bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nodes occupying central positions in human tissue specific PPI networks are enriched with many splice variants
Authors: Sinha Anupam , Nagarajaram Hampapathalu Adimurthy
Published: August 2014

The functional repertoire of genes in the eukaryotic organisms is enhanced by the phenomenon of alternative splicing. Hence, a node in a tissue specific protein–protein interaction (TS PPIN) network can be thought of as an ensemble of various spliced protein products of the corresponding gene expressed in that tissue. Here we demonstrate that the nodes that occupy topologically central positions characterized by high degree, betweenness, closeness, and eigenvector centrality values in TS PPINs of Homo sapiens are associated with high number of splice variants. We also show that the high “centrality” of these genes/nodes could in part be explained by the presence of a large number of promiscuous domains.
Review of the Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi)
Authors: Fu Juan , Wang Zenghui , Huang Linfang , Zheng Sihao , Wang Dongmei , Chen Shilin , Zhang Haitao , Yang Shihai
Published: August 2014

Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicines. It is used as immune stimulant, tonic, antioxidant, hepatoprotectant, diuretic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and expectorant. The current paper reviews the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Astragali Radix. Information on Astragali Radix was gathered via the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Medline Plus, CNKI, and Web of Science) as well as from libraries and local books. More than 100 compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and amino acids, have so far been identified, and the various biological activities of the compounds have been reported. As an important traditional Chinese medicine, further studies on Astragali Radix can lead to the development of new drugs and therapies for various diseases. The improvement of its utilization should be studied further. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Extract on Longitudinal Bone Growth Rate in Adolescent Female Rats
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Lee Jeong‐Il , Song MiKyung , Lee Donghun , Song Jungbin , Kim Soo Young , Park Juyeon , Choi Ho‐Young , Kim Hocheol
Published: August 2014

Eucommia ulmoides is one of the popular tonic herbs for the treatment of low back pain and bone fracture and is used in Korean medicine to reinforce muscles and bones. This study was performed to investigate the effects of E. ulmoides extract on longitudinal bone growth rate, growth plate height, and the expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) in adolescent female rats. In two groups, we administered a twice‐daily dosage of E. ulmoides extract (at 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) per os over 4 days, and in a control group, we administered vehicle only under the same conditions. Longitudinal bone growth rate in newly synthesized bone was observed using tetracycline labeling. Chondrocyte proliferation in the growth plate was observed using cresyl violet dye. In addition, we analyzed the expressions of BMP‐2 and IGF‐1 using immunohistochemistry. Eucommia ulmoides extract significantly increased longitudinal bone growth rate and growth plate height in adolescent female rats. In the immunohistochemical study, E. ulmoides markedly increased BMP‐2 and IGF‐1 expressions in the proliferative and hypertrophic zones. In conclusion, E. ulmoides increased longitudinal bone growth rate by promoting chondrogenesis in the growth plate and the levels of BMP‐2 and IGF‐1. Eucommia ulmoides could be helpful for increasing bone growth in children who have growth retardation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Involvement of Cerebral Nervous System Areas and Cytokines on Antihyperalgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Kielmeyera rugosa Choisy (Calophyllaceae) in Rodents
Authors: Melo M.S. , Brito R.G. , Santos P.L. , Nogueira P.C.L. , Moraes V.R.S. , Matos M.C.P. , Ferro J.N.S. , Barreto E.O. , Lucca Junior W. , Botelho M.A. , Quintans Junior L.J.
Published: August 2014

Kielmeyera rugosa is a medicinal plant known in Northeastern Brazil as ‘pau‐santo’, and it is used in the treatment of several tropical diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and leishmaniasis. We evaluated antihyperalgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities of methanol stem extract of K. rugosa (MEKR) in mice. The mechanical hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), prostaglandin E2, and dopamine were assessed. We also investigated the anti‐inflammatory effect of MEKR on carrageenan‐induced pleurisy and paw edema. Ninety minutes after the treatment, the animals were submitted to an imunofluorescence for Fos protein. MEKR (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) inhibited the development of mechanical hypernociception and edema. MEKR significantly decreased TNF‐α and interleukin 1β levels in pleural lavage and suppressed the recruitment of leukocytes. MEKR (1, 10, and 100 mg/mL) did not produce cytotoxicity, determined using the methyl‐thiazolyl‐tetrazolium assay in vitro. The locomotor activity was not affected. MEKR activated significantly the bulb olfactory, piriform cortex, and periaqueductal gray of the central nervous system. Our results provide first time evidence to propose that MEKR attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia and inflammation, in part, through an activation of central nervous system areas, mainly the periaqueductal gray and piriform cortex areas. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Protective Effects of a Polyphenol‐Enriched Protein Powder on Exercise‐Induced Susceptibility to Virus Infection
Authors: Ahmed Maryam , Henson Dru A. , Sanderson Matthew C. , Nieman David C. , Gillitt Nicholas D. , Lila Mary Ann
Published: August 2014

