bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SLC39A8 variant causes manganese deficiency, and glycosylation and mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Riley Lisa G. , Cowley Mark J. , Gayevskiy Velimir , Roscioli Tony , Thorburn David R. , Prelog Kristina , Bahlo Melanie , Sue Carolyn M. , Balasubramaniam Shanti , Christodoulou John
Published: December 2016

SLC39A8 variants have recently been reported to cause a type II congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) in patients with intellectual disability and cerebellar atrophy. Here we report a novel SLC39A8 variant in siblings with features of Leigh‐like mitochondrial disease. Two sisters born to consanguineous Lebanese parents had profound developmental delay, dystonia, seizures and failure to thrive. Brain MRI of both siblings identified bilateral basal ganglia hyperintensities on T2‐weighted imaging and cerebral atrophy. CSF lactate was elevated in patient 1 and normal in patient 2. Respiratory chain enzymology was only performed on patient 1 and revealed complex IV and II + III activity was low in liver, with elevated complex I activity. Complex IV activity was borderline low in patient 1 muscle and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was reduced. Whole genome sequencing identified a homozygous Chr4(GRCh37):g.103236869C>G; c.338G>C; p.(Cys113Ser) variant in SLC39A8, located in one of eight regions identified by homozygosity mapping. SLC39A8 encodes a manganese and zinc transporter which localises to the cell and mitochondrial membranes. Patient 2 blood and urine manganese levels were undetectably low. Transferrin electrophoresis of patient 2 serum revealed a type II CDG defect. Oral supplementation with galactose and uridine led to improvement of the transferrin isoform pattern within 14 days of treatment initiation. Oral manganese has only recently been added to the treatment. These results suggest SLC39A8 deficiency can cause both a type II CDG and Leigh‐like syndrome, possibly via reduced activity of the manganese‐dependent enzymes β‐galactosyltransferase and mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase.
Epac activation inhibits IL-6-induced cardiac myocyte dysfunction
Authors: Jin Huiling , Fujita Takayuki , Jin Meihua , Kurotani Reiko , Hidaka Yuko , Cai Wenqian , Suita Kenji , Prajapati Rajesh , Liang Chen , Ohnuki Yoshiki , Mototani Yasumasa , Umemura Masanari , Yokoyama Utako , Sato Motohiko , Okumura Satoshi , Ishikawa Yoshihiro
Published: December 2016

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are released in septic shock and impair cardiac function via the Jak-STAT pathway. It is well known that sympathetic and thus catecholamine signaling is activated thereafter to compensate for cardiac dysfunction. The mechanism of such compensation by catecholamine signaling has been traditionally understood to be cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-mediated enforcement of cardiac contractility. We hypothesized that the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), a newly identified target of cAMP signaling that functions independently of PKA, also plays a key role in this mechanism. In cultured cardiac myocytes, activation of Epac attenuated the inhibitory effect of interleukin-6 on the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and contractility in response to isoproterenol, most likely through inhibition of the Jak-STAT pathway via SOCS3, with subsequent changes in inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. These findings suggest a new role of catecholamine signaling in compensating for cardiac dysfunction in heart failure. Epac and its downstream pathway may be a novel target for treating cardiac dysfunction in endotoxemia.
Exenatide Add-on to Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Therapy Reduces Bolus Insulin Doses in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Trial
Authors: Li Feng-fei , Jiang Lanlan , Fu Liyuan , Zhu Hong-hong , Zhou Peihua , Zhang Danfeng , Su Xiao-fei , Wu Jin-dan , Ye Lei , Ma Jian-hua
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of adding exenatide to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy on the precise insulin doses required by type 2 diabetic patients to maintain glycemic control.

Methods

This was a single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label trial. Uncontrolled T2D patients were recruited between March 2010 and November 2011 at Nanjing First Hospital, China. Subjects were randomly assigned (1:1) to either an exenatide add-on to CSII group or a CSII therapy only (i.e., control) group (n = 18, respectively) for 5 weeks. Patients were subjected to 3 days of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during the screening period and after therapy. The precise insulin doses, the times taken by the patients to achieve euglycemic control, and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) at the endpoint were compared between the two groups. The primary endpoint was precise insulin dose differences between groups from baseline to the endpoint.

Results

A total of 36 subjects were admitted as inpatients. Patients in the exenatide add-on therapy group needed less insulin titration time to achieve glycemic control (3.67 ± 1.33 vs. 4.78 ± 1.00 days, P = 0.028) and significantly lower bolus insulin doses than the control group at the endpoint (total bolus, 0.13 ± 0.03 vs. 0.17 ± 0.04 U/kg, P = 0.02, breakfast bolus, 0.05 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01 U/kg, P = 0.01, lunch bolus, 0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.01 U/kg, P = 0.01, dinner bolus, 0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 U/kg, P = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, the CGM data showed that patients in the exenatide add-on therapy group exhibited a significant reduction in MAGE as compared to the control group (2.96 ± 1.14 vs. 4.21 ± 1.39 mmol/L, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that adding exenatide therapy to CSII therapy leads to an improvement in glycemic excursions and the use of smaller bolus insulin doses.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier, ChiCTR-PPR-15007045.
A consilience framework: Revealing hidden features of the independent contractor
Authors: McKeown Tui
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the results of a consilience framework developed and tested to reconcile the varying definitions, methodologies and purposes of the data collected on independent contracting within Australia. The result is a multilayered profile of the self-employed contractor which draws together official labour market statistics, taxation office liabilities and marketing-based consumer data sources. The framework sees independent contractors emerge as a dynamic, entrepreneurial and complex group who defy many of the age, gender and industry stereotypes that law and policy makers confine them to. While these initial results are limited to Australia, the challenge independent contractors present to established systems of legal, social and government regulation are embedded within the wider contexts of self-employment and small business. These contexts are universal and the sooner these challenges are answered, the sooner the opportunities they also present can be realised.
BUSINESS CYCLES, GROWTH, AND ECONOMIC POLICY: SCHUMPETER AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION
Authors: Dal Pont Legrand Muriel , Hagemann Harald
Published: December 2016

