bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WATCHING THE GAME: VIEWERSHIP OF ARCHITECTURAL MESOAMERICAN BALL COURTS
Authors: Stark Barbara L. , Stoner Wesley D.
Published: September 2017

The ballgame, played in an open-air public facility, was an integral institution for most major Mesoamerican centers. Although its social roles likely included political and social mediation among polities or communities, who could witness a game? Our estimates of the numbers of viewers derive from lines of sight toward the playing alley from nearby construction and plazas or other open ground. Focusing on centers in south-central and southern Veracruz, Mexico, we assess court viewership relative to people accommodated in the main plaza to determine the degree to which prime ballgame viewership was restricted. Ratios of prime viewers to plaza capacities for primary and secondary centers show that relative limitations in viewership did not covary consistently with the settlement hierarchy. We show that viewership was markedly curtailed compared to public assembly space in plazas and likely favored the upper echelons of society.
The Design of Field Experiments With Survey Outcomes: A Framework for Selecting More Efficient, Robust, and Ethical Designs
Authors: Broockman David E. , Kalla Joshua L. , Sekhon Jasjeet S.
Published: September 2017

There is increasing interest in experiments where outcomes are measured by surveys and treatments are delivered by a separate mechanism in the real world, such as by mailers, door-to-door canvasses, phone calls, or online ads. However, common designs for such experiments are often prohibitively expensive, vulnerable to bias, and raise ethical concerns. We show how four methodological practices currently uncommon in such experiments have previously undocumented complementarities that can dramatically relax these constraints when at least two are used in combination: (1) online surveys recruited from a defined sampling frame (2) with at least one baseline wave prior to treatment (3) with multiple items combined into an index to measure outcomes and, (4) when possible, a placebo control. We provide a general and extensible framework that allows researchers to determine the most efficient mix of these practices in diverse applications. Two studies then examine how these practices perform empirically. First, we examine the representativeness of online panel respondents recruited from a defined sampling frame and find that their representativeness compares favorably to phone panel respondents. Second, an original experiment successfully implements all four practices in the context of a door-to-door canvassing experiment. We conclude discussing potential extensions.
Indirect evidence of pathogen-associated altered oocyte production in queens of the invasive yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes, in Arnhem Land, Australia
Authors: Cooling M.D. , Hoffmann B.D. , Gruber M.A.M. , Lester P.J.
Published: September 2017

Anoplolepis gracilipes is one of the six most widespread and pestiferous invasive ant species. Populations of this invader in Arnhem Land, Australia have been observed to decline, but the reasons behind these declines are not known. We investigated if there is evidence of a pathogen that could be responsible for killing ant queens or affecting their reproductive output. We measured queen number per nest, fecundity and fat content of queens from A. gracilipes populations in various stages of decline or expansion. We found no significant difference in any of these variables among populations. However, 23% of queens were found to have melanized nodules, a cellular immune response, in their ovaries and fat bodies. The melanized nodules found in dissected queens are highly likely to indicate the presence of pathogens or parasites capable of infecting A. gracilipes. Queens with nodules had significantly fewer oocytes in their ovaries, but nodule presence was not associated with low ant population abundances. Although the microorganism responsible for the nodules is as yet unidentified, this is the first evidence of the presence of a pathogenic microorganism in the invasive ant A. gracilipes that may be affecting reproduction.
Reconciling Appraisal Love and Bestowal Love
Authors: MOORE DWAYNE
Published: September 2017

The appraisal model of love is object-centred and reasons-based: love is based on reasons derived from the valuable properties of the beloved. The bestowal model of love is subject-centred and non-reasons-based: love is not based on reasons derived from the valuable properties of the beloved, but rather originates in the lover. In this paper, I blend these disparate models, with the aim of preserving their virtues and overcoming their difficulties. I propose a subject-centred, reasons-based account: love arises within the lover, but, within the lover, love is based on the lover’s motivating reasons.
The Thrace Basin and the Black Sea: the Eocene–Oligocene marine connection
Authors: OKAY ARAL I. , ÖZCAN ERCAN , HAKYEMEZ AYNUR , SIYAKO MUZAFFER , SUNAL GÜRSEL , KYLANDER-CLARK ANDREW R.C.
Published: September 2017

The Late Cretaceous – Recent West Black Sea Basin and the Eocene–Oligocene Thrace Basin are separated by the Strandja arch comprising metamorphic and magmatic rocks. Since Late Cretaceous time the Strandja arch formed a palaeo-high separating the two basins which accumulated clastic sediment of >9 km thickness. During late Eocene – early Oligocene time the marine connection between these basins existed through the Çatalca gap west of Istanbul. The Çatalca gap lies on the damage zone of a major Cretaceous strike-slip fault; it formed a 15 km wide marine gateway, where carbonate-rich sediments of thicknessc.350 m were deposited. The sequence consists of upper Eocene shallow marine limestones (SBZ18-20) overlain by upper Eocene – lower Oligocene (P16-P19 zones) pelagic marl with a rich fauna of planktonic foraminifera; the marls are intercalated with 31–32 Ma acidic tuff and calc-arenite beds. The Çatalca gap is bounded in the west by a major normal fault, which marks the eastern boundary of the Thrace Basin. Seismic reflection profiles, well data and zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the Thrace Basin sequence west of the fault is late Eocene – middle Oligocene (37–27 Ma) in age and that the fault has accommodated 2 km of subsidence. Although there was a marine connection between the West Black Sea and Thrace basins during late Eocene – early Oligocene time, no significant exchange of clastic sediment took place. Sedimentation in the Çatalca gap ended abruptly during early Oligocene time by uplift, and this eventually led to the paralic conditions in the Thrace Basin.
ON THE FUNCTIONAL ESTIMATION OF MULTIVARIATE DIFFUSION PROCESSES
Authors: Bandi Federico M. , Moloche Guillermo
Published: September 2017

