bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarker‐based phenotyping of myocardial fibrosis identifies patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction resistant to the beneficial effects of spironolactone: results from the Aldo‐DHF trial
Authors: Ravassa Susana , Trippel Tobias , Bach Doris , Bachran Diana , González Arantxa , López Begoña , Wachter Rolf , Hasenfuss Gerd , Delles Christian , Dominiczak Anna F. , Pieske Burkert , Díez Javier , Edelmann Frank
Published: April 2018

Background

Myocardial fibrosis is characterized by excessive cross‐linking and deposition of collagen type I and is involved in left ventricular stiffening and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). We investigated whether the effect of spironolactone on LVDD in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) depends on its effects on collagen cross‐linking and/or deposition.

Methods and results

We investigated 381 HFpEF patients from the multicentre, randomized, placebo‐controlled Aldo‐DHF trial with measures of the E:e' ratio. The ratio of serum carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type I to serum matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (CITP:MMP‐1, an inverse index of myocardial collagen cross‐linking) and serum carboxy‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP, a direct index of myocardial collagen deposition) were determined at baseline and after 1‐year treatment with spironolactone 25 mg once daily or placebo. Patients were classified by CITP:MMP‐1 and PICP tertiles at baseline. While CITP:MMP‐1 tertiles at baseline interacted (P < 0.05) with spironolactone effect on E:e', PICP tertiles did not. In fact, while spironolactone treatment did not modify E:e' in patients with lower CITP:MMP‐1 levels, this ratio was significantly reduced in the remaining spironolactone‐treated patients. In addition, PICP was unchanged in patients with lower CITP:MMP‐1 levels but was reduced in the remaining spironolactone‐treated patients.

Conclusions

A biochemical phenotype of high collagen cross‐linking identifies HFpEF patients resistant to the beneficial effects of spironolactone on LVDD. It is suggested that excessive collagen cross‐linking, which stabilizes collagen type I fibres, diminishes the ability of spironolactone to reduce collagen deposition in these patients.
Comprehensive in‐hospital monitoring in acute heart failure: applications for clinical practice and future directions for research. A statement from the Acute Heart Failure Committee of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Parissis John , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Čelutkienė Jelena , Chioncel Ovidiu , Collins Sean P. , De Backer Daniel , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Gayat Etienne , Hill Loreena , Lainscak Mitja , Lassus Johan , Masip Josep , Mebazaa Alexandre , Miró Òscar , Mortara Andrea , Mueller Christian , Mullens Wilfried , Nieminen Markku S. , Rudiger Alain , Ruschitzka Frank , Seferovic Petar M. , Sionis Alessandro , Vieillard‐Baron Antoine , Weinstein Jean Marc , de Boer Rudolf A. , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Piepoli Massimo , Riley Jillian P.
Published: April 2018

This paper provides a practical clinical application of guideline recommendations relating to the inpatient monitoring of patients with acute heart failure, through the evaluation of various clinical, biomarker, imaging, invasive and non‐invasive approaches. Comprehensive inpatient

monitoring is crucial to the optimal management of acute heart failure patients. The European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines provide recommendations for the inpatient monitoring of acute heart failure, but the level of evidence underpinning most recommendations is limited. Many tools are available for the in‐hospital monitoring of patients with acute heart failure, and each plays a role at various points throughout the patient's treatment course, including the emergency department, intensive care or coronary care unit, and the general ward. Clinical judgment is the preeminent factor guiding application of inpatient monitoring tools, as the various techniques have different patient population targets. When applied appropriately, these techniques enable decision making. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating that implementation of these tools improves patient outcome. Research priorities are identified to address these gaps in evidence. Future research initiatives should aim to identify the optimal in‐hospital monitoring strategies that decrease morbidity and prolong survival in patients with acute heart failure.
Ciguatoxin prevalence in 4 commercial fish species along an oceanic exposure gradient in the US Virgin Islands
Authors: Loeffler Christopher R. , Robertson Alison , Flores Quintana Harold A. , Silander Miguel C. , Smith Tyler B. , Olsen David
Published: April 2018

Ciguatera fish poisoning is a seafood-toxin illness resulting from consumption of fish contaminated with ciguatoxins. Managing ciguatera fish poisoning is complex. It is made easier, however, by local fishers from endemic areas reporting regional predictability for local fish species’ ciguatera fish poisoning risk, which the present study then tested. We investigated the prevalence of ciguatoxins in 4 commonly marketed and consumed species (Balistes vetula, Haemulon plumierii, Ocyurus chrysurus, and Epinephelus guttatus) across an oceanic gradient (north, south, east, and west) from the US Virgin Islands. Fish muscle extracts were analyzed for Caribbean ciguatoxins using an in vitro mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cytotoxicity assay and confirmed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fish collected from the north location had 0 fish with detectable ciguatoxins; this site also had the greatest wave energy. Caribbean ciguatoxins in fish ranged from 0.01 to 0.11, 0.004 to 0.10, and 0.005 to 0.18 ng Caribbean ciguatoxin-1 eq/g, from the west, east, and south respectively. Ciguatoxin-like activity was detectable by the N2a assay in 40, 41, 50, and 70% of H. plumierii, O. chrysurus, B. vetula, and E. guttatus, respectively. Of the fish collected, 4% had Caribbean ciguatoxin levels exceeding the US Food and Drug Administration guidance of 0.1 ng Caribbean ciguatoxin-1 eq/g fish. These findings concurred with spatial ciguatera fish poisoning prevalence information provided by local fishers in the US Virgin Islands and demonstrate how partnerships between researchers and fishers can aid the improvement of science-based ciguatera fish poisoning management. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;39:1852–1863. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Increased neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio independently predicts poor survival in non‐metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Qiu Xiangting , Song Yucui , Cui Yanxiang , Liu Yan
Published: April 2018

