bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mecp2-mediated Epigenetic Silencing of miR-137 Contributes to Colorectal Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence and Tumor Progression via Relieving the Suppression of c-Met
Authors: Chen Tao , Cai Shi-Lun , Li Jian , Qi Zhi-Peng , Li Xu-Quan , Ye Le-Chi , Xie Xiao-Feng , Hou Ying-Yong , Yao Li-Qing , Xu Mei-Dong , Zhou Ping-Hong , Xu Jian-Min , Zhong Yun-Shi
Published: March 2017

The molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer (CRC) development remain elusive. In this study, we examined the miRNA and mRNA expressions in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence (ACS), a critical neoplastic progression in CRC development. We found that miR-137 was down-regulated in all adenoma and carcinoma tissues. Low miR-137 levels were correlated negatively with tumor progression and metastasis. Then we identified the inhibition effect of the miR-137 in CRC development, both in CRC cell lines and mouse models. MiR-137 was shown to control CRC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion and to control tumor growth and metastasis. We further confirmed the negative association between miR-137 and c-Met expression and thus validated this important oncogene as the target of miR-137 in CRC. In addition, we found a DNA methyl-CpG-binding protein, Mecp2, was up-regulated in ACS tissues via mRNA sequencing. Further experiment showed that miR-137 expression in CRC was subjected to epigenetic regulation mediated by Mecp2. We also confirmed c-Met expression can be up-regulated by silencing of miR-137 and suppressed by coexpression of Mecp2 and miR-137. These findings highlight the critical role of miR-137-c-Met nexus in CRC development and reveal Mecp2-regulated epigenetic silence causes the downregulation of miR-137 in colorectal adenoma and carcinoma.
CT-guided versus laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation in recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma against the diaphragmatic dome
Authors: Ding Huaiyin , Su Mu , Zhu Chuandong , Wang Lixue , Zheng Qin , Wan Yuan
Published: March 2017

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation (CT-RFA) and laparoscopic RFA (L-RFA) have been used to treat intrahepatic recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) against the diaphragmatic dome. However, the therapeutic safety, efficacy, and hospital fee have never been compared between the two techniques due to scarcity of cases. In this retrospective study, 116 patients were divided into two groups with a total of 151 local recurrent HCC lesions abutting the diaphragm. We compared overall survival (OS), local tumor progression (LTP), postoperative complications, and hospital stay and fee between the two groups. Our findings revealed no significant differences in 5-year OS (36.7% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.4289) or 5-year LTP (73.3% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.8897) between CT-RFA and L-RFA. The overall hospital stay (2.8 days vs. 4.1 days, p < 0.0001) and cost (¥ 19217.6 vs. ¥ 25553.6, p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the CT-RFA in comparison to that of L-RFA. In addition, we elaborated on the choice of percutaneous puncture paths depending on the locations of the HCC nodules and 11-year experience with CT-RFA. In conclusion, CT-RFA is a relatively easy and economic technique for recurrent small HCC abutting the diaphragm, and both CT-RFA and L-RFA are effective techniques.
Exercise rescues obese mothers’ insulin sensitivity, placental hypoxia and male offspring insulin sensitivity
Authors: Fernandez-Twinn Denise S. , Gascoin Geraldine , Musial Barbara , Carr Sarah , Duque-Guimaraes Daniella , Blackmore Heather L. , Alfaradhi Maria Z. , Loche Elena , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N. , Fowden Abigail L. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: March 2017

The prevalence of obesity during pregnancy continues to increase at alarming rates. This is concerning as in addition to immediate impacts on maternal wellbeing, obesity during pregnancy has detrimental effects on the long-term health of the offspring through non-genetic mechanisms. A major knowledge gap limiting our capacity to develop intervention strategies is the lack of understanding of the factors in the obese mother that mediate these epigenetic effects on the offspring. We used a mouse model of maternal-diet induced obesity to define predictive correlations between maternal factors and offspring insulin resistance. Maternal hyperinsulinemia (independent of maternal body weight and composition) strongly associated with offspring insulin resistance. To test causality, we implemented an exercise intervention that improved maternal insulin sensitivity without changing maternal body weight or composition. This maternal intervention prevented excess placental lipid deposition and hypoxia (independent of sex) and insulin resistance in male offspring. We conclude that hyperinsulinemia is a key programming factor and therefore an important interventional target during obese pregnancy, and propose moderate exercise as a promising strategy to improve metabolic outcome in both the obese mother and her offspring.
Abnormal white matter structural connectivity in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Gan J , Zhong M , Fan J , Liu W , Niu C , Cai S , Zou L , Wang Ya , Wang Yi , Tan C , Chan R C K , Zhu X
Published: March 2017

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex and severe psychiatric disorder whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown white matter (WM) alterations in adults with OCD, but the results have been inconsistent. The present study investigated WM structure in OCD patients with the hypothesis that large-scale brain networks may be disrupted in OCD. A total of 24 patients with OCD and 23 healthy controls (HCs) were scanned with diffusion tensor imaging. A tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) approach was used to detect differences across the whole brain in patients with OCD vs HCs; post hoc fiber tractography was applied to characterize developmental differences between the two groups. Relative to HCs, patients with OCD had lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the corpus callosum (CC), left anterior corona radiata (ACR), left superior corona radiata (SCR) and left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and higher radial diffusivity in the genu and body of CC. Among the TBSS de-projected region of interest results, compared with HCs, patients with OCD showed lower of the mean FA values of fiber bundles passing though the SLF, and shorter lengths of ACR, SCR and CC. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence of widespread microstructural alterations in OCD and suggests that OCD may involve abnormalities affecting a broader network of regions than commonly believed.
Supercritical Fluids in Natural Product and Biomass Processing – An Introduction
Authors: Nunes da Ponte Manuel
Published: March 2017