We propose a nonparametric estimation theory for the occupation density, the drift vector, and the diffusion matrix of multivariate diffusion processes. The estimators are sample analogues to infinitesimal conditional expectations constructed as Nadaraya-Watson kernel averages. Mild assumptions are imposed on the statistical properties of the multivariate system to obtain limiting results. Harris recurrence is all that we require to show consistency and asymptotic (mixed) normality of the proposed functional estimators. The identification method and asymptotic theory apply to both stationary and nonstationary multivariate diffusion processes of the recurrent type.
Glutamatergic Agents in the Treatment of Compulsivity and Impulsivity in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Mechler Konstantin , Häge Alexander , Schweinfurth Nina , Glennon Jeffrey C. , Dijkhuizen Rick M. , Murphy Declan , Durston Sarah , Williams Steven , K. Buitelaar Jan , Banaschewski Tobias , Dittmann Ralf W. , TACTICS Consortium the
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Objective: Research has implicated glutamatergic projections between the various frontal subregions in the pathogenesis of compulsivity and impulsivity. Reducing striatal glutamate release, or antagonising the action of glutamate at its receptors, may therefore represent viable treatment strategies. Several glutamatergic agents with regulatory approval for other indications are available and may be of potential benefit in the treatment of compulsivity/impulsivity in psychiatric disorders in paediatric patients. Method: This review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and evaluates available scientific literature concerning the use of glutamatergic agents in these patients, in order to determine their reported effectiveness/efficacy and tolerability/safety. Results: Out of a total of 1,426 publications, 21 trials examining six glutamatergic substances in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder were included. Conclusions: Trial designs as well as results were heterogeneous and thus comparability was limited. Available data support the hypothesis that glutamatergic agents are of potential value in the treatment of compulsivity/impulsivity in children and adolescents. Based on the data reviewed, memantine and N-acetylcysteine suggest the best risk-benefit profile for future trials. Riluzole should primarily be further investigated in adults. Clinical research of this nature is a key element of the TACTICS Consortium project funded by the European Union (FP7).
Targeting tumor multicellular aggregation through IGPR-1 inhibits colon cancer growth and improves chemotherapy
Authors: Woolf N , Pearson B E , Bondzie P A , Meyer R D , Lavaei M , Belkina A C , Chitalia V , Rahimi N
Published: September 2017

Adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucially important for survival of normal epithelial cells as detachment from ECM triggers specific apoptosis known as anoikis. As tumor cells lose the requirement for anchorage to ECM, they rely on cell–cell adhesion ‘multicellular aggregation’ for survival. Multicellular aggregation of tumor cells also significantly determines the sensitivity of tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics. In this report, we demonstrate that expression of immunoglobulin containing and proline-rich receptor-1 (IGPR-1) is upregulated in human primary colon cancer. Our study demonstrates that IGPR-1 promotes tumor multicellular aggregation, and interfering with its adhesive function inhibits multicellular aggregation and, increases cell death. IGPR-1 supports colon carcinoma tumor xenograft growth in mouse, and inhibiting its activity by shRNA or blocking antibody inhibits tumor growth. More importantly, IGPR-1 regulates sensitivity of tumor cells to the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin/adriamycin by a mechanism that involves doxorubicin-induced AKT activation and phosphorylation of IGPR-1 at Ser220. Our findings offer novel insight into IGPR-1's role in colorectal tumor growth, tumor chemosensitivity, and as a possible novel anti-cancer target.
Structural investigation of nucleophosmin interaction with the tumor suppressor Fbw7γ
Authors: Di Matteo A , Franceschini M , Paiardini A , Grottesi A , Chiarella S , Rocchio S , Di Natale C , Marasco D , Vitagliano L , Travaglini-Allocatelli C , Federici L
Published: September 2017

Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a multifunctional nucleolar protein implicated in ribogenesis, centrosome duplication, cell cycle control, regulation of DNA repair and apoptotic response to stress stimuli. The majority of these functions are played through the interactions with a variety of protein partners. NPM1 is frequently overexpressed in solid tumors of different histological origin. Furthermore NPM1 is the most frequently mutated protein in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Mutations map to the C-terminal domain and lead to the aberrant and stable localization of the protein in the cytoplasm of leukemic blasts. Among NPM1 protein partners, a pivotal role is played by the tumor suppressor Fbw7γ, an E3-ubiquitin ligase that degrades oncoproteins like c-MYC, cyclin E, Notch and c-jun. In AML with NPM1 mutations, Fbw7γ is degraded following its abnormal cytosolic delocalization by mutated NPM1. This mechanism also applies to other tumor suppressors and it has been suggested that it may play a key role in leukemogenesis. Here we analyse the interaction between NPM1 and Fbw7γ, by identifying the protein surfaces implicated in recognition and key aminoacids involved. Based on the results of computational methods, we propose a structural model for the interaction, which is substantiated by experimental findings on several site-directed mutants. We also extend the analysis to two other NPM1 partners (HIV Tat and CENP-W) and conclude that NPM1 uses the same molecular surface as a platform for recognizing different protein partners. We suggest that this region of NPM1 may be targeted for cancer treatment.
Large room temperature spin-to-charge conversion signals in a few-layer graphene/Pt lateral heterostructure
Authors: Yan Wenjing , Sagasta Edurne , Ribeiro Mário , Niimi Yasuhiro , Hueso Luis E. , Casanova Fèlix
Published: September 2017

