bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEA3 transcription factors are downstream effectors of Met signaling involved in migration and invasiveness of Met‐addicted tumor cells
Authors: Kherrouche Zoulika , Monte Didier , Werkmeister Elisabeth , Stoven Luc , De Launoit Yvan , Cortot Alexis B. , Tulasne David , Chotteau-Lelievre Anne
Published: July 2015

Various solid tumors including lung or gastric carcinomas display aberrant activation of the Met receptor which correlates with aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis. Although downstream signaling of Met is well described, its integration at the transcriptional level is poorly understood. We demonstrate here that in cancer cells harboring met gene amplification, inhibition of Met activity with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or specific siRNA drastically decreased expression of ETV1, ETV4 and ETV5, three transcription factors constituting the PEA3 subgroup of the ETS family, while expression of the other members of the family were less or not affected. Similar link between Met activity and PEA3 factors expression was found in lung cancer cells displaying resistance to EGFR targeted therapy involving met gene amplification. Using silencing experiments, we demonstrate that the PEA3 factors are required for efficient migration and invasion mediated by Met, while other biological responses such as proliferation or unanchored growth remain unaffected. PEA3 overexpression or silencing revealed that they participated in the regulation of the MMP2 target gene involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. Our results demonstrated that PEA3‐subgroup transcription factors are key players of the Met signaling integration involved in regulation of migration and invasiveness.
Climate changes, lead pollution and soil erosion in south Greenland over the past 700 years
Authors: Silva-Sánchez Noemí , Schofield J. Edward , Mighall Tim M. , Martínez Cortizas Antonio , Edwards Kevin J. , Foster Ian
Published: July 2015

A peat core from southern Greenland provided a rare opportunity to investigate human-environment interactions, climate change and atmospheric pollution over the last ~ 700 years. X-ray fluorescence, gas chromatography-combustion, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, peat humification and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were applied and combined with palynological and archaeological evidence. Variations in peat mineral content seem to be related to soil erosion linked with human activity during the late Norse period (13th–14thcenturies AD) and the modern era (20thcentury). Cooler conditions during the Little Ice Age (LIA) are reflected by both slow rates of peat growth and carbon accumulation, and by low bromine (Br) concentrations. Spörer and Maunder minima in solar activity may be indicated by further declines in Br and enrichment in easily degradable compounds such as polysaccharides. Peat organic matter composition was also influenced by vegetation changes at the end of the LIA when the expansion of oceanic heath was associated with polysaccharide enrichment. Atmospheric lead pollution was recorded in the peat after ~ AD 1845, and peak values occurred in the 1970s. There is indirect support for a predominantly North American lead source, but further Pb isotopic analysis would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Adaptive Fuzzy Vibration Control of Smart Structure with VFIFE Modeling
Authors: Xu R. , Li D.-X. , Jiang J.-P. , Liu W.
Published: July 2015

The vibration control of smart structure is considered in this paper. Membrane SAR antenna structure with piezoelectric sensors and actuators is taken as an example. The dynamic model is build up based on vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method. The four nodes membrane element, sensor element and actuator element for VFIFE are presented. By decentralized control stratagem, the bending and torsional vibrations of the membrane SAR antenna can be decoupled on measurement and driving control. The fuzzy control and adaptive fuzzy control are applied to suppress the bending and torsional vibrations of the membrane SAR structure. In the numerical experiment section, form finding is first carried out, then vibration control simulations are studied. The results demonstrate that adaptive fuzzy control algorithm can suppress the vibrations more effectively than the fuzzy control algorithm.
Minimal impact of an iron-fortified lipid-based nutrient supplement on Hb and iron status: a randomised controlled trial in malnourished HIV-positive African adults starting antiretroviral therapy
Authors: James Philip , Friis Henrik , Woodd Susannah , Rehman Andrea M. , PrayGod George , Kelly Paul , Koethe John R. , Filteau Suzanne
Published: July 2015

Anaemia, redistribution of Fe, malnutrition and heightened systemic inflammation during HIV infection confer an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients. We analysed information on Fe status and inflammation from a randomised, double blind, controlled phase-III clinical trial in Lusaka, Zambia and Mwanza, Tanzania. Malnourished patients (n1815) were recruited at referral to antiretroviral therapy (ART) into a two-stage nutritional rehabilitation programme, randomised to receive a lipid-based nutrient supplement with or without added micronutrients. Fe was included in the intervention arm during the second stage, given from 2 to 6 weeks post-ART. Hb, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured at recruitment and 6 weeks post-ART. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the impact of the intervention, and the effect of reducing inflammation from recruitment to week 6 on Hb and Fe status. There was no effect of the intervention on Hb, serum ferritin, sTfR or serum CRP. A one-log decrease of serum CRP from recruitment to week 6 was associated with a 1·81 g/l increase in Hb (95 % CI 0·85, 2·76;P< 0·001), and a 0·11 log decrease in serum ferritin (95 % CI − 0·22, 0·03;P= 0·012) from recruitment to week 6. There was no association between the change in serum CRP and the change in sTfR over the same time period (P= 0·78). In malnourished, HIV-infected adults receiving dietary Fe, a reduction in inflammation in the early ART treatment period appears to be a precondition for recovery from anaemia.
The Effect of a Booming Local Economy in Early Childhood on the Propensity to Vote: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Finseraas Henning
Published: July 2015