Prolonged and intensive exercise induces transient immunosuppression and is associated with an increased risk and severity of infections. The goal of this study was to characterize the antiviral and antibacterial properties of the bioactive metabolites of a blueberry–green tea‐polyphenol soy protein complex (PSPC) in the serum of supplemented subjects during a 3‐day intensified training period. Long‐distance runners, randomly divided into two groups, ingested 40 g/day PSPC or placebo (soy protein and colorings) for 17 days, with a 3‐day running period inserted at day 14. Blood serum samples were collected pre‐14 days and post‐14 days supplementation, and immediately and 14 h after the third day of running. The post‐exercise serum from both groups significantly promoted the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in culture by 20–70%, but returned to normal levels following recovery. Furthermore, the serum from subjects ingesting PSPC did not display antibacterial properties at any time point. In contrast, there was a significant difference in the ability of serum from PSPC‐supplemented versus placebo‐supplemented athletes to protect cells in culture from killing by vesicular stomatitis virus following strenuous exercise. In addition, the serum of subjects who ingested PSPC significantly delayed an exercise‐induced increase in virus replication. These results indicate that polyphenol complexes containing blueberry and green tea have the potential to protect athletes from virus infections following rigorous exercise. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding sprint velocity fluctuations for improved project plans with Scrum: a case study
Authors: Albero Pomar Filipe , Calvo‐Manzano Jose A. , Caballero Edgar , Arcilla‐Cobián Magdalena
Published: August 2014

Starting from the documentation of high sprint velocity fluctuations in a Scrum project, this paper presents a thorough approach to identify the sources of issues arising in the context of Scrum implementation. Given that Scrum provides guidance on identifying process issues but not their root causes, various approaches are explored. This is of great relevance because Scrum defines project schedules relying heavily on sprint velocity and because it is the most widely used agile methodology. The findings provide a new approach to evaluate such fluctuations and establish a more realistic project assessment than what is currently defined by Scrum. In this respect, this paper contributes to improve the understanding of the software development process using this agile framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecotoxicological Assessment of Mixtures of Ether Carboxylic Derivative and Amine‐Oxide‐Based Non‐ionic Surfactants on the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Fernández‐Serrano Mercedes , Jurado Encarnación , Fernández‐Arteaga Alejandro , Ríos Francisco , Lechuga Manuela
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to discuss the effect of the chemical structure of anionic and non‐ionic surfactants and surface activity on toxicity. Single and binary mixtures of three ether carboxylic derivative surfactants and three amine‐oxide‐based non‐ionic surfactants were used. Toxicity was determined using three test organisms: freshwater crustaceans (Daphnia magna), luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), and microalgae (Selenastrum capricornutum). The toxicity of surfactants is related to the hydrophobic alkyl chain, the degree of ethoxylation, and the critical micelle concentration of surfactants. Relationships found agreed with the fact that the lower toxicity is shown by the shorter alkyl chain. There is a strong relation between surface activity and toxicity: the toxicity increased as the CMC of the surfactant or mixtures of surfactants decreased. Commercial products are formulated using surfactants mixtures, so it is important to know their behavior using an easily measured property: the least toxic mixtures were formed by the surfactants having lower individual toxicity. Around the CMC, our data show a synergism for the binary mixtures. The results have given rise to a classification of the different surfactants and their mixtures according to the organism test, as safe, harmful or toxic.V. fischeriwas in general the most sensitive microorganism to the toxic effect of the surfactants, followed byDaphnia magna, whileSelenastrum capricornutumwas more tolerant. These results can be useful for selecting technically efficient surfactants and their mixtures with a lower ecotoxicity on the aquatic environment.
In situ observation of austenite grain growth behavior in the simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone of Ti-microalloyed steels
Authors: Wan Xiang-liang , Wu Kai-ming , Huang Gang , Wei Ran , Cheng Lin
Published: August 2014

The austenite grain growth behavior in a simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone during thermal cycling was investigated via in situ observation. Austenite grains nucleated at ferrite grain boundaries and then grew in different directions through movement of grain boundaries into the ferrite phase. Subsequently, the adjacent austenite grains impinged against each other during the α→γ transformation. After the α→γ transformation, austenite grains coarsened via the coalescence of small grains and via boundary migration between grains. The growth process of austenite grains was a continuous process during heating, isothermal holding, and cooling in simulated thermal cycling. Abundant finely dispersed nanoscale TiN particles in a steel specimen containing 0.012wt% Ti effectively retarded the grain boundary migration, which resulted in refined austenite grains. When the Ti concentration in the steel was increased, the number of TiN particles decreased and their size coarsened. The big particles were not effective in pinning the austenite grain boundary movement and resulted in coarse austenite grains.
Bonding characteristics of the Al2O3-metal composite coating fabricated onto carbon steel by combustion synthesis
Authors: Xue Xiao-feng , Wang Ze-hua , Zhou Ze-hua , Jiang Shao-qun , Cheng Jiang-bo , Wang Chang-hao , Shao Jia
Published: August 2014

