bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and nanomechanical analyses of ground tire rubber-modified asphalts
Authors: Rashid A. M. Feroze , Hossain Zahid
Published: August 2016

Automobile industries produce more than 5.2 million tons of scrapped tires each year in the United States. Disposal of such a huge amount of waste scrapped tires has become a serious environmental issue. Scopes to use scrapped tires in the form of Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) in pavement industry have been analyzed in recent years. The GTR has potential to improve hot mix asphalt’s performance from the view points of stiffness, resilience and shock absorbance properties. On the other hand, in recent years, researchers have attempted to explain performance of asphalt in terms of its nanomechanical characteristics. In this study, the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PFQNM™) mode of an atomic force microscope has been employed to find basic nanomechanistic properties and the morphology of GTR-modified asphalt binders. A performance grade (PG) binder (PG 64-22) modified with two different grades of GTR (Mesh #30 and Mesh #40) samples have been evaluated in this study. Nanomechanical properties such as adhesion, energy dissipation, deformation, and DMT (Derjaguin, Muller, and Toporov) modulus for the GTR-modified binders have been quantified. Each sample was scanned for three different (5 × 5, 10 × 10, and 20 × 20 µm) areas. The PFQNM™ analyses revealed distinct microstructures and grain distributions among tested additive modified binder samples. Two distinct phases, namely Catana and Peri-phase, were observed in GTR-modified samples, although the DMT moduli were found to be in a close range in these areas. The neat binder showed another phase, named Perpetua, which was missing from the GTR-modified samples. It was observed that modification of asphalt by addition of GTR considerably changes the mechanistic properties of the base binder.
Evaluating a novel neonatal‐care assessment tool among trained delivery attendants in a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Kassick Megan E. , Chinbuah Margaret A. , Serpa Magdalena , Mazia Goldy , Tang Alice M. , Sagoe‐Moses Isabella , Taylor Mira , Dwomo‐Fokuo Adoma , Salifu Nihad , Arhinful Daniel K. , Engmann Cyril , Burke Thomas F. , Cofie Patience , Nelson Brett D.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To validate a novel objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) tool for assessing neonatal care skills among delivery attendants trained as part of the Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB) program and to assess ECEB training effectiveness.

Methods

Between August 1 and September 30, 2015, a cross‐sectional study enrolled ECEB‐trained healthcare providers who attended deliveries from the Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions of Ghana. Participants completed a previously developed 21‐item OSCE tool that assessed neonatal‐care competency. Participant performance was scored independently by regional trainers and national master trainers. The inter‐rater scoring reliability was assessed using the Cohen kappa coefficient and performance was compared across participant characteristics.

Results

The study enrolled 57 trained delivery attendants from 12 district hospitals. Inter‐rater agreement was perfect (kappa 1.00) or almost perfect (kappa 0.81–0.99) for nine OSCE items, substantial (kappa 0.61–0.80) or moderate (kappa 0.41–0.60) for 11 items, and fair (kappa 0.21–0.40) for one item. Differences in OSCE‐item performance were recorded based on participants’ regions, facility type, age, and education level (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In a resource‐limited setting, the OSCE tool demonstrated substantial reliability and ECEB‐trained healthcare practitioners exhibited satisfactory performance. The OSCE tool could be useful in similar settings and could have potential for up‐scaled use in assessing neonatal‐management skills.
Häufigkeit psychischer Störungen bei unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlingen in Deutschland
Authors: Walg Marco , Fink Ewgeni , Großmeier Mark , Temprano Miguel , Hapfelmeier Gerhard
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Erstmals wird die Häufigkeit psychischer Störungen bei unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlingen in Deutschland untersucht. Methodik: Es handelt sich um eine retrospektive Datenanalyse. Von 2013 bis 2015 wurden Flüchtlinge mit auffälliger Symptomatik von einer Clearingstelle zur diagnostischen Einschätzung in einer kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Ambulanz vorgestellt. Hierzu wurde eine Spezialsprechstunde angeboten. Neben den Diagnosen wurde die Zahl der Notfallvorstellungen aufgrund psychischer Krisen vor und nach Einführung der Sprechstunde in der Klinik erfasst. Ergebnisse: Bei 56 von 75 Flüchtlingen (75 %) wurde eine psychische Störung festgestellt. Am häufigsten wurden Posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen und depressive Episoden diagnostiziert. Nach Einführung des Sprechstundenangebotes reduzierte sich die Zahl der Flüchtlinge, die aufgrund einer Krisensituation erstmals in der Klinik vorstellig wurden. Schlussfolgerungen: Unbegleitete minderjährige Flüchtlinge stellen eine psychisch schwer belastete Gruppe dar. Die Einrichtung von speziellen Sprechstunden in Kooperation mit Clearingeinrichtungen und Wohngruppen begegnet in sehr guter Weise den Herausforderungen der gesundheitlichen Versorgung von Flüchtlingen. Insbesondere ermöglicht ein solches Angebot ein besseres Krisenmanagement.
Alzheimer’s disease-associated mutations increase amyloid precursor protein resistance to γ-secretase cleavage and the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio
Authors: Xu Ting-Hai , Yan Yan , Kang Yanyong , Jiang Yi , Melcher Karsten , Xu H Eric
Published: August 2016

Mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and the aberrant cleavage of APP by γ-secretase are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we have developed a simple and sensitive cell-based assay to detect APP cleavage by γ-secretase. Unexpectedly, most familial AD (FAD)-linked APP mutations make APP partially resistant to γ-secretase. Mutations that alter residues N terminal to the γ-secretase cleavage site Aβ42 have subtle effects on cleavage efficiency and cleavage-site selectivity. In contrast, mutations that alter residues C terminal to the Aβ42 site reduce cleavage efficiency and dramatically shift cleavage-site specificity toward the aggregation-prone Aβ42. Moreover, mutations that remove positive charge at residue 53 greatly reduce the APP cleavage by γ-secretase. These results suggest a model of γ-secretase substrate recognition, in which the APP region C terminal to the Aβ42 site and the positively charged residue at position 53 are the primary determinants for substrate binding and cleavage-site selectivity. We further demonstrate that this model can be extended to γ-secretase processing of notch receptors, a family of highly conserved cell-surface signaling proteins.
Topology and structure of an engineered human cohesin complex bound to Pds5B
Authors: Hons Michael T. , Huis in ‘t Veld Pim J. , Kaesler Jan , Rombaut Pascaline , Schleiffer Alexander , Herzog Franz , Stark Holger , Peters Jan-Michael
Published: August 2016

The cohesin subunits Smc1, Smc3 and Scc1 form large tripartite rings which mediate sister chromatid cohesion and chromatin structure. These are thought to entrap DNA with the help of the associated proteins SA1/2 and Pds5A/B. Structural information is available for parts of cohesin, but analyses of entire cohesin complexes are limited by their flexibility. Here we generated a more rigid ‘bonsai’ cohesin by truncating the coiled coils of Smc1 and Smc3 and used single-particle electron microscopy, chemical crosslinking-mass spectrometry and in silico modelling to generate three-dimensional models of cohesin bound to Pds5B. The HEAT-repeat protein Pds5B forms a curved structure around the nucleotide-binding domains of Smc1 and Smc3 and bridges the Smc3-Scc1 and SA1-Scc1 interfaces. These results indicate that Pds5B forms an integral part of the cohesin ring by contacting all other cohesin subunits, a property that may reflect the complex role of Pds5 proteins in controlling cohesin–DNA interactions.
El Niño and coral larval dispersal across the eastern Pacific marine barrier
Authors: Wood S. , Baums I. B. , Paris C. B. , Ridgwell A. , Kessler W. S. , Hendy E. J.
Published: August 2016

More than 5,000 km separates the frequently disturbed coral reefs of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) from western sources of population replenishment. It has been hypothesized that El Niño events facilitate eastward dispersal across this East Pacific Barrier (EPB). Here we present a biophysical coral larval dispersal model driven by 14.5 years of high-resolution surface ocean current data including the extreme 1997–1998 El Niño. We find no eastward cross-EPB connections over this period, which implies that ETP coral populations decimated by the 1998 bleaching event can only have recovered from eastern Pacific sources, in congruence with genetic data. Instead, rare connections between eastern and central Pacific reefs are simulated in a westward direction. Significant complexity and variability in the surface flows transporting larvae mean that generalized upper-ocean circulation patterns are poor descriptors of inter-regional connectivity, complicating the assessment of how climate change will impact coral gene flow Pacific wide.
Sources of black carbon to the Himalayan–Tibetan Plateau glaciers
Authors: Li Chaoliu , Bosch Carme , Kang Shichang , Andersson August , Chen Pengfei , Zhang Qianggong , Cong Zhiyuan , Chen Bing , Qin Dahe , Gustafsson Örjan
Published: August 2016

Combustion-derived black carbon (BC) aerosols accelerate glacier melting in the Himalayas and in Tibet (the Third Pole (TP)), thereby limiting the sustainable freshwater supplies for billions of people. However, the sources of BC reaching the TP remain uncertain, hindering both process understanding and efficient mitigation. Here we present the source-diagnostic Δ14C/δ13C compositions of BC isolated from aerosol and snowpit samples in the TP. For the Himalayas, we found equal contributions from fossil fuel (46±11%) and biomass (54±11%) combustion, consistent with BC source fingerprints from the Indo-Gangetic Plain, whereas BC in the remote northern TP predominantly derives from fossil fuel combustion (66±16%), consistent with Chinese sources. The fossil fuel contributions to BC in the snowpits of the inner TP are lower (30±10%), implying contributions from internal Tibetan sources (for example, yak dung combustion). Constraints on BC sources facilitate improved modelling of climatic patterns, hydrological effects and provide guidance for effective mitigation actions.
The suppression of Antarctic bottom water formation by melting ice shelves in Prydz Bay
Authors: Williams G. D. , Herraiz-Borreguero L. , Roquet F. , Tamura T. , Ohshima K. I. , Fukamachi Y. , Fraser A. D. , Gao L. , Chen H. , McMahon C. R. , Harcourt R. , Hindell M.
Published: August 2016