Growing up in a booming local economy can influence turnout in adulthood because family income influences the realization of cognitive abilities, investments in human capital and socio-economic status. Exploiting the discovery of oil outside the Norwegian county of Rogaland, this article identifies cohorts that experienced a shock in family income in childhood. This shock enables the effect of economic resources in childhood to be isolated from other characteristics of parents, such as their education level and personality traits. The study uses a differences-in-differences approach and finds that the affected cohorts are about 4 percentage points more likely to vote. The results suggest that potential mechanisms in addition to family income are changes in local public spending and in peers’ political behaviour.
Capital Structure Decisions around the World: Which Factors Are Reliably Important?
Authors: Öztekin Özde
Published: July 2015

This article examines the international determinants of capital structure using a large sample of firms from 37 countries. The reliable determinants for leverage are firm size, tangibility, industry leverage, profits, and inflation. The quality of the countries’ institutions affects leverage and the adjustment speed toward target leverage in significant ways. High-quality institutions lead to faster leverage adjustments, whereas laws and traditions that safeguard debt holders relative to stockholders (e.g., more effective bankruptcy procedures and stronger creditor protection) lead to higher leverage.
ATHLETIC POLICY, PASSIVE WELL-BEING: DEFENDING FREEDOM IN THE CAPABILITY APPROACH
Authors: Begon Jessica
Published: July 2015

G.A. Cohen has criticized the capability approach for focusing on individuals’ freedom – their capability to control their lives – and ignoring benefits achieved passively. He argues that this view of well-being is excessively ‘athletic’. However, if the capability approach is employed to guide egalitarian public policy, capabilities are the appropriate goal of just distributive policies, not just components of individual well-being. When understood as a policy-guide, I argue that the capability approach's focus on ‘athletic’ individual freedom and control is justified: in the public domain, it is important not just that individuals receive benefits, but that they participate in their achievement.
INCENTIVE INEQUALITIES AND FREEDOM OF OCCUPATIONAL CHOICE
Authors: Mackay Douglas
Published: July 2015

InRescuing Justice and Equality, G.A. Cohen argues that the incentive inequalities permitted by John Rawls's difference principle are unjust since people cannot justify them to their fellow citizens. I argue that citizens of a Rawlsian society can justify their acceptance of a wide range of incentive inequalities to their fellow citizens. They can do so because they possess the right to freedom of occupational choice, and are permitted – as a matter of justice – to exercise this right by making occupational decisions on the basis of a wide range of values and preferences.
Transcriptional regulation of nucleoredoxin-like genes takes place on
a daily basis in the retina and pineal gland of rats
Authors: WOLLOSCHECK TANJA , KUNST STEFANIE , KELLEHER DEBRA K. , SPESSERT RAINER
Published: July 2015

The nucleoredoxin-like gene Nxnl1 (Txnl6) and
its paralogue Nxnl2 encode the rod-derived cone viability
factors (RdCVF and RdCVF2), which increase the resistance to photooxidative
damage and have therapeutic potential for the survival of cones in retinitis
pigmentosa. In this study, the transcription of Nxnl genes was
investigated as a function of the day/night cycle in rats. The transcript levels
of Nxnl1 and Nxnl2 were seen to display daily
rhythms with steadily increasing values during the light phase and peak
expression around dark onset in preparations of whole retina, photoreceptor
cells and—but only in regard to Nxnl1—in
photoreceptor-related pinealocytes. The cycling of Nxnl1 but
not that of Nxnl2 persisted in constant darkness in the retina.
This suggests that daily regulation of Nxnl1 is driven by a
circadian clock, whereas that of Nxnl2 is promoted by
environmental light. The present data indicate clock- and light-dependent
regulations of nucleoredoxin-like genes that may be part of a protective shield
against photooxidative damage.
The human cortical areas V6 and V6A
Authors: PITZALIS SABRINA , FATTORI PATRIZIA , GALLETTI CLAUDIO
Published: July 2015

In macaque, it has long been known since the late nineties that the medial parieto-occipital sulcus (POS) contains two regions, V6 and V6A, important for visual motion and action. While V6 is a retinotopically organized extrastriate area, V6A is a broadly retinotopically organized visuomotor area constituted by a ventral and dorsal subdivision (V6Av and V6Ad), both containing arm movement-related cells active during spatially directed reaching movements. In humans, these areas have been mapped only in recent years thanks to neuroimaging methods. In a series of brain mapping studies, by using a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging methods such as wide-field retinotopy and task-evoked activity, we mapped human areas V6 (Pitzalis et al., 2006) and V6Av (Pitzalis et al., 2013d) retinotopically and defined human V6Ad functionally as a pointing-selective region situated anteriorly in the close proximity of V6Av (Tosoni et al., 2014). Like in macaque, human V6 is a motion area (e.g., Pitzalis et al., 2010, 2012, 2013a,b,c), while V6Av and V6Ad respond to pointing movements (Tosoni et al., 2014). The retinotopic organization (when present), anatomical position, neighbor relations, and functional properties of these three areas closely resemble those reported for macaque V6 (Galletti et al., 1996, 1999a), V6Av, and V6Ad (Galletti et al., 1999b; Gamberini et al., 2011). We suggest that information on objects in depth which are translating in space, because of the self-motion, is processed in V6 and conveyed to V6A for evaluating object distance in a dynamic condition such as that created by self-motion, so to orchestrate the eye and arm movements necessary to reach or avoid static and moving objects in the environment.
COEXISTENCE OF COILED SURFACES AND SPANNING SURFACES FOR KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: OZAWA MAKOTO
Published: July 2015

