bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier transform (FT)‐artifacts and power‐function resolution filter in Fourier transform mass spectrometry
Authors: Kanawati Basem , Bader Theresa M. , Wanczek Karl‐Peter , Li Yan , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe
Published: July 2017

Rationale

Peak picking algorithms in mass spectrometry face the challenge of picking the correct signals from a mass spectrum. In some cases signal wiggles (side lobes) are also chosen in the produced mass list as if they were real signals. Constraints which are defined in such algorithms do not always guarantee wiggle‐free accurate mass list generation out of raw mass spectra. This problem intensifies with acquisitions, which are accompanied by longer transients. Thus, the problem represents a contemporary issue, which propagates with modern high‐memory digitizers and exists in both MS and MS/MS spectra.

Methods

A solariX FTMS mass spectrometer with an Infinity ICR cell (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany) coupled to a 12 Tesla magnet (Magnex, UK) was used for the experimental study. Time‐domain transients of several different data point lengths 512k, 1M, 2M, 4M, 8M were obtained and were Fourier‐transformed to obtain frequency spectra which show the effect of the transient truncation on sinc wiggle developments in FT‐ICR‐MS. MATLAB simulations were also performed to investigate the origin of the Fourier transform (FT)‐artifacts.

Results

A new filter has been developed to identify and remove FT‐artifacts (sinc side lobes) from both frequency and mass spectra. The newly developed filter is based on distinguishing between the FWHM of the correct frequency/mass signals and the FWHM of their corresponding wiggles. The filter draws a reliable confidence limit of resolution range, within which a correct frequency/mass signal is identified. The filter is applicable over a wide mass range of metabolic interest (100–1200 amu).

Conclusions

The origin of FT‐artifacts due to time‐domain transient truncations was thoroughly investigated both experimentally and by simulations in this study. A new solution for this problem with automatic recognition and elimination of these FT‐artifacts (side lobes/wiggles) is provided, which is independent of any intensity thresholds, magnetic field strengths and time‐domain transient lengths.
The influence of chromium and molybdenum on the repassivation of nickel‐chromium‐molybdenum alloys in saline solutions
Authors: Ebrahimi N. , Biesinger M. C. , Shoesmith D. W. , Noël J. J.
Published: July 2017

The electrochemical properties and compositions of passive, transpassive, and re‐formed passive oxides on the Ni‐Cr‐Mo alloys C22 (high Cr/low Mo) and HYBRID BC1 (low Cr/high Mo) have been studied in 5.0M NaCl solutions. At low potentials in the passive region, the oxide was less resistive on BC1 compared to C22, possibly due to the influence of Mo in increasing the number of defects in the oxide. At higher potentials in the passive region, both alloys exhibited similar behaviours and composition of oxide films. Under transpassive conditions, the CrIII barrier layer (dominantly Cr2O3) was destroyed on both alloys, with a greater accumulation of MoVI/MoV on the BC1 than on the C22 alloy. Improved passivity was achieved for both alloys on returning to potentials in the passive region. This appears to be due mainly to the re‐formation of the CrIII barrier oxide layer on C22, but to a combination of the reformation of this layer and the accumulation of MoVI/MoV on the BC1. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Queering ESL Teaching: Pedagogical and Materials Creation Issues
Authors: Paiz Joshua M.
Published: July 2017

Queer issues in English language teaching (ELT) have received increasing attention in recent years. This has included calling for interfaces between queer theory and ELT theorizing and descriptions of what is at stake in heteronormative classrooms, as well as exploring normative discourses reflected in language learning materials. Despite this considerable progress, there is still much work to be done regarding how teacher trainers and practitioners might go about queering practice. This article seeks to explore how English as a second language (ESL) classrooms can be meaningfully queered to create safer and more respectful spaces for students to engage with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues in a second language. This discussion begins by looking at how ESL teacher training can be queered, for example, including representation from queer TESOL literature and modeling queer teaching practices. The conversation concludes by arguing that there also exists a need for teachers to seek out ways to queer commercially available classroom materials.
An emerging model organism Caenorhabditis elegans for alternative pre‐mRNA processing in vivo
Authors: Wani Shotaro , Kuroyanagi Hidehito
Published: July 2017

A nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an intron‐rich organism and up to 25% of its pre‐mRNAs are estimated to be alternatively processed. Its compact genomic organization enables construction of fluorescence splicing reporters with intact genomic sequences and visualization of alternative processing patterns of interest in the transparent living animals with single‐cell resolution. Genetic analysis with the reporter worms facilitated identification of trans‐acting factors and cis‐acting elements, which are highly conserved in mammals. Analysis of unspliced and partially spliced pre‐mRNAs in vivo raised models for alternative splicing regulation relying on specific order of intron excision. RNA‐seq analysis of splicing factor mutants and CLIP‐seq analysis of the factors allow global search for target genes in the whole animal. An mRNA surveillance system is not essential for its viability or fertility, allowing analysis of unproductively spliced noncoding mRNAs. These features offer C. elegans as an ideal model organism for elucidating alternative pre‐mRNA processing mechanisms in vivo. Examples of isoform‐specific functions of alternatively processed genes are summarized. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1428. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1428

