bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venturing Abroad: The Internationalisation of Mexican Banks Prior to the 1982 Crisis
Authors: ALVAREZ SEBASTIAN
Published: March 2017

This article explores the international expansion of Mexican banks and its implications for the domestic banking system during the decade leading up to the 1982 debt crisis. In contrast to the prevalent focus in the literature on profitability and performance, I examine the asset and liability structure of the banking sector and show that there were clear signs of deterioration in its financial condition well before the onset of the crisis. Financial statement analysis reveals that the banks engaged in international lending and foreign funding were the ones with the greatest propensity to be adversely affected by this problem. The international expansion of Mexican banks emerged and developed as an exit option to domestic funding problems and increasing competition from foreign bank loans, in a context of growing needs for financing and foreign exchange in Mexico.
Groupoid Fell bundles for product systems over quasi-lattice ordered groups
Authors: RENNIE ADAM , ROBERTSON DAVID , SIMS AIDAN
Published: March 2017

Consider a product system over the positive cone of a quasi-lattice ordered group. We construct a Fell bundle over an associated groupoid so that the cross-sectional algebra of the bundle is isomorphic to the Nica–Toeplitz algebra of the product system. Under the additional hypothesis that the left actions in the product system are implemented by injective homomorphisms, we show that the cross-sectional algebra of the restriction of the bundle to a natural boundary subgroupoid coincides with the Cuntz–Nica–Pimsner algebra of the product system. We apply these results to improve on existing sufficient conditions for nuclearity of the Nica–Toeplitz algebra and the Cuntz–Nica–Pimsner algebra, and for the Cuntz–Nica–Pimsner algebra to coincide with its co-universal quotient.
Size estimates of unknown boundaries with a Robin-type condition
Authors: Di Cristo Michele , Sincich Eva , Vessella Sergio
Published: March 2017

We deal with the problem of determining an unknown part of the boundary of an electrical conductor that is inaccessible for external observation and where a corrosion process is going on. We obtain estimates of the size of this damaged region from above and below.
Hygienebeauftragte in der Pflege auf den Stationen
Authors: Tebest Ralf , Honervogt Fiona Yoon Mee , Westermann Kristina , Samel Christina , Redaèlli Marcus , Stock Stephanie
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Hygienedefizite können zu Krankenhausinfektionen führen. Um dieser Bedrohung für die öffentliche Gesundheit zu begegnen, wird vom Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) der Einsatz von Hygienebeauftragten in der Pflege (HBP) empfohlen. Ziel: Die Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit bestand darin, die Erfahrungen der HBP im Universitätsklinikum Köln zu evaluieren. Methode: Es wurde eine Querschnittsbefragung aller HBP (n = 64) des Universitätsklinikums Köln mit einem selbst entwickelten Fragebogen durchgeführt. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Der Rücklauf betrug 45,3 % (n = 29). Die HBP äußerten sich sehr zufrieden mit der Fortbildung für HBP und gaben an, sich gut auf ihre Aufgabe vorbereitet zu fühlen. Die Zusammenarbeit mit den Pflegekräften, ihrer Stationsleitung und der Hygieneabteilung wurde ebenfalls sehr positiv bewertet. Allerdings waren nur etwa ein Drittel der 29 Befragten mit den Arbeitsbedingungen zufrieden und nur etwa die Hälfte gab an, das Gefühl zu haben, dass ihre bisherigen Bemühungen erfolgreich sind. Ein weiteres Ergebnis ist, dass viele der gesetzlich intendierten Aufgaben nur selten erbracht wurden. Es konnten zwei Barrieren für die Implementierung der HBP identifiziert werden: (1) eine zu geringe Freistellung der HBP von ihren sonstigen Tätigkeiten und (2) Defizite im Hinblick auf die Akzeptanz durch das ärztliche Personal. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Aufgabe besteht nun darin, Wege zu finden, die HBP mehr von ihren sonstigen Arbeiten freizustellen und das ärztliche Personal intensiver in die Etablierung der HBP einzubeziehen.
Neue Herzinsuffizienz-Guidelines: Update für die	Praxis
Authors: Rickenbacher Peter
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Herzinsuffizienz ist definiert als klinisches Syndrom, charakterisiert durch typische Symptome, häufig begleitet von typischen klinischen Befunden in Assoziation mit strukturellen oder funktionellen kardialen Abnormitäten. Unterschieden wird die Herzinsuffizienz mit verminderter, erhaltener und neu «mid-range» Auswurffraktion. Es wird ein neuer Diagnose-Algorithmus basierend auf der klinischen Wahrscheinlichkeit für das Vorliegen einer Herzinsuffizienz bei nicht akutem Beginn vorgestellt. Die etablierte medikamentöse Therapie der Herzinsuffizienz mit verminderter Auswurffraktion umfasst ACE-Hemmer, Betablocker und Mineralokortikoidrezeptor-Antagonisten, ergänzt durch Diuretika bei Vorliegen einer Stauung. Eine neue Therapieoption steht mit dem Angiotensinrezeptor-Neprilysin-Inhibitor Valsartan/Sacubitril zur Verfügung. Neben der medikamentösen Therapie kommt der Device-Therapie, insbesondere der kardialen Resynchronisationstherapie (CRT) eine wichtige Rolle zu. Die entsprechende Indikationsstellung erfolgt durch Kardiologen. Für die Herzinsuffizienz mit erhaltener Auswurffraktion gibt es bisher keine evidenzbasierte Therapie zur Reduktion von Morbidität und Mortalität. Diuretika verbessern Symptome bei Flüssigkeitsretention. Auslösende Faktoren sowie kardiale und nicht-kardiale Komorbiditäten sollen gezielt gesucht und behandelt werden.
News in der aktuell gültigen WHO-Klassifikation der HPV-assoziierten Zervix-Läsionen
Authors: Bode-Lesniewska Beata , Caduff Rosmarie
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die neusten Erkenntnisse zu der Pathogenese des Zervixkarzinoms führten zu Anpassungen in der zytologischen und histologischen Nomenklatur seiner Vorstufen. Die aktuelle, 2014 eingeführte histologische WHO-Terminologie unterscheidet, analog zum zytologischen Bethesda-System, zwischen zwei histologischen Stufen der HPV-bedingten Veränderungen: LSIL und HSIL, die mit unterschiedlichen Risiken der Progredienz zum invasiven Karzinom einhergehen und klinisch entsprechend unterschiedlich gehandhabt werden sollen. Die immunhistochemische Detektion des p16-Proteins als Surrogat der neoplastischen Transformation der HPV-infizierten Zellen hilft, die rein mikroskopische Diagnose zu objektivieren und zu sichern, und ist ein wichtiges Hilfsmittel in der Histopathologie. Die Verfügbarkeit der HPV-Impfung und die HPV-Detektion werden in den kommenden Jahren die Abläufe in der Frühentdeckung und die Epidemiologie der Zervixkarzinom-Vorstufen beeinflussen.
Pediatric Epilepsy and Behavioral Health: The State of the Literature and Directions for Evidence-Based Interprofessional Care, Training, and Research
Authors: Guilfoyle Shanna M. , Wagner Janelle L. , Modi Avani C. , Junger Katherine F. , Barrett Lauren E. , Riisen Amanda C. , Schoffner Kindell R. , Smith Aimee W. , Weyand Chelsea
Published: March 2017