It is a well-known procedure for constructing a torus knot or link that first we prepare an unknotted torus and meridian disks in its complementary solid tori, and second we smooth the intersections of the boundaries of the meridian disks uniformly. Then we obtain a torus knot or link on the unknotted torus and its Seifert surface made of meridian disks. In the present paper, we generalize this procedure by using a closed fake surface and show that the two resulting surfaces obtained by smoothing triple points uniformly are essential. We also show that a knot obtained by this procedure satisfies the Neuwirth conjecture and that the distance of two boundary slopes for the knot is equal to the number of triple points of the closed fake surface.
Validity of two brief physical activity questionnaires with accelerometers among African-American women
Authors: Joseph Rodney P. , Keller Colleen , Adams Marc A. , Ainsworth Barbara E.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To evaluate the validity of the Stanford Brief Activity Survey (SBAS) and Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questionnaire against accelerometer-determined time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among African-American (AA) women.

Background

Limited research has evaluated the validity of brief physical activity (PA) questionnaires among AA women. Since the validity of PA questionnaires may differ among members of varying racial/ethnic groups, research is needed to explore the validity of self-report PA measures among AA women.

Methods

A total of 30 AA women [Mage=35.5±5.3;Mbody mass index (BMI)=31.1±7.8] wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers (ActiGraph, LLC, Pensacola FL, USA) for seven days and completed both the SBAS and EVS at two different assessment periods (T1 andT2). Criterion validity was calculated using Spearman’s rank order correlations between each questionnaire score and accelerometer-measured MVPA. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated using accelerometer-measured MVPA as the criterion to determine the ability of each questionnaire to predict whether or not a participant was meeting the 2008 US PA Guidelines.

Findings

Spearman correlation coefficients between questionnaire scores and minutes of accelerometer-measured MVPA were low (EVS,r=0.27 atT1 andr=0.26 atT2; SBAS,r=0.10 atT1 andr=0.28 atT2) and not statistically significant (P’s>0.05). The EVS had sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 27, 89, 59, and 68% atT1 and 33, 74, 38, and 70% atT2, respectively. The SBAS had sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 18, 79, 33, and 62% atT1 and 67, 58, 43, and 79% atT2. While both questionnaires may be useful in identifying AA women who do not meet the 2008 PA Guidelines, using the questionnaires to identify AA women meeting the PA Guidelines should be done with caution.
Anxiety Assessment: Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Burns Anxiety Inventory
Authors: Ortuño-Sierra Javier , Rodríguez Lorena , Debbané Martin , Fonseca-Pedrero Eduardo
Published: July 2015

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns-A: Burns, 1993). The sample consisted of 417 participants, 387 (29.71% male) healthy participants (control group: M = 35.5 years; SD = 8.40) and 30 (36.66% female) patients (clinical group: M = 35.8 years; SD = 12.94). The internal consistency evaluated through Cronbach’ Alpha was 0.95 for the Total Score in both subsamples. The test-retest reliability (two weeks) for Total Score was 0.86 (F = 13.2, p ≤ .001) for the non-clinical subsample, and 0.95 (F = 36.5, p ≤ .001) for the clinical subsample. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the initial three-factor model. However, modifications to the initial three-factor model improved the goodness-of-fit indices. Results showed statistically significant differences in the mean scores of the Burns-A between the clinical and control groups. This study supports the Spanish version of the Burns-A as a brief and useful tool for the screening of anxiety symptoms in adult populations. Future studies should investigate measurement invariance across cultures.
Gaseous Planets May Have Huge Luminous Rings Caused by Lightning
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: July 2015

What business do elves have in the upper atmospheres of gas giants? Plenty, it seems. The enormous ring-shaped phenomena triggered by lightning may occur on Jupiter, Saturn, and exoplanets.
Aggregated α-synuclein and complex I deficiency: exploration of their relationship in differentiated neurons
Authors: Reeve A K , Ludtmann M HR , Angelova P R , Simcox E M , Horrocks M H , Klenerman D , Gandhi S , Turnbull D M , Abramov A Y
Published: July 2015