Joseph A. Schumpeter’s theory of economic development analyzes how growth and cycle dynamics intertwine. The process of creative destruction plays an essential role in those dynamics: embodying a cleansing effect, it has a clear, beneficial impact on long-run development. For that reason, and also for some of his famous (and provocative) non-interventionist statements, Schumpeter is generally interpreted as a pure liquidationist. This paper contests this rather simplistic view and shows that Schumpeter not only expressed much more nuanced positions as far as practical economic issues were concerned, but also that his views on economic policy were rooted in his earlier contributions before the Great Depression, attesting that Schumpeter’s view on economic policy was consistent over time.
Suicidal ideation and subsequent completed suicide in both psychiatric and non-psychiatric populations: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hubers A. A. M. , Moaddine S. , Peersmann S. H. M. , Stijnen T. , van Duijn E. , van der Mast R. C. , Dekkers O. M. , Giltay E. J.
Published: December 2016

Aims.

Several authors claimed that expression of suicidal ideation is one of the most important predictors of completed suicide. However, the strength of the association between suicidal ideation and subsequent completed suicide has not been firmly established in different populations. Furthermore, the absolute suicide risk after expression of suicidal ideation is unknown. In this meta-analysis, we examined whether the expression of suicidal ideation predicted subsequent completed suicide in various populations, including both psychiatric and non-psychiatric populations.

Methods.

A meta-analysis of cohort and case–control studies that assessed suicidal ideation as determinant for completed suicide in adults. Two independent reviewers screened 5726 articles for eligibility and extracted data of the 81 included studies. Pooled risk ratios were estimated in a random effects model stratified for different populations. Meta-regression analysis was used to determine suicide risk during the first year of follow-up.

Results.

The risk for completed suicide was clearly higher in people who had expressed suicidal ideation compared with people who had not, with substantial variation between the different populations: risk ratio ranging from 2.35 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–3.87) in affective disorder populations to 8.00 (95% CI 5.46–11.7) in non-psychiatric populations. In contrast, the suicide risk after expression of suicidal ideation in the first year of follow-up was higher in psychiatric patients (risk 1.40%, 95% CI 0.74–2.64) than in non-psychiatric participants (risk 0.23%, 95% CI 0.10–0.54). Past suicide attempt-adjusted risk ratios were not pooled due to large underreporting.

Conclusions.

Assessment of suicidal ideation is of priority in psychiatric patients. Expression of suicidal ideation in psychiatric patients should prompt secondary prevention strategies to reduce their substantial increased risk of suicide.
The non-canonical mitochondrial inner membrane presequence translocase of trypanosomatids contains two essential rhomboid-like proteins
Authors: Harsman Anke , Oeljeklaus Silke , Wenger Christoph , Huot Jonathan L. , Warscheid Bettina , Schneider André
Published: December 2016

Mitochondrial protein import is essential for all eukaryotes. Here we show that the early diverging eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei has a non-canonical inner membrane (IM) protein translocation machinery. Besides TbTim17, the single member of the Tim17/22/23 family in trypanosomes, the presequence translocase contains nine subunits that co-purify in reciprocal immunoprecipitations and with a presequence-containing substrate that is trapped in the translocation channel. Two of the newly discovered subunits are rhomboid-like proteins, which are essential for growth and mitochondrial protein import. Rhomboid-like proteins were proposed to form the protein translocation pore of the ER-associated degradation system, suggesting that they may contribute to pore formation in the presequence translocase of T. brucei. Pulldown of import-arrested mitochondrial carrier protein shows that the carrier translocase shares eight subunits with the presequence translocase. This indicates that T. brucei may have a single IM translocase that with compositional variations mediates import of presequence-containing and carrier proteins.
Greenland subglacial drainage evolution regulated by weakly connected regions of the bed
Authors: Hoffman Matthew J. , Andrews Lauren C. , Price Stephen F. , Catania Ginny A. , Neumann Thomas A. , Lüthi Martin P. , Gulley Jason , Ryser Claudia , Hawley Robert L. , Morriss Blaine
Published: December 2016

