bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing Ecological Networks Based on Habitat Quality Assessment: A Case Study of Changzhou, China
Authors: Gao Yu , Ma Lei , Liu Jiaxun , Zhuang Zhuzhou , Huang Qiuhao , Li Manchun
Published: April 2017

Fragmentation and reduced continuity of habitat patches threaten the environment and biodiversity. Recently, ecological networks are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers as they provide fundamental frameworks for environmental protection. This study suggests a set of procedures to construct an ecological network. First, we proposed a method to construct a landscape resistance surface based on the assessment of habitat quality. Second, to analyze the effect of the resistance surface on corridor simulations, we used three methods to construct resistance surfaces: (1) the method proposed in this paper, (2) the entropy coefficient method, and (3) the expert scoring method. Then, we integrated habitat patches and resistance surfaces to identify potential corridors using graph theory. These procedures were tested in Changzhou, China. Comparing the outputs of using different resistance surfaces demonstrated that: (1) different landscape resistance surfaces contribute to how corridors are identified, but only slightly affect the assessment of the importance of habitat patches and potential corridors; (2) the resistance surface, which is constructed based on habitat quality, is more applicable to corridor simulations; and (3) the assessment of the importance of habitat patches is fundamental for ecological network optimization in the conservation of critical habitat patches and corridors.
Coupled variability in primary sensory areas and the hippocampus during spontaneous activity
Authors: de Vasconcelos Nivaldo A. P. , Soares-Cunha Carina , Rodrigues Ana João , Ribeiro Sidarta , Sousa Nuno
Published: April 2017

The cerebral cortex is an anatomically divided and functionally specialized structure. It includes distinct areas, which work on different states over time. The structural features of spiking activity in sensory cortices have been characterized during spontaneous and evoked activity. However, the coordination among cortical and sub-cortical neurons during spontaneous activity across different states remains poorly characterized. We addressed this issue by studying the temporal coupling of spiking variability recorded from primary sensory cortices and hippocampus of anesthetized or freely behaving rats. During spontaneous activity, spiking variability was highly correlated across primary cortical sensory areas at both small and large spatial scales, whereas the cortico-hippocampal correlation was modest. This general pattern of spiking variability was observed under urethane anesthesia, as well as during waking, slow-wave sleep and rapid-eye-movement sleep, and was unchanged by novel stimulation. These results support the notion that primary sensory areas are strongly coupled during spontaneous activity.
Breathing of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano reservoir, Colombia, inferred from repeated seismic tomography
Authors: Vargas Carlos. A. , Koulakov Ivan , Jaupart Claude , Gladkov Valery , Gomez Eliana , El Khrepy Sami , Al-Arifi Nassir
Published: April 2017

Nevado del Ruiz volcano (NRV), Columbia, is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and caused the death of 25,000 people in 1985. Using a new algorithm for repeated tomography, we have found a prominent seismic anomaly with high values of the Vp/Vs ratio at depths of 2–5 km below the surface, which is associated with a shallow magma reservoir. The amplitude and shape of this anomaly changed during the current phase of unrest which began in 2010. We interpret these changes as due to the ascent of gas bubbles through magma and to degassing of the reservoir. In 2011–2014, most of this gas escaped through permeable roof rocks, feeding surface fumarole activity and leading to a gradual decrease of the Vp/Vs ratio in the reservoir. This trend was reversed in 2015–2016 due to replenishment of the reservoir by a new batch of volatile-rich magma likely to sustain further volcanic activity. It is argued that the recurring “breathing” of the shallow reservoir is the main cause of current eruptions at NRV.
A comparison of genetic connectivity in two deep sea corals to examine whether seamounts are isolated islands or stepping stones for dispersal
Authors: Miller Karen J. , Gunasekera Rasanthi M.
Published: April 2017

Ecological processes in the deep sea are poorly understood due to the logistical constraints of sampling thousands of metres below the ocean’s surface and remote from most land masses. Under such circumstances, genetic data provides unparalleled insight into biological and ecological relationships. We use microsatellite DNA to compare the population structure, reproductive mode and dispersal capacity in two deep sea corals from seamounts in the Southern Ocean. The solitary coralDesmophyllum dianthushas widespread dispersal consistent with its global distribution and resilience to disturbance. In contrast, for the matrix-forming colonial coralSolenosmilia variabilisasexual reproduction is important and the dispersal of sexually produced larvae is negligible, resulting in isolated populations. Interestingly, despite the recognised impacts of fishing on seamount communities, genetic diversity on fished and unfished seamounts was similar for both species, suggesting that evolutionary resilience remains despite reductions in biomass. Our results provide empirical evidence that a group of seamounts can function either as isolated islands or stepping stones for dispersal for different taxa. Furthermore different strategies will be required to protect the two sympatric corals and consequently the recently declared marine reserves in this region may function as a network forD. dianthus,but not forS. variabilis.
An Algorithm of Association Rule Mining for Microbial Energy Prospection
Authors: Shaheen Muhammad , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: April 2017

