bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limit theorems for some branching measure-valued processes
Authors: Cloez Bertrand
Published: June 2017

We consider a particle system in continuous time, a discrete population, with spatial motion, and nonlocal branching. The offspring's positions and their number may depend on the mother's position. Our setting captures, for instance, the processes indexed by a Galton–Watson tree. Using a size-biased auxiliary process for the empirical measure, we determine the asymptotic behaviour of the particle system. We also obtain a large population approximation as a weak solution of a growth-fragmentation equation. Several examples illustrate our results. The main one describes the behaviour of a mitosis model; the population is size structured. In this example, the sizes of the cells grow linearly and if a cell dies then it divides into two descendants.
Robust scheduling for flexible processing networks
Authors: Pedarsani Ramtin , Walrand Jean , Zhong Yuan
Published: June 2017

Modern processing networks often consist of heterogeneous servers with widely varying capabilities, and process job flows with complex structure and requirements. A major challenge in designing efficient scheduling policies in these networks is the lack of reliable estimates of system parameters, and an attractive approach for addressing this challenge is to design robust policies, i.e. policies that do not use system parameters such as arrival and/or service rates for making scheduling decisions. In this paper we propose a general framework for the design of robust policies. The main technical novelty is the use of a stochastic gradient projection method that reacts to queue-length changes in order to find a balanced allocation of service resources to incoming tasks. We illustrate our approach on two broad classes of processing systems, namely the flexible fork-join networks and the flexible queueing networks, and prove the rate stability of our proposed policies for these networks under nonrestrictive assumptions.
Wie lassen sich transkulturelle Kompetenzen bei Psychotherapeuten steigern? Vorstellung eines webbasierten Trainingsprogramms
Authors: Reichardt Judith , von Lersner Ulrike , Rief Winfried , Weise Cornelia
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. In der psychotherapeutischen Versorgung in Deutschland wächst der Anteil an Patient/innen aus anderen Kulturen 1 und damit auch die Bedeutsamkeit transkultureller Kompetenzen bei Psychotherapeut/innen. Aktuell mangelt es an evaluierten Schulungsprogrammen, um solche Kompetenzen gezielt zu fördern. Besonders webbasierte Programme, die eine zeitlich und örtlich flexible Bearbeitung ermöglichen, fehlen bisher gänzlich. Basierend auf dem theoretischen Konzept zu transkulturellen Kompetenzen von Sue und Kollegen (1992) wurde ein webbasiertes Programm zur Förderung transkultureller Kompetenzen bei Psychotherapeut/innen entwickelt. Es besteht aus sechs Modulen, die sich aus Texten und praktischen Übungen zusammensetzen. Es sollen Wissen und Fertigkeiten im Umgang mit Patient/innen aus anderen Kulturen geschult sowie Teilnehmenden die Bedeutung ihrer kulturellen Konzepte für die therapeutische Arbeit bewusst gemacht werden. Neben dem Programm wird das Design einer geplanten randomisiert-kontrollierten Studie (RCT) zu dessen Wirksamkeitsprüfung vorgestellt. Die Trainingsgruppe soll mit zwei Gruppen (Edukationsgruppe/Warteliste) hinsichtlich transkultureller Kompetenzen (u.a. erfasst mit dem Inventar zur Erfassung transkultureller Kompetenzen bei Psychotherapeuten) sowie assoziierter Variablen (z.B. Anteil an Patient/innen aus anderen Kulturen in Behandlung) verglichen werden. Daten sollen vor und nach dem Training sowie zwei und sechs Monate nach Abschluss des Trainings erhoben werden.
A PPARγ transcriptional cascade directs adipose progenitor cell-niche interaction and niche expansion
Authors: Jiang Yuwei , Berry Daniel C. , Jo Ayoung , Tang Wei , Arpke Robert W. , Kyba Michael , Graff Jonathan M.
Published: June 2017

Adipose progenitor cells (APCs) reside in a vascular niche, located within the perivascular compartment of adipose tissue blood vessels. Yet, the signals and mechanisms that govern adipose vascular niche formation and APC niche interaction are unknown. Here we show that the assembly and maintenance of the adipose vascular niche is controlled by PPARγ acting within APCs. PPARγ triggers a molecular hierarchy that induces vascular sprouting, APC vessel niche affinity and APC vessel occupancy. Mechanistically, PPARγ transcriptionally activates PDGFRβ and VEGF. APC expression and activation of PDGFRβ promotes the recruitment and retention of APCs to the niche. Pharmacologically, targeting PDGFRβ disrupts APC niche contact thus blocking adipose tissue expansion. Moreover, enhanced APC expression of VEGF stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and expands the adipose niche. Consequently, APC niche communication and retention are boosted by VEGF thereby impairing adipogenesis. Our data indicate that APCs direct adipose tissue niche expansion via a PPARγ-initiated PDGFRβ and VEGF transcriptional axis.
XBP1-FoxO1 interaction regulates ER stress-induced autophagy in auditory cells
Authors: Kishino Akihiro , Hayashi Ken , Hidai Chiaki , Masuda Takeshi , Nomura Yasuyuki , Oshima Takeshi
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship among X-box-binding protein 1 unspliced, spliced (XBP1u, s), Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and autophagy in the auditory cells under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, the relationship between ER stress that causes unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy was also investigated. The present study reported ER stress induction by tunicamycin treatment that resulted in IRE1α-mediated XBP1 mRNA splicing and autophagy. XBP1 mRNA splicing and FoxO1 were found to be involved in ER stress-induced autophagy. This inference was based on the observation that the expression of LC3-II was suppressed by knockdown of IRE1α, XBP1 or FoxO1. In addition, XBP1u was found to interact with XBP1s in auditory cells under ER stress, functioning as a negative feedback regulator that was based on two important findings. Firstly, there was a significant inverse correlation between XBP1u and XBP1s expressions, and secondly, the expression of XBP1 protein showed different dynamics compared to the XBP1 mRNA level. Furthermore, our results regarding the relationship between XBP1 and FoxO1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) paradoxically showed negative regulation of FoxO1 expression by XBP1. Our findings revealed that the XBP1-FoxO1 interaction regulated the ER stress-induced autophagy in auditory cells.
The Hippo pathway acts downstream of the Hedgehog signaling to regulate follicle stem cell maintenance in the Drosophila ovary
Authors: Hsu Ta-Hsing , Yang Chia-Yu , Yeh Tsung-Han , Huang Yi-Chia , Wang Tsu-Wei , Yu Jenn-Yah
Published: June 2017