The fabrication of an alumina-metal composite coating onto a carbon steel substrate by using a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique was demonstrated. The effects of the type and thickness of the pre-coated layer on the binding structure and surface quality of the coating were systematically investigated. The macrostructure, phase composition, and bonding interface between the coating and the substrate were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The diffraction patterns indicated that the coating essentially consisted of α-Al2O3, Fe(Cr), and FeO·Al2O3. With an increase in the thickness of the pre-coated working layer, the coating became more smooth and compact. The transition layer played an important role in enhancing the binding between the coating and the substrate. When the pre-coated working layer was 10 mm and the pre-coated transition layer was 1 mm, a compact structure and metallurgical bonding with the substrate were obtained. Thermal shock test results indicated that the ceramic coating exhibited good thermal shock resistance when the sample was rapidly quenched from 800°C to room temperature by plunging into water.
My Friend is Gay, But… The Effects of Social Contact on Christian Evangelicals’ Beliefs about Gays and Lesbians
Authors: Baker Ashley A. , Brauner-Otto Sarah R.
Published: August 2014

This paper examines the relationship between social contact with gays and lesbians and beliefs about homosexuality, and explicitly investigates whether this relationship is different for Christian evangelicals than for others. We find that although social contact with gays and lesbians is related to beliefs about homosexuality in ways predicted by social contact theory, those with a gay or lesbian friend hold more positive attitudes, this is not the case for Christian evangelicals. In fact, analyses reveal that the effect of social contact for Christian evangelicals is significantly less than the effect for non-evangelicals. Results suggest that social contact alone is not enough to positively change Christian evangelicals’ beliefs about gay and lesbian individuals. This research adds to our knowledge about social contact by providing empirical evidence that all subgroups of the population are not affected equally by social contact with minority groups—an important piece of information for theoretical developments and policy makers.
Directed evolution of squalene synthase for dehydrosqualene biosynthesis
Authors: Furubayashi Maiko , Li Ling , Katabami Akinori , Saito Kyoichi , Umeno Daisuke
Published: August 2014

Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first step of sterol/hopanoid biosynthesis in various organisms. It has been long recognized that SQSs share a common ancestor with carotenoid synthases, but it is not known how these enzymes selectively produce their own product. In this study, SQSs from yeast, human, and bacteria were independently subjected to directed evolution for the production of the C30 carotenoid backbone, dehydrosqualene. This was accomplished via high‐throughput screening with Pantoea ananatis phytoene desaturase, which can selectively convert dehydrosqualene into yellow carotenoid pigments. Genetic analysis of the resultant mutants revealed various mutations that could effectively convert SQS into a “dehydrosqualene synthase.” All of these mutations are clustered around the residues that have been proposed to be important for NADPH binding.
Blau syndrome polymorphisms in NOD2 identify nucleotide hydrolysis and helical domain 1 as signalling regulators
Authors: Parkhouse Rhiannon , Boyle Joseph P. , Monie Tom P.
Published: August 2014

Understanding how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) lead to disease at a molecular level provides a starting point for improved therapeutic intervention. SNPs in the innate immune receptor nucleotide oligomerisation domain 2 (NOD2) can cause the inflammatory disorders Blau Syndrome (BS) and early onset sarcoidosis (EOS) through receptor hyperactivation. Here, we show that these polymorphisms cluster into two primary locations: the ATP/Mg2+‐binding site and helical domain 1. Polymorphisms in these two locations may consequently dysregulate ATP hydrolysis and NOD2 autoinhibition, respectively. Complementary mutations in NOD1 did not mirror the NOD2 phenotype, which indicates that NOD1 and NOD2 are activated and regulated by distinct methods.
Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α suppresses Peroxiredoxin 3 expression to promote proliferation of CCRCC cells
Authors: Xi Hao , Gao Yao-Hui , Han Dong-Yan , Li Qian-Yu , Feng Li-Jin , Zhang Wei , Ji Guo , Xiao Jia-Cheng , Zhang Hui-Zhen , Wei Qing
Published: August 2014

Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3) is a mitochondrial member of the antioxidant family of thioredoxin peroxidases that uses mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 as a source of reducing equivalents to scavenge hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Here, we report that the protein levels of Prx3 are significantly reduced in VHL‐deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Furthermore, stabilization of HIF‐1α protein, caused either by VHL deficiency under normoxia, or by hypoxia, significantly reduced Prx3 expression. Luciferase‐reporter and chromatin‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated that HIF‐1α binds to the hypoxia‐responsive elements of PRDX3 promoter and represses its transcription. Finally, shRNA‐based assays suggested that Prx3 downregulation is required for the HIF‐1α‐dependent proliferation of CCRCC cells. Taken together, our results shed new light onto the mechanism of HIF‐1α‐dependent proliferation in CCRCC cells.
Preterm birth and neonatal mortality in China in 2011
Authors: Zou Liying , Wang Xin , Ruan Yan , Li Guanghui , Chen Yi , Zhang Weiyuan
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine the incidence of preterm birth, its regional distribution, and associated neonatal mortality in mainland China.

Methods

In a multicenter, hospital‐based investigation of preterm birth, 2011 data were obtained from the seven administrative regions of mainland China. Between one and three subcenters were randomly selected for each administrative region, followed by secondary and tertiary hospitals within the chosen subcenters. Data were obtained from women's medical records, and obstetric and perinatal events were summarized.