α-Synuclein becomes misfolded and aggregated upon damage by various factors, for example, by reactive oxygen species. These aggregated forms have been proposed to have differential toxicities and their interaction with mitochondria may cause dysfunction within this organelle that contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In particular, the association of α-synuclein with mitochondria occurs through interaction with mitochondrial complex I and importantly defects of this protein have been linked to the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between aggregated α-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction, and the consequences of this interaction on cell survival. To do this, we studied the effects of α-synuclein on cybrid cell lines harbouring mutations in either mitochondrial complex I or IV. We found that aggregated α-synuclein inhibited mitochondrial complex I in control and complex IV-deficient cells. However, when aggregated α-synuclein was applied to complex I-deficient cells, there was no additional inhibition of mitochondrial function or increase in cell death. This would suggest that as complex I-deficient cells have already adapted to their mitochondrial defect, the subsequent toxic effects of α-synuclein are reduced.
Blocking the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathway abrogates resistance to anti-folate chemotherapy in lung cancer
Authors: Liang S-Q , Marti T M , Dorn P , Froment L , Hall S R R , Berezowska S , Kocher G , Schmid R A , Peng R-W
Published: July 2015

Anticancer therapies currently used in the clinic often can neither eradicate the tumor nor prevent disease recurrence due to tumor resistance. In this study, we showed that chemoresistance to pemetrexed, a multi-target anti-folate (MTA) chemotherapeutic agent for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is associated with a stem cell-like phenotype characterized by an enriched stem cell gene signature, augmented aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and greater clonogenic potential. Mechanistically, chemoresistance to MTA requires activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway in that an experimentally induced EMT per se promotes chemoresistance in NSCLC and inhibition of EMT signaling by kaempferol renders the otherwise chemoresistant cancer cells susceptible to MTA. Relevant to the clinical setting, human primary NSCLC cells with an elevated EMT signaling feature a significantly enhanced potential to resist MTA, whereas concomitant administration of kaempferol abrogates MTA chemoresistance, regardless of whether it is due to an intrinsic or induced activation of the EMT pathway. Collectively, our findings reveal that a bona fide activation of EMT pathway is required and sufficient for chemoresistance to MTA and that kaempferol potently regresses this chemotherapy refractory phenotype, highlighting the potential of EMT pathway inhibition to enhance chemotherapeutic response of lung cancer.
A generic concept to overcome bandgap limitations for designing highly efficient multi-junction photovoltaic cells
Authors: Guo Fei , Li Ning , Fecher Frank W. , Gasparini Nicola , Quiroz Cesar Omar Ramirez , Bronnbauer Carina , Hou Yi , Radmilović Vuk V. , Radmilović Velimir R. , Spiecker Erdmann , Forberich Karen , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: July 2015

The multi-junction concept is the most relevant approach to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit for single-junction photovoltaic cells. The record efficiencies of several types of solar technologies are held by series-connected tandem configurations. However, the stringent current-matching criterion presents primarily a material challenge and permanently requires developing and processing novel semiconductors with desired bandgaps and thicknesses. Here we report a generic concept to alleviate this limitation. By integrating series- and parallel-interconnections into a triple-junction configuration, we find significantly relaxed material selection and current-matching constraints. To illustrate the versatile applicability of the proposed triple-junction concept, organic and organic-inorganic hybrid triple-junction solar cells are constructed by printing methods. High fill factors up to 68% without resistive losses are achieved for both organic and hybrid triple-junction devices. Series/parallel triple-junction cells with organic, as well as perovskite-based subcells may become a key technology to further advance the efficiency roadmap of the existing photovoltaic technologies.
Transient brain activity disentangles fMRI resting-state dynamics in terms of spatially and temporally overlapping networks
Authors: Karahanoğlu Fikret Işik , Van De Ville Dimitri
Published: July 2015

Dynamics of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provide a new window onto the organizational principles of brain function. Using state-of-the-art signal processing techniques, we extract innovation-driven co-activation patterns (iCAPs) from resting-state fMRI. The iCAPs’ maps are spatially overlapping and their sustained-activity signals temporally overlapping. Decomposing resting-state fMRI using iCAPs reveals the rich spatiotemporal structure of functional components that dynamically assemble known resting-state networks. The temporal overlap between iCAPs is substantial; typically, three to four iCAPs occur simultaneously in combinations that are consistent with their behaviour profiles. In contrast to conventional connectivity analysis, which suggests a negative correlation between fluctuations in the default-mode network (DMN) and task-positive networks, we instead find evidence for two DMN-related iCAPs consisting the posterior cingulate cortex that differentially interact with the attention network. These findings demonstrate how the fMRI resting state can be functionally decomposed into spatially and temporally overlapping building blocks using iCAPs.
Chemical structure imaging of a single molecule by atomic force microscopy at room temperature
Authors: Iwata Kota , Yamazaki Shiro , Mutombo Pingo , Hapala Prokop , Ondráček Martin , Jelínek Pavel , Sugimoto Yoshiaki
Published: July 2015