The Hippo pathway is conserved and plays important roles in organ size control. The core components of the Hippo pathway are two kinases Hippo (Hpo), Warts (Wts), and a transcription-co-activator Yorkie (Yki). Yki activity is regulated by phosphorylation, which affects its nuclear localization and stability. To determine the role of the Hippo pathway in stem cells, we examine follicle stem cells (FSCs) in the Drosophila ovary. Yki is detected in the nucleus of FSCs. Knockdown of yki in the follicle cell lineage leads to a disruption of the follicular epithelium. Mitotic clones of FSCs mutant for hpo or wts are maintained in the niche and tend to replace the other FSCs, and FSCs mutant for yki are rapidly lost, demonstrating that the Hippo pathway is both required and sufficient for FSC maintenance. Using genetic interaction analyses, we demonstrate that the Hedgehog pathway acts upstream of the Hippo pathway in regulating FSC maintenance. The nuclear localization of Yki is enhanced when the Hedgehog signaling is activated. Furthermore, a constitutively active but not a wild-type Yki promotes FSC maintenance as activation of the Hedgehog signaling does, suggesting that the Hedgehog pathway regulates Yki through a post-translational mechanism in maintaining FSCs.
Boundary migration in a 3D deformed microstructure inside an opaque sample
Authors: Zhang Y. B. , Budai J. D. , Tischler J. Z. , Liu W. , Xu R. , Homer E. R. , Godfrey A. , Juul Jensen D.
Published: June 2017

How boundaries surrounding recrystallization grains migrate through the 3D network of dislocation boundaries in deformed crystalline materials is unknown and critical for the resulting recrystallized crystalline materials. Using X-ray Laue diffraction microscopy, we show for the first time the migration pattern of a typical recrystallization boundary through a well-characterized deformation matrix. The data provide a unique possibility to investigate effects of both boundary misorientation and plane normal on the migration, information which cannot be accessed with any other techniques. The results show that neither of these two parameters can explain the observed migration behavior. Instead we suggest that the subdivision of the deformed microstructure ahead of the boundary plays the dominant role. The present experimental observations challenge the assumptions of existing recrystallization theories, and set the stage for determination of mobilities of recrystallization boundaries.
Enhanced PM2.5 pollution in China due to aerosol-cloud interactions
Authors: Zhao Bin , Liou Kuo-Nan , Gu Yu , Li Qinbin , Jiang Jonathan H. , Su Hui , He Cenlin , Tseng Hsien-Liang R. , Wang Shuxiao , Liu Run , Qi Ling , Lee Wei-Liang , Hao Jiming
Published: June 2017

Aerosol-cloud interactions (aerosol indirect effects) play an important role in regional meteorological variations, which could further induce feedback on regional air quality. While the impact of aerosol-cloud interactions on meteorology and climate has been extensively studied, their feedback on air quality remains unclear. Using a fully coupled meteorology-chemistry model, we find that increased aerosol loading due to anthropogenic activities in China substantially increases column cloud droplet number concentration and liquid water path (LWP), which further leads to a reduction in the downward shortwave radiation at surface, surface air temperature and planetary boundary layer (PBL) height. The shallower PBL and accelerated cloud chemistry due to larger LWP in turn enhance the concentrations of particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) by up to 33.2 μg m−3 (25.1%) and 11.0 μg m−3 (12.5%) in January and July, respectively. Such a positive feedback amplifies the changes in PM2.5 concentrations, indicating an additional air quality benefit under effective pollution control policies but a penalty for a region with a deterioration in PM2.5 pollution. Additionally, we show that the cloud processing of aerosols, including wet scavenging and cloud chemistry, could also have substantial effects on PM2.5 concentrations.
User adaptation in Myoelectric Man-Machine Interfaces
Authors: Hahne Janne M. , Markovic Marko , Farina Dario
Published: June 2017