A fourth production region for the globally important Antarctic bottom water has been attributed to dense shelf water formation in the Cape Darnley Polynya, adjoining Prydz Bay in East Antarctica. Here we show new observations from CTD-instrumented elephant seals in 2011–2013 that provide the first complete assessment of dense shelf water formation in Prydz Bay. After a complex evolution involving opposing contributions from three polynyas (positive) and two ice shelves (negative), dense shelf water (salinity 34.65–34.7) is exported through Prydz Channel. This provides a distinct, relatively fresh contribution to Cape Darnley bottom water. Elsewhere, dense water formation is hindered by the freshwater input from the Amery and West Ice Shelves into the Prydz Bay Gyre. This study highlights the susceptibility of Antarctic bottom water to increased freshwater input from the enhanced melting of ice shelves, and ultimately the potential collapse of Antarctic bottom water formation in a warming climate.
A MUB E2 structure reveals E1 selectivity between cognate ubiquitin E2s in eukaryotes
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Malley Konstantin R. , Brenner Caitlin C. , Koroleva Olga , Korolev Sergey , Downes Brian P.
Published: August 2016

Ubiquitin (Ub) is a protein modifier that controls processes ranging from protein degradation to endocytosis, but early-acting regulators of the three-enzyme ubiquitylation cascade are unknown. Here we report that the prenylated membrane-anchored ubiquitin-fold protein (MUB) is an early-acting regulator of subfamily-specific E2 activation. An AtMUB3:AtUBC8 co-crystal structure defines how MUBs inhibit E2∼Ub formation using a combination of E2 backside binding and a MUB-unique lap-bar loop to block E1 access. Since MUBs tether Arabidopsis group VI E2 enzymes (related to HsUbe2D and ScUbc4/5) to the plasma membrane, and inhibit E2 activation at physiological concentrations, they should function as potent plasma membrane localized regulators of Ub chain synthesis in eukaryotes. Our findings define a biochemical function for MUB, a family of highly conserved Ub-fold proteins, and provide an example of selective activation between cognate Ub E2s, previously thought to be constitutively activated by E1s.
On the complex structural diffusion of proton holes in nanoconfined alkaline solutions within slit pores
Authors: Muñoz-Santiburcio Daniel , Marx Dominik
Published: August 2016

The hydroxide anion OH−(aq) in homogeneous bulk water, that is, the solvated proton hole, is known to feature peculiar properties compared with excess protons solvated therein. In this work, it is disclosed that nanoconfinement of such alkaline aqueous solutions strongly affects the key structural and dynamical properties of OH−(aq) compared with the bulk limit. The combined effect of the preferred hypercoordinated solvation pattern of OH−(aq), its preferred perpendicular orientation relative to the confining surfaces, the pronounced layering of nanoconfined water and the topology of the hydrogen bond network required for proton hole transfer lead to major changes of the charge transport mechanism, in such a way that the proton hole migration mechanism depends exquisitely on the width of the confined space that hosts the water film. Moreover, the anionic Zundel complex, which is of transient nature in homogeneous bulk solutions, can be dynamically trapped as a shallow intermediate species by suitable nanoconfinement conditions.
ADP-ribosylation Factor-related Protein 1 Interacts with NS5A and Regulates Hepatitis C Virus Propagation
Authors: Lim Yun-Sook , Ngo Huong T. T. , Lee Jihye , Son Kidong , Park Eun-Mee , Hwang Soon B.
Published: August 2016

The life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is tightly coupled to the lipid metabolism of host cells. In order to identify host factors involved in HCV propagation, we have previously screened a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library targeting host genes that control lipid metabolism and lipid droplet (LD) formation using cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells. In this study, we selected and characterized the gene encoding ADP-ribosylation factor-related protein 1 (ARFRP1). ARFRP1 is essential for LD growth and is involved in the regulation of lipolysis. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ARFRP1 significantly inhibited HCV replication in both subgenomic replicon cells and HCVcc-infected cells. ARFRP1 interacted with NS5A and NS5A partially colocalized with LD. Silencing of ARFRP1 abrogated HCV-induced LD growth and viral protein expressions. Moreover, ARFRP1 recruited synaptosomal-associated protein 23 (SNAP23) to sites in close proximity to LDs in HCV-infected cells. Silencing of ARFRP1 ablated relocalization of SNAP23 to LD. These data indicate that HCV regulates ARFRP1 for LD growth to facilitate viral propagation and thus ARFRP1 may be a potential target for antiviral therapy.
ZnO Luminescence and scintillation studied via photoexcitation, X-ray excitation and gamma-induced positron spectroscopy
Authors: Ji J. , Colosimo A. M. , Anwand W. , Boatner L. A. , Wagner A. , Stepanov P. S. , Trinh T. T. , Liedke M. O. , Krause-Rehberg R. , Cowan T. E. , Selim F. A.
Published: August 2016

The luminescence and scintillation properties of ZnO single crystals were studied by photoluminescence and X-ray-induced luminescence (XRIL) techniques. XRIL allowed a direct comparison to be made between the near-band emission (NBE) and trap emissions providing insight into the carrier recombination efficiency in the ZnO crystals. It also provided bulk luminescence measurements that were not affected by surface states. The origin of a green emission, the dominant trap emission in ZnO, was then investigated by gamma-induced positron spectroscopy (GIPS) - a unique defect spectroscopy method that enables positron lifetime measurements to be made for a sample without contributions from positron annihilation in the source materials. The measurements showed a single positron decay curve with a 175 ps lifetime component that was attributed to Zn vacancies passivated by hydrogen. Both oxygen vacancies and hydrogen-decorated Zn vacancies were suggested to contribute to the green emission. By combining scintillation measurements with XRIL, the fast scintillation in ZnO crystals was found to be strongly correlated with the ratio between the defect luminescence and NBE. This study reports the first application of GIPS to semiconductors and it reveals the great benefits of the XRIL technique for the study of emission and scintillation properties of materials.
Controlled Synthesis of Pt Nanowires with Ordered Large Mesopores for Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Zhang Chengwei , Xu Lianbin , Yan Yushan , Chen Jianfeng
Published: August 2016

Catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are at the heart of key green-energy fuel cell technology. Nanostructured Pt materials are the most popular and effective catalysts for MOR. Controlling the morphology and structure of Pt nanomaterials can provide opportunities to greatly increase their activity and stability. Ordered nanoporous Pt nanowires with controlled large mesopores (15, 30 and 45 nm) are facilely fabricated by chemical reduction deposition from dual templates using porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with silica nanospheres self-assembled in the channels. The prepared mesoporous Pt nanowires are highly active and stable electrocatalysts for MOR. The mesoporous Pt nanowires with 15 nm mesopores exhibit a large electrochemically active surface area (ECSA, 40.5 m2 g−1), a high mass activity (398 mA mg−1) and specific activity (0.98 mA cm−2), and a good If/Ib ratio (1.15), better than the other mesoporous Pt nanowires and the commercial Pt black catalyst.
Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of BiOX1−xYx (X, Y = F, Cl, Br and I) Solid Solutions from DFT Calculations
Authors: Zhao Zong-Yan , Liu Qing-Lu , Dai Wen-Wu
Published: August 2016

Six BiOX1−xYx (X, Y = F, Cl, Br and I) solid solutions have been systematically investigated by density functional theory calculations. BiOCl1−xBrx, BiOBr1−xIx and BiOCl1−xIx solid solutions have very small bowing parameters; as such, some of their properties increase almost linearly with increasing x. For BiOF1−xYx solid solutions, the bowing parameters are very large and it is extremely difficult to fit the related calculated data by a single equation. Consequently, BiOX1−xYx (X, Y = Cl, Br and I) solid solutions are highly miscible, while BiOF1−xYx (Y = Cl, Br and I) solid solutions are partially miscible. In other words, BiOF1−xYx solid solutions have miscibility gaps or high miscibility temperature, resulting in phase separation and F/Y inhomogeneity. Comparison and analysis of the calculated results and the related physical–chemical properties with different halogen compositions indicates that the parameters of BiOX1−xYx solid solutions are determined by the differences of the physical–chemical properties of the two halogen compositions. In this way, the large deviation of some BiOX1−xYx solid solutions from Vegard’s law observed in experiments can be explained. Moreover, the composition ratio of BiOX1−xYx solid solutions can be measured or monitored using optical measurements.
Cross talk between miR-214 and PTEN attenuates glomerular hypertrophy under diabetic conditions
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Shen E. , Wang Yanzhe , Li Junhui , Cheng Dongsheng , Chen Yuqiang , Gui Dingkun , Wang Niansong
Published: August 2016

Glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) hypertrophy is one of the earliest pathological abnormalities in diabetic nephropathy (DN), which correlates with eventual glomerulosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic role of miRNA in diabetic glomerular MCs hypertrophy and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Microarray analysis revealed a significant up-regulation of miR-214 in the renal cortex of diabetic db/db mice, which was confirmed by real-time PCR of isolated glomeruli and primary cultured human MCs. In vitro studies showed that inhibition of miR-214 significantly reduced expression of α-SMA, SM22 and collagen IV, and partially restored phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein level in high glucose-stimulated human MCs. Furthermore, we identified PTEN as the target of miR-214 by a luciferase assay in HEK293 cells. Moreover, overexpression of PTEN ameliorated miR-214-mediated diabetic MC hypertrophy while knockdown of PTEN mimicked the MC hypertrophy. In vivo study further confirmed that inhibition of miR-214 significantly decreased the expression of SM22, α-SMA and collagen IV, partially restored PTEN level, and attenuated albuminuria and mesangial expansion in db/db mice. In conclusion, cross talk between miR-214 and PTEN attenuated glomerular hypertrophy under diabetic conditions in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, miR-214 may represent a novel therapeutic target for DN.
3D microtumors in vitro supported by perfused vascular networks
Authors: Sobrino Agua , Phan Duc T. T. , Datta Rupsa , Wang Xiaolin , Hachey Stephanie J. , Romero-López Mónica , Gratton Enrico , Lee Abraham P. , George Steven C. , Hughes Christopher C. W.
Published: August 2016

There is a growing interest in developing microphysiological systems that can be used to model both normal and pathological human organs in vitro. This “organs-on-chips” approach aims to capture key structural and physiological characteristics of the target tissue. Here we describe in vitro vascularized microtumors (VMTs). This “tumor-on-a-chip” platform incorporates human tumor and stromal cells that grow in a 3D extracellular matrix and that depend for survival on nutrient delivery through living, perfused microvessels. Both colorectal and breast cancer cells grow vigorously in the platform and respond to standard-of-care therapies, showing reduced growth and/or regression. Vascular-targeting agents with different mechanisms of action can also be distinguished, and we find that drugs targeting only VEGFRs (Apatinib and Vandetanib) are not effective, whereas drugs that target VEGFRs, PDGFR and Tie2 (Linifanib and Cabozantinib) do regress the vasculature. Tumors in the VMT show strong metabolic heterogeneity when imaged using NADH Fluorescent Lifetime Imaging Microscopy and, compared to their surrounding stroma, many show a higher free/bound NADH ratio consistent with their known preference for aerobic glycolysis. The VMT platform provides a unique model for studying vascularized solid tumors in vitro.
Use of Bayesian Inference in Crystallographic Structure Refinement via Full Diffraction Profile Analysis
Authors: Fancher Chris M. , Han Zhen , Levin Igor , Page Katharine , Reich Brian J. , Smith Ralph C. , Wilson Alyson G. , Jones Jacob L.
Published: August 2016