Inflammation plays an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is widely used to evaluate global inflammation in various tumor types. However, the prognostic role of NLR in non‐metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients was poorly known. The aim of this study was to explore the association between pre‐treatment NLR and survival in TNBC patients. Data were collected for patients with stages I–III TNBC from 2006 to 2013 at Linyi Central Hospital to analyze pre‐treatment NLR and survival. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox analysis was performed to determine clinicopathological parameters for their prognostic relevance. A total of 406 patients were eligible. Patients with NLR lower than 2.85 exhibited significantly higher OS (P < 0.001) and DFS (P < 0.001) than patients with higher NLR. Higher pre‐treatment NLR was independently correlated with poor OS and DFS, with hazard ratios of 2.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94–3.72, P = 0.001) and 2.13 (95% CI: 1.68–2.65, P = 0.008), respectively, in the Cox proportional multivariate hazard model. In conclusion, our results indicate that pre‐treatment NLR may be correlated with OS and DFS in early‐stage TNBC patients, and that it may have considerable clinical applications. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):529–535, 2018
MicroRNA‐223 inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response by directly targeting Irak1 in the nucleus pulposus cells of intervertebral disc
Authors: Wang Hua , Hao Pan , Zhang Hu , Xu Cuiping , Zhao Junyan
Published: April 2018

This study was aimed to research the effect of miR‐223 on the inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells of rat intervertebral disc. Isolated rat NP cells were induced by LPS. Reverse transcriptase quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect gene expression. To detect protein expression, Western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay experiments were applied. The putative targeting relationship between miR‐223 and Irak1 was determined using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. We found that miR‐223 was downregulated in LPS‐induced NP cells. MiR‐223 upregulated the expression of extracellular matrix‐related genes (Aggrecan and Collagen II). Matrix degrading enzymes (ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, MMP3 and MMP13), NO reaction‐associated proteins (PGE2, COX‐2 and INOS) and the expression of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling‐related proteins were downregulated after miR‐233 overexpression. In addition, luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR‐223 directly targeted Irak1. MiR‐223 overexpression could inhibit NF‐κB signaling by targeting Irak1, and finally suppress the LPS‐induced inflammation in NP cells. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):479–490, 2018
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Reporter Strains as Tools for Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: April 2018

Reporter strains have proven to be powerful tools to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) physiology. Transcriptional and translational reporter strains are engineered by fusing a readout gene, encoding a fluorescent, luminescent or enzymatic protein, downstream of a promoter or in‐frame with a gene of interest. When the reporter is expressed, it generates a signal that acts as a synthetic phenotype, enabling the study of physiologies that might have otherwise been hidden. This review will discuss approaches for generating reporter strains in Mtb and how they can be used as tools for high‐throughput genetic and small molecule screening and as biomarkers for examining Mtb responses to drug or immune stresses during animal infections. Fluorescent reporter strains have an added benefit in that they can be used for single‐cell studies both in vitro and in vivo, thus enabling the study of mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity. Recent examples of the use of Mtb reporter strains will be presented with a focus on how they can be used as tools for drug discovery and development. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(9):818–825, 2018
Investigation of the active biofilm communities on polypropylene filter media in a fixed biofilm reactor for wastewater treatment
Authors: Naz Iffat , Hodgson Douglas , Smith Ann , Marchesi Julian , Sehar Shama , Ahmed Safia , Lynch Jim , Avignone‐Rossa Claudio , Saroj Devendra P
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

This research is focused on the effect of temperature on the growth of active biofilms on polypropylene (PP) filter media in aerobic fixed biofilm reactors (FBR) for wastewater treatment.

RESULTS

High‐throughput sequencing was used to explore the composition and diversity of the microbial community of 14‐days‐old (starting phase) biofilms grown at 10, 20 and 30°C. Members of the classesProteobacteria, Bacteroidetes,andFirmicuteswere predominant in all the biofilm samples retrieved from PP‐FBRs. A total of 108 genera of bacteria were identified, with some of them present in all three reactors, includingTrichococcus, Zoogloea, Aeromonas, Acidovorax,andMalikias,among others. Besides these shared populations, certain genera were abundantly found in individual biofilm samples, likeBrevundimonas(17.1%),Chitinimonas(10.3%) andRoseateles(39.3%), at 10, 20, and 30°C, respectively. The metabolic capabilities of active microbial communities in PP‐FBRs were estimated by assessing the changes in different variables (BOD, DO, and pH) in the influent and effluent during operation. A noteworthy BOD removal (66.6%) was shown by PP‐FBRs operating at 30°C, compared with 20°C (28.3%) and 10°C (28.8%),consistent with the DO levels recorded in the effluents, highest at 30°C (70.5%), and decreasing with declining temperatures. Substantial wastewater treatment efficiencies were observed in the reactors at 30°C, attributable to the higher relative abundance and diversity of microbial biofilms.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of physiologically active biofilms in PP at all prevailing temperatures strongly suggests that the material is suitable to be employed in FBRs for wastewater treatment at different operational temperatures. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The pathogenicity of IL-33 on steroid-resistant eosinophilic inflammation via the activation of memory-type ST2+CD4+ T cells
Authors: Hirahara Kiyoshi , Mato Naoko , Hagiwara Koichi , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: April 2018