Results

Data for 107 905 deliveries were analyzed, which included 7769 (7.1%) preterm births (occurring between 28 and 37 weeks of pregnancy). The incidence varied among regions. Late preterm birth (between 34 and 37 weeks) accounted for 5495 (70.7%) of preterm births. The neonatal mortality rate was 33 deaths per 1000 live preterm births. Of the 254 neonatal deaths, 147 (57.9%) occurred after very preterm birth (between 28 and 32 weeks). Overall, 4519 (58.2%) preterm births occurred by cesarean.

Conclusion

The distribution of preterm birth across China is unbalanced, and neonatal mortality associated with preterm birth is high.
Development and validation of a microRNA based diagnostic assay for primary tumor site classification of liver core biopsies
Authors: Perell Katharina , Vincent Martin , Vainer Ben , Petersen Bodil Laub , Federspiel Birgitte , Møller Anne Kirstine , Madsen Mette , Hansen Niels Richard , Friis-Hansen Lennart , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Daugaard Gedske
Published: August 2014

Identification of the primary tumor site in patients with metastatic cancer is clinically important, but remains a challenge. Hence, efforts have been made towards establishing new diagnostic tools. Molecular profiling is a promising diagnostic approach, but tissue heterogeneity and inadequacy may negatively affect the accuracy and usability of molecular classifiers. We have developed and validated a microRNA‐based classifier, which predicts the primary tumor site of liver biopsies, containing a limited number of tumor cells. Concurrently we explored the influence of surrounding normal tissue on classification. MicroRNA profiling was performed using quantitative Real‐Time PCR on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples. 278 primary tumors and liver metastases, representing nine primary tumor classes, as well as normal liver samples were used as a training set. A statistical model was applied to adjust for normal liver tissue contamination. Performance was estimated by cross‐validation, followed by independent validation on 55 liver core biopsies with a tumor content as low as 10%. A microRNA classifier developed, using the statistical contamination model, showed an overall classification accuracy of 74.5% upon independent validation. Two‐thirds of the samples were classified with high‐confidence, with an accuracy of 92% on high‐confidence predictions. A classifier trained without adjusting for liver tissue contamination, showed a classification accuracy of 38.2%. Our results indicate that surrounding normal tissue from the biopsy site may critically influence molecular classification. A significant improvement in classification accuracy was obtained when the influence of normal tissue was limited by application of a statistical contamination model.
PARP inhibitor olaparib increases the oncolytic activity of dl922‐947 in in vitro and in vivo model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Passaro Carmela , Volpe Massimiliano , Botta Ginevra , Scamardella Eloise , Perruolo Giuseppe , Gillespie David , Libertini Silvana , Portella Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

PARP inhibitors are mostly effective as anticancer drugs in association with DNA damaging agents. We have previously shown that the oncolytic adenovirus dl922‐947 induces extensive DNA damage, therefore we hypothesized a synergistic antitumoral effect of the PARP inhibitor olaparib in association with dl922‐947. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma was chosen as model since it is a particularly aggressive tumor and, because of its localized growth, it is suitable for intratumoral treatment with oncolytic viruses.

Here, we show that dl922‐947 infection induces PARP activation, and we confirm in vitro and in vivo that PARP inhibition increases dl922‐947 replication and oncolytic activity. In vitro, the combination with olaparib exacerbates the appearance of cell death markers, such as Annexin V positivity, caspase 3 cleavage, cytochrome C release and propidium iodide permeability. In vivo, we also observed a better viral distribution upon PARP inhibition. Changes in CD31 levels suggest a direct effect of olaparib on tumor vascularization and on the viral distribution within the tumor mass. The observation that PARP inhibition enhances the effects of dl922‐947 is highly promising not only for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma but, in general, for the treatment of other tumors that could benefit from the use of oncolytic viruses.
Isolation and characterization of [5,6]-pyrrolidino-Sc3N@Ih-C80 diastereomers
Authors: Maeda Yutaka , Kimura Masato , Ueda Chihiro , Yamada Michio , Kikuchi Toru , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Wang Wei-Wei , Mizorogi Naomi , Karousis Nikolaos , Tagmatarchis Nikos , Hasegawa Tadashi , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Balch Alan L. , Nagase Shigeru , Akasaka Takeshi
Published: August 2014

Reactions of Sc3N@Ih-C80 with aziridine derivatives afforded a pair of diastereomers of the mono-adducts.
Spray pyrolysis of CZTS nanoplatelets
Authors: Exarhos S. , Bozhilov K. N. , Mangolini L.
Published: August 2014

CZTS nanoplatelets have been grown using spray pyrolysis of a mixture of copper-, zinc- and tin-diethyldithiocarbamate as precursors.
Illuminating protein crystal growth using fluorophore-labelled proteins
Authors: Adawy Alaa , van Enckevort Willem J. P. , Pierson Elisabeth S. , de Grip Willem J. , Vlieg Elias
Published: August 2014

