bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Priority actions for addressing the obesity epidemic in England
Authors: Watson Fiona , Taylor Anna , Rayner Mike , Lobstein Tim , Hinks Robin
Published: December 2017

Objective

To prioritise policy actions for government to improve the food environment and contribute to reduced obesity and related diseases.

Design

Cross-sectional study applying the Food Environment Policy Index (Food EPI) in two stages. First, the evidence on all relevant policies was compiled, through an Internet search of government documents, and reviewed for accuracy and completeness by government officials. Second, independent experts were brought together to identify critical gaps and prioritise actions to fill those gaps, through a two-stage rating process.

Setting

England.

Subjects

A total of seventy-three independent experts from forty-one organisations were involved in the exercise.

Results

The top priority policy actions for government identified were: (i) control the advertising of unhealthy foods to children; (ii) implement the levy on sugary drinks; (iii) reduce the sugar, fat and salt content in processed foods (leading to an energy reduction); (iv) monitor school and nursery food standards; (v) prioritise health and the environment in the 25-year Food and Farming Plan; (vi) adopt a national food action plan; (vii) monitor the food environment; (viii) apply buying standards to all public institutions; (ix) strengthen planning laws to discourage less healthy food offers; and (x) evaluate food-related programmes and policies.

Conclusions

Applying the Food EPI resulted in agreement on the ten priority actions required to improve the food environment. The Food EPI has proved to be a useful tool in developing consensus for action to address the obesity epidemic among a broad group of experts in a complex legislative environment.
Training early childcare providers in evidence-based nutrition strategies can help improve nutrition policies and practices of early childcare centres serving racially and ethnically diverse children from low-income families
Authors: Hollar T Lucas , Cook Nicole , Natale Ruby , Quinn David , Phillips Teina , DeLucca Michael
Published: December 2017

Objective

We evaluated the extent to which providing training and technical assistance to early childcare centre (ECC) directors, faculty and staff in the implementation of evidence-based nutrition strategies improved the nutrition contexts, policies and practices of ECC serving racially and ethnically diverse, low-income children in Broward County, Florida, USA. The nutrition strategies targeted snack and beverage policies and practices, consistent with Caring for Our Children National Standards.

Design

We used the nutrition observation and document review portions of the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) instrument to observe ECC as part of a one-group pre-test/post-test evaluation design.

Setting

ECC located within areas of high rates of poverty, diabetes, minority representation and unhealthy food index in Broward County, Florida, USA.

Subjects

Eighteen ECC enrolled, mean 112·9 (sd53·4) children aged 2–5 years; 12·3 (sd7·2) staff members; and 10·2 (sd4·6) children per staff member at each centre.

Results

We found significant improvements in centres’ overall nutrition contexts, as measured by total EPAO nutrition scores (P=0·01). ECC made specific significant gains within written nutrition policies (P=0·03) and nutrition training and education (P=0·01).

Conclusions

Our findings support training ECC directors, faculty and staff in evidence-based nutrition strategies to improve the nutrition policies and practices of ECC serving racially and ethnically diverse children from low-income families. The intervention resulted in improvements in some nutrition policies and practices, but not others. There remains a need to further develop the evaluation base involving the effectiveness of policy and practice interventions within ECC serving children in high-need areas.
Multifunctional agricultural watersheds for climate adaptation in Midwest USA: commentary
Authors: Jordan Nicholas R. , Mulla David J. , Slotterback Carissa , Runck Bryan , Hays Carol
Published: December 2017

Meeting the societal demand for food, bioproducts and water under climate change is likely to greatly challenge the maize-soybean agriculture of the Midwest USA, which is a globally significant resource. New agricultural systems are needed that can meet this challenge. Innovations in water management engineering and cropping system diversification may provide a way forward, enabling transformation to highly multifunctional agricultural watersheds that expand both agricultural production and water-related services to society, and which provide scalable units of climate adaptation in agriculture and water systems. Implementation and refinement of such watersheds require corresponding social innovation to create supportive social systems, in economic, political and cultural terms. A range of emerging social innovations can drive the emergence of highly multifunctional agricultural watersheds, by enabling robust cooperation, resource exchange and coordinated innovation across multiple societal sectors and scales. We highlight relevant innovations and opportunities for their exploratory implementation and refinement in the Midwest.
Fossils Provide New Clues to Tibetan Plateau’s Evolution
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2017

The bones of ancient rhinos, elephants, and fish constrain when the Tibetan Plateau rose high enough to prevent migration, a move that forced animals to adapt to high-altitude conditions.
Author Correction: Full-gap superconductivity in spin-polarised surface states of topological semimetal β-PdBi2
Authors: Iwaya K. , Kohsaka Y. , Okawa K. , Machida T. , Bahramy M. S. , Hanaguri T. , Sasagawa T.
Published: December 2017

The original version of this article contained an error in Fig. 3. The calculated patterns of quasiparticle interference in the figure were incorrect due to the wrong Wannier transformation in the calculation. This correction does not affect the discussion or the conclusion of the article.
Genomic regression analysis of coordinated expression
Authors: Cai Ling , Li Qiwei , Du Yi , Yun Jonghyun , Xie Yang , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Xiao Guanghua
Published: December 2017

