bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A characterization of lambda-terms transforming numerals
Authors: PARYS PAWEŁ
Published: July 2016

It is well known that simply typed λ-terms can be used to represent numbers, as well as some other data types. We show that λ-terms of each fixed (but possibly very complicated) type can be described by a finite piece of information (a set of appropriately defined intersection types) and by a vector of natural numbers. On the one hand, the description is compositional: having only the finite piece of information for two closed λ-terms M and N, we can determine its counterpart for MN, and a linear transformation that applied to the vectors of numbers for M and N gives us the vector for MN. On the other hand, when a λ-term represents a natural number, then this number is approximated by a number in the vector corresponding to this λ-term. As a consequence, we prove that in a λ-term of a fixed type, we can store only a fixed number of natural numbers, in such a way that they can be extracted using λ-terms. More precisely, while representing k numbers in a closed λ-term of some type, we only require that there are k closed λ-terms M1,. . .,Mk such that Mi takes as argument the λ-term representing the k-tuple, and returns the i-th number in the tuple (we do not require that, using λ-calculus, one can construct the representation of the k-tuple out of the k numbers in the tuple). Moreover, the same result holds when we allow that the numbers can be extracted approximately, up to some error (even when we only want to know whether a set is bounded or not). All the results remain true when we allow the Y combinator (recursion) in our λ-terms, as well as uninterpreted constants.
Romeo: A system for more flexible binding-safe programming
Authors: STANSIFER PAUL , WAND MITCHELL
Published: July 2016

Current systems for safely manipulating values containing names only support simple binding structures for those names. As a result, few tools exist to safely manipulate code in those languages for which name problems are the most challenging. We address this problem with Romeo, a language that respects α-equivalence on its values, and which has access to a rich specification language for binding, inspired by attribute grammars. Our work has the complex-binding support of David Herman'sλm, but is a full-fledged binding-safe language like Pure FreshML.
On the Rates of Premium to be charged for Assurances on the Lives of Military Officers serving in Bengal
Authors: Jellicoe Charles
Published: July 2016

That the mean duration of life amongst the indigenous inhabitants of one part of the globe differs more or less from that which obtains amongst those of other parts, there is every reason to believe. It is probable that a difference exists even when comparing the most civilized nations of Europe one with another; and still more may we look for discrepancies when we carry our investigations amongst the natives of more remote and less civilized lands.

The climate, extent of cultivation, modes of life, state of public morals, each and all of them have a tendency to affect the longevity of the human race, and will not fail to make their influence felt in proportion as their good or evil energies are called into existence.
On the Value of Selection as exercised by the Policy-holder against the Company
Authors: Higham John Adams
Published: July 2016

During the last session of the Institute of Actuaries, I had the honour to read a paper on the Value of the Principle of Selection as exercised by the Offices in granting Assurances upon Lives, and to submit some calculations which I had made with reference to that subject, in which calculations the lives admitted at particular ages were kept apart from others during their subsequent existence. I have now to offer to the Institute an extended set of Tables of a similar character; and, after stating the course which I have followed in constructing them, I shall make a few observations on the value of selection as exercised by the policy-holder against the Company.
The Practice and Experience of the Clerical, Medical, and General Life Assurance Society, chiefly with reference to Invalid Lives
Authors: Pinckard George H.
Published: July 2016

In the year 1823 a plan was projected, by the late Dr. George Pinckard, for establishing an Assurance Office which should undertake, as its leading feature, to grant Policies on Lives deviating so much from the common standard of health as to render them wholly inadmissible at any Office then existing. In pursuance of this plan, the Clerical, Medical, and General Life Assurance Office was established early in 1824. In the absence of any trustworthy data which might serve as a guide, the projector considered that the object in view could be accomplished, with safety, only by the aid of more extended and diversified medical knowledge than was obtainable by Offices dependent on the unassisted judgment of one or two Medical Examiners. In forming the Board of Directors, therefore, he expressly provided, that of the 17 gentlemen of whom it was composed, 8 at least should be members of the Medical Profession.
Examining the Curvilinear Relationship Between Income and Job and Pay	Satisfaction
Authors: Parker Kelsey N. , Brummel Bradley J.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Previous research has shown that income is related to both job satisfaction and pay satisfaction. However, this research has assumed that these relationships are linear. The current study investigated whether the relationship between income and job and pay satisfaction might be better understood using curvilinear models. Self-report data was obtained from 25,465 working adults in the US using a company rating web site, www.careerbliss.com . Results indicated that the relationship between income and job satisfaction was linear. However, income and pay satisfaction were found to have a significant curvilinear relationship such that people began reporting decreased pay satisfaction above income levels of $260,000. Additionally, supplementary analyses demonstrated that other facets of job satisfaction also had significant curvilinear relationships with income.
What Caused Record Water Level Rise in the Great Lakes?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: July 2016

A new modeling framework offers insight into how specific lakes' water levels respond to short- and long-term climate trends.
2016 AGU Union Medal, Award, and Prize Recipients Announced
Authors: Leinen Margaret , Mukasa Sam
Published: July 2016

The world's largest organization of Earth and space scientists honors 32 exceptional scientists and journalists.
Crystal structure and optical properties of a high-density InGaN nanoumbrella array as a white light source without phosphors
Authors: Kouno Tetsuya , Sakai Masaru , Kishino Katsumi , Kikuchi Akihiko , Umehara Naoki , Hara Kazuhiko
Published: July 2016

