bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterotrophic and mixotrophic nanoflagellates in a mesotrophic lake: Abundance and grazing impacts across season and depth
Authors: Princiotta Sarah DeVaul , Sanders Robert W.
Published: November 2016

Nanoflagellates are recognized as fundamental members of the planktonic microbial food web due to their contribution to photosynthetic fixation of carbon and phagotrophic ingestion of bacteria. Although the presence, and often dominance, of mixotrophic nutrition among phytoflagellates has been well documented within a variety of aquatic ecosystems and in a range of taxa, few studies have assessed the abundance and grazing impact of mixotrophs in comparison to their photosynthetic and heterotrophic counterparts across seasons at multiple depths. Abundance and, as appropriate, bacterivory of phototrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic nanoflagellates were quantified at three depths over a 15‐month period in Lake Lacawac (Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) via microscopic analysis of ingested bacterial surrogates. The absolute and relative abundances of all nanoflagellate trophic groups varied with season and depth, likely as a result of differences in physiological tolerance. Whereas the abundance of phototrophic and heterotrophic nanoflagellates varied with depth in both the presence and absence of thermal stratification, mixotrophic protists were evenly distributed throughout the water column during mixis. The abundances of phototrophic and mixotrophic protists were significantly correlated, but only in surface waters during periods of thermal stratification. Grazing rate and consequent impact by bacterivorous nanoflagellates varied with depth across season, particularly during thermal stratification. Mixotrophic bacterivory exceeded that of heterotrophs in the epi‐ and metalimnion during stratification, removing an estimated maximum of 80% of the bacterial standing stock d−1. The relative contribution of heterotrophic nanoflagellates to community bacterivory increased with depth, even during mixis, and dominated the grazing impact in the hypolimnion.
Influence of voids and impact damage on the fatigue behaviour of large scale composites
Authors: Protz R. , Kosmann N. , Fritsch D. , Fey P. , Essig W. , Dietrich K. , Gude M. , Horst P. , Kreutzbruck M. , Schulte K. , Busse G. , Hufenbach W. , Fiedler B.
Published: November 2016

Defects in laminated composite structures like voids and impact damages have a major influence on the fatigue behaviour. These defects may occur in the manufacturing process and during lifetime of composite parts and lead to matrix cracks within single layers and to delaminations between adjacent layers with different fibre orientations. We investigated the relationship between voids and impact damage and fatigue lifetime. Specimens made of a glass fibre non‐crimp fabric were produced by vacuum assisted resin infusion. Voids were introduced by air‐bypass simulating a leakage during the vacuum assisted resin infusion‐process. Impact damage was induced using a canon. Stringer‐panels with the basic dimensions of 1000 mm × 1200 mm and a radius of 1980 mm were tested under multiaxial load situations in a hexapod test rig and a tension/compression‐shear test rig.
Structure and absolute configuration of hydroxy‐bis‐dihydrofarinosin from Encelia farinosa
Authors: Ortega Alfredo R. , Ortiz‐Pastrana Naytzé , Quijano Leovigildo , Becerra‐Martínez Elvia , Olmedo‐Aguirre José O. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: November 2016

The structure of the dimeric eudesmanolide hydroxy‐bis‐dihydrofarinosin (1) from Encelia farinosa followed after contrasting their 1H and 13C NMR spectra with those of encelin (6), hydroxy‐bis‐dihydroencelin (3), and farinosin (4). Structure 1 was verified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, which further provided the stereochemistry of the hydroxy group at C‐4. Comparison of the experimental vibrational circular dichroism spectrum of its derived diacetate 2 with that calculated by density functional theory provided the absolute configuration, which resulted the same as that of its biogenetic precursor 4. Evaluation of several chemical shift differences between the two eudesmanolide fragments of 1 and 3 allows also ascertaining the yet not reported absolute configuration of the C‐4 stereogenic center of 3. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite element approximation of nonlocal parabolic problem
Authors: Chaudhary Sudhakar , Srivastava Vimal , Kumar V. V. K. Srinivas , Srinivasan Balaji
Published: November 2016

In this article, we present a finite element scheme combined with backward Euler method to solve a nonlocal parabolic problem. An important issue in the numerical solution of nonlocal problems while using Newton's method is related to its structure. In fact differently from the local case where the Jacobian matrix is sparse and banded, in the nonlocal case the Jacobian matrix is dense and computations are much more onerous compared to that for differential equations. In order to avoid this difficulty, we use the technique given by Gudi (SIAM J Numer Anal 50 (2012), 657–668) for elliptic nonlocal problem of Kirchhoff type. We discuss the well‐posedness of the weak formulation at continuous as well as at discrete levels. We also derive a priori error estimates for semidiscrete and fully discrete formulations in L2 and H1 norms. Results based on the usual finite element method are provided to confirm the theoretical estimates. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 786–813, 2017
Optical, dielectric, and mechanical properties of exfoliated poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)/Clay nanocomposites prepared via In‐situ bulk polymerization
Authors: Khalaf A.I. , Assem Y. , Yehia A.A. , Rabia A.M. , Zidan T.A.
Published: November 2016

Poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposites (4a–c) were prepared by in‐situ bulk polymerization method. N,N‐Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was alkylated using hexyl bromide to afford quaternary ammonium salt (2) which was used in the organomodification process of the clay. The organoclay (3) was dispersed in the DMAEMA monomer at concentrations 1, 3, and 5 wt% and bulk polymerization reactions were conducted to prepare nanocomposites (4a–c), respectively. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The XRD results showed that the polymer/clay nanocomposites have an exfoliated structure. Optical, dielectric, and mechanical properties were also investigated. The prepared polymer (PDMAEMA) film showed a transparency of about 88% and it slightly decreased to 80% for PDMAEMA/clay (5 wt%). The films showed indirectly allowed transition and the optical band gap of the films was evaluated. The dielectric properties of polymer and polymer nanocomposites were discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2603–2610, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
A metabolic way to investigate related hurdles causing poor bioavailability in oral delivery of isoacteoside in rats employing ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cui Qingling , Pan Yingni , Yan Xiaowei , Qu Bao , Liu Xiaoqiu , Xiao Wei
Published: November 2016

Rationale

Isoacteoside (ISAT), a phenylethanoid glycoside that acts as the principal bioactive component in traditional Chinese medicines, possesses broad pharmacological effects such as neuroprotective, antihypertensive and hepatoprotective activities. However, its pharmaceutical development has been severely limited due to the poor oral bioavailability. It is essential and significant to investigate related hurdles leading to the poor bioavailability of isoacteoside.

Methods

Whole animal metabolism studies were conducted in rats, followed by metabolic mechanism including gastrointestinal stability, intestinal flora metabolism and intestinal enzyme metabolism employing the powerful method ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/QTOF‐MS/MS).

Results

A simple, rapid and sensitive method has been developed which comprehensively revealed the underlying cause of poor bioavailability of ISAT in a metabolic manner. The prototype of ISAT and its combined metabolites have not been detected in plasma. Furthermore, the residual content of the parent compound in in vitro experiments was approximately 59%, 5% and barely none in intestinal bacteria, intestinal S9 and simulated intestinal juice at 6 h, respectively.

Conclusions

The present work has demonstrated that the factors causing the poor bioavailability of isoacteoside should be attributed to the metabolism. In general, the metabolism that resulted from intestinal flora and intestinal enzymes were predominant reasons giving rise to the poor bioavailability of ISAT, which also suggested that metabolites might be responsible for the excellent pharmacological effect of ISAT. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finding Adam in random growing trees
Authors: Bubeck Sébastien , Devroye Luc , Lugosi Gábor
Published: November 2016

We investigate algorithms to find the first vertex in large trees generated by either the uniform attachment or preferential attachment model. We require the algorithm to output a set of K vertices, such that, with probability at least , the first vertex is in this set. We show that for any ε, there exist such algorithms with K independent of the size of the input tree. Moreover, we provide almost tight bounds for the best value of K as a function of ε. In the uniform attachment case we show that the optimal K is subpolynomial in , and that it has to be at least superpolylogarithmic. On the other hand, the preferential attachment case is exponentially harder, as we prove that the best K is polynomial in . We conclude the paper with several open problems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 158–172, 2017
Ultrafine CoO Embedded Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites: A High Rate Anode for Li–Ion Battery
Authors: Bindumadhavan Kartick , Yeh Ming‐Hsiu , Chou Tsu‐chin , Chang Pei‐Yi , Doong Ruey‐an
Published: November 2016

A novel and simple strategy for the synthesis of cobalt oxide decorated reduced graphene oxide (CoO‐rGO) nanocomposites was developed as a high performance anode for lithium ion battery (LIB). The CoO‐rGO nanocomposites were prepared by simultaneous reduction of GO and Co2+ in the presence of NaBH4. Addition of 15 wt% rGO produced a narrow size distribution of ultra‐fine CoO nanoparticles with nano‐dimensional contact between CoO and rGO leading to an excellent electrochemical performance. The reversible capacity of CoO‐rGO nanocomposites is between 1140 and 1260 mAh/g at the current density of 150 mA/g and sustained at 473 mAh/g at high current density of 2400 mA/g. In addition to the excellent rate capability of 15 wt% CoO‐rGO, a reversible capacity of 690 mAh/g is achieved at 600 mA/g after 60 cycles. In addition, XPS spectra and XRD patterns of CoO‐rGO after cycling clearly indicate the involvement of electrolyte into CoO nanoparticles during intercalation‐deintercalation cycling, and lead to the transformation of Co species from Co2+ to Co3+ for the enhanced electrochemical performance at high current density.
In Vitro Investigation of the Effect of Intracellular and Extracellular Magnetite Nanoparticles Subjected to Alternating Magnetic Field on MCF‐7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nakanishi Takuya , Matsuda Shofu , Kaneko Kisako , Zhang Hong , Osaka Tetsuya
Published: November 2016