Penetration of surface meltwater to the bed of the Greenland Ice Sheet each summer causes an initial increase in ice speed due to elevated basal water pressure, followed by slowdown in late summer that continues into fall and winter. While this seasonal pattern is commonly explained by an evolution of the subglacial drainage system from an inefficient distributed to efficient channelized configuration, mounting evidence indicates that subglacial channels are unable to explain important aspects of hydrodynamic coupling in late summer and fall. Here we use numerical models of subglacial drainage and ice flow to show that limited, gradual leakage of water and lowering of water pressure in weakly connected regions of the bed can explain the dominant features in late and post melt season ice dynamics. These results suggest that a third weakly connected drainage component should be included in the conceptual model of subglacial hydrology.
The spliceosome U2 snRNP factors promote genome stability through distinct mechanisms; transcription of repair factors and R-loop processing
Authors: Tanikawa M , Sanjiv K , Helleday T , Herr P , Mortusewicz O
Published: December 2016

Recent whole-exome sequencing of malignancies have detected recurrent somatic mutations in U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex (snRNP) components of the spliceosome. These factors have also been identified as novel players in the DNA-damage response (DDR) in several genome-wide screens and proteomic analysis. Although accumulating evidence implies that the spliceosome has an important role in genome stability and is an emerging hallmark of cancer, its precise role in DNA repair still remains elusive. Here we identify two distinct mechanisms of how spliceosome U2 snRNP factors contribute to genome stability. We show that the spliceosome maintains protein levels of essential repair factors, thus contributing to homologous recombination repair. In addition, real-time laser microirradiation analysis identified rapid recruitment of the U2 snRNP factor SNRPA1 to DNA-damage sites. Functional analysis of SNRPA1 revealed a more immediate and direct role in preventing R-loop-induced DNA damage. Our present study implies a complex interrelation between transcription, mRNA splicing and the DDR. Cells require rapid spatio-temporal coordination of these chromatin transactions to cope with various forms of genotoxic stress.
Polyanionic Cyclodextrin Induced Supramolecular Nanoparticle
Authors: Sun He-Lue , Zhang Ying-Ming , Chen Yong , Liu Yu
Published: December 2016

Ionizable cyclodextrins have attracted increasing attention in host–guest chemistry and pharmaceutical industry, mainly due to the introduction of favorable electrostatic interactions. The ionizable cyclodextrins could not only enhance its own solubility but also induce oppositely charged guests to form more stable complex. However, the aggregation induced by charged cyclodextrins has rarely been reported. In this work, guided by the concept of molecular-induced aggregation, a series of carboxyl modified cyclodextrins were synthesized via “click” and hydrolysis reaction. Then, UV-vis spectrum was used to investigate the aggregating behaviors induced by these cyclodextrins towards the cationic guest molecules. The results showed that only the hepta-carboxyl-β-cyclodextrin could induce the guest molecules to self-assemble into supramolecular spherical nanoparticles. Meanwhile, it could form stable inclusion complex with amantadine, a drug for anti-Parkinson and antiviral. The assembly behaviors were investigated by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, transmission electron microscope and NMR spectroscopy. The supramolecular nanoparticles induced by hepta-carboxyl-β-CD and its inclusion with amantadine could be used to encapsulate the model drug and achieve its controlled releasing behaviors.
Wip1 inhibitor GSK2830371 inhibits neuroblastoma growth by inducing Chk2/p53-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Chen Zhenghu , Wang Long , Yao Dayong , Yang Tianshu , Cao Wen-Ming , Dou Jun , Pang Jonathan C. , Guan Shan , Zhang Huiyuan , Yu Yang , Zhao Yanling , Wang Yongfeng , Xu Xin , Shi Yan , Patel Roma , Zhang Hong , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Liu Shangfeng , Yang Jianhua , Nuchtern Jed G.
Published: December 2016

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial tumor in children. Unlike in most adult tumors, tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53) mutations occur with a relatively low frequency in NB and the downstream function of p53 is intact in NB cell lines. Wip1 is a negative regulator of p53 and hindrance of Wip1 activity by novel inhibitor GSK2830371 is a potential strategy to activate p53’s tumor suppressing function in NB. Yet, the in vivo efficacy and the possible mechanisms of GSK2830371 in NB have not yet been elucidated. Here we report that novel Wip1 inhibitor GSK2830371 induced Chk2/p53-mediated apoptosis in NB cells in a p53-dependent manner. In addition, GSK2830371 suppressed the colony-formation potential of p53 wild-type NB cell lines. Furthermore, GSK2830371 enhanced doxorubicin- (Dox) and etoposide- (VP-16) induced cytotoxicity in a subset of NB cell lines, including the chemoresistant LA-N-6 cell line. More importantly, GSK2830371 significantly inhibited tumor growth in an orthotopic xenograft NB mouse model by inducing Chk2/p53-mediated apoptosis in vivo. Taken together, this study suggests that GSK2830371 induces Chk2/p53-mediated apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo in a p53 dependent manner.
~3-nm ZnO Nanoislands Deposition and Application in Charge Trapping Memory Grown by Single ALD Step
Authors: El-Atab Nazek , Chowdhury Farsad , Ulusoy Turkan Gamze , Ghobadi Amir , Nazirzadeh Amin , Okyay Ali K. , Nayfeh Ammar
Published: December 2016