A Bayesian inference method for refining crystallographic structures is presented. The distribution of model parameters is stochastically sampled using Markov chain Monte Carlo. Posterior probability distributions are constructed for all model parameters to properly quantify uncertainty by appropriately modeling the heteroskedasticity and correlation of the error structure. The proposed method is demonstrated by analyzing a National Institute of Standards and Technology silicon standard reference material. The results obtained by Bayesian inference are compared with those determined by Rietveld refinement. Posterior probability distributions of model parameters provide both estimates and uncertainties. The new method better estimates the true uncertainties in the model as compared to the Rietveld method.
Kremen1 regulates mechanosensory hair cell development in the mammalian cochlea and the zebrafish lateral line
Authors: Mulvaney Joanna F. , Thompkins Cathrine , Noda Teppei , Nishimura Koji , Sun Willy W. , Lin Shuh-Yow , Coffin Allison , Dabdoub Alain
Published: August 2016

Here we present spatio-temporal localization of Kremen1, a transmembrane receptor, in the mammalian cochlea and investigate its role in the formation of sensory organs in mammal and fish model organisms. We show that Kremen1 is expressed in prosensory cells during cochlear development and in supporting cells of the adult mouse cochlea. Based on this expression pattern, we investigated whether Kremen1 functions to modulate cell fate decisions in the prosensory domain of the developing cochlea. We used gain and loss-of-function experiments to show that Kremen1 is sufficient to bias cells towards supporting cell fate and is implicated in suppression of hair cell formation. In addition to our findings in the mouse cochlea, we examined the effects of over expression and loss of Kremen1 in the zebrafish lateral line. In agreement with our mouse data, we show that over expression of Kremen1 has a negative effect on the number of mechanosensory cells that form in the zebrafish neuromasts and that fish lacking Kremen1 protein develop more hair cells per neuromast compared to wild type fish. Collectively, these data support an inhibitory role for Kremen1 in hair cell fate specification.
Optically pumped subwavelength-scale metallodielectric nanopatch resonators
Authors: Kwon Kyungmok , You Jong-bum , Shim Jaeho , Jung Youngho , Yu Kyoungsik
Published: August 2016

We discuss subwavelength-scale semiconductor metal-optic resonators placed on the metal substrate with various top metal plate sizes. Albeit with large optical losses, addition of metal layers converts a leaky semiconductor nano-block into a highly-confined optical cavity. Optically pumped lasing action is observed with the extended top metal layer that can significantly suppress the radiation losses. Careful investigation of self-heating effects during the optical carrier injection process shows the importance of temperature-dependent material properties in the laser rate equation model and the overall laser performances.
Soil bacterial and fungal community dynamics in relation to Panax notoginseng death rate in a continuous cropping system
Authors: Dong Linlin , Xu Jiang , Feng Guangquan , Li Xiwen , Chen Shilin
Published: August 2016

Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng), a valuable herbal medicine, has high death rates in continuous cropping systems. Variation in the soil microbial community is considered the primary cause of notoginseng mortality, although the taxa responsible for crop failure remains unidentified. This study used high-throughput sequencing methods to characterize changes in the microbial community and screen microbial taxa related to the death rate. Fungal diversity significantly decreased in soils cropped with notoginseng for three years. The death rate and the fungal diversity were significantly negatively correlated, suggesting that fungal diversity might be a potential bioindicator of soil health. Positive correlation coefficients revealed that Burkholderiales, Syntrophobacteraceae, Myrmecridium, Phaeosphaeria, Fusarium and Phoma were better adapted to colonization of diseased plants. The relative abundance of Fusarium oxysporum (R = 0.841, P < 0.05) and Phaeosphaeria rousseliana (R = 0.830, P < 0.05) were positively associated with the death rate. F. oxysporum was a pathogen of notoginseng root-rot that caused seedling death. Negative correlation coefficients indicated that Thermogemmatisporaceae, Actinosynnemataceae, Hydnodontaceae, Herpotrichiellaceae and Coniosporium might be antagonists of pathogens and the relative abundance of Coniosporium perforans was negatively correlated with the death rate. Our findings provide a dynamic overview of the microbial community and present a clear scope for screening beneficial microbes and pathogens of notoginseng.
Extracellular Vesicles from Metastatic Rat Prostate Tumors Prime the Normal Prostate Tissue to Facilitate Tumor Growth
Authors: Halin Bergström Sofia , Hägglöf Christina , Thysell Elin , Bergh Anders , Wikström Pernilla , Lundholm Marie
Published: August 2016

