bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A saturation hypothesis to explain both enhanced and impaired learning with enhanced plasticity
Authors: Nguyen-Vu TD Barbara , Zhao Grace Q , Lahiri Subhaneil , Kimpo Rhea R , Lee Hanmi , Ganguli Surya , Shatz Carla J , Raymond Jennifer L
Published: February 2017

Across many studies, animals with enhanced synaptic plasticity exhibit either enhanced or impaired learning, raising a conceptual puzzle: how enhanced plasticity can yield opposite learning outcomes? Here, we show that the recent history of experience can determine whether mice with enhanced plasticity exhibit enhanced or impaired learning in response to the same training. Mice with enhanced cerebellar LTD, due to double knockout (DKO) of MHCI H2-Kb/H2-Db (KbDb−/−), exhibited oculomotor learning deficits. However, the same mice exhibited enhanced learning after appropriate pre-training. Theoretical analysis revealed that synapses with history-dependent learning rules could recapitulate the data, and suggested that saturation may be a key factor limiting the ability of enhanced plasticity to enhance learning. Optogenetic stimulation designed to saturate LTD produced the same impairment in WT as observed in DKO mice. Overall, our results suggest that the recent history of activity and the threshold for synaptic plasticity conspire to effect divergent learning outcomes.
Preparation of Single‐Crystalline Heterojunctions for Organic Electronics
Authors: Wu Jiake , Li Qinfen , Xue Guobiao , Chen Hongzheng , Li Hanying
Published: February 2017

Organic single‐crystalline heterojunctions are composed of different single crystals interfaced together. The intrinsic highly ordered heterostructure in these multicomponent solids holds the capacity for multifunctions, as well as superior charge‐transporting properties, promising high‐performance electronic applications such as ambipolar transistors and solar cells. However, this kind of heterojunction is not easily available and the preparation methods need to be developed. Recent advances in the efficient strategies that have emerged in yielding high‐quality single‐crystalline heterojunctions are highlighted here. The advantages and limitations of each strategy are also discussed. The obtained single‐crystalline heterojunctions have started to exhibit rich physical properties, including metallic conduction, photovoltaic effects, and so on. Further structural optimization of the heterojunctions to accommodate the electronic device configuration is necessary to significantly advance this research direction.
Photoinduced Plasticity in Cross‐Linked Liquid Crystalline Networks
Authors: McBride Matthew K. , Hendrikx Matthew , Liu Danqing , Worrell Brady T. , Broer Dirk J. , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: February 2017

Photoactivated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)‐based dynamic covalent chemistry is incorporated into liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) to facilitate spatiotemporal control of alignment, domain structure, and birefringence. The RAFT‐based bond exchange process, which leads to stress relaxation, is used in a variety of conditions, to enable the LCN to achieve a near‐equilibrium structure and orientation upon irradiation. Once formed, and in the absence of subsequent triggering of the RAFT process, the (dis)order in the LCN and its associated birefringence are evidenced at all temperatures. Using this approach, the birefringence, including the formation of spatially patterned birefringent elements and surface‐active topographical features, is selectively tuned by adjusting the light dose, temperature, and cross‐linking density.
Waterproof, Ultrahigh Areal‐Capacitance, Wearable Supercapacitor Fabrics
Authors: Yang Yu , Huang Qiyao , Niu Liyong , Wang Dongrui , Yan Casey , She Yiyi , Zheng Zijian
Published: February 2017

High‐performance supercapacitors (SCs) are promising energy storage devices to meet the pressing demand for future wearable applications. Because the surface area of a human body is limited to 2 m2, the key challenge in this field is how to realize a high areal capacitance for SCs, while achieving rapid charging, good capacitive retention, flexibility, and waterproofing. To address this challenge, low‐cost materials are used including multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and metallic textiles to fabricate composite fabric electrodes, in which MWCNT and RGO are alternatively vacuum‐filtrated directly onto Ni‐coated cotton fabrics. The composite fabric electrodes display typical electrical double layer capacitor behavior, and reach an ultrahigh areal capacitance up to 6.2 F cm−2 at a high areal current density of 20 mA cm−2. All‐solid‐state fabric‐type SC devices made with the composite fabric electrodes and water‐repellent treatment can reach record‐breaking performance of 2.7 F cm−2 at 20 mA cm−2 at the first charge–discharge cycle, 3.2 F cm−2 after 10 000 charge–discharge cycles, zero capacitive decay after 10 000 bending tests, and 10 h continuous underwater operation. The SC devices are easy to assemble into tandem structures and integrate into garments by simple sewing.
Minimum standards for ultrasound equipment in intensive care. Recommendations from CICM Ultrasound Special Interest Group
Authors: Costello Cartan , Yastrebov Konstantin , Yang Yang , Hilton Andrew , Vij Sanjiv , Orde Sam
Published: February 2017

Critical care ultrasonography allows rapid bedside assessment and monitoring of severely ill patients. It provides important information on a real‐time basis for patients' management and clinical decision‐making, leading to improvements in delivered quality of care. Provision of this service is not possible without appropriate equipment. This document recommends minimum standards for ultrasound equipment required for use in intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand.
Regulation at multiple levels control the expression of folate transporters in liver cells in conditions of ethanol exposure and folate deficiency
Authors: Thakur Shilpa , Kaur Jyotdeep
Published: February 2017

