bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Benefit-Cost Analysis to Scale Up Early Childhood Programs through Pay-for-Success Financing
Authors: Temple Judy A. , Reynolds Arthur J.
Published: February 2016

Increasing access to effective preschool programs is a high priority at local, state, and federal levels. Recently, two initiatives to expand preschool programming in Illinois and Utah have used funds from private investors to scale up existing programs. Private-sector social impact investors provide funding to nonprofit or public preschool providers to increase the number of children served. If the measured outcomes from preschool participation meet predetermined goals, then the estimated government cost savings arising from these preschool interventions are used to repay the investors. Social impact investing with a “Pay-for-Success” contract can help budget-constrained governments expand proven or promising preventive interventions without the need to increase taxes. Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) plays a crucial role in helping to identify which social, educational, or health interventions are suitable for this type of innovative financing. Benefit-cost analysts are needed to design the structure of the success payments that the government will make to the private investors. This paper describes social impact borrowing as a new method for financing public services, outlines the contribution of BCA, and discusses the innovative use of social impact financing to promote scaling evidence-based Child-Parent Centers and other early childhood programs.
Uncertainty in the Cost-Effectiveness of Federal Air Quality Regulations
Authors: Krutilla Kerry , Good David H. , Graham John D.
Published: February 2016

In this study, we conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of nine air quality regulations recently issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Taking emission reductions in the Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIAs) for these regulations as given, we independently assess uncertainty about the compliance costs of the regulations and the lives the regulations are estimated to save. The latter evaluation is based on a formal uncertainty analysis that integrates expert judgments about the effects of fine particle exposures on mortality risks. These expert judgments were given in an EPA-sponsored elicitation study conducted in 2006. The integrated judgments are used to generate probability distributions for several types of cost-effectiveness ratios, including the gross and net cost per life saved, net cost per life year saved, and net cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. The results show that the cost-effectiveness ratios exhibit considerable uncertainty individually and also vary widely across regulations. Within a simulated 90% confidence interval for the gross cost per life saved, for example, there is both the possibility that benefits from lifesavings alone are sufficient to cover the rules’ costs and the possibility that no lives will be saved and cost-effectiveness ratios will be infinite. The wide ranges for the confidence intervals suggest the need for better information about the effects of fine particle exposures on mortality risks.
The species pair Pseudocyphellaria pilosella-piloselloides (lichenized Ascomycota: Lobariaceae) is a single species
Authors: MESSUTI María Inés , PASSO Alfredo , SCERVINO Jose Martin , VIDAL-RUSSELL Romina
Published: February 2016

The foliose lichens Pseudocyphellaria pilosella and P. piloselloides are characterized by a cyanobacterial photobiont, a tomentose upper surface, a yellow medulla and yellow pseudocyphellae. The latter species has long been recognized as the sorediate counterpart of the former. The morphological, anatomical, chemical, and molecular analyses performed for this study support their treatment as a single species.
Corticolous lichens as environmental indicators of natural sulphur emissions near the sulphur mine El Vinagre (Cauca, Colombia)
Authors: DÍAZ ESCANDÓN David , SOTO MEDINA Edier , LÜCKING Robert , SILVERSTONE SOPKIN Philip A.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial effect of a natural source of sulphur pollution on the species diversity, richness and distribution of corticolous lichens in a páramo zone at the mine ‘El Vinagre’ (Puracé, Cauca, Colombia). Three zones at different distances from the pollution source were established: zone 1 with a high degree of contamination, a potentially mildly affected or transitional zone 2, and a zone 3 free of disturbance. In each zone, 10 phorophytes ofWeinmannia microphylla(Cunoniaceae) were sampled, and all lichens in a 150 cm vertical transect 50 cm above the ground were collected and identified. Phorophyte parameters were measured (bark pH and diameter at breast height) and the samples were georeferenced. In order to evaluate the impact on lichens, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) and indicator species analysis were carried out. ANOVA and Spearman correlations were performed to assess the relationships of environmental and tree variables between zones and with lichen community structure. The index of atmospheric purity (IAP) and the environmental rating factor (FCA) were evaluated for the three zones. In total, 104 lichen species were recorded, of which 72 were identified to species, 17 to genus, and four to family; 11 samples could not be identified. NMS clustered samples according to zone and the main axis which were correlated with bark pH and distance from pollution source. We found eight indicator species characterizing different zones, and four marginally significant indicator species. Using the IAP, we established three isocontamination areas, with zones 2 and 3 classified as more or less pristine zones and zone 1 as a polluted zone (supported by bark pH as a proxy for current pollution). Diversity was lowest in zone 1, closest to the pollution source, and lichen species composition differed between zones. Differences between lichens in zones 2 and 3 appear mostly unrelated to the current pollution source and might be more related to historical differences in impact from a 20-year-old pollution source.
Random Coincidences Or: the return of theCelticto Iron Age Britain
Authors: Karl Raimund
Published: February 2016

