bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FOXO transcription factors protect against the diet-induced fatty liver disease
Authors: Pan Xiaoyan , Zhang Yang , Kim Hyeong-Geug , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Dong X. Charlie
Published: March 2017

Forkhead O transcription factors (FOXOs) have been implicated in glucose and lipid homeostasis; however, the role of FOXOs in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not well understood. In this study, we designed experiments to examine the effects of two different diets—very high fat diet (HFD) and moderately high fat plus cholesterol diet (HFC)—on wildtype (WT) and liver-specific Foxo1/3/4 triple knockout mice (LTKO). Both diets induced severe hepatic steatosis in the LTKO mice as compared to WT controls. However, the HFC diet led to more severe liver injury and fibrosis compared to the HFD diet. At the molecular levels, hepatic Foxo1/3/4 deficiency triggered a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes including Emr1, Ccl2, Col1a1, Tgfb, Pdgfrb, and Timp1. Thus, our data suggest that FOXO transcription factors play a salutary role in the protection against the diet-induced fatty liver disease.
Effect of modulation of PPAR-γ activity on Kupffer cells M1/M2 polarization in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Luo Wenjing , Xu Qinyu , Wang Qi , Wu Huimin , Hua Jing
Published: March 2017

Abnormal lipid-mediated hepatic inflammatory-immune dysfunction and chronic low grade inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Macrophage polarization is an important mechanism for the regulation of inflammatory response. Since PPAR-γ has emerged as a master regulator of macrophage polarization, we aimed to investigate the lipid-induced macrophage/Kupffer cell polarization in vivo and in vitro, and explore the association between PPAR-γ activity and macrophages M1/M2 polarization shifting. Here we showed that long-term high-fat diet increased Kupffer cells content with M1-predominant phenotype and increasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Saturated fatty acids polarized Kupffer cells/macrophages to an M1-predominant phenotype while n-3 PUFA polarized Kupffer cells/macrophages to an M2 phenotype, which was associated with activation of NF-κB signal pathway and PPAR-γ respectively. Furthermore, up-regulation of PPAR-γ shifted lipid-induced macrophages polarization from M1-predominant phenotype to M2 phenotype. Macrophages polarization switch was associated with the interaction between PPAR-γ and NF-κBp65 signal pathway. Rosiglitazone restored high-fat diet-induced imblance of Kupffer cells M1/M2 polarization and alleviated hepatic steatosis as well as local pro-inflammatory response. These findings suggest that manipulation of PPAR-γ activity has the potential to balance lipid-induced M1/M2 macrophage/Kupffer cell polarization, and leading to prevent the development of NAFLD.
Effects of Gliadin consumption on the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolic Homeostasis in Mice Fed a High-fat Diet
Authors: Zhang Li , Andersen Daniel , Roager Henrik Munch , Bahl Martin Iain , Hansen Camilla Hartmann Friis , Danneskiold-Samsøe Niels Banhos , Kristiansen Karsten , Radulescu Ilinca Daria , Sina Christian , Frandsen Henrik Lauritz , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Brix Susanne , Hellgren Lars I. , Licht Tine Rask
Published: March 2017

Dietary gluten causes severe disorders like celiac disease in gluten-intolerant humans. However, currently understanding of its impact in tolerant individuals is limited. Our objective was to test whether gliadin, one of the detrimental parts of gluten, would impact the metabolic effects of an obesogenic diet. Mice were fed either a defined high-fat diet (HFD) containing 4% gliadin (n = 20), or a gliadin-free, isocaloric HFD (n = 20) for 23 weeks. Combined analysis of several parameters including insulin resistance, histology of liver and adipose tissue, intestinal microbiota in three gut compartments, gut barrier function, gene expression, urinary metabolites and immune profiles in intestinal, lymphoid, liver and adipose tissues was performed. Mice fed the gliadin-containing HFD displayed higher glycated hemoglobin and higher insulin resistance as evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment, more hepatic lipid accumulation and smaller adipocytes than mice fed the gliadin-free HFD. This was accompanied by alterations in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, gut barrier function, urine metabolome, and immune phenotypes within liver and adipose tissue. Our results reveal that gliadin disturbs the intestinal environment and affects metabolic homeostasis in obese mice, suggesting a detrimental effect of gluten intake in gluten-tolerant subjects consuming a high-fat diet.
Somatic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 generates and corrects a metabolic disease
Authors: Jarrett Kelsey E. , Lee Ciaran M. , Yeh Yi-Hsien , Hsu Rachel H. , Gupta Rajat , Zhang Min , Rodriguez Perla J. , Lee Chang Seok , Gillard Baiba K. , Bissig Karl-Dimiter , Pownall Henry J. , Martin James F. , Bao Gang , Lagor William R.
Published: March 2017