Supercritical fluids are gases at pressures and temperatures slightly above those of the vapour-liquid critical point. At this point, liquid and vapour become indistinguishable, and the vapour pressure curve of the liquid ends. The main unique characteristic of the supercritical condition is that the density of the fluid is very sensitive to small changes in pressure and temperature. These properties make supercritical fluids, especially carbon dioxide and water, very attractive and selective solvents for academic, but also industrial, application.
Enzyme-based Biomass Catalyzed Reactions in Supercritical CO2
Authors: Leitgeb Maja , Vasić Katja , Knez Željko
Published: March 2017

In this work, enzyme-based biomass catalysed reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) are described. As organic solvents are facing upcoming increased environmental concerns and represent an ever-growing class of air pollutants, reduction of them in chemical processes is inevitable. ScCO2 represents a green solvent and an alternative, since it is environmentally neutral and a non-toxic medium. Supercritical fluids (SCFs) are different from organic solvents in having both liquid-like dissolving power and gas-like low viscosities and high diffusivities. Since small changes in pressure or temperature lead to significant changes in density and density-dependant properties, the benefit of using SCFs in different enzymatic reactions and enzyme-based biomass catalysed reactions is widely reported.
Processing of Lignocellulosic Biomass Derived Monomers using High-pressure CO2 and CO2–H2O Mixtures
Authors: Gallina Gianluca , Biasi Pierdomenico , Piqueras Cristian M. , García-Serna Juan
Published: March 2017

The degradation of monosaccharides, though often undesired in lignocellulosic pretreatment, often lead to the formation of products with a higher value than the same sugars. In this chapter, detailed information related to monomer-based lignocellulosic biomass decomposition towards value added products using both water alone and a water/CO2 mixture is shown. The reaction mechanisms leadi to the rupture of the oligomers into monosaccharides, and then they break through dehydration reactions or aldol reactions. It will be demonstrated that CO2 plays a determinant role in the catalysis of hydrolytic reactions that take place in aqueous media. The optimum conditions for obtaining different products will be discussed, providing some indications on which configuration to adopt for increasing the selectivity of some reactions with respect to others.
Efficient Transformation of Biomass-derived Compounds into Different Valuable Products: A “Green” Approach
Authors: Chatterjee Maya , Ishizaka Takayuki , Kawanami Hajime
Published: March 2017

In this work, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), and scCO2/H2O were investigated for the processing of biomass-derived compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), furfural and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) into a vast array of fuel and non-fuel related chemicals. Higher solubility of reactant gasses in scCO2 results in an acceleration of the reaction rate and enhancement of the product selectivity. As a reaction medium, scCO2 offers promise to play a role in the conversion of 5-HMF to linear alkane, which relies heavily on hydrogen concentration. Furthermore, 5-HMF can be successfully converted to 2,5-dimethylfuran (a fuel additive) with the highest selectivity (100%) in ascCO2/H2O mixture. In the presence of H2O, scCO2 creates an acidic environment and contributes to improving the selectivity of 2,5-dimethylfuran. Similarly, furfural also produces 2-methylfuran through the hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis of the C–O bond. 1,5-pentanediol, which is used as a monomer in the polyester industry, could be conveniently obtained with 91% selectivity from THFA in scCO2 under the homogeneous conditions of a CO2–H2-substrate. Hence, the remarkable advantage of the present catalytic system has confirmed the potential utilisation of alternative “green” solvents in the conversion of different biomass based compounds.
Anti-solvent Effect of High-pressure CO2 in Natural Polymers
Authors: Álvarez-Bautista Arturo , Matias Ana
Published: March 2017

In this chapter regeneration of natural polymers such as cellulose using anti-solvent compressed CO2 will be described and compared with the use of conventional solvents. Detailed information relating to temperature, CO2 pressure, reaction time and addition of co-solvent and the yield of regenerated cellulose, hemicellulose and other biopolymers, as well as the effects of volume expansion and solvatochromic parameters, were also investigated to explore the anti-solvent precipitation mechanism.
Ecotoxic effects of paclitaxel-loaded nanotherapeutics on freshwater algae, Raphidocelis subcapitata and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yegin Yagmur , Yegin Cengiz , Oh Jun Kyun , Orr Asuka , Zhang Ming , Nagabandi Nirup , Severin Tatiana , Villareal Tracy A. , Sari Mufrettin M. , Castillo Alejandro , Scholar Ethan A. , Akbulut Mustafa
Published: March 2017

Nanomedicines, compared to traditional medicines, can cause enhanced toxicity on algae owing to their ability to solubilize water-insoluble drug molecules.
High spatial resolution in situ U–Pb dating using laser ablation multiple ion counting inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MIC-ICP-MS)
Authors: Xie Lie-Wen , Yang Jin-Hui , Yin Qing-Zhu , Yang Yue-Heng , Liu Jing-Bo , Huang Chao
Published: March 2017