Accumulating data indicates that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are responsible for tumor-promoting effects. However, if tumor EVs also prepare the tumor-bearing organ for subsequent tumor growth and if this effect is different in low and high malignant tumors is not thoroughly explored. Here we used orthotopic rat Dunning R-3327 prostate tumors to compare the role of EVs from fast growing and metastatic MatLyLu (MLL) tumors with EVs from more indolent and non-metastatic Dunning G (G) tumors. Prostate tissue pre-conditioned with MLL-EVs in vivo facilitated G tumor establishment compared to G-EVs. MLL-EVs increased prostate epithelial proliferation and macrophage infiltration into the prostate compared to G-EVs. Both types of EVs increased macrophage endocytosis and the mRNA expression of genes associated with M2 polarization in vitro, with MLL-EVs giving the most pronounced effects. MLL-EVs also altered the mRNA expression of growth factors and cytokines in primary rat prostate fibroblasts compared to G-EVs, suggesting fibroblast activation. Our findings propose that EVs from metastatic tumors have the ability to prime the prostate tissue and enhance tumor growth to a higher extent than EVs from non-metastatic tumors. Identifying these differences could lead to novel therapeutic targets and potential prognostic markers for prostate cancer.
Self-organized sorting limits behavioral variability in swarms
Authors: Copenhagen Katherine , Quint David A. , Gopinathan Ajay
Published: August 2016

Swarming is a phenomenon where collective motion arises from simple local interactions between typically identical individuals. Here, we investigate the effects of variability in behavior among the agents in finite swarms with both alignment and cohesive interactions. We show that swarming is abolished above a critical fraction of non-aligners who do not participate in alignment. In certain regimes, however, swarms above the critical threshold can dynamically reorganize and sort out excess non-aligners to maintain the average fraction close to the critical value. This persists even in swarms with a distribution of alignment interactions, suggesting a simple, robust and efficient mechanism that allows heterogeneously mixed populations to naturally regulate their composition and remain in a collective swarming state or even differentiate among behavioral phenotypes. We show that, for evolving swarms, this self-organized sorting behavior can couple to the evolutionary dynamics leading to new evolutionarily stable equilibrium populations set by the physical swarm parameters.
Fabrication of Long-Term Underwater Superoleophobic Al Surfaces and Application on Underwater Lossless Manipulation of Non-Polar Organic Liquids
Authors: Song Jinlong , Huang Liu , Lu Yao , Liu Xin , Deng Xu , Yang Xiaolong , Huang Shuai , Sun Jing , Jin Zhuji , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: August 2016

Underwater superoleophobic surfaces have different applications in fields from oil/water separation to underwater lossless manipulation. This kind of surfaces can be easily transformed from superhydrophilic surfaces in air, which means the stability of superhydrophilicity in air determines the stability of underwater superoleophobicity. However, superhydrophilic surfaces fabricated by some existing methods easily become hydrophobic or superhydrophobic in air with time. Here, a facile method combined with electrochemical etching and boiling water immersion is developed to fabricate long-term underwater superoleophobic surfaces. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions are investigated. The results show that the electrochemically etched and boiling-water immersed Al surfaces have excellent long-term superhydrophilicity in air for over 1 year and boehmite plays an important role in maintaining long-term stability of wettability. Based on the fabricated underwater superoleophobic surfaces, a special method and device were developed to realize the underwater lossless manipulation of immiscible organic liquid droplets with a large volume. The capture and release of liquid droplets were realized by controlling the resultant force of the applied driving pressure, gravity and buoyancy. The research has potential application in research-fields such as the transfer of valuable reagents, accurate control of miniature chemical reactions, droplet-based reactors, and eliminates contamination of manipulator components.
Floquet edge states in germanene nanoribbons
Authors: Tahir M. , Zhang Q. Y. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: August 2016

We theoretically demonstrate versatile electronic properties of germanene monolayers under circularly, linearly and elliptically polarized light. We show for the high frequency regime that the edge states can be controlled by tuning the amplitude of the light and by applying a static electric field. For circularly polarized light the band gap in one valley is reduced and in the other enhanced, enabling single valley edge states. For linearly polarized light spin-split states are found for both valleys, being connected by time reversal symmetry. The effects of elliptically polarized light are similar to those of circularly polarized light. The transport properties of zigzag nanoribbons in the presence of disorder confirm a nontrivial nature of the edge states under circularly and elliptically polarized light.
Molecular and ionic-scale chemical mechanisms behind the role of nitrocyl group in the electrochemical removal of heavy metals from sludge
Authors: Hasan S. W. , Ahmed I. , Housani A. A. , Giwa A.
Published: August 2016

The chemical basis for improved removal rates of toxic heavy metals such as Zn and Cu from wastewater secondary sludge has been demonstrated in this study. Instead of using excess corrosive chemicals as the source of free nitrous acid (FNA) for improved solubility of heavy metals in the sludge (in order to enhance electrokinetics), an optimized use of aqua regia has been proposed as an alternative. Fragments of nitrocyl group originated from aqua regia are responsible for the disruption of biogenic mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) and this disruption resulted in enhanced removal of exposed and oxidized metal ions. A diversity of nitric oxide (NO), peroxy nitrous acid, and peroxy nitroso group are expected to be introduced in the mixed liquor by the aqua regia for enhanced electrochemical treatment. The effects of pectin as a post treatment on the Zn removal from sludge were also presented for the first time. Results revealed 63.6% Cu and 93.7% Zn removal efficiencies, as compared to 49% Cu and 74% Zn removal efficiencies reported in a recent study. Also, 93.3% reduction of time-to-filter (TTF), and 95 mL/g of sludge volume index (SVI) were reported. The total operating cost obtained was USD 1.972/wet ton.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated microRNA/mRNA signature is linked to metastasis and prognosis in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mlcochova Hana , Machackova Tana , Rabien Anja , Radova Lenka , Fabian Pavel , Iliev Robert , Slaba Katerina , Poprach Alexandr , Kilic Ergin , Stanik Michal , Redova-Lojova Martina , Svoboda Marek , Dolezel Jan , Vyzula Rostislav , Jung Klaus , Slaby Ondrej
Published: August 2016