State of the art clinical hand prostheses are controlled in a simple and limited way that allows the activation of one function at a time. More advanced laboratory approaches, based on machine learning, offer a significant increase in functionality, but their clinical impact is limited, mainly due to lack of reliability. In this study, we analyse two conceptually different machine learning approaches, focusing on their robustness and performance in a closed loop application. A classification (finite number of classes) and a regression (continuous mapping) based projection of EMG into external commands were applied while artificially introducing non-stationarities in the EMG signals. When tested on ten able-bodied individuals and one transradial amputee, the two methods were similarly influenced by non-stationarities when tested offline. However, in online tests, where the user could adapt his muscle activation patterns to the changed conditions, the regression-based approach was significantly less influenced by the changes in signal features than the classification approach. This observation demonstrates, on the one hand, the importance of online tests with users in the loop for assessing the performance of myocontrol approaches. On the other hand, it also demonstrates that regression allows for a better user correction of control commands than classification.
Epidemiology of self-rated health in rural China: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Zhang Chaoting , Liang Yongmei , Deng Qiuju , Hang Dong , Pan Yaqi , Li Xiang , He Zhonghu , Liu Mengfei , Liu Ying , Li Jingjing , Ning Tao , Guo Chuanhai , Xu Ruiping , Zhang Lixin , Cai Hong , Ke Yang
Published: June 2017

Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a good predictor of mortality. Data on SRH and its associated factors in the Chinese general population are limited. This study aims to assess the epidemiology of SRH in rural Anyang, China. SRH (categorized as “healthy”, “fair” or “unhealthy”) was measured in a population-based study of 2,814 adults (including 697 couples) aged 25 to 69 who were recruited from rural Anyang in 2014. Of 2,814 subjects, 63.1% rated their health as “healthy”, whereas 28.1% and 8.8% rated their health as “fair” and “unhealthy”. Compared to males, females had a higher likelihood of reporting a better SRH. Health ratings declined with increasing age, unmarried status, lower education levels. Poor SRH was positively correlated with medical history as well as high levels of fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol, but not with unhealthy lifestyle indicators including smoking, drinking, and obesity. High household income was predictive of better SRH in men but not in women. Among couples, a positive spousal SRH concordance was observed, although the strength of this concordance was low. These findings will be useful for formulation of appropriate strategies for improving risk perception and promoting general health in economically developing regions.
A molecular hypothesis to explain direct and inverse co-morbidities between Alzheimer’s Disease, Glioblastoma and Lung cancer
Authors: Sánchez-Valle Jon , Tejero Héctor , Ibáñez Kristina , Portero José Luis , Krallinger Martin , Al-Shahrour Fátima , Tabarés-Seisdedos Rafael , Baudot Anaïs , Valencia Alfonso
Published: June 2017

Epidemiological studies indicate that patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have a lower risk of developing lung cancer, and suggest a higher risk of developing glioblastoma. Here we explore the molecular scenarios that might underlie direct and inverse co-morbidities between these diseases. Transcriptomic meta-analyses reveal significant numbers of genes with inverse patterns of expression in Alzheimer’s disease and lung cancer, and with similar patterns of expression in Alzheimer’s disease and glioblastoma. These observations support the existence of molecular substrates that could at least partially account for these direct and inverse co-morbidity relationships. A functional analysis of the sets of deregulated genes points to the immune system, up-regulated in both Alzheimer’s disease and glioblastoma, as a potential link between these two diseases. Mitochondrial metabolism is regulated oppositely in Alzheimer’s disease and lung cancer, indicating that it may be involved in the inverse co-morbidity between these diseases. Finally, oxidative phosphorylation is a good candidate to play a dual role by decreasing or increasing the risk of lung cancer and glioblastoma in Alzheimer’s disease.
Identification of a functionally significant tri-allelic genotype in the Tyrosinase gene (TYR) causing hypomorphic oculocutaneous albinism (OCA1B)
Authors: Norman Chelsea S. , O’Gorman Luke , Gibson Jane , Pengelly Reuben J. , Baralle Diana , Ratnayaka J. Arjuna , Griffiths Helen , Rose-Zerilli Matthew , Ranger Megan , Bunyan David , Lee Helena , Page Rhiannon , Newall Tutte , Shawkat Fatima , Mattocks Christopher , Ward Daniel , Ennis Sarah , Self Jay E.
Published: June 2017

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and ocular albinism (OA) are inherited disorders of melanin biosynthesis, resulting in loss of pigment and severe visual deficits. OCA encompasses a range of subtypes with overlapping, often hypomorphic phenotypes. OCA1 is the most common cause of albinism in European populations and is inherited through autosomal recessive mutations in the Tyrosinase (TYR) gene. However, there is a high level of reported missing heritability, where only a single heterozygous mutation is found in TYR. This is also the case for other OCA subtypes including OCA2 caused by mutations in the OCA2 gene. Here we have interrogated the genetic cause of albinism in a well phenotyped, hypomorphic albinism population by sequencing a broad gene panel and performing segregation studies on phenotyped family members. Of eighteen probands we can confidently diagnose three with OA and OCA2, and one with a PAX6 mutation. Of six probands with only a single heterozygous mutation in TYR, all were found to have the two common variants S192Y and R402Q. Our results suggest that a combination of R402Q and S192Y with a deleterious mutation in a ‘tri-allelic genotype’ can account for missing heritability in some hypomorphic OCA1 albinism phenotypes.
Long distance biotic dispersal of tropical seagrass seeds by marine mega-herbivores
Authors: Tol Samantha J. , Jarvis Jessie C. , York Paul H. , Grech Alana , Congdon Bradley C. , Coles Robert G.
Published: June 2017