Pediatric epilepsy is the most common neurologic condition and is linked to high rates of behavioral health comorbidities, which can compromise seizure control and quality of life. Despite these concerns, the behavioral health needs of youth with epilepsy are underserved. Given the climate of the Affordable Care Act, pediatric psychologists offer a unique skill set to address these comorbidities by developing and disseminating evidence-based behavioral health treatments that are efficient, increasingly cost-effective, and provided within an interprofessional framework. However, the training of pediatric psychologists within epilepsy care is limited outside of well-established neuropsychological assessment, which has stagnated the development of evidence-based behavioral health treatments for this population. The current aims of this project are multifaceted. The initial 2 aims include providing a brief overview of epilepsy and the associated behavioral health needs due to the high prevalence of psychological comorbidities, stigma, adjustment, and antiepileptic drug side effects, along with reviewing evidence-based treatments for externalizing and internalizing symptoms within pediatric epilepsy. The final aims are to offer directions for interprofessional care that contains health-care costs and improves outcomes, to highlight pediatric epilepsy as an optimal pediatric psychology training opportunity, and to provide next steps for the increased need for clinical intervention research. This effort increases awareness of epilepsy as a growing area of opportunity within pediatric psychology and strengthens the role of pediatric psychologists as an integral part of the comprehensive treatment of youth with epilepsy.
The Americleft Psychosocial Outcomes Project: A Multicenter Approach to Advancing Psychosocial Outcomes for Youth With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Crerand Canice E. , Conrad Amy L. , Albert Meredith , Bellucci Claudia Crilly , Heppner Celia E. , Sheikh Farah , Woodard Suzanne , Kapp-Simon Kathleen A.
Published: March 2017

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) are among the most common of all birth defects. Habilitation requires multiple surgeries and other therapies throughout childhood and adolescence. While multidisciplinary care is recommended, there is a great deal of variation in treatment protocols for this condition. There is ample evidence that children with CL/P are at risk for psychosocial problems. However, to date, few studies have systematically investigated parent and patient self-reported psychosocial and quality of life (QOL) outcomes for children with CL/P as they relate to variations in treatment protocols. The Americleft Outcomes project was initiated to demonstrate and document outcomes to be expected with team care, and to define the key features or characteristics of various team treatment protocols and procedures that are associated with more or less favorable/desirable outcomes. This article will describe the psychosocial component of the Americleft Outcomes project that is aimed at developing a protocol that will allow cross team assessment of psychosocial outcomes for children with CL/P in relationship to the treatments they received. The protocol will be detailed along with a description of the process and considerations that were instrumental in the development of the project. Stakeholder input about the project’s perceived relevance to families of children with CL/P will be reported. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges encountered with this project, clinical implications, and future directions.
Professional Practices, Training, and Funding Mechanisms: A Survey of Pediatric Primary Care Psychologists
Authors: Hoffses Kathryn W. , Riley Andrew R. , Menousek Kathryn , Schellinger Kriston , Grennan Allison , Cammarata Chrissy , Steadman Jason L.
Published: March 2017

The integration of mental health services in primary care settings has expanded rapidly in recent years with psychologists being at the forefront of efforts to promote healthy behaviors, reduce disease, and care for behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs to promote overall health and well-being for children and families ( Asarnow, Kolko, Miranda, & Kazak, 2017 ; Stancin & Perrin, 2014 ). While there are many psychologists working in pediatric primary care (PPC), little is known about the specific activities that these psychologists engage in, the training they receive, or funding mechanisms that support their work. This study sought to address this gap in the literature through a survey of psychologists working in PPC. An anonymous online survey was disseminated to members of professional organizations and listservs who were identified as having interest in PPC. Psychologists ( N = 65) currently practicing in PPC completed the survey by reporting on clinical roles and practices, professional training, practice settings, and funding supports in PPC settings. Results indicate that psychologists assume a number of roles in PPC including providing individual and family therapy, conducting screenings for child mental health concerns, and providing consultation to medical colleagues. Many psychologists also provide supervision and offer educational opportunities for those in related fields, such as medicine and social work. Engagement in research activities was identified as a secondary activity. It was reported that a number of clinical activities were not billed for on a regular basis. Additional areas of research will be discussed along with implications for clinical services in PPC.
Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibition induces apoptosis that is dependent upon GGPP depletion, ERK phosphorylation and caspase activation
Authors: Agabiti Sherry S , Li Jin , Wiemer Andrew J
Published: March 2017