Complex regulatory mechanisms control the expression of folate transporters within cells. Liver is the primary reserve of the folate stores within the body. As excessive alcohol consumption or inefficient dietary folate intake are known to create folate deficiency, so therefore the current study was designed to explore various regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of folate transport in liver cells in conditions of ethanol exposure and folate deficiency. In order to see whether the effects mediated by the treatments are reversible or not, ethanol removal, and folate repletion was done after ethanol exposure and folate deficiency treatment respectively. Folate deficiency resulted an increase, whereas ethanol treatment decreased the folic acid uptake within the cells. The alterations in folic acid uptake were in agreement with the observed changes in the expression of folate transporters. Ethanol exposure resulted an increase in promoter methylation of reduced folate carrier; however, folate deficiency had no effect. The effects produced by ethanol exposure and folate deficiency were found to be reversible in nature as depicted in case of ethanol removal and folate repletion group. Rate of synthesis of folate transporters was found to be increased whereas half lives of mRNA of folate transporters was found to be decreased on folate deficiency treatment and reverse was the case on ethanol treatment. Overall, alteration in the expression of folate transporters under ethanol exposure and folate deficient conditions can be attributed to those regulatory mechanisms which work at the mRNA level. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(4):232–241, 2015
Cafestol has a weaker inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis than kahweol and promotes osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Fukuma Yutaka , Sakai Eiko , Nishishita Kazuhisa , Okamoto Kuniaki , Tsukuba Takayuki
Published: February 2017

Bone homeostasis is regulated by a balance between osteoclast (OCL)‐mediated bone resorption and osteoblast (OBL)‐mediated bone formation. Thus, developing a compound that simultaneously inhibits OCL function and promotes OBL function would be useful as a new medical therapy for bone diseases. Here, we examined the effects of cafestol, a coffee diterpene, on the differentiation of OCLs and OBLs. Cafestol prevented OCL formation in a dose‐dependent manner and suppressed the bone‐resorbing activity of OCLs. Interestingly, the viability of OCLs treated with 10–50 µM cafestol was significantly higher than that of untreated cells. At the molecular level, cafestol markedly decreased RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha (IκBα). Compared to kahweol, another coffee‐specific diterpene, the inhibitory effects of cafestol were milder on OCL differentiation, and cafestol and kahweol showed different characteristics in induction of the phase ΙΙ antioxidant enzymes and sensitivities in nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐deficient BMMs. In addition to inhibiting OCLs, cafestol enhanced the differentiation of osteoblastic cells by increasing the mRNA levels of differentiation markers. Thus, cafestol inhibits OCL differentiation and promotes OBL differentiation, suggesting that cafestol may be a novel agent for bone diseases. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(4):222–231, 2015
Metabolic responses to dietary leucine restriction involve remodeling of adipose tissue and enhanced hepatic insulin signaling
Authors: Wanders Desiree , Stone Kirsten P. , Dille Kelly , Simon Jacob , Pierse Alicia , Gettys Thomas W.
Published: February 2017

Dietary leucine was incrementally restricted to test whether limiting this essential amino acid (EAA) would fully reproduce the beneficial responses produced by dietary methionine restriction. Restricting leucine by 85% increased energy intake and expenditure within 5 to 7 days of its introduction and reduced overall accumulation of adipose tissue. Leucine restriction (LR) also improved glucose tolerance, increased hepatic release of fibroblast growth factor 21 into the blood stream, and enhanced insulin‐dependent activation of Akt in liver. However, LR had no effect on hepatic lipid levels and failed to lower lipogenic gene expression in the liver. LR did affect remodeling of white and brown adipose tissues, increasing expression of both thermogenic and lipogenic genes. These findings illustrate that dietary LR reproduces many but not all of the physiological responses of methionine restriction. The primary differences occur in the liver, where methionine and LR cause opposite effects on tissue lipid levels and expression of lipogenic genes. Altogether, these findings suggest that the sensing systems which detect and respond to dietary restriction of EAAs act through mechanisms that both leucine and methionine are able to engage, and in the case of hepatic lipid metabolism, may be unique to specific EAAs such as methionine. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(6):391–402, 2015
Effect of ZIP2 Gln/Arg/Leu (rs2234632) polymorphism on zinc homeostasis and inflammatory response following zinc supplementation
Authors: Giacconi Robertina , Costarelli Laura , Malavolta Marco , Cardelli Maurizio , Galeazzi Roberta , Piacenza Francesco , Gasparini Nazzarena , Basso Andrea , Mariani Erminia , Fulop Tamas , Rink Lothar , Dedoussis George , Herbein Georges , Jajte Jolanta , Provinciali Mauro , Busco Franco , Mocchegiani Eugenio
Published: February 2017