Co-expression analysis is widely used to predict gene function and to identify functionally related gene sets. However, co-expression analysis using human cancer transcriptomic data is confounded by somatic copy number alterations (SCNA), which produce co-expression signatures based on physical proximity rather than biological function. To better understand gene–gene co-expression based on biological regulation but not SCNA, we describe a method termed “Genomic Regression Analysis of Coordinated Expression” (GRACE) to adjust for the effect of SCNA in co-expression analysis. The results from analyses of TCGA, CCLE, and NCI60 data sets show that GRACE can improve our understanding of how a transcriptional network is re-wired in cancer. A user-friendly web database populated with data sets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is provided to allow customized query.
Lower plate serpentinite diapirism in the Calabrian Arc subduction complex
Authors: Polonia A. , Torelli L. , Gasperini L. , Cocchi L. , Muccini F. , Bonatti E. , Hensen C. , Schmidt M. , Romano S. , Artoni A. , Carlini M.
Published: December 2017

Mantle-derived serpentinites have been detected at magma-poor rifted margins and above subduction zones, where they are usually produced by fluids released from the slab to the mantle wedge. Here we show evidence of a new class of serpentinite diapirs within the external subduction system of the Calabrian Arc, derived directly from the lower plate. Mantle serpentinites rise through lithospheric faults caused by incipient rifting and the collapse of the accretionary wedge. Mantle-derived diapirism is not linked directly to subduction processes. The serpentinites, formed probably during Mesozoic Tethyan rifting, were carried below the subduction system by plate convergence; lithospheric faults driving margin segmentation act as windows through which inherited serpentinites rise to the sub-seafloor. The discovery of deep-seated seismogenic features coupled with inherited lower plate serpentinite diapirs, provides constraints on mechanisms exposing altered products of mantle peridotite at the seafloor long time after their formation.
Dual blockade of the lipid kinase PIP4Ks and mitotic pathways leads to cancer-selective lethality
Authors: Kitagawa Mayumi , Liao Pei-Ju , Lee Kyung Hee , Wong Jasmine , Shang See Cheng , Minami Noriaki , Sampetrean Oltea , Saya Hideyuki , Lingyun Dai , Prabhu Nayana , Diam Go Ka , Sobota Radoslaw , Larsson Andreas , Nordlund Pär , McCormick Frank , Ghosh Sujoy , Epstein David M. , Dymock Brian W. , Lee Sang Hyun
Published: December 2017

Achieving robust cancer-specific lethality is the ultimate clinical goal. Here, we identify a compound with dual-inhibitory properties, named a131, that selectively kills cancer cells, while protecting normal cells. Through an unbiased CETSA screen, we identify the PIP4K lipid kinases as the target of a131. Ablation of the PIP4Ks generates a phenocopy of the pharmacological effects of PIP4K inhibition by a131. Notably, PIP4Ks inhibition by a131 causes reversible growth arrest in normal cells by transcriptionally upregulating PIK3IP1, a suppressor of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Strikingly, Ras activation overrides a131-induced PIK3IP1 upregulation and activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Consequently, Ras-transformed cells override a131-induced growth arrest and enter mitosis where a131’s ability to de-cluster supernumerary centrosomes in cancer cells eliminates Ras-activated cells through mitotic catastrophe. Our discovery of drugs with a dual-inhibitory mechanism provides a unique pharmacological strategy against cancer and evidence of cross-activation between the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways via a Ras˧PIK3IP1˧PI3K signaling network.
The interhemispheric CA1 circuit governs rapid generalisation but not fear memory
Authors: Zhou Heng , Xiong Gui-Jing , Jing Liang , Song Ning-Ning , Pu De-Lin , Tang Xun , He Xiao-Bing , Xu Fu-Qiang , Huang Jing-Fei , Li Ling-Jiang , Richter-Levin Gal , Mao Rong-Rong , Zhou Qi-Xin , Ding Yu-Qiang , Xu Lin
Published: December 2017

Encoding specificity theory predicts most effective recall by the original conditions at encoding, while generalization endows recall flexibly under circumstances which deviate from the originals. The CA1 regions have been implicated in memory and generalization but whether and which locally separated mechanisms are involved is not clear. We report here that fear memory is quickly formed, but generalization develops gradually over 24 h. Generalization but not fear memory is impaired by inhibiting ipsilateral (ips) or contralateral (con) CA1, and by optogenetic silencing of the ipsCA1 projections onto conCA1. By contrast, in vivo fEPSP recordings reveal that ipsCA1–conCA1 synaptic efficacy is increased with delay over 24 h when generalization is formed but it is unchanged if generalization is disrupted. Direct excitation of ipsCA1–conCA1 synapses using chemogenetic hM3Dq facilitates generalization formation. Thus, rapid generalization is an active process dependent on bilateral CA1 regions, and encoded by gradual synaptic learning in ipsCA1–conCA1 circuit.
Sixteen isostructural phosphonate metal-organic frameworks with controlled Lewis acidity and chemical stability for asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Chen Xu , Peng Yongwu , Han Xing , Liu Yan , Lin Xiaochao , Cui Yong
Published: December 2017