A new LA-MIC-ICP-MS analytical technique has been developed for the rapid measurement of206Pb/238U zircon age (<1%, 2s) at a high spatial resolution. We show that this technique can be routinely employed to date U–Pb in small and/or complex zircons, providing a powerful tool for geochronology.
Ionic conductivity enhancement in Ti-doped Sr11Mo4O23defective double perovskites
Authors: López C. A. , Pedregosa J. C. , Fernández-Díaz M. T. , Alonso J. A.
Published: March 2017

A substantially higher ionic motion can be achieved by partially replacing Mo(vi) by Ti(iv) cations in the novel Sr11Mo4−xTixO23−δ(withx= 0.0, 0.5 and 1.0) electrolyte oxides, successfully enhancing the oxygen vacancy level.
Effects of organic solvents on the structures of micellar nanocrystals
Authors: Ding Xinyi , Han Ning , Wang Jun , Sun Yuxiang , Ruan Gang
Published: March 2017

Solvent is used to control the structure of micellar nanocrystals prepared by combining electrospray and self-assembly.
A transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxylenethiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) cathode for low temperature processed, metal-oxide free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Li , Xie Xiaoyin , Liu Zhihai , Lee Eun-Cheol
Published: March 2017

Low temperature processed, metal-oxide free planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were fabricated using polyetherimide (PEI) modified poly(3,4-ethylenedioxylenethiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as the cathode.
Self-supported Co3O4 nanoneedle arrays decorated with PPy via chemical vapor phase polymerization for high-performance detection of trace Pb2+
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Wang Chao , Dou Peng , Zhang Lifang , Zheng Jiao , Cao Zhenzhen , Xu Xinhua
Published: March 2017

Highly ordered three-dimensional (3D) polypyrrole (PPy) coated cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoneedle arrays (NAs) anchored on Cu foams (Co3O4 NAs@PPy) are fabricated for electrochemical sensors to detect trace lead ions (Pb2+).
A review of microscopy and comparative molecular-based methods to characterize “Plastisphere” communities
Authors: De Tender C. , Schlundt C. , Devriese L. I. , Mincer T. J. , Zettler E. R. , Amaral-Zettler L. A.
Published: March 2017

A summary of molecular and visualization techniques to characterize life in the Plastisphere and compare corresponding datasets through the VAMPS website.
Spontaneous and specific binding of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli to overoxidized polypyrrole-coated microspheres
Authors: Shan Xueling , Yamauchi Takuya , Yamamoto Yojiro , Niyomdecha Saroh , Ishiki Kengo , Le Dung Q. , Shiigi Hiroshi , Nagaoka Tsutomu
Published: March 2017

Specific identification of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli was achieved using microspheres coated with overoxidized polypyrrole.
Nonadiabatic dynamics of injected holes in conjugated polymers
Authors: Ribeiro Junior Luiz Antonio , da Cunha Wiliam Ferreira
Published: March 2017

The dynamics of injected holes in short transient times that precede polaron formation is numerically studied in the framework of a tight-binding electron–phonon interacting approach aimed at describing organic one-dimensional lattices.
Impact of minor amounts of hydroperoxides on rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of long-chain olefins
Authors: Gerlach M. , Abdul Wajid D. , Hilfert L. , Edelmann F. T. , Seidel-Morgenstern A. , Hamel C.
Published: March 2017

The influence of varying hydroperoxide concentrations in olefin feeds was systematically investigated in rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation using a diphosphite ligand.
Templated and template-free fabrication strategies for zero-dimensional hollow MOF superstructures
Authors: Kim Hyehyun , Lah Myoung Soo
Published: March 2017

Fabrication strategies for hollow MOF superstructures are classified based on the existence of external templates and the types and properties of templates, and their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed.
Biofilm composition in the Olt River (Romania) reservoirs impacted by a chlor-alkali production plant
Authors: Dranguet P. , Cosio C. , Le Faucheur S. , Hug Peter D. , Loizeau J.-L. , Ungureanu V.-Gh. , Slaveykova V. I.
Published: March 2017

Bacterial, microalgal and fungal community compositions of biofilms in river reservoirs impacted by a chlor-alkali plant were followed simultaneously.
Molecular dynamics simulations elucidate conformational selection and induced fit mechanisms in the binding of PD-1 and PD-L1
Authors: Liu Wenping , Huang Bing , Kuang Yashu , Liu Guangjian
Published: March 2017

PD-L1 binds PD-1 through a complex mechanism including both the conformational selection and induced fit pathways.
Phenylboronic acid-incorporated elastin-like polypeptide nanoparticle drug delivery systems
Authors: Chen Weizhi , Ji Shilu , Qian Xiaoping , Zhang Yajun , Li Cheng , Wu Wei , Wang Fei , Jiang Xiqun
Published: March 2017

Packaging hydrophobic drugs into nanoparticles can improve their aqueous solubility, tumor-specific accumulation and therapeutic effect.
Preparation and electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of 3D graphene/pine needle-like iron nano-acicular whisker composites
Authors: Zhao Tingkai , Jin Wenbo , Ji Xianglin , Gao Junjie , Xiong Chuanyin , Dang Alei , Li Hao , Li Tiehu , Shang Songmin , Zhou Zhongfu
Published: March 2017