Atomic force microscopy is capable of resolving the chemical structure of a single molecule on a surface. In previous research, such high resolution has only been obtained at low temperatures. Here we demonstrate that the chemical structure of a single molecule can be clearly revealed even at room temperature. 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride, which is strongly adsorbed onto a corner-hole site of a Si(111)–(7 × 7) surface in a bridge-like configuration is used for demonstration. Force spectroscopy combined with first-principle calculations clarifies that chemical structures can be resolved independent of tip reactivity. We show that the submolecular contrast over a central part of the molecule is achieved in the repulsive regime due to differences in the attractive van der Waals interaction and the Pauli repulsive interaction between different sites of the molecule.
D2HGDH regulates alpha-ketoglutarate levels and dioxygenase function by modulating IDH2
Authors: Lin An-Ping , Abbas Saman , Kim Sang-Woo , Ortega Manoela , Bouamar Hakim , Escobedo Yissela , Varadarajan Prakash , Qin Yuejuan , Sudderth Jessica , Schulz Eduard , Deutsch Alexander , Mohan Sumitra , Ulz Peter , Neumeister Peter , Rakheja Dinesh , Gao Xiaoli , Hinck Andrew , Weintraub Susan T. , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Sill Heinz , Dahia Patricia L. M. , Aguiar Ricardo C. T.
Published: July 2015

Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) convert isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG). In cancer, mutant IDH1/2 reduces α-KG to D2-hydroxyglutarate (D2-HG) disrupting α-KG-dependent dioxygenases. However, the physiological relevance of controlling the interconversion of D2‐HG into α‐KG, mediated by D2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (D2HGDH), remains obscure. Here we show that wild-type D2HGDH elevates α-KG levels, influencing histone and DNA methylation, and HIF1α hydroxylation. Conversely, the D2HGDH mutants that we find in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are enzymatically inert. D2-HG is a low-abundance metabolite, but we show that it can meaningfully elevate α-KG levels by positively modulating mitochondrial IDH activity and inducing IDH2 expression. Accordingly, genetic depletion of IDH2 abrogates D2HGDH effects, whereas ectopic IDH2 rescues D2HGDH-deficient cells. Our data link D2HGDH to cancer and describe an additional role for the enzyme: the regulation of IDH2 activity and α-KG-mediated epigenetic remodelling. These data further expose the intricacies of mitochondrial metabolism and inform on the pathogenesis of D2HGDH-deficient diseases.
Free Language Selection in the Bilingual Brain: An Event-Related fMRI Study
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Tao , Huang Peiyu , Li Dan , Qiu Jiang , Shen Tong , Xie Peng
Published: July 2015

Bilingual speakers may select between two languages either on demand (forced language selection) or on their own volition (free language selection). However, the neural substrates underlying free and forced language selection may differ. While the neural substrates underlying forced language selection have been well-explored with language switching paradigms, those underlying free language selection have remained unclear. Using a modified digit-naming switching paradigm, we addressed the neural substrates underlying free language selection by contrasting free language switching with forced language switching. For a digit-pair trial, Chinese-English bilinguals named each digit in Chinese or English either on demand under forced language selection condition or on their own volition under free language selection condition. The results revealed activation in the frontoparietal regions that mediate volition of language selection. Furthermore, a comparison of free and forced language switching demonstrated differences in the patterns of brain activation. Additionally, free language switching showed reduced switching costs as compared to forced language switching. These findings suggest differences between the mechanism(s) underlying free and forced language switching. As such, the current study suggests interactivity between control of volition and control of language switching in free language selection, providing insights into a model of bilingual language control.
Insights into the pan-microbiome: skin microbial communities of Chinese individuals differ from other racial groups
Authors: Leung Marcus H. Y. , Wilkins David , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: July 2015

Many studies have characterized microbiomes of western individuals. However, studies involving non-westerners are scarce. This study characterizes the skin microbiomes of Chinese individuals. Skin-associated genera, including Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus and Enhydrobacter were prevalent. Extensive inter-individual microbiome variations were detected, with core genera present in all individuals constituting a minority of genera detected. Species-level analyses presented dominance of potential opportunistic pathogens in respective genera. Host properties including age, gender and household were associated with variations in community structure. For all sampled sites, skin microbiomes within an individual is more similar than that of different co-habiting individuals, which is in turn more similar than individuals living in different households. Network analyses highlighted general and skin-site specific relationships between genera. Comparison of microbiomes from different population groups revealed race-based clustering explained by community membership (Global R = 0.968) and structure (Global R = 0.589), contributing to enlargement of the skin pan-microbiome. This study provides the foundation for subsequent in-depth characterization and microbial interactive analyses on the skin and other parts of the human body in different racial groups and an appreciation that the human skin pan-microbiome can be much larger than that of a single population.
Translocation of Non-Canonical Polypeptides into Cells Using Protective Antigen
Authors: Rabideau Amy E. , Liao Xiaoli , Akçay Gizem , Pentelute Bradley L.
Published: July 2015