We demonstrated the fabrication of a peculiar GaN/InGaN-based high-density nanocrystal array on a nitrogen polarity GaN layer using a simple self-assembly process for the first time. The nanocrystals consist of bending InGaN nanoplates and supporting GaN nanocolumns. The nanocrystals are umbrella shaped with diameters of ∼200–700 nm; therefore, they are referred to as InGaN nanoumbrellas. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the crystal structures of the nanoumbrellas and provided information about their growth mechanism. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the InGaN nanoumbrellas were also characterized, and an extremely wide range of optical emission wavelengths (∼360–800 nm) was obtained from a small excitation diameter of ∼10 μm. Multiple sharp peaks resembling lasing actions were also observed in the PL spectrum; the resonant mode was likely caused by the whispering gallery mode. These results indicate that the high-density GaN/InGaN-based nanoumbrella array can be used as a source of white light without phosphors.
Magma storage in a strike-slip caldera
Authors: Saxby J. , Gottsmann J. , Cashman K. , Gutiérrez E.
Published: July 2016

Silicic calderas form during explosive volcanic eruptions when magma withdrawal triggers collapse along bounding faults. The nature of specific interactions between magmatism and tectonism in caldera-forming systems is, however, unclear. Regional stress patterns may control the location and geometry of magma reservoirs, which in turn may control the spatial and temporal development of faults. Here we provide new insight into strike-slip volcano-tectonic relations by analysing Bouguer gravity data from Ilopango caldera, El Salvador, which has a long history of catastrophic explosive eruptions. The observed low gravity beneath the caldera is aligned along the principal horizontal stress orientations of the El Salvador Fault Zone. Data inversion shows that the causative low-density structure extends to ca. 6 km depth, which we interpret as a shallow plumbing system comprising a fractured hydrothermal reservoir overlying a magmatic reservoir with "Equation missing" vol% exsolved vapour. Fault-controlled localization of magma constrains potential vent locations for future eruptions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Beta 1-integrin–c-Met cooperation reveals an inside-in survival signalling on autophagy-related endomembranes
Authors: Barrow-McGee Rachel , Kishi Naoki , Joffre Carine , Ménard Ludovic , Hervieu Alexia , Bakhouche Bakhouche A. , Noval Alejandro J. , Mai Anja , Guzmán Camilo , Robbez-Masson Luisa , Iturrioz Xavier , Hulit James , Brennan Caroline H. , Hart Ian R. , Parker Peter J. , Ivaska Johanna , Kermorgant Stéphanie
Published: July 2016

Nature Communications 7 Article number:11942 (2016); Published 23 June 2016; Updated 21 July 2016 The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Luisa Robbez-Masson, which was incorrectly given as Luisa Robert-Masson. This has now been corrected in both the PDFand HTML versions of the Article.
The discovery of a novel inhibitor of apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) for ischemic heart: synthesis, activity and target identification
Authors: Wang Ying , Cao Yang , Zhu Qing , Gu Xianfeng , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: July 2016

Apaf-1 is a central component in the apoptosis regulatory network for the treatment of apoptosis related diseases. Excessive Apaf-1 activity induced by myocardial ischemia causes cell injury. No drug targeted to Apaf-1 for treating myocardial ischemia has been reported to the best of our knowledge. In the present work, we synthesized a novel compound, ZYZ-488, which exhibited significant cardioprotective property in significantly increasing the viability of hypoxia-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes and reducing CK and LDH leakage. Further study suggested the protective activity of ZYZ-488 dependent on its anti-apoptosis effect. This anti-apoptotic effect is most probably related to its disturbing the interaction between Apaf-1 and procaspase-9 as the target fishing and molecular docking indicated. The suppression on the activation of procaspase-9 and procaspase-3 with ZYZ-488 strongly suggested that compound ZYZ-488 could be a novel inhibitor of Apaf-1. In conclusion, ZYZ-488 as a novel small molecule competitive inhibitor of Apaf-1, with the great potential for treating cardiac ischemia.
Modeling the melting of multicomponent systems: the case of MgSiO3 perovskite under lower mantle conditions
Authors: Di Paola Cono , P. Brodholt John
Published: July 2016

Knowledge of the melting properties of materials, especially at extreme pressure conditions, represents a long-standing scientific challenge. For instance, there is currently considerable uncertainty over the melting temperatures of the high-pressure mantle mineral, bridgmanite (MgSiO3-perovskite), with current estimates of the melting T at the base of the mantle ranging from 4800 K to 8000 K. The difficulty with experimentally measuring high pressure melting temperatures has motivated the use of ab initio methods, however, melting is a complex multi-scale phenomenon and the timescale for melting can be prohibitively long. Here we show that a combination of empirical and ab-initio molecular dynamics calculations can be used to successfully predict the melting point of multicomponent systems, such as MgSiO3 perovskite. We predict the correct low-pressure melting T and at high-pressure we show that the melting temperature is only 5000 K at 120 GPa, a value lower than nearly all previous estimates. In addition, we believe that this strategy is of general applicability and therefore suitable for any system under physical conditions where simpler models fail.
Underestimated risks of recurrent long-range ash dispersal from northern Pacific Arc volcanoes
Authors: Bourne A. J. , Abbott P. M. , Albert P. G. , Cook E. , Pearce N. J. G. , Ponomareva V. , Svensson A. , Davies S. M.
Published: July 2016