The improvement of high reflection loss and broad frequency bandwidth for electromagnetic wave absorption materials is a long-term effort.
MnO2in situ formed into the pores of C-dots/ZIF-8 hybrid nanocomposites as an effective quencher for fluorescence sensing ascorbic acid
Authors: Li Guangming , Lv Nan , Zhang Jilin , Ni Jiazuan
Published: March 2017

Rapid construction of C-dots/ZIF-8 composites and in situ growth of MnO2 into their pores as a quencher for ascorbic acid fluorescence sensing.
Enhancing the self-recovery and mechanical property of hydrogels by macromolecular microspheres with thermal and redox initiation systems
Authors: Huang Chang , Li Yifan , Duan Lijie , Wang Linhui , Ren Xiuyan , Gao Guanghui
Published: March 2017

A redox initiation system was used to efficiently enhance the mechanical behavior of macromolecular microsphere hydrogels.
A peptide-decorated and curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanomedicine for effectively overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer cells
Authors: Sun Xian , Luo Yingping , Huang Liwei , Yu Bo-Yang , Tian Jiangwei
Published: March 2017

A robust peptide-functionalized mesoporous silica nanomedicine loading with curcumin and doxorubicin (DOX/CUR@MSN-Pep) has been successfully constructed to effectively overcome multidrug resistance in cancer cells.
Aptamer-based fluorescent detection of ochratoxin A by quenching of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Lv Xin , Zhang Yuanfu , Liu Guofu , Du Lingyun , Wang Shuhao
Published: March 2017

A simple, rapid, low cost and highly sensitive method for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) was developed based on the principle that dispersed AuNPs show a better fluorescence quenching effect than aggregated AuNPs.
Site-specific azide-acetyllysine photochemistry on epigenetic readers for interactome profiling
Authors: Sudhamalla Babu , Dey Debasis , Breski Megan , Nguyen Tiffany , Islam Kabirul
Published: March 2017

The hydrophobic pocket of the epigenetic reader protein BRD4 has been engineered to carry a photosensitive amino acid to identify novel interacting partners, providing mechanistic insights into BRD4’s function in transcription and beyond.
Optimizing CdTe–metal interfaces for high performance solar cells
Authors: Li Sibai , Peng Zhi , Zheng Jiaxin , Pan Feng
Published: March 2017

CdTe is widely applied in thin film solar cells as a p-type layer, which is usually in contact with a metal back electrode.
Instantaneous carbonization of an acetylenic polymer into highly conductive graphene-like carbon and its application in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yan Longlong , Han Dongmei , Xiao Min , Ren Shan , Li Yuning , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: March 2017

A rapid dissolution–precipitation method combined with an instantaneous in situ carbonization process is reported for the fabrication of S/PAB-C cathode materials with 3D graphene-like PAB-C.
A novel H2O2biosensor based on three-dimensional micro/nano-biointerfaces
Authors: Wang Qi , Hu Sisheng , Yang Tian , Ma Shangshang , Liu Yuhong , Ma Chunxue , Wan Mimi , Mao Chun
Published: March 2017

A novel H2O2biosensor was first reported to directly grow living cells on three-dimensional micro/nano-biointerfaces to promote electrochemical performance.
Insight into the role of oxygen in the phase-change material GeTe
Authors: Zhu Linggang , Li Zhen , Zhou Jian , Miao Naihua , Sun Zhimei
Published: March 2017

Oxygen in GeTe induces the formation of defect clusters in the crystallization process of the amorphous state, which slows down the crystallization speed and improves the data retention of phase change material GeTe.
Microstructure engineering of polymer semiconductor thin films for high-performance field-effect transistors using a bi-component processing solution
Authors: Gao Dong , Chen Zhihui , Huang Jianyao , Zhang Weifeng , Wei Congyuan , Lin Zuzhang , Li Dizao , Yu Gui
Published: March 2017

The performance of polymer field-effect transistors was enhanced by microstructure engineering through the use of a bi-component solvent.
Down-regulation of miR-15a/b accelerates fibrotic remodelling in the Type 2 diabetic human and mouse heart
Authors: Rawal Shruti , Munasinghe Pujika Emani , Nagesh Prashanth Thevkar , Lew Jason Kar Sheng , Jones Gregory T. , Williams Michael J.A. , Davis Philip , Bunton Dick , Galvin Ivor F. , Manning Patrick , Lamberts Regis R. , Katare Rajesh
Published: March 2017

Aim: Myocardial fibrosis is a well-established cause of increased myocardial stiffness and subsequent diastolic dysfunction in the diabetic heart. The molecular regulators that drive the process of fibrotic events in the diabetic heart are still unknown. We determined the role of the microRNA (miR)-15 family in fibrotic remodelling of the diabetic heart.

Methods and results: Right atrial appendage (RAA) and left ventricular (LV) biopsy tissues collected from diabetic and non-diabetic (ND) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery showed significant down-regulation of miR-15a and -15b. This was associated with marked up-regulation of pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor-β receptor-1 (TGFβR1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), direct targets for miR-15a/b and pro-senescence p53 protein. Interestingly, down-regulation of miR-15a/b preceded the development of diastolic dysfunction and fibrosis in Type 2 diabetic mouse heart. Therapeutic restoration of miR-15a and -15b in HL-1 cardiomyocytes reduced the activation of pro-fibrotic TGFβR1 and CTGF, and the pro-senescence p53 protein expression, confirming a causal regulation of these fibrotic and senescence mediators by miR-15a/b. Moreover, conditioned medium (CM) collected from cardiomyocytes treated with miR-15a/b markedly diminished the differentiation of diabetic human cardiac fibroblasts.