Low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures are of great interest in high performance electronic and photonic devices. ZnO is considered to be a multifunctional material due to its unique properties with potential in various applications. In this work, 3-nm ZnO nanoislands are deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and the electronic properties are characterized by UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The results show that the nanostructures show quantum confinement effects in 1D. Moreover, Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitor (MOSCAP) charge trapping memory devices with ZnO nanoislands charge storage layer are fabricated by a single ALD step and their performances are analyzed. The devices showed a large memory window at low operating voltages with excellent retention and endurance characteristics due to the additional oxygen vacancies in the nanoislands and the deep barrier for the trapped holes due to the reduction in ZnO electron affinity. The results show that the ZnO nanoislands are promising in future low power memory applications.
Thermal decomposition of fullerene nanowhiskers protected by amorphous carbon mask
Authors: Guo Hongxuan , Wang Chengxiang , Miyazawa Kun’ichi , Wang Hongxin , Masuda Hideki , Fujita Daisuke
Published: December 2016

Fullerene nanostructures are well known for their unique morphology, physical and mechanical properties. The thermal stability of fullerene nanostructures, such as their sublimation at high temperature is also very important for studying their structures and applications. In this work, We observed fullerene nanowhiskers (FNWs) in situ with scanning helium ion microscopy (HIM) at elevated temperatures. The FNWs exhibited different stabilities with different thermal histories during the observation. The pristine FNWs were decomposed at the temperatures higher than 300 °C in a vacuum environment. Other FNWs were protected from decomposition with an amorphous carbon (aC) film deposited on the surface. Based on high spacial resolution, aC film with periodic structure was deposited by helium ion beam induced deposition (IBID) on the surface of FNWs. Annealed at the high temperature, the fullerene molecules were selectively sublimated from the FNWs. The periodic structure was formed on the surface of FNWs and observed by HIM. Monte Carlo simulation and Raman characterization proved that the morphology of the FNWs was changed by helium IBID at high temperature. This work provides a new method of fabricating artificial structure on the surface of FNWs with periodic aC film as a mask.
The immunohistochemical and urodynamic evaluation towards the collagen-coated and non-coated polypropylene meshes implanted in the pelvic wall of the rats
Authors: Lo Tsia-Shu , Lin Yi-Hao , Yusoff Faridah Mohd , Chu Hsiao-Chien , Hsieh Wu-Chiao , Uy-Patrimonio Ma. Clarissa
Published: December 2016

Our aim is to study the inflammatory response towards the collagen-coated and non-coated polypropylene meshes in rats and the urodynamic investigation post-operatively. Forty-two female Sprague Dawley were divided into 7 groups of 6 rats; Control, Day 7 and 30 for Sham, Avaulta Plus (MPC), Perigee (MP). UDS were taken at days 7 and 30. Mesh with the vagina and bladder wall was removed and sent for immunohistochemical examination. Results showed intense inflammatory reaction on day 7 in the study groups which decreased on day 30. IL-1, TNF-α, MMP-2 and CD31 were observed to decrease from day 7 to day 30. NGF was almost normal on day 30 in all groups. UDS showed no difference in voiding pressure. Both Study and Sham groups had shorter voiding interval (VI) on day 7 but significantly lower in MPC. VI had significantly increased on day 30 in all groups. Voided volume was significantly lower in the mesh groups even when an increase was seen on day 30. In conclusion, the higher levels of IL-1, TNF-α and MMP-2 in collagen-coated polypropylene mesh imply greater inflammation than the non-coated polypropylene mesh. Mesh implantation can lead to shorter voiding interval and smaller bladder capacity.
Comparative metagenomics reveals taxonomically idiosyncratic yet functionally congruent communities in periodontitis
Authors: Dabdoub Shareef M. , Ganesan Sukirth M. , Kumar Purnima S.
Published: December 2016

The phylogenetic characteristics of microbial communities associated with periodontitis have been well studied, however, little is known about the functional endowments of this ecosystem. The present study examined 73 microbial assemblages from 25 individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis and 25 periodontally healthy individuals using whole genome shotgun sequencing. Core metabolic networks were computed from taxa and genes identified in at least 80% of individuals in each group. 50% of genes and species identified in health formed part of the core microbiome, while the disease-associated core microbiome contained 33% of genes and only 1% of taxa. Clinically healthy sites in individuals with periodontitis were more aligned with sites with disease than with health. 68% of the health-associated metagenome was dedicated to energy utilization through oxidative pathways, while in disease; fermentation and methanogenesis were predominant energy transfer mechanisms. Expanded functionality was observed in periodontitis, with unique- or over-representation of genes encoding for fermentation, antibiotic resistance, detoxification stress, adhesion, invasion and intracellular resistance, proteolysis, quorum sensing, Type III/IV secretion systems, phages and toxins in the disease-associated core microbiome. However, different species or consortia contributed to these functions in each individual. Several genes, but not species, demonstrated robust discriminating power between health and disease.
Adjunctive treatment of brexpiprazole with fluoxetine shows a rapid antidepressant effect in social defeat stress model: Role of BDNF-TrkB signaling
Authors: Ma Min , Ren Qian , Yang Chun , Zhang Ji-chun , Yao Wei , Dong Chao , Ohgi Yuta , Futamura Takashi , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: December 2016