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
Evaluation of serum Neuron‐specific enolase, S100B, myelin basic protein and glial fibrilliary acidic protein as brain specific proteins in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Esnafoglu Erman , Ayyıldız Sema Nur , Cırrık Selma , Erturk Emine Yurdakul , Erdil Abdullah , Daglı Abdullah , Noyan Tevfik
Published: July 2017

Objective

Brain specific‐proteins are not found in other tissues and measurement non‐invasively in the blood may identify structurally and functionally damaged brain regions and identify the severity and prognosis of neuropsychiatric diseases. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate serum brain‐specific protein values as brain damage markers in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

35 children with ASD and 31 healthy subjects were included in the study. Sociodemographic form and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were applied to each subject. Serum neuron specific enolase (NSE), S100B, Myelin basic protein (MBP) and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) values ​​were measured with ELISA.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups for NSE, MBP and S100 B values (p = 0.242; p = 0.768; p = 0.672, respectively). However, GFAP values ​​in the patient group were statistically significantly higher (mean ± SD: 0.463 ± 0.392 ng/ml) than in the healthy control group (mean ± SD: 0.256 ± 0.111 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between serum GFAP values ​​and CARS score in all subjects and in the patient group (r = 0.599; p < 0.001 and r = 0.380; p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

While serum NSE, MBP, and S100 B values cannot be considered as biomarkers for ASD, GFAP may be a biomarker and is suggested as a possible indicator of autism severity.
Pseudodidymellaceaefam. nov.: Phylogenetic affiliations of mycopappus-like genera inDothideomycetes
Authors: Hashimoto A. , Matsumura M. , Hirayama K. , Fujimoto R. , Tanaka K.
Published: July 2017

The familial placement of four genera,Mycodidymella,Petrakia,Pseudodidymella, andXenostigmina, was taxonomically revised based on morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear rDNA SSU, LSU,tef1, andrpb2sequences. ITS sequences were also provided as barcode markers. A total of 130 sequences were newly obtained from 28 isolates which are phylogenetically related toMelanommataceae(Pleosporales,Dothideomycetes) and its relatives. Phylogenetic analyses and morphological observation of sexual and asexual morphs led to the conclusion thatMelanommataceaeshould be restricted to its type genusMelanomma, which is characterised by ascomata composed of a well-developed, carbonaceous peridium, and an aposphaeria-like coelomycetous asexual morph. AlthoughMycodidymella,Petrakia,Pseudodidymella, andXenostigminaare phylogenetically related toMelanommataceae, these genera are characterised by epiphyllous, lenticular ascomata with well-developed basal stroma in their sexual morphs, and mycopappus-like propagules in their asexual morphs, which are clearly different from those ofMelanomma.Pseudodidymellaceaeis proposed to accommodate these four genera. AlthoughMycodidymellaandXenostigminahave been considered synonyms ofPetrakiabased on sexual morphology, we show that they are distinct genera. Based on morphological observations, these genera inPseudodidymellaceaeare easily distinguished by their synasexual morphs: sigmoid, multi-septate, thin-walled, hyaline conidia (Mycodidymella); globose to ovoid, dictyosporus, thick-walled, brown conidia with cellular appendages (Petrakia); and clavate with a short rostrum, dictyosporus, thick-walled, brown conidia (Xenostigmina). A synasexual morph ofPseudodidymellawas not observed. AlthoughAlpinariawas treated as member ofMelanommataceaein a previous study, it has hyaline cells at the base of ascomata and pseudopycnidial, confluent conidiomata which is atypical features inMelanommataceae, and is treated asincertae sedis.
Aerodynamic performance of an un-located high-pressure turbine rotor
Authors: Pawsey L. , Rajendran D. J. , Pachidis V.
Published: July 2017

The rotor sub-assembly of the high-pressure turbine of a modern turbofan engine is typically free to move downstream because of the force imbalance acting on the disc and blades following an un-located shaft failure. This downstream movement results in a change in the geometry of the rotor blade, tip seals and rim/platform seals because of the interaction of the rotor sub-assembly with the downstream vane sub-assembly. Additionally, there is a change in the leakage flow properties, which mix with the main flow because of the change in engine behaviour and secondary air system dynamics. In the present work, the changes in geometry following the downstream movement of the turbine, are obtained from a validated friction model and structural LS-DYNA simulations. Changes in leakage flow properties are obtained from a transient network source-sink secondary air system model. Three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are used to evaluate the aerodynamic effect from the inclusion of the leakage flows, tipseal domains, and downstream movement of the rotor for three displacement configurations (i.e. 0, 10 and 15 mm) with appropriate changes in geometry and leakage flow conditions. It is observed from the results that there is a significant reduction in the expansion ratio, torque and power produced by the turbine with the downstream movement of the rotor because of changes in the flow behaviour for the different configurations. These changes in turbine performance parameters are necessary to accurately predict the terminal speed of the rotor using an engine thermodynamic model. Further, it is to be noted that such reductions in turbine rotor torque will result in a reduction of the terminal speed attained by the rotor during an un-located shaft failure. Therefore the terminal speed of the rotor can be controlled by introducing design features that will result in the rapid rearward displacement of the turbine rotor.
Prosecutor v. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi
Authors: Bishop-Burney Uzma S.
Published: July 2017

