bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE NUMERICAL ACCURACY OF FIRST-ORDER APPROXIMATE SOLUTIONS TO DSGE MODELS
Authors: Heiberger Christopher , Klarl Torben , Maussner Alfred
Published: October 2016

Many algorithms that provide approximate solutions for dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models employ the QZ factorization because it allows a flexible formulation of the model and exempts the researcher from identifying equations that give raise to infinite eigenvalues. We show, by means of an example, that the policy functions obtained by this approach may differ from both the solution of a properly reduced system and the solution obtained from solving the system of nonlinear equations that arises from applying the implicit function theorem to the model's equilibrium conditions. As a consequence, simulation results may depend on the specific algorithm used and on the numerical values of parameters that are theoretically irrelevant. The sources of this inaccuracy are ill-conditioned matrices as they emerge, e.g., in models with strong habits. Researchers should be aware of those strange effects, and we propose several ways to handle them.
BMI was found to be a consistent determinant related to misreporting of energy, protein and potassium intake using self-report and duplicate portion methods
Authors: Trijsburg Laura , Geelen Anouk , Hollman Peter CH , Hulshof Paul JM , Feskens Edith JM , van’t Veer Pieter , Boshuizen Hendriek C , de Vries Jeanne HM
Published: October 2016

Objective

As misreporting, mostly under-reporting, of dietary intake is a generally known problem in nutritional research, we aimed to analyse the association between selected determinants and the extent of misreporting by the duplicate portion method (DP), 24 h recall (24hR) and FFQ by linear regression analysis using the biomarker values as unbiased estimates.

Design

For each individual, two DP, two 24hR, two FFQ and two 24 h urinary biomarkers were collected within 1·5 years. Also, for sixty-nine individuals one or two doubly labelled water measurements were obtained. The associations of basic determinants (BMI, gender, age and level of education) with misreporting of energy, protein and K intake of the DP, 24hR and FFQ were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Additionally, associations between other determinants, such as physical activity and smoking habits, and misreporting were investigated.

Setting

The Netherlands.

Subjects

One hundred and ninety-seven individuals aged 20–70 years.

Results

Higher BMI was associated with under-reporting of dietary intake assessed by the different dietary assessment methods for energy, protein and K, except for K by DP. Men tended to under-report protein by the DP, FFQ and 24hR, and persons of older age under-reported K but only by the 24hR and FFQ. When adjusted for the basic determinants, the other determinants did not show a consistent association with misreporting of energy or nutrients and by the different dietary assessment methods.

Conclusions

As BMI was the only consistent determinant of misreporting, we conclude that BMI should always be taken into account when assessing and correcting dietary intake.
Chinese abolitionism: the Chinese Educational Mission in Connecticut, Cuba, and Peru
Authors: Rimner Steffen
Published: October 2016

This article explores a little known facet of transnational opposition to forced labour through the earliest case of ‘Chinese abolitionism’. It analyses the transnational formation of the first Sino-American actor network in the United States and its deployment in the 1874 investigations of coolie conditions in the forced labour regimes of Cuba and Peru. At the core of this actor network was the Chinese Educational Mission and its milieu of sociability, which served as a crucible of transnational cooperation between the first Chinese America experts and their US supporters. The flows of information, cosmopolitan ideas, and personnel across this network led to an unprecedented reinterpretation of the global coolie trade as a key concern in Qing foreign relations and a serious international problem that paralleled the problem of slavery. Two Qing interventions harnessed the actor network’s social capital, framing coolie abuse as an international atrocity, accelerating the abolition of the coolie trade, and signalling the need for a Chinese Foreign Service in Western countries for the protection of Chinese overseas.
Catholic nuns in transnational mission, 1528–2015
Authors: O’Brien Anne
Published: October 2016

From the Counter-Reformation to the present, women in a variety of contexts of colonization, decolonization, and slavery crossed the threshold from missionary congregation to missionary workforce to live in Catholic religious community. Comparative, transnational analysis provides insights from a variety of angles into the myriad local factors that fashioned their understandings of the relationship between the spiritual and material benefits so gained. Their experiences were uneven, shaped by the race, gender, and status politics of each ecclesiastical and secular context, by their usefulness to the wider missionary project and the state, and by shifts in ecclesiastical rulings that were prompted by changes in the Vatican’s temporal status. In the later twentieth century, some became activists and advocates, using their symbolic power to work in the interests of women and poor people, and to reform the patriarchy at the core of the church.
Circuits of wealth, circuits of sorrow: financing the illegal transatlantic slave trade in the age of suppression, 1850–66
Authors: Harris John A. E.
Published: October 2016