The presence of hydrocarbons beneath earth’s surface produces some microbiological anomalies in soils and sediments. The detection of such microbial populations involves pure bio chemical processes which are specialized, expensive and time consuming. This paper proposes a new algorithm of context based association rule mining on non spatial data. The algorithm is a modified form of already developed algorithm which was for spatial database only. The algorithm is applied to mine context based association rules on microbial database to extract interesting and useful associations of microbial attributes with existence of hydrocarbon reserve. The surface and soil manifestations caused by the presence of hydrocarbon oxidizing microbes are selected from existing literature and stored in a shared database. The algorithm is applied on the said database to generate direct and indirect associations among the stored microbial indicators. These associations are then correlated with the probability of hydrocarbon’s existence. The numerical evaluation shows better accuracy for non-spatial data as compared to conventional algorithms at generating reliable and robust rules.
Correction: Corrigendum: Anatomical Characteristics and Biomechanical Properties of the Oblique Popliteal Ligament
Authors: Wu Xiang-Dong , Yu Jin-Hui , Zou Tao , Wang Wei , LaPrade Robert F. , Huang Wei , Sun Shan-Quan
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 42698; published online: 16 February 2017; updated: 10 April 2017 This Article contains an error in the Discussion section. “Even so, there remains an area without external support between the OPL, the expansion over the popliteus muscle, and the lateral side ofthe posterior cruciate ligament, which are strongly related to the formation of popliteal cysts”.
Correction: Corrigendum: Ectopic expression of Arabidopsis Target of Rapamycin (AtTOR) improves water-use efficiency and yield potential in rice
Authors: Bakshi Achala , Moin Mazahar , Kumar M. Udaya , Reddy Aramati Bindu Madhava , Ren Maozhi , Datla Raju , Siddiq E. A. , Kirti P. B.
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 42835; published online: 23 February 2017; updated: 10 April 2017 This Article contains errors in the Affiliations of Maozhi Ren and Raju Datla. The correct affiliations for these authors are listed below: Maozhi Ren Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.
An endemic rat species complex is evidence of moderate environmental changes in the terrestrial biodiversity centre of China through the late Quaternary
Authors: Ge Deyan , Lu Liang , Cheng Jilong , Xia Lin , Chang Yongbin , Wen Zhixin , Lv Xue , Du Yuanbao , Liu Qiyong , Yang Qisen
Published: April 2017

The underlying mechanisms that allow the Hengduan Mountains (HDM), the terrestrial biodiversity centre of China, to harbour high levels of species diversity remain poorly understood. Here, we sought to explore the biogeographic history of the endemic rat,Niviventer andersonispecies complex (NASC), and to understand the long-term persistence of high species diversity in this region. In contrast to previous studies that have proposed regional refuges in eastern or southern of the HDM and emphasized the influence of climatic oscillations on local vertebrates, we found that HDM as a whole acted as refuge for the NASC and that the historical range shifts of NASC mainly occurred in the marginal regions. Demographic analyses revealed slight recent population decline in Yunnan and south-eastern Tibet, whereas of the populations in Sichuan and of the entire NASC were stable. This pattern differs greatly from classic paradigms of temperate or alpine and holarctic species. Interestingly, the mean elevation, area and climate of potential habitats of clade a (N. excelsior), an alpine inhabitant, showed larger variations than did those of clade b (N. andersoni), a middle-high altitude inhabitant. These species represent the evolutionary history of montane small mammals in regions that were less affected by the Quaternary climatic changes.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Attenuate Fibroblast Activation and Kidney Fibrosis Involving MTORC2 Signaling Suppression
Authors: Zeng Zhifeng , Yang Haiyuan , Wang Ying , Ren Jiafa , Dai Yifan , Dai Chunsun
Published: April 2017

Epidemiologic studies showed the correlation between the deficiency of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and the progression of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), however, the role and mechanisms for n-3 PUFAs in protecting against kidney fibrosis remain obscure. In this study, NRK-49F cells, a rat kidney interstitial fibroblast cell line, were stimulated with TGFβ1. A Caenorhabditis elegans fat-1 transgenic mouse model in which n-3 PUFAs are endogenously produced from n-6 PUFAs owing to the expression of n-3 fatty acid desaturase were deployed. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one member of n-3 PUFAs family, could suppress TGFβ1-induced fibroblast activation at a dose and time dependent manner. Additionally, DHA could largely inhibit TGFβ1-stimulated Akt but not S6 or Smad3 phosphorylation at a time dependent manner. To decipher the role for n-3 PUFAs in protecting against kidney fibrosis, fat-1 transgenic mice were operated with unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO). Compared to the wild types, fat-1 transgenics developed much less kidney fibrosis and inflammatory cell accumulation accompanied by less p-Akt (Ser473), p-Akt (Thr308), p-S6 and p-Smad3 in kidney tissues at day 7 after UUO. Thus, n-3 PUFAs can attenuate fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis, which may be associated with the inhibition of mTORC2 signaling.
Molecular basis for the behavioral effects of the odorant degrading enzyme Esterase 6 in Drosophila
Authors: Younus Faisal , Fraser Nicholas J. , Coppin Chris W. , Liu Jian-Wei , Correy Galen J. , Chertemps Thomas , Pandey Gunjan , Maïbèche Martine , Jackson Colin J. , Oakeshott John G.
Published: April 2017