A variety of pathogenic bacteria infect host eukaryotic cells using protein toxins, which enter the cytosol and exert their cytotoxic effects. Anthrax lethal toxin, for example, utilizes the membrane-spanning translocase, protective antigen (PA) pore, to deliver the protein toxin lethal factor (LF) from the endosome into the cytosol of cells. Previous work has investigated the delivery of natural peptides and enzymatic domains appended to the C-terminus of the PA-binding domain of lethal factor (LFN) into the cytosol via PA pore. Here, we move beyond natural amino acids and systematically investigate the translocation of polypeptide cargo containing non-canonical amino acids and functionalities through PA pore. Our results indicate translocation is not perturbed with alterations to the peptide backbone or side-chain. Moreover, despite their structural complexity, we found that the small molecule drugs, doxorubicin and monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) translocated efficiently through PA pore. However, we found cyclic peptides and the small molecule drug docetaxel abrogated translocation due to their large size and structural rigidity. For cargos that reached the cytosol, we demonstrated that each remained intact after translocation. These studies show PA is capable of translocating non-canonical cargo provided it is in a conformational state conducive for passage through the narrow pore.
Exploring Host-Microbiome Interactions using an in Silico Model of Biomimetic Robots and Engineered Living Cells
Authors: Heyde Keith C. , Ruder Warren C.
Published: July 2015

The microbiome’s underlying dynamics play an important role in regulating the behavior and health of its host. In order to explore the details of these interactions, we created an in silico model of a living microbiome, engineered with synthetic biology, that interfaces with a biomimetic, robotic host. By analytically modeling and computationally simulating engineered gene networks in these commensal communities, we reproduced complex behaviors in the host. We observed that robot movements depended upon programmed biochemical network dynamics within the microbiome. These results illustrate the model’s potential utility as a tool for exploring inter-kingdom ecological relationships. These systems could impact fields ranging from synthetic biology and ecology to biophysics and medicine.
Differential patterns of blood oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex between patients with methamphetamine-induced psychosis and schizophrenia
Authors: Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Makinodan Manabu , Kimoto Sohei , Kishimoto Naoko , Morimoto Tsubasa , Toritsuka Michihiro , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Takebayashi Yoshihiro , Takata Tomoyo , Takahashi Masato , Tanimura Yoshinori , Nishihata Yosuke , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Ota Toyosaku , Yoshino Hiroki , Iida Junzo , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: July 2015

Despite some slight differences in symptomatology, differential diagnosis of methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MAP) versus schizophrenia can be challenging because both disorders present a large overlap in their clinical symptoms. However, a recent study has shown that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) performed during a cognitive task can be a powerful tool to differentiate between these two disorders. Here, we evaluated verbal fluency task performance during NIRS in 15 patients diagnosed with MAP and 19 with schizophrenia matched for age and sex. We used prefrontal probes and a 24-channel NIRS machine to measure the relative concentrations of oxyhaemoglobin every 0.1 s during the task. For each patient, the neurocognitive function and clinical psychopathology were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Oxyhaemoglobin changes in the prefrontal cortex were significantly higher in the MAP group compared to those in the schizophrenia group, particularly in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In contrast, we found no significant difference in PANSS and BACS scores. Our findings suggest that NIRS measurement could be applied to differentiate patients with MAP from those with schizophrenia, even in cases where clinical symptoms are similar.
Maximum temperature accounts for annual soil CO2 efflux in temperate forests of Northern China
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Xu Meili , Kang Fengfeng , Jianxin Sun Osbert
Published: July 2015

It will help understand the representation legality of soil temperature to explore the correlations of soil respiration with variant properties of soil temperature. Soil temperature at 10 cm depth was hourly logged through twelve months. Basing on the measured soil temperature, soil respiration at different temporal scales were calculated using empirical functions for temperate forests. On monthly scale, soil respiration significantly correlated with maximum, minimum, mean and accumulated effective soil temperatures. Annual soil respiration varied from 409 g C m−2in coniferous forest to 570 g C m−2in mixed forest and to 692 g C m−2in broadleaved forest and was markedly explained by mean soil temperatures of the warmest day, July and summer, separately. These three soil temperatures reflected the maximum values on diurnal, monthly and annual scales. In accordance with their higher temperatures, summer soil respiration accounted for 51% of annual soil respiration across forest types and broadleaved forest also had higher soil organic carbon content (SOC) and soil microbial biomass carbon content (SMBC), but a lower contribution of SMBC to SOC. This added proof to the findings that maximum soil temperature may accelerate the transformation of SOC to CO2-C via stimulating activities of soil microorganisms.
Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production
Authors: Venterea Rodney T. , Clough Timothy J. , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Breuillin-Sessoms Florence , Wang Ping , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: July 2015

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted ‘hot spots’ and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O and genes associated with nitrification in two soils (‘L’ and ‘W’) having similar texture, pH, C and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3−) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2−) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2− oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2− was strongly correlated with N2O production and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2−. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2− oxidization leading to greater NO2− levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2−, N2O and nitrifier genes and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2− levels and N2O production.
Active charge state control of single NV centres in diamond by in-plane Al-Schottky junctions
Authors: Schreyvogel C. , Polyakov V. , Wunderlich R. , Meijer J. , Nebel C. E.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we demonstrate an active control of the charge state of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre by using in-plane Schottky-diode geometries with aluminium on hydrogen-terminated diamond surface. A switching between NV+, NV0 and NV− can be performed with the Al-gates which apply electric fields in the hole depletion region of the Schottky junction that induces a band bending modulation, thereby shifting the Fermi-level over NV charge transition levels. We simulated the in-plane band structure of the Schottky junction with the Software ATLAS by solving the drift-diffusion model and the Poisson-equation self-consistently. We simulated the IV-characteristics, calculated the width of the hole depletion region, the position of the Fermi-level intersection with the NV charge transition levels for different reverse bias voltages applied on the Al-gate. We can show that the field-induced band bending modulation in the depletion region causes a shifting of the Fermi-level over NV charge transition levels in such a way that the charge state of a single NV centre and thus its electrical and optical properties is tuned. In addition, the NV centre should be approx. 1–2 μm away from the Al-edge in order to be switched with moderate bias voltages.
Thermodynamic explanation of the universal correlation between oxygen evolution activity and corrosion of oxide catalysts
Authors: Binninger Tobias , Mohamed Rhiyaad , Waltar Kay , Fabbri Emiliana , Levecque Pieter , Kötz Rüdiger , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: July 2015