Electrical generation and detection of pure spin currents without the need of magnetic materials are key elements for the realization of full electrically controlled spintronic devices. In this framework, achieving a large spin-to-charge conversion signal is crucial, as considerable outputs are needed for plausible applications. Unfortunately, the values obtained so far have been rather low. Here we exploit the spin Hall effect by using Pt, a non-magnetic metal with strong spin-orbit coupling, to generate and detect pure spin currents in a few-layer graphene channel. Furthermore, the outstanding properties of graphene, with long-distance spin transport and higher electrical resistivity than metals, allow us to achieve in our graphene/Pt lateral heterostructures the largest spin-to-charge output voltage at room temperature reported so far in the literature. Our approach opens up exciting opportunities towards the implementation of spin-orbit-based logic circuits and all electrical control of spin information without magnetic field.
Squirming motion of baby skyrmions in nematic fluids
Authors: Ackerman Paul J. , Boyle Timothy , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: September 2017

Skyrmions are topologically protected continuous field configurations that cannot be smoothly transformed to a uniform state. They behave like particles and give origins to the field of skyrmionics that promises racetrack memory and other technological applications. Unraveling the non-equilibrium behavior of such topological solitons is a challenge. We realize skyrmions in a chiral liquid crystal and, using numerical modeling and polarized video microscopy, demonstrate electrically driven squirming motion. We reveal the intricate details of non-equilibrium topology-preserving textural changes driving this behavior. Direction of the skyrmion’s motion is robustly controlled in a plane orthogonal to the applied field and can be reversed by varying frequency. Our findings may spur a paradigm of soliton dynamics in soft matter, with a rich interplay between topology, chirality, and orientational viscoelasticity.
Total synthesis of avenaol
Authors: Yasui Motohiro , Ota Rina , Tsukano Chihiro , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: September 2017

Avenaol, isolated from the allelopathic plant black oat, was the first C20 germination stimulant related to strigolactones. Structurally, it consisted of a bicyclo[4.1.0]heptanone skeleton containing a cyclopropane ring bearing three main chains projecting in the same direction (i.e. all-cis-substituted cyclopropane). Herein, we report the total synthesis of avenaol using a robust strategy involving the formation of an all-cis-substituted cyclopropane via an alkylidenecyclopropane. The key factors in the success of this total synthesis include the Rh-catalysed intramolecular cyclopropanation of an allene, an Ir-catalysed stereoselective double-bond isomerisation, and the differentiation of two hydroxymethyl groups via the regioselective formation and oxidation of a tetrahydropyran based on the reactivity of a cyclopropyl group. This strategy effectively avoids the undesired ring opening of the cyclopropane ring and the formation of a caged structure. Furthermore, this study confirms the proposed structure of avenaol, including its unique all-cis-substituted cyclopropane moiety.
A replication study of genetic risk loci for ischemic stroke in a Dutch population: a case-control study
Authors: Hauer Allard J. , Pulit Sara L. , van den Berg Leonard H. , de Bakker Paul I. W. , Veldink Jan H. , Ruigrok Ynte M. ,   Dutch Parelsnoer Institute-Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) Study Group, Klijn Catharina J. M. , Algra Ale , van Dijk Ewoud J. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Luijckx Gert-Jan , Nederkoorn Paul J. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Visser Marieke C. , Wermer Marieke J. , Kappelle L. Jaap
Published: September 2017

We aimed to replicate reported associations of 10 SNPs at eight distinct loci with overall ischemic stroke (IS) and its subtypes in an independent cohort of Dutch IS patients. We included 1,375 IS patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter hospital-based cohort in the Netherlands, and 1,533 population-level controls of Dutch descent. We tested these SNPs for association with overall IS and its subtypes (large artery atherosclerosis, small vessel disease and cardioembolic stroke (CE), as classified by TOAST) using an additive multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for age and sex. We obtained odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the risk allele of each SNP analyzed and exact p-values by permutation. We confirmed the association at 4q25 (PITX2) (OR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.13–1.81, p = 0.029) and 16q22 (ZFHX3) (OR 1.62; 95% CI, 1.26–2.07, p = 0.001) as risk loci for CE. Locus 16q22 was also associated with overall IS (OR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08–1.42, p = 0.016). Other loci previously associated with IS and/or its subtypes were not confirmed. In conclusion, we validated two loci (4q25, 16q22) associated with CE. In addition, our study may suggest that the association of locus 16q22 may not be limited to CE, but also includes overall IS.
Isomers Identification of 2-hydroxyglutarate acid disodium salt (2HG) by Terahertz Time-domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Wanqing , Peng Yan , Jiang Xiankai , Zhao Jiayu , Zhao Hongwei , Zhu Yiming
Published: September 2017