Slave traders forced more than 1.65 million captive Africans aboard illegal transatlantic slave ships during the nineteenth century. This article focuses on the final phase of this brutal traffic, between 1850 and 1866. It argues that slave traders sustained their illicit industry, in large part, by strategically coordinating their financial arrangements against a rising tide of international suppression. One key tactic was for slave trade investors in the United States, Cuba, Africa, and Iberia to lower the risks of interdiction by joining forces and co-financing voyages. Another was to combine with an international cast of merchants and bankers, who helped them launder slave trade capital and transmit it to their distant allies. This capital was concealed within broader currents of global commerce, which was, in turn, spurred by the growth of free trade in the nineteenth century. These myriad alliances and capital flows undergirded the trade until its final extinction in the 1860s.
Mortality forecasting using a modified CMI Mortality Projections Model for China II: cities, towns and counties
Authors: Huang Fei
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we conduct the study of long-term age-sex-specific mortality forecasting for subpopulations in different areas of China: cities, towns and counties. We use a modified CMI (Continuous Mortality Investigation) Mortality Projections Model, which has been discussed in Huang & Browne (Paper I), for modelling purposes. From the historical experience, we find that people in cities have lower mortality rates and higher mortality improvement rates than people in towns and counties for most ages. If this trend continues, the mortality of different areas will diverge further in the future. From the projection results, we find that there will be significant mortality and life expectancy differences between cities, towns and counties for both males and females. Sensitivity analysis for long-term rates of mortality improvement and the speed of convergence from “initial” to “long-term” rates of mortality improvement are conducted. Uncertainties are attached to the central estimates to overcome the limitation of the original CMI approach from which only deterministic results can be obtained.
Psychometric Properties of the Attitudinal Beliefs Questionnaire about Suicidal Behavior (CCCS-18)
Authors: Villacieros Marta , Bermejo José Carlos , Magaña Marisa , Fernández-Quijano Invención
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze psychometric properties of the Spanish version of Attitudinal Beliefs Questionnaire about Suicidal Behavior CCCS-18 (Ruiz, Navarro-Ruiz, Torrente, & Rodríguez, 2005). The participants were 277 subjects, 81.2% (225) women and 18.8% (52) men. The average age was 39.95 years old (SD= 15.9). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the adequacy of the four-factor model proposed by the authors. As a result it was obtained a three-factor model (χ2/df= 1.96;CFI= .98;sRMR= .060;RMSEA= .059), with indices reflecting adequate goodness of fit. The reliability of the test using theomega coefficientshowed satisfactory values (ωh= .95, CI 95% = [.94, .96]). The results indicate a close relation between the CCCS-18 dimensions and the suicidal tendency, showing discriminant validity properties. Predictive validity was also found in the significant correlations between the measures obtained in the questionnaire and a risk index resulting from the suicidal ideation predictor variables that were part of a logistic regression equation; CCCS-18 (r= .26,p< .001), F1,Legimization and terminal disease(r= .163,p< .01), F2,Moral dimension(r= .22,p< .001) and F3,Suicide itself(r= .252,p< .001). Conclusions: The CCCS-18 shows reliability and validity, as well as being a test of easy and brief application.
The transcription factor Prox1 is essential for satellite cell differentiation and muscle fibre-type regulation
Authors: Kivelä Riikka , Salmela Ida , Nguyen Yen Hoang , Petrova Tatiana V. , Koistinen Heikki A. , Wiener Zoltan , Alitalo Kari
Published: October 2016

The remarkable adaptive and regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle is regulated by several transcription factors and pathways. Here we show that the transcription factor Prox1 is an important regulator of myoblast differentiation and of slow muscle fibre type. In both rodent and human skeletal muscles Prox1 is specifically expressed in slow muscle fibres and in muscle stem cells called satellite cells. Prox1 activates the NFAT signalling pathway and is necessary and sufficient for the maintenance of the gene program of slow muscle fibre type. Using lineage-tracing we show that Prox1-positive satellite cells differentiate into muscle fibres. Furthermore, we provide evidence that Prox1 is a critical transcription factor for the differentiation of myoblasts via bi-directional crosstalk with Notch1. These results identify Prox1 as an essential transcription factor that regulates skeletal muscle phenotype and myoblast differentiation by interacting with the NFAT and Notch pathways.
Role of the pH in state-dependent blockade of hERG currents
Authors: Wang Yibo , Guo Jiqing , Perissinotti Laura L. , Lees-Miller James , Teng Guoqi , Durdagi Serdar , Duff Henry J. , Noskov Sergei Yu.
Published: October 2016

Mutations that reduce inactivation of the voltage-gated Kv11.1 potassium channel (hERG) reduce binding for a number of blockers. State specific block of the inactivated state of hERG block may increase risks of drug-induced Torsade de pointes. In this study, molecular simulations of dofetilide binding to the previously developed and experimentally validated models of the hERG channel in open and open-inactivated states were combined with voltage-clamp experiments to unravel the mechanism(s) of state-dependent blockade. The computations of the free energy profiles associated with the drug block to its binding pocket in the intra-cavitary site display startling differences in the open and open-inactivated states of the channel. It was also found that drug ionization may play a crucial role in preferential targeting to the open-inactivated state of the pore domain. pH-dependent hERG blockade by dofetilie was studied with patch-clamp recordings. The results show that low pH increases the extent and speed of drug-induced block. Both experimental and computational findings indicate that binding to the open-inactivated state is of key importance to our understanding of the dofetilide’s mode of action.
DNA methyltransferases and stress-related genes expression in zebrafish larvae after exposure to heat and copper during reprogramming of DNA methylation
Authors: Dorts Jennifer , Falisse Elodie , Schoofs Emilie , Flamion Enora , Kestemont Patrick , Silvestre Frédéric
Published: October 2016