Addition of low doses of the atypical antipsychotic drug brexpiprazole with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could promote antidepressant effect in patients with major depressive disorder although the precise mechanisms underlying the action of the combination are unknown. Combination of low dose of brexpiprazole (0.1 mg/kg) and SSRI fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) could promote a rapid antidepressant effect in social defeat stress model although brexpiprazole or fluoxetine alone did not show antidepressant effect. Furthermore, the combination significantly improved alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - TrkB signaling and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens in the susceptible mice after social defeat stress. Interestingly, TrkB antagonist ANA-12 significantly blocked beneficial effects of combination of brexpiprazole and fluoxetine on depression-like phenotype. These results suggest that BDNF-TrkB signaling plays a role in the rapid antidepressant action of the combination of brexpiprazole and fluoxetine.
A polymorphism of HMGA1 protects against proliferative diabetic retinopathy by impairing HMGA1-induced VEGFA expression
Authors: Chiefari Eusebio , Ventura Valeria , Capula Carmelo , Randazzo Giorgio , Scorcia Vincenzo , Fedele Monica , Arcidiacono Biagio , Nevolo Maria Teresa , Bilotta Francesco Luciano , Vitiello Michela , Palmieri Camillo , Gulletta Elio , Fusco Alfredo , Foti Daniela , Vero Raffaella , Brunetti Antonio
Published: December 2016

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age people. Usually, DR progresses from the asymptomatic non-proliferative DR that does not significantly alter vision, to proliferative DR (PDR), which can result in aberrant retinal neovessel formation and blindness. The High-Mobility-Group A1 (HMGA1) protein is a transcriptional master regulator of numerous genes, including metabolic and inflammatory genes, which, by modulating the expression of angiogenic factors, may induce retinal neovascularization, a hallmark of PDR. Herein, we examined the relationship between HMGA1 rs139876191 variant and DR. Results revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes, who were carriers of the HMGA1 rs139876191 variant had a significantly lower risk of developing PDR, compared to non-carrier diabetic patients. From a mechanistic point of view, our findings indicated that, by adversely affecting HMGA1 protein expression and function, the HMGA1 rs139876191 variant played a key role in this protective mechanism by downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), a major activator of neovascularization in DR. These data provide new insights into the pathogenesis and progression of DR, and may offer opportunities for discovering novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of PDR.
Efficient derivation of extraembryonic endoderm stem cell lines from mouse postimplantation embryos
Authors: Lin Jiangwei , Khan Mona , Zapiec Bolek , Mombaerts Peter
Published: December 2016

Various types of stem cell lines have been derived from preimplantation or postimplantation mouse embryos: embryonic stem cell lines, epiblast stem cell lines, and trophoblast stem cell lines. It is not known if extraembryonic endoderm stem (XEN) cell lines can be derived from postimplantation mouse embryos. Here, we report the derivation of 77 XEN cell lines from 85 postimplantation embryos at embryonic day E5.5 or E6.5, in parallel to the derivation of 41 XEN lines from 69 preimplantation embryos at the blastocyst stage. We attain a success rate of 100% of XEN cell line derivation with our E5.5 whole-embryo and E6.5 disaggregated-embryo methods. Immunofluorescence and NanoString gene expression analyses indicate that the XEN cell lines that we derived from postimplantation embryos (post-XEN) are very similar to the XEN cell lines that we derived from preimplantation embryos (pre-XEN) using a conventional method. After injection into blastocysts, post-XEN cells contribute to extraembryonic endoderm in chimeras at E6.5 and E7.5.
A peptide functionalized nanomotor as an efficient cell penetrating tool
Authors: Peng Fei , Tu Yingfeng , Adhikari Ashish , Hintzen Jordi C. J. , Löwik Dennis W. P. M. , Wilson Daniela A.
Published: December 2016

A novel peptide-nanomotor based hybrid system is presented for fast cell penetration and cargo delivery.
Lowering water oxidation overpotentials using the ionisable imidazole of copper(2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole)
Authors: Stott Leea A. , Prosser Kathleen E. , Berdichevsky Ellan K. , Walsby Charles J. , Warren Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2016

Rapid and low overpotential oxidation of water to dioxygen remains a key hurdle for storage of solar energy. Deprotonation of an ionisable imidazole ligand in homogeneous copper catalysts lower overpotentials.
Guest-induced SC–SC transformation within the first K/Cd heterodimetallic triazole complex: a luminescent sensor for high-explosives and cyano molecules
Authors: Wang Ying , Jia Wei , Chen Ran , Zhao Xiao-Jun , Wang Zhong-Liang
Published: December 2016

The first K/Cd heterodimetallic complex based on triazole has been generated during ion- and solvent-exchange in SC–SC transformation.
Uncoiling of helical boron nitride–graphene nanoribbons in a single-walled carbon nanotube
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhou Yi , Zhou Xuyan , Wang Long , Li Hui
Published: December 2016

Helical boron nitride–graphene nanoribbons uncoil spontaneously in a single-walled carbon nanotube.
N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide-electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride composite electrolytes: characterization and lithium cell studies
Authors: Zhou Yundong , Wang Xiaoen , Zhu Haijin , Armand Michel , Forsyth Maria , Greene George W. , Pringle Jennifer M. , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: December 2016