Clear-cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) are genetically heterogeneous tumors presenting diverse clinical courses. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process involved in initiation of metastatic cascade. The aim of our study was to identify an integrated miRNA/mRNA signature associated with metastasis and prognosis in ccRCC through targeted approach based on analysis of miRNAs/mRNAs associated with EMT. A cohort of 230 ccRCC was included in our study and further divided into discovery, training and validation cohorts. EMT markers were evaluated in ccRCC tumor samples, which were grouped accordingly to EMT status. By use of large-scale miRNA/mRNA expression profiling, we identified miRNA/mRNA with significantly different expression in EMT-positive tumors and selected 41 miRNAs/mRNAs for training phase of the study to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic potential. Fifteen miRNAs/mRNAs were analyzed in the validation phase, where all evaluated miRNA/mRNA candidates were confirmed to be significantly deregulated in tumor tissue. Some of them significantly differed in metastatic tumors, correlated with clinical stage, with Fuhrman grade and with overall survival. Further, we established an EMT-based stage-independent prognostic scoring system enabling identification of ccRCC patients at high-risk of cancer-related death. Finally, we confirmed involvement of miR-429 in EMT regulation in RCC cells in vitro.
Charge and spin transport in single and packed ruthenium-terpyridine molecular devices: Insight from first-principles calculations
Authors: Morari C. , Buimaga-Iarinca L. , Rungger I. , Sanvito S. , Melinte S. , Rignanese G.-M.
Published: August 2016

Using first-principles calculations, we study the electronic and transport properties of rutheniumterpyridine molecules sandwiched between two Au(111) electrodes. We analyse both single and packed molecular devices, more amenable to scaling and realistic integration approaches. The devices display all together robust negative differential resistance features at low bias voltages. Remarkably, the electrical control of the spin transport in the studied systems implies a subtle distribution of the magnetisation density within the biased devices and highlights the key role of the Au(111) electrical contacts.
Coral reef soundscapes may not be detectable far from the reef
Authors: Kaplan Maxwell B. , Mooney T. Aran
Published: August 2016

Biological sounds produced on coral reefs may provide settlement cues to marine larvae. Sound fields are composed of pressure and particle motion, which is the back and forth movement of acoustic particles. Particle motion (i.e., not pressure) is the relevant acoustic stimulus for many, if not most, marine animals. However, there have been no field measurements of reef particle motion. To address this deficiency, both pressure and particle motion were recorded at a range of distances from one Hawaiian coral reef at dawn and mid-morning on three separate days. Sound pressure attenuated with distance from the reef at dawn. Similar trends were apparent for particle velocity but with considerable variability. In general, average sound levels were low and perhaps too faint to be used as an orientation cue except very close to the reef. However, individual transient sounds that exceeded the mean values, sometimes by up to an order of magnitude, might be detectable far from the reef, depending on the hearing abilities of the larva. If sound is not being used as a long-range cue, it might still be useful for habitat selection or other biological activities within a reef.
MiR-146b negatively regulates migration and delays progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Correia Nádia C. , Fragoso Rita , Carvalho Tânia , Enguita Francisco J. , Barata João T.
Published: August 2016

Previous results indicated that miR-146b-5p is downregulated by TAL1, a transcription factor critical for early hematopoiesis that is frequently overexpressed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) where it has an oncogenic role. Here, we confirmed that miR-146b-5p expression is lower in TAL1-positive patient samples than in other T-ALL cases. Furthermore, leukemia T-cells display decreased levels of miR-146b-5p as compared to normal T-cells, thymocytes and other hematopoietic progenitors. MiR-146b-5p silencing enhances the in vitro migration and invasion of T-ALL cells, associated with increased levels of filamentous actin and chemokinesis. In vivo, miR-146b overexpression in a TAL1-positive cell line extends mouse survival in a xenotransplant model of human T-ALL. In contrast, knockdown of miR-146b-5p results in leukemia acceleration and decreased mouse overall survival, paralleled by faster tumor infiltration of the central nervous system. Our results suggest that miR-146b-5p is a functionally relevant microRNA gene in the context of T-ALL, whose negative regulation by TAL1 and possibly other oncogenes contributes to disease progression by modulating leukemia cell motility and disease aggressiveness.
Examining how p16INK4a expression levels are linked to handgrip strength in the elderly
Authors: Kao Tung-Wei , Chen Wei-Liang , Han Der- Sheng , Huang Ying-Hsin , Chen Chi-Ling , Yang Wei-Shiung
Published: August 2016

