bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets on the morphologies and antifouling properties of polyamide composite membranes
Authors: Kaveh Amir , Aref Azar Ahmad
Published: January 2016

The application of carbon‐based nanomaterials in desalination has attracted significant attention. In this study, the modified graphene oxide (GO) is prepared by the reaction of octylamine with the carboxyl groups of GO and is dispersed in (trimesoyl chloride)/n‐hexane solution using the phase inversion method. The polyaramide membrane is prepared via interfacial polymerization using aqueous solution of m‐phenylenediamine and modified GO/(trimesoyl chloride) in n‐hexane. The modified GO is found to be well dispersed in the n‐hexane solvent, which is confirmed by the atomic force microscopy method. The effect of modified GO on the chemical composition and morphology of the aramid membrane surface is studied via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflectance and scanning electron microscopy tests. The results of membrane performance show that the high water flux of the aramid membranes containing the modified GO is attributed to the porosity generation due to nanosheet protrusions and hydrophilic groups on the surface of modified GO. In addition, the increasing the salt rejection parameter can be the result of the interactions between the GO particles and the aramid chains during the interfacial polymerization. The fouling test results show that in the presence of the modified GO in aramid membrane, a hydrated layer of water can be formed on the surface of GO as a result of the presence of hydroxyl and epoxy groups. In high concentrations of modified GO, the presence of octyl hydrophobic agents leads to the ejection of the bovine serum albumin molecules from the membrane surface. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:E170–E179, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Ccr4‐Not complex is a key regulator of eukaryotic gene expression
Authors: Collart Martine A.
Published: January 2016

The Ccr4‐Not complex is a multisubunit complex present in all eukaryotes that contributes to regulate gene expression at all steps, from production of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the nucleus to their degradation in the cytoplasm. In the nucleus it influences the post‐translational modifications of the chromatin template that has to be remodeled for transcription, it is present at sites of transcription and associates with transcription factors as well as with the elongating polymerase, it interacts with the factors that prepare the new transcript for export to the cytoplasm and finally is important for nuclear quality control and influences mRNA export. In the cytoplasm it is present in polysomes where mRNAs are translated and in RNA granules where mRNAs will be redirected upon inhibition of translation. It influences mRNA translatability, and is needed during translation, on one hand for co‐translational protein interactions and on the other hand to preserve translation that stalls. It is one of the relevant players during co‐translational quality control. It also interacts with factors that will repress translation or induce mRNA decapping when recruited to the translating template. Finally, Ccr4‐Not carries deadenylating enzymes and is a key player in mRNA decay, generic mRNA decay that follows normal translation termination, co‐translational mRNA decay of transcripts on which the ribosomes stall durably or which carry a non‐sense mutation and finally mRNA decay that is induced by external signaling for a change in genetic programming. Ccr4‐Not is a master regulator of eukaryotic gene expression. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:438–454. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1332

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
FUS‐mediated regulation of alternative RNA processing in neurons: insights from global transcriptome analysis
Authors: Masuda Akio , Takeda Jun‐ichi , Ohno Kinji
Published: January 2016

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an RNA‐binding protein that is causally associated with oncogenesis and neurodegeneration. Recently, the role of FUS in neurodegeneration has been extensively studied, because mutations in FUS are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the FUS protein has been identified as a major component of intracellular inclusions in neurodegenerative disorders including ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. FUS is a key molecule in transcriptional regulation and RNA processing including processes such as pre‐messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing and polyadenylation. Interaction of FUS with various components of the transcription machinery, spliceosome, and the 3′‐end processing machinery has been identified. Furthermore, recent advances in high‐throughput transcriptomic profiling approaches have enabled us to determine the mechanisms of FUS‐dependent RNA processing networks at a cellular level. These analyses have revealed that depletion of FUS in neuronal cells affects alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation of thousands of mRNAs. Gene ontology analysis has suggested that FUS‐modulated genes are implicated in neuronal functions and development. CLIP‐seq of FUS has shown that FUS is frequently clustered around these alternative sites of nascent RNA. ChIP‐seq of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) has demonstrated that an interaction between FUS and nascent RNA downregulates local transcriptional activity of RNAP II, which is critically involved in RNA processing. Both alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation are fundamental processes by which cells expand their transcriptomic diversity, and are particularly essential in the nervous system. Dependence of transcriptomic diversity on FUS makes the nervous system vulnerable to neurodegeneration, when FUS is functionally compromised. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:330–340. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1338

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
Systemic Review of the Feasibility and Advantage of Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liao Chien‐Hung , Wu Yu‐Tung , Liu Yu‐Yin , Wang Shang‐Yu , Kang Shih‐Ching , Yeh Chun‐Nan , Yeh Ta‐Sen
Published: January 2016

Background

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD), which includes laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), is a complex procedure that needs to be performed by experienced surgeons. However, the safety and oncologic performance have not yet been conclusively determined.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using the Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases to identify all studies published up to March 2015. Articles written in English containing the keywords: “pancreaticoduodenectomy” or “Whipple operation” combined with “laparoscopy,” “laparoscopic,” “robotic,” “da vinci,” or “minimally invasive surgery” were selected. Furthermore, to increase the power of evidence, articles describing more than ten MIPDs were selected for this review.

