-bonding sites. (2) Eight and seven optimized geometries are obtained for apigenin (I)–H2O/CH3CH2OH and apigenin (II)–H2O/CH3CH2OH complexes, respectively. In apigenin, excluding the aromatic hydrogen atoms in the phenyl substituent, all other hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atoms form hydrogen-bonds with H2O and CH3CH2OH. (3) In apigenin–H2O/CH3CH2OH complexes, the electron density and the E(2) in the related localized anti-bonding orbital are increased upon hydrogen-bond formation. These are the cause of the elongation and red-shift of the X−H bond. The sum of the charge change transfers from the hydrogen-bond acceptor to donor. The stronger interaction makes the charge change more intense than in the less stable structures. (4) Most of the hydrogen-bonds in the complexes are electrostatic in nature. However, the C4−O5···H, C9−O4···H and C13−O2···H hydrogen-bonds have some degree of covalent character. Furthermore, the hydroxyl groups of the apigenin molecule are the preferred hydrogen-bonding sites.
Structural studies of the N-terminal fragments of the WW domain: Insights into co-translational folding of a beta-sheet protein
Authors: Hanazono Yuya , Takeda Kazuki , Miki Kunio
Published: October 2016

Nascent proteins fold co-translationally because the folding speed and folding pathways are limited by the rate of ribosome biosynthesis in the living cell. In addition, though full-length proteins can fold all their residues during the folding process, nascent proteins initially fold only with the N-terminal residues. However, the transient structure and the co-translational folding pathway are not well understood. Here we report the atomic structures of a series of N-terminal fragments of the WW domain with increasing amino acid length. Unexpectedly, the structures indicate that the intermediate-length fragments take helical conformations even though the full-length protein has no helical regions. The circular dichroism spectra and theoretical calculations also support the crystallographic results. This suggests that the short-range interactions are more decisive in the structure formation than the long-range interactions for short nascent proteins. In the course of the peptide extension, the helical structure change to the structure mediated by the long-range interactions at a particular polypeptide length. Our results will provide unique information for elucidating the nature of co-translational folding.
Effect of an Experimental Direct Pulp-capping Material on the Properties and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Yu Fan , Dong Yan , Yang Yan-wei , Lin Ping-ting , Yu Hao-han , Sun Xiang , Sun Xue-fei , Zhou Huan , Huang Li , Chen Ji-hua
Published: October 2016

Effective pulp-capping materials must have antibacterial properties and induce dentin bridge formation; however, many current materials do not satisfy clinical requirements. Accordingly, the effects of an experiment pulp-capping material (Exp) composed of an antibacterial resin monomer (MAE-DB) and Portland cement (PC) on the viability, adhesion, migration, and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were examined. Based on a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, hDPSCs exposed to Exp extracts showed limited viability at 24 and 48 h, but displayed comparable viability to the control at 72 h. hDPSC treatment with Exp extracts enhanced cellular adhesion and migration according to in vitro scratch wound healing and Transwell migration assays. Exp significantly upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. The hDPSCs cultured with Exp exhibited higher ALP activity and calcium deposition in vitro compared with the control group. The novel material showed comparable cytocompatibility to control cells and promoted the adhesion, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs, indicating excellent biocompatibility. This new direct pulp-capping material containing MAE-DB and PC shows promise as a potential alternative to conventional materials for direct pulp capping.
Lithium-ion-based solid electrolyte tuning of the carrier density in graphene
Authors: Zhao Jialin , Wang Meng , Li Hui , Zhang Xuefu , You Lixing , Qiao Shan , Gao Bo , Xie Xiaoming , Jiang Mianheng
Published: October 2016

We have developed a technique to tune the carrier density in graphene using a lithium-ion-based solid electrolyte. We demonstrate that the solid electrolyte can be used as both a substrate to support graphene and a back gate. It can induce a change in the carrier density as large as 1 × 1014 cm−2, which is much larger than that induced with oxide-film dielectrics, and it is comparable with that induced by liquid electrolytes. Gate modulation of the carrier density is still visible at 150 K, which is lower than the glass transition temperature of most liquid gating electrolytes.
Grab vs. neuston tow net: a microplastic sampling performance comparison and possible advances in the field
Authors: Barrows Abigail P. W. , Neumann Courtney A. , Berger Michelle L. , Shaw Susan D.
Published: October 2016

With the rapid evolution of microplastic research over several decades, there is an urgent need to compare methodologies for quantifying microplastic in aquatic environments.
Warburg's impedance revisited
Authors: Barbero G.
Published: October 2016

The derivation of Warburg's impedance presented in several books and scientific papers is reconsidered.
Effect of electric field non-uniformity on droplets coalescence
Authors: Luo Shirui , Schiffbauer Jarrod , Luo Tengfei
Published: October 2016

Electric field assisted coalescence is one of the most efficient methods for water-in-oil emulsion separation.
A multiphysics model of the Pacinian corpuscle
Authors: Quindlen Julia C. , Stolarski Henryk K. , Johnson Matthew D. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: October 2016

This study integrates mechanics and neuroscience to model the mechanoelectrochemical transduction of vibrations into neural signals in the Pacinian corpuscle.
Determination of the isotopic composition of micrometric uranium particles by UV femtosecond laser ablation coupled with sector-field single-collector ICP-MS
Authors: Donard A. , Pointurier F. , Pottin A.-C. , Hubert A. , Pécheyran C.
Published: October 2016

In this article, performance of the coupling of a UV-fs-LA system with a high sensitivity ICP-MS for isotope analysis of individual micrometric uranium particles, including minor isotopes 234U and 236U, is discussed.
Enantioselective synthesis of β-amino acid derivatives via nickel-promoted regioselective carboxylation of ynamides and rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation
Authors: Saito Nozomi , Abdullah Iman , Hayashi Kayoko , Hamada Katsuyuki , Koyama Momoko , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: October 2016

Nickel-promoted carboxylation of ynamides followed by rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation provided α-substituted-β-amino acids in an optically active form.