2-Hydroxyglutaric acid disodium salt (2HG) is a unique biomarker existing in glioma, which can be used for recognizing cancer development stage and identifying the boundary between the ordinary tissue and cancer tissue. However, the most efficient detection method for 2HG now is Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), whose testing time is at least twenty minutes and the variability of 2HG (continuous synthesis and decomposition) determines it cannot be used as the real-time image in medical surgery. In this paper, by using the Terahertz Time-domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) System, we investigate the vibration spectra of 2HG isomers and further distinguish their physical properties by using Density Functional Theory. The differences between isomers are mainly attributed to the proton transfer inside the carbon chain. These results indicate that terahertz technology can identify the isomers of 2HG accurate and fast, which has important significance for the further investigation of glioma and clinical surgery.
FLT1 and transcriptome-wide polyadenylation site (PAS) analysis in preeclampsia
Authors: Ashar-Patel Ami , Kaymaz Yasin , Rajakumar Augustine , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Moore Melissa J.
Published: September 2017

Maternal symptoms of preeclampsia (PE) are primarily driven by excess anti-angiogenic factors originating from the placenta. Chief among these are soluble Flt1 proteins (sFlt1s) produced from alternatively polyadenylated mRNA isoforms. Here we used polyadenylation site sequencing (PAS-Seq) of RNA from normal and PE human placentae to interrogate transcriptome-wide gene expression and alternative polyadenylation signatures associated with early-onset PE (EO-PE; symptom onset < 34 weeks) and late-onset PE (LO-PE; symptom onset > 34 weeks) cohorts. While we observed no general shift in alternative polyadenylation associated with PE, the EO-PE and LO-PE cohorts do exhibit gene expression profiles distinct from both each other and from normal placentae. The only two genes upregulated across all transcriptome-wide PE analyses to date (microarray, RNA-Seq and PAS-Seq) are NRIP1 (RIP140), a transcriptional co-regulator linked to metabolic syndromes associated with obesity, and Flt1. Consistent with sFlt1 overproduction being a significant driver of clinical symptoms, placental Flt1 mRNA levels strongly correlate with maternal blood pressure. For Flt1, just three mRNA isoforms account for > 94% of all transcripts, with increased transcription of the entire locus driving Flt1 upregulation in both EO-PE and LO-PE. These three isoforms thus represent potential targets for therapeutic RNA interference (RNAi) in both early and late presentations.
Clustering of conformational IgE epitopes on the major dog allergen Can f 1
Authors: Curin Mirela , Weber Milena , Hofer Gerhard , Apostolovic Danijela , Keller Walter , Reininger Renate , Swoboda Ines , Spitzauer Susanne , Focke-Tejkl Margit , van Hage Marianne , Valenta Rudolf
Published: September 2017

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated allergy affects more than 25% of the population. Can f 1 is the major dog allergen associated with respiratory symptoms but the epitopes recognized by allergic patients IgE on Can f 1 are unknown. To characterize IgE epitopes of Can f 1 recognized by dog allergic patients, six overlapping peptides spanning the Can f 1 sequence were synthesized. In direct IgE epitope mapping experiments peptides were analyzed for IgE reactivity by dot blot and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with sera from dog allergic patients. For indirect epitope-mapping, rabbits were immunized with the peptides to generate specific IgG antibodies which were used to inhibit allergic patients’ IgE binding to Can f 1. IgE binding sites were visualized on a model of the Can f 1 three-dimensional structure. We found that Can f 1 does not contain any relevant sequential IgE epitopes. However, IgE inhibition experiments with anti-peptide specific IgGs showed that Can f 1 N- and C-terminal portion assembled a major conformational binding site. In conclusion, our study is the first to identify the major IgE epitope-containing area of the dog allergen Can f 1. This finding is important for the development of allergen-specific treatment strategies.
Differential expression and co-expression gene networks reveal candidate biomarkers of boar taint in non-castrated pigs
Authors: Drag Markus , Skinkyté-Juskiené Ruta , Do Duy N. , Kogelman Lisette J. A. , Kadarmideen Haja N.
Published: September 2017

Boar taint (BT) is an offensive odour or taste observed in pork from a proportion of non-castrated male pigs. Surgical castration is effective in avoiding BT, but animal welfare issues have created an incentive for alternatives such as genomic selection. In order to find candidate biomarkers, gene expression profiles were analysed from tissues of non-castrated pigs grouped by their genetic merit of BT. Differential expression analysis revealed substantial changes with log-transformed fold changes of liver and testis from −3.39 to 2.96 and −7.51 to 3.53, respectively. Co-expression network analysis revealed one module with a correlation of −0.27 in liver and three modules with correlations of 0.31, −0.44 and −0.49 in testis. Differential expression and co-expression analysis revealed candidate biomarkers with varying biological functions: phase I (COQ3,COX6C,CYP2J2,CYP2B6,ACOX2) and phase II metabolism (GSTO1,GSR,FMO3) of skatole and androstenone in liver to steroidgenesis (HSD17B7,HSD17B8,CYP27A1), regulation of steroidgenesis (STARD10,CYB5R3) and GnRH signalling (MAPK3,MAP2K2,MAP3K2) in testis. Overrepresented pathways included “Ribosome”, “Protein export” and “Oxidative phosphorylation” in liver and “Steroid hormone biosynthesis” and “Gap junction” in testis. Future work should evaluate the biomarkers in large populations to ensure their usefulness in genomic selection programs.
Physiological and transcriptome analysis of heteromorphic leaves and hydrophilic roots in response to soil drying in desert Populus euphratica
Authors: Iqbal Arshad , Wang Tianxiang , Wu Guodong , Tang Wensi , Zhu Chen , Wang Dapeng , Li Yi , Wang Huafang
Published: September 2017