Results

Twenty‐six articles matched the review criteria. A total of 780 LPDs and 248 RPDs were included in the current review. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 9.1 %. The weighted average operative time was 422.6 min, and the weighted average blood loss was 321.1 mL. The weighted average number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.1, and the rate of microscopically positive tumor margins was 8.4 %. The cumulative morbidity was 35.9 %, and a pancreatic fistula was reported in 17.0 % of cases. The average length of hospital stay was 12.4 days, and the mortality rate was 2.2 %.

Conclusions

In conclusion, after reviewing one‐thousand cases in the current literature, we conclude that MIPD offers a good perioperative, postoperative, and oncologic outcome. MIPD is feasible and safe in well‐selected patients.
Necrotizing fasciitis due to Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 after exposure to Austrian bathing sites
Authors: Hirk Sonja , Huhulescu Steliana , Allerberger Franz , Lepuschitz Sarah , Rehak Sonja , Weil Sandra , Gschwandtner Elisabeth , Hermann Michael , Neuhold Stephanie , Zoufaly Alexander , Indra Alexander
Published: January 2016

We report on two cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the lower leg due to nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae). A 73-year-old woman (case 1) and an 80-year-old man (case 2) were hospitalized with symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis on July 18 and August 15, 2015, respectively. In both cases, symptoms started the day after swimming in local ponds. Swabs gained intraoperatively and a blood culture from the male patient, yielded V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139, negative for cholera toxin gene ctx and positive for hemolysin genes hlyA and hlyB. Water samples taken from pond A on August 17, 2015 (32 days after exposure of case 1) and from pond B on August 20, 2015 (7 days after exposure of case 2) yielded non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae in most-probable numbers of > 11,000 per 100 ml each. The occurrence of two cases of necrotizing fasciitis within a 1 month period related to two Austrian non-saline bathing waters, previously not known to harbor V. cholerae, is probably linked to the prevailing extreme weather conditions (heat wave, drought) this summer in Austria. While case 1 was discharged in good clinical condition after 73 days, case 2 died after four months of hospitalization. Public health authorities are challenged to assess the effects of long-term climate change on pathogen growth and survival in continental bodies of fresh water.
A mini-open technique for Achilles tenotomy in infants with clubfoot
Authors: MacNeille Rhett , Hennrikus William , Stapinski Brian , Leonard Garrett
Published: January 2016

Purpose

A tendoachilles lengthening (TAL) is indicated in over 85 % of cases treated with the Ponseti technique. A percutaneous TAL is often performed in the clinic. Reported complications from a TAL performed in the clinic include: bleeding due to injury to the peroneal artery, posterior tibial artery, or lesser saphenous vein; injury to the tibial or sural nerves; and incomplete release. The purpose of the present study is to report the results and complications of a mini-open TAL performed in the operating room (OR).

Methods

The current study is a retrospective review performed among infants with idiopathic clubfoot who underwent a mini-open TAL from 2008 to 2015.

Results

Forty-one patients underwent 63 TALs via a mini-open technique in day surgery. The average Pirani score was 5.8 prior to casting. The average number of casts applied prior to surgery was 5.2. The average age at the time of the TAL was 12.5 weeks (range 5–48 weeks). The average weight at the time of surgery was 7.3 kg (range 3.6–13 kg). No child had a delay in discharge or stayed overnight in the hospital. No anesthesia-related complications or neurovascular injuries occurred. No child needed a repeat TAL due to an incomplete tenotomy.

Conclusions

In conclusion, mini-open TAL performed in the OR is safe and effective in infants with clubfeet. No complications occurred and all patients were discharged on the day of surgery. Direct visualization of the Achilles tendon via a mini-open technique minimizes the risk of neurovascular injury and incomplete tenotomy.
Male Hormonal Contraception: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Wang Christina , Festin Mario P. R. , Swerdloff Ronald S.
Published: January 2016

Hormonal male contraception clinical trials began in the 1970s. The method is based on the use of exogenous testosterone alone or in combination with a progestin to suppress the endogenous production of testosterone and spermatogenesis. Studies using testosterone alone showed that the method was very effective with few adverse effects. Addition of a progestin increases the rate and extent of suppression of spermatogenesis. Common adverse effects include acne, injection site pain, mood change including depression, and changes in libido that are usually mild and rarely lead to discontinuation. Current development includes long-acting injectables and transdermal gels and novel androgens that may have both androgenic and progestational activities. Surveys showed that over 50 % of men will accept a new male method and female partners will trust their partner to take oral “male pills.” Partnership between government, nongovernment agencies, academia, and industry may generate adequate interest and collaboration to develop and market the first male hormonal contraception.
Environmental and Sustainability Education Research, Past and Future: Three Perspectives From Late, Mid, and Early Career Researchers
Authors: Stevenson Robert (Bob) , Ferreira Jo-Anne , Emery Sherridan
Published: January 2016