Terrestrial plants use an array of animals as vectors for dispersal, however little is known of biotic dispersal of marine angiosperms such as seagrasses. Our study in the Great Barrier Reef confirms for the first time that dugongs (Dugong dugon) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) assist seagrass dispersal. We demonstrate that these marine mega-herbivores consume and pass in faecal matter viable seeds for at least three seagrass species (Zostera muelleri, Halodule uninervis and Halophila decipiens). One to two seagrass seeds per g DW of faecal matter were found during the peak of the seagrass reproductive season (September to December), with viability on excretion of 9.13% ± 4.61% (SE). Using population estimates for these mega-herbivores, and data on digestion time (hrs), average daily movement (km h) and numbers of viable seagrass seeds excreted (per g DW), we calculated potential seagrass seed dispersal distances. Dugongs and green sea turtle populations within this region can disperse >500,000 viable seagrass seeds daily, with a maximum dispersal distance of approximately 650 km. Biotic dispersal of tropical seagrass seeds by dugongs and green sea turtles provides a large-scale mechanism that enhances connectivity among seagrass meadows, and aids in resilience and recovery of these coastal habitats.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Plasmodium vivax Induced Alterations in Human Serum during the Acute and Convalescent Phases of Infection
Authors: Ray Sandipan , Patel Sandip K. , Venkatesh Apoorva , Chatterjee Gangadhar , Ansari Naziya N. , Gogtay Nithya J. , Thatte Urmila M. , Gandhe Prajakta , Varma Santosh G. , Patankar Swati , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: June 2017

The radial distribution of Plasmodium vivax malaria burden has evoked enormous concern among the global research community. In this study, we have investigated the serum proteome alterations in non-severe vivax malaria patients before and during patient recuperation starting from the early febrile to the defervescence and convalescent stages of the infection. We have also performed an extensive quantitative proteomics analysis to compare the serum proteome profiles of vivax malaria patients with low (LPVM) and moderately-high (MPVM) parasitemia with healthy community controls. Interestingly, some of the serum proteins such as Serum amyloid A, Apolipoprotein A1, C-reactive protein, Titin and Haptoglobin, were found to be sequentially altered with respect to increased parasite counts. Analysis of a longitudinal cohort of malaria patients indicated reversible alterations in serum levels of some proteins such as Haptoglobin, Apolipoprotein E, Apolipoprotein A1, Carbonic anhydrase 1, and Hemoglobin subunit alpha upon treatment; however, the levels of a few other proteins did not return to the baseline even during the convalescent phase of the infection. Here we present the first comprehensive serum proteomics analysis of vivax malaria patients with different levels of parasitemia and during the acute and convalescent phases of the infection.
0404 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through a p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop
Authors: Xia Caixia , Shui Liyan , Lou Guohua , Ye Bingjue , Zhu Wei , Wang Jing , Wu Shanshan , Xu Xiao , Mao Long , Xu Wanhong , Chen Zhi , Liu Yanning , Zheng Min
Published: June 2017

DNA-damaging agents have been used in cancer chemotherapy for a long history. Unfortunately, chemotherapeutic treatment strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still ineffective. We screened a novel DNA-damaging compound, designated as 0404, by using time-dependent cellular response profiling (TCRP) based on unique DNA-damage characteristics. We used human HCC cell lines and HCC xenograft mouse model to analyze the anti-cancer effects of 0404. Transcriptome and miRNA arrays were used to verify the anti-cancer mechanism of 0404. It was confirmed that p53 signaling pathway was crucial in 0404 anti-cancer activity and the expression of miR-34a, a key tumor-suppressive miRNA, was up-regulated in 0404-treated HepG2 cells. MiR-34a expression was also down-regulated in HCCs compared with corresponding non-cancerous hepatic tissues. We further identified the mechanisms of 0404 in HepG2 cells. 0404 increased miR-34a expression and acylation p53 protein levels and decreased SIRT1 protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The sensitivity of HepG2 cells to 0404 was significantly decreased by transfection with miR-34a inhibitors and SIRT1 protein levels were up-regulated by miR-34a inhibition. Our findings show that 0404 is probably an attractive agent for treating HCC, especially in HCC with wide type (WT) p53, through forming a p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 signal feedback loop to promote cell apoptosis.
Fabrication of Fresnel plates on optical fibres by FIB milling for optical trapping, manipulation and detection of single cells
Authors: Rodrigues Ribeiro Rita S. , Dahal Pabitra , Guerreiro Ariel , Jorge Pedro A. S. , Viegas Jaime
Published: June 2017

The development of economical optical devices with a reduced footprint foreseeing manipulation, sorting and detection of single cells and other micro particles have been encouraged by cellular biology requirements. Nonetheless, researchers are still ambitious for advances in this field. This paper presents Fresnel zone and phase plates fabricated on mode expanded optical fibres for optical trapping. The diffractive structures were fabricated using focused ion beam milling. The zone plates presented in this work have focal distance of ~5 µm, while the focal distance of the phase plates is ~10 µm. The phase plates are implemented in an optical trapping configuration, and 2D manipulation and detection of 8 µm PMMA beads and yeast cells is reported. This enables new applications for optical trapping setups based on diffractive optical elements on optical fibre tips, where feedback systems can be integrated to automatically detect, manipulate and sort cells.
A Biomimetic Heparinized Composite Silk-Based Vascular Scaffold with sustained Antithrombogenicity
Authors: Zamani Masoud , Khafaji Mona , Naji Mohammad , Vossoughi Manouchehr , Alemzadeh Iran , Haghighipour Nooshin
Published: June 2017

Autologous grafts, as the gold standard for vascular bypass procedures, associated with several problems that limit their usability, so tissue engineered vessels have been the subject of an increasing number of works. Nevertheless, gathering all of the desired characteristics of vascular scaffolds in the same construct has been a big challenge for scientists. Herein, a composite silk-based vascular scaffold (CSVS) was proposed to consider all the mechanical, structural and biological requirements of a small-diameter vascular scaffold. The scaffold’s lumen composed of braided silk fiber-reinforced silk fibroin (SF) sponge covalently heparinized (H-CSVS) using Hydroxy-Iron Complexes (HICs) as linkers. The highly porous SF external layer with pores above 60 μm was obtained by lyophilization. Silk fibers were fully embedded in scaffold’s wall with no delamination. The H-CSVS exhibited much higher burst pressure and suture retention strength than native vessels while comparable elastic modulus and compliance. H-CSVSs presented milder hemolysis in vitro and significant calcification resistance in subcutaneous implantation compared to non-heparinized ones. The in vitro antithrombogenic activity was sustained for over 12 weeks. The cytocompatibility was approved using endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro. Therefore, H-CSVS demonstrates a promising candidate for engineering of small-diameter vessels.
Conformational Heterogeneity of the HIV Envelope Glycan Shield
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Huang Jing , Simon Raphael , Wang Lai-Xi , MacKerell Alexander D.
Published: June 2017

To better understand the conformational properties of the glycan shield covering the surface of the HIV gp120/gp41 envelope (Env) trimer, and how the glycan shield impacts the accessibility of the underlying protein surface, we performed enhanced sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a model glycosylated HIV Env protein and related systems. Our simulation studies revealed a conformationally heterogeneous glycan shield with a network of glycan-glycan interactions more extensive than those observed to date. We found that partial preorganization of the glycans potentially favors binding by established broadly neutralizing antibodies; omission of several specific glycans could increase the accessibility of other glycans or regions of the protein surface to antibody or CD4 receptor binding; the number of glycans that can potentially interact with known antibodies is larger than that observed in experimental studies; and specific glycan conformations can maximize or minimize interactions with individual antibodies. More broadly, the enhanced sampling MD simulations described here provide a valuable tool to guide the engineering of specific Env glycoforms for HIV vaccine design.
A green strategy for the synthesis of sulfone derivatives of p-methylaminophenol: Kinetic evaluation and antibacterial susceptibility
Authors: Nematollahi Davood , Khazalpour Sadegh , Ranjbar Mina , Momeni Shima
Published: June 2017

This is one of the few examples in which the diverse products have been synthesized just by changing the applied potential. The synthesis of sulfonyl derivatives of p-methylaminophenol were carried out by reaction of the electrogenerated p-methylquinoneimine with sulfinic acids. Various types of mono (MSP), bis (BSP) and tris (TSP) sulfonyl p-methyl aminophenols were obtained by changing the electrode potential, in one pot under green conditions. The mono sulfonyl-p-(methylamino)phenol derivatives (MSP) were assessed for their in vitro antibacterial activity against the gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) strains. It was found that the tested compounds were more active against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. We also found that the antimicrobial activity of MSP derivatives to vary in the order MSP4 (R = CH3) > MSP1 (R = p-tolyl) ≈ MSP2 (R = phenyl) > MSP3 (R = p-ClC6H4). Moreover, the observed homogeneous rate constants (kobs) of the reaction of p-methyl quinoneimine with sulfinic acids were estimated in various pH values, based on the EC and ECEC mechanisms, by comparing the simulated cyclic voltammograms with the experimental ones.
Mechanism of non-appearance of hiatus in Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Jieru , Guan Xiaodan , Guo Ruixia , Gan Zewen , Xie Yongkun
Published: June 2017

In the recent decade, hiatus is the hottest issue in the community of climate change. As the area of great importance, the Tibetan Plateau (TP), however, did not appear to have any warming stoppage in the hiatus period. In fact, the TP showed a continuous warming in the recent decade. To explore why the TP did not show hiatus, we divide the surface air temperature into dynamically-induced temperature (DIT) and radiatively-forced temperature (RFT) by applying the dynamical adjustment method. Our results show that DIT displayed a relatively uniform warming background in the TP, with no obvious correlations with dynamic factors. Meanwhile, as the major contribution to warming, the RFT effect over the TP played the dominant role. The warming role is illustrated using the temperature change between perturbed and control simulation responses to CO2 or black carbon (BC) forcing via Community Earth System Model (CESM). It shows that an obvious warming in the TP is induced by the CO2 warming effect, and BC exhibits an amplifying effect on the warming. Therefore, the continuous warming in the TP was a result of uniform DIT warming over a large scale and enhanced RFT warming at a regional scale.
The importance of Rydberg orbitals in dissociative ionization of small hydrocarbon molecules in intense laser fields
Authors: Jochim Bethany , Siemering R. , Zohrabi M. , Voznyuk O. , Mahowald J. B. , Schmitz D. G. , Betsch K. J. , Berry Ben , Severt T. , Kling Nora G. , Burwitz T. G. , Carnes K. D. , Kling M. F. , Ben-Itzhak I. , Wells E. , de Vivie-Riedle R.
Published: June 2017