Previous electrophysiological and behavioural studies implicate esterase 6 in the processing of the pheromone cis-vaccenyl acetate and various food odorants that affect aggregation and reproductive behaviours. Here we show esterase 6 has relatively high activity against many of the short-mid chain food esters, but negligible activity against cis-vaccenyl acetate. The crystal structure of esterase 6 confirms its substrate-binding site can accommodate many short-mid chain food esters but not cis-vaccenyl acetate. Immunohistochemical assays show esterase 6 is expressed in non-neuronal cells in the third antennal segment that could be accessory or epidermal cells surrounding numerous olfactory sensilla, including basiconics involved in food odorant detection. Esterase 6 is also produced in trichoid sensilla, but not in the same cell types as the cis-vaccenyl acetate binding protein LUSH. Our data support a model in which esterase 6 acts as a direct odorant degrading enzyme for many bioactive food esters, but not cis-vaccenyl acetate.
Protein Sequence Comparison Based on Physicochemical Properties and the Position-Feature Energy Matrix
Authors: Yu Lulu , Zhang Yusen , Gutman Ivan , Shi Yongtang , Dehmer Matthias
Published: April 2017

We develop a novel position-feature-based model for protein sequences by employing physicochemical properties of 20 amino acids and the measure of graph energy. The method puts the emphasis on sequence order information and describes local dynamic distributions of sequences, from which one can get a characteristic B-vector. Afterwards, we apply the relative entropy to the sequences representing B-vectors to measure their similarity/dissimilarity. The numerical results obtained in this study show that the proposed methods leads to meaningful results compared with competitors such as Clustal W.
Inhibition of expression of the circadian clock gene Period causes metabolic abnormalities including repression of glycometabolism in Bombyx mori cells
Authors: Tao Hui , Li Xue , Qiu Jian-Feng , Cui Wen-Zhao , Sima Yang-Hu , Xu Shi-Qing
Published: April 2017

Abnormalities in the circadian clock system are known to affect the body’s metabolic functions, though the molecular mechanisms responsible remain uncertain. In this study, we achieved continuous knockdown of B. mori Period (BmPer) gene expression in the B. mori ovary cell line (BmN), and generated a Per-KD B. mori model with developmental disorders including small individual cells and slow growth. We conducted cell metabolomics assays by gas chromatography/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and showed that knockdown of BmPer gene expression resulted in significant inhibition of glycometabolism. Amino acids that used glucose metabolites as a source were also down-regulated, while lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism were significantly up-regulated. Metabolite correlation analysis showed that pyruvate and lactate were closely related to glycometabolism, as well as to metabolites such as aspartate, alanine, and xanthine in other pathways. Further validation experiments showed that the activities of the key enzymes of glucose metabolism, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and citrate synthase, were significantly decreased and transcription of their encoding genes, as well as that of pyruvate kinase, were also significantly down-regulated. We concluded that inhibition of the circadian clock gene BmPer repressed glycometabolism, and may be associated with changes in cellular amino acid metabolism, and in cell growth and development.
Seasonal variation in environmental DNA in relation to population size and environmental factors
Authors: Buxton Andrew S. , Groombridge Jim J. , Zakaria Nurulhuda B. , Griffiths Richard A.
Published: April 2017

Analysing DNA that organisms release into the environment (environmental DNA, or eDNA) has enormous potential for assessing rare and cryptic species. At present the method is only reliably used to assess the presence-absence of species in natural environments, as seasonal influences on eDNA in relation to presence, abundance, life stages and seasonal behaviours are poorly understood. A naturally colonised, replicated pond system was used to show how seasonal changes in eDNA were influenced by abundance of adults and larvae of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus). Peaks in eDNA were observed in early June when adult breeding was coming to an end, and between mid-July and mid-August corresponding to a peak in newt larval abundance. Changes in adult body condition associated with reproduction also influenced eDNA concentrations, as did temperature (but not rainfall or UV). eDNA concentration fell rapidly as larvae metamorphosed and left the ponds. eDNA concentration may therefore reflect relative abundance in different ponds, although environmental factors can affect the concentrations observed. Nevertheless, eDNA surveys may still represent an improvement over unadjusted counts which are widely used in population assessments but have unreliable relationships with population size.
Domain engineering of the metastable domains in the 4f-uniaxial-ferromagnet CeRu2Ga2B
Authors: Wulferding D. , Kim H. , Yang I. , Jeong J. , Barros K. , Kato Y. , Martin I. , Ayala-Valenzuela O. E. , Lee M. , Choi H. C. , Ronning F. , Civale L. , Baumbach R. E. , Bauer E. D. , Thompson J. D. , Movshovich R. , Kim Jeehoon
Published: April 2017

In search of novel, improved materials for magnetic data storage and spintronic devices, compounds that allow a tailoring of magnetic domain shapes and sizes are essential. Good candidates are materials with intrinsic anisotropies or competing interactions, as they are prone to host various domain phases that can be easily and precisely selected by external tuning parameters such as temperature and magnetic field. Here, we utilize vector magnetic fields to visualize directly the magnetic anisotropy in the uniaxial ferromagnet CeRu2Ga2B. We demonstrate a feasible control both globally and locally of domain shapes and sizes by the external field as well as a smooth transition from single stripe to bubble domains, which opens the door to future applications based on magnetic domain tailoring.
HILI destabilizes microtubules by suppressing phosphorylation and Gigaxonin-mediated degradation of TBCB
Authors: Tan Hao , Liao Hua , Zhao Lianfang , Lu Yilu , Jiang Siyuan , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Ma Yongxin
Published: April 2017