Populus euphraticaOlivier, which has been considered as a tree model for the study of higher plant response to abiotic stresses, survive in the desert ecosystem characterized by extreme drought stress. To survive in the harsh environmental condition the plant species have developed some plasticity such as the development of heteromorphic leaves and well-developed roots system. We investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms enabling this species to cope with severe stress caused by drought. The heterophylly, evolved from linear to toothed-ovate shape, showed the significant difference in cuticle thickness, stomata densities, and sizes. Physiological parameters, SOD, POD, PPO, CAT activity, free proline, soluble protein and MDA contents fluctuated in response to soil drying. Gene expression profile of roots monitored at control and 4 moisture gradients regimes showed the up-regulation of 124, 130, 126 and 162 and down-regulation of 138, 251, 314, 168 DEGs, respectively. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/ hydrolase gene (XET) up-regulated at different moisture gradients, was cloned and expressed in tobacco. TheXETpromoter sequence harbors the drought signaling responsivecis-elements. The promoter expression activity varies in different organs. Over-expression and knocked down transgenic tobacco plant analysis confirmed the role ofXETgene in roots growth and drought resistance.
Higher-order spin and charge dynamics in a quantum dot-lead hybrid system
Authors: Otsuka Tomohiro , Nakajima Takashi , Delbecq Matthieu R. , Amaha Shinichi , Yoneda Jun , Takeda Kenta , Allison Giles , Stano Peter , Noiri Akito , Ito Takumi , Loss Daniel , Ludwig Arne , Wieck Andreas D. , Tarucha Seigo
Published: September 2017

Understanding the dynamics of open quantum systems is important and challenging in basic physics and applications for quantum devices and quantum computing. Semiconductor quantum dots offer a good platform to explore the physics of open quantum systems because we can tune parameters including the coupling to the environment or leads. Here, we apply the fast single-shot measurement techniques from spin qubit experiments to explore the spin and charge dynamics due to tunnel coupling to a lead in a quantum dot-lead hybrid system. We experimentally observe both spin and charge time evolution via first- and second-order tunneling processes, and reveal the dynamics of the spin-flip through the intermediate state. These results enable and stimulate the exploration of spin dynamics in dot-lead hybrid systems, and may offer useful resources for spin manipulation and simulation of open quantum systems.
Dual “mAb” HER family blockade in head and neck cancer human cell lines combined with photon therapy
Authors: Guy Jean-Baptiste , Méry Benoîte , Ollier Edouard , Espenel Sophie , Vallard Alexis , Wozny Anne-Sophie , Simonet Stéphanie , Lauret Alexandra , Battiston-Montagne Priscillia , Ardail Dominique , Alphonse Gersende , Rancoule Chloé , Rodriguez-Lafrasse Claire , Magné Nicolas
Published: September 2017

Head and neck cancer stem cells (CSCs) are highly resistant to treatment. When EGFR is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), HER2 and HER3 are also expressed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HER1/2/3 blockade through a combination of cetuximab and pertuzumab, with or without photon irradiation, on the proliferation and migration/invasion capabilities of an HNSCC chemo- and radioresistant human cell line (SQ20B) and its corresponding stem cell subpopulation. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were studied after treatment with cetuximab +/− pertuzumab +/− 10 Gy photon irradiation. EGFR, phospho-EGFR, HER2 and HER3 protein expression levels were studied. Activation or inhibition of the RAS/MAPK and AKT-mTOR downstream signalling cascades was investigated through phospho-AKT and phospho-MEK1/2 expression. Cetuximab strongly inhibited SQ20B and FaDu cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas it had little effect on SQ20B-CSCs. Cetuximab–pertuzumab combined with radiation significantly inhibited SQ20B and FaDu cell and SQ20B-CSC proliferation, migration and invasion. Cetuximab–pertuzumab with 10 Gy photon irradiation switched off both phospho-AKT and phospho-MEK1/2 expression in the three populations. The triple therapy is therefore thought to inhibit SQ20B cells, SQ20B-CSCs and FaDu cells through an AKT-mTOR and Ras-MAPK downstream signalling blockade.
Risk Factors of Acute Hand Injuries in Manual Workers: A Case-control study
Authors: Zhu Hongyi , Zhu Xiaozhong , Zhang Changqing , Zheng Xianyou
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors of hand injuries in manual workers. Total 1672 manual workers with acute hand injuries who visited our emergency department accompanied by their colleagues from 1 March 2014 to 1 March 2017 were included in this study. One accompanied colleague with identical work task was chosen randomly as control for each patient. The personal characteristics including gender, age, work experience, acute hand injury history, smoking and alcohol consumption were recorded and compared. Finally, we found the history of severe and multiple times of acute hand injuries, high and very high daily alcohol consumption, working experience from one to two years were risk factors for acute hand injuries in manual workers.
Tunable invisibility cloaking by using isolated graphene-coated nanowires and dimers
Authors: Naserpour Mahin , Zapata-Rodríguez Carlos J. , Vuković Slobodan M. , Pashaeiadl Hamid , Belić Milivoj R.
Published: September 2017