DNA methylation, a well-studied epigenetic mark, is important for gene regulation in adulthood and for development. Using genetic and epigenetic approaches, the present study aimed at evaluating the effects of heat stress and copper exposure during zebrafish early embryogenesis when patterns of DNA methylation are being established, a process called reprogramming. Embryos were exposed to 325 μg Cu/L from fertilization (<1 h post fertilization - hpf) to 4 hpf at either 26.5 °C or 34 °C, followed by incubation in clean water at 26.5 °C till 96 hpf. Significant increased mortality rates and delayed hatching were observed following exposure to combined high temperature and Cu. Secondly, both stressors, alone or in combination, significantly upregulated the expression of de novo DNA methyltransferase genes (dnmt3) along with no differences in global cytosine methylation level. Finally, Cu exposure significantly increased the expression of metallothionein (mt2) and heat shock protein (hsp70), the latter being also increased following exposure to high temperature. These results highlighted the sensitivity of early embryogenesis and more precisely of the reprogramming period to environmental challenges, in a realistic situation of combined stressors.
Assessment of regional air quality by a concentration-dependent Pollution Permeation Index
Authors: Liang Chun-Sheng , Liu Huan , He Ke-Bin , Ma Yong-Liang
Published: October 2016

Although air quality monitoring networks have been greatly improved, interpreting their expanding data in both simple and efficient ways remains challenging. Therefore, needed are new analytical methods. We developed such a method based on the comparison of pollutant concentrations between target and circum areas (circum comparison for short), and tested its applications by assessing the air pollution in Jing-Jin-Ji, Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Cheng-Yu, China during 2015. We found the circum comparison can instantly judge whether a city is a pollution permeation donor or a pollution permeation receptor by a Pollution Permeation Index (PPI). Furthermore, a PPI-related estimated concentration (original concentration plus halved average concentration difference) can be used to identify some overestimations and underestimations. Besides, it can help explain pollution process (e.g., Beijing’s PM2.5 maybe largely promoted by non-local SO2) though not aiming at it. Moreover, it is applicable to any region, easy-to-handle, and able to boost more new analytical methods. These advantages, despite its disadvantages in considering the whole process jointly influenced by complex physical and chemical factors, demonstrate that the PPI based circum comparison can be efficiently used in assessing air pollution by yielding instructive results, without the absolute need for complex operations.
TRPM2 regulates TXNIP-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via interaction with p47 phox under high glucose in human monocytic cells
Authors: Tseng Hisa Hui Ling , Vong Chi Teng , Kwan Yiu Wa , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Hoi Maggie Pui Man
Published: October 2016

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hyperglycemia increased the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Although high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative stress and aberrant Ca2+ channels activity causes an increase in transmembrane Ca2+ influx, however the relative contribution of Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is not well studied. Here, we identified that HG (30 mM glucose for 48 h) induced the activation of the NLRP3-ASC inflammasome, leading to caspase-1 activation, and IL-1β and IL-18 secretion in human monocytic cell lines. Moreover, we used a hyperglycemia model in U937 monocytes, showing that the activation of TRPM2 was augmented, and TRPM2-mediated Ca2+ influx was critical for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This pathway involved NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production and TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Furthermore, the inhibition of TRPM2 reduced ROS production and lowered NADPH oxidase activity via cooperatively interaction with p47 phox in response to HG. These results provided a mechanistic linking between TRPM2-mediated Ca2+ influx and p47 phox signaling to induce excess ROS production and TXNIP-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation under HG, and suggested that TRPM2 represented a potential target for alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation related to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
A humanized mouse model for sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum sexual stages and in vivo evaluation of gametocytidal drugs
Authors: Duffier Yoann , Lorthiois Audrey , Cisteró Pau , Dupuy Florian , Jouvion Grégory , Fiette Laurence , Mazier Dominique , Mayor Alfredo , Lavazec Catherine , Moreno Sabater Alicia
Published: October 2016

The development of new drugs to disrupt malaria transmission requires the establishment of an in vivo model to address the biology of Plasmodium falciparum sexual stages (gametocytes). Herein we show that chemically immune-modulated NSG mice grafted with human erythrocytes support complete sexual development of P. falciparum parasites and generate high gametocytemia. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses indicate an enrichment of immature gametocytes in the bone marrow and the spleen, suggesting a sequestration mechanism reminiscent to that observed in humans. Upon primaquine treatment, elimination of gametocytes from peripheral blood and from sequestration sites was observed, providing a proof of concept that these mice can be used for testing drugs. Therefore, this model allows the investigation of P. falciparum sexual commitment, gametocyte interactions with the bone marrow and spleen and provides the missing link between current in vitro assays and Phase I trials in humans for testing new malaria gametocytidal drugs.
Methazolamide improves neurological behavior by inhibition of neuron apoptosis in subarachnoid hemorrhage mice
Authors: Li Mingchang , Wang Wei , Mai Haojian , Zhang Xinmu , Wang Jian , Gao Yufeng , Wang Yuefei , Deng Gang , Gao Ling , Zhou Shuanhu , Chen Qianxue , Wang Xin
Published: October 2016