The first research symposium, organised in conjunction with the Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) biennial conference, began with a dialogue between scholars at three different academic career stages. As we all entered the field at different periods in its development, the first part of our presentation and this article provide our perspectives on the context, approaches and issues that characterised the field at the time we became involved in environmental education (EE) and EE research. The second part of this article presents the lessons we have learnt from EE research, and where we see the field headed in the future.
Criteria for the density of the graph of the entropy map restricted to ergodic states
Authors: COMMAN HENRI
Published: January 2016

We consider a non-uniquely ergodic dynamical system given by a$\mathbb{Z}^{l}$-action (or$(\mathbb{N}\cup \{0\})^{l}$-action)$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}$on a non-empty compact metrisable space$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}$, for some$l\in \mathbb{N}$. Let (D) denote the following property: the graph of the restriction of the entropy map$h^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$to the set of ergodic states is dense in the graph of$h^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$. We assume that$h^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$is finite and upper semi-continuous. We give several criteria in order that (D) holds, each of which is stated in terms of a basic notion: Gateaux differentiability of the pressure map$P^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$on some sets dense in the space$C(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA})$of real-valued continuous functions on$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}$, level-two large deviation principle, level-one large deviation principle, convexity properties of some maps on$\mathbb{R}^{n}$for all$n\in \mathbb{N}$. The one involving the Gateaux differentiability of$P^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$is of particular relevance in the context of large deviations since it establishes a clear comparison with another well-known sufficient condition: we show that for each non-empty$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-compact subset$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F4}$of$C(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA})$, (D) is equivalent to the existence of an infinite dimensional vector space$V$dense in$C(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA})$such that$f+g$has a unique equilibrium state for all$(f,g)\in \unicode[STIX]{x1D6F4}\times V\setminus \{0\}$; any Schauder basis$(f_{n})$of$C(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA})$whose linear span contains$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F4}$admits an arbitrary small perturbation$(h_{n})$so that one can take$V=\text{span}(\{f_{n}+h_{n}:n\in \mathbb{N}\})$. Taking$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F4}=\{0\}$, the existence of an infinite dimensional vector space dense in$C(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA})$constituted by functions admitting a unique equilibrium state is equivalent to (D) together with the uniqueness of the measure of maximum entropy.
Postprandial thermogenesis and respiratory quotient in response to galactose: comparison with glucose and fructose in healthy young adults
Authors: Charrière Nathalie , Montani Jean-Pierre , Dulloo Abdul G.
Published: January 2016

Circumstantial evidence suggests that substitution of glucose or sucrose by the low-glycaemic index sugar galactose in the diet may lead to greater thermogenesis and/or fat oxidation. Using ventilated hood indirect calorimetry, we investigated, in twelve overnight-fasted adults, the resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) for 30 min before and 150 min after ingestion of 500 ml of water containing 60 g of glucose, fructose or galactose in a randomised cross-over design. REE increased similarly with all three sugars, reaching peak values after 50–60 min, but its subsequent fall towards baseline values was faster with galactose and glucose than with fructose (P < 0·001). RQ increased with all three sugars, but to a much greater extent with galactose and fructose than with glucose, particularly after 1 h post-ingestion. When ingested as a sugary drink, postprandial thermogenesis and utilisation of fat after galactose are not higher than after glucose or fructose.
Sugoi! – Indexicality and stancetaking in Japanese compliments
Authors: Adachi Chie
Published: January 2016

In this article, I explore the notions of indexicality and stancetaking practice through the analysis of a single lexical item embedded in the speech act of complimenting among young Japanese speakers. After revisiting prominent frameworks of indexicality and stance, I illustrate the ways in which the lexical itemsugoi‘amazing’ performs multiple pragmatic functions: as a marker of praise, surprise, or mock impoliteness; an intensifier; or silence-filler in the act of complimenting. On the basis of extensive sociolinguistic interviews and ethnographic metadata, I discuss how and why Japanese speakers use the variantssugoiandsugeeto build intricately on their indexical field in the context of complimenting. I argue thatsugoiandsugee, canonically assumed to index speaker gender, are used as a linguistic resource to perform larger interactional functions and stancetaking practice among young Japanese speakers. (Compliments, indexicality, stance, interactional analysis, Japanese, pragmatic function)*
Explicitly solvable eigenvalue problem and bifurcation delay in sub-diffusive Gierer–Meinhardt model
Authors: NEC YANA
Published: January 2016

A spike solution is constructed on the infinite line for a sub-diffusive version of the Gierer–Meinhardt reaction – diffusion model. A non-local eigenvalue problem governs the spike's stability and is explicitly solvable for a certain choice of the kinetic parameters. Its solution generalises former results for the Gierer–Meinhardt model with regular diffusion, and the normal and anomalous systems' properties are juxtaposed. It is shown that a Hopf bifurcation occurs in the sub-diffusive system for larger values of the time parameter τo as compared to the normal counterpart, rendering the anomalous system more stable. Asymptotic solutions are obtained near important values of the diffusion anomaly index γ and collectively shown to be valid over most of the applicable range 0 < γ < 1. A bifurcation delay scenario is described for the sub-diffusive system, and the WKB exponent is computed analytically.
General Mathematical Ability Predicts PASAT Performance in MS Patients: Implications for Clinical Interpretation and Cognitive Reserve
Authors: Sandry Joshua , Paxton Jessica , Sumowski James F.
Published: January 2016