The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system in many animals and have unique epithelial barrier systems to protect the host from continuous invasion of various harmful particles, such as viruses and bacteria. IL-33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is released from epithelial cells in the mucosal organs and drives the type 2 immune response by activating a number of immune cells in cases of helminth infection. However, IL-33 derived from epithelial cells also causes various allergic diseases via the activation of ST2-positive immune cells, including memory-type (CD62LlowCD44hi) ST2+CD4+ T cells in the lung. Recent studies have revealed that the type 2 inflammation induced by IL-33 is steroid resistant. Steroid resistance causes severe chronic inflammatory diseases, such as intractable asthma. In this review, we will discuss the impact of ST2+CD4+ T cells on shaping the pathology of IL-33-induced eosinophilic inflammation. We will also highlight the mechanism underlying steroid resistance in eosinophilic pneumonia. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying steroid resistance is crucial for the development of new therapeutic strategies for intractable allergic diseases.

Review on the impact of IL-33 in the development of eosinophilic lung inflammation and the mechanism of steroid resistance in the airway inflammation.
An investigation into the use of radiographer abnormality detection systems by Queensland public hospitals
Authors: Murphy Andrew , Neep Michael
Published: April 2018

Introduction

A Radiographer Abnormality Detection System (RADS), such as the ‘red dot system’, involves radiographers highlighting the presence of potential acute abnormalities on radiographs in the emergency setting. The literature suggests little additional training is required of radiographers to participate in such a system, posing little impact on current workflow while remaining a cost‐effective, easy‐to‐implement program. However, its use outside the United Kingdom is sporadic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of use of a RADS in Queensland public hospitals.

Methods

A cross‐sectional web‐based questionnaire was developed and distributed to 28 medical imaging department directors throughout metropolitan, rural and remote Queensland (Australia) public hospitals. The results of this survey were analysed using conventional descriptive statistics of response frequencies and the percentage of the sample.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 25 radiography directors (89% response rate). Sixteen percent of respondents, all metropolitan‐based, indicated a RADS was in operation (n = 4/25; 16%). Respondents without a RADS (n = 21/21; 100%) expressed interest in a trial. Just over half (n = 13/25; 52%) of the respondents believed their staff members were not trained appropriately to implement a RADS successfully.

Conclusion

This study found an infrequent use of RADSs in Queensland public hospitals. This finding presents a unique opportunity for medical imaging professionals to enhance communication between the facets of a multidisciplinary emergency team via the implementation of RADS complemented by a radiographer commenting system.
Mechanical and moisture barrier properties of corn distarch phosphate film influenced by modified microcry stalline corn straw cellulose
Authors: Shao Xinru , Sun Haitao , Jiang Ruiping , Qin Ting , Ma Zhongsu
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

In this paper, a novel modified microcrystalline corn straw cellulose (MMCSC) was prepared by ultrasonic/microwave‐assisted treatment. Effective incorporation of MMCSC into corn distarch phosphate (CDP)‐based composite films was investigated.

RESULTS

As the proportion of MMCSC was increased, tensile strength increased initially before decreasing, and the elongation at break always decreased. The composite film of MMCSC20 showed the lowest water vapor permeability (2.917 × 10−7 g m−1 h−1 Pa−1). The measurement of surface color showed that by the increasing of the MMCSC proportion in composite films, the L* and b* values and the total color difference (ΔE*) increased, while a* values decreased. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that, with the incorporation of MMCSC, the stable structure of the films was enhanced through cross‐linking and the crystallinity was increased. A scanning electron microscopy study revealed the surface microstructure of films (MMCSC0–MMCSC30) was smooth and homogeneous, and there was no distinct separation in the matrix of composite films.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of suitable MMCSC could improve the properties of composite films. The CDP–MMCSC films, which are completely biodegradable and environmental friendly, have a high potential to be used for food packaging. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Is Portal Venous Pressure Modulation Still Indicated for All Recipients in Living Donor Liver Transplantation?
Authors: Yao Siyuan , Kaido Toshimi , Uozumi Ryuji , Yagi Shintaro , Miyachi Yosuke , Fukumitsu Ken , Anazawa Takayuki , Kamo Naoko , Taura Kojiro , Okajima Hideaki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: April 2018