On September 27, 2016, the Trial Chamber (Chamber) of the International Criminal Court (ICC or tribunal) rendered its judgment in Prosecutor v. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, wherein the defendant was convicted of the war crime of intentionally directing attacks on protected cultural objects. It is the ICC's first such conviction and the first time that an accused has entered a guilty plea at the tribunal pursuant to Article 65 of the Rome Statute (Statute). Al Mahdi pled guilty to co-perpetrating attacks on protected objects pursuant to Article 8(2)(e)(iv) of the Statute for his role in the attack on, and destruction of, ten mosques and mausoleums in Timbuktu. The Trial Chamber sentenced him to nine years in prison.
Arginine metabolism and its protective effects on intestinal health and functions in weaned piglets under oxidative stress induced by diquat
Authors: Zheng Ping , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Huang Zhiqing , Tian Gang , Zeng Qiufeng , Che Lianqiang , Chen Daiwen
Published: July 2017

The intestine plays key roles in maintaining body arginine (Arg) homoeostasis. Meanwhile, the intestine is very susceptible to reactive oxygen species. In light of this, the study aimed to explore the effects of Arg supplementation on intestinal morphology, Arg transporters and metabolism, and the potential protective mechanism of Arg supplementation in piglets under oxidative stress. A total of thirty-six weaned piglets were randomly allocated to six groups with six replicates and fed a base diet (0·95 % Arg,) or base diet supplemented with 0·8 % and 1·6 %l-Arg for 1 week, respectively. Subsequently, a challenge test was conducted by intraperitoneal injection of diquat, an initiator of radical production, or sterile saline. The whole trial lasted 11 d. The diquat challenge significantly decreased plasma Arg concentration at 6 h after injection (P<0·05), lowered villus height in the jejunum and ileum (P<0·05) as well as villus width and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P<0·05). Oxidative stress significantly increasedcationic amino acid transporter(CAT)-1,CAT-2andCAT-3, mRNA levels (P<0·05), decreasedarginase II(ARGII) andinducible nitric oxide synthasemRNA levels, and increasedTNF-αmRNA level in the jejunum (P<0·05). Supplementation with Arg significantly decreased crypt depth (P<0·05), suppressedCAT-1mRNA expression induced by diquat (P<0·05), increasedARGIIandendothelial nitric oxide synthasemRNA levels (P<0·05), and effectively relieved theTNF-αmRNA expression induced by diquat in the jejunum (P<0·05). It is concluded that oxidative stress decreased Arg bioavailability and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the jejunum, and that Arg supplementation has beneficial effects in the jejunum through regulation of the metabolism of Arg and suppression of inflammatory cytokine expression in piglets.
What do voters do when they like a local candidate from another party?
Authors: Blais André , Daoust Jean-François
Published: July 2017

We address two questions: How many voters particularly like a candidate from another party? And do these voters vote for their preferred party or their preferred candidate? We use the Making Electoral Democracy Work data for the 2015 Canadian federal election in three provinces (British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec). We find that one voter out of ten particularly liked a candidate from a party other than the one he or she preferred. For two out of five of such voters, the preference for the local candidate trumped the party preference.
PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Turkstra Erika , Bettington Emilie , Donohue Maria L. , Mervin Merehau C.
Published: July 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine submissions made to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and assess whether the predicted financial impact was associated with a recommendation. The second objective was to assess whether the financial and utilization estimates for listing the proposed medicine were reliable.

Methods: Data were extracted from public summary documents of major submissions considered by the PBAC from 2012 to 2014. Information collected included whether submissions were accepted, rejected, or deferred; estimated use; and financial impact. For those submissions that were recommended in 2012 and listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) by January 2014, a comparison was made between predicted and actual use and cost in 2014, based on PBS utilization.

Results: In 2012 to 2014, the PBAC considered 142 unique major submissions; of those, 65 were recommended for listing. A higher financial cost to the government was a statistically significant factor in predicting rejection (p = .004 for cost > AUD 30 million Australian dollars [20.7 million Euros] compared with cost-saving). Of the submissions that were recommended in 2012 and listed by 2014, the actual use was higher than predicted for 5/19 medications. The estimated cost was outside the predicted bracket of cost for 10/19 medications, with 8/19 medications having threefold underestimated expenditure, and 2/19 items having lower than predicted expenditure.

Conclusions: This study highlights that the predicted financial impact of a medication to the PBS budget is associated with a PBAC recommendation and also highlights that predicted use may not reflect actual prescribing practices.
Rorschach Interpretation
Authors: Smith Bruce L.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. This article presents an object relations theory interpretation of the protocol of Ms. B. Object relations theory is defined and the concepts of potential space and the introjective–anaclitic dimension are highlighted. The author suggests that Ms. B.’s protocol manifests a dissociative collapse of potential space, an introjective orientation toward defenses and coping, and a borderline level of object representation. The Rorschach data for these interpretations are discussed and the implications for treatment are highlighted.
Genome-wide association and expression quantitative trait loci studies identify multiple susceptibility loci for thyroid cancer
Authors: Son Ho-Young , Hwangbo Yul , Yoo Seong-Keun , Im Sun-Wha , Yang San Duk , Kwak Soo-Jung , Park Min Seon , Kwak Soo Heon , Cho Sun Wook , Ryu Jun Sun , Kim Jeongseon , Jung Yuh-Seog , Kim Tae Hyun , Kim Su-jin , Lee Kyu Eun , Park Do Joon , Cho Nam Han , Sung Joohon , Seo Jeong-Sun , Lee Eun Kyung , Park Young Joo , Kim Jong-Il
Published: July 2017