Zinc dyshomeostasis may lead to an augmented production of proinflammatory cytokines promoting chronic inflammation and increasing the susceptibility to age‐related diseases. Several studies suggest that the zinc transporter protein ZIP2 may play a relevant role in the immune system especially during zinc deficiency, while a polymorphism on the coding region of ZIP2 gene (Gln/Arg/Leu) has been associated with severe carotid artery disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of ZIP2 SNP on zinc and inflammatory status in 1090 elderly healthy free‐living subjects enrolled in the ZincAge project and to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on zinc status, inflammatory mediators, and zinc transporter expression depending on ZIP2 genotype. ZIP2 Leu− (Arg43Arg) carriers showed enhanced IL‐6, TNF‐α, and RANTES plasma levels associated with decreased free cytosolic zinc in PBMCs and an upregulation of zinc transporters ZIP2, ZIP8, and Znt1. Moreover, Leu− subjects displayed significant decrement of inflammatory mediators such as MCP‐1, TNF‐α, and RANTES following zinc supplementation. In summary, this investigation provides new evidence on the effect of ZIP2 Gln/Arg/Leu polymorphism on proinflammatory mediators and zinc homeostasis in elderly population with a more pronounced anti‐inflammatory effect of zinc supplementation in subjects carrying ZIP2 Leu− (Arg43Arg) genotype. These novel findings could be useful in identifying elderly subjects who may benefit of zinc intervention to decrease the inflammatory status and to prevent or delay the development of age‐related diseases. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(6):414–423, 2015
Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenol over Zirconia‐Supported Catalysts: The Effect of Metal Type on Reaction Mechanism and Catalyst Deactivation
Authors: Teles Camila A. , Rabelo‐Neto Raimundo C. , Jacobs Gary , Davis Burtron H. , Resasco Daniel E. , Noronha Fábio B.
Published: February 2017

This work aims at investigating the effect of the type of metal (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Cu, Ni, Co) on the performance of ZrO2‐supported catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation of phenol in the gas phase at 573 K and 1 atm. Two different reaction pathways take place depending on the type of the metal. For Pt/ZrO2 and Pd/ZrO2 catalysts, phenol is mainly tautomerized, followed by hydrogenation of the C=C bond of the tautomer intermediate formed, producing cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. By contrast, the direct dehydroxylation of phenol followed by hydrogenolysis might also occur over more oxophilic metals such as Rh, Ru, Co, and Ni. In addition to the metals, the oxophilic sites of this support represented by Zr4+ and Zr3+ cations near the perimeter of the metal particles also increased the selectivity to deoxygenated products. All catalysts were significantly deactivated mainly owing to the growth of metal particle size and the decrease in the density of oxophilic sites.
Accessing the Carbofuran Degradation Ability of Cultures From Natural River Biofilms in Different Environments
Authors: Tien Chien‐Jung , Huang Hsin‐Jan , Chen Colin S.
Published: February 2017

Acclimatized microbial consortia and bacterial strains were isolated from natural river biofilms to investigate their carbofuran degradation ability. Under 28‐day continuous enrichment culturing of river biofilms, the acclimatized microbial consortia were obtained and showed a high carbofuran removal rate (52.5%). The batch experiments showed that 28‐ and 35‐day loofah‐sponge‐attached acclimatized consortia (i.e., microbial consortia A and B) had low carbofuran removal rates. However, after preservation, the carbofuran degradation abilities of both microbial consortia recovered possibly due to the growth of carbofuran degraders. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis revealed that Stenotrophomonas sp., Pseudomonas fulva, Comamonas jiangduensis, and Thermolithobacter sp. dominated in both microbial consortia. The best preservation conditions to have high carbofuran removal for microbial consortia A and B were −20°C for 3 months (55.7% removal) and 25°C for 1 month (73.9% removal), respectively. The isolated Sphingobacterium multivorum showed high carbofuran removal rates with and without sugar (67.4 and 73.1% removal) at pH 7 (25°C), followed by those at pH 7 (30°C) and pH 9 (25°C) (41.2 and 32.1% removal). This strain was able to degrade carbofuran in the simulated carbofuran‐contaminated paddy fields. The study demonstrated that the immobilized microbial consortia and S. multivorum from river biofilms are good biomaterials for bioremediating carbofuran‐contaminated sites.
Self‐Assembling Molecular Logic Gates Based on DNA Crossover Tiles
Authors: Campbell Eleanor A. , Peterson Evan , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: February 2017

DNA‐based computational hardware has attracted ever‐growing attention due to its potential to be useful in the analysis of complex mixtures of biological markers. Here we report the design of self‐assembling logic gates that recognize DNA inputs and assemble into crossover tiles when the output signal is high; the crossover structures disassemble to form separate DNA stands when the output is low. The output signal can be conveniently detected by fluorescence using a molecular beacon probe as a reporter. AND, NOT, and OR logic gates were designed. We demonstrate that the gates can connect to each other to produce other logic functions.
Simulation of the UV/Visible Absorption Spectra of Fluorescent Protein Chromophore Models
Authors: Zutterman Freddy , Liégeois Vincent , Champagne Benoît
Published: February 2017