Germline manipulation using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has dramatically accelerated the generation of new mouse models. Nonetheless, many metabolic disease models still depend upon laborious germline targeting, and are further complicated by the need to avoid developmental phenotypes. We sought to address these experimental limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult liver using CRISPR/Cas9, as a new strategy to model metabolic disorders. As proof-of-principle, we targeted the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr), which when deleted, leads to severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Here we show that hepatic disruption of Ldlr with AAV-CRISPR results in severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We further demonstrate that co-disruption of Apob, whose germline loss is embryonically lethal, completely prevented disease through compensatory inhibition of hepatic LDL production. This new concept of metabolic disease modeling by somatic genome editing could be applied to many other systemic as well as liver-restricted disorders which are difficult to study by germline manipulation.
Nanoscale zero-valent iron/persulfate enhanced upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for dye removal: Insight into microbial metabolism and microbial community
Authors: Pan Fei , Zhong Xiaohan , Xia Dongsheng , Yin Xianze , Li Fan , Zhao Dongye , Ji Haodong , Liu Wen
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the efficiency of nanoscale zero-valent iron combined with persulfate (NZVI/PS) for enhanced degradation of brilliant red X-3B in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, and examined the effects of NZVI/PS on anaerobic microbial communities during the treatment process. The addition of NZVI (0.5 g/L) greatly enhanced the decolourization rate of X-3B from 63.8% to 98.4%. The Biolog EcoPlateTM technique was utilized to examine microbial metabolism in the reactor, and the Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing revealed 22 phyla and 88 genera of the bacteria. The largest genera (Lactococcus) decreased from 33.03% to 7.94%, while the Akkermansia genera increased from 1.69% to 20.23% according to the abundance in the presence of 0.2 g/L NZVI during the biological treatment process. Meanwhile, three strains were isolated from the sludge in the UASB reactors and identified by 16 S rRNA analysis. The distribution of three strains was consistent with the results from the Illumina MiSeq high throughput sequencing. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that Fe(0) was transformed into Fe(II)/Fe(III) during the treatment process, which are beneficial for the microorganism growth, and thus promoting their metabolic processes and microbial community.
Double-flow focused liquid injector for efficient serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Oberthuer Dominik , Knoška Juraj , Wiedorn Max O. , Beyerlein Kenneth R. , Bushnell David A. , Kovaleva Elena G. , Heymann Michael , Gumprecht Lars , Kirian Richard A. , Barty Anton , Mariani Valerio , Tolstikova Aleksandra , Adriano Luigi , Awel Salah , Barthelmess Miriam , Dörner Katerina , Xavier P. Lourdu , Yefanov Oleksandr , James Daniel R. , Nelson Garrett , Wang Dingjie , Calvey George , Chen Yujie , Schmidt Andrea , Szczepek Michael , Frielingsdorf Stefan , Lenz Oliver , Snell Edward , Robinson Philip J. , Šarler Božidar , Belšak Grega , Maček Marjan , Wilde Fabian , Aquila Andrew , Boutet Sébastien , Liang Mengning , Hunter Mark S. , Scheerer Patrick , Lipscomb John D. , Weierstall Uwe , Kornberg Roger D. , Spence John C. H. , Pollack Lois , Chapman Henry N. , Bajt Saša
Published: March 2017

Serial femtosecond crystallography requires reliable and efficient delivery of fresh crystals across the beam of an X-ray free-electron laser over the course of an experiment. We introduce a double-flow focusing nozzle to meet this challenge, with significantly reduced sample consumption, while improving jet stability over previous generations of nozzles. We demonstrate its use to determine the first room-temperature structure of RNA polymerase II at high resolution, revealing new structural details. Moreover, the double flow-focusing nozzles were successfully tested with three other protein samples and the first room temperature structure of an extradiol ring-cleaving dioxygenase was solved by utilizing the improved operation and characteristics of these devices.
Zebrafish Caudal Haematopoietic Embryonic Stromal Tissue (CHEST) Cells Support Haematopoiesis
Authors: Wolf Anja , Aggio Julian , Campbell Clyde , Wright Francis , Marquez Gabriel , Traver David , Stachura David L.
Published: March 2017

Haematopoiesis is an essential process in early vertebrate development that occurs in different distinct spatial locations in the embryo that shift over time. These different sites have distinct functions: in some anatomical locations specific hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are generated de novo. In others, HSPCs expand. HSPCs differentiate and renew in other locations, ensuring homeostatic maintenance. These niches primarily control haematopoiesis through a combination of cell-to-cell signalling and cytokine secretion that elicit unique biological effects in progenitors. To understand the molecular signals generated by these niches, we report the generation of caudal hematopoietic embryonic stromal tissue (CHEST) cells from 72-hours post fertilization (hpf) caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), the site of embryonic HSPC expansion in fish. CHEST cells are a primary cell line with perivascular endothelial properties that expand hematopoietic cells in vitro. Morphological and transcript analysis of these cultures indicates lymphoid, myeloid, and erythroid differentiation, indicating that CHEST cells are a useful tool for identifying molecular signals critical for HSPC proliferation and differentiation in the zebrafish. These findings permit comparison with other temporally and spatially distinct haematopoietic-supportive zebrafish niches, as well as with mammalian haematopoietic-supportive cells to further the understanding of the evolution of the vertebrate hematopoietic system.
Correction: Corrigendum: High-level expression of improved thermo-stable alkaline xylanase variant in Pichia Pastoris through codon optimization, multiple gene insertion and high-density fermentation
Authors: Lu Yihong , Fang Cheng , Wang Qinhong , Zhou Yuling , Zhang Guimin , Ma Yanhe
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37869; published online: 29 November 2016; updated: 16 March 2017 This Article contains an error in the x-axis labelling of Figure 5. The correct Figure 5 appears below as Figure 1.
Doxorubicin induces cardiotoxicity through upregulation of death receptors mediated apoptosis in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhao Liqun , Zhang Baolin
Published: March 2017