Incorporation of trace amounts of fluorophore-labelled proteins is used to study several optical properties and the growth history of protein crystals.
Hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding and lithium bonding: an atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital perspective towards conservation of total bond order, inter- and intra-molecular bonding
Authors: Shahi Abhishek , Arunan Elangannan
Published: August 2014

In D–X⋯A bonding (X = H/Cl/Li), there is a conservation of bond order that includes both ionicity and covalency in both D–X and X⋯A bonds. This should be applicable to any atom X involved in intermolecular bonding.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel second-order nonlinear optical chromophore based on a new julolidine donor
Authors: Yang Yuhui , Liu Fenggang , Wang Haoran , Zhang Maolin , Xu Huajun , Bo Shuhui , Liu Jialei , Qiu Ling , Zhen Zhen , Liu Xinhou
Published: August 2014

A new chromophore was synthesized and the hyperpolarizability can be effectively translated into large electro-optic coefficients in poled polymers.
Selection, characterisation and mapping of complex electrochemical processes at individual single-walled carbon nanotubes: the case of serotonin oxidation
Authors: Güell Aleix G. , Meadows Katherine E. , Dudin Petr V. , Ebejer Neil , Byers Joshua C. , Macpherson Julie V. , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: August 2014

The electrochemical (EC) oxidation of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, at individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is investigated at high resolution using a novel platform that combines flow-aligned SWNTs with atomic force microscopy, Raman microscopy, electronic conductance measurements, individual SWNT electrochemistry and high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). SECCM has been used to visualise the EC activity along side-wall sections of metallic SWNTs to assess the extent to which side-walls promote the electrochemistry of this complex multi-step process. Uniform and high EC activity is observed that is consistent with significant reaction at the side-wall, rather than electrochemistry being driven by defects alone. By scanning forward and reverse (trace and retrace) over the same region of a SWNT, it is also possible to assess any blocking of EC activity by serotonin oxidation reaction products. At a physiologically relevant concentration (5 μM), there is no detectable blocking of SWNTs, which can be attributed, at least in part, to the high diffusion rate to an individual, isolated SWNT in the SECCM format. At higher serotonin concentration (2 mM), oligomer formation from oxidation products is much more significant and major blocking of the EC process is observed from line profiles recorded as the SECCM meniscus moves over an SWNT. The SECCM line profile morphology is shown to be highly diagnostic of whether blocking occurs during EC processes. The studies herein add to a growing body of evidence that various EC processes at SWNTs, from simple outer sphere redox reactions to complex multi-step processes, occur readily at pristine SWNTs. The platform described is of general applicability to various types of nanostructures and nanowires.
A thin-reflector microfluidic resonator for continuous-flow concentration of microorganisms: a new approach to water quality analysis using acoustofluidics
Authors: Carugo Dario , Octon Tobias , Messaoudi Walid , Fisher Adam L. , Carboni Michele , Harris Nick R. , Hill Martyn , Glynne-Jones Peter
Published: August 2014

Acoustically-driven continuous-flow concentration of microorganisms using a thin-reflector microfluidic resonator, with application in water quality analysis.
Trends in Bone Morphogenetic Protein Usage since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory in 2008: What Happens to Physician Practices When the Food and Drug Administration Issues an Advisory?
Authors: Mckie Janay , Qureshi Sheeraz , Iatridis James , Egorova Natalia , Cho Samuel , Hecht Andrew C.
Published: August 2014

There was an error in the name of Andrew C. Hecht in the above article in Global Spine Journal, Volume 4, Number 2, 2014, page 71 (DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1363515). The author's middle initial was omitted. The correct listing of the author's name is Andrew C. Hecht as appears above.
A new perturbation theory for electrolyte solutions
Authors: Drunsel F. , Zmpitas W. , Gross J.
Published: August 2014

Developing physically based equations of state for electrolyte solutions is demanding due to the long range behaviour of the Coulombic interaction potentials. In this work, we present a new perturbation approach for nonprimitive model electrolyte solutions consisting of hard spheres with a positive or negative point charge or with point dipoles. We overcome the problem of diverging correlation integrals by separating the interaction potentials into short ranged parts and a long ranged contribution. For the point charges, the division is done like in most implementations of the Ewald sum. The perturbation expansion to 3rd order is formulated using the short ranged part of the potentials only, which results in converging correlation integrals for which we provide simple analytical expressions. The long range contribution to the Helmholtz energy is taken into account by a analytical term that has recently been presented by Rodgers and Weeks [J. M. Rodgers and J. D. Weeks, J. Chem. Phys. 131, 244108 (2009)]. In order to assess the proposed theory, we present molecular simulation data for Helmholtz energies of the same model electrolyte solutions. Predictions for the Helmholtz energy from the new theory are found to be in very good agreement with results from the molecular simulations for all state points we regarded.
Studies on a Q/A selector for the SECRAL electron cyclotron resonance ion source
Authors: Yang Y. , Sun L. T. , Feng Y. C. , Fang X. , Lu W. , Zhang W. H. , Cao Y. , Zhang X. Z. , Zhao H. W.
Published: August 2014

Electron cyclotron resonance ion sources are widely used in heavy ion accelerators in the world because they are capable of producing high current beams of highly charged ions. However, the design of the Q/A selector system for these devices is challenging, because it must have a sufficient ion resolution while controlling the beam emittance growth. Moreover, this system has to be matched for a wide range of ion beam species with different intensities. In this paper, research on the Q/A selector system at the SECRAL (Superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou) platform both in experiment and simulation is presented. Based on this study, a new Q/A selector system has been designed for SECRAL II. The features of the new design including beam simulations are also presented.
Quasi-classical description of molecular dynamics based on Egorov's theorem
Authors: Keller Johannes , Lasser Caroline
Published: August 2014

Egorov's theorem on the classical propagation of quantum observables is related to prominent quasi-classical descriptions of quantum molecular dynamics as the linearized semiclassical initial value representation, the Wigner phase space method, or the statistical quasiclassical method. The error estimates show that different accuracies are achievable for the computation of expectation values and position densities. Numerical experiments for a Morse model of diatomic iodine and confined Henon–Heiles systems in various dimensions illustrate the theoretical results.
Statistics of spatial derivatives of velocity and pressure in turbulent channel flow
Authors: Vreman A. W. , Kuerten J. G. M.
Published: August 2014

Statistical profiles of the first- and second-order spatial derivatives of velocity and pressure are reported for turbulent channel flow at Reτ = 590. The statistics were extracted from a high-resolution direct numerical simulation. To quantify the anisotropic behavior of fine-scale structures, the variances of the derivatives are compared with the theoretical values for isotropic turbulence. It is shown that appropriate combinations of first- and second-order velocity derivatives lead to (directional) viscous length scales without explicit occurrence of the viscosity in the definitions. To quantify the non-Gaussian and intermittent behavior of fine-scale structures, higher-order moments and probability density functions of spatial derivatives are reported. Absolute skewnesses and flatnesses of several spatial derivatives display high peaks in the near wall region. In the logarithmic and central regions of the channel flow, all first-order derivatives appear to be significantly more intermittent than in isotropic turbulence at the same Taylor Reynolds number. Since the nine variances of first-order velocity derivatives are the distinct elements of the turbulence dissipation, the budgets of these nine variances are shown, together with the budget of the turbulence dissipation. The comparison of the budgets in the near-wall region indicates that the normal derivative of the fluctuating streamwise velocity (∂u′/∂y) plays a more important role than other components of the fluctuating velocity gradient. The small-scale generation term formed by triple correlations of fluctuations of first-order velocity derivatives is analyzed. A typical mechanism of small-scale generation near the wall (around y+ = 1), the intensification of positive ∂u′/∂y by local strain fluctuation (compression in normal and stretching in spanwise direction), is illustrated and discussed.
Stability of shocks relating to the shock ignition inertial fusion energy scheme
Authors: Davie C. J. , Bush I. A. , Evans R. G.
Published: August 2014

Motivated by the shock ignition approach to improve the performance of inertial fusion targets, we make a series of studies of the stability of shock waves in planar and converging geometries. We examine stability of shocks moving through distorted material and driving shocks with non-uniform pressure profiles. We then apply a fully 3D perturbation, following this spherically converging shock through collapse to a distorted plane, bounce and reflection into an outgoing perturbed, broadly spherical shock wave. We find broad shock stability even under quite extreme perturbation.
Impact of thermal stress on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of PbTiO3 thick films on various substrates
Authors: Bai Gang , Liu Zhiguo , Yan Xiaobing , Zhang Changchun
Published: August 2014

The impact of thermal stress on the polarization, as well as dielectric and piezoelectric properties of (001) oriented PbTiO3 (PTO) thick films deposited on various substrates was investigated based on Landau-Devonshire thermodynamic model. The results showed that dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PTO films depend strongly on the thermal stress in PTO films decided by the deposition temperature TG and the thermal expansion coefficients' difference between PTO films and substrates. For IC-compatible substrates such as Si, c-sapphire, and a-sapphire that induce tensile in-plane thermal stresses, the dielectric and piezoelectric responses and tunabilities of PTO films were enhanced. Whereas for PTO films on MgO, compressive thermal in-plane stresses can degraded the dielectric and piezoelectric responses and tunabilities of the films.
Effects of Be acceptors on the spin polarization of carriers in p-i-n resonant tunneling diodes
Authors: Awan I. T. , Galeti H. V. A. , Galvão Gobato Y. , Brasil M. J. S. P. , Taylor D. , Henini M.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we have investigated the effect of Be acceptors on the electroluminescence and the spin polarization in GaAs/AlAs p-i-n resonant tunneling diodes. The quantum well emission comprise two main lines separated by ∼20 meV attributed to excitonic and Be-related transitions, which intensities show remarkably abrupt variations at critical voltages, particularly at the electron resonant peak where it shows a high-frequency bistability. The circular-polarization degree of the quantum-well electroluminescence also shows strong and abrupt variations at the critical bias voltages and it attains relatively large values (of ∼−75% at 15 T). These effects may be explored to design novel devices for spintronic applications such as a high-frequency spin-oscillators.
Customized atomic force microscopy probe by focused-ion-beam-assisted tip transfer
Authors: Wang Andrew , Butte Manish J.
Published: August 2014