To evaluate the efficiency with which intra‐ and extracellular magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) induce cell death under an alternating magnetic field (AMF), we comparatively investigated two systems consisting of MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells and MNPs: one is a “simply‐added” system, which is essentially a simple mixture of cells and extracellular MNPs, and the other is a “pre‐cultivated” system that contains both intra‐ and extracellular MNPs. We also evaluated the effect of heating by thermostatic water bath (WB) on cell death in both systems. The degree of cell death was greater under heating with MNPs subjected to AMF than in the WB‐heating in both systems. At higher doses of MNPs, the degree of cell death was greater in the “pre‐cultivated” system than in the “simply‐added” system using both heating methods. The cellular uptake of MNPs induced slight cell damage and caused a high degree of cell death at higher temperatures. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed in the presence of internalized MNPs under the AMF and was suggested to be a result of the combined effect of intracellular heating and cellular damage by MNPs.
ZIF‐67 Derived Co3O4/rGO Electrodes for Electrochemical Detection of H2O2 with High Sensitivity and Selectivity
Authors: Wu Meiyan , Hong Ying , Zang Xiaoxian , Dong Xiaochen
Published: November 2016

In this work, zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) nanocrystal arrays were supported by graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets by a graphene assembly route. Then, ZIF‐67/GO was transformed into nanoporous Co3O4/rGO composites through calcination. Both ZIF‐67/GO and Co3O4/rGO were employed as active materials to modify glass carbon electrodes for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) non‐enzymatic sensor. The measurement results indicate that ZIF‐67/GO presented excellent electro‐catalytic activity towards H2O2 with a linear range of 0.1‐22.9 mM and a low detection limit of 1.92 mM. More important, the Co3O4/rGO modified GC electrode showed higher detection sensitivity for H2O2 and the limit of detection can be as low as 7.87 nM. Furthermore, ZIF‐67/GO and Co3O4/rGO modified electrodes both exhibited excellent selectivity in phosphate buffer solution and NaOH.
Potential Impact of Substituents on the Crystal Structures and Properties of Tl(I) Ferrocenyl/Picolyl‐Functionalized Dithiocarbamates; Tl⋯H‐CAnagostic Interactions
Authors: Manar Krishna K. , Rajput Gunjan , Yadav Manoj K. , Yadav Chote L. , Kumari Kavita , Drew Michael G. B. , Singh Nanhai
Published: November 2016

New ferrocenyl/pyridyl functionalized dithiocarbamate complexes, [Tl(dtc)]∞ (dtc=(N‐ferrocenyl‐N‐2‐methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate (L1) 1, (N‐ferrocenyl‐N‐methyl) dithiocarbamate (L2) 2, (N‐methylthiophene‐N‐3‐methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate (L3) 3, (N‐4‐chlorobenzyl‐N‐3‐methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate (L4) 4 and (N‐4‐methylbenzyl‐N‐3‐methylpyridyl) dithiocarbamate (L5) 5) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV‐Vis., 1H and 13C {1H} NMR spectroscopy. Their crystal structures revealed polymeric structures based on dimeric [Tl(dtc)]2 scaffolds which are linked via Tl⋯Tl, Tl‐N(Py) and Tl⋯S bonds and rare C−H⋯Tl anagostic, C–S⋯Tl, Tl⋯N(dtc), Tl⋯C and Tl⋯π(arene) intermolecular bonding interactions which have been assessed by theoretical calculations.The supramolecular structures in these complexes have been sustained by weak C−H⋯S, C−H⋯N, C−H⋯Cl, C−H⋯π, π⋯ π and H⋯H interactions. Except for 1 and 2 having ferrocene groups as quenchers, all the complexes show luminescent characteristics in the solid phase. Complexes 1–5 are weakly conducting (σrt,10−4‐10−7 S cm−1, Ea=0.89‐1.00 eV) but show semiconducting behavior in the solid state. The TGA decomposition products of 1—5 revealed formation of binary TlS and ternary Fe2Tl4S5 and Fe3Tl2S4 sulfide materials.
An Invitation to the Less‐Treaded Path of Autoethnography in TESOL Research
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyyed‐Abdolhamid
Published: November 2016

Although alternative perspectives continue to be part of TESOL research methodology, there are approaches to social science inquiry that are still not widely known to researchers in the field. More specifically, it may be argued that language education research needs further qualitative approaches that can interweave research and life, language and context, and self and society in processes of inquiry. Therefore, in this article the author invites the academic community of TESOL to consider autoethnography as a qualitative research approach with significant potential for research on issues of language teaching and learning. Based on a discussion of the theoretical and methodological perspectives of autoethnographic inquiry, he argues that, by bringing the self and society together, such an approach can contribute to the ongoing endeavor for deepening the epistemological understanding and widening the methodological scope of research in the field.
The Emotion of Interest and Its Relevance to Consumer Psychology and Behaviour
Authors: Sung Billy , Vanman Eric J. , Hartley Nicole , Phau Ian
Published: November 2016

Consumers are known to show a paradoxical tendency to favour both familiar and novel marketing stimuli such as products and advertisements. However, an explanation for this paradox has yet to be proposed. This provides immense challenges for marketing practices that conventionally strive to build familiarity (e.g. building awareness, recognition, recall, and customer relationships). Using the emotion differentiation framework, this theoretical paper shows that this paradox is a result of two distinct emotions – liking and interest. Specifically, consumers like familiarity but are interested in novelty. This paper offers six empirical propositions to: (1) differentiate interest from liking; (2) show that liking motivates consumers to favour familiarity whereas interest motivates consumers to prefer novelty; (3) demonstrate that interest accounts for previously explained boundary conditions of the familiarity–liking effect; and (4) provide insights to explain previous conflicting findings in the field of innovation, advertising, and consumer psychology research.
The effects of dietary microalgae (Schizochytrium
spp.) and fish oil in layers on docosahexaenoic acid omega-3
enrichment of the eggs
Authors: Kaewsutas M. , Sarikaphuti A. , Nararatwanchai T. , Sittiprapaporn P. , Patchanee P.
Published: November 2016