Heterogeneous catalysts typically lack the specific steric control and rational electronic tuning required for precise asymmetric catalysis. Here we demonstrate that a phosphonate metal–organic framework (MOF) platform that is robust enough to accommodate up to 16 different metal clusters, allowing for systematic tuning of Lewis acidity, catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. A total of 16 chiral porous MOFs, with the framework formula [M3L2(solvent)2] that have the same channel structures but different surface-isolated Lewis acid metal sites, are prepared from a single phosphono-carboxylate ligand of 1,1′-biphenol and 16 different metal ions. The phosphonate MOFs possessing tert-butyl-coated channels exhibited high thermal stability and good tolerances to boiling water, weak acid and base. The MOFs provide a versatile family of heterogeneous catalysts for asymmetric allylboration, propargylation, Friedel–Crafts alkylation and sulfoxidation with good to high enantioselectivity. In contrast, the homogeneous catalyst systems cannot catalyze the test reactions enantioselectively.
Reservoir computing using dynamic memristors for temporal information processing
Authors: Du Chao , Cai Fuxi , Zidan Mohammed A. , Ma Wen , Lee Seung Hwan , Lu Wei D.
Published: December 2017

Reservoir computing systems utilize dynamic reservoirs having short-term memory to project features from the temporal inputs into a high-dimensional feature space. A readout function layer can then effectively analyze the projected features for tasks, such as classification and time-series analysis. The system can efficiently compute complex and temporal data with low-training cost, since only the readout function needs to be trained. Here we experimentally implement a reservoir computing system using a dynamic memristor array. We show that the internal ionic dynamic processes of memristors allow the memristor-based reservoir to directly process information in the temporal domain, and demonstrate that even a small hardware system with only 88 memristors can already be used for tasks, such as handwritten digit recognition. The system is also used to experimentally solve a second-order nonlinear task, and can successfully predict the expected output without knowing the form of the original dynamic transfer function.
Scale-invariant large nonlocality in polycrystalline graphene
Authors: Ribeiro Mário , Power Stephen R. , Roche Stephan , Hueso Luis E. , Casanova Fèlix
Published: December 2017

The observation of large nonlocal resistances near the Dirac point in graphene has been related to a variety of intrinsic Hall effects, where the spin or valley degrees of freedom are controlled by symmetry breaking mechanisms. Engineering strong spin or valley Hall signals on scalable graphene devices could stimulate further practical developments of spin- and valleytronics. Here we report on scale-invariant nonlocal transport in large-scale chemical vapor deposition graphene under an applied external magnetic field. Contrary to previously reported Zeeman spin Hall effect, our results are explained by field-induced spin-filtered edge states whose sensitivity to grain boundaries manifests in the nonlocal resistance. This phenomenon, related to the emergence of the quantum Hall regime, persists up to the millimeter scale, showing that polycrystalline morphology can be imprinted in nonlocal transport. This suggests that topological Hall effects in large-scale graphene materials are highly sensitive to the underlying structural morphology, limiting practical realizations.
Nanoscale evolution of interface morphology during electrodeposition
Authors: Schneider Nicholas M. , Park Jeung Hun , Grogan Joseph M. , Steingart Daniel A. , Bau Haim H. , Ross Frances M.
Published: December 2017

Control of interfacial morphology in electrochemical processes is essential for applications ranging from nanomanufacturing to batteries. Here, we quantify the evolution of an electrochemical growth front, using liquid cell electron microscopy to access unexplored length and time scales. During galvanostatic deposition of copper from an acidic electrolyte, we find that the growth front initially evolves consistent with kinetic roughening theory. Subsequently, it roughens more rapidly, consistent with diffusion-limited growth physics. However, the onset of roughening is strongly delayed compared to expectations, suggesting the importance of lateral diffusion of ions. Based on these growth regimes, we discuss morphological control and demonstrate the effects of two strategies, pulse plating and the use of electrolyte additives.
Comparison between Listeria sensu stricto and Listeria sensu lato strains identifies novel determinants involved in infection
Authors: Schardt Jakob , Jones Grant , Müller-Herbst Stefanie , Schauer Kristina , D’Orazio Sarah E. F. , Fuchs Thilo M.
Published: December 2017

The human pathogenL.monocytogenesand the animal pathogenL. ivanovii, together with four other species isolated from symptom-free animals, form the “Listeria sensu stricto” clade. The members of the second clade, “Listeria sensu lato”, are believed to be solely environmental bacteria without the ability to colonize mammalian hosts. To identify novel determinants that contribute to infection byL. monocytogenes, the causative agent of the foodborne disease listeriosis, we performed a genome comparison of the two clades and found 151 candidate genes that are conserved in theListeria sensu strictospecies. Two factors were investigated furtherin vitroandin vivo. A mutant lacking an ATP-binding cassette transporter exhibited defective adhesion and invasion of human Caco-2 cells. Using a mouse model of foodborneL. monocytogenesinfection, a reduced number of the mutant strain compared to the parental strain was observed in the small intestine and the liver. Another mutant with a defective 1,2-propanediol degradation pathway showed reduced persistence in the stool of infected mice, suggesting a role of 1,2-propanediol as a carbon and energy source of listeriae during infection. These findings reveal the relevance of novel factors for the colonization process ofL. monocytogenes.
Magnolol inhibits venous remodeling in mice
Authors: Kuk Hanna , Arnold Caroline , Meyer Ralph , Hecker Markus , Korff Thomas
Published: December 2017

Due to gravity the venous vasculature in the lower extremities is exposed to elevated pressure levels which may be amplified by obesity or pregnancy. As a consequence, venules dilate and may be slowly transformed into varicose or spider veins. In fact, chronically elevated venous pressure was sufficient to cause the corkscrew-like enlargement of superficial veins in mice. We hypothesized that biomechanical activation of endothelial cells contributes to this process and investigated the inhibitory capacity of Magnolol in this context – a natural compound that features multiple properties counteracting cellular stress. While Magnolol did not influence endothelial capillary sprout formation, it interfered with proliferation, ERK1/2 activity, gelatinase activity as well as baseline production of reactive oxygen species in these cells or murine veins. The anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative capacity of Magnolol was mediated through stimulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression. Finally, local transdermal application of Magnolol attenuated pressure-mediated development of varicose/spider veins in mice and was accompanied by the absence of proliferating and MMP-2 positive endothelial cells. Collectively, our data identified Magnolol as a potent inhibitor of biomechanically evoked endothelial cell activity during pressure-mediated venous remodeling processes which contribute to the development of varicose and spider veins.
Industrial-age doubling of snow accumulation in the Alaska Range linked to tropical ocean warming
Authors: Winski Dominic , Osterberg Erich , Ferris David , Kreutz Karl , Wake Cameron , Campbell Seth , Hawley Robert , Roy Samuel , Birkel Sean , Introne Douglas , Handley Michael
Published: December 2017

Future precipitation changes in a warming climate depend regionally upon the response of natural climate modes to anthropogenic forcing. North Pacific hydroclimate is dominated by the Aleutian Low, a semi-permanent wintertime feature characterized by frequent low-pressure conditions that is influenced by tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures through the Pacific-North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern. Instrumental records show a recent increase in coastal Alaskan precipitation and Aleutian Low intensification, but are of insufficient length to accurately assess low frequency trends and forcing mechanisms. Here we present a 1200-year seasonally- to annually-resolved ice core record of snow accumulation from Mt. Hunter in the Alaska Range developed using annual layer counting and four ice-flow thinning models. Under a wide range of glacier flow conditions and layer counting uncertainty, our record shows a doubling of precipitation since ~1840 CE, with recent values exceeding the variability observed over the past millennium. The precipitation increase is nearly synchronous with the warming of western tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures. While regional 20th Century warming may account for a portion of the observed precipitation increase on Mt. Hunter, the magnitude and seasonality of the precipitation change indicate a long-term strengthening of the Aleutian Low.
Persistent social isolation reflects identity and social context but not maternal effects or early environment
Authors: Brent L. J. N. , Ruiz-Lambides A. , Platt M. L.
Published: December 2017

Individuals who are well integrated into society have greater access to resources and tend to live longer. Why some individuals are socially isolated and others are not is therefore puzzling from an evolutionary perspective. Answering this question requires establishing the mix of intrinsic and contextual factors that contribute to social isolation. Using social network data spanning up to half of the median adult lifespan in a gregarious primate, we found that some measures of social isolation were modestly repeatable within individuals, consistent with a trait. By contrast, social isolation was not explained by the identity of an animal’s mother or the group into which it was born. Nevertheless, age, sex and social status each played a role, as did kin dynamics and familiarity. Females with fewer close relatives were more isolated, and the more time males spent in a new group the less isolated they became, independent of their social status. These results show that social isolation results from a combination of intrinsic and environmental factors. From an evolutionary perspective, these findings suggest that social isolation could be adaptive in some contexts and partly maintained by selection.
Clearance of a persistent picornavirus infection is associated with enhanced pro-apoptotic and cellular immune responses
Authors: Stenfeldt Carolina , Eschbaumer Michael , Smoliga George R. , Rodriguez Luis L. , Zhu James , Arzt Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Long-term persistent viral infections cause substantial morbidity and associated economic losses in human and veterinary contexts. Yet, the mechanisms associated with establishment of persistent infections are poorly elucidated. We investigated immunomodulatory mechanisms associated with clearance versus persistence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in micro-dissected compartments of the bovine nasopharynx by microarray. The use of laser-capture microdissection allowed elucidation of differential gene regulation within distinct anatomic compartments critical to FMDV infection. Analysis of samples from transitional and persistent phases of infection demonstrated significant differences in transcriptome profiles of animals that cleared infection versus those that became persistently infected carriers. Specifically, it was demonstrated that clearance of FMDV from the nasopharyngeal mucosa was associated with upregulation of targets associated with activation of T cell-mediated immunity. Contrastingly, gene regulation in FMDV carriers suggested inhibition of T cell activation and promotion of Th2 polarization. These findings were corroborated by immunofluorescence microscopy which demonstrated relative abundance of CD8+ T cells in the nasopharyngeal mucosa in association with clearance of FMDV. The findings presented herein emphasize that a critical balance between Th1 and Th2 -mediated immunity is essential for successful clearance of FMDV infection and should be considered for development of next-generation vaccines and antiviral products.
Measuring Temperature Induced Phase Change Kinetics in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy, MR Imaging and Spectroscopy and OCT
Authors: Sajjadi Amir Y. , Manstein Dieter , Carp Stefan A.
Published: December 2017