We investigate, both theoretically and numerically, a graphene-coated nano-cylinder illuminated by a plane electromagnetic wave in the far-infrared range of frequencies. We have derived an analytical formula that enables fast evaluation of the spectral window with a substantial reduction in scattering efficiency for a sufficiently thin cylinder. This polarization-dependent effect leads to tunable resonant invisibility that can be achieved via modification of graphene chemical potential monitored by the gate voltage. A multi-frequency cloaking mechanism based on dimer coated nanowires is also discussed in detail.
Surgical site infections following caesarean operations at a Jordanian teaching hospital: Frequency and implicated factors
Authors: Abdel Jalil Mariam Hantash , Abu Hammour Khawla , Alsous Mervat , Awad Wedad , Hadadden Rand , Bakri Faris , Fram Kamil
Published: September 2017

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following caesarean surgeries are common. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of SSIs following caesareans at Jordan University Hospital during the 30 postoperative days and to identify factors associated with increased SSIs risk. Data regarding the occurrence of SSIs were collected both prospectively via follow-up phone calls and retrospectively via reviewing wound culture results and clinical notes. SSI cases were subsequently determined utilizing predefined criteria. Data relating to possible risk factors of SSIs were collected from patient interviews and hospital records. Risk factors for SSIs were identified via logistic regression. A high rate of SSIs (14.4%) was detected; implicated factors included body mass index ≥36 kg/m2 prior to pregnancy odds ratio (OR) 3.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.6–9.4, hospital stay longer than 3.5 days OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.6, having the operation at a gestational age greater than 40 weeks OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.9. Receiving a higher weight-adjusted dose of the prophylactic antibiotic cefazolin was associated with lower SSIs risk OR 0.967, 95% CI 0.94-0.99.﻿﻿﻿In conclusion﻿, a﻿ high rate of SSIs following caesareans was detected, and modifiable risk factors of SSIs should be incorporated into targeted policies aiming to reduce the rate of SSIs.
Hysteresis-free perovskite solar cells made of potassium-doped organometal halide perovskite
Authors: Tang Zeguo , Bessho Takeru , Awai Fumiyasu , Kinoshita Takumi , Maitani Masato M. , Jono Ryota , Murakami Takurou N. , Wang Haibin , Kubo Takaya , Uchida Satoshi , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

Potassium-doped organometal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) of more than 20% power conversion efficiency (PCE) without I-V hysteresis were constructed. The crystal lattice of the organometal halide perovskite was expanded with increasing of the potassium ratio, where both absorption and photoluminescence spectra shifted to the longer wavelength, suggesting that the optical band gap decreased. In the case of the perovskite with the 5% K+, the conduction band minimum (CBM) became similar to the CBM level of the TiO2-Li. In this situation, the electron transfer barrier at the interface between TiO2-Li and the perovskite was minimised. In fact, the transient current rise at the maximum power voltages of PSCs with 5% K+ was faster than that without K+. It is concluded that stagnation-less carrier transportation could minimise the I-V hysteresis of PSCs.
Modelling and Realization of a Water-Gated Field Effect Transistor (WG-FET) Using 16-nm-Thick Mono-Si Film
Authors: Sonmez Bedri Gurkan , Ertop Ozan , Mutlu Senol
Published: September 2017

We introduced a novel water-gated field effect transistor (WG-FET) which uses 16-nm-thick mono-Si film as active layer. WG-FET devices use electrical double layer (EDL) as gate insulator and operate under 1 V without causing any electrochemical reactions. Performance parameters based on voltage distribution on EDL are extracted and current-voltage relations are modelled. Both probe- and planar-gate WG-FETs with insulated and uninsulated source-drain electrodes are simulated, fabricated and tested. Best on/off ratios are measured for probe-gate devices as 23,000 A/A and 85,000 A/A with insulated and uninsulated source-drain electrodes, respectively. Planar-gate devices with source-drain insulation had inferior on/off ratio of 1,100 A/A with 600 μm gate distance and it decreased to 45 A/A when gate distance is increased to 3000 μm. Without source-drain electrode insulation, proper transistor operation is not obtained with planar-gate devices. All measurement results were in agreement with theoretical models. WG-FET is a promising device platform for microfluidic applications where sensors and read-out circuits can be integrated at transistor level.
Genetic loci of Staphylococcus aureus associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides
Authors: Glasner Corinna , de Goffau Marcus C. , van Timmeren Mirjan M. , Schulze Mirja L. , Jansen Benita , Tavakol Mehri , van Wamel Willem J. B. , Stegeman Coen A. , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Arends Jan P. , Rossen John W. , Heeringa Peter , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: September 2017