Time‐dependent density functional theory has been used to simulate the UV/Vis absorption spectra of fluorescent protein model chromophores with particular focus on the vibronic structure of the lowest‐energy absorption band as a structural fingerprint. Combining the B3LYP‐35 XC functional with non‐equilibrium solvation and the gradient approach provides a vibronic structure close to that recorded experimentally (when comparisons with experiment are possible). This study focuses on the chromophore present in green fluorescent proteins (FP1), in its neutral and deprotonated forms as well as for both cis (Z) and trans (E) conformations. The method was then employed to simulate the spectra of structures for which experimental spectra are not available or not well resolved. The effect of extending the conjugation of the chromophore, by adding unsaturated moieties such as in the chromophore of DsRed (FP2), was considered. Overall, among these three investigated structural modifications (neutral versus anionic, smaller versus larger chromophore, and cis versus trans conformations), absorption spectra can only distinguish unambiguously between the neutral and anionic forms. An extension of the π‐conjugation length of the chromophore is, as would be expected, reflected in a bathochromic shift of the absorption band maximum, but modifications of the chromophore environment in proteins can also induce shifts of the absorption maximum, and they are difficult to distinguish from each other.
The ecological significance of secondary seed dispersal by carnivores
Authors: Hämäläinen Anni , Broadley Kate , Droghini Amanda , Haines Jessica A. , Lamb Clayton T. , Boutin Stan , Gilbert Sophie
Published: February 2017

Animals play an important role in the seed dispersal of many plants. It is increasingly recognized, however, that the actions of a single disperser rarely determine a seed's fate and final location; rather, multiple abiotic or animal dispersal vectors are involved. Some carnivores act as secondary dispersers by preying on primary seed dispersers or seed predators, inadvertently consuming seeds contained in their prey's digestive tracts and later depositing viable seeds, a process known as diploendozoochory. Carnivores occupy an array of ecological niches and thus range broadly on the landscape. Consequently, secondary seed dispersal by carnivores could have important consequences for plant dispersal outcomes, with implications for ecosystem functioning under a changing climate and across disturbed landscapes where dispersal may be otherwise limited. For example, trophic downgrading through the loss of carnivores may reduce or eliminate diploendozoochory and thus compromise population connectivity for lower trophic levels. We review the literature on diploendozoochory and conclude that the ecological impact of a secondary vs. primary seed disperser depends on the relative dispersal distances, germination success, and the proportion of seeds exposed to secondary dispersal by carnivores. None of the studies up to present day have been able to rigorously assess the ecological significance of this process. We provide a framework of the components that determine the significance of diploendozoochory across systems and identify the components that must be addressed in future studies attempting to assess the ecological importance of diploendozoochory.
Suitable Approach to Prepare N‐Substituted Niobium Complexes – Study of the Factors Controlling the Process
Authors: Maestre M. Carmen , Gratal Patricia B. , Mosquera Marta E. G. , Cuenca Tomás , Jiménez Gerardo
Published: February 2017

The reactions of the chlorosilyl‐substituted cyclopentadienyl niobium compound [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2Cl)Cl4] (1) with 1 equiv. of 2‐methoxyethylamine, 3‐methoxypropylamine, and allylamine in toluene specifically afford the corresponding amine adducts [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2Cl){NH2(CH2)nOMe}Cl4] (n = 2, 2; 3, 3) and [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2Cl)(NH2CH2CH=CH2)Cl4] (4). In contrast, a similar reaction with 1,2‐phenylenediamine proceeds with the aminolysis of a Nb–Cl bond and the formation of the amido–amine compound [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2Cl)(NHC6H4‐2‐κNH2)Cl3] (5). When such reactions are performed in the presence of 2 equiv. of an additional base, they progress through the double deprotonation of the primary amine group and the formation of a single product, the structure of which depends on the coordinating ability of the pendant donor end group. Thus, two different types of derivatives are obtained, constrained‐geometry complexes such as [Nb{η5‐C5H4SiMe2‐κN(CH2)2‐κOMe}Cl3] (6) and [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2‐κNC6H4‐2‐κNH2)Cl3] (7) or imido derivatives such as [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2Cl){N(CH2)3OMe}Cl2] (8) and [Nb(η5‐C5H4SiMe2Cl)(NCH2CHCH2)Cl2] (9). All of the compounds have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structures of 2 and 6 have been determined by X‐ray diffraction methods.
Reduced‐complexity simply/doubly differential primary synchronization for LTE systems
Authors: Nasraoui Leila , Najjar Atallah Leila , Siala Mohamed
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we address the problem of primary synchronization in Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, and we assess the Frequency Offset (FO)–combating capabilities of the two studied reduced‐complexity approaches. We also provide a comparative study that covers computational complexity, time synchronization, and sector search performance considering multiple antenna configuration and under standardized channel models. The studied approaches, referred to as Simply Differential (SD) and Doubly Differential (DD) exploit Zadoff‐Chu (ZC) sequences to which differential correlation–based metrics are tailored. The SD approach computes differential correlation between the received samples and compensates the output with an adjustment frequency that depends on the training ZC sequence. This allows coarse time synchronization and sector search in a sole stage, which is a particular feature compared to most of the existing methods. The DD approach performs DD correlation of consecutive samples to detect a ZC sequence pattern within the received signal. To accomplish primary synchronization, it requires a second stage in which cross‐correlation is performed between the received signal and the local known ZC sequence candidates. This allows to identify the sector and helps to fine‐tune time synchronization. To assess their FO‐combatting capabilities, we examine the impact of an FO on the SD and DD metrics through theoretical analysis and simulation. The study shows the sensitivity of the SD approach to the FO and the immunity of the DD one. Simulation and numerical results prove the efficiency of the presented approaches under LTE standardized channel models and validate the analysis of the FO effect on time synchronization performance.
The crown joules: energetics, ecology, and evolution in humans and other primates
Authors: Pontzer Herman
Published: February 2017