This paper examines whether there really are fundamental differences between a Celtic model of social organisation and the observations made by J.D. Hill about PRIA social organisation in southern England. Hill's alternative model, which in his opinion seems to be fundamentally at odds with what can be learned from Celtic sources, is characterised by the importance of three main factors. These are the essentially ideological, east-facing orientation of Iron Age houses and enclosed settlements, the ideological boundedness of individual homesteads, and the household as the centre of production. Yet, an examination of the medieval Irish andWelsh literature reveals that these three fundamental characteristics also seem to define the societies described in the Celtic texts. However, while the household is the central independent social and economic unit, the medieval texts also put great emphasis on kinship, with kin-groups fulfilling important, complementary roles for the individual households. It is examined whether a kind of society that is not dominated by either households or kinship, but by both households and kinship, can successfully explain all the archaeological phenomena observable in PRIA Britain, including different ‘hillforts’ possibly fulfilling several different functions. The striking similarities that can be found between the kinds of societies proposed by Hill as inhabiting PRIA Britain and those described in the medieval Irish and Welsh sources force us to consider whether the Celtic should not better be returned to PRIA Britain, and whether the ‘different Iron Ages’ were not that different after all.
Must it Be Abstract? Hegel, Pippin, and Clark
Authors: Donougho Martin
Published: February 2016

By comparison with other parts of his philosophy, Hegel's Aesthetics has been slighted by Anglo-American philosophers. All the more welcome then are two recent essays by Robert Pippin, which promise to go well beyond received notions. With Hegel's Idealism, Pippin published what is by any measure one of the most original of recent treatments. Shortly thereafter came a penetrating study of the idea of the modern, which allotted a central role to artistic modernism, and since then he has published various essays actively engaging our post-Kantian legacy. Readers will therefore have heightened expectations of Pippin's turn to Hegel's aesthetics, or rather, as he himself signals, the philosophy of art — unlike some he clearly approves of the shift from Kantian questions of aesthetic taste to Romantic speculations on art, indeed on Art as cultural absolute.

They will hardly be disappointed. Yet in the event they will find themselves negotiating texts that are at once dense and elliptical, much of the argument being conducted via footnotes, its implications—what it commits the author to in theory and in practice — not evident straightaway. If Hegel's position (so far as one can speak of such a thing, when it is known largely from student notes made over a number of years) is complex, Pippin's turns out to be no less so. While I can hardly do justice to its intricacies, I do consider it both important and controversial, whether as interpretation of Hegel or as an approach to modernist abstraction.
J’avoue, j’ai un compte en Suisse:Étude d’un marqueur parenthétique à la mode
Authors: DELAHAIE JULIETTE
Published: February 2016

J’avoueapparaît dans des usages peu traditionnels en français parlé contemporain, en incise :Moi j’avoue l’opéra ce n’est pas ma passion, ou bien, notamment dans le langage « jeune », pour exprimer un accord :Tu as vu il fait beau !/ J’avoue. S’agit-il d’un phénomène de mode passager ? Au contraire, on montrera que j’avoue s’inscrit dans des paradigmes linguistiques déjà largement documentés pour d’autres marqueurs commeje penseouje crois. On étudiera ensuite la particularité de ce modalisateur : mettre en scène un ethos humble tout en conférant un nouveau poids aux paroles ainsi avouées.
Trauma Incidents Attended by Emergency Medical Services in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Boyle Malcolm J. , ClinEpi M , Smith Erin C. , Archer Frank L.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

International literature describing the profile of trauma patients attended by a statewide emergency medical services (EMS) system is lacking. Most literature is limited to descriptions of trauma responses for a single emergency medical service, or to patients transported to a specific Level-1 trauma hospital. There is no Victorian or Australian literature describing the type of trauma patients transported by a state emergency medical service.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to define a profile of all trauma incidents attended by statewide EMS.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of all patient care records (PCR) for trauma responses attended by Victorian Ambulance Services for 2002 was conducted. Criteria for trauma categories were defined previously, and data were extracted from the PCRs and entered into a secure data repository for descriptive analysis to determine the trauma profile. Ethics committee approval was obtained.

Results:

There were 53,039 trauma incidents attended by emergency ambulances during the 12-month period. Of these, 1,566 patients were in physiological distress, 11,086 had a significant pattern of injury, and a further 8,931 had an identifiable mechanism of injury. The profile includes minor trauma (n = 9,342), standing falls (n = 20,511), no patient transported (n = 3,687), and deceased patients (n = 459).

Conclusions:

This is a unique analysis of prehospital trauma. It provides a baseline dataset that may be utilized in future studies of prehospital trauma care. Additionally, this dataset identifies a ten-fold difference in major trauma between the prehospital and the hospital assessments.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Associations with Performance Validity, Comorbidities, and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Wrocklage Kristen M. , Schweinsburg Brian C. , Krystal John H. , Trejo Marcia , Roy Alicia , Weisser Valerie , Moore Tyler M. , Southwick Steven M. , Scott J. Cobb
Published: February 2016