The proteinase 3 (PR3)-positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) has been associated with chronic nasal S. aureus carriage, which is a risk factor for disease relapse. The present study was aimed at comparing the genetic make-up of S. aureus isolates from PR3-ANCA-positive GPA patients with that of isolates from patients suffering from myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive AAV, and isolates from healthy controls. Based on a DNA microarray-based approach, we show that not only PR3-ANCA-positive GPA patients, but also MPO-ANCA-positive AAV patients mainly carried S. aureus types that are prevalent in the general population. Nonetheless, our data suggests that MPO-ANCA-associated S. aureus isolates may be distinct from healthy control- and PR3-ANCA-associated isolates. Furthermore, several genetic loci of S. aureus are associated with either PR3-ANCA- or MPO-ANCA-positive AAV, indicating a possible role for pore-forming toxins, such as leukocidins, in PR3-ANCA-positive GPA. Contrary to previous studies, no association between AAV and superantigens was detected. Our findings also show that a lowered humoral immune response to S. aureus is common for PR3-ANCA- and MPO-ANCA-positive AAV. Altogether, our observations imply that the presence or absence of particular virulence genes of S. aureus isolates from AAV patients contributes to disease progression and/or relapse.
In vitro Demonstration of Cancer Inhibiting Properties from Stratified Self-Organized Plasma-Liquid Interface
Authors: Chen Zhitong , Zhang Shiqiang , Levchenko Igor , Beilis Isak I. , Keidar Michael
Published: September 2017

Experiments on plasma-liquid interaction and formation of thinly stratified self-organized patterns at plasma-liquid interface have revealed a nontrivial cancer-inhibiting capability of liquid media treated at self-organized interfacial patterns. A pronounced cancer suppressing activity towards at least two cancer cells, breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and human glioblastoma U87 cancer lines, was demonstrated in vitro. After a short treatment at the thinly stratified self-organized plasma-liquid interface pattern, the cancer inhibiting media demonstrate pronounced suppressing and apoptotic activities towards tumor cells. Importantly, this would have been impossible without interfacial stratification of plasma jet to thin (of several µm) current filaments, which plays a pivotal role in building up the cancer inhibition properties. Furthermore, thinly stratified, self-organized interfacial discharge is capable to efficiently control the ROS and RNS concentrations in the cancer-inhibiting media. In particular, abnormal ROS/RNS ratios are not achievable in discharges since they do not form stratified thin-filament patterns. Our findings could be tremendously important for understanding the cancer proliferation problem and hence, the potential of this approach in tackling the challenges of high cancer-induced mortality should be explored.
Flamingos and drought as drivers of nutrients and microbial dynamics in a saline lake
Authors: Batanero Gema L. , León-Palmero Elizabeth , Li Linlin , Green Andy J. , Rendón-Martos Manuel , Suttle Curtis A. , Reche Isabel
Published: September 2017

Waterbird aggregations and droughts affect nutrient and microbial dynamics in wetlands. We analysed the effects of high densities of flamingos on nutrients and microbial dynamics in a saline lake during a wet and a dry hydrological year, and explored the effects of guano on prokaryotic growth. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, total phosphorus and total nitrogen in the surface waters were 2–3 fold higher during the drought and were correlated with salinity. Flamingos stimulated prokaryotic heterotrophic production and triggered cascading effects on prokaryotic abundance, viruses and dissolved nitrogen. This stimulus of heterotrophic prokaryotes was associated with soluble phosphorus inputs from guano, and also from sediments. In the experiments, the specific growth rate and the carrying capacity were almost twice as high after guano addition than in the control treatments, and were coupled with soluble phosphorus assimilation. Flamingo guano was also rich in nitrogen. Dissolved N in lake water lagged behind the abundance of flamingos, but the causes of this lag are unclear. This study demonstrates that intense droughts could lead to increases in total nutrients in wetlands; however, microbial activity is likely constrained by the availability of soluble phosphorus, which appears to be more dependent on the abundance of waterbirds.
Scalable Spatial-Spectral Multiplexing of Single-Virus Detection Using Multimode Interference Waveguides
Authors: Ozcelik Damla , Jain Aadhar , Stambaugh Alexandra , Stott Matthew A. , Parks Joshua W. , Hawkins Aaron , Schmidt Holger
Published: September 2017

Simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and samples (multiplexing) is one of the key requirements for diagnostic tests in order to enable fast, accurate and differentiated diagnoses. Here, we introduce a novel, highly scalable, photonic approach to multiplex analysis with single virus sensitivity. A solid-core multimode interference (MMI) waveguide crosses multiple fluidic waveguide channels on an optofluidic chip to create multi-spot excitation patterns that depend on both the wavelength and location of the channel along the length of the MMI waveguide. In this way, joint spectral and spatial multiplexing is implemented that encodes both spatial and spectral information in the time dependent fluorescence signal. We demonstrate this principle by using two excitation wavelengths and three fluidic channels to implement a 6x multiplex assay with single virus sensitivity. High fidelity detection and identification of six different viruses from a standard influenza panel is reported. This multimodal multiplexing strategy scales favorably to large numbers of targets or large numbers of clinical samples. Further, since single particles are detected unbound in flow, the technique can be broadly applied to direct detection of any fluorescent target, including nucleic acids and proteins.
A Single Sphingomyelin Species Promotes Exosomal Release of Endoglin into the Maternal Circulation in Preeclampsia
Authors: Ermini Leonardo , Ausman Jonathan , Melland-Smith Megan , Yeganeh Behzad , Rolfo Alessandro , Litvack Michael L. , Todros Tullia , Letarte Michelle , Post Martin , Caniggia Isabella
Published: September 2017