Biological diversity is metabolic diversity: Differences in anatomy, physiology, life history, and activity reflect differences in energy allocation and expenditure among traits and tasks. Traditional frameworks in primatology, human ecology, public health, and paleoanthropology view daily energy expenditure as being more variable within than between species, changing with activity level but essentially fixed for a given body size. Growing evidence turns this view on its head. Total energy expenditure (kcal/d), varies relatively little within species, despite variation in physical activity; it varies considerably among species even after controlling for the effect of body size. Embracing this emerging paradigm requires rethinking potential trade‐offs in energy allocation within and between species, assessing evidence of metabolic acceleration within lineages, and abandoning activity‐based estimates of total energy expenditure. Difficult and exciting work lies ahead in the effort to untangle the ecological and evolutionary pressures shaping primate metabolic diversity.
Intra‐bone marrow injection of trace elements co‐doped calcium phosphate microparticles for the treatment of osteoporotic rat
Authors: Yang Xianyan , Xu Sanzhong , Chen Xiaoyi , He Dongshuang , Ke Xiurong , Zhang Lei , Yang Guojing , Liu An , Mou Xiaozhou , Xia Wei , Gou Zhongru
Published: February 2017

Osteoporotic femur fractures are the most common fragility fracture and account for approximately one million injuries per year. Local intervention by intra‐marrow injection is potentially a good choice for preventing osteoporotic bone loss when the osteoporotic femoral fracture was treated. Previously, it was shown that trace element co‐doped calcium phosphate (teCaP) implants could stimulate osteoporotic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell activity in vitro and bone regeneration in femoral bone defects in osteoporotic animal models. They hypothesized that local intra‐marrow injection of teCaP particles could improve bone function because the teCaP can sustain release of biologically essential inorganic minerals and improve bone remodeling in osteoporosis. The teCaP and CaP particles were synthesized in simulated body fluid with and without adding silicon, zinc and strontium ions. Female rats (8 months) were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham‐operated, and then intervened in the femoral marrow space at 12 months old. Groups include: (1) saline water; (2) CaP particles; and (3) teCaP particles. After 2–3 months of intervention, the sham groups showed higher bone mineral density (MBD) in the femur, and teCaP group increased the BMD in the OVX groups. The compressive strength of the OVX‐teCaP group was significantly higher than that in the OVX‐CaP group. Significant differences between OVX‐teCaP and OVX‐CaP groups were found for bone mineral microarchitecture, bone mineral density, and trace mineral content, but not for feces composition. These results confirm the teCaP particles could suppress osteoporotic bone loss by local intramarrow injection. Therefore, this biomaterial could be used as a next‐generation combination treatment for osteoporotic trauma and osteoporosis itself. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1422–1432, 2017.
Flow cytometric analysis as an additional predictive tool of treatment response in children with chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib
Authors: Shima Haruko , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Miharu Masashi , Tanizawa Akihiko , Kurosawa Hidemitsu , Watanabe Akihiro , Ito Masaki , Tono Chikako , Yuza Yuki , Muramatsu Hideki , Hotta Noriko , Okada Masahiko , Hamamoto Kazuko , Kajiwara Ryosuke , Saito Akiko M , Horibe Keizo , Mizutani Shuki , Adachi Souichi , Ishii Eiichi , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Bone marrow samples of newly diagnosed children with chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were obtained at diagnosis and after imatinib initiation and stained with anti‐human CD34, CD38, CD123, CD45RA, cMpl, and lineage antibodies. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that granulocyte macrophage progenitor predominance in CML progenitors at diagnosis and elevated cMpl expression in bone marrow progenitors at 3 months may predict poor outcome in children with chronic‐phase CML treated with imatinib. We recommend flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow in the early phase of treatment, as it is a convenient tool that may predict treatment response and guide CML management.
Long‐term risk of portal hypertension and related complications in children treated with 6‐thioguanine for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A single‐center experience
Authors: Roy Moulik Nirmalya , M Taj Mary
Published: February 2017

Long‐term follow‐up of 11 children with 6‐thioguanine‐induced hepatoportal toxicity is described. Features of persistent portal hypertension in eight patients after 9.7 ± 3.4 years (mean ± SD) of treatment were more common in late presenters. Splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and altered hepatic echotexture were seen in six, eight and seven patients, respectively. One of the thrombocytopenic patients had heavy menstrual bleeding and pregnancy loss. Five of six patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy had esophageal varices and four underwent banding. Late presentation in a subset of patients mandates long‐term surveillance and follow‐up for all patients treated with 6‐thioguanine for early detection and management of hepatoportal complications.
Facile fabrication of PVA composite fibers with high fraction of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by gel spinning
Authors: Wei Yizhe , Lai Dengpan , Zou Liming , Ling Xinlong , Lu Hongwei , Xu Yongjing
Published: February 2017