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in significant nerve dysfunction, such as hemiplegia, mood disorders, cognitive and memory impairment. Currently, no clear measures can reduce brain nerve damage. The study of brain nerve protection after SAH is of great significance. We aim to evaluate the protective effects and the possible mechanism of methazolamide in C57BL/6J SAH animal model in vivo and in blood-induced primary cortical neuron (PCNs) cellular model of SAH in vitro. We demonstrate that methazolamide accelerates the recovery of neurological damage, effectively relieves cerebral edema, and improves cognitive function in SAH mice as well as offers neuroprotection in blood- or hemoglobin-treated PCNs and partially restores normal neuronal morphology. In addition, western blot analyses show obviously decreased expression of active caspase-3 in methazolamide-treated SAH mice comparing with vehicle-treated SAH animals. Furthermore, methazolamide effectively inhibits ROS production in PCNs induced by blood exposure or hemoglobin insult. However, methazolamide has no protective effects in morality, fluctuation of cerebral blood flow, SAH grade, and cerebral vasospasm of SAH mice. Given methazolamide, a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, can penetrate the blood–brain barrier and has been used in clinic in the treatment of ocular conditions, it provides potential as a novel therapy for SAH.
Airy beam self-focusing in a photorefractive medium
Authors: Wiersma Noémi , Marsal Nicolas , Sciamanna Marc , Wolfersberger Delphine
Published: October 2016

The unique bending and shape-preserving properties of optical Airy beams offer a large range of applications in for example beam routing, optical waveguiding, particle manipulation and plasmonics. In these applications and others, the Airy beam may experience nonlinear light-matter interactions which in turn modify the Airy beam properties and propagation. A well-known example is light self-focusing that leads to the formation of spatial soliton. Here, we unveil experimentally the self-focusing properties of a 1D-Airy beam in a photorefractive crystal under focusing conditions. The transient evolution involves both self-bending and acceleration of the initially launched Airy beam due to the onset of an off-shooting soliton and the resulting nonlocal refractive index perturbation. Both the transient and stationary self-focusing properties can be tuned by varying the bias electric field, the injected Airy beam power and the background illumination.
Riboflavin photoactivation by upconversion nanoparticles for cancer treatment
Authors: Khaydukov E. V. , Mironova K. E. , Semchishen V. A. , Generalova A. N. , Nechaev A. V. , Khochenkov D. A. , Stepanova E. V. , Lebedev O. I. , Zvyagin A. V. , Deyev S. M. , Panchenko V. Ya.
Published: October 2016

Riboflavin (Rf) is a vitamin and endogenous photosensitizer capable to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under UV-blue irradiation and kill cancer cells, which are characterized by the enhanced uptake of Rf. We confirmed its phototoxicity on human breast adenocarcinoma cells SK-BR-3 preincubated with 30-μM Rf and irradiated with ultraviolet light, and proved that such Rf concentrations (60 μM) are attainable in vivo in tumour site by systemic intravascular injection. In order to extend the Rf photosensitization depth in cancer tissue to 6 mm in depth, we purpose-designed core/shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4:Yb3+:Tm3+/NaYF4) capable to convert 2% of the deeply-penetrating excitation at 975 nm to ultraviolet-blue power. This power was expended to photosensitise Rf and kill SK-BR-3 cells preincubated with UCNPs and Rf, where the UCNP-Rf energy transfer was photon-mediated with ~14% Förster process contribution. SK-BR-3 xenograft regression in mice was observed for 50 days, following the Rf-UCNPs peritumoural injection and near-infrared light photodynamic treatment of the lesions.
Motivational context for response inhibition influences proactive involvement of attention
Authors: Langford Zachary D. , Schevernels Hanne , Boehler C. Nico
Published: October 2016

Motoric inhibition is ingrained in human cognition and implicated in pervasive neurological diseases and disorders. The present electroencephalographic (EEG) study investigated proactive motivational adjustments in attention during response inhibition. We compared go-trial data from a stop-signal task, in which infrequently presented stop-signals required response cancellation without extrinsic incentives (“standard-stop”), to data where a monetary reward was posted on some stop-signals (“rewarded-stop”). A novel EEG analysis was used to directly model the covariation between response time and the attention-related N1 component. A positive relationship between response time and N1 amplitudes was found in the standard-stop context, but not in the rewarded-stop context. Simultaneously, average go-trial N1 amplitudes were larger in the rewarded-stop context. This suggests that down-regulation of go-signal-directed attention is dynamically adjusted in the standard-stop trials, but is overridden by a more generalized increase in attention in reward-motivated trials. Further, a diffusion process model indicated that behavior between contexts was the result of partially opposing evidence accumulation processes. Together these analyses suggest that response inhibition relies on dynamic and flexible proactive adjustments of low-level processes and that contextual changes can alter their interplay. This could prove to have ramifications for clinical disorders involving deficient response inhibition and impulsivity.
Carbon Ion-Irradiated Hepatoma Cells Exhibit Coupling Interplay between Apoptotic Signaling and Morphological and Mechanical Remodeling
Authors: Zhang Baoping , Li Long , Li Zhiqiang , Liu Yang , Zhang Hong , Wang Jizeng
Published: October 2016