Conclusion: Our results provide first evidence that early down-regulation of miR-15a/b activates fibrotic signalling in diabetic heart, and hence could be a potential target for the treatment/prevention of diabetes-induced fibrotic remodelling of the heart.
Sympathetic nervous activity in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a comparative study of inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Moreira Humberto G. , Lage Rony L. , Martinez Daniel G. , Ferreira-Santos Larissa , Rondon Maria U.P.B. , Negrão Carlos E. , Nicolau José C.
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have shown that both sympathetic hyperactivity and enhanced inflammatory responses are associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Whether there is a correlation between these two characteristics remains unclear. Thirty-four patients with uncomplicated ACS were evaluated; their mean age was 51.7±7.0 years, 79.4% were male, and 94.1% had myocardial infarction (MI). On the fourth day of hospitalization, they underwent muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) analysis (microneurography), as well as ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity measurements. These evaluations were repeated at 1, 3, and 6 months after hospitalization. Both MSNA and inflammatory biomarkers were elevated during the acute phase of ACS and then decreased over time. At hospitalization, the median usCRP level was 17.75 (IQR 8.57; 40.15) mg/l, the median IL-6 level was 6.65 (IQR 4.45; 8.20), the mean Lp-PLA2 activity level was 185.8 ±52.2 nmol/min per ml, and mean MSNA was 64.2±19.3 bursts/100 heart beats. All of these variables decreased significantly over 6 months compared with the in-hospital levels. MSNA was independently associated with the peak level of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CKMB) in the acute phase (P=0.027) and with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 6 months (P=0.026). Despite the increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers and sympathetic hyperactivity in the initial phase of ACS, no significant correlations between them were observed in any of the analyzed phases. Our data suggest that although both sympathetic hyperactivity and inflammation are concomitantly present during the early phase of ACS, these characteristics manifest via distinct pathological pathways.
Motor Speech Phenotypes of Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and Progressive Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Poole Matthew L. , Brodtmann Amy , Darby David , Vogel Adam P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Our purpose was to create a comprehensive review of speech impairment in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and progressive apraxia of speech in order to identify the most effective measures for diagnosis and monitoring, and to elucidate associations between speech and neuroimaging.

Method

Speech and neuroimaging data described in studies of FTD and PPA were systematically reviewed. A meta-analysis was conducted for speech measures that were used consistently in multiple studies.

Results

The methods and nomenclature used to describe speech in these disorders varied between studies. Our meta-analysis identified 3 speech measures which differentiate variants or healthy control-group participants (e.g., nonfluent and logopenic variants of PPA from all other groups, behavioral-variant FTD from a control group). Deficits within the frontal-lobe speech networks are linked to motor speech profiles of the nonfluent variant of PPA and progressive apraxia of speech. Motor speech impairment is rarely reported in semantic and logopenic variants of PPA. Limited data are available on motor speech impairment in the behavioral variant of FTD.

Conclusions

Our review identified several measures of speech which may assist with diagnosis and classification, and consolidated the brain–behavior associations relating to speech in FTD, PPA, and progressive apraxia of speech.
Filtered local pattern descriptor for face recognition and infrared pedestrian detection
Authors: Sun Ning , Yan Hengchao , Liu Jixin , Han Guang
Published: March 2017

In recent decades, the local pattern descriptor has achieved tremendous success in the field of face recognition, pedestrian detection, and image texture analysis. This study presents a generic approach, called the filtered local pattern descriptor (FLPD), which expands the traditional local pattern descriptor (TLPD) by using multi‐scale and multi‐type filter banks. The FLPD encodes the local information of an image based on the convolutional sum of the sub‐image blocks and the filter banks, instead of the original pixel values in the TLPD. This design can effectively increase the diversity of the TLPD feature extraction, thereby enhancing the ability of feature representation and its reliability. Two FLPD‐based feature representation methods are proposed for the face image and the pedestrian image. To evaluate the performance of the proposed FLPD, extensive experiments on face recognition and infrared pedestrian detection are conducted using several benchmark image datasets. The experimental results illustrate that the FLPD has a significant advantage in the discrimination and stability of feature extraction, and is able to achieve a satisfactory accuracy in comparison with state‐of‐the‐art methods. It is demonstrated that the FLPD is a powerful and convenient extension of the TLPD by filter banks, and suitable to be implemented as feature extraction into approaches to solve the binary or multi‐class image classification problems.
The 30 cm radio flux as a solar proxy for thermosphere density modelling
Authors: Dudok de Wit Thierry , Bruinsma Sean
Published: March 2017

The 10.7 cm radio flux (F10.7) is widely used as a proxy for solar UV forcing of the upper atmosphere. However, radio emissions at other centimetric wavelengths have been routinely monitored since the 1950 s, thereby offering prospects for building proxies that may be better tailored to space weather needs. Here we advocate the 30 cm flux (F30) as a proxy that is more sensitive than F10.7 to longer wavelengths in the UV and show that it improves the response of the thermospheric density to solar forcing, as modelled with DTM (Drag Temperature Model). In particular, the model bias drops on average by 0–20% when replacing F10.7 by F30; it is also more stable (the standard deviation of the bias is 15–40% smaller) and the density variation at the the solar rotation period is reproduced with a 35–50% smaller error. We compare F30 to other solar proxies and discuss its assets and limitations.
Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma: Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Nair Satish , Ramalingam W. , Bharadwaj Reena , Malik Akshat , Prasad Rachana
Published: March 2017

Ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA) is a rare presentation first described by Erdheim. Most of the EPAs described in literature occur in the sphenoid sinus or suprasellar region. We describe a case of an EPA originating from the choana presenting as a case of nasal mass along with detailed literature review.
An Efficient Synthesis of 3-Phosphorylated Benzoxaboroles via the Pudovik Reaction
Authors: Kamath Prashantha , Rajan Ramya , Deshpande Sudhindra , Montgomery Mark , Lal Mukul
Published: March 2017

A simple, fast and efficient synthesis of 3-phosphorylated benzoxaboroles using the Pudovik reaction is reported. A number of diverse 3-(dialkoxyphosphoryl)-1-hydroxy-3H-2,1-benzoxaboroles were synthesised in 70–86% yield. Interesting hydrogen bond features were observed in the crystal lattice of the 5-chlorinated 3-bis(benzyl­oxy)phosphoryl derivative with both inter- and intramolecular C–H···O hydrogen bonds. Additionally, linear chains of intermolecular O–H···O hydrogen bonds were observed.
Highly Variable Femoral Morphology in Osteoarthritic Chinese: Are Prostheses Today Sufficiently Suitable?
Authors: Zhang Yunjie , Wang Xiaofeng , Wu Zongming , Xia Qing , Shao Yunchao
Published: March 2017

We aimed to retrospectively investigate the morphology of the resected surfaces of femurs in Chinese patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to assess the suitability of contemporary femoral components. Measurements on three-dimensional reconstruction after virtual bone cutting were performed on 142 knees from Chinese TKA candidates. The anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) dimensions, aspect ratio (ML/AP), and posterior condylar angle (PCA) were measured in the axial plane; the height and length of medial and lateral anterior condyles and the maximal width of the anterior condyles were measured in the frontal plane. Femurs were matched to the prosthesis with the closest AP size. The ML dimensions of femurs were compared with the ML dimensions of the prosthesis. The AP and ML dimensions were significantly larger in male knees (p < 0.01), whereas the difference of aspect ratios was not found to be significantly different between genders (p = 0.26). Both medial and lateral heights of the anterior condyles were significantly higher in men after normalization by AP (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The mean PCA averaged 3.8 degrees for Chinese subjects. The overall prevalence of clinically significant overhang was 6.4% in males and 4.8% in females. The design of femoral prosthesis with alternative ML dimensions of the femoral component is a solution to sufficiently avoid overhang while retaining ideal coverage when dealing with a high variation. Chinese men had higher anterior condyles than women after normalization by AP dimension. The mean PCA was 3.8 degrees for all patients with high variability.
Toward quantifying soft power: the impact of the proliferation of information technology on governance in the Middle East
Authors: Anguelov Nikolay , Kaschel Tiffany
Published: March 2017

This study examines how information technology and mass communication outlets have been employed as soft power platforms in the Middle East in the aftermath of 9/11/2001. The focus is on Internet access and mobile phone subscriptions to see how their proliferation has impacted government effectiveness and political stability in MENA nations from 2004 to 2014. The analysis is centred in the context of increased American investment in soft power programs in the region with the goal of reducing instability and anti-Western sentiments. We examine the nature of such investment in relation to information technology dependence. Understanding that the necessary technology is a product of Western-centric multinationals, we study the interplay between imports, foreign aid and foreign direct investment (FDI), as direct metrics of foreign capital intensity and our explanatory variables—Internet and mobile technology usage rates. The results suggest that information technology platforms contribute to improved governance, while foreign aid has a negative impact. We further examine if increased government effectiveness and stability attracted FDI, as a representation for a positive outcome of improved governance, and find that such governmental efficacy was a successful predictor of foreign direct investment growth, while political stability was not. This article is published as part of a collection on soft power.
Deep underground rotation measurements: GINGERino ring laser gyroscope in Gran Sasso
Authors: Belfi Jacopo , Beverini Nicolò , Bosi Filippo , Carelli Giorgio , Cuccato Davide , De Luca Gaetano , Di Virgilio Angela , Gebauer André , Maccioni Enrico , Ortolan Antonello , Porzio Alberto , Saccorotti Gilberto , Simonelli Andreino , Terreni Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

GINGERino is a large frame laser gyroscope investigating the ground motion in the most inner part of the underground international laboratory of the Gran Sasso, in central Italy. It consists of a square ring laser with a 3.6 m side. Several days of continuous measurements have been collected, with the apparatus running unattended. The power spectral density in the seismic bandwidth is at the level of 10−10 (rad/s)/Hz. A maximum resolution of 30 prad/s is obtained with an integration time of few hundred seconds. The ring laser routinely detects seismic rotations induced by both regional earthquakes and teleseisms. A broadband seismic station is installed on the same structure of the gyroscope. First analysis of the correlation between the rotational and the translational signal is presented.
High stored energy of metallic glasses induced by high pressure
Authors: Wang C. , Yang Z. Z. , Ma T. , Sun Y. T. , Yin Y. Y. , Gong Y. , Gu L. , Wen P. , Zhu P. W. , Long Y. W. , Yu X. H. , Jin C. Q. , Wang W. H. , Bai H. Y.
Published: March 2017