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite fibers with high fraction of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by gel spinning process. Here, a modified process was introduced to prepare concentrated PVA/MWCNTs/DMSO spinning dope, and to attain good dispersion of MWCNTs in the fibers. The final composite fibers were studied by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and WAXD analysis. The total content of MWCNTs in PVA composite fibers, from 5 to 30 wt%, was confirmed by TGA analysis. FTIR and Raman measurements demonstrated the existence of strong hydrogen interaction between MWCNTs and PVA matrix. SEM images of composite fibers showed smooth surface, regular cross‐section shape and good dispersion of MWCNTs in the fibers. DSC analysis showed that the crystallinity first increased and then decreased with the increase of MWCNTs contents. It can be concluded that low concentration of MWNCTs can act as nucleation sites for crystallization of PVA component, and large amount of MWCNTs may impede the crystallization of PVA component. The WAXD analysis results indicated that the crystal orientation of the PVA component in PVA composite fibers is almost identical at the same drawn ratio. Polarized Raman analysis indicated a small increase in MWCNTs orientation for the composite fibers. The mechanical properties tests showed that the composite fibers exhibit significant improvement in tensile strength and modulus as compared to the neat PVA fibers. The composite fibers also showed sustained growth in electrical conductivity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:37–45, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Secondary Interactions of Graphene Oxide on Liquid Crystal Formation and Stability
Authors: Oh Jun Young , Park Jisoo , Jeong Yo Chan , Kim Jae Ho , Yang Seung Jae , Park Chong Rae
Published: February 2017

Graphene oxide liquid crystals (GO LC) prove their potential usefulness in a new design of carbon scaffold composites with ordered structures from nano to macroscale. This paper highlights the degree of GO functionalization as a notable influencing factor on GO LC formation. The large amount of oxygen functional groups, which cause secondary interactions between GOs, decrease the critical concentration for the phase transitions from isotropic to biphasic to nematic phases. In the biphasic state where isotropic and anisotropic phases coexist, highly oxidized GO sheets spontaneously develop LC phases among themselves. Furthermore, the strong hydrogen bonding networks between GO sheets govern the stabilization of the GO aqueous dispersion for a long period. This unique behavior can be used to design GO‐based architecture with controllable density and ordering.
p107 Determines a Metabolic Checkpoint Required for Adipocyte Lineage Fates
Authors: Porras Deanna P. , Abbaszadeh Maryam , Bhattacharya Debasmita , D'souza Ninoschka C. , Edjiu Nareh R. , Perry Christopher G. R. , Scimè Anthony
Published: February 2017

We show that the transcriptional corepressor p107 orchestrates a metabolic checkpoint that determines adipocyte lineage fates for non-committed progenitors. p107 accomplishes this when stem cell commitment would normally occur in growth arrested cells. p107-deficient embryonic progenitors are characterized by a metabolic state resembling aerobic glycolysis that is necessary for their pro-thermogenic fate. Indeed, during growth arrest they have a reduced capacity for NADH partitioning between the cytoplasm and mitochondria. Intriguingly, this occurred despite an increase in the capacity for mitochondrial oxidation of non-glucose substrates. The significance of metabolic reprogramming is underscored by the disruption of glycolytic capacities in p107-depleted progenitors that reverted their fates from pro-thermogenic to white adipocytes. Moreover, the manipulation of glycolytic capacity on nonspecified embryonic and adult progenitors forced their beige fat commitment. These innovative findings introduce a new approach to increase pro-thermogenic adipocytes based on simply promoting aerobic glycolysis to manipulate nonspecified progenitor fate decisions.
Solution of the Hard Problem of Consciousness
Authors: Reinis S.
Published: February 2017

According to our hypothesis presented here, the human mind is a process depending on interactions of masses of mainly cortical neurons connected by biochemical, electrical and quantum factors into a massive system. The consciousness is dependent on the additional communication between particles, in particular between electrons. The Pauli repulsive exchange mechanism and other communication mechanisms may be able to transform physical events into a subjective information.
How We Might Be Able to Understand the Brain
Authors: Josephson Brian D.
Published: February 2017

Current methodologies in the neurosciences have difficulty in accounting for complex phenomena such as language, which can however be quite well characterised in phenomenological terms. This paper addresses the issue of unifying the two approaches. We typically understand complicated systems in terms of a collection of models, each characterisable in principle within a formal system, it being possible to explain higher-level properties in terms of lower level ones by means of a series of inferences based on these models. We consider the nervous system to be a mechanism for implementing the demands of an appropriate collection of models, each concerned with some aspect of brain and behaviour, the observer mechanism of Baas playing an important role in matching model and behaviour in this context. The discussion expounds these ideas in detail, showing their potential utility in connection with real problems of brain and behaviour, important areas where the ideas can be applied including the development of higher levels of abstraction, and linguistic behaviour, as described in the works of Karmiloff-Smith and Jackendoff respectively.
Search Activity or Chaotic Activity in Dreams Vs. Wakefulness in Animals and Humans
Authors: Rotenberg Vadim S.
Published: February 2017