Human PIWIL2, aka HILI, is a member of PIWI protein family and overexpresses in various tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms of HILI in tumorigenesis remain largely unknown. TBCB has a critical role in regulating microtubule dynamics and is overexpressed in many cancers. Here we report that HILI inhibits Gigaxonin-mediated TBCB ubiquitination and degradation by interacting with TBCB, promoting the binding between HSP90 and TBCB, and suppressing the interaction between Gigaxonin and TBCB. Meanwhile, HILI can also reduce phosphorylation level of TBCB induced by PAK1. Our results showed that HILI suppresses microtubule polymerization and promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion via TBCB for the first time, revealing a novel mechanism for HILI in tumorigenesis.
Medium-term impact of the economic crisis on mortality, health-related behaviours and access to healthcare in Greece
Authors: Filippidis Filippos T. , Gerovasili Vasiliki , Millett Christopher , Tountas Yannis
Published: April 2017

Previous studies on the health consequences of the crisis in Greece investigated short-term impacts on selected outcomes. This study examined the impact of the crisis on a key set of health indicators with longer follow up than previous studies. We conducted interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to compare trends in standardised mortality by cause before and during the crisis. We examined changes in fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking, physical activity, obesity, out-of-pocket payments and unmet needs for healthcare using national household data from the “Hellas Health” surveys. Standardised mortality rates for suicides (p < 0.001) and infant mortality (p = 0.003) increased during the crisis compared to pre-existing trends, while mortality from respiratory diseases (p = 0.053) and transport accidents (p = 0.067) decreased. The prevalence of smoking (42.6% to 36.5%; RR = 0.86) and sedentary lifestyle (43.4% to 29.0%; RR = 0.69) declined. The prevalence of unmet need for healthcare significantly increased from 10.0% to 21.9% (RR = 2.10) and the proportion of people paying out-of-pocket for healthcare from 34.4% to 58.7% (RR = 1.69) between 2010 and 2015. The impact of the economic crisis in Greece on health was more nuanced than previous reports suggest. Effective strategies to mitigate the adverse health impacts of economic crises need to be better understood and implemented.
Human cell-based taste perception – a bittersweet job for industry
Authors: Riedel K. , Sombroek D. , Fiedler B. , Siems K. , Krohn M.
Published: April 2017

On the molecular level humans sense food by a variety of specialized tissues which express sensory receptors to handle nutritive value.
Micro/extended-nano sampling interface from a living single cell
Authors: Lin L. , Mawatari K. , Morikawa K. , Pihosh Y. , Yoshizaki A. , Kitamori T.
Published: April 2017

Single-cell analysis is of increasing importance in many fields, but is challenging due to the ultra-small volumes (picoliters) of single cells.
Surfactant exfoliated 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) explored as a potential electrochemical sensor for dopamine: surfactants significantly influence sensor capabilities
Authors: Khan Aamar F. , Brownson Dale A. C. , Foster Christopher W. , Smith Graham C. , Banks Craig E.
Published: April 2017

The surfactant utilised in the exfoliated synthesis of 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) significantly influences sensor capabilities towards the detection of dopamine.
A convenient approach for the determination of multiple trace BPs using an in-syringe-assisted solid phase microextraction system packed with elastic spongy graphene rods coupled with HPLC
Authors: Wang Lingling , Li Qi , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2017

An elastic cylindrical three-dimensional porous spongy graphene rod (3D-PSGR) was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method and applied in a syringe system as a solid phase adsorbent for the extraction of nine trace bisphenol analogs (BPs) from environmental samples.
A highly selective, colorimetric, and environment-sensitive optical potassium ion sensor
Authors: Song Guangjie , Sun Ruofan , Du Jiqing , Chen Meiwan , Tian Yanqing
Published: April 2017

We report a colorimetric K+sensor (KS7) for highly selective and accurate analysis of potassium ions. This sensor was demonstrated to be capable of analyzing potassium ions in urine with an experimental error of less than 5% using a ratiometric approach. Further, K+test strips can be easily prepared, which were used to detect K+in urine conveniently for daily health monitoring.
Reversible dinitrogen binding to [Cp′Fe(NHC)] associated with an N2-induced spin state change
Authors: Reiners Matthias , Baabe Dirk , Zaretzke Marc-Kevin , Freytag Matthias , Walter Marc D.
Published: April 2017

Reversible N2 coordination to [Cp′Fe(IiPr2Me2)] induces a spin-state change.
A universal split spinach aptamer (USSA) for nucleic acid analysis and DNA computation
Authors: Kikuchi Nanami , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: April 2017

A single universal spinach aptamer probe can be used to analyse potentially any nucleic acid sequences.
A Fe5C2 nanocatalyst for the preferential synthesis of ethanol via dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation
Authors: He Jia , Zhao Yujun , Wang Yue , Wang Junhu , Zheng Jian , Zhang Hanlei , Zhou Guangwen , Wang Chongmin , Wang Shengping , Ma Xinbin
Published: April 2017