Monitoring phase transition in adipose tissue and formation of lipid crystals is important in Cryo-procedures such as Selective Cryolipolysis (SC). We exploited a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) method to monitor the onset of fat phase transition (freezing/melting) in human abdominal adipose tissue. The changes in optical scattering were compared to Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements as the gold standard method for measuring phase transition. For some samples, concurrent in vitro measurements of optical scattering using NIRS and the MR signal parameters (T2*) as well as spectral parameters using MR Spectroscopy were performed in a 3 T MR scanner during a cooling/heating cycle. To further investigate phase-transition in adipose tissue in microscopic level, an identical cooling/heating procedure was replicated on a small piece of fat harvested from the same tissue while being imaged under Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). For all methods, their relationship with temperature shows inflexions in a narrow range, characteristic of lipid phase transition. In particular, the good agreement between DSC and Optical measurements suggests that such NIRS methods can be used to improve dosimetry and to minimize variations of clinical outcome for cryo-procedures.
Extracting random numbers from quantum tunnelling through a single diode
Authors: Bernardo-Gavito Ramón , Bagci Ibrahim Ethem , Roberts Jonathan , Sexton James , Astbury Benjamin , Shokeir Hamzah , McGrath Thomas , Noori Yasir J. , Woodhead Christopher S. , Missous Mohamed , Roedig Utz , Young Robert J.
Published: December 2017

Random number generation is crucial in many aspects of everyday life, as online security and privacy depend ultimately on the quality of random numbers. Many current implementations are based on pseudo-random number generators, but information security requires true random numbers for sensitive applications like key generation in banking, defence or even social media. True random number generators are systems whose outputs cannot be determined, even if their internal structure and response history are known. Sources of quantum noise are thus ideal for this application due to their intrinsic uncertainty. In this work, we propose using resonant tunnelling diodes as practical true random number generators based on a quantum mechanical effect. The output of the proposed devices can be directly used as a random stream of bits or can be further distilled using randomness extraction algorithms, depending on the application.
Mast cells increase adult neural precursor proliferation and differentiation but this potential is not realized in vivo under physiological conditions
Authors: Wasielewska Joanna M. , Grönnert Lisa , Rund Nicole , Donix Lukas , Rust Ruslan , Sykes Alexander M. , Hoppe Anja , Roers Axel , Kempermann Gerd , Walker Tara L.
Published: December 2017

There is growing evidence that both peripheral and resident immune cells play an important part in regulating adult neural stem cell proliferation and neurogenesis, although the contribution of the various immune cell types is still unclear. Mast cells, a population of immune cells known for their role in the allergic response, have been implicated in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Mast cell-deficient c-kitW-sh/W-sh mice have previously been shown to exhibit significantly decreased adult hippocampal neurogenesis and associated learning and memory deficits. However, given that numerous other cell types also express high levels of c-kit, the utility of these mice as a reliable model of mast cell-specific depletion is questionable. We show here, using a different model of mast cell deficiency (Mcpt5CreR26DTA/DTA), that precursor proliferation and adult neurogenesis are not influenced by mast cells in vivo. Interestingly, when applied at supraphysiological doses, mast cells can activate latent hippocampal precursor cells and increase subventricular zone precursor proliferation in vitro, an effect that can be blocked with specific histamine-receptor antagonists. Thus, we conclude that while both mast cells and their major chemical mediator histamine have the potential to affect neural precursor proliferation and neurogenesis, this is unlikely to occur under physiological conditions.
Whole transcriptome profiling reveals major cell types in the cellular immune response against acute and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Zhong Huaqing , Hu Xinran , Janowski Andrew B. , Storch Gregory A. , Su Liyun , Cao Lingfeng , Yu Jinsheng , Xu Jin
Published: December 2017

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a common human pathogen that infects over 95% of the population worldwide. In the present study, the whole transcriptome microarray data were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Chinese children with acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM) and chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) that were also compared with a publicly available microarray dataset from a study of American college students with AIM. Our study characterized for the first time a broad spectrum of molecular signatures in AIM and CAEBV. The key findings from the transcriptome profiling were validated with qPCR and flow cytometry assays. The most important finding in our study is the discovery of predominant γδ TCR expression and γδ T cell expansion in AIM. This finding, in combination with the striking up-regulation ofCD3,CD8 and CD94, suggests that CD8+ T cells and CD94+ NK cells may play a major role in AIM. Moreover, the unique up-regulation ofCD64A/Band its significant correlation with the monocyte markerCD14was observed in CAEBV and that implies an important role of monocytes in CAEBV. In conclusion, our study reveals major cell types (particularly γδ T cells) in the host cellular immune response against AIM and CAEBV.
Characterization of Soybean WRKY Gene Family and Identification of Soybean WRKY Genes that Promote Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhou Yuan , Chi Yingjun , Fan Baofang , Chen Zhixiang
Published: December 2017