Widespread ash dispersal poses a significant natural hazard to society, particularly in relation to disruption to aviation. Assessing the extent of the threat of far-travelled ash clouds on flight paths is substantially hindered by an incomplete volcanic history and an underestimation of the potential reach of distant eruptive centres. The risk of extensive ash clouds to aviation is thus poorly quantified. New evidence is presented of explosive Late Pleistocene eruptions in the Pacific Arc, currently undocumented in the proximal geological record, which dispersed ash up to 8000 km from source. Twelve microscopic ash deposits or cryptotephra, invisible to the naked eye, discovered within Greenland ice-cores, and ranging in age between 11.1 and 83.7 ka b2k, are compositionally matched to northern Pacific Arc sources including Japan, Kamchatka, Cascades and Alaska. Only two cryptotephra deposits are correlated to known high-magnitude eruptions (Towada-H, Japan, ca 15 ka BP and Mount St Helens Set M, ca 28 ka BP). For the remaining 10 deposits, there is no evidence of age- and compositionally-equivalent eruptive events in regional volcanic stratigraphies. This highlights the inherent problem of under-reporting eruptions and the dangers of underestimating the long-term risk of widespread ash dispersal for trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flight routes.
A building block for hardware belief networks
Authors: Behin-Aein Behtash , Diep Vinh , Datta Supriyo
Published: July 2016

Belief networks represent a powerful approach to problems involving probabilistic inference, but much of the work in this area is software based utilizing standard deterministic hardware based on the transistor which provides the gain and directionality needed to interconnect billions of them into useful networks. This paper proposes a transistor like device that could provide an analogous building block for probabilistic networks. We present two proof-of-concept examples of belief networks, one reciprocal and one non-reciprocal, implemented using the proposed device which is simulated using experimentally benchmarked models.
Proximate drivers of spatial segregation in non-breeding albatrosses
Authors: Clay Thomas A. , Manica Andrea , Ryan Peter G. , Silk Janet R. D. , Croxall John P. , Ireland Louise , Phillips Richard A.
Published: July 2016

Many animals partition resources to avoid competition and in colonially-breeding species this often leads to divergent space or habitat use. During the non-breeding season, foraging constraints are relaxed, yet the patterns and drivers of segregation both between and within populations are poorly understood. We modelled habitat preference to examine how extrinsic (habitat availability and intra-specific competition) and intrinsic factors (population, sex and breeding outcome) influence the distributions of non-breeding grey-headed albatrosses Thalassarche chrysostoma tracked from two major populations, South Georgia (Atlantic Ocean) and the Prince Edward Islands (Indian Ocean). Spatial segregation was greater than expected, reflecting distinct seasonal differences in habitat selection and accessibility and avoidance of intra-specific competition with local breeders. Previously failed birds segregated spatially from successful birds during summer, when they used less productive waters, suggesting a link between breeding outcome and subsequent habitat selection. In contrast, we found weak evidence of sexual segregation, which did not reflect a difference in habitat use. Our results indicate that the large-scale spatial structuring of albatross distributions results from interactions between extrinsic and intrinsic factors, with important implications for population dynamics. As habitat preferences differed substantially between colonies, populations should be considered independently when identifying critical areas for protection.
Deregulation of the OsmiR160 Target Gene OsARF18 Causes Growth and Developmental Defects with an Alteration of Auxin Signaling in Rice
Authors: Huang Jian , Li Zhiyong , Zhao Dazhong
Published: July 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control gene expression as key negative regulators at the post-transcriptional level. MiR160 plays a pivotal role in Arabidopsis growth and development through repressing expression of its target AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) genes; however, the function of miR160 in monocots remains elusive. In this study, we found that the mature rice miR160 (OsmiR160) was mainly derived from OsMIR160a and OsMIR160b genes. Among four potential OsmiR160 target OsARF genes, the OsARF18 transcript was cleaved at the OsmiR160 target site. Rice transgenic plants (named mOsARF18) expressing an OsmiR160-resistant version of OsARF18 exhibited pleiotropic defects in growth and development, including dwarf stature, rolled leaves and small seeds. mOsARF18 leaves were abnormal in bulliform cell differentiation and epidermal cell division. Starch accumulation in mOsARF18 seeds was also reduced. Moreover, auxin induced expression of OsMIR160a, OsMIR160b and OsARF18, whereas expression of OsMIR160a and OsMIR160b as well as genes involved in auxin signaling was altered in mOsARF18 plants. Our results show that negative regulation of OsARF18 expression by OsmiR160 is critical for rice growth and development via affecting auxin signaling, which will advance future studies on the molecular mechanism by which miR160 fine-tunes auxin signaling in plants.
Genomic analysis identified a potential novel molecular mechanism for high-altitude adaptation in sheep at the Himalayas
Authors: Gorkhali Neena Amatya , Dong Kunzhe , Yang Min , Song Shen , Kader Adiljian , Shrestha Bhola Shankar , He Xiaohong , Zhao Qianjun , Pu Yabin , Li Xiangchen , Kijas James , Guan Weijun , Han Jianlin , Jiang Lin , Ma Yuehui
Published: July 2016