Although many studies have shown that p16INK4a is more highly expressed in the human body during senescence, studies on its relevance to handgrip strength among old adults, are relatively sparse. We enrolled 205 community-dwelling old adults aged 65 years and older without specific medical conditions. Handgrip strength of the dominant hand was measured. Low handgrip strength was defined as the lowest quartile of handgrip strength among the participants. RNA was extracted from peripheral white blood cells. Use quantitative polymerase chain reaction to estimate the p16INK4a mRNA expression level. The average handgrip strength was 25.22 ± 8.98 kg and gender difference was observed. In the linear regression model, the p16INK4a mRNA expression level was significantly negatively associated with handgrip strength in men but not in women. The β coefficient, representing the change of handgrip strength for each increment in the p16INK4a mRNA expression level, was −0.208 (p = 0.024) among old men. The negative association remained after additional covariates adjustment. In the multiple logistic regression model among old men, the odds ratio (OR) of low handgrip strength was 1.246 (p = 0.032). In this study, we observed the p16INK4a mRNA expression level was negative associated with handgrip strength among community-dwelling old men.
Scalable Production of Glioblastoma Tumor-initiating Cells in 3 Dimension Thermoreversible Hydrogels
Authors: Li Qiang , Lin Haishuang , Wang Ou , Qiu Xuefeng , Kidambi Srivatsan , Deleyrolle Loic P. , Reynolds Brent A. , Lei Yuguo
Published: August 2016

There is growing interest in developing drugs that specifically target glioblastoma tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Current cell culture methods, however, cannot cost-effectively produce the large numbers of glioblastoma TICs required for drug discovery and development. In this paper we report a new method that encapsulates patient-derived primary glioblastoma TICs and grows them in 3 dimension thermoreversible hydrogels. Our method allows long-term culture (~50 days, 10 passages tested, accumulative ~>1010-fold expansion) with both high growth rate (~20-fold expansion/7 days) and high volumetric yield (~2.0 × 107 cells/ml) without the loss of stemness. The scalable method can be used to produce sufficient, affordable glioblastoma TICs for drug discovery.
Human Ex-Vivo Liver Model for Acetaminophen-induced Liver Damage
Authors: Schreiter Thomas , Sowa Jan-Peter , Schlattjan Martin , Treckmann Jürgen , Paul Andreas , Strucksberg Karl-Heinz , Baba Hideo A. , Odenthal Margarete , Gieseler Robert K. , Gerken Guido , Arteel Gavin E. , Canbay Ali
Published: August 2016

Reliable test systems to identify hepatotoxicity are essential to predict unexpected drug-related liver injury. Here we present a human ex-vivo liver model to investigate acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Human liver tissue was perfused over a 30 hour period with hourly sampling from the perfusate for measurement of general metabolism and clinical parameters. Liver function was assessed by clearance of indocyanine green (ICG) at 4, 20 and 28 hours. Six pieces of untreated human liver specimen maintained stable liver function over the entire perfusion period. Three liver sections incubated with low-dose acetaminophen revealed strong damage, with ICG half-lives significantly higher than in non-treated livers. In addition, the release of microRNA-122 was significantly higher in acetaminophen-treated than in non-treated livers. Thus, this model allows for investigation of hepatotoxicity in human liver tissue upon applying drug concentrations relevant in patients.
Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress improves coronary artery function in the spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Choi Soo-Kyoung , Lim Mihwa , Byeon Seon-Hee , Lee Young-Ho
Published: August 2016

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications. However, the role and mechanisms of ER stress in hypertension remain unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that enhanced ER stress contributes to the maintenance of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Sixteen-week old male SHRs and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs) were used in this study. The SHRs were treated with ER stress inhibitor (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid; TUDCA, 100 mg/kg/day) for two weeks. There was a decrease in systolic blood pressure in SHR treated with TUDCA. The pressure-induced myogenic tone was significantly increased, whereas endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly attenuated in SHR compared with WHY. Interestingly, treatment of ER stress inhibitor normalized myogenic responses and endothelium-dependent relaxation in SHR. These data were associated with an increase in expression or phosphorylation of ER stress markers (Bip, ATF6, CHOP, IRE1, XBP1, PERK, and eIF2α) in SHRs, which were reduced by TUDCA treatment. Furthermore, phosphorylation of MLC20was increased in SHRs, which was reduced by the treatment of TUDCA. Therefore, our results suggest that ER stress could be a potential target for hypertension.
Identification of a capsular variant and characterization of capsular acetylation in Klebsiella pneumoniae PLA-associated type K57
Authors: Hsu Chun-Ru , Liao Chun-Hsing , Lin Tzu-Lung , Yang Han-Ru , Yang Feng-Ling , Hsieh Pei-Fang , Wu Shih-Hsiung , Wang Jin-Town
Published: August 2016

Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause community-acquired pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is important for its virulence. Among 79 capsular (K) types discovered thus far, K57 is often associated with PLA. Here, we report the identification of a K57 variant. Cps gene locus sequencing revealed differences between the K57 reference strain 4425/51 (Ref-K57) and a variant, the PLA isolate A1142. While Ref-K57 cps contained orf13 encoding a putative acetyltransferase, the insertion of a putative transposase-encoding gene at this position was detected in A1142. This variation was detected in other K57 clinical strains. Biochemical analyses indicated that A1142 was deficient in CPS acetylation. Genetic replacement and complementation verified that orf13 was responsible for CPS acetylation. Acetylation increased CPS immunoreactivity to antiserum and enhanced K. pneumoniae induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines through JNK and MAPK signaling. While acetylation diminished the serum resistance of bacteria, it promoted adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells possibly via increasing production of type I fimbriae. In conclusion, acetylation-mediated capsular variation in K57 was observed. Capsular acetylation contributed to the variety and antigenic diversity of CPS, influenced its biological activities and was involved in K. pneumoniae-host interactions. These findings have implications for vaccine design and pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae.