bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological evaluation of aortic coarctation after conventional balloon angioplasty in neonates
Authors: Atalay Atakan , Pac Aysenur , Avci Tugba , Zengin Neslihan İnci , Amac Nadide Demir , Eris Deniz , Tasoglu Irfan , Pac Mustafa
Published: January 2018

Background

Optimal management strategy for native aortic coarctation in neonates and young infants is still a matter of debate. The surgical procedure, histopathologic research, and clinical outcome in 15 neonates who underwent surgery after successful balloon angioplasty is the basis of this study.

Method

Between 01 October, 2014 and 01 August, 2017, we enrolled 15 patients with native aortic coarctation for this study. These patients had complications regarding recoarctation, following balloon angioplasty intervention at our institute and other centres. Surgically extracted parts were examined histopathologically and patient’s data were collected retrospectively.

Result

The reasons for recurrence of recoarctation after balloon angioplasty are as follows: patients with higher preoperative echocardiographic gradients had recoarctation earlier, neointimal proliferation, aortic intimal fibrosis at the region of ductal insertion, and ductal residual tissue debris after balloon angioplasty. No repeat intervention was required in the 15 patients who underwent surgery followed by balloon angioplasty. Early mortality was seen in one patient after surgery. Postoperative complication in the surgical group occurred in the form of chylothorax in one patient.

Conclusion

In centres in which the neonatal ICU is inexperienced, balloon angioplasty is particularly recommended. In developing neonatal clinics, balloon angioplasty, when performed on patients at their earliest possible age, delays actual corrective operation to a later date, which in turn provides less risky surgical outcomes in infants who are gaining weight, growing, and do not have any haemodynamic complaints.
Farming adaptations in the face of climate change
Authors: Som Castellano Rebecca L. , Moroney Jillian
Published: January 2018

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change, and in many agricultural communities climate change adaptations by farmers are underway. Farmers’ beliefs about climate change and their experiences with climate change, along with a range of other factors, could influence climate change adaptation. Utilizing a framework which draws from research examining how farmers’ climate change beliefs and experiences affect their adaptation strategies, and research on farm succession and adaptation at the rural–urban interface (RUI), we ask ‘How do climate change beliefs and different farm attributes (particularly the presence of an heir and location at the RUI) affect adaptation strategies?’ Preliminary findings indicate that adaptation varies based on multiple factors, including belief in climate change, the presence of an heir, geographical location and a variety of other farm characteristics and farmer attributes.
Data analytics and parallel-coordinate materials property charts
Authors: Rickman Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2018

It is often advantageous to display material properties relationships in the form of charts that highlight important correlations and thereby enhance our understanding of materials behavior and facilitate materials selection. Unfortunately, in many cases, these correlations are highly multidimensional in nature, and one typically employs low-dimensional cross-sections of the property space to convey some aspects of these relationships. To overcome some of these difficulties, in this work we employ methods of data analytics in conjunction with a visualization strategy, known as parallel coordinates, to represent better multidimensional materials data and to extract useful relationships among properties. We illustrate the utility of this approach by the construction and systematic analysis of multidimensional materials properties charts for metallic and ceramic systems. These charts simplify the description of high-dimensional geometry, enable dimensional reduction and the identification of significant property correlations and underline distinctions among different materials classes.
Real-time colour hologram generation based on ray-sampling plane with multi-GPU acceleration
Authors: Sato Hirochika , Kakue Takashi , Ichihashi Yasuyuki , Endo Yutaka , Wakunami Koki , Oi Ryutaro , Yamamoto Kenji , Nakayama Hirotaka , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Ito Tomoyoshi
Published: January 2018

Although electro-holography can reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) motion pictures, its computational cost is too heavy to allow for real-time reconstruction of 3D motion pictures. This study explores accelerating colour hologram generation using light-ray information on a ray-sampling (RS) plane with a graphics processing unit (GPU) to realise a real-time holographic display system. We refer to an image corresponding to light-ray information as an RS image. Colour holograms were generated from three RS images with resolutions of 2,048 × 2,048; 3,072 × 3,072 and 4,096 × 4,096 pixels. The computational results indicate that the generation of the colour holograms using multiple GPUs (NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1080) was approximately 300–500 times faster than those generated using a central processing unit. In addition, the results demonstrate that 3D motion pictures were successfully reconstructed from RS images of 3,072 × 3,072 pixels at approximately 15 frames per second using an electro-holographic reconstruction system in which colour holograms were generated from RS images in real time.
An optimised protocol for platelet-rich plasma preparation to improve its angiogenic and regenerative properties
Authors: Etulain Julia , Mena Hebe A. , Meiss Roberto P. , Frechtel Gustavo , Gutt Susana , Negrotto Soledad , Schattner Mirta
Published: January 2018

Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as a source of growth factors in regenerative medicine, its effectiveness remains controversial, partially due to the absence of PRP preparation protocols based on the regenerative role of platelets. Here, we aimed to optimise the protocol by analysing PRP angiogenic and regenerative properties. Three optimising strategies were evaluated: dilution, 4 °C pre-incubation, and plasma cryoprecipitate supplementation. Following coagulation, PRP releasates (PRPr) were used to induce angiogenesis in vitro (HMEC-1 proliferation, migration, and tubule formation) and in vivo (chorioallantoic membrane), as well as regeneration of excisional wounds on mouse skin. Washed platelet releasates induced greater angiogenesis than PRPr due to the anti-angiogenic effect of plasma, which was decreased by diluting PRPr with saline. Angiogenesis was also improved by both PRP pre-incubation at 4 °C and cryoprecipitate supplementation. A combination of optimising variables exerted an additive effect, thereby increasing the angiogenic activity of PRPr from healthy donors and diabetic patients. Optimised PRPr induced faster and more efficient mouse skin wound repair compared to that induced by non-optimised PRPr. Acetylsalicylic acid inhibited angiogenesis and tissue regeneration mediated by PRPr; this inhibition was reversed following optimisation. Our findings indicate that PRP pre-incubation at 4 °C, PRPr dilution, and cryoprecipitate supplementation improve the angiogenic and regenerative properties of PRP compared to the obtained by current methods.
Assessing fatty acid oxidation flux in rodent cardiomyocyte models
Authors: Rech M. , Luiken J. J. F. P. , Glatz J. F. C. , van Bilsen M. , Schroen B. , Nabben M.
Published: January 2018

The healthy adult heart primarily relies on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) for energy production but instantaneously adapts its substrate preference in response to physiological or pathological challenges. Accurate FAO measurements are crucial to investigate early metabolic (mal)adaptations. While measurements in intact cardiomyocytes offer greater physiological relevance, current FAO protocols mainly employ cell-free systems and/or require expensive equipment. Here, we present an easy-to-use, inexpensive, and sensitive method to measure, compare and modulate FAO in various cardiomyocyte models. Basal FAO was 2-fold higher in fresh versus cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes (aRCM), while OXPHOS protein levels were maintained. Basal FAO was higher in cultured (3-fold) and fresh (8-fold) aRCM, versus widely used neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (nRCM) and mouse HL1 cardiomyocytes. Moreover, we utilized chemical and pharmacological treatments in order to modulate the FAO flux at different cellular signalling levels. Our data indicate that caution should be taken when studying metabolism in nRCM and HL1 cell models, as these display significantly lower FAO than aRCM. Accurate FAO measurement in cultured aRCM opens new avenues for studying the complex cardiomyocyte metabolic responses to mechanical, nutritional, pharmacological, and genetic manipulations.
Bacterial community in naturally fermented milk products of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim of India analysed by high-throughput amplicon sequencing
Authors: Shangpliang H. Nakibapher Jones , Rai Ranjita , Keisam Santosh , Jeyaram Kumaraswamy , Tamang Jyoti Prakash
Published: January 2018

Naturally fermented milk (NFM) products are popular ethnic fermented foods in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim states of India. The present study is the first to have documented the bacterial community in 54 samples of NFM products viz. chhurpi, churkam, dahi and gheu/mar by high-throughput Illumina amplicon sequencing. Metagenomic investigation showed that Firmicutes (Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae) and Proteobacteria (Acetobacteraceae) were the two predominant members of the bacterial communities in these products. Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus helveticus were the predominant lactic acid bacteria while Acetobacter spp. and Gluconobacter spp. were the predominant acetic acid bacteria present in these products.
Glucansucrase (mutant) enzymes from Lactobacillus reuteri 180 efficiently transglucosylate Stevia component rebaudioside A, resulting in a superior taste
Authors: te Poele Evelien M. , Devlamynck Tim , Jäger Manuel , Gerwig Gerrit J. , Van de Walle Davy , Dewettinck Koen , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Kamerling Johannis P. , Soetaert Wim , Dijkhuizen Lubbert
Published: January 2018