Objectives: The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is used to assess cognitive status in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the mathematical demands of the PASAT seem minor (single-digit arithmetic), cognitive psychology research links greater mathematical ability (e.g., algebra, calculus) to more rapid retrieval of single-digit math facts (e.g., 5+6=11). The present study evaluated the hypotheses that (a) mathematical ability is related to PASAT performance and (b) both the relationship between intelligence and PASAT performance as well as the relationship between education and PASAT performance are both mediated by mathematical ability. Methods: Forty-five MS patients were assessed using the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading, PASAT and Calculation Subtest of the Woodcock-Johnson-III. Regression based path analysis and bootstrapping were used to compute 95% confidence intervals and test for mediation. Results: Mathematical ability (a) was related to PASAT (β=.61; p<.001) and (b) fully mediated the relationship between Intelligence and PASAT (β=.76; 95% confidence interval (CI95)=.28, 1.45; direct effect of Intelligence, β=.42; CI95=−.39, 1.23) as well as the relationship between Education and PASAT (β=2.43, CI95=.81, 5.16, direct effect of Education, β=.83, CI95=−1.95, 3.61). Discussion: Mathematical ability represents a source of error in the clinical interpretation of cognitive decline using the PASAT. Domain-specific cognitive reserve is discussed. (JINS, 2016, 22, 375–378)
Evaluating galactic habitability using high-resolution cosmological simulations of galaxy formation
Authors: Forgan Duncan , Dayal Pratika , Cockell Charles , Libeskind Noam
Published: January 2016

We present the first model that couples high-resolution simulations of the formation of local group galaxies with calculations of the galactic habitable zone (GHZ), a region of space which has sufficient metallicity to form terrestrial planets without being subject to hazardous radiation. These simulations allow us to make substantial progress in mapping out the asymmetric three-dimensional GHZ and its time evolution for the Milky Way (MW) and Triangulum (M33) galaxies, as opposed to works that generally assume an azimuthally symmetric GHZ. Applying typical habitability metrics to MW and M33, we find that while a large number of habitable planets exist as close as a few kiloparsecs from the galactic centre, the probability of individual planetary systems being habitable rises as one approaches the edge of the stellar disc. Tidal streams and satellite galaxies also appear to be fertile grounds for habitable planet formation. In short, we find that both galaxies arrive at similar GHZs by different evolutionary paths, as measured by the first and third quartiles of surviving biospheres. For the MW, this interquartile range begins as a narrow band at large radii, expanding to encompass much of the Galaxy at intermediate times before settling at a range of 2–13 kpc. In the case of M33, the opposite behaviour occurs – the initial and final interquartile ranges are quite similar, showing gradual evolution. This suggests that Galaxy assembly history strongly influences the time evolution of the GHZ, which will affect the relative time lag between biospheres in different galactic locations. We end by noting the caveats involved in such studies and demonstrate that high-resolution cosmological simulations will play a vital role in understanding habitability on galactic scales, provided that these simulations accurately resolve chemical evolution.
Cone-beam CT evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolars in a Turkish Cypriot population
Authors: Celikten Berkan , Orhan Kaan , Aksoy Umut , Tufenkci Pelin , Kalender Atakan , Basmaci Fatma , Dabaj Pervin
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Because of economic and political issues, Turkish Cypriots have been emigrating from Cyprus since the 1920s, especially to the United Kingdom, other European countries and Australia. Recently, according to the UK House of Commons, Home Affairs Committee, ~300,000 Cypriot Turks were living in the United Kingdom. However, this ethnic population residing in the United Kingdom has been insufficiently analysed. Although many Turkish Cypriots have been living abroad, little is known about the dental characteristics of this group. Premolar teeth, especially maxillary premolars, pose great challenges in endodontic treatment because of the number of roots and canals, and the variation in the configurations of the pulp cavity. Thus, it was considered valuable to determine the morphological characteristic of premolar teeth in a Turkish Cypriot population to aid clinicians in performing endodontic treatment in this ethnic population.

Materials and Methods:

The sample for this cross-sectional study consisted of a retrospective evaluation of cone-beam CT scans of 263 adult patients (age range 16–80 years). The number of roots and their morphology, the number of canals per root and the canal configuration were examined. The root canal configurations were also classified according to the scheme of Vertucci in the maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth. Pearson’s χ2-test was performed among canal configurations, sides and gender (P⩽0.05).

Results:

In the present study, most root canal configurations were type IV (76.8%) and type I (49.4%) in the maxillary first and second premolars, respectively, whereas most root canal configurations were type I (93%) in both mandibular first and second premolars. In total, four (0.9%) teeth in the maxillary first premolars and two (0.4%) teeth in the maxillary second molar premolars had three roots.