LiFSI doped [C2mpyr][FSI]–PVdF composites were developed as solid-state, self-standing electrolyte membranes.
Decoupling of viscosity and relaxation processes in supercooled water: a molecular dynamics study with the TIP4P/2005f model
Authors: Guillaud Emmanuel , Merabia Samy , de Ligny Dominique , Joly Laurent
Published: December 2016

We show that the TIP4P/2005f water model describes accurately the experimental viscosity and self-diffusion over a large temperature range. We then show the decoupling of viscosity and structural relaxation time in supercooled water.
ψ-Phosphorene: a new allotrope of phosphorene
Authors: Wang Haidi , Li Xingxing , Liu Zhao , Yang Jinlong
Published: December 2016

Proposal of a new phosphorene allotrope with suitable geometrical and electronic properties for application in gas purification and solar cells.
The influence of flaxseed gum on the microrheological properties and physicochemical stability of whey protein stabilized β-carotene emulsions
Authors: Xu Duoxia , Qi Yameng , Wang Xu , Li Xin , Wang Shaojia , Cao Yanping , Wang Chengtao , Sun Baoguo , Decker Eric , Panya Atikorn
Published: December 2016

The impact of flaxseed gum (FG) on the microrheological properties and physicochemical stability of whey protein isolate (WPI) stabilized β-carotene emulsions at pH 3.0 was studied.
The first of the viscoceuticals? A shear thickening gum induces gastric satiety in rats
Authors: Wee M. S. M. , Lentle R. G. , Goh K. K. T. , Matia-Merino L.
Published: December 2016

We examined the effect of gavage of 4 ml of a viscous shear-thickening polysaccharide solution (15% w/w) extracted from the fronds of the mamaku tree fern (Cythea medullaris) in reducing appetite and delaying gastric emptying in twenty six Sprague Dawley rats.
Effects of pomegranate extract in supplementing gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy on idiopathic central precocious puberty in Chinese girls: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Liu Jinsheng , Tang Jiulai
Published: December 2016

Central precocious puberty (CPP) without organic abnormality is called idiopathic CPP (ICPP).
Micro-dynamics mechanism of the phase transition behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels revealed by two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Su Gehong , Zhou Tao , Liu Xifei , Ma Yanan
Published: December 2016

The micro-dynamics mechanism of the volume phase transition of PNIPAM-co-HEMA hydrogels was established using temperature-dependent FTIR spectroscopy, PCMW2D, and 2DCOS analysis.
Surface segregation of a branched polymer with hydrophilic poly[2-(2-ethoxy)ethoxyethyl vinyl ether] side chains
Authors: Sugimoto Shin , Oda Yukari , Hirata Toyoaki , Matsuyama Ruriko , Matsuno Hisao , Tanaka Keiji
Published: December 2016

A branched polymer with hydrophilic side chains was designed and prepared for anti-biofouling surface construction through its preferential segregation.
A practical strategy to design and develop an isoform-specific fluorescent probe for a target enzyme: CYP1A1 as a case study
Authors: Dai Zi-Ru , Feng Lei , Jin Qiang , Cheng Hailing , Li Yan , Ning Jing , Yu Yang , Ge Guang-Bo , Cui Jing-Nan , Yang Ling
Published: December 2016

A practical strategy was proposed and successfully used to design and develop an isoform-specific probe for a given enzyme.
Switchable slow relaxation of magnetization in the native low temperature phase of a cooperative spin-crossover compound
Authors: Urtizberea A. , Roubeau O.
Published: December 2016

Field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization arising from local trigonal distortion at high-spin Fe(II) sites in [Fe(mtz)6](CF3SO3)2 is reversibly switched through light irradiation, the first example of native and switchable Single-Molecule-Magnet properties in a spin-crossover material.
Effect of ring rotation upon gas adsorption in SIFSIX-3-M (M = Fe, Ni) pillared square grid networks
Authors: Elsaidi Sameh K. , Mohamed Mona H. , Simon Cory M. , Braun Efrem , Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Xu Wenqian , Banerjee Debasis , Space Brian , Zaworotko Michael J. , Thallapally Praveen K.
Published: December 2016

Dynamic and flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that respond to external stimuli, such as stress, light, heat, and the presence of guest molecules, hold promise for applications in chemical sensing, drug delivery, gas separations, and catalysis.
Pluralistic Education in Speech-Language Pathology: Above and Beyond Didactic Trails
Authors: Franca Maria Claudia , Harten Ana Claudia
Published: December 2016

Pluralistic instruction is about social change through education and requires thoughtful resourcefulness and commitment. It has long been emphasized that the development of cultural competence is an ongoing, lifelong process. Given this, it seems intuitive that multiple approaches and techniques must be utilized to support this development. This ever-evolving process involves acquisition of factual knowledge and skills that equip clinicians to assess and treat disorders as opposed to differences, while not overlooking disorders as differences either. This acquisition of knowledge and skills requires two primary pathways for linguistic knowledge attainment (a) dedicated coursework as a foundation for cultural and linguistic knowledge attainment, and (b) infusion techniques, in which culturally enriching concepts and issues are embedded across the curriculum. These essential complementary approaches comprise opportunities for diverse experiences in clinical practicum and interactions with minority groups. In this article, the authors describe pedagogical activities and approaches they implemented while teaching dedicated courses on multiculturalism at their institutions. The authors highlight the different cultural constructs addressed within the didactic methods, and provide suggestions for instructors considering multicultural instruction.
Prescribed conditions at infinity for fractional parabolic and elliptic equations with unbounded coefficients
Authors: Punzo Fabio , Valdinoci Enrico
Published: December 2016