Sheep has successfully adapted to the extreme high-altitude Himalayan region. To identify genes underlying such adaptation, we genotyped genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of four major sheep breeds living at different altitudes in Nepal and downloaded SNP array data from additional Asian and Middle East breeds. Using a di value-based genomic comparison between four high-altitude and eight lowland Asian breeds, we discovered the most differentiated variants at the locus of FGF-7 (Keratinocyte growth factor-7), which was previously reported as a good protective candidate for pulmonary injuries. We further found a SNP upstream of FGF-7 that appears to contribute to the divergence signature. First, the SNP occurred at an extremely conserved site. Second, the SNP showed an increasing allele frequency with the elevated altitude in Nepalese sheep. Third, the electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) analysis using human lung cancer cells revealed the allele-specific DNA-protein interactions. We thus hypothesized that FGF-7 gene potentially enhances lung function by regulating its expression level in high-altitude sheep through altering its binding of specific transcription factors. Especially, FGF-7 gene was not implicated in previous studies of other high-altitude species, suggesting a potential novel adaptive mechanism to high altitude in sheep at the Himalayas.
Atomic Step Formation on Sapphire Surface in Ultra-precision Manufacturing
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Guo Dan , Xie Guoxin , Pan Guoshun
Published: July 2016

Surfaces with controlled atomic step structures as substrates are highly relevant to desirable performances of materials grown on them, such as light emitting diode (LED) epitaxial layers, nanotubes and nanoribbons. However, very limited attention has been paid to the step formation in manufacturing process. In the present work, investigations have been conducted into this step formation mechanism on the sapphire c (0001) surface by using both experiments and simulations. The step evolutions at different stages in the polishing process were investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The simulation of idealized steps was constructed theoretically on the basis of experimental results. It was found that (1) the subtle atomic structures (e.g., steps with different sawteeth, as well as steps with straight and zigzag edges), (2) the periodicity and (3) the degree of order of the steps were all dependent on surface composition and miscut direction (step edge direction). A comparison between experimental results and idealized step models of different surface compositions has been made. It has been found that the structure on the polished surface was in accordance with some surface compositions (the model of single-atom steps: Al steps or O steps).
Macrodinychus mites as parasitoids of invasive ants: an overlooked parasitic association
Authors: Lachaud Jean-Paul , Klompen Hans , Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela
Published: July 2016

Mites are frequent ant symbionts, yet the exact nature of their interactions with their hosts is poorly known. Generally, myrmecophilous mites show adaptations for dispersal through phoresis, but species that lack such an adaptation may have evolved unusual specialized relationships with their hosts. The immature stages of Macrodinychus multispinosus develop as ectoparasitoids of pupae of the invasive ant Paratrechina longicornis. Feeding stages show regressed locomotor appendages. These mites complete their development on a single host, sucking all of its body content and therefore killing it. Locally high proportions of parasitized host pupae suggest that M. multispinosus could serve as a biological control agent. This is the ninth species of Macrodinychus reported as ant parasite, and the third known as parasitoid of invasive ants, confirming a unique habit in the evolution of mite feeding strategies and suggesting that the entire genus might be parasitic on ants. Several mites’ characteristics, such as their protective morphology, possible viviparity, lack of a specialized stage for phoretic dispersal, and low host specificity, combined with both the general low aggressiveness of invasive P. longicornis towards other ants and its possible susceptibility to generalist ectoparasites would account for the host shift in native macrodinychid mites.
Diurnal dynamic behavior of microglia in response to infected bacteria through the UDP-P2Y6 receptor system
Authors: Takayama Fumiko , Hayashi Yoshinori , Wu Zhou , Liu Yicong , Nakanishi Hiroshi
Published: July 2016

It has long been believed that microglia morphologically transform into the activated state by retracting their long processes and consuming pathogens when bacteria infect into the brain parenchyma. In the present study, however, we showed for the first time that murine cortical microglia extend their processes towards focally injected Porphyromonas gingivalis. This P. gingivalis-induced microglial process extension was significantly increased during the light (sleeping) phase than the dark (waking) phase. In contrast, focally injected ATP-induced microglial process extension was significantly increased during the dark phase than the light phase. Furthermore, in contrast to the P2Y12 receptor-mediated mechanism of ATP-induced microglial process extension, the P. gingivalis-mediated microglial process extension was mediated by P2Y6 receptors. The infection of bacteria such as P. gingivalis to the brain parenchyma may induce the secretion of UDP from microglia at the site of infection, which in turn induces the process extension of the neighboring microglia.
Detection of influenza A virus from live-bird market poultry swab samples in China by a pan-IAV, one-step reverse-transcription FRET-PCR
Authors: Luan Lu , Sun Zhihao , Kaltenboeck Bernhard , Huang Ke , Li Min , Peng Daxin , Xu Xiulong , Ye Jianqiang , Li Jing , Guo Weina , Wang Chengming
Published: July 2016