A apoptotic model was established based on the results of five hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC) lines irradiated with carbon ions to investigate the coupling interplay between apoptotic signaling and morphological and mechanical cellular remodeling. The expression levels of key apoptotic proteins and the changes in morphological characteristics and mechanical properties were systematically examined in the irradiated HCC lines. We observed that caspase-3 was activated and that the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly increased over time. Cellular morphology and mechanics analyses indicated monotonic decreases in spatial sizes, an increase in surface roughness, a considerable reduction in stiffness, and disassembly of the cytoskeletal architecture. A theoretical model of apoptosis revealed that mechanical changes in cells induce the characteristic cellular budding of apoptotic bodies. Statistical analysis indicated that the projected area, stiffness, and cytoskeletal density of the irradiated cells were positively correlated, whereas stiffness and caspase-3 expression were negatively correlated, suggesting a tight coupling interplay between the cellular structures, mechanical properties, and apoptotic protein levels. These results help to clarify a novel arbitration mechanism of cellular demise induced by carbon ions. This biomechanics strategy for evaluating apoptosis contributes to our understanding of cancer-killing mechanisms in the context of carbon ion radiotherapy.
Programmable Real-time Clinical Photoacoustic and Ultrasound Imaging System
Authors: Kim Jeesu , Park Sara , Jung Yuhan , Chang Sunyeob , Park Jinyong , Zhang Yumiao , Lovell Jonathan F. , Kim Chulhong
Published: October 2016

Photoacoustic imaging has attracted interest for its capacity to capture functional spectral information with high spatial and temporal resolution in biological tissues. Several photoacoustic imaging systems have been commercialized recently, but they are variously limited by non-clinically relevant designs, immobility, single anatomical utility (e.g., breast only), or non-programmable interfaces. Here, we present a real-time clinical photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system which consists of an FDA-approved clinical ultrasound system integrated with a portable laser. The system is completely programmable, has an intuitive user interface, and can be adapted for different applications by switching handheld imaging probes with various transducer types. The customizable photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system is intended to meet the diverse needs of medical researchers performing both clinical and preclinical photoacoustic studies.
Intraarticular overexpression of Smad7 ameliorates experimental arthritis
Authors: Chen Shih-Yao , Shiau Ai-Li , Wu Chao-Liang , Wang Chrong-Reen
Published: October 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are autoimmune disorders with a crosstalk between their pathogenesis such as increased expression of TNF in the target organs. Despite a successful clinical trial with an oral Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide in CD, intraarticular (i.a.) modulation of Smad7 expression has not been performed in rheumatoid joint yet. In this study, contradictory to the findings in CD mucosa, higher levels of pSmad2/3 were found in RA synovium. In vitro experiments with synovial fibroblasts revealed that higher acetylated Smad7 expression was associated with lower activation status. Abundant expression of synovial pSmad2/3 with increased levels during the progression of arthritis was detected in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. To prove the concept that overexpressing Smad7 as a therapeutic strategy in rheumatoid joint, the i.a. injection of lentiviral vectors carrying Smad7 (LVSmad7) was carried out in CIA mice. In LVSmad7-injected joints, there were lower arthritis and histological scores with less synovitis, synovial hyperplasia and erosion on cartilage and bone as well as reduced IL-17 and TNF expression levels in comparison with other control groups. In conclusion, we demonstrate that lentiviral vector-mediated i.a. overexpression of Smad7 can ameliorate rheumatoid joint, implicating a pharmacological development of Smad7-based molecular strategy in RA.
M1/M2-macrophage phenotypes regulate renal calcium oxalate crystal development
Authors: Taguchi Kazumi , Okada Atsushi , Hamamoto Shuzo , Unno Rei , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Ando Ryosuke , Mizuno Kentaro , Tozawa Keiichi , Kohri Kenjiro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: October 2016

In our previous report, M2-macrophage (Mφs) deficient mice showed increased renal calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation; however, the role of Mφs-related-cytokines and chemokines that affect kidney stone formation remains unknown. Here, we investigated the role of M1/M2s in crystal development by using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The crystal phagocytic rate of bone marrow-derived M2Mφs was higher than that of bone marrow-derived Mφs and M1Mφs and increased on co-culture with renal tubular cells (RTCs). However, the amount of crystal attachment on RTCs reduced on co-culture with M2Mφs. In six hyperoxaluric C57BL/6J mice, M1Mφ transfusion and induction by LPS and IFN-γ facilitated renal crystal formation, whereas M2Mφ transfusion and induction by IL-4 and IL-13 suppressed renal crystal formation compared with the control. These M2Mφ treatments reduced the expression of crystal-related genes, such as osteopontin and CD44, whereas M1Mφ treatment increased the expression of pro-inflammatory and adhesion-related genes such as IL-6, inducible NOS, TNF-α, C3, and VCAM-1. The expression of M2Mφ-related genes was lower whereas that of M1Mφ-related genes was higher in papillary tissue of CaOx stone formers. Overall, our results suggest that renal crystal development is facilitated by M1Mφs, but suppressed by M2Mφs.
Identification, Distribution and Population Dynamics of Francisella-like Endosymbiont in Haemaphysalis doenitzi (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Liu Jian-Nan , Yu Zhi-Jun , Liu Li-Meng , Li Ning-Xin , Wang Rong-Rong , Zhang Chun-Mian , Liu Jing-Ze
Published: October 2016

Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) with significant homology to Francisella tularensis (γ-proteobacteria) have been characterized in several tick species, whereas knowledge on their distribution and population dynamics in ticks remains meager. Hence, in the current study, we identified a novel Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLEs-Hd) from the tick Haemaphysalis doenitzi and evaluated the putative functions of this symbiont. Results indicated that FLEs-Hd had 100% infection rate and a perfect vertical transmission in H. doenitzi, and that it is distributed in ovaries, malpighian tubules, salivary glands and midguts of the ticks, suggesting that FLEs-Hd presumably is a crucial symbiont of the host without specific tissue tropism. To further explore the function of the symbiont, the population dynamics of FLEs-Hd at each developmental stage of ticks and in tissues at different reproductive statuses were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR). Results showed that the high density and regular population dynamics of FLEs-Hd appeared in female ovaries, suggesting that the symbiont may provide necessary nutrients or regulators to ensure normal ovary development of ticks.
Repeatability, reproducibility and agreement of intraocular pressure measurement in rabbits by the TonoVet and Tono-Pen
Authors: Ma Di , Chen Chong-Bo , Liang Jiajian , Lu Zhihao , Chen Haoyu , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: October 2016

Tono-Pen and TonoVet have been used in rabbits to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) and investigate the effect of IOP lowering therapies. Therefore, their reliability and accuracy are very important and deserve careful evaluation. Our results showed that the with-subject deviation (Sw) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the TonoVet and Tono-Pen were 0.61 mmHg/0.83 mmHg and 0.97/0.94, respectively for intrasession repeatability. For intersession reproducibility, the Sw and ICC of TonoVet and Tono-Pen were 1.42 mmHg/1.66 mmHg and 0.73/0.67, respectively. For interoperator reproducibility, theSwand ICC of the TonoVet and Tono-Pen were 0.72 mmHg/1.11 mmHg and 0.91/0.82 respectively. Both TonoVet and Tono-Pen underestimated the IOP measured by manometry. The regression function was: y = 0.8249x + 0.1011 and y =0.6881x + 2.2290 for TonoVet and Tono-Pen, respectively. Our study suggests that both TonoVet and Tono-Pen had excellent intrasession repeatability and inter-operator reproducibility, but good intersession reproducibility. Both TonoVet and Tono-Pen correlated well with manometry, but underestimated the manometric IOP with presence of fixed and proportional biases. These factors should be considered when measuring IOP with Tono-Pen or TonoVet in rabbit eyes.
The interplay between genetic and bioelectrical signaling permits a spatial regionalisation of membrane potentials in model multicellular ensembles
Authors: Cervera Javier , Meseguer Salvador , Mafe Salvador
Published: October 2016

The single cell-centred approach emphasises ion channels as specific proteins that determine individual properties, disregarding their contribution to multicellular outcomes. We simulate the interplay between genetic and bioelectrical signals in non-excitable cells from the local single-cell level to the long range multicellular ensemble. The single-cell genetic regulation is based on mean-field kinetic equations involving the mRNA and protein concentrations. The transcription rate factor is assumed to depend on the absolute value of the cell potential, which is dictated by the voltage-gated cell ion channels and the intercellular gap junctions. The interplay between genetic and electrical signals may allow translating single-cell states into multicellular states which provide spatio-temporal information. The model results have clear implications for biological processes: (i) bioelectric signals can override slightly different genetic pre-patterns; (ii) ensembles of cells initially at the same potential can undergo an electrical regionalisation because of persistent genetic differences between adjacent spatial regions; and (iii) shifts in the normal cell electrical balance could trigger significant changes in the genetic regulation.
Evaluation of Cochlear Implant Candidates using a Non-linguistic Spectrotemporal Modulation Detection Test
Authors: Choi Ji Eun , Hong Sung Hwa , Won Jong Ho , Park Hee-Sung , Cho Young Sang , Chung Won-Ho , Cho Yang-Sun , Moon Il Joon
Published: October 2016

Adults who score 50% correct or less in open-set sentence recognition test under the best aided listening condition may be considered as candidates for cochlear implant (CI). However, the requirement for ‘the best aided listening condition’ needs significant time and clinical resources to ensure such condition. As speech signals are composed of dynamic spectral and temporal modulations, psychoacoustic sensitivity to the combinations of spectral and temporal modulation cues may be a strong predictor for aided speech recognition. In this study, we tested 27 adults with moderately severe to profound hearing loss to explore the possibility that a non-linguistic unaided spectrotemporal modulation (STM) detection test might be a viable option as a surrogate measure to evaluate CI candidacy. Our results showed that STM detection thresholds were significantly correlated with aided sentence recognition scores for the 27 hearing impaired listeners. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the CI candidacy evaluation by both unaided STM detection test and the traditional best-aided sentence recognition test was fairly consistent. More specifically, our results demonstrated that the STM detection test using a low spectral and temporal modulation rate might provide an efficient process for CI candidacy evaluation.
Identification of lipoxygenase (LOX) genes from legumes and their responses in wild type and cultivated peanut upon Aspergillus flavus infection
Authors: Song Hui , Wang Pengfei , Li Changsheng , Han Suoyi , Lopez-Baltazar Javier , Zhang Xinyou , Wang Xingjun
Published: October 2016