Conclusions:

This is the first population-based study to focus solely on Turkish Cypriots’ root canal anatomy. Our findings will be valuable for dental professionals who treat many Turkish Cypriot patients, in the United Kingdom, Australia and other countries.
Transplantation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells carried by self-assembling peptide nanofiber hydrogel improves bone regeneration in rat calvarial bone defects
Authors: Hayashi Kamichika , Ochiai-Shino Hiromi , Shiga Takeaki , Onodera Shoko , Saito Akiko , Shibahara Takahiko , Azuma Toshifumi
Published: January 2016

Objectives/Aims:

The requisite conditions for successful bone tissue engineering are efficient stem cell differentiation into osteogenic cells and a suitable scaffold. In this study, we investigated in vivo bone regeneration from transplanted induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Materials and Methods:

Two critical-sized calvarial bone defects were created in 36 rats. The surgical sites were randomly assigned to one of three treatments to test the healing effectiveness of the scaffold alone, scaffold with iPSCs or a salt solution as a control. The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated after 2 or 4 weeks using radiographic and histological analyses of bone regeneration in the six groups.

Results:

Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of the bone defects found minimal bone regeneration with the salt solution and nanofiber scaffold and increased bone regeneration in defects repaired with iPSCs delivered in the nanofiber scaffold.

Conclusion:

Transplanted iPSCs encapsulated in a nanofiber scaffold can regenerate bone in critical-sized defects.
Oral immune therapy: targeting the systemic immune system via the gut immune system for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ilan Yaron
Published: January 2016

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with an altered systemic immune response leading to inflammation‐mediated damage to the gut and other organs. Oral immune therapy is a method of systemic immune modulation via alteration of the gut immune system. It uses the inherit ability of the innate system of the gut to redirect the systemic innate and adaptive immune responses. Oral immune therapy is an attractive clinical approach to treat autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. It can induce immune modulation without immune suppression, has minimal toxicity and is easily administered. Targeting the systemic immune system via the gut immune system can serve as an attractive novel therapeutic method for IBD. This review summarizes the current data and discusses several examples of oral immune therapeutic methods for using the gut immune system to generate signals to reset systemic immunity as a treatment for IBD.
Ecological succession reveals potential signatures of marine–terrestrial transition in salt marsh fungal communities
Authors: Dini-Andreote Francisco , Pylro Victor Satler , Baldrian Petr , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Salles Joana Falcão
Published: January 2016

Marine-to-terrestrial transition represents one of the most fundamental shifts in microbial life. Understanding the distribution and drivers of soil microbial communities across coastal ecosystems is critical given the roles of microbes in soil biogeochemistry and their multifaceted influence on landscape succession. Here, we studied the fungal community dynamics in a well-established salt marsh chronosequence that spans over a century of ecosystem development. We focussed on providing high-resolution assessments of community composition, diversity and ecophysiological shifts that yielded patterns of ecological succession through soil formation. Notably, despite containing 10- to 100-fold lower fungal internal transcribed spacer abundances, early-successional sites revealed fungal richnesses comparable to those of more mature soils. These newly formed sites also exhibited significant temporal variations in β-diversity that may be attributed to the highly dynamic nature of the system imposed by the tidal regime. The fungal community compositions and ecophysiological assignments changed substantially along the successional gradient, revealing a clear signature of ecological replacement and gradually transforming the environment from a marine into a terrestrial system. Moreover, distance-based linear modelling revealed soil physical structure and organic matter to be the best predictors of the shifts in fungal β-diversity along the chronosequence. Taken together, our study lays the basis for a better understanding of the spatiotemporally determined fungal community dynamics in salt marshes and highlights their ecophysiological traits and adaptation in an evolving ecosystem.
A Phytophthora infestans RXLR effector targets plant PP1c isoforms that promote late blight disease
Authors: Boevink Petra C. , Wang Xiaodan , McLellan Hazel , He Qin , Naqvi Shaista , Armstrong Miles R. , Zhang Wei , Hein Ingo , Gilroy Eleanor M. , Tian Zhendong , Birch Paul R. J.
Published: January 2016

Plant pathogens deliver effectors to alter host processes. Knowledge of how effectors target and manipulate host proteins is critical to understand crop disease. Here, we show that in planta expression of the RXLR effector Pi04314 enhances leaf colonization by Phytophthora infestans via activity in the host nucleus and attenuates induction of jasmonic and salicylic acid-responsive genes. Pi04314 interacts with three host protein phosphatase 1 catalytic (PP1c) isoforms, causing their re-localization from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm. Re-localization of PP1c-1 also occurs during infection and is dependent on an R/KVxF motif in the effector. Silencing the PP1c isoforms or overexpression of a phosphatase-dead PP1c-1 mutant attenuates infection, demonstrating that host PP1c activity is required for disease. Moreover, expression of PP1c–1mut abolishes enhanced leaf colonization mediated by in planta Pi04314 expression. We argue that PP1c isoforms are susceptibility factors forming holoenzymes with Pi04314 to promote late blight disease.
Arrhythmogenesis in Timothy Syndrome is associated with defects in Ca2+-dependent inactivation
Authors: Dick Ivy E. , Joshi-Mukherjee Rosy , Yang Wanjun , Yue David T.
Published: January 2016