The persistent public health threat of animal to human transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) has stimulated interest in rapid and accurate detection of all IAV subtypes in clinical specimens of animal origin. In this study, a new set of primers and probes was designed for one-step pan-IAV reverse-transcription fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-PCR. The detection limit of one-step pan-IAV RT FRET-PCR was 10 copies of the matrix gene per reaction and proved to be equivalent or superior to virus isolation in detecting nine IAV subtypes. Application of the pan-IAV RT FRET-PCR to oral-pharyngeal and cloacal swab specimens collected from healthy poultry in 34 live bird markets in 24 provinces of China revealed that 9.2% of the animals (169/1,839) or 6.3% of their oral-pharyngeal or cloacal swabs (233/3,678) were positive for IAV and 56.8% of IAV-positive samples were of the H9N2 subtype. Paralleling detection of IAV in H9N2-infected SPF chickens and chickens from LBM showed that pan-IAV FRET-PCR had a higher detection limit than virus isolation in eggs while the results by FRET-PCR and virus isolation overall matched. It is expected that this strategy can be useful for facile surveillance for IAV in clinical samples from a variety of sources.
Antibiotic-induced perturbations in gut microbial diversity influences neuro-inflammation and amyloidosis in a murine model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Minter Myles R. , Zhang Can , Leone Vanessa , Ringus Daina L. , Zhang Xiaoqiong , Oyler-Castrillo Paul , Musch Mark W. , Liao Fan , Ward Joseph F. , Holtzman David M. , Chang Eugene B. , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Sisodia Sangram S.
Published: July 2016

Severe amyloidosis and plaque-localized neuro-inflammation are key pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition to astrocyte and microglial reactivity, emerging evidence suggests a role of gut microbiota in regulating innate immunity and influencing brain function. Here, we examine the role of the host microbiome in regulating amyloidosis in the APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of AD. We show that prolonged shifts in gut microbial composition and diversity induced by long-term broad-spectrum combinatorial antibiotic treatment regime decreases Aβ plaque deposition. We also show that levels of soluble Aβ are elevated and that levels of circulating cytokine and chemokine signatures are altered in this setting. Finally, we observe attenuated plaque-localised glial reactivity in these mice and significantly altered microglial morphology. These findings suggest the gut microbiota community diversity can regulate host innate immunity mechanisms that impact Aβ amyloidosis.
Features of an altered AMPK metabolic pathway in Gilbert’s Syndrome, and its role in metabolic health
Authors: Mölzer Christine , Wallner Marlies , Kern Carina , Tosevska Anela , Schwarz Ursula , Zadnikar Rene , Doberer Daniel , Marculescu Rodrig , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2016

Energy metabolism, involving the ATP-dependent AMPK-PgC-Ppar pathway impacts metabolic health immensely, in that its impairment can lead to obesity, giving rise to disease. Based on observations that individuals with Gilbert’s syndrome (GS; UGT1A1*28 promoter mutation) are generally lighter, leaner and healthier than controls, specific inter-group differences in the AMPK pathway regulation were explored. Therefore, a case-control study involving 120 fasted, healthy, age- and gender matched subjects with/without GS, was conducted. By utilising intra-cellular flow cytometry (next to assessing AMPKα1 gene expression), levels of functioning proteins (phospho-AMPK α1/α2, PgC 1 α, Ppar α and γ) were measured in PBMCs (peripheral blood mononucleated cells). In GS individuals, rates of phospho-AMPK α1/α2, -Ppar α/γ and of PgC 1α were significantly higher, attesting to a boosted fasting response in this condition. In line with this finding, AMPKα1 gene expression was equal between the groups, possibly stressing the post-translational importance of boosted fasting effects in GS. In reflection of an apparently improved health status, GS individuals had significantly lower BMI, glucose, insulin, C-peptide and triglyceride levels. Herewith, we propose a new theory to explain why individuals having GS are leaner and healthier, and are therefore less likely to contract metabolic diseases or die prematurely thereof.
The effects of three-dimensional defects on one-way surface plasmon propagation for photonic topological insulators comprised of continuum media
Authors: Hassani Gangaraj S. Ali , Nemilentsau Andrei , Hanson George W.
Published: July 2016

We have investigated one-way surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs) at the interface of a continuum magnetoplasma material and metal, in the presence of three-dimensional surface defects. Bulk electromagnetic modes of continuum materials have Chern numbers, analogous to those of photonic crystals. This can lead to the appearance of topologically-protected surface modes at material interfaces, propagating at frequencies inside the bandgap of the bulk materials. Previous studies considered two-dimensional structures; here we consider the effect of three-dimensional defects and show that, although backward propagation/reflection cannot occur, side scattering does take place and has significant effect on the propagation of the surface mode. Several different waveguiding geometries are considered for reducing the effects of side-scattering and we also consider the effects of metal loss.
Halides with Fifteen Aliphatic C–H···Anion Interaction Sites
Authors: Shi Genggongwo , Aliakbar Tehrani Zahra , Kim Dongwook , Cho Woo Jong , Youn Il-Seung , Lee Han Myoung , Yousuf Muhammad , Ahmed Nisar , Shirinfar Bahareh , Teator Aaron J. , Lastovickova Dominika N. , Rasheed Lubna , Lah Myoung Soo , Bielawski Christopher W. , Kim Kwang S.
Published: July 2016