Objectives: Numerous studies have shown that individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) display reduced performances on neuropsychological tests, although most prior research has not adequately accounted for comorbidities or performance validity concerns that are common in this population and could partially account for the observed neurocognitive findings. Moreover, few studies have examined the functional implications of neuropsychological results in PTSD. Methods: We examined neuropsychological functioning in 44 veterans with PTSD and 40 veteran trauma comparison (TC) participants with combat exposure and no PTSD. Results: After excluding four veterans with PTSD for performance validity concerns, multivariate analyses of variance by neurocognitive domain revealed significantly worse performance by the PTSD group in the domains of speed of information processing (p=.035) and executive functions (p=.017), but no group differences in attention/working memory, verbal/language functioning, visuoconstruction, or episodic memory. Group differences by PTSD status were still present after covarying for depression, a history of head injuries, and substance use disorders. Executive functioning performance was associated with poorer self-reported occupational functioning and physical health-related quality of life, while speed of information processing performance was associated with poorer physical health-related quality of life. Discussion: These results are generally consistent with a fronto-limbic conceptualization of PTSD-associated neuropsychological dysfunction and show that cognitive functioning may be associated with critical functional outcomes. Taken together, results suggest that consideration of neurocognitive functioning may enhance the clinical management of individuals with PTSD. (JINS, 2016, 22, 399–411)
Modeling up to 45 GHz of coupling between microvias and PCB cavities considering several boundary conditions
Authors: Le Gouguec Thierry , Mahdi Najib , Cadiou Stéphane , Quendo Cédric , Schlaffer Erich , Pessl Walter , Lefevre Alain
Published: February 2016

The recent developments in electronic cards such as the network equipment are characterized by the miniaturization of the board size and the increasing complexity of the layout. Because of these requirements, multi-layered printed circuit boards are commonly used and vias connecting signal lines on different layers, or integrated circuit devices to power and ground planes, are frequently used and often essential. However, a via is not an ideal transmission line. Besides, it creates discontinuities at high frequencies leading to high insertion loss degradation of signal which limits the performances of integrated circuit and systems. In this paper, the impacts of coupling between via and parallel-plates cavity on the response of microwave integrated devices are highlighted in the first part. Then, to describe the intrinsic interaction between the via transition and parallel-plate modes, the notion of parallel-plates matrix impedances is presented and new boundary conditions like open or plated through holes shielded boundaries of the cavities are introduced. Then, using this physics-based model, an intuitive equivalent circuit has been developed. Finally, the proposed approach and the equivalent circuits were validated by using comparisons with electromagnetic simulations and measurements in different scenarios.
A robust nitrifying community in a bioreactor at 50 °C opens up the path for thermophilic nitrogen removal
Authors: Courtens Emilie N P , Spieck Eva , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro , Bodé Samuel , Boeckx Pascal , Schouten Stefan , Jauregui Ruy , Pieper Dietmar H , Vlaeminck Siegfried E , Boon Nico
Published: February 2016

The increasing production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is crucial to meet the global food demand, yet high losses of reactive nitrogen associated with the food production/consumption chain progressively deteriorate the natural environment. Currently, mesophilic nitrogen-removing microbes eliminate nitrogen from wastewaters. Although thermophilic nitrifiers have been separately enriched from natural environments, no bioreactors are described that couple these processes for the treatment of nitrogen in hot wastewaters. Samples from composting facilities were used as inoculum for the batch-wise enrichment of thermophilic nitrifiers (350 days). Subsequently, the enrichments were transferred to a bioreactor to obtain a stable, high-rate nitrifying process (560 days). The community contained up to 17% ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOAs) closely related to ‘Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis’, and 25% nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOBs) related to Nitrospira calida. Incorporation of 13C-derived bicarbonate into the respective characteristic membrane lipids during nitrification supported their activity as autotrophs. Specific activities up to 198±10 and 894±81 mg N g−1 VSS per day for AOAs and NOBs were measured, where NOBs were 33% more sensitive to free ammonia. The NOBs were extremely sensitive to free nitrous acid, whereas the AOAs could only be inhibited by high nitrite concentrations, independent of the free nitrous acid concentration. The observed difference in product/substrate inhibition could facilitate the development of NOB inhibition strategies to achieve more cost-effective processes such as deammonification. This study describes the enrichment of autotrophic thermophilic nitrifiers from a nutrient-rich environment and the successful operation of a thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor for the first time, facilitating opportunities for thermophilic nitrogen removal biotechnology.
Dissolution and ionization of sodium superoxide in sodium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Park Hyeokjun , Lee Byungju , Seong Won Mo , Lim Hee-Dae , Bae Youngjoon , Kim Haegyeom , Kim Won Keun , Ryu Kyoung Han , Kang Kisuk
Published: February 2016

With the demand for high-energy-storage devices, the rechargeable metal–oxygen battery has attracted attention recently. Sodium–oxygen batteries have been regarded as the most promising candidates because of their lower-charge overpotential compared with that of lithium–oxygen system. However, conflicting observations with different discharge products have inhibited the understanding of precise reactions in the battery. Here we demonstrate that the competition between the electrochemical and chemical reactions in sodium–oxygen batteries leads to the dissolution and ionization of sodium superoxide, liberating superoxide anion and triggering the formation of sodium peroxide dihydrate (Na2O2·2H2O). On the formation of Na2O2·2H2O, the charge overpotential of sodium–oxygen cells significantly increases. This verification addresses the origin of conflicting discharge products and overpotentials observed in sodium–oxygen systems. Our proposed model provides guidelines to help direct the reactions in sodium–oxygen batteries to achieve high efficiency and rechargeability.
Discovering gene re-ranking efficiency and conserved gene-gene relationships derived from gene co-expression network analysis on breast cancer data
Authors: Bourdakou Marilena M. , Athanasiadis Emmanouil I. , Spyrou George M.
Published: February 2016