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in Korea. Several susceptibility loci of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) were identified by previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in Europeans only. Here we conducted a GWAS and a replication study in Koreans using a total of 1,085 DTC cases and 8,884 controls, and validated these results using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis and clinical phenotypes. The most robust associations were observed in the NRG1 gene (rs6996585, P=1.08 × 10−10) and this SNP was also associated with NRG1 expression in thyroid tissues. In addition, we confirmed three previously reported loci (FOXE1, NKX2-1 and DIRC3) and identified seven novel susceptibility loci (VAV3, PCNXL2, INSR, MRSB3, FHIT, SEPT11 and SLC24A6) associated with DTC. Furthermore, we identified specific variants of DTC that have different effects according to cancer type or ethnicity. Our findings provide deeper insight into the genetic contribution to thyroid cancer in different populations.
Platelet function is modified by common sequence variation in megakaryocyte super enhancers
Authors: Petersen Romina , Lambourne John J. , Javierre Biola M. , Grassi Luigi , Kreuzhuber Roman , Ruklisa Dace , Rosa Isabel M. , Tomé Ana R. , Elding Heather , van Geffen Johanna P. , Jiang Tao , Farrow Samantha , Cairns Jonathan , Al-Subaie Abeer M. , Ashford Sofie , Attwood Antony , Batista Joana , Bouman Heleen , Burden Frances , Choudry Fizzah A. , Clarke Laura , Flicek Paul , Garner Stephen F. , Haimel Matthias , Kempster Carly , Ladopoulos Vasileios , Lenaerts An-Sofie , Materek Paulina M. , McKinney Harriet , Meacham Stuart , Mead Daniel , Nagy Magdolna , Penkett Christopher J. , Rendon Augusto , Seyres Denis , Sun Benjamin , Tuna Salih , van der Weide Marie-Elise , Wingett Steven W. , Martens Joost H. , Stegle Oliver , Richardson Sylvia , Vallier Ludovic , Roberts David J. , Freson Kathleen , Wernisch Lorenz , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Danesh John , Fraser Peter , Soranzo Nicole , Butterworth Adam S. , Heemskerk Johan W. , Turro Ernest , Spivakov Mikhail , Ouwehand Willem H. , Astle William J. , Downes Kate , Kostadima Myrto , Frontini Mattia
Published: July 2017

Linking non-coding genetic variants associated with the risk of diseases or disease-relevant traits to target genes is a crucial step to realize GWAS potential in the introduction of precision medicine. Here we set out to determine the mechanisms underpinning variant association with platelet quantitative traits using cell type-matched epigenomic data and promoter long-range interactions. We identify potential regulatory functions for 423 of 565 (75%) non-coding variants associated with platelet traits and we demonstrate, through ex vivo and proof of principle genome editing validation, that variants in super enhancers play an important role in controlling archetypical platelet functions.
Quantitative real-time imaging of glutathione
Authors: Jiang Xiqian , Chen Jianwei , Bajić Aleksandar , Zhang Chengwei , Song Xianzhou , Carroll Shaina L. , Cai Zhao-Lin , Tang Meiling , Xue Mingshan , Cheng Ninghui , Schaaf Christian P. , Li Feng , MacKenzie Kevin R. , Ferreon Allan Chris M. , Xia Fan , Wang Meng C. , Maletić-Savatić Mirjana , Wang Jin
Published: July 2017

Glutathione plays many important roles in biological processes; however, the dynamic changes of glutathione concentrations in living cells remain largely unknown. Here, we report a reversible reaction-based fluorescent probe—designated as RealThiol (RT)—that can quantitatively monitor the real-time glutathione dynamics in living cells. Using RT, we observe enhanced antioxidant capability of activated neurons and dynamic glutathione changes during ferroptosis. RT is thus a versatile tool that can be used for both confocal microscopy and flow cytometry based high-throughput quantification of glutathione levels in single cells. We envision that this new glutathione probe will enable opportunities to study glutathione dynamics and transportation and expand our understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of glutathione in living cells.
Imaging of super-fast dynamics and flow instabilities of superconducting vortices
Authors: Embon L. , Anahory Y. , Jelić Ž.L. , Lachman E. O. , Myasoedov Y. , Huber M. E. , Mikitik G. P. , Silhanek A. V. , Milošević M. V. , Gurevich A. , Zeldov E.
Published: July 2017