Preeclampsia (PE), an hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, exhibits increased circulating levels of a short form of the auxillary TGF-beta (TGFB) receptor endoglin (sENG). Until now, its release and functionality in PE remains poorly understood. Here we show that ENG selectively interacts with sphingomyelin(SM)-18:0 which promotes its clustering with metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) in SM-18:0 enriched lipid rafts of the apical syncytial membranes from PE placenta where ENG is cleaved by MMP14 into sENG. The SM-18:0 enriched lipid rafts also contain type 1 and 2 TGFB receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2), but not soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), another protein secreted in excess in the circulation of women with PE. The truncated ENG is then released into the maternal circulation via SM-18:0 enriched exosomes together with TGFBR1 and 2. Such an exosomal TGFB receptor complex could be functionally active and block the vascular effects of TGFB in the circulation of PE women.
A novel fast vector method for genetic sequence comparison
Authors: Li Yongkun , He Lily , Lucy He Rong , Yau Stephen S.-T.
Published: September 2017

With sharp increasing in biological sequences, the traditional sequence alignment methods become unsuitable and infeasible. It motivates a surge of fast alignment-free techniques for sequence analysis. Among these methods, many sorts of feature vector methods are established and applied to reconstruction of species phylogeny. The vectors basically consist of some typical numerical features for certain biological problems. The features may come from the primary sequences, secondary or three dimensional structures of macromolecules. In this study, we propose a novel numerical vector based on only primary sequences of organism to build their phylogeny. Three chemical and physical properties of primary sequences: purine, pyrimidine and keto are also incorporated to the vector. Using each property, we convert the nucleotide sequence into a new sequence consisting of only two kinds of letters. Therefore, three sequences are constructed according to the three properties. For each letter of each sequence we calculate the number of the letter, the average position of the letter and the variation of the position of the letter appearing in the sequence. Tested on several datasets related to mammals, viruses and bacteria, this new tool is fast in speed and accurate for inferring the phylogeny of organisms.
Identification and characterisation of lamprey protein kinase C delta-like gene
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhu Siwei , Zhao Huan , Li Qingwei
Published: September 2017

Protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ), a member of the lipid-regulated serine/threonine PKC family, has been implicated in a wide range of important cellular processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Lampreys belong to the most primitive class of vertebrates, and there is little information on PKC-δ in these animals. In this study, a PKC-δ-like cDNA sequence and deduced PKC-δ-like amino acid sequence were identified in the Japanese lamprey (Lampetra japonica). The PKC-δ-like gene shared approximately 60% sequence identity with its homologs in jawed vertebrates. The anti-PKC-δ-like polyclonal antibodies were well prepared, and experiments showed that PKC-δ-like was primarily distributed in the supraneural body of the lamprey. Both mRNA and protein levels of PKC-δ-like in supraneural body cells were increased after incubation with cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (CDDP). Moreover, PKC-δ-like protein induced the apoptosis of HEK-293T cells. In addition, the activation of PKC-δ-like resulted in apoptosis. Conversely, the inhibition of PKC-δ-like activity disrupted the CDDP-mediated induction of cellular apoptosis. These results indicate that PKC-δ-like identified in lampreys might play an important role in apoptosis in jawless vertebrates.
Immunophysical analysis of corneal neovascularization: mechanistic insights and implications for pharmacotherapy
Authors: Azimzade Youness , Hong Jiaxu , Mashaghi Alireza
Published: September 2017

The cornea lacks adaptive immune cells and vasculature under healthy conditions, but is populated by both cell types under pathologic conditions and after transplantation. Here we propose an immunophysical approach to describe postoperative neovascularization in corneal grafts. We develop a simple dynamic model that captures not only the well-established interactions between innate immunity and vascular dynamics but also incorporates the contributions of adaptive immunity to vascular growth. We study how these interactions determine dynamic changes and steady states of the system as well as the clinical outcome, i.e. graft survival. The model allows us to systematically explore the impact of pharmacological inhibitors of vascular growth on the function and survival of transplanted corneas and search for the optimal time to initiatetherapy. Predictions from our models will help ongoing efforts to design therapeutic approaches to modulate alloimmunity and suppress allograft rejection.
One-step pretreatment of yellow poplar biomass using peracetic acid to enhance enzymatic digestibility
Authors: Lee Hyeong Rae , Kazlauskas Romas J. , Park Tai Hyun
Published: September 2017

Pretreatment of biomass with dilute acid requires high temperatures of >160 °C to remove xylan and does not remove lignin. Here we report that the addition of peracetic acid, a strong oxidant, to mild dilute acid pretreatment reduces the temperature requirement to only 120 °C. Pretreatment of yellow poplar with peracetic acid (300 mM, 2.3 wt%) and dilute sulfuric acid (100 mM, 1.0 wt%) at 120 °C for 5 min removed 85.7% of the xylan and 90.4% of the lignin leaving a solid consisting of 75.6% glucan, 6.0% xylan and 4.7% lignin. Low enzyme loadings of 5 FPU/g glucan and 10 pNPGU/g glucan converted this solid to glucose with an 84.0% yield. This amount of glucose was 2.5 times higher than with dilute acid-pretreated solid and 13.8 times higher than with untreated yellow poplar. Thus, the addition of peracetic acid, easily generated from acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, dramatically increases the effectiveness of dilute acid pretreatment of biomass.