Steviol glycosides from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana are high-potency natural sweeteners but suffer from a lingering bitterness. The Lactobacillus reuteri 180 wild-type glucansucrase Gtf180-ΔN, and in particular its Q1140E-mutant, efficiently α-glucosylated rebaudioside A (RebA), using sucrose as donor substrate. Structural analysis of the products by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy showed that both enzymes exclusively glucosylate the Glc(β1→C-19 residue of RebA, with the initial formation of an (α1→6) linkage. Docking of RebA in the active site of the enzyme revealed that only the steviol C-19 β-D-glucosyl moiety is available for glucosylation. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the Gtf180-ΔN-Q1140E-catalyzed α-glucosylation of RebA, resulting in a highly productive process with a RebA conversion of 95% and a production of 115 g/L α-glucosylated products within 3 h. Development of a fed-batch reaction allowed further suppression of α-glucan synthesis which improved the product yield to 270 g/L. Sensory analysis by a trained panel revealed that glucosylated RebA products show a significant reduction in bitterness, resulting in a superior taste profile compared to RebA. The Gtf180-ΔN-Q1140E glucansucrase mutant enzyme thus is an efficient biocatalyst for generating α-glucosylated RebA variants with improved edulcorant/organoleptic properties.
Staphylococcal LTA antagonizes the B cell-mitogenic potential of LPS
Authors: Kang Seok-Seong , Kim Sun Kyung , Baik Jung Eun , Ko Eun Byeol , Ahn Ki Bum , Yun Cheol-Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: January 2018

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of Gram-positive bacteria is regarded as the counterpart biomolecule of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria because of their structural and immunological similarities. Although LPS induces a strong polyclonal expansion of B cells, little is known about the effect of LTA on B cell proliferation. In the present study, we prepared LTAs from Gram-positive bacteria and examined their effect on splenic B cell proliferation. Unlike LPS, LTA did not induce B cell proliferation. Instead,Staphylococcus aureusLTA (Sa.LTA) appeared to inhibit LPS-induced B cell proliferationin vitro,ex vivo, andin vivomodels. Such effect was observed neither in splenocytes from Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-deficient mice nor in the purified splenic B cells. Furthermore, decreased ERK phosphorylation appeared to be responsible for this phenomenon. Collectively, our results support that Sa.LTA inhibited LPS-induced B cell proliferation through the decrease of ERK phosphorylation via TLR2 signaling pathway.
Force depression following a stretch-shortening cycle is independent of stretch peak force and work performed during shortening
Authors: Fortuna Rafael , Kirchhuebel Hannah , Seiberl Wolfgang , Power Geoffrey A. , Herzog Walter
Published: January 2018

The steady-state isometric force following active muscle shortening or lengthening is smaller (force depression; FD) or greater (residual force enhancement; RFE) than a purely isometric contraction at the corresponding length. The mechanisms behind these phenomena remain not fully understood, with few studies investigating the effects of FD and RFE in stretch-shortening cycles (SSC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of RFE and peak force at the end of the stretch phase on the steady-state isometric force following shortening. Isometric thumb adduction force measurements were preceded by an isometric, a shortening contraction to induce FD, and SSCs at different stretch speeds (15°/s, 60°/s, and 120°/s). The different peak force values at the end of stretch and the different amounts of work performed during shortening did not influence the steady-state isometric force at the end of the SSC. We conclude that the FD following SSC depends exclusively on the amount of RFE established in the initial stretch phase in situations where the timing and contractile conditions of the shortening phase are kept constant .
The Lewis A phenotype is a restriction factor for Rotateq and Rotarix vaccine-take in Nicaraguan children
Authors: Bucardo Filemón , Nordgren Johan , Reyes Yaoska , Gonzalez Fredman , Sharma Sumit , Svensson Lennart
Published: January 2018

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and the Lewis and secretor antigens are associated with susceptibility to rotavirus infection in a genotype-dependent manner. Nicaraguan children were prospectively enrolled in two cohorts vaccinated with either RotaTeq RV5 (n = 68) or Rotarix RV1 (n = 168). Lewis and secretor antigens were determined by saliva phenotyping and genotyping. Seroconversion was defined as a 4-fold increase in plasma IgA antibody titer 1 month after administration of the first dose of the vaccine. Regardless of the vaccine administered, significantly fewer of the children with Lewis A phenotype (0/14) seroconverted after receiving the first vaccine dose compared to 26% (45/175) of those with the Lewis B phenotype and 32% (15/47) of the Lewis negative individuals (P < 0.01). Furthermore, following administration of the RV1 vaccine, secretor-positive ABO blood group B children seroconverted to a significantly lesser extent (5%) compared to secretor-positive children with ABO blood groups A (26%) and O (27%) (P < 0.05). Other factors such as pre-vaccination titers, sex, breastfeeding, and calprotectin levels did not influence vaccine-take. Differences in HBGA expression appear to be a contributing factor in the discrepancy in vaccine-take and thus, in vaccine efficacy in different ethnic populations.
Perovskite Thin Film Synthesised from Sputtered Lead Sulphide
Authors: Silva Filho José Maria Clemente da , Ermakov Viktor A. , Marques Francisco Chagas
Published: January 2018

In the last few years, research on dye-sensitised devices has been focused on the development of solar cells, based on CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I−, Br−, Cl−) composites with perovskite structure. The deposition of perovskite thin films is usually carried out by solution-based processes using spin-coating techniques that result in the production of high quality films. Solar cells made by this method exceed 20% efficiency, with the potential for use in large scale production through ink print or screen printing techniques. As an alternative route, perovskite thin films can be deposited through thermal evaporation. A new method is proposed to produce CH3NH3PbI3, based on a radio-frequency (rf) -sputtering technique that results in a high reproducibility of the films and is compatible with roll-to-roll processes. We deposited thin films of lead-sulphide (PbS) and converted them into perovskite by placing the films in an iodine atmosphere, followed by dipping in a solution of methylammonium iodide (CH3NH3I). The conversions to PbI2 and CH3NH3PbI3 were confirmed by elemental analyses, absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Structural properties were revealed by X-ray diffraction and infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
Tryptophan hydroxylase (TRH) loss of function mutations induce growth and behavioral defects in Daphnia magna
Authors: Rivetti Claudia , Campos Bruno , Piña Benjamín , Raldúa Demetrio , Kato Yasuhiko , Watanabe Hajime , Barata Carlos
Published: January 2018

Tryptophan hydroxylase (TRH) is the rate limiting enzyme in the serotonin synthesis. CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used to generate seven indel TRH mutants in Daphnia magna. Mono-allelic indel TRH−/+ clones showed normal levels of serotonin, measured by both immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), whereas bi-allelic indel TRH−/− clones showed no detectable levels of serotonin. Life history and behavioral responses of TRH−/− clones showed the anti-phenotype of those exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Mutants lacking serotonin grew less and hence reproduced latter, produced smaller clutches of smaller offspring and responded to a greater extent to light than wild type individuals. Mono-allelic indel TRH−/+ individuals showed the intermediate phenotype. The SSRI fluoxetine enhanced offspring production in all clones and decreased the response to light only in those clones having serotonin, thus indication that behavioral effects of this drug in D. magna are associated to serotonin. Results obtained with the TRH mutants are in line with reported ones in TRH knockouts of Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila and mice, indicating that there is one gene encoding TRH, which is the serotonin limiting enzyme in both the central and the periphery nervous system in Daphnia and that deprivation of serotonin increases anxiety-like behavior.
Flexibly tunable high-quality-factor induced transparency in plasmonic systems
Authors: Lu Hua , Gan Xuetao , Mao Dong , Jia Baohua , Zhao Jianlin
Published: January 2018

The quality (Q) factor and tunability of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like effect in plasmonic systems are restrained by the intrinsic loss and weak adjustability of metals, limiting the performance of the devices including optical sensor and storage. Exploring new schemes to realize the high Q-factor and tunable EIT-like effect is particularly significant in plasmonic systems. Here, we present an ultrahigh Q-factor and flexibly tunable EIT-like response in a novel plasmonic system. The results illustrate that the induced transparency distinctly appears when surface plasmon polaritons excited on the metal satisfy the wavevector matching condition with the guided mode in the high-refractive index (HRI) layer. The Q factor of the EIT-like spectrum can exceed 2000, which is remarkable compared to that of other plasmonic systems such as plasmonic metamaterials and waveguides. The position and lineshape of EIT-like spectrum are strongly dependent on the geometrical parameters. An EIT pair is generated in the splitting absorption spectra, which can be easily controlled by adjusting the incident angle of light. Especially, we achieve the dynamical tunability of EIT-like spectrum by changing the Fermi level of graphene inserted in the system. Our results will open a new avenue toward the plasmonic sensing, spectral shaping and switching.
Methylphenidate regulation of osteoclasts in a dose- and sex-dependent manner adversely affects skeletal mechanical integrity
Authors: Uddin Sardar M. Z. , Robison Lisa S. , Fricke Dennis , Chernoff Evan , Hadjiargyrou Michael , Thanos Panayotis K. , Komatsu David E.
Published: January 2018

Methylphenidate (MP) is the most prescribed psychostimulant for ADHD patients, with clinically demonstrated detrimental effects on bone quality, potentially leading to early onset osteoporosis and higher fracture risk. The underlying mechanism for the effects of MP on bone remains elusive. This study demonstrates that sex- and dose-dependent effects of MP on bone quality and quantity are mediated by osteoclast activity. Four-week-old male and female rats were treated with low and high dose MP for 13 weeks. Bone quality and quantity were analyzed using microCT, mechanical testing, histomorphometry, and TRAP staining. Male and female rat bone marrow-derived osteoclasts were treated in a dose-dependent manner (0–1000 ng/ml) and osteoclast activity was determined at days 5, 7, and 14 using TRAP staining, as well as a pit formation assay at day 18. Animal studies showed a dose- and a sex-dependent decrease in mechanical integrity in femora and increased TRAP staining in MP-treated rats. Primary cultures revealed that MP had direct dose- and sex-dependent effects on osteoclast activity, as seen by increased differentiation, activity, and resorption. This study demonstrates for the first time that osteoclasts are differentially regulated by MP in adolescent male and female rats, resulting in sex-dependent effects on the skeleton.
Variations among Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus strains in connection with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Herold Jennifer L. , Taylor John , Xu Juan , Xu Yi
Published: January 2018

Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sg) has long been reported to display a strong association with colorectal cancer (CRC). It was recently demonstrated to actively promote the development of CRC, underscoring the importance of Sg in both clinical correlation and functional relevance in CRC. Here we investigated several clinical isolates of Sg in their interactions with human colon cancer cells and in mouse models. Some Sg strains were able to stimulate host cell proliferation (proliferation-promoting Sg, PP-Sg) whereas others were not (non-proliferation-promoting Sg, NP-Sg). PP-Sg strains adhered to colon cancer cells much better than NP-Sg strains, suggesting that close contact between Sg and host cells is important. In mice, PP-Sg is significantly better at colonizing the colon tissues of A/J mice compared to NP-Sg, however this difference was not observed in C57BL/6 mice, suggesting that Sg colonization of mouse colon tissues involves specific interactions between bacterial and host factors on the colonic epithelium. Finally, in an azoxymethane-induced mouse model of CRC, PP-Sg promoted tumor development whereas NP-Sg did not. These findings provide clues to the mechanism underlying the Sg-CRC association and have important implications to clinical studies that aim to correlate Sg with clinical and pathological features of CRC.
The association between short-term response and long-term survival for cervical cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a system review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kong Shi-yi , Huang Kecheng , Zeng Chao , Ma Xiangyi , Wang Shixuan
Published: January 2018

Controversy exists regarding whether a short-term response has an impact on the long-term survival of cervical cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). This study was designed to identify the predictive role of an early response by pooling the results of previous studies. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched through July 2016, and the associations between an early response and disease-free survival (DFS) were pooled by hazard ratio (HR) using random effects models. Six studies involving 490 cervical cancer patients, with 336 responders and 154 non-responders, were finally included in the meta-analysis. The HR for 1-year DFS between early responders and non-responders was 0.25 (95% CI 0.10–0.58, P = 0.001). The HRs for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year DFS were 0.28 (95% CI 0.15–0.56), 0.27 (95% CI 0.16–0.45), 0.29 (95% CI 0.17–0.50) and 0.33 (95% CI 0.20–0.54), respectively. No obvious heterogeneity was found among the studies, with I2 = 0, and a sensitivity analysis showed that all pooled results were robust with logHR confidence limits < 0. An early response was associated with DFS, and responders achieved a significantly higher survival rate than non-responders. This finding should be validated in future prospective studies.
Polycomb group protein Suz12 is regulated by a novel miRNA-like small RNA
Authors: Penfornis Patrice , Fernandes Joseph D. , Pochampally Radhika R.
Published: January 2018

Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) provide support for cancer progression, partly through their secretome that includes extracellular vesicles (EVs). Based on deep-sequencing of small RNA from EVs of MSCs, we now report the characterization of novel small RNA, named n-miR-G665, which exhibits typical properties of miRNAs. n-miR-G665 sequence is conserved and expressed in most cell types. Knockdown studies using anti-agomirs and shRNA studies demonstrated that n-miR-G665 plays an important role in cell proliferation. Functional assays to reveal the targets of n-miR-G665 showed that polycomb protein Suz12 is regulated by n-miR-G665, which in turn regulates the expression of n-miR-G665 through feedback loop mechanism. These data shed light on a previously unknown novel feedback regulatory mechanism for controlling Suz12 expression regulated by previously not described miRNA, which may highlight a new therapeutic approach to control the polycomb repressor complex 2 activity in cancers.
Environmental pH modulates inerolysin activity via post-binding blockade
Authors: Rampersaud Ryan , Lewis Emma L. , LaRocca Timothy J. , Ratner Adam J.
Published: January 2018

The cholesterol dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are a family of pore-forming toxins produced by a wide range of bacteria. Some CDCs are important virulence factors for their cognate organisms, but their activity must be tightly regulated to ensure they operate at appropriate times and within the appropriate subcellular compartments. pH-dependent activity has been described for several CDCs, but the mechanism of such regulation has been studied in depth only for listeriolysin O (LLO), which senses environmental pH through a triad of acidic residues that mediate protein unfolding. Here we present data supporting a distinct mechanism for pH-dependence for inerolysin (INY), the CDC produced by Lactobacillus iners. Inerolysin (INY) has an acidic pH optimum with loss of activity at neutral pH. INY pH-dependence is characterized by reversible loss of pore formation with preservation of membrane binding. Fluorescent membrane probe assays indicated that INY insertion into host cell membranes, but not oligomerization, was defective at neutral pH. These data support the existence of a newly appreciated form of CDC pH-dependence functioning at a late stage of pore formation.
Earthquake impacts on microcrustacean communities inhabiting groundwater-fed springs alter species-abundance distribution patterns
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Di Lorenzo Tiziana , Galassi Diana M. P.
Published: January 2018

Earthquakes are important natural events, yet their impacts on animal communities are poorly known. Understanding earthquake impacts on groundwater communities is essential to assess their resilience and hence to perform conservation actions. We investigated how a 6.3 Mw earthquake that occurred in 2009 altered the community structure (diversity, evenness, dominance, species abundance distributions and beta-diversity) of microcrustaceans (Crustacea Copepoda) inhabiting springs fed by the Gran Sasso Aquifer (Central Italy). Sampling was done in low-discharge (1997), high-discharge (2005), and post-seismic (2012) hydrological years. Stygobites (obligate groundwater species) and non-stygobites (non-obligate groundwater species) showed different patterns. A high-water discharge in 2005 altered abundance patterns of non-stygobites. The earthquake re-established former abundance patterns. Stygobites were less affected by high-water discharge in 2005, and showed strong increases in diversity and evenness after the earthquake. This effect was due to the fact that the earthquake induced a strong population decline of previously dominant stygobites (especially of Nitocrella pescei) in the aquifer, and subsequently at the main spring outlets, thus allowing a more equitable species-abundance distribution. These results highlight the importance of considering species ecology to understand the effects of a significant earthquake event on animal communities.
Conformational folding and disulfide bonding drive distinct stages of protein structure formation
Authors: Lv Jian-Min , Lü Shou-Qin , Liu Zu-Pei , Zhang Juan , Gao Bo-Xuan , Yao Zhen-Yu , Wu Yue-Xin , Potempa Lawrence A. , Ji Shang-Rong , Long Mian , Wu Yi
Published: January 2018