Lipoxygenase (LOX) genes are widely distributed in plants and play crucial roles in resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Although they have been characterized in various plants, little is known about the evolution of legume LOX genes. In this study, we identified 122 full-length LOX genes in Arachis duranensis, Arachis ipaënsis, Cajanus cajan, Cicer arietinum, Glycine max, Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula. In total, 64 orthologous and 36 paralogous genes were identified. The full-length, polycystin-1, lipoxygenase, alpha-toxin (PLAT) and lipoxygenase domain sequences from orthologous and paralogous genes exhibited a signature of purifying selection. However, purifying selection influenced orthologues more than paralogues, indicating greater functional conservation of orthologues than paralogues. Neutrality and effective number of codons plot results showed that natural selection primarily shapes codon usage, except for C. arietinum, L. japonicas and M. truncatula LOX genes. GCG, ACG, UCG, CGG and CCG codons exhibited low relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values, while CCA, GGA, GCU, CUU and GUU had high RSCU values, indicating that the latter codons are strongly preferred. LOX expression patterns differed significantly between wild-type peanut and cultivated peanut infected with Aspergillus flavus, which could explain the divergent disease resistance of wild progenitor and cultivars.
Aberrant Splicing Promotes Proteasomal Degradation of L-type CaV1.2 Calcium Channels by Competitive Binding for CaVβ Subunits in Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Hu Zhenyu , Wang Jiong-Wei , Yu Dejie , Soon Jia Lin , de Kleijn Dominique P. V. , Foo Roger , Liao Ping , Colecraft Henry M. , Soong Tuck Wah
Published: October 2016

Decreased expression and activity of CaV1.2 calcium channels has been reported in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we identified in rodents a splice variant of CaV1.2 channel, named CaV1.2e21+22, that contained the pair of mutually exclusive exons 21 and 22. This variant was highly expressed in neonatal hearts. The abundance of this variant was gradually increased by 12.5-folds within 14 days of transverse aortic banding that induced cardiac hypertrophy in adult mouse hearts and was also elevated in left ventricles from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Although this variant did not conduct Ca2+ ions, it reduced the cell-surface expression of wild-type CaV1.2 channels and consequently decreased the whole-cell Ca2+ influx via the CaV1.2 channels. In addition, the CaV1.2e21+22 variant interacted with CaVβ subunits significantly more than wild-type CaV1.2 channels, and competition of CaVβ subunits by CaV1.2e21+22 consequently enhanced ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the wild-type CaV1.2 channels. Our findings show that the resurgence of a specific neonatal splice variant of CaV1.2 channels in adult heart under stress may contribute to heart failure.
New potential beneficial effects of actein, a triterpene glycoside isolated from Cimicifuga species, in breast cancer treatment
Authors: Yue Grace Gar-Lee , Xie Sida , Lee Julia Kin-Ming , Kwok Hin-Fai , Gao Si , Nian Yin , Wu Xiao-Xiao , Wong Chun-Kwok , Qiu Ming-Hua , Lau Clara Bik-San
Published: October 2016

Actein is a triterpene glycoside isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida (Chinese herb “shengma”) which could inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Nevertheless, the effect of actein on angiogenesis, which is an essential step for tumor growth and metastasis, has never been reported. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of actein on angiogenesis using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), matrigel plug and tumor-bearing mouse models. Our results showed that actein significantly inhibited the proliferation, reduced the migration and motility of endothelial cells, and it could suppress the protein expressions of VEGFR1, pJNK and pERK, suggesting that JNK/ERK pathways were involved. In vivo results showed that oral administration of actein at 10 mg/kg for 7 days inhibited blood vessel formation in the growth factor-containing matrigel plugs. Oral actein treatments (10–15 mg/kg) for 28 days resulted in decreasing mouse 4T1 breast tumor sizes and metastasis to lungs and livers. The apparent reduced angiogenic proteins (CD34 and Factor VIII) expressions and down-regulated metastasis-related VEGFR1 and CXCR4 gene expressions were observed in breast tumors. Our novel findings provide insights into the use of actein for development of anti-angiogenic agents for breast cancer.
Ovarian transcriptomic study reveals the differential regulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs related to fecundity in different sheep
Authors: Miao Xiangyang , Luo Qingmiao , Zhao Huijing , Qin Xiaoyu
Published: October 2016

miRNAs and lncRNAs, which represent one of the most highly expressed classes of ncRNAs in development, are attracting increasing interest. A variety of regulators is considered to be implicated in sheep species with different fecundity. However, interactions between miRNAs and lncRNAs and changes in the expression of regulatory lncRNAs in sheep fecundity have not yet been reported. To characterize the important roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs and elucidate their regulating networks in sheep prolificacy, a genome-wide analysis of miRNAs and lncRNAs from Small Tail Han sheep of genotypes FecBBFecBB(Han BB) and FecB+FecB+(Han++) and from Dorset sheep (Dorset) was performed. An integrated analysis of miRNAs and lncRNAs was performed to study the regulatory function of miRNAs and lncRNAs in fecundity, revealing significantly correlated patterns of expression. Dramatic changes of miRNAs and lncRNAs suggest their critical roles in sheep fecundity. In conclusion, this is the first study performing thorough investigations of regulatory relationships among lncRNAs, miRNA and mRNAs, which will provide a novel view of the regulatory mechanisms involved in sheep fecundity. These results may provide further insight into sheep fecundity and help us to improve sheep prolificacy.
Label-free DNA-based biosensors using structure-selective light-up dyes
Authors: Guo Yahui , Xu Lijun , Hong Shanni , Sun Qingqing , Yao Weirong , Pei Renjun
Published: October 2016

Label-free biosensors (LFBs) have demonstrated great potential in cost-effective applications. This review collected the latest reported works which employed structure-selective nucleic acid dyes for the development of DNA-based LFBs.
Protein-engineered microenvironments can promote endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors
Authors: Kim Yeji , Liu Julie C.
Published: October 2016