Bisphosphonates are diphosphate analogs that inhibit the intermediate enzymes of the mevalonate pathway. Here, we compared the effects of a farnesyl diphosphate synthase inhibitor, zoledronate, and a geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) inhibitor, digeranyl bisphosphonate (DGBP), on lymphocytic leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis. Both zoledronate and DGBP inhibited proliferation with DGBP doing so more potently. DGBP was markedly less toxic than zoledronate toward the viability of healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Addition of GGPP, but not farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), prevented the anti-proliferative effects of DGBP. Both GGPP and FPP partially rescued the effects of zoledronate. Co-treatment with DGBP and zoledronate was antagonistic. To further assess the effects of the bisphosphonates, we analyzed annexin V and propidium iodide staining via flow cytometry and found that DGBP induced apoptosis more potently than zoledronate. Western blots show that DGBP treatment altered expression and membrane affinity of some but not all geranylgeranylated small GTPases, activated caspases and increased ERK phosphorylation. Importantly, the anti-proliferative effects of DGBP were blocked by treatment with a caspase inhibitor and by treatment with a MEK inhibitor. Together, our findings indicate that DGBP is a more potent and selective compound than zoledronate in inducing apoptosis mediated through pathways that include caspases and MEK/ERK. These findings support the further development of GGDPS inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics.
Immunoproteomic identification and characterization of Ni2+-regulated proteins implicates Ni2+ in the induction of monocyte cell death
Authors: Jakob Annika , Mussotter Franz , Ohnesorge Stefanie , Dietz Lisa , Pardo Julian , Haidl Ian D , Thierse Hermann-Josef
Published: March 2017

Nickel allergy is the most common cause of allergic reactions worldwide, with cutaneous and systemic effects potentially affecting multiple organs. Monocytes are precursors of not only macrophages but also dendritic cells, the most potent activators of nickel hypersensitivity. Monocytes are themselves important antigen-presenting cells, capable of nickel-specific T-cell activationin vivoandin vitro, in addition to being important for immediate innate immune inflammation. To elucidate early Ni2+-dependent inflammatory molecular mechanisms in human monocytes, a Ni2+-specific proteomic approach was applied. Quantitative two-dimensional (2D) differential gel electrophoresis and Delta2D software analyses coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) revealed that Ni2+significantly regulated 56 protein species, of which 36 were analyzed by MALDI-MS. Bioinformatics analyses of all identified proteins resulted in Ni2+-associated functional annotation clusters, such as cell death, metal ion binding, and cytoskeletal remodeling. The involvement of Ni2+in the induction of monocyte cell death, but not T-cell death, was observed at Ni2+concentrations at or above 250 μM. Examination of caspase activity during Ni2+-mediated cell death revealed monocytic cell death independent of caspase-3 and -7 activity. However, confocal microscopy analysis demonstrated Ni2+-triggered cytoskeletal remodeling and nuclear condensation, characteristic of cellular apoptosis. Thus, Ni2+-specific peripheral blood mononuclear cell stimulation suggests monocytic cell death at Ni2+concentrations at or above 250 μM, and monocytic effects on immune regulation at lower Ni2+concentrations.
Induction of intestinal stemness and tumorigenicity by aberrant internalization of commensal non-pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Sahu Upasana , Choudhury Arnab , Parvez Suhel , Biswas Subhrajit , Kar Sudeshna
Published: March 2017

Commensal Escherichia coli has been identified as a major protagonist of microbe-induced colorectal oncogenesis. Its tumour-promoting attribute is linked to the expression of DNA-damaging genotoxins. Using a constitutively invasive variant of non-pathogenic E. coli, we demonstrate that chronic presence of internalized E. coli leads to enhanced oncogenicity in colon cancer cells. Instead of genomic damage, the tumorigenic effect is mediated through an expansion of the cancer stem cell (CSC) population, likely through dedifferentiation of lineage-committed intestinal epithelial cells. Stemness-linked intestinal tumorigenicity is directly correlated to absence of microbial virulence factor expression and is specific for intestinal cells. The enriched CSC fraction remains stable in the absence of the instigating bacteria and can foster stemness traits in unexposed cells through secreted factors. Mechanistically, aberrant host invasion leads to realignment of multiple host signal transduction cascades, notably mutually re-enforcing NF-κB and β-catenin activation, through reciprocal modulation of microbe sensing pathways Nod1/Rip2 and TLR/MyD88. The expanded tumorigenic CSC population is marked by enhanced malignancy traits, long-term self-renewal capacity and robust tumorigenic ability, both in vitro and in vivo. Our study shows that microbe-induced oncogenicity is not a strict correlate of commensal virulence and can be invoked by even non-pathogenic E. coli by engendering tumorigenic stemness in host cells.
Simvastatin and Atorvastatin inhibit DNA replication licensing factor MCM7 and effectively suppress RB-deficient tumors growth
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Jie , Liang Zheyong , He Fang , Yang Lu , Li Pingping , Jiang Yina , Wang Bo , Zhou Can , Wang Yaochun , Ren Yu , Yang Jin , Zhang Jianmin , Luo Zhijun , Vaziri Cyrus , Liu Peijun
Published: March 2017