Much of our intuition about strong-field processes is built upon studies of diatomic molecules, which typically have electronic states that are relatively well separated in energy. In polyatomic molecules, however, the electronic states are closer together, leading to more complex interactions. A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of strong-field ionization followed by hydrogen elimination in the hydrocarbon series C2D2, C2D4and C2D6reveals that the photofragment angular distributions can only be understood when the field-dressed orbitals rather than the field-free orbitals are considered. Our measured angular distributions and intensity dependence show that these field-dressed orbitals can have strong Rydberg character for certain orientations of the molecule relative to the laser polarization and that they may contribute significantly to the hydrogen elimination dissociative ionization yield. These findings suggest that Rydberg contributions to field-dressed orbitals should be routinely considered when studying polyatomic molecules in intense laser fields.
An integrated hyperspectral imaging and genome-wide association analysis platform provides spectral and genetic insights into the natural variation in rice
Authors: Feng Hui , Guo Zilong , Yang Wanneng , Huang Chenglong , Chen Guoxing , Fang Wei , Xiong Xiong , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Gongwei , Xiong Lizhong , Liu Qian
Published: June 2017

With progress of genetic sequencing technology, plant genomics has experienced rapid development and subsequently triggered the progress of plant phenomics. In this study, a high-throughput hyperspectral imaging system (HHIS) was developed to obtain 1,540 hyperspectral indices at whole-plant level during tillering, heading, and ripening stages. These indices were used to quantify traditional agronomic traits and to explore genetic variation. We performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) of these indices and traditional agronomic traits in a global rice collection of 529 accessions. With the genome-level suggestive P-value threshold, 989 loci were identified. Of the 1,540 indices, we detected 502 significant indices (designated as hyper-traits) that exhibited phenotypic and genetic relationship with traditional agronomic traits and had high heritability. Many hyper-trait-associated loci could not be detected using traditional agronomic traits. For example, we identified a candidate gene controlling chlorophyll content (Chl). This gene, which was not identified based on Chl, was significantly associated with a chlorophyll-related hyper-trait in GWAS and was demonstrated to control Chl. Moreover, our study demonstrates that red edge (680–760 nm) is vital for rice research for phenotypic and genetic insights. Thus, combination of HHIS and GWAS provides a novel platform for dissection of complex traits and for crop breeding.
Measurement of Stokes-operator squeezing for continuous-variable orbital angular momentum
Authors: Guo Jun , Cai Chunxiao , Ma Long , Liu Kui , Sun Hengxin , Gao Jiangrui
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate experimentally a measurement scheme for the Stokes operators for the continuous-variable squeezed states of orbital angular momentum (OAM). An OAM squeezed state is generated by coupling a dim Hermite-Gauss HG01-mode quadrature-squeezed light beam with a bright HG10-mode coherent light beam on a 98/2 beam splitter. Using an asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer with an extra Dove prism in one arm, we measured the three orbital Stokes operators of the OAM squeezed states with a self-homodyne detection and finally characterized their positions and noise on the orbital Poincaré sphere.
EEG correlates of sensorimotor processing: independent components involved in sensory and motor processing
Authors: Melnik Andrew , Hairston W. David , Ferris Daniel P. , König Peter
Published: June 2017

Sensorimotor processing is a critical function of the human brain with multiple cortical areas specialised for sensory recognition or motor execution. Although there has been considerable research into sensorimotor control in humans, the steps between sensory recognition and motor execution are not fully understood. To provide insight into brain areas responsible for sensorimotor computation, we used complex categorization-response tasks (variations of a Stroop task requiring recognition, decision-making, and motor responses) to test the hypothesis that some functional modules are participating in both sensory as well as motor processing. We operationalize functional modules as independent components (ICs) yielded by an independent component analysis (ICA) of EEG data and measured event-related responses by means of inter-trial coherence (ITC). Our results consistently found ICs with event-related ITC responses related to both sensory stimulation and motor response onsets (on average 5.8 ICs per session). These findings reveal EEG correlates of tightly coupled sensorimotor processing in the human brain, and support frameworks like embodied cognition, common coding, and sensorimotor contingency that do not sequentially separate sensory and motor brain processes.
Evolution of Gene Expression in the Uterine Cervix related to Steroid Signaling: Conserved features in the regulation of cervical ripening
Authors: Wagner Günter P. , Nnamani Mauris C. , Chavan Arun Rajendra , Maziarz Jamie , Protopapas Stella , Condon Jennifer , Romero Roberto
Published: June 2017

The uterine cervix is the boundary structure between the uterus and the vagina and is key for the maintenance of pregnancy and timing of parturition. Here we report on a comparative transcriptomic study of the cervix of four placental mammals, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit and armadillo, and one marsupial, opossum. Our aim is to investigate the evolution of cervical gene expression as related to putative mechanisms for functional progesterone withdrawal. Our findings are: 1) The patterns of gene expression in eutherian (placental) mammals are consistent with the notion that an increase in the E/P4 signaling ratio is critical for cervical ripening. How the increased E/P4 ratio is achieved, however, is variable between species. 2) None of the genes related to steroid signaling, that are modulated in eutherian species, change expression during opossum gestation. 3) A tendency for decreased expression of progesterone receptor co-activators (NCOA1, -2 and -3, and CREBBP) towards term is a shared derived feature of eutherians. This suggests that parturition is associated with broad scale histone de-acetylation. Western-blotting on mouse cervix confirmed large scale histone de-acetylation in labor. This finding may have important implications for the control of premature cervical ripening and prevention of preterm birth in humans.
Heart Failure and MEF2 Transcriptome Dynamics in Response to β-Blockers
Authors: Tobin S. W. , Hashemi S. , Dadson K. , Turdi S. , Ebrahimian K. , Zhao J. , Sweeney G. , Grigull J. , McDermott J. C.
Published: June 2017

Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2) mediates cardiac remodelling in heart failure (HF) and is also a target of β-adrenergic signalling, a front-line treatment for HF. We identified global gene transcription networks involved in HF with and without β-blocker treatment. Experimental HF by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in a MEF2 “sensor” mouse model (6 weeks) was followed by four weeks of β-blockade with Atenolol (AT) or Solvent (Sol) treatment. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) from left ventricular RNA samples and MEF2A depleted cardiomyocytes was performed. AT treatment resulted in an overall improvement in cardiac function of TAC mice and repression of MEF2 activity. RNA-seq identified 65 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) due to TAC treatment with enriched GO clusters including the inflammatory system, cell migration and apoptosis. These genes were mapped against DEGs in cardiomyocytes in which MEF2A expression was suppressed. Of the 65 TAC mediated DEGs, AT reversed the expression of 28 mRNAs. Rarres2 was identified as a novel MEF2 target gene that is upregulated with TAC in vivo and isoproterenol treatment in vitro which may have implications in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and hypertrophy. These studies identify a cohort of genes with vast potential for disease diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in heart failure.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast enhanced ultrasound in patients with blunt abdominal trauma presenting to the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng , Hong Yucai , Liu Ning , Chen Yuhao
Published: June 2017

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating blunt abdominal trauma for patients presenting to the emergency department. Electronic search of Scopus and Pubmed was performed from inception to September 2016. Human studies investigating the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in identifying abdominal solid organ injuries were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS tool. A total of 10 studies were included in the study and 9 of them were included for meta-analysis. The log(DOR) values ranged from 3.80 (95% CI: 2.81–4.79) to 8.52 (95% CI: 4.58–12.47) in component studies. The combined log(DOR) was 6.56 (95% CI: 5.66–7.45). The Cochran’s Q was 11.265 (p = 0.793 with 16 degrees of freedom), and the Higgins’ I2 was 0%. The CEUS had a sensitivity of 0.981 (95% CI: 0.868–0.950) and a false positive rate of 0.018 (95% CI: 0.010–0.032) for identifying parenchymal injuries, with an AUC of 0.984. CEUS performed at emergency department had good diagnostic accuracy in identifying abdominal solid organ injuries. CEUS can be recommended in monitoring solid organ injuries, especially for patients managed with non-operative strategy.
Association of plasma C-reactive protein level with the prevalence of colorectal adenoma: the Colorectal Adenoma Study in Tokyo
Authors: Kigawa Nano , Budhathoki Sanjeev , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: June 2017

Epidemiologic studies have identified a positive association between obesity and colorectal neoplasia. Adiposity induces systemic low-grade inflammation, which is commonly assessed with a sensitive biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP). To understand the molecular mechanisms of obesity in the etiology of colorectal neoplasia, the present study was conducted in 782 adenoma cases and 738 controls who underwent total colonoscopy, and their plasma CRP level was evaluated in relation to colorectal adenoma prevalence. A logistic regression model was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of adenoma according to quartile of plasma CRP. Plasma CRP level was positively associated with higher adenoma prevalence in all subjects (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.94–1.79 for the highest versus lowest quartile; P trend = 0.031). Further analysis by adenoma size and number revealed a pronounced association with a larger size (≥5 mm) and multiple numbers (≥2). These positive associations were reduced to non-significance following further adjustment for body mass index, and OR for the highest versus lowest quartile of plasma CRP became 1.12 (95% CI 0.80–1.56; P trend = 0.25) in all subjects. In conclusion, this study suggests that obesity-related systemic low-grade inflammation may play an important role in the early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis.
Oxidative Stress Challenge Uncovers Trichloroacetaldehyde Hydrate-Induced Mitoplasticity in Autistic and Control Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
Authors: Frye Richard Eugene , Rose Shannon , Wynne Rebecca , Bennuri Sirish C. , Blossom Sarah , Gilbert Kathleen M. , Heilbrun Lynne , Palmer Raymond F.
Published: June 2017

Mitoplasticity occurs when mitochondria adapt to tolerate stressors. Previously we hypothesized that a subset of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from children with autistic disorder (AD) show mitoplasticity (AD-A), presumably due to previous environmental exposures; another subset of AD LCLs demonstrated normal mitochondrial activity (AD-N). To better understand mitoplasticity in the AD-A LCLs we examined changes in mitochondrial function using the Seahorse XF96 analyzer in AD and Control LCLs after exposure to trichloroacetaldehyde hydrate (TCAH), an in vivo metabolite of the environmental toxicant and common environmental pollutant trichloroethylene. To better understand the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitoplasticity, TCAH exposure was followed by acute exposure to 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-napthoquinone (DMNQ), an agent that increases ROS. TCAH exposure by itself resulted in a decline in mitochondrial respiration in all LCL groups. This effect was mitigated when TCAH was followed by acute DMNQ exposure but this varied across LCL groups. DMNQ did not affect AD-N LCLs, while it neutralized the detrimental effect of TCAH in Control LCLs and resulted in a increase in mitochondrial respiration in AD-A LCLs. These data suggest that acute increases in ROS can activate mitochondrial protective pathways and that AD-A LCLs are better able to activate these protective pathways.
An autoregressive logistic model to predict the reciprocal effects of oviductal fluid components on in vitro spermophagy by neutrophils in cattle
Authors: Kowsar Rasoul , Keshtegar Behrooz , Marey Mohamed. A. , Miyamoto Akio
Published: June 2017