We investigate existence and uniqueness of solutions to a class of fractional parabolic equations satisfying prescribed point-wise conditions at infinity (in space), which can be time-dependent. Moreover, we study the asymptotic behavior of such solutions. We also consider solutions of elliptic equations satisfying appropriate conditions at infinity.
Who’s on first? Tracking in real time the growth of multiple crystalline phases of an organic semiconductor: Tetracene on SiO2
Authors: Nahm R. K. , Engstrom J. R.
Published: December 2016

We have examined the effect of growth rate on the evolution of two polymorphs of thin films of tetracene on SiO2 using synchrotron X-ray radiation and molecular beam techniques. Ex situ X-ray reflectivity shows that tetracene forms two phases on SiO2: a thin-film phase and a bulk phase. We have used in situ, real-time grazing incidence diffraction during growth to reveal the nature of growth concerning these two phases. We observe that there is initially growth of only the thin-film phase, up to a thickness of several monolayers. This is followed by the nucleation of the bulk phase, growth of both phases, and finally growth of only the bulk phase. We find that the deposited thickness when the bulk phase nucleates increases with increasing growth rate. Similarly, we find that the deposited thickness at which the thin-film phase saturates also increases with increasing growth rate. These apparent dependencies on growth rate are actually a consequence of the local coverage, which depends on growth rate, particularly for the former effect. At low growth rates, there is 3D growth resulting from the upward transport of tetracene at island edges, resulting in tall features where molecules escape the influence of the substrate and form into the bulk phase. Increasing the growth rate leads to growth that is more 2D and uniform in coverage, delaying the formation of the bulk phase.
Polarization recovery in lead zirconate titanate thin films deposited on nanosheets-buffered Si (001)
Authors: Chopra Anuj , Bayraktar Muharrem , Nijland Maarten , ten Elshof Johan E. , Bijkerk Fred , Rijnders Guus
Published: December 2016

Fatigue behavior of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) films is one of the deterrent factors that limits the use of these films in technological applications. Thus, understanding and minimization of the fatigue behavior is highly beneficial for fabricating reliable devices using PZT films. We have investigated the fatigue behavior of preferentially oriented PZT films deposited on nanosheets-buffered Si substrates using LaNiO3 bottom and top electrodes. The films show fatigue of up to 10% at 100 kHz, whereas no fatigue has been observed at 1 MHz. This frequency dependence of the fatigue behavior is found to be in accordance with Dawber–Scott fatigue model that explains the origin of the fatigue as migration of oxygen vacancies. Interestingly, a partial recovery of remnant polarization up to ∼97% of the maximum value is observed after 4×109 cycles which can be further extended to full recovery by increasing the applied electric field. This full recovery is qualitatively explained using kinetic approach as a manifestation of depinning of domains walls. The understanding of the fatigue behavior and polarization recovery that is explained in this paper can be highly useful in developing more reliable PZT devices.
Focusing of ultrasonic waves by negative refraction in phononic crystals
Authors: Page J. H.
Published: December 2016

Negative refraction and focusing phenomena in phononic crystals is reviewed, starting with their initial discovery over 10 years ago in flat three-dimensional (3D) phononic crystals. This work soon led to direct observations of negative refraction in 2D phononic crystals, and an extensive series of experiments, simulations and theoretical predictions to explore and optimize focusing by flat phononic crystal lenses. More recently, the emphasis has been on demonstrating how super-resolution focusing that beats the diffraction limit can be achieved. Ultrasonic experiments, in combination with theory and simulations, have played an important role in developing a detailed understanding of these phenomena.
Characterization of vacancy defects in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 by positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Elsharkawy M. R. M. , Kanda G. S. , Yakushev M. V. , Abdel-Hady E. E. , Keeble D. J.
Published: December 2016

The photovoltaic performance of Cu(In1-x,Gax)Se2 (CIGS) materials is commonly assumed to be degraded by the presence of vacancy-related defects. However, experimental identification of specific vacancy defects remains challenging. In this work we report positron lifetime measurements on CIGS crystals with x = 0, and x = 0.05, saturation trapping to two dominant vacancy defect types, in both types of crystal, is observed and found to be independent of temperature between 15–300 K. Atomic superposition method calculations of the positron lifetimes for a range of vacancy defects in CIS and CGS are reported. The calculated lifetimes support the assignment of the first experimental lifetime component to monovacancy or divacancy defects, and the second to trivacancies, or possibly the large In-Se divacancy. Further, the calculated positron parameters obtained here provide evidence that positron annihilation spectroscopy has the capability to identify specific vacancy-related defects in the Cu(In1-x,Gax)Se2 chalcogenides.
Density functional theory + U modeling of polarons in organohalide lead perovskites
Authors: Welch Eric , Scolfaro Luisa , Zakhidov Alex
Published: December 2016