Loss or dysfunction of tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (RB) is a common feature in various tumors, and contributes to cancer cell stemness and drug resistance to cancer therapy. However, the strategy to suppress or eliminate Rb-deficient tumor cells remains unclear. In the present study, we accidentally found that reduction of DNA replication licensing factor MCM7 induced more apoptosis in RB-deficient tumor cells than in control tumor cells. Moreover, after a drug screening and further studies, we demonstrated that statin drug Simvastatin and Atorvastatin were able to inhibit MCM7 and RB expressions. Further study showed that Simvastatin and Atorvastatin induced more chromosome breaks and gaps of Rb-deficient tumor cells than control tumor cells. In vivo results showed that Simvastatin and Atorvastatin significantly suppressed Rb-deficient tumor growth than control in xenograft mouse models. The present work demonstrates that ‘old’ lipid-lowering drugs statins are novel weapons against RB-deficient tumors due to their effects on suppressing MCM7 protein levels.
CD95 ligand induces senescence in mismatch repair-deficient human colon cancer via chronic caspase-mediated induction of DNA damage
Authors: Raats Danielle A , Frenkel Nicola , van Schelven Susanne J , Rinkes Inne HMBorel , Laoukili Jamila , Kranenburg Onno
Published: March 2017

CD95 is best known for its ability to induce apoptosis via a well-characterized pathway involving caspase-mediated proteolytic events. However, in apoptosis-resistant cell lines of diverse cancer types stimulation of CD95 primarily has pro-tumorigenic effects that affect many of the hallmarks of cancer. For instance, in colon cancer cells with a mutant KRAS gene CD95 primarily promotes invasion and metastasis. In the current study, we further investigated the context dependency of the consequences of CD95 activation in colon cancer. We used a series of patient-derived three-dimensional colon cancer cultures and studied their response to stimulation with CD95 ligand (CD95L). CD95L had a strong inhibitory effect on the clone-forming capacity of five out of nine cultures. In line with previous work, these cultures all had a wild-type KRAS gene and expressed high levels of CD95. Furthermore, the most sensitive cultures were characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI) and deficient mismatch repair. The reduced clonogenic growth of MSI-type colonospheres resulting from chronic CD95 stimulation was only partly due to apoptosis as many tumor cells survived treatment, yet were unable to regenerate clones. CD95 stimulation caused an irreversible cell cycle arrest, which was associated with cytokine secretion, similar to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase. In human colon cancer cohorts, CD95 expression was strongly correlated with the recently identified consensus molecular subtype 1 (CMS1), which mainly consists of MSI-high tumors, and with two independent SASP signatures. Mechanistically, CD95-induced senescence was caused by chronic DNA damage via caspase-activated DNAse resulting in p53 activation and p21 expression, with a minor contribution of the SASP. We conclude that induction of senescence is a hitherto unrecognized consequence of high CD95 expression, which appears to be most relevant for CMS1.
Digoxin-induced retinal degeneration depends on rhodopsin
Authors: Landfried Britta , Samardzija Marijana , Barben Maya , Schori Christian , Klee Katrin , Storti Federica , Grimm Christian
Published: March 2017

Na,K-ATPases are energy consuming ion pumps that are required for maintaining ion homeostasis in most cells. In the retina, Na,K-ATPases are especially important to sustain the dark current in photoreceptor cells needed for rapid hyperpolarization of rods and cones in light. Cardiac glycosides like digoxin inhibit the activity of Na,K-ATPases by targeting their catalytic alpha subunits. This leads to a disturbed ion balance, which can affect cellular function and survival. Here we show that the treatment of wild-type mice with digoxin leads to severe retinal degeneration and loss of vision. Digoxin induced cell death specifically in photoreceptor cells with no or only minor effects in other retinal cell types. Photoreceptor-specific cytotoxicity depended on the presence of bleachable rhodopsin. Photoreceptors of Rpe65 knockouts, which have no measurable rhodopsin and photoreceptors of Rpe65R91W mice that have <10% of the rhodopsin found in retinas of wild-type mice were not sensitive to digoxin treatment. Similarly, cones in the all-cone retina of Nrl knockout mice were also not affected. Digoxin induced expression of several genes involved in stress signaling and inflammation. It also activated proteins such as ERK1/2, AKT, STAT1, STAT3 and CASP1 during a period of up to 10 days after treatment. Activation of signaling genes and proteins, as well as the dependency on bleachable rhodopsin resembles mechanisms of light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Digoxin-mediated photoreceptor cell death may thus be used as an inducible model system to study molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration.
Enhancing CO2 electrolysis through synergistic control of non-stoichiometry and doping to tune cathode surface structures
Authors: Ye Lingting , Zhang Minyi , Huang Ping , Guo Guocong , Hong Maochun , Li Chunsen , Irvine John T. S. , Xie Kui
Published: March 2017