Since the aliphatic C–H···anion interaction is relatively weak, anion binding using hydrophobic aliphatic C–H (Cali–H) groups has generally been considered not possible without the presence of additional binding sites that contain stronger interactions to the anion. Herein, we report X-ray structures of organic crystals that feature a chloride anion bound exclusively by hydrophobic Cali–H groups. An X-ray structure of imidazolium-based scaffolds using Cali–H···A− interactions (A− = anion) shows that a halide anion is directly interacting with fifteen Cali–H groups (involving eleven hydrogen bonds, two bidentate hydrogen-bond-type binding interactions and two weakly hydrogen-bonding-like binding interactions). Additional supporting interactions and/or other binding sites are not observed. We note that such types of complexes may not be rare since such high numbers of binding sites for an anion are also found in analogous tetraalkylammonium complexes. The Cali–H···A− interactions are driven by the formation of a near-spherical dipole layer shell structure around the anion. The alternating layers of electrostatic charge around the anion arise because the repulsions between weakly positively charged H atoms are reduced by the presence of the weakly negatively charged C atoms connected to H atoms.
Cooling the Motion of Diamond Nanocrystals in a Magneto-Gravitational Trap in High Vacuum
Authors: Hsu Jen-Feng , Ji Peng , Lewandowski Charles W. , D’Urso Brian
Published: July 2016

Levitated diamond nanocrystals with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in high vacuum have been proposed as a unique system for experiments in fundamental quantum mechanics, including the generation of large quantum superposition states and tests of quantum gravity. This system promises extreme isolation from its environment while providing quantum control and sensing through the NV centre spin. While optical trapping has been the most explored method of levitation, recent results indicate that excessive optical heating of the nanodiamonds under vacuum may make the method impractical with currently available materials. Here, we study an alternative magneto-gravitational trap for diamagnetic particles, such as diamond nanocrystals, with stable levitation from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Magnetic field gradients from permanent magnets confine the particle in two dimensions, while confinement in the third dimension is gravitational. We demonstrate that feedback cooling of the centre-of-mass motion of a trapped nanodiamond cluster results in cooling of one degree of freedom to less than 1 K.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of CuBi co-doped mesoporous zeolite Beta for the removal of NOx by selective catalytic reduction with ammonia
Authors: Xie Zhiguo , Zhou Xiaoxia , Wu Huixia , Chen Lisong , Zhao Han , Liu Yan , Pan Linyu , Chen Hangrong
Published: July 2016

A series of CuBi co-doped mesoporous zeolite Beta (CuxBiy-mBeta) were prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal treatment approach and were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, TEM/SEM, XPS, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD and in situ DRIFTS. The catalysts CuxBiy-mBeta were applied to the removal of NOx by selective catalytic reduction with ammonia (NH3-SCR), especially the optimized Cu1Bi1-mBeta achieved the high efficiency for the removal of NOx and N2 selectivity, superior water and sulfur resistance as well as good durability. The excellent catalytic performance could be attributed to the acid sites of the support and the synergistic effect between copper and bismuth species. Moreover, in situ DRIFTS results showed that amides NH2 and NH4+ generated from NH3 adsorption could be responsible for the high selective catalytic reduction of NOx to N2. In addition, a possible catalytic reaction mechanism on Cu1Bi1-mBeta for the removal of NOx by NH3-SCR was proposed for explaining this catalytic process.
Metabolomics analysis for hydroxy-L-proline-induced calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Songyan , Yang Rui , Peng Zhongjiang , Lu Hongtao , Li Na , Ding Jiarong , Cui Xingang , Chen Wei , Dong Xin
Published: July 2016

About 80% of kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate (CaOx) with variable amounts of calcium phosphate and hyperoxaluria is considered as an important factor of CaOx nephrolithiasis. However, the underlying metabolic mechanisms of CaOx nephrolithiasis remain undefined. In this study, we successfully developed a rat model with hydroxy-L-proline (HLP) -induced CaOx nephrolithiasis. Rats were continuously orally administrated with HLP for 28 days. Urine and blood samples were collected from the rats treated with or without HLP at four different time points. UPLC–Q-TOF/MS was applied to profile the abundances of metabolites. To obtain more comprehensive analysis of metabolic profiling spectrum, combination of RP-LC and HILIC were applied. We identify 42 significant differential metabolites in the urine and 13 significant differential metabolites in the blood. Pathway analysis revealed that the pathways involved in amino acid metabolism, taurine metabolism, bile acid synthesis, energy metabolism, TCA cycle, purine metabolism, vitamin metabolism, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism have been modulated by HLP treatment. This study suggested that a number of metabolic pathways are dysfunctional in the HLP induced crystal kidney injury and further studies on those pathways are warranted to better understand the metabolic mechanism of CaOx nephrolithiasis.
Differential in vivo activation of monocyte subsets during low-grade inflammation through experimental endotoxemia in humans
Authors: Thaler B. , Hohensinner P. J. , Krychtiuk K. A. , Matzneller P. , Koller L. , Brekalo M. , Maurer G. , Huber K. , Zeitlinger M. , Jilma B. , Wojta J. , Speidl W. S.
Published: July 2016