Quantized magnetic vortices driven by electric current determine key electromagnetic properties of superconductors. While the dynamic behavior of slow vortices has been thoroughly investigated, the physics of ultrafast vortices under strong currents remains largely unexplored. Here, we use a nanoscale scanning superconducting quantum interference device to image vortices penetrating into a superconducting Pb film at rates of tens of GHz and moving with velocities of up to tens of km/s, which are not only much larger than the speed of sound but also exceed the pair-breaking speed limit of superconducting condensate. These experiments reveal formation of mesoscopic vortex channels which undergo cascades of bifurcations as the current and magnetic field increase. Our numerical simulations predict metamorphosis of fast Abrikosov vortices into mixed Abrikosov-Josephson vortices at even higher velocities. This work offers an insight into the fundamental physics of dynamic vortex states of superconductors at high current densities, crucial for many applications.
Self-management behaviour and support among primary care COPD patients: cross-sectional analysis of data from the Birmingham Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cohort
Authors: Khan Ainee , Dickens Andrew P. , Adab Peymane , Jordan Rachel E.
Published: July 2017

Self-management support for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is recommended by UK national guidelines, but extent of implementation is unknown. We aimed to describe self-management behaviour and support among COPD patients and explore behaviour associated with having a self-management plan. We undertook cross-sectional analysis of self-reported data from diagnosed COPD patients in the Birmingham COPD Cohort study. Questionnaire items relevant to self-management behaviour, knowledge of COPD, receipt of self-management plans and advice from healthcare professionals were examined. Multiple regression models were used to identify behaviour associated with having a self-management plan. One-thousand seventy-eight participants (676 males, 62.7%, mean age 69.8 (standard deviation 9.0) years) were included. The majority reported taking medications as instructed (940, 94.0%) and receiving annual influenza vaccinations (962, 89.2%). Only 400 (40.4%) participants had self-management plans, 538 (49.9%) reported never having received advice on diet/exercise and 110 (42.7%) current smokers had been offered practical help to stop smoking in the previous year. General knowledge about COPD was moderate (mean total Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire score: 31.5 (standard deviation 10.7); max score 65), corresponding to 48.5% of questions answered correctly. Having a self-management plan was positively associated with self-reported adherence to medication (odds ratio 3.10, 95% confidence interval 1.43 to 6.72), attendance at a training course (odds ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.81 to 4.12), attendance at a support group (odds ratio 6.28, 95% confidence interval 2.96 to 13.35) and better disease knowledge (mean difference 4.87, 95% confidence interval 3.16 to 6.58). Primary care healthcare professionals should ensure more widespread implementation of individualised self-management plans for all patients and improve the lifestyle advice provided.
Mucin 2 silencing promotes colon cancer metastasis through interleukin-6 signaling
Authors: Hsu Hui-Ping , Lai Ming-Derg , Lee Jenq-Chang , Yen Meng-Chi , Weng Tzu-Yang , Chen Wei-Ching , Fang Jung-Hua , Chen Yi-Ling
Published: July 2017

Downregulation of Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression is associated with early carcinogenesis events in colon cancer. MUC2 plays a role in the progression of colon cancer, and reduced MUC2 protein expression correlates with increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. However, the interaction between MUC2 and IL-6 in colorectal cancer metastasis remains unclear. We systematically analyzed MUC2 and IL-6 expression and determined the survival of cancer patients with high or low MUC2 and IL-6 expression using the Oncomine and PrognoScan databases, respectively. This analysis identified downregulation of MUC2 and overexpression of IL-6 in colon cancer but not in normal colon tissue, and this expression pattern was correlated with poor survival of colon cancer patients. We examined the effects of MUC2 on colon cancer metastasis and used vector-mediated application of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to suppress MUC2 expression. MUC2 suppressed the migration of colon cancer cells in vitro and dramatically diminished liver metastases in vivo. Treatment with IL-6 increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, promoted checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) activation, attenuated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and suppressed E-cadherin protein expression in MUC2-silenced HT-29 cancer cells. Most importantly, MUC2 is a potential prognostic indicator for colon cancer.
Asymptomatic Transmission and the Dynamics of Zika Infection
Authors: Moghadas Seyed M. , Shoukat Affan , Espindola Aquino L. , Pereira Rafael S. , Abdirizak Fatima , Laskowski Marek , Viboud Cecile , Chowell Gerardo
Published: July 2017

Following the 2013–14 outbreak in French Polynesia, the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic spread widely to many countries where Aedes Aegypti as the main transmitting vector is endemic. The lack of a second wave of ZIKV infection in most affected regions may suggest that a sufficiently high level of herd immunity was reached during the first wave. We developed an agent-based transmission model to investigate the role of asymptomatic infection on the likelihood of observing a second wave, while accounting for its relative transmissibility. We found that, as the relative transmissibility of asymptomatic infection increases, a second wave is more likely to occur, despite an increase in the attack rate during the first wave. When the reproduction number varies between 1.9 and 2.8 based on estimates for Antioquia, Colombia, the attack rate varies between 4% and 26% for a low (below 10%) effectiveness of interventions in blunting the ZIKV transmission from symptomatic cases to mosquitoes. Moreover, the fraction of cases due to sexual transmission is estimated below 4% of the cumulative incidence. Our analyses underscore the need to quantify the transmissibility of asymptomatic infections, without which the overall attack rates and the level of herd immunity cannot be accurately estimated.
Honokiol inhibits c-Met-HO-1 tumor-promoting pathway and its cross-talk with calcineurin inhibitor-mediated renal cancer growth
Authors: Balan Murugabaskar , Chakraborty Samik , Flynn Evelyn , Zurakowski David , Pal Soumitro
Published: July 2017

Honokiol (HNK) is a small molecule with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties; yet the molecular targets of HNK are not well studied. Hyperactivation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met and overexpression of the cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) play a critical role in the growth and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Interestingly, the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) cyclosporine A (CsA), an immunosuppressant used to prevent allograft rejection, can also increase the risk of RCC in transplant patients. We studied the potential role of c-Met signaling axis on CNI-induced renal tumor growth and tested the anti-tumor efficacy of HNK. Importantly, CNI treatment promoted c-Met induction and enhanced c-Met-induced Ras activation. We found that HNK treatment effectively down-regulated both c-Met phosphorylation and Ras activation in renal cancer cells. It inhibited the expression of both c-Met- and CNI-induced HO-1, and promoted cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo, HNK markedly inhibited CNI-induced renal tumor growth; and it decreased the expression of phospho-c-Met and HO-1 and reduced blood vessel density in tumor tissues. Our results suggest a novel mechanism(s) by which HNK exerts its anti-tumor activity through the inhibition of c-Met-Ras-HO-1 axis; and it can have significant therapeutic potential to prevent post-transplantation cancer in immunosuppressed patients.
Warming effects on the urban hydrology in cold climate regions
Authors: Järvi L. , Grimmond C. S. B. , McFadden J. P. , Christen A. , Strachan I. B. , Taka M. , Warsta L. , Heimann M.
Published: July 2017

While approximately 338 million people in the Northern hemisphere live in regions that are regularly snow covered in winter, there is little hydro-climatologic knowledge in the cities impacted by snow. Using observations and modelling we have evaluated the energy and water exchanges of four cities that are exposed to wintertime snow. We show that the presence of snow critically changes the impact that city design has on the local-scale hydrology and climate. After snow melt, the cities return to being strongly controlled by the proportion of built and vegetated surfaces. However in winter, the presence of snow masks the influence of the built and vegetated fractions. We show how inter-year variability of wintertime temperature can modify this effect of snow. With increasing temperatures, these cities could be pushed towards very different partitioning between runoff and evapotranspiration. We derive the dependency of wintertime runoff on this warming effect in combination with the effect of urban densification.
Bootstrap quantification of estimation uncertainties in network degree distributions
Authors: Gel Yulia R. , Lyubchich Vyacheslav , Ramirez Ramirez L. Leticia
Published: July 2017

We propose a new method of nonparametric bootstrap to quantify estimation uncertainties in functions of network degree distribution in large ultra sparse networks. Both network degree distribution and network order are assumed to be unknown. The key idea is based on adaptation of the “blocking” argument, developed for bootstrapping of time series and re-tiling of spatial data, to random networks. We first sample a set of multiple ego networks of varying orders that form a patch, or a network block analogue, and then resample the data within patches. To select an optimal patch size, we develop a new computationally efficient and data-driven cross-validation algorithm. The proposed fast patchwork bootstrap (FPB) methodology further extends the ideas for a case of network mean degree, to inference on a degree distribution. In addition, the FPB is substantially less computationally expensive, requires less information on a graph, and is free from nuisance parameters. In our simulation study, we show that the new bootstrap method outperforms competing approaches by providing sharper and better-calibrated confidence intervals for functions of a network degree distribution than other available approaches, including the cases of networks in an ultra sparse regime. We illustrate the FPB in application to collaboration networks in statistics and computer science and to Wikipedia networks.
Primary phonological planning units in spoken word production are language-specific: Evidence from an ERP study
Authors: Wang Jie , Wong Andus Wing-Kuen , Wang Suiping , Chen Hsuan-Chih
Published: July 2017

It is widely acknowledged in Germanic languages that segments are the primary planning units at the phonological encoding stage of spoken word production. Mixed results, however, have been found in Chinese, and it is still unclear what roles syllables and segments play in planning Chinese spoken word production. In the current study, participants were asked to first prepare and later produce disyllabic Mandarin words upon picture prompts and a response cue while electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were recorded. Each two consecutive pictures implicitly formed a pair of prime and target, whose names shared the same word-initial atonal syllable or the same word-initial segments, or were unrelated in the control conditions. Only syllable repetition induced significant effects on event-related brain potentials (ERPs) after target onset: a widely distributed positivity in the 200- to 400-ms interval and an anterior positivity in the 400- to 600-ms interval. We interpret these to reflect syllable-size representations at the phonological encoding and phonetic encoding stages. Our results provide the first electrophysiological evidence for the distinct role of syllables in producing Mandarin spoken words, supporting a language specificity hypothesis about the primary phonological units in spoken word production.
Precipitates and Particles Coarsening of 9Cr–1.7W–0.4Mo–Co Ferritic Heat-Resistant Steel after Isothermal Aging
Authors: Gao Qiuzhi , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Hailian , Li Huijun , Qu Fu , Han Jian , Lu Cheng , Wu Bintao , Lu Yao , Ma Yan
Published: July 2017