Sustainable future energy scenarios require significant efficiency improvements in both electricity generation and storage. High-temperature solid oxide cells, and in particular carbon dioxide electrolysers, afford chemical storage of available electricity that can both stabilize and extend the utilization of renewables. Here we present a double doping strategy to facilitate CO2 reduction at perovskite titanate cathode surfaces, promoting adsorption/activation by making use of redox active dopants such as Mn linked to oxygen vacancies and dopants such as Ni that afford metal nanoparticle exsolution. Combined experimental characterization and first-principle calculations reveal that the adsorbed and activated CO2 adopts an intermediate chemical state between a carbon dioxide molecule and a carbonate ion. The dual doping strategy provides optimal performance with no degradation being observed after 100 h of high-temperature operation and 10 redox cycles, suggesting a reliable cathode material for CO2 electrolysis.
Induction of apoptosis and ganoderic acid biosynthesis by cAMP signaling in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: You Bang-Jau , Tien Ni , Lee Miin-Huey , Bao Bo-Ying , Wu Yih-Shyuan , Hu Tsung-Chi , Lee Hong-Zin
Published: March 2017

Apoptosis is an essential physiological process that controls many important biological functions. However, apoptosis signaling in relation to secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants and fungi remains a mystery. The fungusGanoderma lucidumis a popular herbal medicine worldwide, but the biosynthetic regulation of its active ingredients (ganoderic acids, GAs) is poorly understood. We investigated the role of 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling in fungal apoptosis and GA biosynthesis inG. lucidum. Two phosphodiesterase inhibitors (caffeine and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, IBMX) and an adenylate cyclase activator (sodium fluoride, NaF) were used to increase intracellular cAMP levels. Fungal apoptosis was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and a condensed nuclear morphology. Our results showed that GA production and fungal apoptosis were induced when the mycelium was treated with NaF, caffeine, or cAMP/IBMX. Downregulation of squalene synthase and lanosterol synthase gene expression by cAMP was detected in the presence of these chemicals, which indicates that these two genes are not critical for GA induction. Transcriptome analysis indicated that mitochondria might play an important role in cAMP-induced apoptosis and GA biosynthesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to reveal that cAMP signaling induces apoptosis and secondary metabolite production in fungi.
Novel Microwave Torso Scanner for Thoracic Fluid Accumulation Diagnosis and Monitoring
Authors: Ahdi Rezaeieh S. , Zamani A. , Bialkowski K. S. , Abbosh A. M.
Published: March 2017

Thoracic fluid accumulation is one of the significant and early-stage manifestations of fatal diseases, such as lung-cancer, liver-failure and congestive heart-failure. Currently, computational-tomography (CT)-Scan is the most widely used tool for the detection of thoracic fluid. Yet, it is unable to detect small amounts of fluid, has ionizing radiation and lacks mobility. On the other hand, microwave imaging systems have emerged as an accurate and portable complementary diagnostic tool. However, there is a lack of a complete clinical platform that can fulfill the requirements of accurate and reliable imaging. Therefore, a microwave torso scanner that is designed to meet those requirements is presented. In this system, two elliptical-arrays of microwave antennas (sensors) transmit signals towards the torso and collect the back-scattered signals. The captured signals are then processed by a frequency-based imaging algorithm to form microwave images that display a possible accumulated fluid. The system successfully detects and localized small volumes (3 mL) of fluid injected at different places inside a torso-phantom. As preparations for future clinical trials, the system is tested on healthy subjects to define the threshold range of healthy scenario images.
Synchrony of plant cellular circadian clocks with heterogeneous properties under light/dark cycles
Authors: Okada Masaaki , Muranaka Tomoaki , Ito Shogo , Oyama Tokitaka
Published: March 2017

Individual cells in a plant can work independently as circadian clocks, and their properties are the basis of various circadian phenomena. The behaviour of individual cellular clocks in Lemna gibba was orderly under 24-h light/dark cycles despite their heterogeneous free-running periods (FRPs). Here, we reveal the entrainment habits of heterogeneous cellular clocks using non-24-h light/dark cycles (T-cycles). The cellular rhythms of AtCCA1::LUC under T = 16 h cycles showed heterogeneous entrainment that was associated with their heterogeneous FRPs. Under T = 12 h cycles, most cells showed rhythms having ~24-h periods. This suggested that the lower limit of entrainment to the light/dark cycles of heterogeneous cellular circadian clocks is set to a period longer than 12 h, which enables them to be synchronous under ~24-h daily cycles without being perturbed by short light/dark cycles. The entrainment habits of individual cellular clocks are likely to be the basis of the circadian behaviour of plant under the natural day–night cycle with noisy environmental fluctuations. We further suggest that modifications of EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) in individual cells deviate the entrainability to shorter T-cycles possibly by altering both the FRPs and light responsiveness.
Erratum: Adsorption of methylene blue on an agro-waste oiltea shell with and without fungal treatment
Authors: Liu Jiayang , Li Enzhong , You Xiaojuan , Hu Changwei , Huang Qingguo
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 38450; published online: 05 December 2016; updated: 16 March 2017 In this Article, Enzhong Li is incorrectly listed as being affiliated with ‘Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water and Soil Conservation and Environmental Protection, Linyi University, Linyi,276000, China’ The correct affiliation is listed below:
Damage-Induced Cell Regeneration in the Midgut of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes
Authors: Janeh Maria , Osman Dani , Kambris Zakaria
Published: March 2017