We investigate the possible formation of polarons in four organic perovskites (CH3NH3PbI3, CH3NH3PbBr3, CH3NH3PbCl3, and CH3NH3PbI2Cl1) using a density functional theory (DFT) calculations with local potentials and hybrid functionals. We show that DFT+U method with U = 8 eV predicts a correct band-gap and matches the forces on ions from hybrid calculations. We then use the DFT + U approach to study the effect of polarons, i.e. to search the configuration space and locate the lowest energy localized band gap state self-trapped hole (STH). STH configurations were found for three pure halides and one mixed halide system. Spin orbit coupling (SOC) was also taken into account and the results may be found in the supplementary material. This study focuses on the +U method; however, SOC corrections added to the DFT+U calculations also resulted in STH states in all four systems.
Guidance of surface elastic waves along a linear chain of pillars
Authors: Al Lethawe Mohammed , Addouche Mahmoud , Benchabane Sarah , Laude Vincent , Khelif Abdelkrim
Published: December 2016

The propagation of surface elastic waves, or surface phonons, is considered along a linear and periodic chain of cylindrical pillars sitting on a semi-infinite solid substrate. A variety of guided modes, some of them exhibiting a very low group velocity, are shown to exist at frequencies close to the resonance frequencies of the pillars. Although the pillar diameter is typically smaller than half the relevant wavelength, lateral radiation on the surface is found to be canceled. Surface guidance is explained by the hybridization of the resonating pillars with the continuum of elastic waves of the substrate.
cGMP signalling in plants: from enigma to main stream
Authors: Isner Jean-Charles , Maathuis Frans J. M.
Published: December 2016

All living organisms communicate with their environment, and part of this dialogue is mediated by secondary messengers such as cyclic guanosine mono phosphate (cGMP). In plants, most of the specific components that allow production and breakdown of cGMP have now been identified apart from cGMP dependent phosphodiesterases, enzymes responsible for cGMP catabolism. Irrespectively, the role of cGMP in plant signal transductions is now firmly established with involvement of this nucleotide in development, stress response, ion homeostasis and hormone function. Within these areas, several consistent themes where cGMP may be particularly relevant are slowly emerging: these include regulation of cation fluxes, for example via cyclic nucleotide gated channels and in stomatal functioning. Many details of signalling pathways that incorporate cGMP remain to be unveiled. These include downstream targets other than a small number of ion channels, in particular cGMP dependent kinases. Improved genomics tools may help in this respect, especially since many proteins involved in cGMP signalling appear to have multiple and often overlapping functional domains which hampers identification on the basis of simple homology searches. Another open question regards the topographical distribution of cGMP signals are they cell limited? Does long distance cGMP signalling occur and if so, by what mechanisms? The advent of non-disruptive fluorescent reporters with high spatial and temporal resolution will provide a tool to accelerate progress in all these areas. Automation can facilitate large scale screens of mutants or the action of effectors that impact on cGMP signalling.
Mechanisms of paradigm leveling and the role of universal preferences in morphophonological change
Authors: Fertig David
Published: December 2016

Historical linguists have long been divided in their views about the mechanisms behind paradigm leveling, with many invoking a special mechanism related to a universal preference for paradigm uniformity while others attribute leveling to the same mechanism responsible for other types of analogical change. I argue that although ‘proportional’ analogical innovation plays a major role in paradigm leveling, it cannot account for all cases, and that something akin to the ‘interference’ mechanisms commonly associated with contamination and folk etymology account well for the non-proportional instances. I further show that all of the mechanisms involved in paradigm leveling are also implicated in other types of analogical change, and I argue against the need to posit any universal bias against (stem) allomorphy.
On the functions of swearing in Persian
Authors: Nodoushan Mohammad Ali Salmani
Published: December 2016

The burgeoning literature on studies of swearing suggests that any acceptable definition of swearing involves three features: (a) non-literal meanings, (b) taboo subjects, and (c) emotions. It also suggests that swearwords fall into one of the three classes: aggressive, cathartic, or social. Driven by a rich corpus of swearwords from Persian, this paper argues that swearing in Persian does not necessarily involve these three features, and that a redefinition of swearing is needed. It then borrows ideas from ethics to suggest that any precise definition of swearing will have to involve the distinction between teleological and deontological ethics. It further envisages a continuum for swearing, with teleological ethics at one end and deontological ethics at the other, on which different forms of swearing can be arranged based on the degree to which they lean towards either end.
Second-generation NYC bilinguals’ use of the Spanish subjunctive in obligatory contexts
Authors: Viner Kevin Martillo
Published: December 2016

This paper analyzes naturalistic data from second-generation NYC bilinguals on their obligatory subjunctive use. First-generation NYC Spanish speakers serve as the reference model for the nine obligatory semantic & syntactic contexts. A total of 52 consultants are considered, 26 for each generation, from the six primary Spanish-speaking groups in NYC: Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Colombian. The objective is to determine, through quantitative and qualitative investigation, whether the second-generation’s obligatory subjunctive use has changed, and if so, to establish exactly where and how it differs from the first-generation, thus contributing to the variationist-sociolinguistic knowledge of Spanish grammar in bilingual settings. Statistically significant external and internal findings show that the two generational groups do in fact use the obligatory subjunctive differently. Close examination, however, suggests that second-generation bilinguals generally command obligatory subjunctive use, but do exhibit signs of a variable mood grammar.