WRKY proteins are a superfamily of plant transcription factors with important roles in plants. WRKY proteins have been extensively analyzed in plant species including Arabidopsis and rice. Here we report characterization of soybean WRKY gene family and their functional analysis in resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the most important soybean pathogen. Through search of the soybean genome, we identified 174 genes encoding WRKY proteins that can be classified into seven groups as established in other plants. WRKY variants including a WRKY-related protein unique to legumes have also been identified. Expression analysis reveals both diverse expression patterns in different soybean tissues and preferential expression of specific WRKY groups in certain tissues. Furthermore, a large number of soybean WRKY genes were responsive to salicylic acid. To identify soybean WRKY genes that promote soybean resistance to SCN, we first screened soybean WRKY genes for enhancing SCN resistance when over-expressed in transgenic soybean hairy roots. To confirm the results, we transformed five WRKY genes into a SCN-susceptible soybean cultivar and generated transgenic soybean lines. Transgenic soybean lines overexpressing three WRKY transgenes displayed increased resistance to SCN. Thus, WRKY genes could be explored to develop new soybean cultivars with enhanced resistance to SCN.
Higher plasticity in feeding preference of a generalist than a specialist: experiments with two closely related Helicoverpa species
Authors: Wang Yan , Ma Ying , Zhou Dong-Sheng , Gao Su-Xia , Zhao Xin-Cheng , Tang Qing-Bo , Wang Chen-Zhu , van Loon Joop J. A.
Published: December 2017

Herbivorous insects have been categorized as generalists or specialists depending on the taxonomic relatedness of the plants they use as food or oviposition substrates. The plasticity in host plant selection behavior of species belonging to the two categories received little attention. In the present work, fifth instar caterpillars of the generalist herbivoreHelicoverpa armigeraand its closely related species, the specialistHelicoverpa assulta, were fed on common host plants or artificial diet, after which their feeding preference was assessed individually by using dual - and triple- plant choice assays. Results show both the twoHelicoverpaspecies have a preference hierarchy for host plants. Compared to the fixed preference hierarchy of the specialistH.assulta, the generalistH.armigeraexhibited extensive plasticity in feeding preference depending on the host plant experienced during larval development. Whereas the specialistH.assultaexhibited a rigid preference in both dual and triple-plant choice assays, our findings demonstrate that the generalistH.armigeraexpressed stronger preferences in the dual-plant choice assay than in the triple-plant choice assay. Our results provide additional evidence supporting the neural constraints hypothesis which predicts that generalist herbivores make less accurate decisions than specialists when selecting plants.
Synthesis and enhancement luminescence of 3D NaReF4 (Re = Eu, Sm) hierarchical microstructures assembled by nanosheets
Authors: Tao Feng , Zhang Zhihua , Chen Jun , Wang Zhijun , Sun Yufeng
Published: December 2017

A one-step hydrothermal strategy has been developed to fabricate 3D flower-like hierarchical microstructures assembled by hexagonal NaReF4 nanosheets.
One-dimensional cadmium sulphide nanotubes for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Ju Lin , Dai Ying , Wei Wei , Li Mengmeng , Liang Yan , Huang Baibiao
Published: December 2017

A CdS nanotube-planar hetero-dimension junction was designed as a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst for the overall water splitting reaction.
Ligand-regulated ORR activity of Au nanoparticles in alkaline medium: the importance of surface coverage of ligands
Authors: Lu Linfang , Zou Shihui , Zhou Yuheng , Liu Juanjuan , Li Renhong , Xu Zhen , Xiao Liping , Fan Jie
Published: December 2017

The surface coverage of ligands instead of their diverse chemical nature dominates the ORR activity and selectivity of AuNPs.
Chemical inhibition and stable knock-down of efflux transporters leads to reduced glucuronidation of wushanicaritin in UGT1A1-overexpressing HeLa cells: the role of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) in the excretion of glucuronides
Authors: Qin Zifei , Li Shishi , Yao Zhihong , Hong Xiaodan , Wu Baojian , Krausz Kristopher W. , Gonzalez Frank J. , Gao Hao , Yao Xinsheng
Published: December 2017

We determine the contributions of BCRP and MRP transporters in HeLa cells.
Sulfurative self-condensation of ketones and elemental sulfur: a three-component access to thiophenes catalyzed by aniline acid–base conjugate pairs
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Binh , Retailleau Pascal
Published: December 2017

An aniline/acid-catalyzed method for constructing thiophenes 2 from inexpensive ketones 1 and elemental sulfur is reported.
A porphyrin cobalt(ii) complex linked to a TiO2/BiVO4 nanocomposite: alcohol oxidation using nanohybrid materials as a photocatalyst via a mechanism approach
Authors: Askari Parvin , Mohebbi Sajjad
Published: December 2017

A novel visible light-sensitized nanohybrid, Co–TCPP@TiO2/BiVO4, was used as a highly efficient, stable, reusable, and robust photocatalyst using O2 towards aldehyde production.
Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of linear {CoII2LnIII2} coordination clusters
Authors: Chen Sihuai , Mereacre Valeriu , Zhao Zhiying , Zhang Wanwan , He Zhangzhen
Published: December 2017

A series of linear CoII2LnIII2 coordination clusters have been synthesized and their magnetic properties have been systematically studied.
Exploring the charge localization and band gap opening of borophene: a first-principles study
Authors: Kistanov Andrey A. , Cai Yongqing , Zhou Kun , Srikanth Narasimalu , Dmitriev Sergey V. , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: December 2017