Doxorubicin is a highly effective anticancer agent but causes cardiotoxicity in many patients. The mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity remain incompletely understood. Here we investigated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs). We found that doxorubicin and related anthracycline agents (e.g., daunorubicin, idarubicin, and epirubicin) significantly upregulated the expression of death receptors (DRs) (TNFR1, Fas, DR4 and DR5) in iPS-derived cardiomyocytes at both protein and mRNA levels. The resulting iPS-CMs cells underwent spontaneous apoptosis which was further enhanced by physiologically relevant death ligands including TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL). Furthermore, TRAIL potentiated doxorubicin-induced decrease in beating rate and amplitude of iPS-derived cardiomyocytes. These data demonstrate that the induction of death receptors in cardiomyocytes is likely a critical mechanism by which doxorubicin causes cardiotoxicity.
QuEChERS purification prior to stable isotope dilution-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to determine organophosphate esters of trace amounts in dairy products
Authors: Wu Zhijiang , Liu Jinping , Peng Ying
Published: March 2017

QuEChERS purification prior to stable isotope dilution-UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of seven OPEs in dairy products.
Manufacture and application of lignin-based carbon fibers (LCFs) and lignin-based carbon nanofibers (LCNFs)
Authors: Fang Wei , Yang Sheng , Wang Xi-Luan , Yuan Tong-Qi , Sun Run-Cang
Published: March 2017

This review details recent progress in the conversion of technical lignins to multi-functional, high-value, and promising carbon fiber materials, and discusses their applications.
Synthetic manifestation of nitro substituted tetrazole-N-(hetero)aryl derivatives and energetic studies
Authors: Kommu Nagarjuna , Balaraju M. , Ghule Vikas D. , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: March 2017

A workable cost-efficient synthetic method for the construction of nitro substituted tetrazole-N-aryl/heteroaryl derivatives is discussed.
Thermoelectric properties of CuGa1−xMnxTe2: power factor enhancement by incorporation of magnetic ions
Authors: Ahmed Fahim , Tsujii Naohito , Mori Takao
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate that Mn-doping to CuGaTe2leads to a significantly enhancedZT viathe interaction between magnetic moments and carriers.
An in situ extraction and derivatization method for rapid analysis of short-chain fatty acids in rat fecal samples by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Park Na Hyun , Kim Min-Sun , Lee Wonwoong , Lee Myoung Eun , Hong Jongki
Published: March 2017

Rapid determination of SCFAs in rat fecal samples by GC-MS/MS combined with in situ extraction and derivatization.
Umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations reveal concerted ion movement through G-quadruplex DNA channels
Authors: Akhshi Parisa , Wu Gang
Published: March 2017

We have applied the umbrella sampling (US) method in all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain potential of mean force (PMF) profiles for ion transport through three representative G-quadruplex DNA channels: [d(TG4T)]4, [d(G3T4G4)]2, and d[G4(T4G4)3].
Catalytic upgrading of lactose: a rest raw material from the dairy industry
Authors: Zaccheria Federica , Mariani Matteo , Scotti Nicola , Psaro Rinaldo , Ravasio Nicoletta
Published: March 2017

Lactose, a residue from the separation of high value-added proteins from whey, was converted into an equimolar mixture of sorbitol and dulcitol through a one-step cascade hydrolysis plus hydrogenation process.
Device and programming abstractions for spatiotemporal control of active micro-particle swarms
Authors: Lam Amy T. , Samuel-Gama Karina G. , Griffin Jonathan , Loeun Matthew , Gerber Lukas C. , Hossain Zahid , Cira Nate J. , Lee Seung Ah , Riedel-Kruse Ingmar H.
Published: March 2017

We present a hardware setup and a set of executable commands for spatiotemporal programming and interactive control of a swarm of self-propelled microscopic agents (Euglena gracilis) inside a microfluidic chip.
Two-dimensional crystal engineering using halogen and hydrogen bonds: towards structural landscapes
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Teyssandier Joan , Hennrich Gunther , De Feyter Steven , Mali Kunal S.
Published: March 2017

We apply the concepts of supramolecular synthons and structural landscapes to 2D crystallization at the solution–solid interface.
Macrocycles as protein–protein interaction inhibitors
Authors: Dougherty Patrick G. , Qian Ziqing , Pei Dehua
Published: March 2017

Macrocyclic compounds such as cyclic peptides have emerged as a new and exciting class of drug candidates for inhibition of intracellular protein–protein interactions, which are challenging targets for conventional drug modalities (i.e. small molecules and proteins). Over the past decade, several complementary technologies have been developed to synthesize macrocycle libraries and screen them for binding to therapeutically relevant targets. Two different approaches have also been explored to increase the membrane permeability of cyclic peptides. In this review, we discuss these methods and their applications in the discovery of macrocyclic compounds against protein–protein interactions.
Mixing body‐parts model for 2D human pose estimation in stereo videos
Authors: López‐Quintero Manuel I. , Marín‐Jiménez Manuel J. , Muñoz‐Salinas Rafael , Medina‐Carnicer Rafael
Published: March 2017