There is a consensus that portal venous pressure (PVP) modulation prevents portal hypertension (PHT) and consequent complications after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). However, PVP‐modulation strategies need to be updated based on the most recent findings. We examined our 10‐year experience of PVP modulation and reevaluated whether it was necessary for all recipients or for selected recipients in ALDLT. In this retrospective study, 319 patients who underwent ALDLT from 2007 to 2016 were divided into 3 groups according to the necessity and results of PVP modulation: not indicated (n = 189), indicated and succeeded (n = 92), and indicated but failed (n = 38). Graft survival and associations with various clinical factors were investigated. PVP modulation was performed mainly by splenectomy to lower final PVP to ≤15 mm Hg. Successful PVP modulation improved prognosis to be equivalent to that of patients who did not need modulation, whereas failed modulation was associated with increased incidence of small‐for‐size syndrome (SFSS; P = 0.003) and early graft loss (EGL; P = 0.006). Among patients with failed modulation, donor age ≥ 45 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.67; P = 0.02) and ABO incompatibility (HR, 3.90; P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for graft loss. Survival analysis showed that PVP > 15 mm Hg was related to poor prognosis in grafts from either ABO‐incompatible or older donor age ≥ 45 years (P < 0.001), but it did not negatively affect grafts from ABO‐compatible/identical and young donor age < 45 years (P = 0.27). In conclusion, intentional PVP modulation is not necessarily required in all recipients. Although grafts from both ABO‐compatible/identical and young donors can tolerate PHT, lowering PVP to ≤15 mm Hg is a key to preventing SFSS and consequent EGL with grafts from either ABO‐incompatible or older donors.
The “little emperor” and the luxury brand: How overt and covert narcissism affect brand loyalty and proneness to buy counterfeits
Authors: Fastoso Fernando , Bartikowski Boris , Wang Siqi
Published: April 2018

The authors build on approach‐avoidance motivations theory to investigate the relationship between narcissism and luxury brand consumption. Narcissistic consumers, that is, those showing excessive conceit, are prone to consuming high‐prestige products and are thus attractive targets for luxury brands. Yet despite research in psychology distinguishing two types of narcissism, overt (or grandiose) and covert (or vulnerable) narcissism, little is known about how luxury consumption varies by these forms of narcissism. This paper focuses on Chinese Generation Y consumers to examine how overt and covert narcissism differ in their effects on luxury brand loyalty and proneness to purchase counterfeits as well as the moderating role of brand‐image self‐image congruity on the relationship between overt/covert narcissism and brand loyalty. Findings highlight the need for marketers to understand narcissistic targets more clearly in order to develop successful strategies to foster brand loyalty and diminish counterfeit consumption.
Effects of Postoperative Parenteral Nutrition Enhanced by Multivitamin on Metabolic Phenotype in Postoperative Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Li Zi‐Jian , Chen Wei , Jiang Hua , Li Xiao‐Yi , Zhu Sai‐Nan , Liu Xiao‐Hui
Published: April 2018

Scope

To investigate the effects of postoperative parenteral nutrition (PN) with multivitamins supplementation on oxidative stress and metabolism.

Methods and results

The participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to groups: total nutrient admixture (TNA) + multivitamin (n = 14, Group A) and TNA + normal saline (n = 16, Group B). The levels of blood vitamins, ILs, and MDA are assessed and the dysregulation of metabolism is analyzed using nontargeted metabolite profiling. The degree of postoperative stress in Group A is significantly lower than that in Group B by analyzing changes in the levels of IL‐8 and MDA. A set of 43 features are qualified to have a variable importance parameter score of >1.5 of a partial least‐squares discriminate analysis model and fold change of >1.5 at p‐value <0.05 between Groups A and B. The principal metabolic alternations in Group A include increased tricarboxylic acid cycle and ketogenesis with reduced plasma‐free amino acids. Backing the results of clinical biomarkers, increased levels of antioxidative molecules, together with decreased levels of inflammatory related polyunsaturated fatty acids, are observed.

Conclusion

Postoperative PN enhanced by multivitamins can alleviate traumatic stress and improve metabolic transition from catabolism to anabolism in gastric cancer patients.
Resveratrol Prevents the Development of Hypertension Programmed by Maternal Plus Post‐Weaning High‐Fructose Consumption through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Nutrient‐Sensing Signals, and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Tain You‐Lin , Lee Wei‐Chia , Wu Kay L. H. , Leu Steve , Chan Julie Y. H.
Published: April 2018

Scope

High‐fructose (HF) intake, oxidative stress, nutrient‐sensing signals, and gut microbiota dysbiosis are closely related to the development of hypertension. It was investigated whether resveratrol can prevent hypertension induced by maternal plus post‐weaning HF diets in adult offspring via the above‐mentioned mechanisms.

Methods and results

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats received either a normal (ND) or 60% high‐fructose (HF) diet during gestation and lactation. Male offspring were assigned to five groups (maternal diet/post‐weaning diet;n= 8 per group): ND/ND, ND/HF, HF/ND, HF/HF, and HF/HF+ Resveratrol. Resveratrol (50 mg L−1) was administered in drinking water from weaning to 3 months of age. It was found that HF/HF induced hypertension in adult offspring. Maternal HF diet altered gut microbiota composition in adult offspring, including decreasing the abundance of generaBacteroides, Dysgonomonas, andTuricibacter, while increasing phylumVerrucomicrobiaandAkkermansia muciniphila. Additionally, HF/HF diets increased oxidative stress and decreased renal mRNA expression ofPrkaa2,Prkag2,Ppara,Pparb,Ppargc1a, andSirt4. Resveratrol reduced renal oxidative stress, activated nutrient‐sensing signals, modulated gut microbiota, and prevented associated HF/HF‐induced programmed hypertension.