Human monocytes are a heterogeneous cell population, which can be divided into a classical (CD14++CD16−), a non-classical (CD14+CD16+) and an intermediate (CD14++CD16+) subset. We hypothesized that low-grade inflammation may differentially affect monocyte subsets. We used a human lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion model to mimic low-grade inflammation to identify, which monocyte subsets are preferentially activated under these conditions. Monocyte subsets were identified by staining for CD14 and CD16, activation status of monocytes was analyzed by staining for CD11b and a novel in situ mRNA hybridization approach to detect IL-6 and IL-8 specific mRNA at the single-cell level by flow cytometry. After LPS challenge, cell numbers of monocyte subsets dropped after 2 h with cell numbers recovering after 6 h. Distribution of monocyte subsets was skewed dramatically towards the intermediate subset after 24 h. Furthermore, intermediate monocytes displayed the largest increase of CD11b expression after 2 h. Finally, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels increased in intermediate and non-classical monocytes after 6 h whereas these mRNA levels in classical monocytes changed only marginally. In conclusion, our data indicates that the main responding subset of monocytes to standardized low-grade inflammation induced by LPS in humans is the CD14++CD16+ intermediate subset followed by the CD14+CD16+ non-classical monocyte subset. Circulating classical monocytes showed comparably less reaction to LPS challenge in vivo.
Prolonged secretion of cortisol as a possible mechanism underlying stress and depressive behaviour
Authors: Qin Dong-dong , Rizak Joshua , Feng Xiao-li , Yang Shang-chuan , Lü Long-bao , Pan Lei , Yin Yong , Hu Xin-tian
Published: July 2016

Stress is associated with the onset of depressive episodes and cortisol hypersecretion is considered a biological risk factor of depression. However, the possible mechanisms underlying stress, cortisol and depressive behaviours are inconsistent in the literature. This study examined the interrelationships among stress, cortisol and observed depressive behaviours in female rhesus macaques for the first time and explored the possible mechanism underlying stress and depressive behaviour. Female monkeys were video-recorded and the frequencies of life events and the duration of huddling were analysed to measure stress and depressive behaviour. Hair samples were used to measure chronic cortisol levels and the interactions between stress and cortisol in the development of depressive behaviour were further evaluated. Significant correlations were found between stress and depressive behaviour measures and between cortisol levels and depressive behaviour. Stress was positively correlated with cortisol levels and these two factors interacted with each other to predict the monkeys’ depressive behaviours. This finding extends the current understanding of stress/cortisol interactions in depression, especially pertaining to females.
Astragaloside IV improves lipid metabolism in obese mice by alleviation of leptin resistance and regulation of thermogenic network
Authors: Wu Hui , Gao Yan , Shi Hai-Lian , Qin Li-Yue , Huang Fei , Lan Yun-Yi , Zhang Bei-Bei , Hu Zhi-Bi , Wu Xiao-Jun
Published: July 2016

Obesity is a worldwide threat to public health in modern society, which may result from leptin resistance and disorder of thermogenesis. The present study investigated whether astragaloside IV (ASI) could prevent obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed and db/db mice. In HFD-fed mice, ASI prevented body weight gain, lowered serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, mitigated liver lipid accumulation, reduced fat tissues and decreased the enlargement of adipose cells. In metabolic chambers, ASI lessened appetite of the mice, decreased their respiratory exchange ratio and elevated VCO2and VO2without altering circadian motor activity. Moreover, ASI modulated thermogenesis associated gene expressions in liver and brawn fat tissues, as well as leptin resistance evidenced by altered expressions of leptin, leptin receptor (ObR) or appetite associated genes. In SH-SY5Y cells, ASI enhanced leptin signaling transduction. However, in db/db mice, ASI did not change body weight gain and appetite associated genes. But it decreased serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels as well as liver triglyceride. Meanwhile, it significantly modulated gene expressions of PPARα, PGC1-α, UCP2, ACC, SCD1, LPL, AP2, CD36 and SREBP-1c. Collectively, our study suggested that ASI could efficiently improve lipid metabolism in obese mice probably through enhancing leptin sensitivity and modulating thermogenic network.
A functional variant rs353292 in the flanking region of miR-143/145 contributes to the risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Yuan Fang , Sun Ruifen , Li Lijuan , Jin Bo , Wang Yanyun , Liang Yundan , Che Guanglu , Gao Linbo , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2016

MicroRNA (miR)-143 and miR-145 have been identified as molecular regulators in cell proliferation, cell growth, clone formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, and migration. We previously found that rs353292 in the flanking region of miR-143/145 showed a high frequency in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). To identify whether the rs353292 polymorphism is a risk factor for CRC, we conducted this study with larger samples. A total of 809 patients with CRC and 1005 gender matched controls were collected. The rs353292 polymorphism was genotyped by using TaqMan allelic discrimination. Dual luciferase reporter assay was carried out to measure the transcriptional activity. We found that the rs353292 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk for developing CRC in heterozygous comparison (adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.32–2.20, P < 0.001), dominant genetic model (adjusted OR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.26–2.09, P < 0.001), and allele comparison (adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI, 1.16–1.84, P = 0.001). The rs353292 CT/TT carriers exhibited a lower expression of miR-143 compared to the CC carriers (P = 0.04). Moreover, the pGL3-rs353292T displayed a significantly lower luciferase activity than pGL3-rs353292C (P < 0.01). These findings indicate that the rs353292 polymorphism is functional and may be a risk factor for the development of CRC.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride assisted transfer and encapsulation of large area CVD graphene
Authors: Shautsova Viktoryia , Gilbertson Adam M. , Black Nicola C. G. , Maier Stefan A. , Cohen Lesley F.
Published: July 2016