In recent years, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has attracted increased research interest due to its crucial role in electrochemical energy conversion devices for renewable energy applications. The vast majority of OER catalyst materials investigated are metal oxides of various compositions. The experimental results obtained on such materials strongly suggest the existence of a fundamental and universal correlation between the oxygen evolution activity and the corrosion of metal oxides. This corrosion manifests itself in structural changes and/or dissolution of the material. We prove from basic thermodynamic considerations that any metal oxide must become unstable under oxygen evolution conditions irrespective of the pH value. The reason is the thermodynamic instability of the oxygen anion in the metal oxide lattice. Our findings explain many of the experimentally observed corrosion phenomena on different metal oxide OER catalysts.
Serum and hair zinc levels in breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiujuan , Tang Jing , Xie Mingjun
Published: July 2015

Many studies have investigated the association between serum/hair zinc levels and breast cancer, but the results were inconsistent. To compare the serum and hair zinc levels in women with breast cancer and controls, we conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase to identify relevant studies with publication dates up through November 2014. Based on a random effects model, summary standard mean differences (SMDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare the serum and hair zinc levels in women with breast cancer and controls. Fourteen studies that investigated serum zinc levels and seven studies that assessed hair zinc levels were included. Our study observed no difference in serum zinc levels between breast cancer cases and controls (SMD (95%CI): −0.65[−1.42,0.13]). However, we determined that hair zinc levels were lower in women with breast cancer compared with those of controls (SMD (95%CI): −1.99[−3.46, −0.52]). In conclusion, this study was the first to provide evidence that hair zinc levels in female breast cancer patients are lower than in controls; however, there was no significant difference in serum zinc levels between female breast cancer patients and controls.
High accuracy determination of the thermal properties of supported 2D materials
Authors: Judek Jarosław , Gertych Arkadiusz P. , Świniarski Michał , Łapińska Anna , Dużyńska Anna , Zdrojek Mariusz
Published: July 2015

We present a novel approach for the simultaneous determination of the thermal conductivity κ and the total interface conductance g of supported 2D materials by the enhanced opto-thermal method. We harness the property of the Gaussian laser beam that acts as a heat source, whose size can easily and precisely be controlled. The experimental data for multi-layer graphene and MoS2 flakes are supplemented using numerical simulations of the heat distribution in the Si/SiO2/2D material system. The procedure of κ and g extraction is tested in a statistical approach, demonstrating the high accuracy and repeatability of our method.
A simple one-step extraction method for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in shuanghuanglian and antivirus oral liquids by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhong Yao , Mao Xuejin , Wan Yiqun
Published: July 2015

Comparison of oral liquid samples and the extracts: (a) shuanghuanglian oral liquid sample and (b) extracts of shuanghuanglian oral liquid. The GC-MS/MS chromatogram of a blank shuanghuanglian oral liquid sample matrix (c) and a matrix-matched standard mixture of 11 pesticides (d).
(3E,8E)-3,8-Bis(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)naphtho-[1,2-b:5,6-b′]difuran-2,7(3H,8H)-dione (INDF) based polymers for organic thin-film transistors with highly balanced ambipolar charge transport characteristics
Authors: Deng Yunfeng , Sun Bin , He Yinghui , Quinn Jesse , Guo Chang , Li Yuning
Published: July 2015

INDF polymers exhibit highly balanced ambipolar characteristics with hole and electron mobilities up to 0.51 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.50 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively.
Sulfur-resistant and regenerable Ni/Co spinel-based catalysts for methane dry reforming
Authors: Misture S. T. , McDevitt K. M. , Glass K. C. , Edwards D. D. , Howe J. Y. , Rector K. D. , He H. , Vogel S. C.
Published: July 2015

High-perfection Ni/Co spinel microcrystalline catalysts with extensive faceting show high turnover frequencies in methane dry reforming and good sulfur tolerance.
Anti-P2 structured Na0.5NbO2 and its negative strain effect
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Gao Yurui , Shen Xi , Li Yejing , Kong Qingyu , Lee Sungsik , Wang Zhaoxiang , Yu Richeng , Hu Yong-Sheng , Chen Liquan
Published: July 2015