Mosquito-transmitted diseases cause over one million deaths every year. A better characterization of the vector’s physiology and immunity should provide valuable knowledge for the elaboration of control strategies. Mosquitoes depend on their innate immunity to defend themselves against pathogens. These pathogens are acquired mainly through the oral route, which places the insects’ gut at the front line of the battle. Indeed, the epithelium of the mosquito gut plays important roles against invading pathogens acting as a physical barrier, activating local defenses and triggering the systemic immune response. Therefore, the gut is constantly confronted to stress and often suffers cellular damage. In this study, we show that dividing cells exist in the digestive tract of adult A. albopictus and that these cells proliferate in the midgut after bacterial or chemical damage. An increased transcription of signaling molecules that regulate the EGFR and JAK/STAT pathways was also observed, suggesting a possible involvement of these pathways in the regeneration of damaged guts. This work provides evidence for the presence of regenerative cells in the mosquito guts, and paves the way towards a molecular and cellular characterization of the processes required to maintain mosquito’s midgut homeostasis in both normal and infectious conditions.
High photon-to-heat conversion efficiency in the wavelength region of 250–1200 nm based on a thermoelectric Bi2Te3 film structure
Authors: Hu Er-Tao , Yao Yuan , Zang Kai-Yan , Liu Xin-Xing , Jiang An-Qing , Zheng Jia-Jin , Yu Ke-Han , Wei Wei , Zheng Yu-Xiang , Zhang Rong-Jun , Wang Song-You , Zhao Hai-Bin , Yoshie Osamu , Lee Young-Pak , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Lynch David W. , Guo Jun-Peng , Chen Liang-Yao
Published: March 2017

In this work, 4-layered SiO2/Bi2Te3/SiO2/Cu film structures were designed and fabricated and the optical properties investigated in the wavelength region of 250–1200 nm for their promising applications for direct solar-thermal-electric conversion. A typical 4-layered film sample with the structure SiO2 (66.6 nm)/Bi2Te3 (7.0 nm)/SiO2 (67.0 nm)/Cu (>100.0 nm) was deposited on a Si or K9-glass substrate by magnetron sputtering. The experimental results agree well with the simulated ones showing an average optical absorption of 96.5%, except in the shorter wavelength region, 250–500 nm, which demonstrates the superior absorption property of the 4-layered film due to the randomly rough surface of the Cu layer resulting from the higher deposition power. The high reflectance of the film structure in the long wavelength region of 2–20 μm will result in a low thermal emittance, 0.064 at 600 K. The simpler 4-layered structure with the thermoelectric Bi2Te3 used as the absorption layer may provide a straightforward way to obtain solar-thermal-electric conversion more efficiently through future study.
Correction: Corrigendum: HIPSTR and thousands of lncRNAs are heterogeneously expressed in human embryos, primordial germ cells and stable cell lines
Authors: Yunusov Dinar , Anderson Leticia , DaSilva Lucas Ferreira , Wysocka Joanna , Ezashi Toshihiko , Roberts R. Michael , Verjovski-Almeida Sergio
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 32753; published online: 08 September 2016; updated: 16 March 2017 This Article contains errors in Figure 5F–J, where the right-hand y axes ‘Density (lncRNAs)’ are incorrectly given as ‘Density (except lncRNAs)’. The correct Figure 5 appears below as Figure 1.
EIN3 and SOS2 synergistically modulate plant salt tolerance
Authors: Quan Ruidang , Wang Juan , Yang Dexin , Zhang Haiwen , Zhang Zhijin , Huang Rongfeng
Published: March 2017

Ethylene biosynthesis and the ethylene signaling pathway regulate plant salt tolerance by activating the expression of downstream target genes such as those related to ROS and Na+/K+ homeostasis. The Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway regulates Na+/K+ homeostasis in Arabidopsis under salt stress. However, the connection between these two pathways is unclear. Through genetic screening, we identified two sos2 alleles as salt sensitive mutants in the ein3-1 background. Neither Ethylene-Insensitive 2 (EIN2) nor EIN3 changed the expression patterns of SOS genes including SOS1, SOS2, SOS3 and SOS3-like Calcium Binding Protein 8 (SCaBP8), but SOS2 activated the expression of one target gene of EIN3, Ethylene and Salt-inducible ERF 1 (ESE1). Moreover, Ser/Thr protein kinase SOS2 phosphorylated EIN3 in vitro mainly at the S325 site and weakly at the S35, T42 and S606 sites. EIN3 S325A mutation reduced its transcriptional activating activity on ESE1 promoter:GUS in a transient GUS assay, and impaired its ability to rescue ein3-1 salt hypersensitivity. Furthermore, SOS2 activated salt-responsive ESE1 target gene expression under salt stress. Therefore, EIN3-SOS2 might link the ethylene signaling pathway and the SOS pathway in Arabidopsis salt responses.
CD8+ T cells specific for the islet autoantigen IGRP are restricted in their T cell receptor chain usage
Authors: Fuchs Yannick F. , Eugster Anne , Dietz Sevina , Sebelefsky Christian , Kühn Denise , Wilhelm Carmen , Lindner Annett , Gavrisan Anita , Knoop Jan , Dahl Andreas , Ziegler Anette-G. , Bonifacio Ezio
Published: March 2017