The Fe5C2 nanocatalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity with a significantly high selectivity of 89.6% to ethanol in gas-phase hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate.
Hydrophilic 2,9-bis-triazolyl-1,10-phenanthroline ligands enable selective Am(iii) separation: a step further towards sustainable nuclear energy
Authors: Edwards Alyn C. , Mocilac Pavle , Geist Andreas , Harwood Laurence M. , Sharrad Clint A. , Burton Neil A. , Whitehead Roger C. , Denecke Melissa A.
Published: April 2017

An exciting new family of hydrophilic ligands for the selective extraction of Am(iii) from spent nuclear fuel are reported herein.
Palladium-catalyzed, aminoquinoline-directed arylation of phosphonamidate and phosphinic amide sp3 C–H bonds
Authors: Nguyen Tung Thanh , Daugulis Olafs
Published: April 2017

The first example of unactivated sp3 C–H bond arylation by using a phosphorus-containing directing group is reported.
Binding site opening by loop C shift and chloride ion-pore interaction in the GABAAreceptor model
Authors: Michałowski M. A. , Kraszewski S. , Mozrzymas J. W.
Published: April 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations of the shut α1β2γ2GABAAheteropentamer receptor homology model reveal significant differences between intersubunit interfaces (ligand binding G1, G2 and non-binding) compared to homomeric receptor assemblies and possible ion interaction sites in the top part of the transmembrane domain (TMD).
The effect of ligand–ligand interactions on the formation of photoluminescent gold nanoclusters embedded in Au(i)–thiolate supramolecules
Authors: Chang Hsiang-Yu , Tseng Yu-Ting , Yuan Zhiqin , Chou Hung-Lung , Chen Ching-Hsiang , Hwang Bing-Joe , Tsai Meng-Che , Chang Huan-Tsung , Huang Chih-Ching
Published: April 2017

Photoluminescence of cysteine-capped gold nanoclusters obtained via the reduction of –[Cys–Au(i)]n– supramolecules is highly dependent on the degree of supramolecular aggregation.
Correction: Energetics, barriers and vibrational spectra of partially and fully hydrogenated hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Kroes J. M. H. , Fasolino A. , Katsnelson M. I.
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘Energetics, barriers and vibrational spectra of partially and fully hydrogenated hexagonal boron nitride’ by J. M. H. Kroes et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 19359–19367.
Functionalized vinylsilanes via highly efficient and recyclable Pt-nanoparticle catalysed hydrosilylation of alkynes
Authors: Chauhan Bhanu P. S. , Sarkar Alok
Published: April 2017

A mild, selective and facile synthesis of vinylsilanes via a recyclable platinum nanoparticle catalysed hydrosilylation of alkynes is reported.
The impact of dietary sn-2 palmitic triacylglycerols in combination with docosahexaenoic acid or arachidonic acid on lipid metabolism and host faecal microbiota composition in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Wan Jianchun , Hu Songyou , Jacoby Jörg J. , Liu Jie , Zhang Yaqiong , Yu Liangli (Lucy)
Published: April 2017

Dietary fat altered lipid metabolism and host faecal microbiota in rats.
Umpolung of protons from H2O: a metal-free chemoselective reduction of carbonyl compounds via B2pin2/H2O systems
Authors: Xuan Qingqing , Zhao Cong , Song Qiuling
Published: April 2017

H2O is routinely described as a proton donor, however, in the presence of diboron compounds, the umpolung reaction of H2O under metal-free conditions was successfully developed, which could afford hydride species, leading to a highly efficient and chemoselective reduction of CO bonds.
Magnetic-field effects in ambipolar transistors based on a bipolar molecular glass
Authors: Reichert Thomas , Hagelstein Georg , Saragi Tobat P. I.
Published: April 2017

Magnetoresistance effects in ambipolar transistors based on a single amorphous organic thin-film.
Tyrosinase mediated oxidative functionalization in the synthesis of DOPA-derived peptidomimetics with anti-Parkinson activity
Authors: Bizzarri Bruno M. , Martini Alessandro , Serafini Francesco , Aversa Daniela , Piccinino Davide , Botta Lorenzo , Berretta Nicola , Guatteo Ezia , Saladino Raffaele
Published: April 2017

DOPA-derived peptidomimetics are an attractive therapeutic tool for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Observed and Parent-Report Measures of Social Communication in Toddlers With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder Across Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Stronach Sheri T. , Wetherby Amy M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study investigated whether measures of early social communication vary among young children of diverse racial/ethnic status with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

Participants were 364 toddlers between ages 18 and 36 months with a diagnosis of ASD confirmed (
n
= 195) or ruled out (
n
= 169), from 3 racial/ethnic categories: non-Hispanic White (
n
= 226), non-Hispanic Black (
n
= 74), and Hispanic (
n
= 64). Group differences in social communication were examined using an observational measure—the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Behavior Sample (CSBS-BS; Wetherby & Prizant, 2002)—and a parent-report measure, the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders (Wetherby, Woods, & Lord, 2007).

Results

Controlling for maternal education, children with ASD scored significantly lower on the CSBS-BS than children without, indicating poorer social communication skills, and higher on the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders, indicating more ASD features. Racial/ethnic groups did not differ on 6 CSBS-BS clusters, but Non-Hispanic White toddlers scored significantly higher than both other groups on the Understanding cluster. There were no significant Diagnosis × Race/Ethnicity interactions.