Nutritional manipulation of diets for layers can help to naturally modify the
nutritional content of eggs. The objective of this study was to increase the
concentration of the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the egg
yolk by feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae compared to
one containing fish oil to layers. A total of 480 layers (Babcock B308) aged 28
weeks old were divided into four treatment groups with four replicates per
treatment. The layers were fed a control diet, a diet containing 4% crude
salmon oil, or microalgae (Schizochytrium spp.) at 1% or
2% in the diet for eight weeks. Feed intake and egg production were
recorded daily and egg quality tested every two weeks. There were no significant
differences between the control and treatment groups as regards feed intake, egg
production, egg weight, egg mass, albumin height, and Haugh unit of the eggs.
The egg samples were obtained at the start of the trial, four weeks and eight
weeks for the analysis of the fatty acid profile in the eggs. The DHA level in
the eggs from layers fed even 1% or 2% algae was higher (P
< 0.05) compared to the level from those fed with the control diet and
4% fish oil supplementation. The omega 6:3 ratio in eggs was
significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared to the control diet and the
fish oil groups. Feeding 2% microalgae (Schizochytrium
spp.) in hen diet resulted in an increase in the DHA level (above
100 mg/egg) and a decrease in the omega 6:3 ratio to the optimal level. The
trial demonstrated that DHA concentration in eggs can be enriched through
nutritional management of layers by using algae supplementation in order to
provide more favourable fatty acids for consumers.
The influence of near-wall density and viscosity gradients on turbulence in channel flows
Authors: Patel Ashish , Boersma Bendiks J. , Pecnik Rene
Published: November 2016

The influence of near-wall density and viscosity gradients on near-wall turbulence in a channel is studied by means of direct numerical simulation of the low-Mach-number approximation of the Navier–Stokes equations. Different constitutive relations for density $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}$ and viscosity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ as a function of temperature are used in order to mimic a wide range of fluid behaviours and to develop a generalised framework for studying turbulence modulations in variable-property flows. Instead of scaling the velocity solely based on local density, as done for the van Driest transformation, we derive an extension of the scaling that is based on gradients of the semilocal Reynolds number, defined as $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{\star }\equiv Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}\sqrt{(\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}/\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}_{w})}/(\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}}/\overline{\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}}_{w})$ (the bar and subscript $w$ denote Reynolds averaging and wall value respectively, while $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$ is the friction Reynolds number based on wall values). This extension of the van Driest transformation is able to collapse velocity profiles for flows with near-wall property gradients as a function of the semilocal wall coordinate. However, flow quantities like mixing length, turbulence anisotropy and turbulent vorticity fluctuations do not show a universal scaling very close to the wall. This is attributed to turbulence modulations, which play a crucial role in the evolution of turbulent structures and turbulence energy transfer. We therefore investigate the characteristics of streamwise velocity streaks and quasistreamwise vortices and find that, similarly to turbulence statistics, the turbulent structures are also strongly governed by $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{\star }$ profiles and that their dependence on individual density and viscosity profiles is minor. Flows with near-wall gradients in $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{\star }$ ($\text{d}Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{\star }/\text{d}y\neq 0$) show significant changes in inclination and tilting angles of quasistreamwise vortices. These structural changes are responsible for the observed modulation of the Reynolds stress generation mechanism and the inter-component energy transfer in flows with strong near-wall $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{\star }$ gradients.
The Home Front: Rent Control and the Rapid Wartime Increase in Home Ownership
Authors: Fetter Daniel K.
Published: November 2016

The U.S. home ownership rate rose by 10 percentage points between 1940 and 1945, despite severe restrictions on construction during World War II. I investigate whether wartime rent control played a role in this shift. The empirical test exploits variation in rent reductions across cities that had similar increases in rents prior to control. This variation does not appear to be correlated with underlying trends also driving home ownership. Greater initial rent reductions led to larger increases in home ownership; rent control can account for a significant share of the increase in home ownership over the early 1940s.
Determinants of dietary patterns and diet quality during pregnancy: a systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Doyle Ina-Merle , Borrmann Brigitte , Grosser Angelique , Razum Oliver , Spallek Jacob
Published: November 2016

Objective

To identify determinants of diet in pregnancy, by detecting factors in our multiple-determinants life course framework that are associated with dietary patterns, quality or guideline adherence.

Design

A systematic review of observational studies, published in English or German, was conducted. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental and pregnancy-related determinants were considered. Four electronic databases were searched in January 2015 and updated in April 2016 and a total of 4368 articles identified. Risk of bias was assessed using adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scales.

Setting

High- and upper-middle-income countries.

Subjects

Pregnant or postpartum women reporting their dietary intake during pregnancy.

Results

Seventeen publications of twelve studies were included and compared narratively due to heterogeneity. Diet in pregnancy was patterned along a social gradient and aligned with other health behaviours before and during pregnancy. Few studies investigated the influence of the social and built environment and their findings were inconsistent. Except for parity, pregnancy determinants were rarely assessed even though pregnancy is a physiologically and psychologically unique period. Various less well-researched factors such as the role of ethnicity, pregnancy intendedness, pregnancy ailments and macro-level environment were identified that need to be studied in more detail.