Systemic approaches are essential in the discovery of disease-specific genes, offering a different perspective and new tools on the analysis of several types of molecular relationships, such as gene co-expression or protein-protein interactions. However, due to lack of experimental information, this analysis is not fully applicable. The aim of this study is to reveal the multi-potent contribution of statistical network inference methods in highlighting significant genes and interactions. We have investigated the ability of statistical co-expression networks to highlight and prioritize genes for breast cancer subtypes and stages in terms of: (i) classification efficiency, (ii) gene network pattern conservation, (iii) indication of involved molecular mechanisms and (iv) systems level momentum to drug repurposing pipelines. We have found that statistical network inference methods are advantageous in gene prioritization, are capable to contribute to meaningful network signature discovery, give insights regarding the disease-related mechanisms and boost drug discovery pipelines from a systems point of view.
Solitary Wave in One-dimensional Buckyball System at Nanoscale
Authors: Xu Jun , Zheng Bowen , Liu Yilun
Published: February 2016

We have studied the stress wave propagation in one-dimensional (1-D) nanoscopic buckyball (C60) system by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and quantitative modeling. Simulation results have shown that solitary waves are generated and propagating in the buckyball system through impacting one buckyball at one end of the buckyball chain. We have found the solitary wave behaviors are closely dependent on the initial temperature and impacting speed of the buckyball chain. There are almost no dispersion and dissipation of the solitary waves (stationary solitary wave) for relatively low temperature and high impacting speed. While for relatively high temperature and low impacting speed the profile of the solitary waves is highly distorted and dissipated after propagating several tens of buckyballs. A phase diagram is proposed to describe the effect of the temperature and impacting speed on the solitary wave behaviors in buckyball system. In order to quantitatively describe the wave behavior in buckyball system, a simple nonlinear-spring model is established, which can describe the MD simulation results at low temperature very well. The results presented in this work may lay a solid step towards the further understanding and manipulation of stress wave propagation and impact energy mitigation at nanoscale.
Revisiting the link between hypertension and hemifacial spasm
Authors: Leong Jia-Li , Li Hui-hua , Chan Ling-Ling , Tan Eng-King
Published: February 2016

The relationship between hypertension and hemifacial spasm (HFS) has been debated. Microvascular decompression surgery is effective in some HFS patients with uncontrolled hypertension. To address current gaps in knowledge, we conducted a meta-analysis of case-control studies that have examined the prevalence of hypertension in HFS patients compared to non-HFS controls. We also evaluated the implications and limitations of the pooled studies. We identified 62 studies from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scholar.google.com and six studies that fit our inclusion criteria were included. A random-effects model was used to derive the pooled estimate of the Odds Ratio. The data was plotted on a Forest plot. A pooled analysis involving 51585 subjects, 549 cases, 720 neurological controls and 50316 controls from the general population, showed that HFS patients had a higher chance of developing hypertension (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = (1.12, 2.31), p-value  <0.001). The prevalence of hypertension was higher in HFS patients as compared to non-HFS patients. This meta-analysis highlights a positive correlation between hypertension and HFS. Blood pressure should be closely monitored during the follow-up of HFS patients. Preliminary links between ventrolateral medullary (VLM) compression and HFS should be further evaluated in future studies.
Differential effects of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial products on morphine induced inhibition of phagocytosis
Authors: Ninkovic Jana , Anand Vidhu , Dutta Raini , Zhang Li , Saluja Anuj , Meng Jingjing , Koodie Lisa , Banerjee Santanu , Roy Sabita
Published: February 2016

Opioid drug abusers have a greater susceptibility to gram positive (Gram (+)) bacterial infections. However, the mechanism underlying opioid modulation of Gram (+) versus Gram (−) bacterial clearance has not been investigated. In this study, we show that opioid treatment resulted in reduced phagocytosis of Gram (+), when compared to Gram (−) bacteria. We further established that LPS priming of chronic morphine treated macrophages leads to potentiated phagocytosis and killing of both Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria in a P-38 MAP kinase dependent signaling pathway. In contrast, LTA priming lead to inhibition of both phagocytosis and bacterial killing. This study demonstrates for the first time the differential effects of TLR4 and TLR2 agonists on morphine induced inhibition of phagocytosis. Our results suggest that the incidence and severity of secondary infections with Gram (+) bacteria would be higher in opioid abusers.
Purity matters: A workflow for the valid high-resolution lipid profiling of mitochondria from cell culture samples
Authors: Kappler Lisa , Li Jia , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Weigert Cora , Lehmann Rainer , Xu Guowang , Hoene Miriam
Published: February 2016

Subcellular lipidomics is a novel field of research that requires the careful combination of several pre-analytical and analytical steps. To define a reliable strategy for mitochondrial lipid profiling, we performed a systematic comparison of different mitochondria isolation procedures by western blot analyses and comprehensive high-resolution lipidomics. Using liver-derived HepG2 cells, we compared three common mitochondria isolation methods, differential centrifugation (DC), ultracentrifugation (UC) and a magnetic bead-assisted method (MACS). In total, 397 lipid species, including 32 cardiolipins, could be quantified in only 100 μg (by protein) of purified mitochondria. Mitochondria isolated by UC showed the highest enrichment in the mitochondria-specific cardiolipins as well as their precursors, phosphatidylglycerols. Mitochondrial fractions obtained by the commonly used DC and the more recent MACS method contained substantial contaminations by other organelles. Employing these isolation methods when performing lipidomics analyses from cell culture mitochondria may lead to inaccurate results. To conclude, we present a protocol how to obtain reliable mitochondria-specific lipid profiles from cell culture samples and show that quality controls are indispensable when performing mitochondria lipidomics.
Tunable integration of absorption-membrane-adsorption for efficiently separating low boiling gas mixtures near normal temperature
Authors: Liu Huang , Pan Yong , Liu Bei , Sun Changyu , Guo Ping , Gao Xueteng , Yang Lanying , Ma Qinglan , Chen Guangjin
Published: February 2016

Separation of low boiling gas mixtures is widely concerned in process industries. Now their separations heavily rely upon energy-intensive cryogenic processes. Here, we report a pseudo-absorption process for separating low boiling gas mixtures near normal temperature. In this process, absorption-membrane-adsorption is integrated by suspending suitable porous ZIF material in suitable solvent and forming selectively permeable liquid membrane around ZIF particles. Green solvents like water and glycol were used to form ZIF-8 slurry and tune the permeability of liquid membrane surrounding ZIF-8 particles. We found glycol molecules form tighter membrane while water molecules form looser membrane because of the hydrophobicity of ZIF-8. When using mixing solvents composed of glycol and water, the permeability of liquid membrane becomes tunable. It is shown that ZIF-8/water slurry always manifests remarkable higher separation selectivity than solid ZIF-8 and it could be tuned to further enhance the capture of light hydrocarbons by adding suitable quantity of glycol to water. Because of its lower viscosity and higher sorption/desorption rate, tunable ZIF-8/water-glycol slurry could be readily used as liquid absorbent to separate different kinds of low boiling gas mixtures by applying a multistage separation process in one traditional absorption tower, especially for the capture of light hydrocarbons.
35 Hz shape memory alloy actuator with bending-twisting mode
Authors: Song Sung-Hyuk , Lee Jang-Yeob , Rodrigue Hugo , Choi Ik-Seong , Kang Yeon June , Ahn Sung-Hoon
Published: February 2016

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials are widely used as an actuating source for bending actuators due to their high power density. However, due to the slow actuation speed of SMAs, there are limitations in their range of possible applications. This paper proposes a smart soft composite (SSC) actuator capable of fast bending actuation with large deformations. To increase the actuation speed of SMA actuator, multiple thin SMA wires are used to increase the heat dissipation for faster cooling. The actuation characteristics of the actuator at different frequencies are measured with different actuator lengths and results show that resonance can be used to realize large deformations up to 35 Hz. The actuation characteristics of the actuator can be modified by changing the design of the layered reinforcement structure embedded in the actuator, thus the natural frequency and length of an actuator can be optimized for a specific actuation speed. A model is used to compare with the experimental results of actuators with different layered reinforcement structure designs. Also, a bend-twist coupled motion using an anisotropic layered reinforcement structure at a speed of 10 Hz is also realized. By increasing their range of actuation characteristics, the proposed actuator extends the range of application of SMA bending actuators.
Isolation and partial characterization of a highly divergent lineage of hantavirus from the European mole (Talpa europaea)
Authors: Gu Se Hun , Kumar Mukesh , Sikorska Beata , Hejduk Janusz , Markowski Janusz , Markowski Marcin , Liberski Paweł P. , Yanagihara Richard
Published: February 2016

Genetically distinct hantaviruses have been identified in five species of fossorial moles (order Eulipotyphla, family Talpidae) from Eurasia and North America. Here, we report the isolation and partial characterization of a highly divergent hantavirus, named Nova virus (NVAV), from lung tissue of a European mole (Talpa europaea), captured in central Poland in August 2013. Typical hantavirus-like particles, measuring 80–120 nm in diameter, were found in NVAV-infected Vero E6 cells by transmission electron microscopy. Whole-genome sequences of the isolate, designated NVAV strain Te34, were identical to that amplified from the original lung tissue and phylogenetic analysis of the full-length L, M and S segments, using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods, showed that NVAV was most closely related to hantaviruses harbored by insectivorous bats, consistent with an ancient evolutionary origin. Infant Swiss Webster mice, inoculated with NVAV by the intraperitoneal route, developed weight loss and hyperactivity, beginning at 16 days, followed by hind-limb paralysis and death. High NVAV RNA copies were detected in lung, liver, kidney, spleen and brain by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Neuropathological examination showed astrocytic and microglial activation and neuronal loss. The first mole-borne hantavirus isolate will facilitate long-overdue studies on its infectivity and pathogenic potential in humans.
Lossless Airy Surface Polaritons in a Metamaterial via Active Raman Gain
Authors: Zhang Qi , Tan Chaohua , Huang Guoxiang
Published: February 2016

We propose a scheme to realize a lossless propagation of linear and nonlinear Airy surface polaritons (SPs) via active Raman gain (ARG). The system we suggest is a planar interface superposed by a negative index metamaterial (NIMM) and a dielectric, where three-level quantum emitters are doped. By using the ARG from the quantum emitters and the destructive interference effect between the electric and magnetic responses from the NIMM, we show that not only the Ohmic loss of the NIMM but also the light absorption of the quantum emitters can be completely eliminated. As a result, non-diffractive Airy SPs may propagate for very long distance without attenuation. We also show that the Kerr nonlinearity of the system can be largely enhanced due to the introduction of the quantum emitters and hence lossless Airy surface polaritonic solitons with very low power can be generated in the system.
Icariin displays anticancer activity against human esophageal cancer cells via regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptotic signaling
Authors: Fan Chongxi , Yang Yang , Liu Yong , Jiang Shuai , Di Shouyin , Hu Wei , Ma Zhiqiang , Li Tian , Zhu Yifang , Xin Zhenlong , Wu Guiling , Han Jing , Li Xiaofei , Yan Xiaolong
Published: February 2016

In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of icariin (ICA) in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in vitro and in vivo and explored the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling in this activity. ICA treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in the viability of human EC109 and TE1 ESCCs. Additionally, ICA exhibited strong antitumor activity, as evidenced by reductions in cell migration, adhesion and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and by increases in the EC109 and TE1 cell apoptotic index, Caspase 9 activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity. Furthermore, ICA treatments upregulated the levels of ERS-related molecules (p-PERK, GRP78, ATF4, p-eIF2α and CHOP) and a pro-apoptotic protein (PUMA) and simultaneously downregulated an anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl2) in the two ESCC cell lines. The downregulation of ERS signaling using eIF2α siRNA desensitized EC109 and TE1 cells to ICA treatment and the upregulation of ERS signaling using thapsigargin sensitized EC109 and TE1 cells to ICA treatment. In summary, ERS activation may represent a mechanism of action for the anticancer activity of ICA in ESCCs and the activation of ERS signaling may represent a novel therapeutic intervention for human esophageal cancer.
Volatile Oil of Acori Graminei Rhizoma-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy are dependent on p53 Status in Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Chen Lu , Jiang Zhuyun , Ma Hui , Ning Ling , Chen Hongdan , Li Li , Qi Hongyi
Published: February 2016

Acori Graminei Rhizoma is well known for the beneficial effects on CNS disorders in traditional medicine. Though it is frequently prescribed in formulations for brain tumors, the anti-glioma effect has not been examined. We used volatile oil of Acori Graminei Rhizoma (VOA) and human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells in this study. We found that VOA exhibited greater growth suppression in p53 wild-type cells than p53 mutant cells and very low effect on fibroblasts and human glial HEB cells. Apoptosis was triggered by VOA with a caspase-dependent way in p53 wild-type A172 cells, while a caspase-independent way in p53 mutant U251 cells. Meanwhile, both A172 and U251 cells treated by VOA displayed autophagic features. Furthermore, p53 decrease was observed along with VOA-induced apoptosis and autophagy in A172 cells. VOA-induced autophagy was mediated through a p53/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in A172 cells, while an mTOR-independent signaling pathway in U251 cells. Finally, blockage of autophagy potentiated the proapoptotic effect in both A172 and U251 cells, indicating a protective role of autophagy in VOA-induced cell death. Together, VOA exhibited anti-tumor activity in human GBM cells and induced apoptotic cell death and protective autophagy, which is cell type specific and dependent on p53 status.
3D Oxidized Graphene Frameworks for Efficient Nano Sieving
Authors: Pawar Pranav Bhagwan , Saxena Sumit , Badhe Dhanashree Kamlesh , Chaudhary Raghvendra Pratap , Shukla Shobha
Published: February 2016

The small size of Na+ and Cl− ions provides a bottleneck in desalination and is a challenge in providing alternatives for continuously depleting fresh water resources. Graphene by virtue of its structural properties has the potential to address this issue. Studies have indicated that use of monolayer graphene can be used to filter micro volumes of saline solution. Unfortunately it is extremely difficult, resource intensive and almost impractical with current technology to fabricate operational devices using mono-layered graphene. Nevertheless, graphene based devices still hold the key to solve this problem due to its nano-sieving ability. Here we report synthesis of oxidized graphene frameworks and demonstrate a functional device to desalinate and purify seawater from contaminants including Na+ and Cl− ions, dyes and other microbial pollutants. Micro-channels in these frameworks help in immobilizing larger suspended solids including bacteria, while nano-sieving through graphene enables the removal of dissolved ions (e.g. Cl−). Nano-sieving incorporated with larger frameworks has been used in filtering Na+ and Cl− ions in functional devices.
L-Lactate protects neurons against excitotoxicity: implication of an ATP-mediated signaling cascade
Authors: Jourdain P. , Allaman I. , Rothenfusser K. , Fiumelli H. , Marquet P. , Magistretti P. J.
Published: February 2016