Conclusion

These findings indicate good agreement between observed and parent-report measures in this sample. Results suggest that the CSBS-BS and Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders could be viable tools in the detection process for toddlers with ASD in these racial/ethnic groups.
Commentary on “Reading Comprehension Is Not a Single Ability”: Implications for Child Language Intervention
Authors: Ukrainetz Teresa A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This commentary responds to the implications for child language intervention of Catts and Kamhi's (2017) call to move from viewing reading comprehension as a single ability to recognizing it as a complex constellation of reader, text, and activity.

Method

Reading comprehension, as Catts and Kamhi explain, is very complicated. In this commentary, I consider how comprehension has been taught and the directions in which it is moving. I consider how speech-language pathologists (SLPs), with their distinctive expertise and resources, can contribute to effective reading comprehension instruction. I build from Catts and Kamhi's emphasis on the importance of context and knowledge, using the approaches of staying on topic, close reading, and incorporating quality features of intervention. I consider whether and how SLPs should treat language skills and comprehension strategies to achieve noticeable changes in their students' reading comprehension.

Conclusion

Within this multidimensional view of reading comprehension, SLPs can make strategic, meaningful contributions to improving the reading comprehension of students with language impairments.
Role of the neuroendocrine system in cytokine pathways in inflammatory bowel disease.
Authors: Ottaway CA
Published: April 2017

The intestine is a rich venue for interactions between the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Functional regulation of mucosal immune responses can be exerted through local neuroendocrine paths by neuropeptides from the neurons of the enteric nervous system and peptide hormones. Immune regulation can also be exerted through influences in the central nervous system activating the hypothalamic‐ pituitary‐adrenal axis, and through the activation of the autonomic nervous system. The integrity of these systems can alter the outcome of immune‐mediated inflammation in the gut. The role of these pathways in the regulation of cytokines is examined, and the implications for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are explored.
Cytokines in the cotton top tamarin model of human ulcerative colitis.
Authors: Warren BF
Published: April 2017

The cotton top tamarin is a unique model of human ulcerative colitis. This disease is clinically and histologically similar. It is also complicated in some cases by colon cancer. The cotton top tamarin provides an appropriate animal model for assessing new treatments in inflammatory bowel disease.
Regulatory cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease.
Authors: Pallone F , Monteleone G
Published: April 2017

Several immunological alterations have been described in inflammatory bowel disease, but their role in the pathogenesis of tissue damage of these disorders is not fully known. Activated immune cells produce proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines able to mediate immune mechanisms underlying intestinal inflammation in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although there is no evidence for an aberrant cytokine secretion in the intestinal mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, observations seem to indicate that locally released cytokines trigger the preferential differentiation of mucosal lymphocytes into TH1 or TH2 subsets. The unresponsiveness of intestinal mononuclear cells to the inhibiting effects of regulatory cytokines may, also, contribute to this differentiation.
Cytokine modulation by glucocorticoids: mechanisms and actions in cellular studies.
Authors: Brattsand R , Linden M
Published: April 2017

Glucocorticoids inhibit the expression and action of most cytokines. This is part of the in vivo feed‐back system between inflammation‐ derived cytokines and CNS‐adrenal produced corticosteroids with the probable physiological relevance to balance parts of the host defence and anti‐inflammatory systems of the body. Glucocorticoids modulate cytokine expression by a combination of genomic mechanisms. The activated glucocorticoid‐receptor complex can (i) bind to and inactivate key proinflammatory transcription factors (e.g. AP‐1, NF kappa B). This takes place at the promotor responsive elements of these factors, but has also been reported without the presence of DNA; (ii) via glucocorticoid responsive elements (GRE), upregulate the expression of cytokine inhibitory proteins, e.g. I kappa B, which inactivates the transcription factor NF kappa B and thereby the secondary expression of a series of cytokines; (iii) reduce the half‐life time and utility of cytokine mRNAs. In studies with triggered human blood mononuclear cells in culture, glucocorticoids strongly diminish the production of the 'initial phase' cytokines IL‐1 beta and TNF‐alpha and the 'immunomodulatory' cytokines IL‐2, IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12 and IFN‐gamma, as well as of IL‐6, IL‐8 and the growth factor GM‐CSF. While steroid treatment broadly attenuates cytokine production, it cannot modulate it selectively, e.g. just the TH0, the TH1 or the TH2 pathways. The production of the 'anti‐inflammatory' IL‐10 is also inhibited. The exceptions of steroid down‐regulatory activity on cytokine expression seem to affect 'repair phase' cytokines like TGF‐ beta and PDGF. These are even reported to be upregulated, which may explain the rather weak steroid dampening action on healing and fibrotic processes. Some growth factors, e.g. G‐CSF and M‐CSF, are only weakly affected. In addition to diminishing the production of a cytokine, steroids can also often inhibit its subsequent actions. Because cytokines work in cascades, this means that steroid treatment can block expression of the subsequent cytokines. The blocked cytokine activity does not depend on a reduced cytokine receptor expression; in fact available in vitro investigations show that while the cytokine expression is blunted, its receptor is upregulated. The cellular studies presented here may represent the maximum potential of steroids to modulate cytokine expression in human mononuclear cells. It remains to be determined by clinical‐experimental studies how effective cytokine modulation can be achieved in situ in inflamed bowel by systemic or by topical steroid therapy. Such studies may also answer whether a blocked cytokine production/action is the key or just a secondary mechanism behind the unique efficacy of steroids in active inflammatory bowel disease.
Cytokines and mechanisms of action of glucocorticoids and aminosalicylates in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Authors: Zimmerman MJ , Jewell DP
Published: April 2017

Medical therapy of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease involves the control of active inflammation to obtain clinical remission and then maintaining that remission. Corticosteroids and 5‐aminosalicylic acid are the mainstay of such management. Both have a wide range of properties and are able to inhibit many effector mechanisms which are potentially involved in mucosal inflammation. In in vitro assays, both are able to inhibit the release of a wide variety of pro‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines. In vivo, such effects would limit tissue damage, prevent further amplification of the immune response and restore epithelial function.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Ubiquitous Biological Redox Cofactors
Authors: Kohen Amnon , Singh Priyanka , Guo Qi
Published: April 2017

Redox cofactors are utilized by a myriad of proteins, ranging from metabolic enzymes to those performing post-translational modifications. Labeled redox cofactors have served as a vital tool for a broad range of studies. This account describes chemoenzymatic syntheses of the isotopically labeled, biologically important redox cofactors: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, methylene tetrahydrofolate, and flavin nucleotides. An overview of the general strategy is presented. These examples demonstrate the utility of enzymatic synthesis.

1 Introduction

2 Nicotinamide Cofactors

2.1 Synthesis of Remote-Labeled 14C-NADPH

2.1.1 Synthesis of [Ad-14C]NADPH

2.1.2 Synthesis of [Carbonyl-14C]NADPH

2.2 Synthesis of S- and R-[4-3H]NADPH

2.2.1 One-Step S- and Three-Step R-[4-3H]NADPH Synthesis

2.2.2 One-Pot, One-Step R-[4-3H]NADPH Synthesis

2.3 Synthesis of S- and R-[Ad-14C, 4-2H]NADPH

2.3.1 One-Step S-, Three-Step R-[Ad-14C, 4-2H]NADPH Synthesis

2.3.2 One-Pot, One-Step R-[Ad-14C, 4-2H]NADPH Synthesis

3 Methylene Tetrahydrofolate

4 Flavin Nucleotides

5 Conclusions and Outlook
Practice Recommendations for Early Mobilization in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Canci Filomena , Clark Heather , Hopkins Ramona , Kudchadkar Sapna , Lati Jamil , Morrow Brenda , Neu Charmaine , Wieczorek Beth , Zebuhr Carleen , Choong Karen
Published: April 2017

Prolonged immobility is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidities in critically ill adults and children. The majority of critically ill children remain immobilized while in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) due to limited awareness of associated morbidities, lack of comfort and knowledge on how to mobilize critically ill children, and the lack of pediatric-specific practice guidelines. The objective of this article was to develop consensus practice recommendations for safe, early mobilization (EM) in critically ill children. A group of 10 multidisciplinary experts with clinical and methodological expertise in physical rehabilitation, EM, and pediatric critical care collaborated to develop these recommendations. First, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate existing evidence on EM in children. Using an iterative process, the working document was circulated electronically to panel members until the group reached consensus. The group agreed that the overall goals of mobilization are to reduce PICU morbidities and optimize recovery. EM should therefore not be instituted in isolation but as part of a rehabilitation care bundle. Mobilization should not be delayed, but its appropriateness and safety should be assessed early. Increasing levels of physical activity should be individualized for each patient with the goal of achieving the highest level of functional mobility that is developmentally appropriate, for increasing durations, daily. We developed a system-based set of clinical safety criteria and a checklist to ensure the safety of mobilization in critically ill children. Although there is a paucity of pediatric evidence on the efficacy of EM, there is ample evidence that prolonged bed rest is harmful and should be avoided. These EM practice recommendations were developed to educate clinicians, encourage safe practices, reduce PICU-acquired morbidities, until future pediatric research provides evidence on effective rehabilitation interventions and how best to implement these in critically ill children.
One Less Painful Procedure: Using Umbilical Cord Blood as Alternative Source to Admission Complete Blood Count
Authors: Prakash Neera , Decristofaro Joseph , Maduekwe Echezona
Published: April 2017

Objective This study aims to evaluate the use of umbilical cord blood as an alternative to the admission complete blood count (CBC) in the well-appearing late preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Study Design Paired umbilical cord and admission blood CBC samples from well late preterm infants were compared using a two-sample t-test or analysis of variance with an unequal variance for differences in the hemoglobin, platelet counts, white blood cell, and absolute neutrophil counts.

Results A total of 100 infants were enrolled in the study. The study included 46 females, 5 Asian, 9 Black, 35 Hispanic, 51 White, with a mean gestational age of 35.3 ± 1 weeks (range: 34–36.5 weeks), and a mean birth weight of 2,347 ± 491 g (range: 1,840–4,260 g). Around 80% were appropriate for gestational age, 5% were large for gestational age, and 15% were small for gestational age. The median difference between the cord and admission blood samples were hemoglobin: 1.1 g/dL, platelet: 7.50 × 103 cells/μL, white blood cell count: 2.3 × 103 cells/μL, and absolute neutrophil count: 0.6 × 103 cells/μL.

Conclusion The cord and admission blood testing were not statistically or clinically different when compared. In well late preterm infants, the NICU admission blood CBC may be replaced with an umbilical cord blood CBC.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided creation of a transgastric fistula for the management of hepatobiliary disease in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Ngamruengphong Saowanee , Nieto Jose , Kunda Rastislav , Kumbhari Vivek , Chen Yen-I , Bukhari Majidah , El Zein Mohamad , Bueno Renata , Hajiyeva Gulara , Ismail Amr , Chavez Yamile , Khashab Mouen
Published: April 2017

Background and aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is technically challenging. We describe our multicenter experience using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) to create an endoscopic ultrasound-guided transgastric fistula (EUS-TG) to facilitate peroral ERCP in these patients.

Patients and methods Thirteen patients with RYGB who underwent EUS-TG at three tertiary centers were included. EUS was used to guide puncture of the excluded stomach from the gastric pouch or jejunum; a LAMS was placed across the transgastric fistula. ERCP was performed via a duodenoscope passed through the LAMS.

Results The technical success of EUS-TG was 100 % (13/13). ERCP through the LAMS was successful and clinical success was achieved in all patients. LAMS dislodgement during ERCP occurred in two patients and the stent was successfully repositioned without sequelae. After removal of the LAMS, the fistula was closed in 92 % of patients, either by endoscopic closure devices or argon plasma coagulation. None of the patients experienced procedure-related adverse events.

Conclusion EUS-TG is an effective and safe method of accessing the excluded stomach and performing ERCP in patients with RYGB.
Bound state solutions of Dirac equation with radial exponential-type potentials
Authors: Peña J. J. , Morales J. , García-Ravelo J.
Published: April 2017

In this work, a direct approach for obtaining analytical bound state solutions of the Dirac equation for radial exponential-type potentials with spin and pseudospin symmetry conditions within the frame of the Green and Aldrich approximation to the centrifugal term is presented. The proposal is based on the relation existing between the Dirac equation and the exactly solvable Schrödinger equation for a class of multi-parameter exponential-type potential. The usefulness of the present approach is exemplified by considering some known specific exponential-type potentials which are obtained as particular cases from our proposal. That is, instead of solving the Dirac equation for a special exponential potential, by means of a specialized method, the energy spectra and wave functions are derived directly from the proposed approach. Beyond the applications considered in this work, our proposition could be used as an alternative way in the search of bound state solutions of the Dirac equation for other potentials as well as it can be easily adapted to other approximations to the centrifugal term.
Ultrafast coherent energy transfer with high efficiency based on plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Ren Jun , Chen Tian , Wang Bo , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: April 2017

The theory of energy transfer dynamics of a pair of donor and acceptor molecules located in the plasmonic hot spots is developed by means of the master equation approach and the electromagnetic Green’s tensor technique. A nonlocal effect has been considered by using a hydrodynamic model. The coherent interaction between the two molecules in plasmonic nanostructures is investigated, and we find that the coupling strength between two molecules can be larger than dissipation. It is shown that the energy transfer efficiency of a pair of molecules can be improved largely and the transfer time decreases to dozens of femtoseconds when the contribution of quantum coherence is considered. The physical origin for such a phenomenon has also been analyzed. This ultrafast and high-efficiency energy transfer mechanism could be beneficial for artificial light-harvesting devices.
Realization of high-Q/V photonic crystal
cavities defined by an effective Aubry-André-Harper bichromatic potential
Authors: Simbula A. , Schatzl M. , Zagaglia L. , Alpeggiani F. , Andreani L. C. , Schäffler F. , Fromherz T. , Galli M. , Gerace D.
Published: April 2017

We report on the realization of high-Q/V photonic crystal cavities in thin silicon membranes, with resonances around 1.55 μm wavelength. The cavity designs are based on a recently proposed photonic crystal implementation of the Aubry-André-Harper bichromatic potential, defined from the superposition of two one-dimensional lattices with a non-integer ratio between their periodicity constants. In photonic crystal nanocavities, this confinement mechanism is such that optimized figures of merit can be straightforwardly achieved, in particular an ultra-high-Q factor and diffraction-limited mode volume. Several silicon membrane photonic crystal nanocavities have been realized with measured Q-factors in the 1 × 106 range, as evidenced by resonant scattering. The generality of the proposed designs and their easy implementation and scalability make these results particularly interesting for realizing highly performing photonic nanocavities on different material platforms and operational wavelengths.
Designing pairwise interactions that stabilize open crystals: Truncated square and truncated hexagonal lattices
Authors: Piñeros William D. , Truskett Thomas M.
Published: April 2017

Using a recently introduced formulation of the ground-state inverse design problem for a targeted lattice [W. Piñeros et al., J. Chem. Phys. 144, 084502 (2016)], we discover purely repulsive and isotropic pair interactions that stabilize low-density truncated square and truncated hexagonal crystals, as well as promote their assembly in Monte Carlo simulations upon isochoric cooling from a high-temperature fluid phase. The results illustrate that the primary challenge to stabilizing very open two-dimensional lattices is to design interactions that can favor the target structure over competing stripe microphases.