Borophene shows a robust metallic state against chemical functionalization and the presence of vacancies and exhibits a tunable high-value work-function.
Interaction of Aβ1–42 peptide or their variant with model membrane of different composition probed by infrared nanospectroscopy
Authors: Henry S. , Bercu N. B. , Bobo C. , Cullin C. , Molinari M. , Lecomte S.
Published: December 2017

Toxicity of Aβ peptides involved in Alzheimer's disease is linked to the interaction of intermediate species with membranes.
A ferroelectric relaxor polymer-enhanced p-type WSe2transistor
Authors: Yin Chong , Wang Xudong , Chen Yan , Li Dan , Lin Tie , Sun Shuo , Shen Hong , Du Piyi , Sun Jinglan , Meng Xiangjian , Chu Junhao , Wong Hon Fai , Leung Chi Wah , Wang Zongrong , Wang Jianlu
Published: December 2017

A novel high-performance few-layer WSe2p-FETs doped and gated by the ferroelectric relaxor tripolymer P(VDF-TrFE-CFE).
Anion-coordination-directed self-assemblies
Authors: Yang Dong , Zhao Jie , Yang Xiao-Juan , Wu Biao
Published: December 2017

This review introduces the interplay of anion coordination and supramolecular self-assembly, presenting recent progress in anion-induced and anion-coordination-based self-assemblies.
Layer-by-layer assembled membranes with immobilized porins
Authors: Hernández Sebastián , Porter Cassandra , Zhang Xinyi , Wei Yinan , Bhattacharyya Dibakar
Published: December 2017

A new method of layer-by-layer assembly that immobilizes OmpF porins in functionalized polymeric membranes improves the permeation of ions compared to uncharged solutes.
PTH coatings on titanium surfaces improved osteogenic integration by increasing expression levels of BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix
Authors: Lai Kaichen , Xi Yue , Miao Xiaoyan , Jiang Zhiwei , Wang Ying , Wang Huiming , Yang Guoli
Published: December 2017

The aim of this experiment was to assemble parathyroid hormone (PTH) coatings on titanium surfaces and evaluate the effect on implant osseointegration.
SSO damping in DFIG‐based wind farms integrated by a hybrid series compensator
Authors: Zhu Xinyao , Zhou Qian , Liu Jiankun , Yuan Yubo , Jin Meng
Published: December 2017

With the widespread applications of series compensated capacitors for wind farm integration, some DFIG (doubly fed induction generator) based wind farms are confronting with severe problem of SSO (subsynchronous oscillation). To solve the SSO problem, hybrid series compensators composed of SSSC (static synchronous series compensator) and fixed capacitor are utilised, and a method of supplementary damping control for the converter is proposed in this paper. The position of the converter controller to impose the supplementary damping signal is chosen at first, then supplementary damping control and its principle to damp SSO is presented as well. Finally, time‐domain simulations are performed to analyse and verify the SSO damping effectiveness of the designed supplementary damping control. Meanwhile, the simulation results also suggest that the designed supplementary damping control has no negative effect on the performance of the hybrid series compensator.
Diskussionsbeiträge von Mitgliedern des DKPM: Psychosomatische Medizin 2017
Authors: Deter Hans-Christian
Published: December 2017

Abstrakt

Die Psychosomatik in Deutschland wird in den Anfängen im letzten Jahrhundert skizziert und mit dem aktuellen Zustand verglichen. Unterschiedliche Konzepte und Schwerpunkte haben sich entwickelt. Am Beispiel der Herausgabe eines Standardwerks der deutschen Psychosomatik werden die unterschiedlichen Sichtweisen charakterisiert und Chancen und Risiken dieser Entwicklung gewichtet.
Nanosecond-scale spectral diffusion in the single photon emission of a GaN quantum dot
Authors: Gao Kang , Solovev Ivan , Holmes Mark , Arita Munetaka , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: December 2017

Autocorrelation measurements are used to reveal the spectral diffusion time scale in the single photon emission of a GaN interface fluctuation quantum dot. Typical characteristic diffusion times of such QDs are revealed to be of nanosecond order. The excitation power dependence of the diffusion rate is also investigated, whereby an increase in the diffusion rate with increasing excitation power is observed. This result provides information on experimental conditions that will be required for the generation of indistinguishable photons.
Acoustic energy harvesting based on multilateral metasurfaces
Authors: Qi Shuibao , Assouar Badreddine
Published: December 2017

We theoretically and numerically report on an innovative acoustic energy harvester based on acoustic multilateral metasurfaces and a piezoelectric bimorph. The coiling-up-space concept realized by labyrinthine units is applied to achieve the desired phase profiles for the acoustic focusing and energy confinement. The acoustic energy confined by the metasurfaces from a point source is converted into electrical energy by a structured piezoelectric bimorph. Numerical simulations and theoretical analysis evidenced that the output voltage and power drastically increase with the sides of the multilateral metasurface energy harvesting system. Maximum output voltage and power 52 and 407 times higher than those under the case without metasurfaces are achieved with enclosed multilateral metasurface design.
Enhanced competitive adsorption of CO2 and H2 on graphyne: A density functional theory study
Authors: Kwon Hyuk Jae , Kwon Yongju , Kim Taeyoon , Jung Youngsuk , Lee Seunggeol , Cho Min , Kwon Soonchul
Published: December 2017