Converging experimental data indicate a neuroprotective action of L-Lactate. Using Digital Holographic Microscopy, we observe that transient application of glutamate (100 μM; 2 min) elicits a NMDA-dependent death in 65% of mouse cortical neurons in culture. In the presence of L-Lactate (or Pyruvate), the percentage of neuronal death decreases to 32%. UK5099, a blocker of the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier, fully prevents L-Lactate-mediated neuroprotection. In addition, L-Lactate-induced neuroprotection is not only inhibited by probenicid and carbenoxolone, two blockers of ATP channel pannexins, but also abolished by apyrase, an enzyme degrading ATP, suggesting that ATP produced by the Lactate/Pyruvate pathway is released to act on purinergic receptors in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Finally, pharmacological approaches support the involvement of the P2Y receptors associated to the PI3-kinase pathway, leading to activation of KATP channels. This set of results indicates that L-Lactate acts as a signalling molecule for neuroprotection against excitotoxicity through coordinated cellular pathways involving ATP production, release and activation of a P2Y/KATP cascade.
A DNA aptamer recognising a malaria protein biomarker can function as part of a DNA origami assembly
Authors: Godonoga Maia , Lin Ting-Yu , Oshima Azusa , Sumitomo Koji , Tang Marco S. L. , Cheung Yee-Wai , Kinghorn Andrew B. , Dirkzwager Roderick M. , Zhou Cunshan , Kuzuya Akinori , Tanner Julian A. , Heddle Jonathan G.
Published: February 2016

DNA aptamers have potential for disease diagnosis and as therapeutics, particularly when interfaced with programmable molecular technology. Here we have combined DNA aptamers specific for the malaria biomarker Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) with a DNA origami scaffold. Twelve aptamers that recognise PfLDH were integrated into a rectangular DNA origami and atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the incorporated aptamers preserve their ability to specifically bind target protein. Captured PfLDH retained enzymatic activity and protein-aptamer binding was observed dynamically using high-speed AFM. This work demonstrates the ability of DNA aptamers to recognise a malaria biomarker whilst being integrated within a supramolecular DNA scaffold, opening new possibilities for malaria diagnostic approaches based on DNA nanotechnology.
Evidence for photo-induced charge separation between dye molecules adsorbed to aluminium oxide surfaces
Authors: Cappel Ute B. , Moia Davide , Bruno Annalisa , Vaissier Valerie , Haque Saif A. , Barnes Piers R. F.
Published: February 2016

Excited state dynamics and photo-induced charge transfer of dye molecules have been widely studied due to their relevance for organic and dye-sensitised solar cells. Herein, we present a femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy study of the indolene dye D131 when adsorbed to inert Al2O3 substrates for different surface concentration of the dye. Surprisingly, we find that at high surface concentrations, the first singlet excited state of the dye is converted into a new state with an efficiency of about 80%. We assign the absorption features of this state to the oxidised dye and discuss the possibility of photo-induced charge separation between neighboring dye molecules. Our study is the first to show that this process can be highly efficient without the use of donor and acceptor molecules of different chemical structures.
CMKLR1 deficiency maintains ovarian steroid production in mice treated chronically with dihydrotestosterone
Authors: Tang Mi , Huang Chen , Wang Yu-Fei , Ren Pei-Gen , Chen Li , Xiao Tian-Xia , Wang Bao-Bei , Pan Yan-Fei , Tsang Benjamin K. , Zabel Brian A , Ma Bao-Hua , Zhao Hui-Ying , Zhang Jian V.
Published: February 2016

Elevated serum chemerin levels correlate with increased severity of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the role of CMKLR1 signaling in ovarian biology under conditions of excess DHT remains unclear. In this study we compared the effects of continuous 90-day high dose DHT exposure (83.3 □g/day) on wild type and CMKLR1-deficient mice. DHT induced PCOS-like clinical signs in wild type mice as well as significant changes in the expression of hormone receptors, steroid synthesis enzymes, and BMPs and their receptors. In contrast, CMKLR1-deficient mice significantly attenuated DHT-induced clinical signs of PCOS and alterations in ovarian gene expression. To determine whether the BMP4 signaling pathway was involved in the pathogenic effects of CMKLR1 signaling in DHT-induced ovarian steroidogenesis, antral follicles were isolated from wild type and CMKLR1 knockout (KO) mice and treated in vitro with combinations of hCG, DHT, and BMP4 inhibitors. BMP4 inhibition attenuated the induction effects of hCG and DHT on estrogen and progesterone secretion in CMKLR1 KO mice, but not in WT mice, implicating the BMP4 signaling pathway in the CMKLR1-dependent response to DHT. In conclusion, CMKLR1 gene deletion attenuates the effects of chronic DHT treatment on ovarian function in experimental PCOS, likely via BMP4 signaling.
Self-Adaptive Spike-Time-Dependent Plasticity of Metal-Oxide Memristors
Authors: Prezioso M. , Merrikh Bayat F. , Hoskins B. , Likharev K. , Strukov D.
Published: February 2016