We report a CVD hexagonal boron nitride (hBN-) assisted transfer method that enables a polymer-impurity free transfer process and subsequent top encapsulation of large-area CVD-grown graphene. We demonstrate that the CVD hBN layer that is utilized in this transfer technique acts as a buffer layer between the graphene film and supporting polymer layer. We show that the resulting graphene layers possess lower doping concentration and improved carrier mobilities compared to graphene films produced by conventional transfer methods onto untreated SiO2/Si, SAM-modified and hBN covered SiO2/Si substrates. Moreover, we show that the top hBN layer used in the transfer process acts as an effective top encapsulation resulting in improved stability to ambient exposure. The transfer method is applicable to other CVD-grown 2D materials on copper foils, thereby facilitating the preparation of van der Waals heterostructures with controlled doping.
Genetic association between NFKB1 −94 ins/del ATTG Promoter Polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 42 case-control studies
Authors: Wang Duan , Xie Tianhang , Xu Jin , Wang Haoyang , Zeng Weinan , Rao Shuquan , Zhou Kai , Pei Fuxing , Zhou Zongke
Published: July 2016

Accumulating evidences have indicated that the functional -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism in the promoter region of human nuclear factor-kappa B1 (NFKB1) gene may be associated with cancer risk. However, some studies yielded conflicting results. To clarify precise association, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 42 case-control studies involving 43,000 subjects (18,222 cases and 24,778 controls). The overall results suggested that the -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism had a decreased risk for cancer, reaching significant levels in five genetic models (dominant model: OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.79–0.95, P = 0.002; recessive model: OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.74–0.94, P = 0.003; homozygous model: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66–0.90, P = 0.001; heterozygous model: OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83–0.98, P = 0.011; allelic model: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83–0.96, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the -94 ins/del ATTG polymorphism could confer a decreased or increased risk for cancer development among Asians and Caucasians, respectively. Additionally, the stratification analysis revealed a significant association between the variant and decreased risk of oral, ovarian and nasopharyngeal cancer in Asians. After we adjusted p values using the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate method to account for multiple comparisons, these associations remained.
Target deletion of complement component 9 attenuates antibody-mediated hemolysis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute shock in mice
Authors: Fu Xiaoyan , Ju Jiyu , Lin Zhijuan , Xiao Weiling , Li Xiaofang , Zhuang Baoxiang , Zhang Tingting , Ma Xiaojun , Li Xiangyu , Ma Chao , Su Weiliang , Wang Yuqi , Qin Xuebin , Liang Shujuan
Published: July 2016

Terminal complement membrane attack complex (MAC) formation is induced initially by C5b, followed by the sequential condensation of the C6, C7, C8. Polymerization of C9 to the C5b-8 complex forms the C5b-9 (or MAC). The C5b-9 forms lytic or non lytic pores in the cell membrane destroys membrane integrity. The biological functionalities of MAC has been previously investigated by using either the mice deficient in C5 and C6, or MAC’s regulator CD59. However, there is no available C9 deficient mice (mC9−/−) for directly dissecting the role of C5b-9 in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Further, since C5b-7 and C5b-8 complexes form non lytic pore, it may also plays biological functionality. To better understand the role of terminal complement cascades, here we report a successful generation of mC9−/−. We demonstrated that lack of C9 attenuates anti-erythrocyte antibody-mediated hemolysis or LPS-induced acute shock. Further, the rescuing effect on the acute shock correlates with the less release of IL-1β in mC9−/−, which is associated with suppression of MAC-mediated inflammasome activation in mC9−/−. Taken together, these results not only confirm the critical role of C5b-9 in complement-mediated hemolysis and but also highlight the critical role of C5b-9 in inflammasome activation.
Reconstructing direct and indirect interactions in networked public goods game
Authors: Han Xiao , Shen Zhesi , Wang Wen-Xu , Lai Ying-Cheng , Grebogi Celso
Published: July 2016

Network reconstruction is a fundamental problem for understanding many complex systems with unknown interaction structures. In many complex systems, there are indirect interactions between two individuals without immediate connection but with common neighbors. Despite recent advances in network reconstruction, we continue to lack an approach for reconstructing complex networks with indirect interactions. Here we introduce a two-step strategy to resolve the reconstruction problem, where in the first step, we recover both direct and indirect interactions by employing the Lasso to solve a sparse signal reconstruction problem, and in the second step, we use matrix transformation and optimization to distinguish between direct and indirect interactions. The network structure corresponding to direct interactions can be fully uncovered. We exploit the public goods game occurring on complex networks as a paradigm for characterizing indirect interactions and test our reconstruction approach. We find that high reconstruction accuracy can be achieved for both homogeneous and heterogeneous networks, and a number of empirical networks in spite of insufficient data measurement contaminated by noise. Although a general framework for reconstructing complex networks with arbitrary types of indirect interactions is yet lacking, our approach opens new routes to separate direct and indirect interactions in a representative complex system.