CD8+T cells directed against beta cell autoantigens are considered relevant for the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Using single cell T cell receptor sequencing of CD8+T cells specific for the IGRP265-273epitope, we examined whether there was expansion of clonotypes and sharing of T cell receptor chains in autoreactive CD8+T cell repertoires. HLA-A*0201 positive type 1 diabetes patients (n = 19) and controls (n = 18) were analysed. TCR α- and β-chain sequences of 418 patient-derived IGRP265-273-multimer+CD8+T cells representing 48 clonotypes were obtained. Expanded populations of IGRP265-273-specific CD8+T cells with dominant clonotypes that had TCR α-chains shared across patients were observed. The SGGSNYKLTF motif corresponding toTRAJ53was contained in 384 (91.9%) cells, and in 20 (41.7%) patient-derived clonotypes.TRAJ53together withTRAV29/DV5was found in 15 (31.3%) clonotypes. Using next generation TCR α-chain sequencing, we found enrichment of one of these TCR α-chains in the memory CD8+T cells of patients as compared to healthy controls. CD8+T cell clones bearing the enriched motifs mediated antigen-specific target cell lysis. We provide the first evidence for restriction of T cell receptor motifs in the alpha chain of human CD8+T cells with specificity to a beta cell antigen.
Correction: Corrigendum: Minimizing the risk of allo-sensitization to optimize the benefit of allogeneic cardiac-derived stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Hocine Hocine R. , Costa Hicham El , Dam Noemie , Giustiniani Jerome , Palacios Itziar , Loiseau Pascale , Bensussan Armand , Borlado Luis R. , Charron Dominique , Suberbielle Caroline , Jabrane-Ferrat Nabila , Al-Daccak Reem
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41125 ; published online: 24 January 2017; updated: 16 March 2017. The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Armand Bensussan which was incorrectly given as Armand Benssusan. This has now been corrected inthe PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Amniotic fluid metabolomics and biochemistry analysis provides novel insights into the diet-regulated foetal growth in a pig model
Authors: Wan Jin , Jiang Fei , Zhang Jiao , Xu Qingsong , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Luo Yuheng , He Jun
Published: March 2017

Foetal loss and intrauterine growth restriction are major problems in mammals, but there are few effective ways in preventing it. Intriguingly, chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a biomaterial derived from chitosan, can promote foetal survival and growth. Therefore, we have investigated how COS affects foetal survival and growth in a pig model. Fifty-two sows were divided into two treatment groups (n = 26) and fed either solely a control diet or a control diet that includes 100 mg/kg COS. Amniotic fluid and foetus samples from six sows that were of average body weight in each group were collected on gestation day 35. We applied a1H NMR-based metabolomics approach combined with biochemistry analysis to track the changes that occurred in the amniotic fluid of pregnant sows after COS intervention. Maternal COS inclusion had enhanced (P < 0.05) the foetal survival rate and size at 35 days. COS supplementation had both increased (P < 0.05) SOD, CAT and T-AOC activities and elevated (P < 0.05) IL-10, IgG and IgM concentrations in the amniotic fluid. Moreover, COS had affected (P < 0.05) the amniotic fluid’s lysine, citrate, glucose and hypoxanthine levels. Overall, COS inclusion induced amniotic fluid antioxidant status and metabolic profiles modifications characterising improvements in foetal survival and growth in a pig model.
Degradation of highly concentrated organic compounds over a supported Ru–Cu bimetallic catalyst
Authors: Lu Fagui , Yu Chaoying , Meng Xu , Chen Gexin , Zhao Peiqing
Published: March 2017

A Ru–Cu/Al–Ti-1 catalyst exhibited efficient performance in the CWAO of organic compounds due to synergistic effects between Ru and Cu.
Palladium supported on an amphiphilic porous organic polymer: a highly efficient catalyst for aminocarbonylation reactions in water
Authors: Lei Yizhu , Wan Yali , Li Guangxing , Zhou Xiao-Yu , Gu Yanlong , Feng Jing , Wang Renshu
Published: March 2017

An amphiphilic porous organic polymer supported palladium catalyst was successfully prepared, showing excellent catalytic performance for aminocarbonylation reactions in water.
Nontoxic organic solvents identified using ana prioriapproach with Hansen solubility parameters
Authors: Nakamura Daisuke , Hirano Minoru , Ohta Riichiro
Published: March 2017

Nontoxicity/cytotoxicity of organic solvents is determined using Hansen solubility parameters.
Chemoproteomics-enabled covalent ligand screen reveals a cysteine hotspot in reticulon 4 that impairs ER morphology and cancer pathogenicity
Authors: Bateman L. A. , Nguyen T. B. , Roberts A. M. , Miyamoto D. K. , Ku W.-M. , Huffman T. R. , Petri Y. , Heslin M. J. , Contreras C. M. , Skibola C. F. , Olzmann J. A. , Nomura D. K.
Published: March 2017

Chemoproteomics-enabled covalent ligand discovery reveals a covalent ligand targeting RTN4 that alters ER morphology and impairs cancer pathogenicity.
Surface acid–base catalytic activity of ZIF-8 revealed by super-resolution fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Kubarev A. V. , Roeffaers M. B. J.
Published: March 2017

Fluorescence microscopy uncovers the surface-only catalytic activity of ZIF-8, but its accessibility is improved via extra porosity introduction by oleic acid treatment.
Cobalt-catalysed transfer hydrogenation of quinolines and related heterocycles using formic acid under mild conditions
Authors: Cabrero-Antonino Jose R. , Adam Rosa , Junge Kathrin , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: March 2017

For the first time, transfer hydrogenation of quinolines and related heterocycles is performed with a non-noble metal based catalyst. [Co(BF4)2·6H2O] in combination with phosphine L1 catalyses selectively, the mild reduction of N-heteroarenes using formic acid as hydrogen donor.
Mesoporous graphene/carbon framework embedded with SnO2 nanoparticles as a high-performance anode for lithium storage
Authors: Wang Xiongwei , Zhang Ludan , Zhang Congcong , Wu Peiyi
Published: March 2017

A uniform graphene-based mesoporous carbon framework as a robust matrix for embedding SnO2 nanoparticles for long-life lithium storage.
Cyclopropenes: a new tool for the study of biological systems
Authors: Ravasco João M. J. M. , Monteiro Carlos M. , Trindade Alexandre F.
Published: March 2017