Modulating energy states of metallic glasses (MGs) is significant in understanding the nature of glasses and controlling their properties. In this study, we show that high stored energy can be achieved and preserved in bulk MGs by high pressure (HP) annealing, which is a controllable method to continuously alter the energy states of MGs. Contrary to the decrease in enthalpy by conventional annealing at ambient pressure, high stored energy can occur and be enhanced by increasing both annealing temperature and pressure. By using double aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, it is revealed that the preserved high energy, which is attributed to the coupling effect of high pressure and high temperature, originates from the microstructural change that involves “negative flow units” with a higher atomic packing density compared to that of the elastic matrix of MGs. The results demonstrate that HP-annealing is an effective way to activate MGs into higher energy states, and it may assist in understanding the microstructural origin of high energy states in MGs.
Identification of heat stress-susceptible and -tolerant phenotypes in goats in semiarid tropics
Authors: Rout P. K. , Kaushik R. , Ramachandran N. , Jindal S. K.
Published: March 2017

The production performance of livestock is influenced by short-term variation in weather pattern. Goat adapts to varied ecological conditions and maintains productivity; however, wide variation has been observed among individual animals in response to environmental stimuli in a population. The objective of the present study was to identify the contrasting phenotypes on the basis of the physiological response in goats during heat stress. The study utilised 138 Jamunapari and 242 Barbari goats during peak heat-stress period and 82 Jamunapari and Barbari goats under thermo-neutral conditions. The physiological response of goats to different environmental conditions was evaluated by recording various parameters such as rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR). The temperature humidity index varied from 85.36 to 89.80 and from 65.32 to 73.12 during heat-stress and thermo-neutral assessments respectively. There was direct increase in HR and RR (>25%) due to heat stress in the animals, as compared with those in thermo-neutral conditions. On the basis of the distribution of RR and HR values across the breed in the population, the individuals having a RR of ≥50 and a HR of ≥130 are recognised as heat stress-susceptible phenotypes and those having a RR of ≤30 and a HR of ≤100 are recognised as heat stress-tolerant individuals. Different biomarkers were analysed in plasma, while heat-shock proteins and leptin were analysed in tissue extracts by ELISA. C-reactive protein and HSP90 concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) different between heat stress-susceptible and heat stress-tolerant individuals. Heat-shock proteins HSP70, HSP 90, and C-reactive protein and triiodothyronine were reliable indicators of long-term heat stress. Identification of contrasting phenotypes in regard to heat stress is necessary so as to evaluate the expression pattern at a cellular level, as well as physiological and biochemical parameters.
Studies of cytokinin receptor–phosphotransmitter interaction provide evidences for the initiation of cytokinin signalling in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Lomin Sergey N. , Myakushina Yulia A. , Arkhipov Dmitry V. , Leonova Olga G. , Popenko Vladimir I. , Schmülling Thomas , Romanov Georgy A.
Published: March 2017

Cytokinin receptors were shown recently to be localised mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); however, the activity of ER-located receptors was not proven. We have therefore tested the functionality of ER-located Arabidopsis receptors. The first step of cytokinin signal transduction is the transfer of a phosphoryl group from the activated receptor to a phosphotransfer protein. To determine the subcellular localisation of receptor–phosphotransmitter interaction in planta, BiFC experiments were performed. Receptors ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE 2 (AHK2), AHK3 and AHK4 (CRE1) and phosphotransmitters ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE-CONTAINING PHOSPHOTRANSMITTER 1 (AHP1), AHP2 and AHP3 fused to split-eYFP were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Receptor–phosphotransmitter pairs were shown to interact in every possible combination in a pattern reflecting the ER. Receptor dimers, an active form of the receptors, were also detected in the ER. According to BiFC and protease protection data, the catalytic part of AHK3 was located in the cytoplasm whereas the hormone binding module faced the ER lumen. This topology is consistent with receptor signalling from the ER membrane. Finally, the functionality of receptors in different membrane fractions was tested using an in vitro kinase assay visualising the phosphorylation of phosphotransfer proteins. The detected cytokinin-dependent phosphotransfer activity was confined mainly to the ER-enriched fraction. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ER-located cytokinin receptors are active in cytokinin signal transduction. Hence, intracellular cytokinins appear to play an essential role in cytokinin signalling. An updated model for the spatial organisation of cytokinin transport form activation, intracellular trafficking and signalling from the ER is proposed.
Pronounced surface stratification of soil phosphorus, potassium and sulfur under pastures upstream of a eutrophic wetland and estuarine system
Authors: Ryan Megan H. , Tibbett Mark , Lambers Hans , Bicknell David , Brookes Phillip , Barrett-Lennard Edward G. , Ocampo Carlos , Nicol Dion
Published: March 2017

High concentrations of nutrients in surface soil present a risk of nutrient movement into waterways through surface water pathways and leaching. Phosphorus (P) is of particular concern because of its role in aquatic system eutrophication. We measured nutrients under annual pastures on a beef farm and a dairy farm in the Peel–Harvey catchment, Western Australia. Soils were sampled in 10-mm increments to 100mm depth in March, June and September. Plant litter contained approximately 300–550mg kg–1 Colwell-extractable P. Extractable soil P was strongly stratified, being approximately 100–225mg kg–1 (dairy) and 50–110mg kg–1 (beef) in the top 10mm and <40mg kg–1 at 40–50mm depth. Total P and extractable potassium were also highly stratified, whereas sulfur was less strongly stratified. Shoot nutrient concentrations indicated that nitrogen was often limiting and sulfur was sometimes limiting for pasture growth: concentrations of P were often much greater than required for adequate growth (>4mg g–1). We conclude that high P concentrations at the soil surface and in litter and shoots are a source of risk for movement of P from farms into waterways in the Peel–Harvey catchment.
Genetic structure and diversity of the black-throated finch (Poephila cincta) across its current range
Authors: Tang Lei Stanley , Smith-Keune Carolyn , Grice Anthony C. , Moloney James M. , Hardesty Britta Denise
Published: March 2017