Search activity in the subsequent wakefulness is restored by the virtual activity in dreams based on the dominating DA brain system and this virtual activity is often chaotic. It is common for humans and animals. At the same time in wakefulness chaotic activity is not protective. It means that in dreams the activity by itself is more important than its belonging to the particular form. What is specific for humans is the polysemantic nature of human dreams based on the right hemisphere type of thinking that is solving the intra-psychic conflicts and overcomes repression as a particular human’s type of renunciation of search.
Profile of Neurocognitive Functioning in Adults Infected with HIV
Authors: Mukherjee Anindita , Karmakar Asmita , Dutta Payel , Kumar Dogra Atanu
Published: February 2017

Since the very beginning of the course of infection, HIV enters into the CNS and it is reflected through neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to assess and subsequently compare the neurocognitive functioning of treatment-naive adults with HIV Stage I, II & peer control. Cross-sectional Case-control study design was followed. 22 adults (11 in stage I and 11 in stage II) with HIV infection and 11 adults as matched control were administered various standardised neuropsychological tests assessing cognitive functions like verbal fluency, executive functions, memory and visuo-spatial ability. Data were analysed by computing Kruskal Wallis one way ANOVA by ranks and post-hoc analysis (with the help of Mann Whitney U Test). Results showed that adults with HIV infected had poorer performance on most measures of memory functioning, visuo-spatial ability, verbal fluency and some measures of frontal lobe functioning in comparison to the matched peer control group. Those with stage II HIV had more compromised functions than those in stage I HIV in overall frontal lobe functioning along with inhibitory control, conceptualization, mental flexibility and sensitivity to interference.
Job Changing and the Decline in Long-Distance Migration in the United States
Authors: Molloy Raven , Smith Christopher L. , Wozniak Abigail
Published: February 2017

Interstate migration in the United States has decreased steadily since the 1980s, but little is known about the causes of this decline. We show that declining migration is related to a concurrent secular decline in job changing. Neither trend is primarily due to observable demographic or socioeconomic factors. Rather, we argue that the decline in job changing has caused the decline in migration. After establishing a role for the labor market in declining migration, we turn to the question of why job changing has become less frequent over the past several decades. We find little support for several explanations, including the rise of dual-career households, the decline in middle-skill jobs, occupational licensing, and the need for employees to retain health insurance. Thus, the reasons for these dual trends remain opaque and should be explored further.
Type 1 diabetes, cognition and the neurologist: Exploring Go/No‐Go and Maze tasks in the search for a practical screening tool
Authors: Shinosaki Jullyanna S.M. , Rossini Joaquim C. , Jorge Maria Luiza P.M. , Macedo Lorena B.C. , Tannús Paulo J.
Published: February 2017

Aims

The objectives were to use inexpensive and easy‐to‐apply tasks in order to investigate the differences between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients and controls regarding attention and impulsivity, which are the basis for key‐executive function components that are traditionally assessed using subjective, long and difficult to reproduce questionnaires. Additionally, we sought to correlate these differences with clinical characteristics, and to explore correlations between the tasks.

Methods

We compared the scores of 20 T1DM patients with 20 controls. The sample population included both males and females, aged 12–15 years. They were tested using a Go/No‐Go paradigm and a Maze task, and correlations were verified between the groups.

Results

The T1DM group had more anticipatory answers (AA) in the Go/No‐Go task (p <0.05), and made more direction changes in Mazes (p<0.01). There was a correlation between non‐severe hypoglycemia and AA (p=0.01), as well as between severe hypoglycemia and the number of touches in Mazes’ walls (p<0.05). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)>9% correlated with a greater number of alleys in Mazes (p<0.05). The tasks’ parameters were coherent among each test, and also between them.

Conclusions

We found indicators of inattention and impulsivity to be associated with T1DM, with inattention being closely related with hyperglycemia, and impulsivity being associated with hypoglycemia. Further research is needed to study diabetes‐associated cognitive decline with more objective parameters, and to analyse the reliability and psychometric properties of the tasks proposed in this study.
Pediatric Hematology
Authors: Wynn Robert , Bhat Rukhmi , Monagle Paul
Published: February 2017

Hematology is often considered a challenging subject by students and junior medical staff alike. Using key scientific and clinical principles, this succinct guide provides a summary of modern day-to-day clinical practice in paediatric hematology. Focusing on the facts that underpin patient management, each chapter offers an initial summary of a particular paediatric hematologic condition. Several key clinical scenarios set out how common difficulties should be managed, from the neonate with line thrombosis, to the newly presenting patient with leukaemia, and the child who has suffered a stroke. Covering all hematology topics on the syllabus of the American Board of Paediatrics subspecialty examinations, this authoritative guide is ideal for both postgraduates and junior doctors, whose understanding of hematological conditions will increase greatly upon reading. This comprehensive and practical book specifically aims to equip clinicians to diagnose and manage children with hematological illness, and to support them and their families.
Precedent and Doctrine in a Complicated World
Authors: CALLANDER STEVEN , CLARK TOM S.
Published: February 2017

Courts resolve individual disputes and create principles of law to justify their decisions and guide the resolution of future cases. Those tasks present informational challenges that affect the whole judicial process. Judges must simultaneously learn about (1) the particular facts and legal implications of any dispute; (2) discover the doctrine that appropriately resolves the dispute; and (3) attempt to articulate those rules in the context of a single case so that future courts may reason from past cases. We propose a model of judicial learning and decision making in which there is a complicated relationship between facts and legal outcomes. The model has implications for many of the important questions in the judicial process, including the dynamics of common law development, the path-dependent nature of the law, and optimal case selection by supervisory courts.
Preferences of High Ability (Gifted) Students in Special and Mainstreamed Classes for Particular Teacher Characteristics
Authors: Williams Janet
Published: February 2017

Despite the critical importance of the teacher in any learning environment, there has been relatively little research into the characteristics of effective teachers of high ability (gifted) students. The majority of studies report the view of ‘experts’ rather than judgements made by the students themselves.