This study targets 2D articulated human pose estimation (i.e. localisation of body limbs) in stereo videos. Although in recent years depth‐based devices (e.g. Microsoft Kinect) have gained popularity, as they perform very well in controlled indoor environments (e.g. living rooms, operating theatres or gyms), they suffer clear problems in outdoor scenarios and, therefore, human pose estimation is still an interesting unsolved problem. The authors propose here a novel approach that is able to localise upper‐body keypoints (i.e. shoulders, elbows, and wrists) in temporal sequences of stereo image pairs. The authors’ method starts by locating and segmenting people in the image pairs by using disparity and appearance information. Then, a set of candidate body poses is computed for each view independently. Finally, temporal and stereo consistency is applied to estimate a final 2D pose. The authors’ validate their model on three challenging datasets: ‘stereo human pose estimation dataset’, ‘poses in the wild’ and ‘INRIA 3DMovie’. The experimental results show that the authors’ model not only establishes new state‐of‐the‐art results on stereo sequences, but also brings improvements in monocular sequences.
Accuracy of time domain extension formulae of core losses in non‐oriented electrical steel laminations under non‐sinusoidal excitation
Authors: Alatawneh Natheer , Rahman Tanvir , Hussain Sajid , Lowther David A. , Chromik Richard
Published: March 2017

This study presents a comparative study on the accuracy of three iron loss prediction models. The models are based on the decomposition of core or iron losses into the hysteresis and the eddy current loss components. The time domain extensions of two frequency domain models have been used to predict the iron losses due to a number of non‐sinusoidal waveforms with and without the presence of minor loops. A third model, by Boglietti, that has been proposed recently to predict core losses for non‐sinusoidal and pulse‐width modulated (PWM) waveforms has also been studied. The unknown coefficients of each model have been determined by data fitting iron losses obtained from Epstein frame experiments for induction levels and fundamental frequencies up to 1.6 T and 2 kHz, respectively. Core losses due to PWM waveforms have been measured at various fundamental and switching frequencies in unipolar and bipolar modes. The experimentally measured iron losses have been compared to those predicted using the three models and the accuracy and applicability of each model have been discussed.
A numerical study of indoor air quality in a ventilated room using different strategies of ventilation
Authors: Koufi L. , Younsi Z. , Cherif Y. , Naji H. , El Ganaoui M.
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to numerically investigate the air flow and contaminant dispersion in a ventilated room. The URANS equations supplemented with energy and concentration equations are solved using the scStream code. We are targeting primarily the ventilation effectiveness (εc) and the index of indoor air quality (IIAQ). Different displacement and mixing ventilation modes are investigated in isothermal conditions. The ventilation flow rate is 50 m3.h-1 Here, our ultimate aim is to suggest an effective ventilation that can ensure a good indoor air quality. The RNG k − ε model was adopted to handle the turbulence. CFD simulations were systematically checked, whenever possible, through available results. The simulation results indicate that the ventilation effectiveness to remove a contaminant and the index of indoor air quality are substantially influenced by the ventilation mode and the location of inlet and outlet air. From this study, it appears that the air flow and contaminant dispersion in a ventilated room can be typically predicted or evaluated by computer simulations.
Infantile Hemangioma of the Posterior Fossa in a Newborn: Early Management and Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Haine Elsa , Sevely Annick , Boetto Sergio , Delisle Marie-Bernadette , Cances Claude
Published: March 2017

A 21-day-old male infant was admitted with signs of intracranial hypertension. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a voluminous mass in the posterior fossa with an intense peripheral enhancement on T1 images with gadolinium. The child was treated secondarily by surgical decompression of the posterior fossa and the lesion was biopsied. The pathological findings indicated infantile hemangioma. Treatment with oral prednisolone was initiated at 3 months, given the lack of tumor involution. Six months after corticotherapy was stopped, repeated MRIs indicated a significant reduction in tumor size and then complete disappearance. Psychometric evaluation was performed at the age of 15 years, showing heterogeneous cognitive disabilities, with verbal abilities superior to nonverbal abilities and delayed motor development. Neurological examination was normal with no focal deficit. To our knowledge, this is the first published case reporting the long-term evolution of a patient with neonatal intracerebral hemangioma. We conclude that psychometric evaluations should be part of the long-term follow-up of children who have had an intracranial capillary hemangioma.
Die vulnerable Ferse des Achilles – intratendinöser Abszess nach Katzenbiss
Authors: Merschin David , Ekkernkamp Axel , Seifert Julia
Published: March 2017

Ein 83-jähriger Patient erlitt einen Katzenbiss dorsal der Achillessehne. Im weiteren Verlauf kam es zu einem isoliert intratendinösen Abszess der Achillessehne, der 2-malig operativ revidiert wurde und anschließend mit antibiotischer Therapie zur Ausheilung kam. In Deutschland kommt es jährlich zu etwa 40 000 Bissverletzungen unterschiedlichen Ursprungs. Meist handelt es sich um Katzen- oder Hundebisse, seltener um Menschenbisse. Trotz des oftmals komplikativen Verlaufs gibt es bisher keine einheitlichen Handlungsempfehlungen. Ein intratendinöser Abszess nach Tierbissverletzung ist bisher in der Literatur nicht beschrieben.
A new approach to molecular dynamics with non-adiabatic and spin-orbit effects with applications to QM/MM simulations of thiophene and selenophene
Authors: Pederzoli Marek , Pittner Jiří
Published: March 2017