Metal-oxide memristors have emerged as promising candidates for hardware implementation of artificial synapses – the key components of high-performance, analog neuromorphic networks - due to their excellent scaling prospects. Since some advanced cognitive tasks require spiking neuromorphic networks, which explicitly model individual neural pulses (“spikes”) in biological neural systems, it is crucial for memristive synapses to support the spike-time-dependent plasticity (STDP). A major challenge for the STDP implementation is that, in contrast to some simplistic models of the plasticity, the elementary change of a synaptic weight in an artificial hardware synapse depends not only on the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic signals, but also on the initial weight (memristor’s conductance) value. Here we experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, an STDP behavior that ensures self-adaptation of the average memristor conductance, making the plasticity stable, i.e. insensitive to the initial state of the devices. The experiments have been carried out with 200-nm Al2O3/TiO2−x memristors integrated into 12 × 12 crossbars. The experimentally observed self-adaptive STDP behavior has been complemented with numerical modeling of weight dynamics in a simple system with a leaky-integrate-and-fire neuron with a random spike-train input, using a compact model of memristor plasticity, fitted for quantitatively correct description of our memristors.
Construction of pH-responsive and up-conversion luminescent NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@SiO2@PMAA nanocomposite for colon targeted drug delivery
Authors: Tian Boshi , Liu Shaohua , Lu Wei , Jin Lin , Li Qingfeng , Shi Yurong , Li Chunyang , Wang Zhenling , Du Yaping
Published: February 2016

Colon-targeted drug delivery system has attracted much interest because it can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce the side effect in practical clinic. Herein, we constructed a multifunctional drug delivery system with colonic targeting and tracking by up-conversion (UC) luminescence based on core-shell structured NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@SiO2@PMAA nanocomposite. The resultant materials exhibited bright UC luminescence, pH-responsive property and excellent biocompatibility. The drug release behaviors in different pH environment were investigated using 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as a model drug. The 5-ASA molecules release from NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@SiO2@PMAA nanocomposite exhibit a significant pH-responsive colon targeted property, i.e., a little amount of drug release in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH = 1.2) but a large amount of drug release in simulated colonic fluid (SCF, pH = 7.4) Moreover, the drug release process could be monitored by the change of UC emission intensity. These results implied that the multifunctional nanocomposite is a promising drug carrier for targeted release of 5-ASA in the colon.
Anal HPV/HIV co-infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men: a cross-sectional survey from three cities in China
Authors: Li Xiangwei , Li Mufei , Yang Yu , Zhong Xiang , Feng Boxuan , Xin Henan , Li Zhen , Jin Qi , Gao Lei
Published: February 2016

Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is linked to anal warts and anal cancer, is common among men who have sex with men (MSM), especially among those HIV positives. MSM aged 18 years or older were recruited from mainland China. Blood and anal cytologic samples were collected for HIV-1 serological test and HPV genotyping. A total of 889 eligible participations were included. The genotyping results of HPV were available for 822 participants (92.46%), 65.32% of which were positive for the targeted 37 HPV types. Prevalence of infection with any type of HPV was higher among HIV-infected participants (82.69%) as compared to HIV-uninfected participants (62.81%) (p < 0.01). HPV06 (15.45%), HPV18(13.50%), HPV16 (11.44%) and HPV11 (10.71%) were the most frequent types identified in the study population. Ever had paid sex with man was found to be independent predictor for HPV positivity with an adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 2.34 (1.16–4.74). Anal HPV positivity was observed to be independently associated with HIV infection with an adjusted OR of 3.03 (1.76–5.21) in the study population. In conclusion, the prevalence of anal HPV infection was observed to be common among MSM from mainland China and it was significantly associated with the status of HIV infection.
Critical role of the C5a-activated neutrophils in high-fat diet-induced vascular inflammation
Authors: Osaka Mizuko , Ito Shunsuke , Honda Masaki , Inomata Yukihiro , Egashira Kensuke , Yoshida Masayuki
Published: February 2016

Exceed and chronic high-fat diet (HFD) contributes to the diagnosis and development of atherosclerosis, obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the key molecular component(s) triggered by HFD responsible for initiating vascular inflammation remain unknown. We observed that feeding HFD for 4 weeks is sufficient to induce leukocyte recruitment in the femoral artery of wild-type mice. Neutrophil- and monocyte-depletion analyses confirmed the preferential recruitment of neutrophils in these mice. Protein analysis of sera from HFD-fed mice revealed a marked elevation of complement component C5a levels. Exogenous C5a alone induced leukocyte recruitment, which was abolished by a C5a-receptor antagonist. We also examined the role of neutrophil-derived MCP-1 in accumulation of leukocytes in the artery. These results demonstrated a previously unrecognized role for C5a and neutrophils in the early onset of HFD-induced vascular inflammation. Further study may help in elucidating a novel regulatory pathway to control diet-induced inflammation such as that in case of atherosclerosis.