We present a technique for transferring separately fabricated tips onto tipless atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers, performed using focused ion beam-assisted nanomanipulation. This method addresses the need in scanning probe microscopy for certain tip geometries that cannot be achieved by conventional lithography. For example, in probing complex layered materials or tall biological cells using AFM, a tall tip with a high-aspect-ratio is required to avoid artifacts caused by collisions of the tip's sides with the material being probed. We show experimentally that tall (18 μm) cantilever tips fabricated by this approach reduce squeeze-film damping, which fits predictions from hydrodynamic theory, and results in an increased quality factor (Q) of the fundamental flexural mode. We demonstrate that a customized tip's well-defined geometry, tall tip height, and aspect ratio enable improved measurement of elastic moduli by allowing access to low-laying portions of tall cells (T lymphocytes). This technique can be generally used to attach tips to any micromechanical device when conventional lithography of tips cannot be accomplished.
Communication: Mode bifurcation of droplet motion under stationary laser irradiation
Authors: Takabatake Fumi , Yoshikawa Kenichi , Ichikawa Masatoshi
Published: August 2014

The self-propelled motion of a mm-sized oil droplet floating on water, induced by a local temperature gradient generated by CW laser irradiation is reported. The circular droplet exhibits two types of regular periodic motion, reciprocal and circular, around the laser spot under suitable laser power. With an increase in laser power, a mode bifurcation from rectilinear reciprocal motion to circular motion is caused. The essential aspects of this mode bifurcation are discussed in terms of spontaneous symmetry-breaking under temperature-induced interfacial instability, and are theoretically reproduced with simple coupled differential equations.
Understanding glass-forming ability through sluggish crystallization of atomically thin metallic glassy films
Authors: Sun Y. T. , Cao C. R. , Huang K. Q. , Zhao N. J. , Gu L. , Zheng D. N. , Wang W. H.
Published: August 2014

The glass-forming ability (GFA) of an alloy, closely related to its ability to resist crystallization, is a crucial issue in condensed matter physics. So far, the studies on GFA are mostly statistical and empirical guides. Benefiting from the ultrahigh thermal stability of ultrathin metallic glassy film and high resolution spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, the crystallization of atomically thin ZrCu and its microalloyed ZrCuAl glasses with markedly different GFA was investigated at the atomic scale. We find the Zr diffusivity estimated from the density of nuclei is dramatically decreased by adding of Al, which is the major reason for the much better GFA of the ZrCuAl metallic glass.
IL-17 drives psoriatic inflammation via distinct, target cell-specific mechanisms
Authors: Ha Hye-Lin , Wang Hongshan , Pisitkun Prapaporn , Kim Jin-Chul , Tassi Ilaria , Tang Wanhu , Morasso Maria I. , Udey Mark C. , Siebenlist Ulrich
Published: August 2014

Significance

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin, a barrier site. The disease is characterized by abnormal growth of keratinocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Clinical trials targeting the IL-17 cytokine have shown remarkable efficacy, and IL-17 also has been strongly implicated in the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. However why IL-17 cytokines should be so central is not known, because target cells and their functions have not been clearly delineated. Here we demonstrate that IL-17 signaling into nonkeratinocytes, specifically dermal fibroblasts, induces mediators that further increase IL-17 production by innate γδT cells and promote cellular infiltration, whereas IL-17 signaling into keratinocytes aids proliferation and blocks their differentiation. These findings reveal the circuitry underpinning critical disease-driving effects of IL-17.
The ribosome uses cooperative conformational changes to maximize and regulate the efficiency of translation
Authors: Ning Wei , Fei Jingyi , Gonzalez Ruben L.
Published: August 2014

Significance

The catalytic cycle of many enzymes often requires that several, spatially remote enzyme structural elements undergo functionally important conformational changes. To maximize and regulate the efficiency of catalysis, therefore, considerable evidence suggests that small protein enzymes can coordinate the conformational changes of multiple structural elements. Whether and how larger, multicomponent biomolecular machines such as the ribosome also exhibit such coordination, however, remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the ribosome coordinates multiple, functionally important conformational changes to maximize and regulate the efficiency with which it translocates along its messenger RNA template. Our findings suggest that such coordination is likely to be a general and important mechanism through which all biomolecular machines maximize and regulate their functional efficiencies.
Genomic responses in mouse models greatly mimic human inflammatory diseases
Authors: Takao Keizo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2014

Significance

The role of mouse models in biomedical research was recently challenged by a report that genomic responses in mouse models poorly mimic human inflammatory diseases. Here we reevaluated the same gene expression datasets used in the previous study by focusing on genes whose expression levels were significantly changed in both humans and mice. Contrary to the previous findings, the gene expression patterns in the mouse models showed extraordinarily significant correlations with those of the human conditions. Moreover, many pathways were commonly regulated by multiple conditions in humans and mice. These findings demonstrate that gene expression patterns in mouse models closely recapitulate those in human inflammatory conditions and strongly argue for the utility of mice as animal models of human disorders.
Sequential combination therapy of ovarian cancer with degradable
N
-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer paclitaxel and gemcitabine conjugates
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Jiyuan , Sima Monika , Zhou Yan , Kopeček Jindřich
Published: August 2014