Layer-structured anti-P2 Na0.5NbO2 composed of NbO6 trigonal prisms and NaO6 octahedra shows a negative strain effect: its lattice shrinks upon Na-ion intercalation and expands upon deintercalation.
Highly efficient polymer solar cells cast from non-halogenated xylene/anisaldehyde solution
Authors: Sprau Christian , Buss Felix , Wagner Michael , Landerer Dominik , Koppitz Manuel , Schulz Alexander , Bahro Daniel , Schabel Wilhelm , Scharfer Philip , Colsmann Alexander
Published: July 2015

Several high performance polymer:fullerene bulk-heterojunctions are deposited from non-halogenated xylene/anisaldehyde solution, yielding power conversion efficiencies up to 9.5%.
The influence of hypermodified nucleosides lysidine and t6A to recognize the AUA codon instead of AUG: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Sonawane Kailas D. , Sambhare Susmit B.
Published: July 2015

Hypermodified nucleosides lysidine (L) andN6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6A) influence codon–anticodon interactions to recognize ‘AUA’ instead of ‘AUG’ codon during protein biosynthesis process.
Mesoscale blood cell sedimentation for processing millilitre sample volumes
Authors: Galligan C. , Nichols J. , Kvam E. , Spooner P. , Gettings R. , Zhu L. , Puleo C. M.
Published: July 2015

We demonstrate the efficient separation of blood cells from millilitre volumes of whole blood in minutes using a simple gravity sedimentation device.
Novel benzoxepine-1,2,3-triazole hybrids: synthesis and pharmacological evaluation as potential antibacterial and anticancer agents
Authors: Kuntala Naveen , Telu Jhonsee Rani , Banothu Venkanna , Nallapati Suresh Babu , Anireddy Jaya Shree , Pal Sarbani
Published: July 2015

A remarkably rapid CuAAC strategy afforded benzoxepine-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as potential antibacterial/cytotoxic agents.
Asymmetric induction by retgersite, nickel sulfate hexahydrate, in conjunction with asymmetric autocatalysis
Authors: Matsumoto Arimasa , Ozawa Hirokazu , Inumaru Ayako , Soai Kenso
Published: July 2015

A chiral crystal of retgersite, nickel sulfate hexahydrate, acts as a chiral initiator of asymmetric autocatalysis, affording highly enantiomerically enriched pyrimidyl alkanols.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of tetra-oxidized terarylenes with high-contrast fluorescence switching
Authors: Kanazawa Rui , Taguchi Maki , Nakashima Takuya , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2015

Photochromic tetra-oxidized terarylenes with ethyl-substituents at the reactive carbon atoms are demonstrated as turn-on fluorescent molecules.
Liquid crystalline side-chain triblock copolymers consisting of a nematic central subblock edged by photochromic azobenzene-containing fragments: their synthesis, structure and photooptical behaviour
Authors: Boiko N. I. , Bugakov M. A. , Chernikova E. V. , Piryazev A. A. , Odarchenko Ya. I. , Ivanov D. A. , Shibaev V. P.
Published: July 2015

Synthesis, phase and photooptical properties of new symmetrical fully liquid crystalline triblock copolymers.
Dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-based low band gap polymers: the effect of fluorine and side chain substituents on photovoltaic performance
Authors: Gu Chuantao , Zhu Qianqian , Bao Xichang , Wen Shuguang , Qiu Meng , Han Liangliang , Huang Wei , Zhu Dangqiang , Yang Renqiang
Published: July 2015

The effect of the F atom and the side-chain of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-based polymers on the optical, carrier mobility and photovoltaic properties was investigated.
Single-molecule magnetism in {CoIII2DyIII2}-amine-polyalcohol-acetylacetonate complexes: effects of ligand replacement at the DyIII sites on the dynamics of magnetic relaxation
Authors: Langley Stuart K. , Chilton Nicholas F. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S.
Published: July 2015

The article describes the structures, magnetism and ab initio theory of three new “butterfly” {CoIII2DyIII2(OH)2} clusters containing alcoholamine ligands and six bidentate acetylacetonate ligands, per cluster.
Cluster dynamics simulation of deuterium retention behaviors in irradiated beryllium
Authors: Hu L. , Li Y. G. , Zhang C. G. , Zeng Z.
Published: July 2015

The long-term dynamics evolution behaviors of deuterium in beryllium under different irradiation conditions are investigated using the cluster dynamics model.
Fluorocarboxylic acid-modified barium titanate/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite with significantly enhanced breakdown strength and high energy density
Authors: Niu Yujuan , Yu Ke , Bai Yuanyuan , Xiang Feng , Wang Hong
Published: July 2015

Fluorocarboxylic acid, as a novel surface modifier for BT nanoparticles, has significantly improved the performance of the BT/PVDF composites.
A versatile approach to grafting biofouling resistant coatings from polymeric membrane surfaces using an adhesive macroinitiator
Authors: Ginic-Markovic Milena , Barclay Thomas , Constantopoulos Kristina T. , Al-Ghamdi Tawfiq , Blok Andrew , Markovic Elda , Ellis Amanda V.
Published: July 2015

The use of a polydopamine-based macroinitiator provides a flexible attachment method that is virtually independent of membrane substrate. The subsequent ARGET-ATRP controllably grafts the stable biofouling resistant polyzwitterion coating.