Adsorption using carbon-based materials has been established to be a feasible method for separating carbon dioxide and hydrogen to mitigate the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and for the collection of fuel for energy sources, simultaneously. We carried out density functional theory calculation with dispersion correction to investigate the physisorption characteristics of carbon allotropes such as graphene and graphyne for the competitive adsorption of CO2 and H2. It is worth noting that the graphyne represented preferable adsorption energies, short bond lengths and energy charges for both gases, compared with the characteristics observed with graphene. We found that in graphyne, both the affinitive adsorption of CO2, and the competitive adsorption of CO2 and H2, took place at the hollow site between acetylene links, which do not exist in graphene. We demonstrate that in the presence of H2, the CO2 adsorption selectivity of graphyne is higher than that of graphene, because of the improved electronic properties resulting from the acetylene links.
Bi-functional effects of lengthening aliphatic chain of phthalimide-based negative redox couple and its non-aqueous flow battery performance at stack cell
Authors: Kim Hyun-seung , Hwang Seunghae , Kim Youngjin , Ryu Ji Heon , Oh Seung M. , Kim Ki Jae
Published: December 2017

Effects of lengthening an aliphatic chain of a phthalimide-based negative redox couple for non-aqueous flow batteries are examined. The working voltage and solubility of N-butylphthalimide are 0.1 V lower and four times greater (2.0 M) than those of methyl-substituted phthalimide. These enhanced properties are attributed to a lower packing density. Consequently, the energy density of the proposed redox couple is greatly enhanced from butyl substitution. Furthermore, the results of the stack flow cell test with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine positive redox couple show advantageous features of this non-aqueous flow battery system: a stable Coulombic efficiency and high working voltage.
Physical model of the infrared dielectric function of zinc sulfide
Authors: Liu Huasong , Li Shida , Yang Xiao , Liu Dandan , Ji Yiqin , Zhang Feng , Chen Deying
Published: December 2017

We apply the Gaussian-oscillator model of the infrared dielectric function of ZnS materials prepared by hot pressing (HP) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Chemical factor analysis of the 700 to 1300 cm−1 spectral range shows 3 oscillators in the HP material and 4 in that prepared by CVD. The origin of these oscillators is identified. In both materials, high-order transverse-optical (TO) and longitudinal-acoustic (LA) vibration modes are excited. In HP-ZnS, the four oscillators are related to the 3TO, 1TO + 2LA, 3LA, and 4LA modes. Only the first three are found in the CVD material. These results clarify the physical mechanisms of lattice absorption of ZnS in this spectral range.
Skeletal muscle cell contraction reduces a novel myokine, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10): potential roles in exercise-regulated angiogenesis
Authors: Ishiuchi Yuri , Sato Hitoshi , Tsujimura Kazuki , Kawaguchi Hideo , Matsuwaki Takashi , Yamanouchi Keitaro , Nishihara Masugi , Nedachi Taku
Published: December 2017

Accumulating evidence indicates that skeletal muscle secrets proteins referred to as myokines and that exercise contributes to their regulation. In this study, we propose that chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) functions as a novel myokine. Initially, we stimulated differentiated C2C12 myotubes with or without electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) to identify novel myokines. Cytokine array analysis revealed that CXCL10 secretion was significantly reduced by EPS, which was further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treadmill experiments in mice identified significant reduction of Cxcl10 gene expression in the soleus muscle. Additionally, contraction-dependent p38 MAPK activation appeared to be involved in this reduction. Furthermore, C2C12 conditioned medium obtained after applying EPS could induce survival of MSS31, a vascular endothelial cell model, which was partially attenuated by the addition of recombinant CXCL10. Overall, our findings suggest CXCL10 as a novel exercise-reducible myokine, to control endothelial cell viability.
Ferrofluid lubrication of circular squeeze film bearings controlled by variable magnetic field with rotations of the discs, porosity and slip velocity
Authors: Shah Rajesh C. , Shah Rajiv B.
Published: December 2017

Based on the Shliomis ferrofluid flow model (SFFM) and continuity equation for the film as well as porous region, modified Reynolds equation for lubrication of circular squeeze film bearings is derived by considering the effects of oblique radially variable magnetic field (VMF), slip velocity at the film–porous interface and rotations of both the discs. The squeeze film bearings are made up of circular porous upper disc of different shapes (exponential, secant, mirror image of secant and parallel) and circular impermeable flat lower disc. The validity of Darcy's Law is assumed in the porous region. The SFFM is important because it includes the effects of rotations of the carrier liquid as well as magnetic particles. The VMF is used because of its advantage of generating maximum field at the required active contact area of the bearing design system. Also, the effect of porosity is included because of its advantageous property of self-lubrication. Using Reynolds equation, general form of pressure equation is derived and expression for dimensionless load-carrying capacity is obtained. Using this expression, results for different bearing design systems (due to different shapes of the upper disc) are computed and compared for variation of different parameters.