Conclusions

The framework was supported by the literature identified, but more research of sound methodology is needed in order to conclusively disentangle the interplay of the different determinants. Practitioners should be aware that pregnant women who are young, have a low education or do not follow general health advice appear to be at higher risk of inadequate dietary intake.
Emergency department visits for attempted suicide and self harm in the USA: 2006–2013
Authors: Canner J. K. , Giuliano K. , Selvarajah S. , Hammond E. R. , Schneider E. B.
Published: November 2016

Aims.

To characterise and identify nationwide trends in suicide-related emergency department (ED) visits in the USA from 2006 to 2013.

Methods.

We used data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) from 2006 to 2013. E-codes were used to identify ED visits related to suicide attempts and self-inflicted injury. Visits were characterised by factors such as age, sex, US census region, calendar month, as well as injury severity and mechanism. Injury severity and mechanism were compared between age groups and sex by chi-square tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Population-based rates were computed using US Census data.

Results.

Between 2006 and 2013, a total of 3 567 084 suicide attempt-related ED visits were reported. The total number of visits was stable between 2006 and 2013, with a population-based rate ranging from 163.1 to 173.8 per 100 000 annually. The frequency of these visits peaks during ages 15–19 and plateaus during ages 35–45, with a mean age at presentation of 33.2 years. More visits were by females (57.4%) than by males (42.6%); however, the age patterns for males and females were similar. Visits peaked in late spring (8.9% of all visits occurred in May), with a smaller peak in the fall. The most common mechanism of injury was poisoning (66.5%), followed by cutting and piercing (22.1%). Males were 1.6 times more likely than females to use violent methods to attempt suicide (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.60–1.68;p< 0.001). The vast majority of patients (82.7%) had a concurrent mental disorder. Mood disorders were the most common (42.1%), followed by substance-related disorders (12.1%), alcohol-related disorders (8.9%) and anxiety disorders (6.4%).

Conclusions.

The annual incidence of ED visits for attempted suicide and self-inflicted injury in the NEDS is comparable with figures previously reported from other national databases. We highlighted the value of the NEDS in allowing us to look in depth at age, sex, seasonal and mechanism patterns. Furthermore, using this large national database, we confirmed results from previous smaller studies, including a higher incidence of suicide attempts among women and individuals aged 15–19 years, a large seasonal peak in suicide attempts in the spring, a predominance of poisoning as the mechanism of injury for suicide attempts and a greater use of violent mechanisms in men, suggesting possible avenues for further research into strategies for prevention.
Tracing the North Atlantic's Bottom Waters
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: November 2016

Chemicals released by two European nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, along with certain chlorofluorocarbons, are helping to constrain the speed and behavior of North Atlantic deep-ocean circulation.
Proposal and proof-of-principle demonstration of non-destructive detection of photonic qubits using a Tm:LiNbO3 waveguide
Authors: Sinclair N. , Heshami K. , Deshmukh C. , Oblak D. , Simon C. , Tittel W.
Published: November 2016

Non-destructive detection of photonic qubits is an enabling technology for quantum information processing and quantum communication. For practical applications, such as quantum repeaters and networks, it is desirable to implement such detection in a way that allows some form of multiplexing as well as easy integration with other components such as solid-state quantum memories. Here, we propose an approach to non-destructive photonic qubit detection that promises to have all the mentioned features. Mediated by an impurity-doped crystal, a signal photon in an arbitrary time-bin qubit state modulates the phase of an intense probe pulse that is stored during the interaction. Using a thulium-doped waveguide in LiNbO3, we perform a proof-of-principle experiment with macroscopic signal pulses, demonstrating the expected cross-phase modulation as well as the ability to preserve the coherence between temporal modes. Our findings open the path to a new key component of quantum photonics based on rare-earth-ion-doped crystals.
The lipid sensor GPR120 promotes brown fat activation and FGF21 release from adipocytes
Authors: Quesada-López Tania , Cereijo Rubén , Turatsinze Jean-Valery , Planavila Anna , Cairó Montserrat , Gavaldà-Navarro Aleix , Peyrou Marion , Moure Ricardo , Iglesias Roser , Giralt Marta , Eizirik Decio L. , Villarroya Francesc
Published: November 2016

The thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue are important components of energy expenditure. Here we show that GPR120, a receptor for polyunsaturated fatty acids, promotes brown fat activation. Using RNA-seq to analyse mouse BAT transcriptome, we find that the gene encoding GPR120 is induced by thermogenic activation. We further show that GPR120 activation induces BAT activity and promotes the browning of white fat in mice, whereas GRP120-null mice show impaired cold-induced browning. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce brown and beige adipocyte differentiation and thermogenic activation, and these effects require GPR120. GPR120 activation induces the release of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) by brown and beige adipocytes, and increases blood FGF21 levels. The effects of GPR120 activation on BAT activation and browning are impaired in FGF21-null mice and cells. Thus, the lipid sensor GPR120 activates brown fat via a mechanism that involves induction of FGF21.
Formation of bacterial pilus-like nanofibres by designed minimalistic self-assembling peptides
Authors: Guterman Tom , Kornreich Micha , Stern Avigail , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Porath Danny , Beck Roy , Shimon Linda J. W. , Gazit Ehud
Published: November 2016