The precipitates obtained by EPE technology from the 9Cr-1.7W-0.4Mo-Co ferritic heat-resistant steel subject to isothermal aging were investigated using SEM, TEM and XRD. The particle size distribution and the coarsening kinetics of M23C6 with duration of isothermal aging were also analyzed with or without consideration of Laves phase. The results show that the isolated dislocations were detected in delta ferrite interior, and the precipitates on delta ferrite and martensite boundaries are obviously larger than other locations. Fe2W-Laves phase can only be found as duration of aging time to 2000 h, and is preferential to form adjacent to M23C6 particles. The small M23C6 particles firstly coarsen, but the large M23C6 are relatively stable during short aging. The total coarsening rate of M23C6 precipitates is 9.75 × 10−28m3s−1, and the coarsening of M23C6 depends on the formation of Laves phase.
X-Ray Phase Contrast Tomography Reveals Early Vascular Alterations and Neuronal Loss in a Multiple Sclerosis Model
Authors: Cedola A. , Bravin A. , Bukreeva I. , Fratini M. , Pacureanu A. , Mittone A. , Massimi L. , Cloetens P. , Coan P. , Campi G. , Spanò R. , Brun F. , Grigoryev V. , Petrosino V. , Venturi C. , Mastrogiacomo M. , Kerlero de Rosbo Nicole , Uccelli A.
Published: July 2017

The degenerative effects of multiple sclerosis at the level of the vascular and neuronal networks in the central nervous system are currently the object of intensive investigation. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model for multiple sclerosis, but the neuropathology of specific lesions in EAE and the effects of MSC treatment are under debate. Because conventional imaging techniques entail protocols that alter the tissues, limiting the reliability of the results, we have used non-invasive X-ray phase-contrast tomography to obtain an unprecedented direct 3D characterization of EAE lesions at micro-to-nano scales, with simultaneous imaging of the vascular and neuronal networks. We reveal EAE-mediated alterations down to the capillary network. Our findings shed light on how the disease and MSC treatment affect the tissues, and promote X-ray phase-contrast tomography as a powerful tool for studying neurovascular diseases and monitoring advanced therapies.
All-printed highly sensitive 2D MoS2 based multi-reagent immunosensor for smartphone based point-of-care diagnosis
Authors: Sajid Memoon , Osman Ahmed , Siddiqui Ghayas Uddin , Kim Hyun Bum , Kim Soo Wan , Ko Jeong Bum , Lim Yoon Kyu , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: July 2017

Immunosensors are used to detect the presence of certain bio-reagents mostly targeted at the diagnosis of a condition or a disease. Here, a general purpose electrical immunosensor has been fabricated for the quantitative detection of multiple bio-reagents through the formation of an antibody-antigen pair. The sensors were fabricated using all printing approaches. 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) MoS2 thin film was deposited using Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) on top of an interdigitated transducer (IDT) electrode fabricated by reverse offset printing. The sensors were then treated with three different types of antibodies that were immobilized by physisorption into the highly porous multi-layered structure of MoS2 active layer. BSA was used as blocking agent to prevent non-specific absorption (NSA). The sensors were then employed for the targeted detection of the specific antigens including prostate specific antigen (PSA), mouse immunoglobulin-G (IgG), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). IgG was then selected to test the sensors for point of care (POC) diagnosis through a specially designed electronic readout system for sensors and interfacing it with a smartphone using Bluetooth connection. The sensors showed promising performance in terms of stability, specificity, repeatability, sensitivity, limit of detection (LoD), and range of detection (RoD).
Risk factors for prolonged hypotension in patients with pheochromocytoma undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wu Shubin , Chen Weiyun , Shen Le , Xu Li , Zhu Afang , Huang Yuguang
Published: July 2017

Prolonged hypotension during pheochromocytoma resection is a significant complication. We sought to investigate the predictors of prolonged hypotension in patients with pheochromocytoma undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Patients with pheochromocytoma who underwent LA between 2012 and 2015 were surveyed. Patients were considered to have prolonged hypotension if they had a mean arterial blood pressure <60 mmHg or required ≥30 consecutive minutes of catecholamine support intraoperatively. Among 123 patients, 54 (43.9%) developed prolonged hypotension requiring ≥30 consecutive minutes of catecholamine support. Compared with patients with nonprolonged hypotension, those with prolonged hypotension had higher levels of urinary norepinephrine (P = 0.011), epinephrine (P < 0.001), and dopamine (P = 0.019) preoperatively, and a higher incidence of vital organ injury postoperatively (P = 0.039). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that independent predictors for prolonged hypotension were multiples of the normal reference upper limit value of urinary epinephrine (odds ratio, 1.180; 95% confidence interval, 1.035–1.345) and dopamine (odds ratio, 4.375; 95% confidence interval, 1.207–15.855). The levels of preoperative urinary epinephrine and dopamine are clinical predictors for prolonged hypotension in patients with pheochromocytoma undergoing LA. Using these parameters, clinicians can assess and manage this patient population more effectively.
High-resolution, on-chip RF photonic signal processor using Brillouin gain shaping and RF interference
Authors: Choudhary Amol , Liu Yang , Morrison Blair , Vu Khu , Choi Duk-Yong , Ma Pan , Madden Stephen , Marpaung David , Eggleton Benjamin J.
Published: July 2017