Understanding the patterns of population connectivity and level of genetic diversity can facilitate the identification of both ecologically relevant populations and the spatial scales at which conservation management may need to focus. We quantified genetic variation within and among populations of black-throated finches across their current distribution. To quantify genetic structure and diversity, we genotyped 242 individuals from four populations using 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers and sequenced 25 individuals based on a 302-base-pair segment of mitochondrial control region. We found modest levels of genetic diversity (average allelic richness r = 4.37 ± 0.41 (standard error) and average heterozygosity HO = 0.42 ± 0.040 (standard error)) with no bottleneck signature among sampled populations. We identified two genetic groups that represent populations of two subspecies based on Bayesian clustering analysis and low levels of genetic differentiation based on pairwise genetic differentiation statistics (all FST, RST and Nei’s unbiased D values <0.1). Our data suggest that genetic exchange occurs among sampled populations despite recent population declines. Conservation efforts that focus on maintaining habitat connectivity and increasing habitat quality to ensure a high level of gene flow on a larger scale will improve the species’ ability to persist in changing landscapes. Conservation management should also support continuous monitoring of the bird to identify any rapid population declines as land-use intensification occurs throughout the species’ range.
Osmolality/salinity-responsive enhancers (OSREs) control induction of osmoprotective genes in euryhaline fish
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Kültz Dietmar
Published: March 2017

Significance

Salinity stress is common in many environments and is predicted to intensify. Such stress increases the expression of numerous genes in fish, but the corresponding regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Our study provides a toolkit for discovering and functionally validating
cis
-regulatory elements (CREs) that control inducible gene expression in fish. This toolkit was used for experimental identification of the first osmotic/salinity-responsive CREs in fish (OSRE1). Our findings greatly empower novel approaches for deciphering fish osmosensory signaling and gene regulatory networks. Because sequence variation in inducible CREs is critical for the evolution of stress tolerance, knowledge of osmolality/salinity-responsive enhancers is critical for revealing the evolution and function of regulatory networks responsible for euryhalinity of fish.
Injury-stimulated and self-restrained BMP signaling dynamically regulates stem cell pool size during
Drosophila
midgut regeneration
Authors: Tian Aiguo , Wang Bing , Jiang Jin
Published: March 2017

Significance

Adult stem cells maintain tissue integrity by producing new cells to replenish damaged cells during tissue homeostasis and in response to injury. Using
Drosophila
adult midgut as a model we show that midgut injury elicited by chemical feeding or bacterial infection stimulates the production of two bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) ligands (Dpp and Gbb) that are critical for the expansion of the intestinal stem cell (ISC) population and midgut regeneration. Interestingly, we find that BMP expression is inhibited by BMP signaling itself, and this autoinhibition is required for resetting ISC pool size to the homeostatic level after tissue repair. Our study suggests that transient expansion of the stem cell population through the dynamic regulation of niche signals serves as a strategy for regeneration.
Pacific North American circulation pattern links external forcing and North American hydroclimatic change over the past millennium
Authors: Liu Zhongfang , Tang Yanlin , Jian Zhimin , Poulsen Christopher J. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Bowen Gabriel J.
Published: March 2017

Significance

We have developed a new reconstruction of changes in the wintertime atmospheric circulation over North America based on data distributed across the region. The record spans almost 1,000 years and shows how variation in ocean temperatures, solar energy, volcanic eruptions, and greenhouse gases has affected circulation over this period. We show that the circulation pattern is strongly correlated with fluctuating drought conditions in the western United States. Climate models do a poor job of simulating the reconstructed record of circulation change, and thus may have difficulty predicting future patterns of drought influenced by changing winter storm tracks across this region.
New Middle Pleistocene hominin cranium from Gruta da Aroeira (Portugal)
Authors: Daura Joan , Sanz Montserrat , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Hoffmann Dirk L. , Quam Rolf M. , Ortega María Cruz , Santos Elena , Gómez Sandra , Rubio Angel , Villaescusa Lucía , Souto Pedro , Mauricio João , Rodrigues Filipa , Ferreira Artur , Godinho Paulo , Trinkaus Erik , Zilhão João
Published: March 2017

Significance

We describe a recently discovered cranium from the Aroeira cave in Portugal dated to around 400 ka. This specimen is the westernmost Middle Pleistocene cranium of Europe and is one of the earliest fossils from this region associated with Acheulean tools. Unlike most other Middle Pleistocene finds, which are of uncertain chronology, the Aroeira 3 cranium is firmly dated to around 400 ka and was in direct association with abundant faunal remains and stone tools. In addition, the presence of burnt bones suggests a controlled use of fire. The Aroeira cranium represents a substantial contribution to the debate on the origin of the Neandertals and the pattern of human evolution in the Middle Pleistocene of Europe.