Significance

In previous clinical testing, first-generation
N
-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-drug conjugates circumvented drug resistance and showed reduced side effects, although only minor improvement was seen in therapeutic efficacy. For effective clincial translation, second-generation high-molecular weight backbone-degradable HPMA copolymer carriers designed by our group sought to provide prolonged blood circulation and enhanced tumor accumulation to enable sufficient exposure of tumors to effective drug concentrations, and guarantee their biocompatibility by making polymer backbone degradable. The second-generation conjugates showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and controlled drug release, resulting in a dramatic improvement of therapeutic efficacy, as compared with first-generation conjugates and free drugs. For future industrial-scale manufacture, a new reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer agent was developed that enables synthesis of conjugates in one step.
A computational and neural model of momentary subjective well-being
Authors: Rutledge Robb B. , Skandali Nikolina , Dayan Peter , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: August 2014

Significance

A common question in the social science of well-being asks, “How happy do you feel on a scale of 0 to 10?” Responses are often related to life circumstances, including wealth. By asking people about their feelings as they go about their lives, ongoing happiness and life events have been linked, but the neural mechanisms underlying this relationship are unknown. To investigate it, we presented subjects with a decision-making task involving monetary gains and losses and repeatedly asked them to report their momentary happiness. We built a computational model in which happiness reports were construed as an emotional reactivity to recent rewards and expectations. Using functional MRI, we demonstrated that neural signals during task events account for changes in happiness.
Linguistic correlates to communicative proficiency levels of the CEFR
Authors: Gyllstad Henrik , Granfeldt Jonas , Bernardini Petra , Källkvist Marie
Published: August 2014

This study is a contribution to the empirical underpinning of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and it aims to identify linguistic correlates to the proficiency levels defined by the CEFR. The study was conducted in a Swedish school setting, focusing on English, French and Italian, and examined the relationship between CEFR levels (A1–C2) assigned by experienced raters to learners’ written texts and three measures of syntactic complexity (based on length of t-unit, subclause ratio, and mean length of clause (cf. Norris & Ortega, 2009)). Data were elicited through two written tasks (a short letter and a narrative) completed by pupils of L2 English (N = 54) in years four, nine and the final year of upper-secondary school, L3 French (N = 38) in year nine and the final year of upper-secondary school, and L4 Italian (N = 28) in the final year of upper-secondary school and first year of university. The results showed that, globally, there were weak to medium-strong correlations between assigned CEFR levels and the three measures of syntactic complexity in English, French and Italian. Furthermore, it was found that syntactic complexity was homogeneous across the three languages at CEFR level A, whereas syntactic complexity was different across languages at CEFR level B, especially in the data for English and French. Consequences for the empirical validity of the CEFR framework and the nature of the three measures of complexity are discussed.
Effectiveness of implicit negative feedback in a foreign language classroom
Authors: Mifka-Profozic Nadia
Published: August 2014

This paper reports on a study that investigated the effectiveness of recasts and clarification requests in a French as a foreign language classroom. The target structures were French past tense structures the passé composé and the imparfait. The study was carried out with three intact classes of high school students in New Zealand, comprising in total 52 participants. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with a pre-test, treatment, immediate post-test and a delayed post-test. The treatment tasks were picture-based, designed to encourage communication and to elicit the use of past tense. The tests were also picture-based, written narrative tasks. The control group did not receive any treatment. Mixed design Repeated measures ANOVAs, followed by ANCOVAs, were computed to examine the effects of the treatment. Overall, results indicate that recasts were more effective for acquisition of the passé composé whereas both recasts and clarification requests proved beneficial for acquisition of the imparfait at this early stage of learning. However, non-parametric tests comparing more advanced and less advanced learners suggest that only the ‘low proficiency’ learners benefited from clarification requests.
Interfaces in the interpretation of mood alternation in L2 Spanish
Authors: Ahern Aoife K. , Amenós-Pons José , Guijarro-Fuentes Pedro
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we present the results of one written task testing the interpretation of mood choice in if-conditional constructions in L2 Spanish: a linguistic task of conditional utterances containing both regular and irregular indicative and subjunctive forms was completed by 48 L1 French and 40 L1 English speakers, and by an L1 Spanish control group (n = 35). Results show a similar pattern in the answers of both experimental groups despite the varying degree of similarity and disparity among the languages. We adopt a cognitive pragmatic perspective for the analysis of the results in connection with the various kinds of effects created by mood alternation in the constructions studied. Furthermore, in relation to current SLA debates (Lardiere 2008, 2009), our findings demonstrate that feature re-assembly in L2 Spanish is not trouble-free, as simple current feature accounts would advocate, even if those features exist in the learners’ L1.