Conclusion

Targeting oxidative stress, nutrient‐sensing signals, and gut microbiota by resveratrol might be a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypertension induced by excessive consumption of fructose in the adult rat offspring.
In Vitro Fermentation Behavior of Isomalto/Malto‐Polysaccharides Using Human Fecal Inoculum Indicates Prebiotic Potential
Authors: Gu Fangjie , Borewicz Klaudyna , Richter Bernadette , van der Zaal Pieter H. , Smidt Hauke , Buwalda Pieter L. , Schols Henk A.
Published: April 2018

Scope

This study characterize intestinal fermentation of isomalto/malto‐polysaccharides (IMMPs), by monitoring degradation of IMMPs, production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactic acid, and succinic acid as well as enzyme activity and microbiota composition.

Methods and results

IMMP‐94 (94% α‐(1→6) glycosidic linkages), IMMP‐96, IMMP‐27, and IMMP‐dig27 (IMMP‐27 after removal of digestible starch segments) are fermented batchwise in vitro using human fecal inoculum. Fermentation digesta samples are taken for analysis in time up till 48 h. The fermentation of α‐(1→6) glycosidic linkages in IMMP‐94, IMMP‐96, and IMMP‐dig27 starts after 12 h and finishes within 48 h. IMMP‐27 fermentation starts directly after inoculation utilizing α‐(1→4) linked glucosyl residues; however, the utilization of α‐(1→6) linked glucoses is delayed and start only after the depletion of α‐(1→4) linked glucose moieties. SCFAs are produced in high amounts with acetic acid and succinic acid being the major products next to propionic acid and butyric acid. The polysaccharide fraction is degraded into isomalto‐oligosaccharides (IMOs) mainly by extracellular enzymes. The smaller IMOs are further degraded by cell‐associated enzymes. Overall microbial diversity and the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, significantly increase during the fermentation of IMMPs.

Conclusion

IMMP containing segments of α‐(1→6) linked glucose units are slowly fermentable fibers with prebiotic potential.
Compressed sensing for high‐resolution nonlipid suppressed 1H FID MRSI of the human brain at 9.4T
Authors: Nassirpour Sahar , Chang Paul , Avdievitch Nikolai , Henning Anke
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to apply compressed sensing to accelerate the acquisition of high resolution metabolite maps of the human brain using a nonlipid suppressed ultra‐short TR and TE 1H FID MRSI sequence at 9.4T.

Methods

X‐t sparse compressed sensing reconstruction was optimized for nonlipid suppressed 1H FID MRSI data. Coil‐by‐coil x‐t sparse reconstruction was compared with SENSE x‐t sparse and low rank reconstruction. The effect of matrix size and spatial resolution on the achievable acceleration factor was studied. Finally, in vivo metabolite maps with different acceleration factors of 2, 4, 5, and 10 were acquired and compared.

Results

Coil‐by‐coil x‐t sparse compressed sensing reconstruction was not able to reliably recover the nonlipid suppressed data, rather a combination of parallel and sparse reconstruction was necessary (SENSE x‐t sparse). For acceleration factors of up to 5, both the low‐rank and the compressed sensing methods were able to reconstruct the data comparably well (root mean squared errors [RMSEs] ≤ 10.5% for Cre). However, the reconstruction time of the low rank algorithm was drastically longer than compressed sensing. Using the optimized compressed sensing reconstruction, acceleration factors of 4 or 5 could be reached for the MRSI data with a matrix size of 64 × 64. For lower spatial resolutions, an acceleration factor of up to R∼4 was successfully achieved.

Conclusion

By tailoring the reconstruction scheme to the nonlipid suppressed data through parameter optimization and performance evaluation, we present high resolution (97 µL voxel size) accelerated in vivo metabolite maps of the human brain acquired at 9.4T within scan times of 3 to 3.75 min.
An Integrated Proteomic Approach Uncovers Novel Substrates and Functions of the Lon Protease in Escherichia coli
Authors: Arends Jan , Griego Marcena , Thomanek Nikolas , Lindemann Claudia , Kutscher Blanka , Meyer Helmut E. , Narberhaus Franz
Published: April 2018

Controlling the cellular abundance and proper function of proteins by proteolysis is a universal process in all living organisms. In Escherichia coli, the ATP‐dependent Lon protease is crucial for protein quality control and regulatory processes. To understand how diverse substrates are selected and degraded, unbiased global approaches are needed. We employed a quantitative Super‐SILAC (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture) mass spectrometry approach and compared the proteomes of a lon mutant and a strain producing the protease to discover Lon‐dependent physiological functions. To identify Lon substrates, we took advantage of a Lon trapping variant, which is able to translocate substrates but unable to degrade them. Lon‐associated proteins were identified by label‐free LC‐MS/MS. The combination of both approaches revealed a total of 14 novel Lon substrates. Besides the identification of known pathways affected by Lon, for example, the superoxide stress response, our cumulative data suggests previously unrecognized fundamental functions of Lon in sulfur assimilation, nucleotide biosynthesis, amino acid and central energy metabolism.
Design optimization of an air atmospheric pressure plasma‐jet device intended for medical use
Authors: Xaubet Magalí , Baudler Jan‐Simon , Gerling Torsten , Giuliani Leandro , Minotti Fernando , Grondona Diana , Von Woedtke Thomas , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter
Published: April 2018

The current and potential applications of atmospheric pressure plasmas in medicine generate an increasing need to develop safe and reliable plasma devices for patient treatment. This paper shows how the estimation of safety risks, the stability of the generated plasma, and the effectiveness in the aimed application can orientate the design process of a specific atmospheric pressure plasma device intended for clinical use. A promising plasma jet device operated with air is optimized, leading to a configuration with a more advanced design that reduces the temperature of the effluent, prevents the material degradation and improves the isolation of the high voltage components. The effects of the plasma jet treatment are investigated by chemical analysis of demineralized water and inactivation tests on E. coli cultures.
Quantification of plasma produced OH radical density for water sterilization
Authors: Zhang Xianhui , Zhou Renwu , Bazaka Kateryna , Liu Yan , Zhou Rusen , Chen Guangliang , Chen Zhong , Liu Qinghuo , Yang Size , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: April 2018

The interactions between plasma‐generated excited particles and water play an integral role in sustainable degradation of pharmaceutical compounds, improving aerobic respiration of activated sludge, and efficient removal of microorganisms from water, and are fundamental to the intentional transfer of reactivity from plasmas to biological solutions for such medical applications as cancer treatment and wound healing. The physical and chemical mechanisms that govern this transfer of reactivity are complex, and include concomitant generation and consumption of species in the gas and liquid phases, and at the interface. As such, it is challenging to predict the quantities of biologically‐active radicals and molecules in liquid phase from gas phase measurements alone. Rapid and accurate quantification of reactive species, such as OH radicals and H2O2 molecules within the liquid phase and their link to specific biological effects is therefore critical for medical applications of plasma‐activated solutions. Using a simple, low‐cost method for trapping and stabilization of OH radicals by means of salicylic acid, this work seeks to provide further insights into the physics and chemistry of generation of OH radicals within the liquid phase, and integrate these findings with decontamination outcomes for four commonly used processing gases.
Influence of Atomic Layer Deposition Temperature on the Electrical Properties of Al/ZrO2/SiO2/4H‐SiC Metal‐Oxide Semiconductor Structures
Authors: Król Krystian , Sochacki Mariusz , Taube Andrzej , Kwietniewski Norbert , Gierałtowska Sylwia , Wachnicki Łukasz , Godlewski Marek , Szmidt Jan
Published: April 2018

In this paper a ZrO2/SiO2/4H‐SiC dielectric system for potential application as gate dielectric for SiC MOSFETs is investigated. An enhanced breakdown performance for this type of dielectric stacks having typical value of critical field of 17 MV cm−1 and reaching a maximum value of 20 MV cm−1 is presented. The observed results are explained based on high‐k layer properties in conjunction with a reduced impact ionization effect in SiO2 layer. Electrical and structural properties of this dielectric stack are measured and analyzed. Growth temperature of atomic layer deposition process seems to be a crucial parameter that influences on layer microstructure and electrical properties such as permittivity of high‐κ layer and critical electric field for all dielectric stacks.
First Step in Exploration of Fe–Ga–N System for Efficient Crystallization of GaN at High N2 Pressure
Authors: Sadovyi Petro , Sadovyi Bogdan , Bockowski Michal , Dziecielewski Igor , Porowski Sylwester , Grzegory Izabella
Published: April 2018

According to the existing data, iron is a very efficient solvent for nitrogen. In this work, the results of first steps toward crystallization of GaN from Fe‐based solutions at 1 GPa N2 pressure are reported. Melting of Fe at 0.88 GPa N2 pressure is studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA) which shows a strong (≈200 °C) decrease of melting temperature as compared to the well‐established value of 1570 °C for pure Fe at 0.88 GPa at inert atmosphere. The N content of about 11.9 at.% is found by ON836 LECO analyzer in the Fe samples after DTA. It means that the observed drop of Tm (Fe) is related to the high solubility of nitrogen in Fe metal. Also the dissolution of GaN in Fe in 1370–1480 °C temperature range is studied. Encouragingly high (22–30 at.%) solubilities of Ga (direct measurement) and most probably, as high for N (evaluated from mass balance) are found.
Research Progress in MnO2–Carbon Based Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Zhang Qun‐Zheng , Zhang Dian , Miao Zong‐Cheng , Zhang Xun‐Li , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: April 2018

With the serious impact of fossil fuels on the environment and the rapid development of the global economy, the development of clean and usable energy storage devices has become one of the most important themes of sustainable development in the world today. Supercapacitors are a new type of green energy storage device, with high power density, long cycle life, wide temperature range, and both economic and environmental advantages. In many industries, they have enormous application prospects. Electrode materials are an important factor affecting the performance of supercapacitors. MnO2‐based materials are widely investigated for supercapacitors because of their high theoretical capacitance, good chemical stability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. To achieve high specific capacitance and high rate capability, the current best solution is to use MnO2 and carbon composite materials. Herein, MnO2–carbon composite as supercapacitor electrode materials is reviewed including the synthesis method and research status in recent years. Finally, the challenges and future development directions of an MnO2–carbon based supercapacitor are summarized.
Highly Tough Bioinspired Ternary Hydrogels Synergistically Reinforced by Graphene/Xonotlite Network
Authors: Li Sen , Qin Haili , Zhang Tan , Cong Huai‐Ping , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: April 2018

The application fields of hydrogels are often severely limited by their weak mechanical performance. It is therefore highly demanded to develop an effective strategy to fabricate mechanically strong hydrogels. Herein, a kind of bioinspired ternary hydrogel consisting of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, xonotlite nanowires, and polyacrylamide (PAM) is constructed under the synergy of hydrogen bonding–induced GO/xonotlite network and the penetrated PAM chain network. Benefiting from the effective energy dissipation mechanism caused by double–network structural design and the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between two nanobuilding blocks, the gel exhibits a high toughness of 22 MJ m−3 at an elongation of 2750%. Even notched with 1/4 size, it still holds a large extensibility of 2180% its initial length. These high‐performance hydrogels could be of great interest in the fields of tissue engineering and biomedical areas.
In Defense of the (Moderate) Disunity of Grounding
Authors: Litland Jon Erling ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2018

Fine (2012) is a pluralist about grounding. He holds that there are three fundamentally distinct notions of grounding: metaphysical, normative, and natural. Berker (2017) argues for monism on the grounds that the pluralist cannot account for certain principles describing how the distinct notions of grounding interact. This paper defends pluralism. By building on work by Fine (2010) and Litland (2015) I show how the pluralist can systematically account for Berker’s interaction principles.
A Dilemma for ‘Selection-for-Action’
Authors: Buehler Denis ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2018

One of the most influential recent accounts of attention is Wayne Wu’s. According to Wu, attention is selection-for-action. I argue that this proposal faces a dilemma: either it denies clear cases of attention capture, or it acknowledges these cases but classifies many inattentive episodes as attentive.
Making lineage decisions with biological noise: Lessons from the early mouse embryo
Authors: Simon Claire S. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina , Schröter Christian
Published: April 2018

Understanding how individual cells make fate decisions that lead to the faithful formation and homeostatic maintenance of tissues is a fundamental goal of contemporary developmental and stem cell biology. Seemingly uniform populations of stem cells and multipotent progenitors display a surprising degree of heterogeneity, primarily originating from the inherent stochastic nature of molecular processes underlying gene expression. Despite this heterogeneity, lineage decisions result in tissues of a defined size and with consistent proportions of differentiated cell types. Using the early mouse embryo as a model we review recent developments that have allowed the quantification of molecular intercellular heterogeneity during cell differentiation. We first discuss the relationship between these heterogeneities and developmental cellular potential. We then review recent theoretical approaches that formalize the mechanisms underlying fate decisions in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst stage embryo. These models build on our extensive knowledge of the genetic control of fate decisions in this system and will become essential tools for a rigorous understanding of the connection between noisy molecular processes and reproducible outcomes at the multicellular level. We conclude by suggesting that cell‐to‐cell communication provides a mechanism to exploit and buffer intercellular variability in a self‐organized process that culminates in the reproducible formation of the mature mammalian blastocyst stage embryo that is ready for implantation into the maternal uterus.

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Quantitative Methods and Models
The AdS3 propagator and the fate of locality
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Fitzpatrick A. Liam , Kaplan Jared , Li Daliang
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We recently used Virasoro symmetry considerations to propose an exact formula for a bulk proto-field ϕ in AdS3. In this paper we study the propagator 〈ϕϕ〉. We show that many techniques from the study of conformal blocks can be generalized to compute it, including the semiclassical monodromy method and both forms of the Zamolodchikov recursion relations. When the results from recursion are expanded at large central charge, they match gravitational perturbation theory for a free scalar field coupled to gravity in our chosen gauge.

We find that although the propagator is finite and well-defined at long distances, its perturbative expansion in

$$ {G}_N=\frac{3}{2c} $$

G
N

=

3

2
c

exhibits UV/IR mixing effects. If we nevertheless interpret 〈ϕϕ〉 as a probe of bulk locality, then when

$$ {G}_{N{m}_{\phi }}\ll 1 $$

G

N

m
ϕ

≪
1

locality breaks down at the new short-distance scale

$$ {\sigma}_{\ast}\sim \sqrt[4]{G_N{R}_{\mathrm{AdS}}^3} $$

σ
∗

∼

G
N

R
AdS
3

4

. For ϕ with very large bulk mass, or at small central charge, bulk locality fails at the AdS length scale. In all cases, locality ‘breakdown’ manifests as singularities or branch cuts at spacelike separation arising from non-perturbative quantum gravitational effects.
Supereigenvalue models and topological recursion
Authors: Bouchard Vincent , Osuga Kento
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We show that the Eynard-Orantin topological recursion, in conjunction with simple auxiliary equations, can be used to calculate all correlation functions of supereigenvalue models.
Matter field Kähler metric in heterotic string theory from localisation
Authors: Blesneag Ştefan , Buchbinder Evgeny I. , Constantin Andrei , Lukas Andre , Palti Eran
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We propose an analytic method to calculate the matter field Kähler metric in heterotic compactifications on smooth Calabi-Yau three-folds with Abelian internal gauge fields. The matter field Kähler metric determines the normalisations of the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 chiral superfields, which enter the computation of the physical Yukawa couplings. We first derive the general formula for this Kähler metric by a dimensional reduction of the relevant supergravity theory and find that its T-moduli dependence can be determined in general. It turns out that, due to large internal gauge flux, the remaining integrals localise around certain points on the compactification manifold and can, hence, be calculated approximately without precise knowledge of the Ricci-flat Calabi-Yau metric. In a final step, we show how this local result can be expressed in terms of the global moduli of the Calabi-Yau manifold. The method is illustrated for the family of Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces embedded in

$$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{P}}}^1\times {\mathrm{\mathbb{P}}}^3 $$

ℙ
1

×

ℙ
3

and we obtain an explicit result for the matter field Kähler metric in this case.
Partially massless fields during inflation
Authors: Baumann Daniel , Goon Garrett , Lee Hayden , Pimentel Guilherme L.
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The representation theory of de Sitter space allows for a category of partially massless particles which have no flat space analog, but could have existed during inflation. We study the couplings of these exotic particles to inflationary perturbations and determine the resulting signatures in cosmological correlators. When inflationary perturbations interact through the exchange of these fields, their correlation functions inherit scalings that cannot be mimicked by extra massive fields. We discuss in detail the squeezed limit of the tensor-scalar-scalar bispectrum, and show that certain partially massless fields can violate the tensor consistency relation of single-field inflation. We also consider the collapsed limit of the scalar trispectrum, and find that the exchange of partially massless fields enhances its magnitude, while giving no contribution to the scalar bispectrum. These characteristic signatures provide clean detection channels for partially massless fields during inflation.
Precision holography for $$ \mathcal{N}={2}^{\ast } $$ on S4 from type IIB supergravity
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Gautason Friðrik Freyr , van Muiden Jesse
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We find a new supersymmetric solution of type IIB supergravity which is holographically dual to the planar limit of the four-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}={2}^{\ast } $$

N
=

2
∗

supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on S
4. We study a probe fundamental string in this background which is dual to a supersymmetric Wilson loop in the

$$ \mathcal{N}={2}^{\ast } $$

N
=

2
∗

theory. Using holography we calculate the expectation value of this line operator to leading order in the ’t Hooft coupling. The result is a non-trivial function of the mass parameter of the

$$ \mathcal{N}={2}^{\ast } $$

N
=

2
∗

theory that precisely matches the result from supersymmetric localization.
A fast and accurate method for perturbative resummation of transverse momentum-dependent observables
Authors: Kang Daekyoung , Lee Christopher , Vaidya Varun
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We propose a novel strategy for the perturbative resummation of transverse momentum-dependent (TMD) observables, using theqTspectra of gauge bosons (γ∗, Higgs) inppcollisions in the regime of low (but perturbative) transverse momentumqTas a specific example. First we introduce a scheme to choose the factorization scale for virtuality in momentum space instead of in impact parameter space, allowing us to avoid integrating over (or cutting off) a Landau pole in the inverse Fourier transform of the latter to the former. The factorization scale for rapidity is still chosen as a function of impact parameterb, but in such a way designed to obtain a Gaussian form (in lnb) for the exponentiated rapidity evolution kernel, guaranteeing convergence of thebintegral. We then apply this scheme to obtain theqTspectra for Drell-Yan and Higgs production at NNLL accuracy. In addition, using this scheme we are able to obtain a fast semi-analytic formula for the perturbative resummed cross sections in momentum space: analytic in its dependence on all physical variables at each order of logarithmic accuracy, up to a numerical expansion for the pure mathematical Bessel function in the inverse Fourier transform that needs to be performed just once for all observables and kinematics, to any desired accuracy.
The Role of Exportin-5 in MicroRNA Biogenesis and Cancer
Authors: Wu Ke , He Juan , Pu Wenchen , Peng Yong
Published: April 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved small non-coding RNAs that play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and participate in a variety of biological processes. The biogenesis of miRNAs is tightly controlled at multiple steps, such as transcription of miRNA genes, processing by Drosha and Dicer, and transportation of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by exportin-5 (XPO5). Given the critical role of nuclear export of pre-miRNAs in miRNA biogenesis, any alterations of XPO5, resulting from either genetic mutation, epigenetic change, abnormal expression level or posttranslational modification, could affect miRNA expression and thus have profound effects on tumorigenesis. Importantly, XPO5 phosphorylation by ERK kinase and its cis/trans isomerization by the prolyl isomerase Pin1 impair XPO5′s nucleo-to-cytoplasmic transport ability of pre-miRNAs, leading to downregulation of mature miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we focus on how XPO5 transports pre-miRNAs in the cells and summarize the dysregulation of XPO5 in human tumors.