Mimicking the multifunctional bacterial type IV pili (T4Ps) nanofibres provides an important avenue towards the development of new functional nanostructured biomaterials. Yet, the development of T4Ps-based applications is limited by the inability to form these nanofibres in vitro from their pilin monomers. Here, to overcome this limitation, we followed a reductionist approach and designed a self-assembling pilin-based 20-mer peptide, derived from the presumably bioelectronic pilin of Geobacter sulfurreducens. The designed 20-mer, which spans sequences from both the polymerization domain and the functionality region of the pilin, self-assembled into ordered nanofibres. Investigation of the 20-mer revealed that shorter sequences which correspond to the polymerization domain form a supramolecular β-sheet, contrary to their helical configuration in the native T4P core, due to alternative molecular recognition. In contrast, the sequence derived from the functionality region maintains a native-like, helical conformation. This study presents a new family of self-assembling peptides which form T4P-like nanostructures.
Direct comparison of current-induced spin polarization in topological insulator Bi2Se3 and InAs Rashba states
Authors: Li C. H. , van ‘t Erve O.M.J. , Rajput S. , Li L. , Jonker B. T.
Published: November 2016

Three-dimensional topological insulators (TIs) exhibit time-reversal symmetry protected, linearly dispersing Dirac surface states with spin–momentum locking. Band bending at the TI surface may also lead to coexisting trivial two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) states with parabolic energy dispersion. A bias current is expected to generate spin polarization in both systems, although with different magnitude and sign. Here we compare spin potentiometric measurements of bias current-generated spin polarization in Bi2Se3(111) where Dirac surface states coexist with trivial 2DEG states, and in InAs(001) where only trivial 2DEG states are present. We observe spin polarization arising from spin–momentum locking in both cases, with opposite signs of the measured spin voltage. We present a model based on spin dependent electrochemical potentials to directly derive the sign expected for the Dirac surface states, and show that the dominant contribution to the current-generated spin polarization in the TI is from the Dirac surface states.
Difference in resistance to humidity between commonly used dry powder inhalers: an in vitro study
Authors: Janson Christer , Lööf Thomas , Telg Gunilla , Stratelis Georgios , Nilsson Folke
Published: November 2016

Multi-dose dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are commonly used in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) treatment. A disadvantage is their sensitivity to humidity. In real life, DPIs are periodically exposed to humid conditions, which may affect aerosol characteristics and lung deposition. This study compared DPI aerosol performance after exposure to humidity. Budesonide (BUD) inhalers (Turbuhaler; Novolizer; Easyhaler) and budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FORM) inhalers (Turbuhaler; Spiromax; Easyhaler) were stored in 75% relative humidity (RH) at both ambient temperature and at −0 °C. Delivered dose (DD) and fine-particle dose (FPD) were tested in vitro before and after storage. BUD inhalers: Turbuhaler and Novolizer showed only small decreases (<15%) in FPD in 40 °C/75% RH, whereas FPD for Easyhaler decreased by >60% (P=0.01) after 1.5 months of storage. Easyhaler also decreased significantly after 6 months of storage in ambient/75%RH by 25% and 54% for DD and FPD, respectively, whereas only small decreases were seen for Turbuhaler and Novolizer (<15%). BUD/FORM inhalers: Turbuhaler and Spiromax DD were unchanged in 40 °C/75% RH, whereas Easyhaler showed a small decrease. FPD (budesonide) decreased for Turbuhaler, Spiromax and Easyhaler by 18%, 10% and 68% (all significant), respectively, at 40 °C/75% RH. In ambient/75%RH, DD was unchanged for all inhalers, whereas FPD (budesonide) decreased for Spiromax (7%, P=0.02) and Easyhaler (34%, (P<0.01)). There are significant differences in device performance after exposure to humid conditions. A clinically relevant decrease of more than half FPD was seen for one of the inhalers, a decrease that may affect patients’ clinical outcomes. Prescriber and patient knowledge on device attributes are essential to ensure optimal drug delivery to the lungs.
MUFINS: multi-formalism interaction network simulator
Authors: Wu Huihai , von Kamp Axel , Leoncikas Vytautas , Mori Wataru , Sahin Nilgun , Gevorgyan Albert , Linley Catherine , Grabowski Marek , Mannan Ahmad A , Stoy Nicholas , Stewart Graham R , Ward Lara T , Lewis David J M , Sroka Jacek , Matsuno Hiroshi , Klamt Steffen , Westerhoff Hans V , McFadden Johnjoe , Plant Nicholas J , Kierzek Andrzej M
Published: November 2016