Timothy Syndrome (TS) is a multisystem disorder, prominently featuring cardiac action potential prolongation with paroxysms of life-threatening arrhythmias. The underlying defect is a single de novo missense mutation in CaV1.2 channels, either G406R or G402S. Notably, these mutations are often viewed as equivalent, as they produce comparable defects in voltage-dependent inactivation and cause similar manifestations in patients. Yet, their effects on calcium-dependent inactivation (CDI) have remained uncertain. Here, we find a significant defect in CDI in TS channels, and uncover a remarkable divergence in the underlying mechanism for G406R versus G402S variants. Moreover, expression of these TS channels in cultured adult guinea pig myocytes, combined with a quantitative ventricular myocyte model, reveals a threshold behaviour in the induction of arrhythmias due to TS channel expression, suggesting an important therapeutic principle: a small shift in the complement of mutant versus wild-type channels may confer significant clinical improvement.
Pure-quartic solitons
Authors: Blanco-Redondo Andrea , de Sterke C. Martijn , Sipe J.E. , Krauss Thomas F. , Eggleton Benjamin J. , Husko Chad
Published: January 2016

Temporal optical solitons have been the subject of intense research due to their intriguing physics and applications in ultrafast optics and supercontinuum generation. Conventional bright optical solitons result from the interaction of anomalous group-velocity dispersion and self-phase modulation. Here we experimentally demonstrate a class of bright soliton arising purely from the interaction of negative fourth-order dispersion and self-phase modulation, which can occur even for normal group-velocity dispersion. We provide experimental and numerical evidence of shape-preserving propagation and flat temporal phase for the fundamental pure-quartic soliton and periodically modulated propagation for the higher-order pure-quartic solitons. We derive the approximate shape of the fundamental pure-quartic soliton and discover that is surprisingly Gaussian, exhibiting excellent agreement with our experimental observations. Our discovery, enabled by precise dispersion engineering, could find applications in communications, frequency combs and ultrafast lasers.
DNA methylation outliers in normal breast tissue identify field defects that are enriched in cancer
Authors: Teschendorff Andrew E , Gao Yang , Jones Allison , Ruebner Matthias , Beckmann Matthias W. , Wachter David L. , Fasching Peter A. , Widschwendter Martin
Published: January 2016

Identifying molecular alterations in normal tissue adjacent to cancer is important for understanding cancer aetiology and designing preventive measures. Here we analyse the DNA methylome of 569 breast tissue samples, including 50 from cancer-free women and 84 from matched normal cancer pairs. We use statistical algorithms for dissecting intra- and inter-sample cellular heterogeneity and demonstrate that normal tissue adjacent to breast cancer is characterized by tens to thousands of epigenetic alterations. We show that their genomic distribution is non-random, being strongly enriched for binding sites of transcription factors specifying chromatin architecture. We validate the field defects in an independent cohort and demonstrate that over 30% of the alterations exhibit increased enrichment within matched cancer samples. Breast cancers highly enriched for epigenetic field defects, exhibit adverse clinical outcome. Our data support a model where clonal epigenetic reprogramming towards reduced differentiation in normal tissue is an important step in breast carcinogenesis.
E2F function in muscle growth is necessary and sufficient for viability in Drosophila
Authors: Zappia Maria Paula , Frolov Maxim V.
Published: January 2016

The E2F transcription factor is a key cell cycle regulator. However, the inactivation of the entire E2F family in Drosophila is permissive throughout most of animal development until pupation when lethality occurs. Here we show that E2F function in the adult skeletal muscle is essential for animal viability since providing E2F function in muscles rescues the lethality of the whole-body E2F-deficient animals. Muscle-specific loss of E2F results in a significant reduction in muscle mass and thinner myofibrils. We demonstrate that E2F is dispensable for proliferation of muscle progenitor cells, but is required during late myogenesis to directly control the expression of a set of muscle-specific genes. Interestingly, E2f1 provides a major contribution to the regulation of myogenic function, while E2f2 appears to be less important. These findings identify a key function of E2F in skeletal muscle required for animal viability, and illustrate how the cell cycle regulator is repurposed in post-mitotic cells.
Theory of antiskyrmions in magnets
Authors: Koshibae Wataru , Nagaosa Naoto
Published: January 2016