In this study, a modified version of the Student Perception of Teachers (SPOT) rating scale was used to measure the relative importance to gifted students of personal-social, cognitive and classroom management characteristics of teachers.

The sample consisted of two groups of high ability students in years 8,9 and 10 at government senior high schools in Western Australia. One group had been selected to participate in an academic extension programme and therefore the students were in special classes; the other consisted of students of similar ability, but attending the regular school programme.

Similarities and differences in the preferences of the mainstreamed and special groups are outlined, and findings compared with the results of two similar studies carried out in lsrael and the USA, but using only students in special programmes.

lmplications for the selection and training of teachers of high ability students are discussed.
AGU Endorses the March for Science in Washington, D. C.
Authors: Davidson Eric , Bell Robin
Published: February 2017

Between now and the 22 April event, AGU will share further information about march-related resources and communications.
Sponge-associated bacteria mineralize arsenic and barium on intracellular vesicles
Authors: Keren Ray , Mayzel Boaz , Lavy Adi , Polishchuk Iryna , Levy Davide , Fakra Sirine C. , Pokroy Boaz , Ilan Micha
Published: February 2017

Arsenic and barium are ubiquitous environmental toxins that accumulate in higher trophic-level organisms. Whereas metazoans have detoxifying organs to cope with toxic metals, sponges lack organs but harbour a symbiotic microbiome performing various functions. Here we examine the potential roles of microorganisms in arsenic and barium cycles in the spongeTheonella swinhoei, known to accumulate high levels of these metals. We show that a single sponge symbiotic bacterium,Entotheonellasp., constitutes the arsenic- and barium-accumulating entity within the host. These bacteria mineralize both arsenic and barium on intracellular vesicles. Our results indicate thatEntotheonellasp. may act as a detoxifying organ for its host.
Mutant Kras- and p16-regulated NOX4 activation overcomes metabolic checkpoints in development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ju Huai-Qiang , Ying Haoqiang , Tian Tian , Ling Jianhua , Fu Jie , Lu Yu , Wu Min , Yang Lifeng , Achreja Abhinav , Chen Gang , Zhuang Zhuonan , Wang Huamin , Nagrath Deepak , Yao Jun , Hung Mien-Chie , DePinho Ronald A. , Huang Peng , Xu Rui-Hua , Chiao Paul J.
Published: February 2017

Kras activation and p16 inactivation are required to develop pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the biochemical mechanisms underlying these double alterations remain unclear. Here we discover that NAD(P)H oxidase 4 (NOX4), an enzyme known to catalyse the oxidation of NAD(P)H, is upregulated when p16 is inactivated by looking at gene expression profiling studies. Activation of NOX4 requires catalytic subunit p22phox, which is upregulated following Kras activation. Both alterations are also detectable in PDAC cell lines and patient specimens. Furthermore, we show that elevated NOX4 activity accelerates oxidation of NADH and supports increased glycolysis by generating NAD+, a substrate for GAPDH-mediated glycolytic reaction, promoting PDAC cell growth. Mechanistically, NOX4 was induced through p16-Rb-regulated E2F and p22phox was induced by KrasG12V-activated NF-κB. In conclusion, we provide a biochemical explanation for the cooperation between p16 inactivation and Kras activation in PDAC development and suggest that NOX4 is a potential therapeutic target for PDAC.
Identifying electron transfer coordinates in donor-bridge-acceptor systems using mode projection analysis
Authors: Yang Xunmo , Keane Theo , Delor Milan , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Weinstein Julia , Bittner Eric R.
Published: February 2017

We report upon an analysis of the vibrational modes that couple and drive the state-to-state electronic transfer branching ratios in a model donor-bridge-acceptor system consisting of a phenothiazine-based donor linked to a naphthalene-monoimide acceptor via a platinum-acetylide bridging unit. Our analysis is based upon an iterative Lanczos search algorithm that finds superpositions of vibronic modes that optimize the electron/nuclear coupling using input from excited-state quantum chemical methods. Our results indicate that the electron transfer reaction coordinates between a triplet charge-transfer state and lower lying charge-separated and localized excitonic states are dominated by asymmetric and symmetric modes of the acetylene groups on either side of the central atom in this system. In particular, we find that while a nearly symmetric mode couples both the charge-separation and charge-recombination transitions more or less equally, the coupling along an asymmetric mode is far greater suggesting that IR excitation of the acetylene modes preferentially enhances charge-recombination transition relative to charge-separation.