Systems Biology has established numerous approaches for mechanistic modeling of molecular networks in the cell and a legacy of models. The current frontier is the integration of models expressed in different formalisms to address the multi-scale biological system organization challenge. We present MUFINS (MUlti-Formalism Interaction Network Simulator) software, implementing a unique set of approaches for multi-formalism simulation of interaction networks. We extend the constraint-based modeling (CBM) framework by incorporation of linear inhibition constraints, enabling for the first time linear modeling of networks simultaneously describing gene regulation, signaling and whole-cell metabolism at steady state. We present a use case where a logical hypergraph model of a regulatory network is expressed by linear constraints and integrated with a Genome-Scale Metabolic Network (GSMN) of mouse macrophage. We experimentally validate predictions, demonstrating application of our software in an iterative cycle of hypothesis generation, validation and model refinement. MUFINS incorporates an extended version of our Quasi-Steady State Petri Net approach to integrate dynamic models with CBM, which we demonstrate through a dynamic model of cortisol signaling integrated with the human Recon2 GSMN and a model of nutrient dynamics in physiological compartments. Finally, we implement a number of methods for deriving metabolic states from ~omics data, including our new variant of the iMAT congruency approach. We compare our approach with iMAT through the analysis of 262 individual tumor transcriptomes, recovering features of metabolic reprogramming in cancer. The software provides graphics user interface with network visualization, which facilitates use by researchers who are not experienced in coding and mathematical modeling environments.
Six2creFrs2α knockout mice are a novel model of renal cystogenesis
Authors: Puri Pawan , Bushnell Daniel , Schaefer Caitlin M. , Bates Carlton M.
Published: November 2016

Six2cre-mediated deletion of Frs2α (Six2creFrs2αKO), a major fibroblast growth factor receptor (Fgfr) docking protein in mouse nephron progenitors results in perinatal renal hypoplasia; however, postnatal Six2creFrs2αKO kidneys develop cysts. We sought to determine the pathogenesis of Six2creFrs2αKO cyst formation. We performed histological assays, Western blots, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). While embryonic day (E) 18.5 Six2Frs2αKO kidneys were hypoplastic and not cystic, postnatal day (P) 7 mutants had proximal tubular-derived cysts that nearly replaced the renal parenchyma by P21. Mutants had high proximal tubular proliferation rates and interstitial fibrosis, similar to known polycystic kidney disease (PKD) models. Six2creFrs2αKO kidneys also had upregulation of Wnt/βcatenin signaling, macrophage infiltration and chemokine production (e.g. ectopic Ccl2 in non-dilated proximal tubules), and augmented hedgehog signaling, features also seen in other PKD models. We saw increased Gli1 (hedgehog readout) in postnatal Six2creFrs2αKO interstitium and ectopic sonic hedgehog (Shh) in subsets of non-dilated P7 mutant proximal tubules (likely driving the stromal Gli expression). As ectopic tubular Shh and Ccl2 expression is seen after acute kidney injury (AKI), we interrogated another bone fide AKI marker, Kim1 and noted ectopic expression in P7 non-dilated proximal tubules. These observations suggest that aberrantly activated “AKI” pathways may drive pathogenesis in PKD.
A simple design for microwave assisted digestion vessel with low reagent consumption suitable for food and environmental samples
Authors: Gholami Mehrdad , Behkami Shima , Zain Sharifuddin Md. , Bakirdere Sezgin
Published: November 2016

The objective of this work is to prepare a cost-effective, low reagent consumption and high performance polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vessel that is capable to work in domestic microwave for digesting food and environmental samples. The designed vessel has a relatively thicker wall compared to that of commercial vessels. In this design, eight vessels are placed in an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) holder to keep them safe and stable. This vessel needs only 2.0 mL of HNO3 and 1.0 mL H2O2 to digest 100 mg of biological sample. The performance of this design is then evaluated with an ICP-MS instrument in the analysis of the several NIST standard reference material of milk 1849a, rice flour 1568b, spinach leave 1570a and Peach Leaves 1547 in a domestic microwave oven with inverter technology. Outstanding agreement to (SRM) values are observed by using the suggested power to time microwave program, which simulates the reflux action occurring in this closed vessel. Taking into account the high cost of commercial microwave vessels and the volume of chemicals needed for various experiments (8–10 mL), this simple vessel is cost effective and suitable for digesting food and environmental samples.
Kin17 facilitates multiple double-strand break repair pathways that govern B cell class switching
Authors: Le Michael X. , Haddad Dania , Ling Alexanda K. , Li Conglei , So Clare C. , Chopra Amit , Hu Rui , Angulo Jaime F. , Moffat Jason , Martin Alberto
Published: November 2016

Class switch recombination (CSR) in B cells requires the timely repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) that result from lesions produced by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Through a genome-wide RNAi screen, we identified Kin17 as a gene potentially involved in the maintenance of CSR in murine B cells. In this study, we confirm a critical role for Kin17 in CSR independent of AID activity. Furthermore, we make evident that DSBs generated by AID or ionizing radiation require Kin17 for efficient repair and resolution. Our report shows that reduced Kin17 results in an elevated deletion frequency following AID mutational activity in the switch region. In addition, deficiency in Kin17 affects the functionality of multiple DSB repair pathways, namely homologous recombination, non-homologous end-joining, and alternative end-joining. This report demonstrates the importance of Kin17 as a critical factor that acts prior to the repair phase of DSB repair and is of bona fide importance for CSR.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Chinary, Assamica and Cambod tea (Camellia sinensis) Types during Development and Seasonal Variation using RNA-seq Technology
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Chawla Vandna , Sharma Eshita , Mahajan Pallavi , Shankar Ravi , Yadav Sudesh Kumar
Published: November 2016

Tea quality and yield is influenced by various factors including developmental tissue, seasonal variation and cultivar type. Here, the molecular basis of these factors was investigated in three tea cultivars namely, Him Sphurti (H), TV23 (T), and UPASI-9 (U) using RNA-seq. Seasonal variation in these cultivars was studied during active (A), mid-dormant (MD), dormant (D) and mid-active (MA) stages in two developmental tissues viz. young and old leaf. Development appears to affect gene expression more than the seasonal variation and cultivar types. Further, detailed transcript and metabolite profiling has identified genes such as F3′H, F3′5′H, FLS, DFR, LAR, ANR and ANS of catechin biosynthesis, while MXMT, SAMS, TCS and XDH of caffeine biosynthesis/catabolism as key regulators during development and seasonal variation among three different tea cultivars. In addition, expression analysis of genes related to phytohormones such as ABA, GA, ethylene and auxin has suggested their role in developmental tissues during seasonal variation in tea cultivars. Moreover, differential expression of genes involved in histone and DNA modification further suggests role of epigenetic mechanism in coordinating global gene expression during developmental and seasonal variation in tea. Our findings provide insights into global transcriptional reprogramming associated with development and seasonal variation in tea.
Effects of mechanical stress on chondrocyte phenotype and chondrocyte extracellular matrix expression
Authors: Liu Qiang , Hu Xiaoqing , Zhang Xin , Duan Xiaoning , Yang Peng , Zhao Fengyuan , Ao Yingfang
Published: November 2016

Mechanical factors play a key role in regulating the development of cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. This study aimed to identify the influence of mechanical stress in cartilage and chondrocytes. To explore the effects of mechanical stress on cartilage morphology, we observed cartilages in different regions by histological and microscopic examination. Nanoindentation was performed to assess cartilage biomechanics. To investigate the effects of mechanical stress on chondrocytes, cyclic tensile strain (CTS, 0.5 Hz, 10%) was applied to monolayer cultures of human articular chondrocytes by using Flexcell-5000. We quantified the mechanical properties of chondrocytes by atomic force microscopy. Chondrocytes were stained with Toluidine blue and Alcian blue after exposure to CTS. The expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules was detected by qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses in chondrocytes after CTS. Our results demonstrated distinct morphologies and mechanical properties in different cartilage regions. In conclusion, mechanical stress can affect the chondrocyte phenotype, thereby altering the expression of chondrocyte ECM.
The synthetic antimicrobial peptide 19-2.5 attenuates septic cardiomyopathy and prevents down-regulation of SERCA2 in polymicrobial sepsis
Authors: Martin Lukas , Horst Klemens , Chiazza Fausto , Oggero Silvia , Collino Massimo , Brandenburg Klaus , Hildebrand Frank , Marx Gernot , Thiemermann Christoph , Schuerholz Tobias
Published: November 2016

An impairment of cardiac function is a key feature of the cardiovascular failure associated with sepsis. Although there is some evidence that suppression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATP-ase (SERCA2) contributes to septic cardiomyopathy, it is not known whether prevention of the down-regulation of SERCA2 improves outcome in sepsis. Thus, we investigated whether the administration of the synthetic antimicrobial peptide Pep2.5 may attenuate the cardiac dysfunction in murine polymicrobial sepsis through regulating SERCA2 expression. We show here for the first time that the infusion of Pep2.5 reduces the impaired systolic and diastolic contractility and improves the survival time in polymicrobial sepsis. Preservation of cardiac function in sepsis by Pep2.5 is associated with prevention of the activation of NF-κB and activation of the Akt/eNOS survival pathways. Most notably, Pep2.5 prevented the down-regulation of SERCA2 expression in a) murine heart samples obtained from mice with sepsis and b) in cardiomyocytes exposed to serum from septic shock patients. Thus, we speculate that Pep2.5 may be able to prevent down-regulation of cardiac SERCA2 expression in patients with sepsis, which, in turn, may improve cardiac function and outcome in these patients.
Mimicking the cell membrane: bio-inspired simultaneous functions with monovalent anion selectivity and antifouling properties of anion exchange membrane
Authors: Zhao Yan , Liu Huimin , Tang Kaini , Jin Yali , Pan Jiefeng , der Bruggen Bart Van , Shen Jiangnan , Gao Congjie
Published: November 2016

A new bio-inspired method was applied in this study to simultaneously improve the monovalent anion selectivity and antifouling properties of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Three-layer architecture was developed by deposition of polydopamine (PDA) and electro-deposition of N-O-sulfonic acid benzyl chitosan (NSBC). The innermost and outermost layers were PDA with different deposition time. The middle layer was prepared by NSBC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that PDA and NSBC were successfully modified on the surfaces of AEMs. The contact angle of the membranes indicated an improved hydrophilicity of the modified membranes. A series of electrodialysis experiments in which Cl−/SO42− separation was studied, demonstrating the monovalent anion selectivity of the samples. The Cl−/SO42− permselectivity of the modified membranes can reach up to 2.20, higher than that of the commercial membrane (only 0.78) during 90 minutes in electrodialysis (ED). The increase value of the resistance of the membranes was also measured to evaluate the antifouling properties. Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was used as the fouling material in the ED process and the membrane area resistance of modified membrane increase value of was only 0.08 Ωcm2 30 minutes later.