We present surface hopping dynamics on potential energy surfaces resulting from the spin-orbit splitting, i.e., surfaces corresponding to the eigenstates of the total electronic Hamiltonian including the spin-orbit coupling. In this approach, difficulties arise because of random phases of degenerate eigenvectors and possibility of crossings of the resulting mixed states. Our implementation solves these problems and allows propagation of the coefficients both in the representation of the spin free Hamiltonian and directly in the “diagonal representation” of the mixed states. We also provide a detailed discussion of the state crossing and point out several peculiarities that were not mentioned in the previous literature. We also incorporate the effect of the environment via the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach. As a test case, we apply our methodology to deactivation of thiophene and selenophene in the gas phase, ethanol solution, and bulk liquid phase. First, 100 trajectories without spin-orbit coupling have been calculated for thiophene starting both in S1 and S2 states. A subset of 32 initial conditions starting in the S2 state was then used for gas phase simulations with spin-orbit coupling utilizing the 3-step integrator of SHARC, our implementation of the 3-step propagator in Newton-X and two new “one-step” approaches. Subsequently, we carried out simulations in ethanol solution and bulk liquid phase for both thiophene and selenophene. For both molecules, the deactivation of the S2 state proceeds via the ring opening pathway. The total population of triplet states reaches around 15% and 40% after 80 fs for thiophene and selenophene, respectively. However, it only begins growing after the ring opening is initiated; hence, the triplet states do not directly contribute to the deactivation mechanism. For thiophene, the resulting deactivation lifetime of the S2 state was 68 fs in the gas phase, 76 fs in ethanol solution, and 78 fs in the liquid phase, in a good agreement with the experimental value of 80 fs (liquid phase). For selenophene, the obtained S2 lifetime was 60 fs in the gas phase and 62 fs for both ethanol solution and liquid phase. The higher rate of intersystem crossing to the triplet states in selenophene is likely the reason for the lower fluorescence observed in selenium containing polymer compounds.
Complex dynamics of capillary imbibition of poly(ethylene oxide) melts in nanoporous alumina
Authors: Yao Yang , Alexandris Stelios , Henrich Franziska , Auernhammer Günter , Steinhart Martin , Butt Hans-Jürgen , Floudas George
Published: March 2017

Capillary penetration of a series of entangled poly(ethylene oxide) melts within nanopores of self-ordered alumina follows an approximate t1/2 behavior according to the Lucas-Washburn equation; t is the time. However, the dependence on the capillary diameter deviates from the predicted proportionality to d1/2; d is the pore diameter. We observed a reversal in the dynamics of capillary rise with polymer molecular weight. Chains with 50 entanglements (Mw ≤ 100 kg/mol) or less show a slower capillary rise than theoretically predicted as opposed to chains with more entanglements (Mw ≥ 500 kg/mol) that display a faster capillary rise. Although a faster capillary rise has been predicted by theory and observed experimentally, it is the first time to our knowledge that a slower capillary rise is observed for an entangled polymer melt under conditions of strong confinement (with 2Rg/d = 1). These results are discussed in the light of theoretical predictions for the existence of a critical length scale that depends on the molecular weight and separates the microscopic (d < d*) from the macroscopic (d > d*) regime.
Multi-point measurement using two-channel reflectometer with antenna switching for study of high-frequency fluctuations in GAMMA 10
Authors: Ikezoe R. , Ichimura M. , Okada T. , Itagaki J. , Hirata M. , Sumida S. , Jang S. , Izumi K. , Tanaka A. , Yoshikawa M. , Kohagura J. , Sakamoto M. , Nakashima Y.
Published: March 2017

A two-channel microwave reflectometer system with fast microwave antenna switching capability was developed and applied to the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror device to study high-frequency small-amplitude fluctuations in a hot mirror plasma. The fast switching of the antennas is controlled using PIN diode switches, which offers the significant advantage of reducing the number of high-cost microwave components and digitizers with high bandwidths and large memory that are required to measure the spatiotemporal behavior of the high-frequency fluctuations. The use of two channels rather than one adds the important function of a simultaneous two-point measurement in either the radial direction or the direction of the antenna array to measure the phase profile of the fluctuations along with the normal amplitude profile. The density fluctuations measured using this system clearly showed the high-frequency coherent fluctuations that are associated with Alfvén-ion-cyclotron (AIC) waves in GAMMA 10. A correlation analysis applied to simultaneously measured density fluctuations showed that the phase component that was included in a reflected microwave provided both high coherence and a clear phase difference for the AIC waves, while the amplitude component showed neither significant coherence nor clear phase difference. The axial phase differences of the AIC waves measured inside the hot plasma confirmed the formation of a standing wave structure. The axial variation of the radial profiles was evaluated and a clear difference was found among the AIC waves for the first time, which would be a key to clarify the unknown boundary conditions of the AIC waves.
On the origin of stretched exponential (Kohlrausch) relaxation kinetics in the room temperature luminescence decay of colloidal quantum dots
Authors: Bodunov E. N. , Antonov Yu. A. , Simões Gamboa A. L.
Published: March 2017

The non-exponential room temperature luminescence decay of colloidal quantum dots is often well described by a stretched exponential function. However, the physical meaning of the parameters of the function is not clear in the majority of cases reported in the literature. In this work, the room temperature stretched exponential luminescence decay of colloidal quantum dots is investigated theoretically in an attempt to identify the underlying physical mechanisms associated with the parameters of the function. Three classes of non-radiative transition processes between the excited and ground states of colloidal quantum dots are discussed: long-range resonance energy transfer, multiphonon relaxation, and contact quenching without diffusion. It is shown that multiphonon relaxation cannot explain a stretched exponential functional form of the luminescence decay while such dynamics of relaxation can be understood in terms of long-range resonance energy transfer to acceptors (molecules, quantum dots, or anharmonic molecular vibrations) in the environment of the quantum dots acting as energy-donors or by contact quenching by acceptors (surface traps or molecules) distributed statistically on the surface of the quantum dots. These non-radiative transition processes are assigned to different ranges of the stretching parameter β.
Theoretical Study of Isoprene Dissociative Photoionization
Authors: Ma Qiao , Huang Ming-qiang , Liu Xian-yun , Gai Yan-bo , Lin Xiao-xiao , Yang Cheng-qiang , Sheng Liu-si , Shan Xiao-bin , Zhang Wei-jun
Published: March 2017

Theoretical calculations have been carried out to investigate the possible dissociation channels of isoprene. We focus on the major fragment ions of C5H7+, C5H5+, C4H5+, C3H6+, C3H5+, C3H4+, C3H3+ and C2H3+, which were observed experimentally from the isoprene dissociative photoionization. The energy calculations were performed with the CBS-QB3 model. All the geometries and energies of the fragments, intermediates and transition states involved in the dissociations channels were determined. Finally, the mechanisms of the dissociation pathways were discussed on the comparison of theoretical and experimental results.
Overgrowth (Della) mutants of wheat: development, growth and yield of intragenic suppressors of the Rht-B1c dwarfing gene
Authors: Derkx Adinda P. , Harding Carol A. , Miraghazadeh Asemeh , Chandler Peter M.
Published: March 2017

A suppressor screen using the dwarf Rht-B1c Della mutant of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) led to the isolation of overgrowth mutants, which retained the original dwarfing gene but grew at a faster rate because of a new mutation elsewhere in that gene. Forty-six alleles were identified, which included amino acid substitutions, premature stop codons, and splice site alterations. The sites of amino acid substitution were primarily localised around conserved motifs in the DELLA protein, and these mutants showed a wide range in their extent of growth recovery (dwarf, semidwarf, tall). Detailed growth comparisons were made on a wide height range of backcrossed overgrowth alleles, comparing stem and spike growth, leaf size, tillering, phenological development, coleoptile length, grain dormancy and grain yield. There were large and reproducible differences between alleles for some traits, whereas others were largely unaffected or varied with growth conditions. Some of the overgrowth alleles offer promise as alternatives to the Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b dwarfing genes, allowing a wider range of height control, improved grain dormancy and equivalent grain yield. The collection of mutants will also be valuable as a resource to study the effect of height on different physiological or agronomic traits, and in elucidating DELLA protein function.
Quantifying the driving factors for language shift in a bilingual region
Authors: Prochazka Katharina , Vogl Gero
Published: March 2017

Significance

Languages are an important part of our culturally diverse world, yet many of today’s languages are in danger of dying out. To save endangered languages, one must first understand the dynamics behind language shift: what are the driving factors of people giving up one language for another? Here, we model language dynamics in time and space starting from empirical data. We show that it is the interaction with speakers of the same language that fundamentally determines spread and retreat of a language. This means that a minimum-sized neighborhood of speakers interacting with each other is essential to preserve the language.
Self-monitoring processes in simultaneous interpreting
Authors: Bakti Mária , Bóna Judit
Published: March 2017

In psycholinguistics there is an agreement that self-monitoring is part of the speech production system, it serves the repair of speech errors and disfluencies occurring during the process of speech production.

During simultaneous interpreting, where source language speech perception and target language speech production happen simultaneously, the analysis of self-monitoring is of particular importance.

In our study we compare self-monitoring processes in the target language texts, interpreted from English into Hungarian, of professional interpreters and trainee interpreters.

We examine the frequency of incidence of error – type disfluencies, the editing phase of self-repairs, the frequency of incidence of disfluencies, and the editing phases of repetitions and restarts.

Although our data have revealed considerable individual differences between interpreters, some tendencies can be detected. In general, differences can be detected in self-monitoring between professional and trainee interpreters. When compared to data about self-monitoring processes in spontaneous, monolingual Hungarian speech, we can state that there were far fewer phenomena connected to self-monitoring in the target language output of simultaneous interpreters than in monolingual Hungarian texts.
Proposition d’un cours « Lecture de discours » visant à améliorer la prononciation et l’intelligibilité de la lecture à haute voix en langue B Seconde partie1, 2
Authors: Ouvrard Gilles
Published: March 2017

Resumé

Le présent article est la seconde partie de la description d’un cours expérimental de « Lecture de discours » en français conçu pour les étudiants coréens du Département coréen-français de la Graduate School of Interpretation and Translation de l’Université Hankuk des Études étrangères (Séoul). L’auteur, francophone maternel, ancien interprète de conférence, propose différentes hypothèses quant aux causes de certains défauts de prononciation, décrit de nouveaux défauts de prononciation et défauts du rythme de l’élocution française dus au décalage entre l’écrit et l’oral dans la maîtrise du français B, puis relève quelques erreurs méthodologiques supplémentaires dans la lecture à voix haute. Il revient sur certains aspects de ce cours, et conclut sur son intérêt pédagogique.
Does successful small-scale coordination help or hinder coordination at larger scales?
Authors: Frey Seth , Goldstone Robert L.
Published: March 2017

An individual can interact with the same set of people over many different scales simultaneously. Four people might interact as a group of four and, at the same time, in pairs and triads. What is the relationship between different parallel interaction scales, and how might those scales themselves interact?

We devised a four-player experimental game, the Modular Stag Hunt, in which participants chose not just whether to coordinate, but with whom, and at what scale. Our results reveal coordination behavior with such a strong preference for dyads that undermining pairwise coordination actually improves group-scale outcomes. We present these findings as experimental evidence for competition, as opposed to complementarity, between different possible scales of multi-player coordination. This result undermines a basic premise of approaches, like those of network science, that fail to model the interacting effects of dyadic, triadic, and group-scale structures on group outcomes.
Combining Migration History, River Conditions, and Fish Condition to Examine Cross‐Life‐Stage Effects on Marine Survival in Chinook Salmon
Authors: Gosselin J. L. , Anderson J. J.
Published: March 2017

We examined delayed effects (or carryover effects) on marine survival from the freshwater experiences of migrating Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Juvenile Chinook Salmon that differed in their freshwater experience in passing hydroelectric power dams of the Columbia and Snake rivers (Pacific Northwest) as run‐of‐the‐river or barged fish were tested in challenge experiments at 23.5°C to determine the freshwater survival index m (i.e., the time to 80% mortality). Seasonal patterns of m were best predicted by (1) an index of migration timing (t) at the exit of the hydropower system and a barge index (B) or (2) a temperature exposure index (θ; i.e., 7‐d average of river temperatures experienced prior to collection). Other predictors tested included river flow, wet mass, and Fulton's condition factor. Predicted m (mpred) based on t and B or based on θ was then related to seasonal patterns of marine survival. Significant relationships between mpred and marine survival provide support for the hypothesis that the seasonal patterns of freshwater experiences during hydropower system passage influence the biological condition of juvenile salmon at seawater entry and consequently their seasonal pattern of marine survival to the adult stage. Because temperature is a more direct and biologically relevant variable than migration timing with a barging index offset, further investigation of temperature‐related factors affecting the biological condition of anadromous fishes as they exit freshwater—and subsequently their marine survival—is warranted.

Received June 3, 2016; accepted January 5, 2017 Published online March 16, 2017
Step by step: Harvesting the dynamics of delay discounting decisions
Authors: Scherbaum Stefan , Frisch Simon , Dshemuchadse Maja
Published: March 2017

People show a tendency to devalue rewards when they are delayed in time. This so-called delay discounting often happens to an extent that seems irrational from an economical perspective. Research studying outcomes of delay discounting decisions has successfully derived descriptive models for such choice preferences. However, this outcome-based approach faces limitations in integrating the influence of contextual factors on the decision. Recently, this outcome-centred perspective on delay discounting has been complemented by a focus on the process dynamics leading to delay discounting decisions. Here, we embrace and add to this approach: We show how an attractor model can extend discounting descriptive discounting curves into the temporal dimension. From the model, we derive three predictions and study the predictions in a delay discounting experiment based on mouse tracking. We find differences in discounting depending on the order of option presentation and more direct movements to options presented first. Together with the analysis of specific temporal patterns of information integration, these results show that considering the continuous process dynamics of delay discounting decisions and harvesting them with continuous behavioural measures allow the integration of contextual factors into existing models of delay discounting, not as noise but as a signal on their own.
PD-L1 on tumor cells is sufficient for immune evasion in immunogenic tumors and inhibits CD8 T cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Juneja Vikram R. , McGuire Kathleen A. , Manguso Robert T. , LaFleur Martin W. , Collins Natalie , Haining W. Nicholas , Freeman Gordon J. , Sharpe Arlene H.
Published: March 2017

It is unclear whether PD-L1 on tumor cells is sufficient for tumor immune evasion or simply correlates with an inflamed tumor microenvironment. We used three mouse tumor models sensitive to PD-1 blockade to evaluate the significance of PD-L1 on tumor versus nontumor cells. PD-L1 on nontumor cells is critical for inhibiting antitumor immunity in B16 melanoma and a genetically engineered melanoma. In contrast, PD-L1 on MC38 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells is sufficient to suppress antitumor immunity, as deletion of PD-L1 on highly immunogenic MC38 tumor cells allows effective antitumor immunity. MC38-derived PD-L1 potently inhibited CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Wild-type MC38 cells outcompeted PD-L1–deleted MC38 cells in vivo, demonstrating tumor PD-L1 confers a selective advantage. Thus, both tumor- and host-derived PD-L1 can play critical roles in immunosuppression. Differences in tumor immunogenicity appear to underlie their relative importance. Our findings establish reduced cytotoxicity as a key mechanism by which tumor PD-L1 suppresses antitumor immunity and demonstrate that tumor PD-L1 is not just a marker of suppressed antitumor immunity.
Threshold dynamics for anisotropic surface energies
Authors: Elsey Matt , Esedoḡlu Selim
Published: March 2017

We study extensions of Merriman, Bence, and Osher’s threshold dynamics scheme to weighted mean curvature flow, which arises as gradient descent for anisotropic (normal dependent) surface energies. In particular, we investigate, in both two and three dimensions, those anisotropies for which the convolution kernel in the scheme can be chosen to be positive and/or to possess a positive Fourier transform. We provide a complete, geometric characterization of such anisotropies. This has implications for the unconditional stability and, in the two-phase setting, the monotonicity, of the scheme. We also revisit previous constructions of convolution kernels from a variational perspective, and propose a new one. The variational perspective differentiates between the normal dependent mobility and surface tension factors (both of which contribute to the normal speed) that results from a given convolution kernel. This more granular understanding is particularly useful in the multiphase setting, where junctions are present.
The ribosome-bound quality control complex remains associated to aberrant peptides during their proteasomal targeting and interacts with Tom1 to limit protein aggregation
Authors: Defenouillère Quentin , Namane Abdelkader , Mouaikel John , Jacquier Alain , Fromont-Racine Micheline
Published: March 2017

Protein quality control mechanisms eliminate defective polypeptides to ensure proteostasis and to avoid the toxicity of protein aggregates. In eukaryotes, the ribosome-bound quality control (RQC) complex detects aberrant nascent peptides that remain stalled in 60S ribosomal particles due to a dysfunction in translation termination. The RQC complex polyubiquitylates aberrant polypeptides and recruits a Cdc48 hexamer to extract them from 60S particles in order to escort them to the proteasome for degradation. Whereas the steps from stalled 60S recognition to aberrant peptide polyubiquitylation by the RQC complex have been described, the mechanism leading to proteasomal degradation of these defective translation products remains unknown. We show here that the RQC complex also exists as a ribosome-unbound complex during the escort of aberrant peptides to the proteasome. In addition, we identify a new partner of this light version of the RQC complex, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Tom1. Tom1 interacts with aberrant nascent peptides and is essential to limit their accumulation and aggregation in the absence of Rqc1; however, its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is not required. Taken together, these results reveal new roles for Tom1 in protein quality control, aggregate prevention, and, therefore, proteostasis maintenance.
Sex differences in post-traumatic stress disorder in cardiovascular patients after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a report from the CHART-2 Study
Authors: Onose Takeo , Sakata Yasuhiko , Nochioka Kotaro , Miura Masanobu , Yamauchi Takeshi , Tsuji Kanako , Abe Ruri , Oikawa Takuya , Kasahara Shintaro , Sato Masayuki , Shiroto Takashi , Miyata Satoshi , Takahashi Jun , Shimokawa Hiroaki ,   on behalf of the CHART-2 Investigators
Published: March 2017

Aims

The temporal changes and sex differences in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after natural disasters remain unclear. Therefore, we examined the prevalence, prognostic impacts, and determinant factors of PTSD after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) of 11 March 2011 in cardiovascular (CV) patients registered in the Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District (CHART)-2 Study (n = 10 219), with a special reference to sex.

Methods and results

By self-completion questionnaires of the Japanese-language version of the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R-J), the prevalence of PTSD, defined as IES-R-J score ≥25, was 14.8, 15.7, 7.4, and 7.5% in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The PTSD rate was higher in women than in men in all years (all P < 0.01). During a median 3.5-year follow-up period, the patients with PTSD in 2011 more frequently experienced a composite of all-cause death and hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure than those without PTSD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.27, P < 0.01]. Importantly, the prognostic impacts of PTSD on all-cause death (aHR 2.10 vs. 0.87, P for interaction = 0.03) and CV death (aHR 3.43 vs. 0.90, P for interaction = 0.02) were significant in women but not in men. While insomnia medication was a prominent determinant factor of PTSD in both sexes during 2011–14, economic poverty was significantly associated with PTSD only in men.

Conclusion

After the GEJE, marked sex differences existed in the prevalence, prognostic impacts, and determinant factors of PTSD, suggesting the importance of sex-sepcific mental stress care in disaster medicine.
E3 ubiquitin ligases SIAH1/2 regulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-mediated Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Matsui-Hasumi Akiko , Sato Yayoi , Uto-Konomi Ayako , Yamashita Satoshi , Uehori Junji , Yoshimura Akihiko , Yamashita Masakatsu , Asahara Hiroshi , Suzuki Shinobu , Kubo Masato
Published: March 2017

IL-17 is known to be a cytokine mainly secreted from Th17 cells, which well associate with autoimmune inflammatory responses. In the generation of Th17 cells, RORc and RORa have pivotal roles in controlling the transcription of Il17. We speculated additional regulation in Il17a transcription and randomly screened a 6344 clone cDNA library to identify specific modulators for Il17a promoter activity. After the screen, the E3 ubiquitin ligases SIAH1 and SIAH2 were investigated further and confirmed to increase Il17a promoter activity in a T-cell line and to promote Th17 development ex vivo. This enhancement was a consequence of enhanced expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein, which is reported to directly regulate expression of Il17a and Rorgt at the transcriptional level. In the absence of HIF-1α, both ubiquitin ligases had little effect on Th17 cell differentiation. These results suggest that the SIAH1 and SIAH2 play a pivotal role to promote Th17 cell differentiation through maintaining the stability of HIF-1α protein.