Cyclopropenes have become an important mini-tag tool in chemical biology, participating in fast inverse electron demand Diels–Alder and photoclick reactions in biological settings.
The effect of a highly twisted CC double bond on the electronic structures of 9,9′-bifluorenylidene derivatives in the ground and excited states
Authors: Takai Atsuro , Freas Dylan J. , Suzuki Toshikane , Sugimoto Manabu , Labuta Jan , Haruki Rie , Kumai Reiji , Adachi Shin-ichi , Sakai Hayato , Hasobe Taku , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Takeuchi Masayuki
Published: March 2017

A highly twisted CC double bond elicits changes in the physicochemical properties of π-systems.
Graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and their heterostructures: properties and applications
Authors: Wang Jingang , Ma Fengcai , Sun Mengtao
Published: March 2017

In recent years, two-dimensional atomic-level thickness crystal materials have attracted widespread interest such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), silicene, germanium, black phosphorus (BP), transition metal sulfides and so on.
Modified chemical synthesis of MnS nanoclusters on nickel foam for high performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Kumbhar Vijay S. , Lee Yong Rok , Ra Choon Sup , Tuma Dirk , Min Bong-Ki , Shim Jae-Jin
Published: March 2017

Novel MnS nanoclusters were synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method.
Elevated photoelectrochemical activity of FeVO4/ZnFe2O4/ZnO branch-structures via slag assisted-synthesis
Authors: She Xuefeng , Zhang Zhuo , Baek Minki , Yong Kijung
Published: March 2017

By recycling rare-earth slag as the iron source, FeVO4/ZnFe2O4/REO core–shell–shell nanorods are fabricated on ZnO NRs and exhibit enhanced photoelectrochemical efficiency.
Bioreducible, hydrolytically degradable and targeting polymers for gene delivery
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Muhammad Khan , Akpanyung Mary , Nejjari Abdelilah , Neve Agnaldo Luis , Guo Jintang , Feng Yakai , Shi Changcan
Published: March 2017

Recently, synthetic gene carriers have been intensively developed owing to their promising application in gene therapy and considered as a suitable alternative to viral vectors because of several benefits.
Tumor protein D52 expression is post-transcriptionally regulated by T-cell intercellular antigen (TIA) 1 and TIA-related protein via mRNA stability
Authors: Motohashi Hiromi , Mukudai Yoshiki , Ito Chihiro , Kato Kosuke , Shimane Toshikazu , Kondo Seiji , Shirota Tatsuo
Published: March 2017

Although tumor protein D52 (TPD52) family proteins were first identified nearly 20 years ago, their molecular regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the post-transcriptional regulation of TPD52 family genes. An RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay showed the potential binding ability of TPD52 family mRNAs to several RNA-binding proteins, and an RNA degradation assay revealed that TPD52 is subject to more prominent post-transcriptional regulation than are TPD53 and TPD54. We subsequently focused on the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of TPD52 as a cis-acting element in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Several deletion mutants of the 3′-UTR of TPD52 mRNA were constructed and ligated to the 3′-end of a reporter green fluorescence protein gene. An RNA degradation assay revealed that a minimal cis-acting region, located in the 78-280 region of the 5′-proximal region of the 3′-UTR, stabilized the reporter mRNA. Biotin pull-down and RIP assays revealed specific binding of the region to T-cell intracellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) and TIA-1-related protein (TIAR). Knockdown of TIA-1/TIAR decreased not only the expression, but also the stability of TPD52 mRNA; it also decreased the expression and stability of the reporter gene ligated to the 3′-end of the 78-280 fragment. Stimulation of transforming growth factor-β and epidermal growth factor decreased the binding ability of these factors, resulting in decreased mRNA stability. These results indicate that the 78-280 fragment and TIA-1/TIAR concordantly contribute to mRNA stability as a cis-acting element and trans-acting factor(s), respectively. Thus, we here report the specific interactions between these elements in the post-transcriptional regulation of the TPD52 gene.
Purification and biochemical characterization of NpABCG5/NpPDR5, a plant pleiotropic drug resistance transporter expressed in Nicotiana tabacum BY-2 suspension cells
Authors: Toussaint Frédéric , Pierman Baptiste , Bertin Aurélie , Lévy Daniel , Boutry Marc
Published: March 2017

Pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporters belong to the ABCG subfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and are involved in the transport of various molecules across plasma membranes. During evolution, PDR genes appeared independently in fungi and in plants from a duplication of a half-size ABC gene. The enzymatic properties of purified PDR transporters from yeast have been characterized. This is not the case for any plant PDR transporter, or, incidentally, for any purified plant ABC transporter. Yet, plant PDR transporters play important roles in plant physiology such as hormone signaling or resistance to pathogens or herbivores. Here, we describe the expression, purification, enzymatic characterization and 2D analysis by electron microscopy of NpABCG5/NpPDR5 from Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, which has been shown to be involved in the plant defense against herbivores. We constitutively expressed NpABCG5/NpPDR5, provided with a His-tag in a homologous system: suspension cells from Nicotiana tabacum (Bright Yellow 2 line). NpABCG5/NpPDR5 was targeted to the plasma membrane and was solubilized by dodecyl maltoside and purified by Ni-affinity chromatography. The ATP-hydrolyzing specific activity (27 nmol min−1 mg−1) was stimulated seven-fold in the presence of 0.1% asolectin. Electron microscopy analysis indicated that NpABCG5/NpPDR5 is monomeric and with dimensions shorter than those of known ABC transporters. Enzymatic data (optimal pH and sensitivity to inhibitors) confirmed that plant and fungal PDR transporters have different properties. These data also show that N. tabacum suspension cells are a convenient host for the purification and biochemical characterization of ABC transporters.