After intercourse/insemination, large numbers of sperm are deposited in the female reproductive tract (FRT), triggering a massive recruitment of neutrophils (PMNs) into the FRT, possibly to eliminate excessive sperm via phagocytosis. Some bovine oviductal fluid components (BOFCs) have been shown to regulate in vitro sperm phagocytosis (spermophagy) by PMNs. The modeling approach-based logistic regression (LR) and autoregressive logistic regression (ALR) can be used to predict the behavior of complex biological systems. We, first, compared the LR and ALR models using in vitro data to find which of them provides a better prediction of in vitro spermophagy in bovine. Then, the best model was used to identify and classify the reciprocal effects of BOFCs in regulating spermophagy. The ALR model was calibrated using an iterative procedure with a dynamical search direction. The superoxide production data were used to illustrate the accuracy in validating logit model-based ALR and LR. The ALR model was more accurate than the LR model. Based on in vitro data, the ALR predicted that the regulation of spermophagy by PMNs in bovine oviduct is more sensitive to alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), PGE2, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and to the combination of AGP or BSA with other BOFCs.
Clues on the origin of post-2000 earthquakes at Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy)
Authors: Chiodini G. , Selva J. , Del Pezzo E. , Marsan D. , De Siena L. , D’Auria L. , Bianco F. , Caliro S. , De Martino P. , Ricciolino P. , Petrillo Z.
Published: June 2017

The inter-arrival times of the post 2000 seismicity at Campi Flegrei caldera are statistically distributed into different populations. The low inter-arrival times population represents swarm events, while the high inter-arrival times population marks background seismicity. Here, we show that the background seismicity is increasing at the same rate of (1) the ground uplift and (2) the concentration of the fumarolic gas specie more sensitive to temperature. The seismic temporal increase is strongly correlated with the results of recent simulations, modelling injection of magmatic fluids in the Campi Flegrei hydrothermal system. These concurrent variations point to a unique process of temperature-pressure increase of the hydrothermal system controlling geophysical and geochemical signals at the caldera. Our results thus show that the occurrence of background seismicity is an excellent parameter to monitor the current unrest of the caldera.
Novel Interventional Management of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst with Nanosecond Pulses on Experimental Mouse Model
Authors: Chen Xinhua , Zhang Ruiqing , Aji Tuerganaili , Shao Yingmei , Chen Yonggang , Wen Hao
Published: June 2017

The nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) is investigated as an alternative plan for benign hepatic hydatid cyst. Altogether 72 C57B6 mice were included. Normal group (n = 12) had no parasite injection and the other 60 mice were used to induce hydatid cyst in liver by injecting protoscolices in portal vein. The liver hydatid cysts were exposed to nsPEF with different doses and then follow up. The standard surgery was performed as positive control. The hydatid cyst growth was monitored by ultrasound; the morphology was checked by gross anatomy and pathology was tested by H&E stain. In nsPEF-treated groups no hepatic failure nor bleeding were observed. As a comparison, in the surgery group, high post-treatment complications occurred (50%). Significant parasite growth inhibition was seen in high nsPEF dose group as compared with control group (P < 0.05). Pathological analysis confirmed destruction of hydatid cyst with sharp demarcation defined by the electrodes. Laboratory analysis showed nsPEF stimulated a time-dependent infection and recoverable liver function. The traumatic reactions defined by white blood count was significant lower than surgery groups (P < 0.05).Preliminary studies demonstrate nsPEF ablation can be applied on hepatic hydatid by inhibiting parasite growth, destructing the cyst and stimulating infections.
Charge tunable thin-film composite membranes by gamma-ray triggered surface polymerization
Authors: Reis Rackel , Duke Mikel C. , Tardy Blaise L. , Oldfield Daniel , Dagastine Raymond R. , Orbell John D. , Dumée Ludovic F.
Published: June 2017

Thin-film composite poly(amide) (PA) membranes have greatly diversified water supplies and food products. However, users would benefit from a control of the electrostatic interactions between the liquid and the net surface charge interface in order to benefit wider application. The ionic selectivity of the 100 nm PA semi-permeable layer is significantly affected by the pH of the solution. In this work, for the first time, a convenient route is presented to configure the surface charge of PA membranes by gamma ray induced surface grafting. This rapid and up-scalable method offers a versatile route for surface grafting by adjusting the irradiation total dose and the monomer concentration. Specifically, thin coatings obtained at low irradiation doses between 1 and 10 kGy and at low monomer concentration of 1 v/v% in methanol/water (1:1) solutions, dramatically altered the net surface charge of the pristine membranes from −25 mV to +45 mV, whilst the isoelectric point of the materials shifted from pH 3 to pH 7. This modification resulted in an improved water flux by over 55%, from 45.9 to up 70 L.m−2.h−1, whilst NaCl rejection was found to drop by only 1% compared to pristine membranes.