Protein-based microenvironments are promising tools to obtain endothelial cells since they promote hMSC differentiation without exogenous VEGF.
A visible-light-induced chemoselective radical/oxidative addition domino process to access α-chloro and α-alkoxy aryl ketones
Authors: Niu Teng-fei , Jiang Ding-yun , Li Si-yuan , Ni Bang-qing , Wang Liang
Published: October 2016

A visible-light-induced radical-triggered chemoselective domino process to access α,α-di-functionalized ketones under mild conditions has been developed.
pH-Switchable vitamin B9gels for stoichiometry-controlled spherical co-crystallization
Authors: Wang Jian-Rong , Bao Junjie , Fan Xiaowu , Dai Wenjuan , Mei Xuefeng
Published: October 2016

Recyclable VB9gels can be applied to control co-crystal stoichiometry, resulting in isolation of four stoichiometric vitamin C co-crystals.
Local NH–π interactions involving aromatic residues of proteins: influence of backbone conformation and ππ* excitation on the π H-bond strength, as revealed from studies of isolated model peptides
Authors: Sohn Woon Yong , Brenner Valérie , Gloaguen Eric , Mons Michel
Published: October 2016

Gas phase conformer-selective IR spectroscopy combined and relevant quantum chemistry methods document the NH–π interactions in Phe residues.
Reactivity at the Cu2O(100):Cu–H2O interface: a combined DFT and PES study
Authors: Stenlid J. H. , Soldemo M. , Johansson A. J. , Leygraf C. , Göthelid M. , Weissenrieder J. , Brinck T.
Published: October 2016

Detailed characterization of the structure and composition of the water–cuprite interface.
An atomistic mechanism study of GaN step-flow growth in vicinal m-plane orientations
Authors: Liu Zhun , Wang Ru-Zhi , Zapol Peter
Published: October 2016

A DFT study of GaN step-flow growth in m-plane vicinal step orientations with variation of the chemical potential.
Nanosized Na-EMT and Li-EMT zeolites: selective sorption of water and methanol studied by a combined IR and TG approach
Authors: Ali Ahmad Hacan , Thomas Sébastien , Bazin Philippe , Vicente Aurélie , Fernandez Christian , Awala Hussein , Mintova Svetlana
Published: October 2016

Nanosized EMT-type zeolite crystals in sodium (Na-EMT) and ion-exchanged lithium (Li-EMT) forms were prepared.
The effect of C–OH functionality on the surface chemistry of biomass-derived molecules: ethanol chemistry on Rh(100)
Authors: Caglar B. , Olus Ozbek M. , Niemantsverdriet J. W. (Hans) , Weststrate C. J. (Kees-Jan)
Published: October 2016

Biomass-derived oxygenates containing a hydrocarbon tail react with the Rh(100) surface to produce synthesis gas, surface carbon and small hydrocarbons.
Stacking disorder in silicon carbide supported cobalt crystallites: an X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy study
Authors: du Plessis H. E. , de Villiers J. P. R. , Tuling A. , Olivier E. J.
Published: October 2016

Supported cobalt Fischer–Tropsch catalysts are characteristically nanoparticulate and the reduced SiC supported catalyst was found to contain both HCP and FCC polymorphs.
Should “anion–π interactions” be called “anion–σ interactions”? A revision of the origin of some hole-bonds and their nomenclature
Authors: Kozuch S.
Published: October 2016

The so-called anion–π interactions are dissected to test if indeed the π system of the aromatic ring is the reason for the bond.
Salt gradient driven ion transport in solid-state nanopores: the crucial role of reservoir geometry and size
Authors: Lin Chih-Yuan , Chen Fu , Yeh Li-Hsien , Hsu Jyh-Ping
Published: October 2016

The crucial influence of the reservoir geometry and size on the salt gradient driven ion transport in solid-state nanopores is unraveled.
N–H⋯O and N–H⋯Cl supported 1D chains of heterobimetallic CuII/NiII–SnIV cocrystals
Authors: Hazra Susanta , Meyrelles Ricardo , Charmier Adilia Januário , Rijo Patrícia , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: October 2016

The 1D supramolecular chain of the NH3+–C2H4–NH3+·[SnCl6]2− adduct, supported by N–H⋯Cl bonds, is entrapped by mononuclear CuII or NiII complexes via strong N–H⋯O interactions in the 1D chain of heterobimetallic Cu2Sn or Ni2Sn cocrystals (1–4).
PdZn catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol using chemical vapour impregnation (CVI)
Authors: Bahruji H. , Bowker M. , Jones W. , Hayward J. , Ruiz Esquius J. , Morgan D. J. , Hutchings G. J.
Published: October 2016

The formation of PdZn bimetallic alloys on ZnO, TiO2 and Al2O3 supports was investigated, together with the effect of alloy formation on the CO2 hydrogenation reaction. The chemical vapour impregnation (CVI) method produced PdZn nanoparticles with diameters of 3–6 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed the changes in the structure of the PdZn alloy that help stabilise formate intermediates during methanol synthesis. PdZn supported on TiO2 exhibits high methanol productivity of 1730 mmol kgcat−1 h−1 that is associated with the high dispersion of the supported PdZn alloy.