Integrated microwave photonics has strongly emerged as a next-generation technology to address limitations of conventional RF electronics for wireless communications. High-resolution RF signal processing still remains a challenge due to limitations in technology that offer sub-GHz spectral resolution, in particular at high carrier frequencies. In this paper, we present an on-chip high-resolution RF signal processor, capable of providing high-suppression spectral filtering, large phase shifts and ns-scale time delays. This was achieved through tailoring of the Brillouin gain profiles using Stokes and anti-Stokes resonances combined with RF interferometry on a low-loss photonic chip with strong opto-acoustic interactions. Using an optical power of <40 mW, reconfigurable filters with a bandwidth of ~20 MHz and an extinction ratio in excess of 30 dB are synthesized. Through the concept of vector addition of RF signals we demonstrate, almost an order of magnitude amplification in the phase and delay compared to devices purely based upon the slow-light effect of Brillouin scattering. This concept allows for versatile and power-efficient manipulation of the amplitude and phase of RF signals on a photonic chip for applications in wireless communications including software defined radios and beam forming.
Genomic characterization of novel IncFII-type multidrug resistant plasmids p0716-KPC and p12181-KPC from Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Feng Jiao , Yin Zhe , Zhao Qiangyuan , Zhao Yachao , Zhang Defu , Jiang Xiaoyuan , Wu Weili , Chen Weijun , Wang Hui , Song Yajun , Tong Yigang , Wang Jinglin , Li Yanjun , Zhou Dongsheng
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to genetically characterize two fully-sequenced novel IncFII-type multidrug resistant (MDR) plasmids, p0716-KPC and p12181-KPC, recovered from two different clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. p0716-KPC and p12181-KPC had a very similar genomic content. The backbones of p0716-KPC/p12181-KPC contained two different replicons (belonging to a novel IncFII subtype and the Rep_3 family), the IncFIIK and IncFIIY maintenance regions, and conjugal transfer gene sets from IncFIIK-type plasmids and unknown origins. p0716-KPC and p12181-KPC carried similar three accessory resistance regions, namely ΔTn6209, a MDR region, and the blaKPC-2 region. Resistance genes blaKPC-2, mph(A), strAB, aacC2, qacEΔ1, sul1, sul2, and dfrA25, which are associated with transposons, integrons, and insertion sequence-based mobile units, were located in these accessory regions. p0716-KPC carried two additional resistance genes: aphA1a and blaTEM-1. Together, our analyses showed that p0716-KPC and p12181-KPC belong to a novel IncFII subtype and display a complex chimeric nature, and that the carbapenem resistance gene blaKPC-2 coexists with a lot of additional resistance genes on these two plasmids.
Cyclic di-GMP regulates Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to ethionamide
Authors: Zhang Hai-Nan , Xu Zhao-Wei , Jiang He-Wei , Wu Fan-Lin , He Xiang , Liu Yin , Guo Shu-Juan , Li Yang , Bi Li-Jun , Deng Jiao-Yu , Zhang Xian-En , Tao Sheng-Ce
Published: July 2017

Tuberculosis is still on the top of infectious diseases list on both mobility and mortality, especially due to drug-resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Ethionamide (ETH) is one of effective second line anti-TB drugs, a synthetic compound similar to isoniazid (INH) structurally, with existing severe problem of ETH resistance. ETH is a prodrug, which is activated by Etha inside M.tb, and etha is transcriptionally repressed by Ethr. We found that c-di-GMP could bind Ethr, enhanced the binding of Ethr to the promoter of etha, and then repressed the transcription of etha, thus caused resistance of M.tb to ETH. Through docking analysis and in vitro validation, we identified that c-di-GMP binds 3 amino acids of Ethr, i.e., Q125, R181 and E190, while the first 2 were the major binding sites. Homology analysis showed that Ethr was highly conservative among mycobacteria. Further docking analysis showed that c-di-GMP preferentially bound proteins of TetR family at the junction hole of symmetric dimer or tetramer proteins. Our results suggest a possible drug-resistance mechanism of ETH through the regulation of Ethr by c-di-GMP.
The asymmetric impact of global warming on US drought types and distributions in a large ensemble of 97 hydro-climatic simulations
Authors: Huang Shengzhi , Leng Guoyong , Huang Qiang , Xie Yangyang , Liu Saiyan , Meng Erhao , Li Pei
Published: July 2017

Projection of future drought is often involved large uncertainties from climate models, emission scenarios as well as drought definitions. In this study, we investigate changes in future droughts in the conterminous United States based on 97 1/8 degree hydro-climate model projections. Instead of focusing on a specific drought type, we investigate changes in meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought as well as the concurrences. Agricultural and hydrological droughts are projected to become more frequent with increase in global mean temperature, while less meteorological drought is expected. Changes in drought intensity scale linearly with global temperature rises under RCP8.5 scenario, indicating the potential feasibility to derive future drought severity given certain global warming amount under this scenario. Changing pattern of concurrent droughts generally follows that of agricultural and hydrological droughts. Under the 1.5 °C warming target as advocated in recent Paris agreement, several hot spot regions experiencing highest droughts are identified. Extreme droughts show similar patterns but with much larger magnitude than the climatology. This study highlights the distinct response of droughts of various types to global warming and the asymmetric impact of global warming on drought distribution resulting in a much stronger influence on extreme drought than on mean drought.