Skyrmions and antiskyrmions are swirling topological magnetic textures realized as emergent particles in magnets. A skyrmion is stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in chiral magnets and/or a dipolar interaction in thin film magnets, which prefer the twist of the magnetic moments. Here we show by a numerical simulation of the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation that pairs of skyrmions and antiskyrmions are created from the helix state as the magnetic field is increased. Antiskyrmions are unstable and disappear immediately in chiral magnets, whereas they are metastable and survive in dipolar magnets. The collision between a skyrmion and an antiskyrmion in a dipolar magnet is also studied. It is found that the collision depends on their relative direction, and the pair annihilation occurs in some cases and only the antiskyrmion is destroyed in the other cases. These results indicate that the antiskyrmion offers a unique opportunity to study particles and antiparticles in condensed-matter systems.
Genome-wide association study and targeted metabolomics identifies sex-specific association of CPS1 with coronary artery disease
Authors: Hartiala Jaana A. , Wilson Tang W. H. , Wang Zeneng , Crow Amanda L. , Stewart Alexandre F. R. , Roberts Robert , McPherson Ruth , Erdmann Jeanette , Willenborg Christina , Hazen Stanley L. , Allayee Hooman
Published: January 2016

Metabolites derived from dietary choline and L-carnitine, such as trimethylamine N-oxide and betaine, have recently been identified as novel risk factors for atherosclerosis in mice and humans. We sought to identify genetic factors associated with plasma betaine levels and determine their effect on risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). A two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified two significantly associated loci on chromosomes 2q34 and 5q14.1. The lead variant on 2q24 (rs715) localizes to carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1), which encodes a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyses the first committed reaction and rate-limiting step in the urea cycle. Rs715 is also significantly associated with decreased levels of urea cycle metabolites and increased plasma glycine levels. Notably, rs715 yield a strikingly significant and protective association with decreased risk of CAD in only women. These results suggest that glycine metabolism and/or the urea cycle represent potentially novel sex-specific mechanisms for the development of atherosclerosis.
Probable involvement of p11 with interferon alpha induced depression
Authors: Guo Jiqiang , Zhang Wen , Zhang Lili , Ding Huaxia , Zhang Jingjing , Song Chen , Zhang Yanfei , Xia Namei , Li Mingfang , Liang Yinming , Hu Xianzhang , Luan Haojiang , Wang Hui
Published: January 2016

Depression is one of the major side effects of interferon alpha (IFN-α) treatment, but the molecular mechanism underlying IFN-α-induced depression remains unclear. Several studies have shown that the serotonin receptors 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4 play key roles in the anti-depression effects associated with p11 (S100A10). We investigated the effects of IFN-α on the regulation of p11, 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4 in mice and human neuroblastoma cells (SH-sy5y). We found that intraperitoneal injection with IFN-α in Balb/c mice resulted in an increased immobility in FST and TST and potently lowered the protein levels of p11, 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4 in the hippocampus or cingulate gyrus. IFN-α significantly down-regulated the protein levels of p11, 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4 in SH-sy5y cells, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Our study revealed that over-expression of p11 could prevent the IFN-α-induced down-regulation of 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4. The results indicated that IFN-α treatment resulted in p11 down-regulation, which subsequently decreased 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4 in vitro or in vivo. Our findings suggested that p11 might be a potential regulator on 5-HTR1b and 5-HTR4 as well as a predictor of or a therapeutic target for IFN-α-induced depression.
Normothermic Mouse Functional MRI of Acute Focal Thermostimulation for Probing Nociception
Authors: Reimann Henning Matthias , Hentschel Jan , Marek Jaroslav , Huelnhagen Till , Todiras Mihail , Kox Stefanie , Waiczies Sonia , Hodge Russ , Bader Michael , Pohlmann Andreas , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: January 2016

Combining mouse genomics and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a promising tool to unravel the molecular mechanisms of chronic pain. Probing murine nociception via the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect is still challenging due to methodological constraints. Here we report on the reproducible application of acute noxious heat stimuli to examine the feasibility and limitations of functional brain mapping for central pain processing in mice. Recent technical and procedural advances were applied for enhanced BOLD signal detection and a tight control of physiological parameters. The latter includes the development of a novel mouse cradle designed to maintain whole-body normothermia in anesthetized mice during fMRI in a way that reflects the thermal status of awake, resting mice. Applying mild noxious heat stimuli to wildtype mice resulted in highly significant BOLD patterns in anatomical brain structures forming the pain matrix, which comprise temporal signal intensity changes of up to 6% magnitude. We also observed sub-threshold correlation patterns in large areas of the brain, as well as alterations in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in response to the applied stimulus.
Towards a phylogenetic classification of Leptothecata (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)
Authors: Maronna Maximiliano M. , Miranda Thaís P. , Peña Cantero Álvaro L. , Barbeitos Marcos S. , Marques Antonio C.
Published: January 2016

Leptothecata are hydrozoans whose hydranths are covered by perisarc and gonophores and whose medusae bear gonads on their radial canals. They develop complex polypoid colonies and exhibit considerable morphological variation among species with respect to growth, defensive structures and mode of development. For instance, several lineages within this order have lost the medusa stage. Depending on the author, traditional taxonomy in hydrozoans may be either polyp- or medusa-oriented. Therefore, the absence of the latter stage in some lineages may lead to very different classification schemes. Molecular data have proved useful in elucidating this taxonomic challenge. We analyzed a super matrix of new and published rRNA gene sequences (16S, 18S and 28S), employing newly proposed methods to measure branch support and improve phylogenetic signal. Our analysis recovered new clades not recognized by traditional taxonomy and corroborated some recently proposed taxa. We offer a thorough taxonomic revision of the Leptothecata, erecting new orders, suborders, infraorders and families. We also discuss the origination and diversification dynamics of the group from a macroevolutionary perspective.
Ru/Al Multilayers Integrate Maximum Energy Density and Ductility for Reactive Materials
Authors: Woll K. , Bergamaschi A. , Avchachov K. , Djurabekova F. , Gier S. , Pauly C. , Leibenguth P. , Wagner C. , Nordlund K. , Mücklich F.
Published: January 2016

Established and already commercialized energetic materials, such as those based on Ni/Al for joining, lack the adequate combination of high energy density and ductile reaction products. To join components, this combination is required for mechanically reliable bonds. In addition to the improvement of existing technologies, expansion into new fields of application can also be anticipated which triggers the search for improved materials. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the key parameters that enables us to classify the Ru/Al system as new reactive material among other energetic systems. We finally found that Ru/Al exhibits the unusual integration of high energy density and ductility. For example, we measured reaction front velocities up to 10.9 (±0.33) ms−1 and peak reaction temperatures of about 2000 °C indicating the elevated energy density. To our knowledge, such high temperatures have never been reported in experiments for metallic multilayers. In situ experiments show the synthesis of a single-phase B2-RuAl microstructure ensuring improved ductility. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate the transformation behavior to RuAl. This study fundamentally characterizes a Ru/Al system and demonstrates its enhanced properties fulfilling the identification requirements of a novel nanoscaled energetic material.
Structural basis for the recognition of two consecutive mutually interacting DPF motifs by the SGIP1 μ homology domain
Authors: Shimada Atsushi , Yamaguchi Atsuko , Kohda Daisuke
Published: January 2016

FCHo1, FCHo2 and SGIP1 are key regulators of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Their μ homology domains (μHDs) interact with the C-terminal region of an endocytic scaffold protein, Eps15, containing fifteen Asp-Pro-Phe (DPF) motifs. Here, we show that the high-affinity μHD-binding site in Eps15 is a region encompassing six consecutive DPF motifs, while the minimal μHD-binding unit is two consecutive DPF motifs. We present the crystal structures of the SGIP1 μHD in complex with peptides containing two DPF motifs. The peptides bind to a novel ligand-binding site of the μHD, which is distinct from those of other distantly related μHD-containing proteins. The two DPF motifs, which adopt three-dimensional structures stabilized by sequence-specific intramotif and intermotif interactions, are extensively recognized by the μHD and are both required for binding. Thus, consecutive and singly scattered DPF motifs play distinct roles in μHD binding.
Site-selective local fluorination of graphene induced by focused ion beam irradiation
Authors: Li Hu , Daukiya Lakshya , Haldar Soumyajyoti , Lindblad Andreas , Sanyal Biplab , Eriksson Olle , Aubel Dominique , Hajjar-Garreau Samar , Simon Laurent , Leifer Klaus
Published: January 2016

The functionalization of graphene remains an important challenge for numerous applications expected by this fascinating material. To keep advantageous properties of graphene after modification or functionalization of its structure, local approaches are a promising road. A novel technique is reported here that allows precise site-selective fluorination of graphene. The basic idea of this approach consists in the local radicalization of graphene by focused ion beam (FIB) irradiation and simultaneous introduction of XeF2 gas. A systematic series of experiments were carried out to outline the relation between inserted defect creation and the fluorination process. Based on a subsequent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, a 6-fold increase of the fluorine concentration on graphene under simultaneous irradiation was observed when compared to fluorination under normal conditions. The fluorine atoms are predominately localized at the defects as indicated from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The experimental findings are confirmed by density functional theory which predicts a strong increase of the binding energy of fluorine atoms when bound to the defect sites. The developed technique allows for local fluorination of graphene without using resists and has potential to be a general enabler of site-selective functionalization of graphene using a wide range of gases.
Quantum Hash function and its application to privacy amplification in quantum key distribution, pseudo-random number generation and image encryption
Authors: Yang Yu-Guang , Xu Peng , Yang Rui , Zhou Yi-Hua , Shi Wei-Min
Published: January 2016

Quantum information and quantum computation have achieved a huge success during the last years. In this paper, we investigate the capability of quantum Hash function, which can be constructed by subtly modifying quantum walks, a famous quantum computation model. It is found that quantum Hash function can act as a hash function for the privacy amplification process of quantum key distribution systems with higher security. As a byproduct, quantum Hash function can also be used for pseudo-random number generation due to its inherent chaotic dynamics. Further we discuss the application of quantum Hash function to image encryption and propose a novel image encryption algorithm. Numerical simulations and performance comparisons show that quantum Hash function is eligible for privacy amplification in quantum key distribution, pseudo-random number generation and image encryption in terms of various hash tests and randomness tests. It extends the scope of application of quantum computation and quantum information.