The causal relationship between conformational folding and disulfide bonding in protein oxidative folding remains incompletely defined. Here we show a stage-dependent interplay between the two events in oxidative folding of C-reactive protein (CRP) in live cells. CRP is composed of five identical subunits, which first fold spontaneously to a near-native core with a correctly positioned C-terminal helix. This process drives the formation of the intra-subunit disulfide bond between Cys36 and Cys97. The second stage of subunit folding, however, is a non-spontaneous process with extensive restructuring driven instead by the intra-subunit disulfide bond and guided by calcium binding-mediated anchoring. With the folded subunits, pentamer assembly ensues. Our results argue that folding spontaneity is the major determinant that dictates which event acts as the driver. The stepwise folding pathway of CRP further suggests that one major route might be selected out of the many in theory for efficient folding in the cellular environment.
Hotspot relaxation time of NbN superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors on various substrates
Authors: Zhang Lu , You Lixing , Yang Xiaoyan , Wu Junjie , Lv Chaolin , Guo Qi , Zhang Weijun , Li Hao , Peng Wei , Wang Zhen , Xie Xiaoming
Published: January 2018

Hotspot relaxation time (τ
th
) is one of the essential parameter which defines the maximum count rate of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). We studied the τ
th
for NbN-based SNSPDs on various substrates using the two-photon detection method based on the pump-probe spectroscopy technique. We observed that τ
th
strongly increased with increasing bias current in the two-photon detection regime. In addition, the minimum hotspot relaxation time (τ
th
)min was not significantly affected by the bath temperature; this is different from the previous observations reported for WSi SNSPDs. In addition, a strong dependency of (τ
th
)min on the substrate was found. The minimum (τ
th
)min was 11.6 ps for SNSPDs made of 5.5-nm-thick NbN on MgO (100), whereas the maximum (τ
th
)min was 34.5 ps for SNSPDs made of 7.5-nm-thick NbN on Si (100). We presented a direct correlation between the values of τ
th
and degrees of disorder of NbN films grown on different substrates.
Combined analysis of the salivary microbiome and host defence peptides predicts dental disease
Authors: Simon-Soro A. , Sherriff A. , Sadique S. , Ramage G. , Macpherson L. , Mira A. , Culshaw S. , Malcolm J.
Published: January 2018

Understanding the triad of host response, microbiome and disease status is potentially informative for disease prediction, prevention, early intervention and treatment. Using longitudinal assessment of saliva and disease status, we demonstrated that partial least squares modelling of microbial, immunological and clinical measures, grouped children according to future dental disease status. Saliva was collected and dental health assessed in 33 children aged 4 years, and again 1-year later. The composition of the salivary microbiome was assessed and host defence peptides in saliva were quantified. Principal component analysis of the salivary microbiome indicated that children clustered by age and not disease status. Similarly, changes in salivary host defence peptides occurred with age and not in response to, or preceding dental caries. Partial least squares modelling of microbial, immunological and clinical baseline measures clustered children according to future dental disease status. These data demonstrate that isolated evaluation of the salivary microbiome or host response failed to predict dental disease. In contrast, combined assessment of both host response together with the microbiome revealed clusters of health and disease. This type of approach is potentially relevant to myriad diseases that are modified by host–microbiome interactions.
Probiotic attributes and prevention of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory stress in RAW264.7 macrophages and human intestinal epithelial cell line (Caco-2) by newly isolatedWeissella cibariastrains
Authors: Singh Shashank , Bhatia Ruchika , Singh Ankit , Singh Paramdeep , Kaur Ramandeep , Khare Pragyanshu , Purama Ravi K. , Boparai Ravneet K. , Rishi Praveen , Ambalam Padma , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Bishnoi Mahendra , Kaur Jaspreet , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran
Published: January 2018

Suppression of LPS-induced pro-inflammation byWeissellastrains.
H-Transfer reactions of internal alkenes with tertiary amines as H-donors on carbon supported noble metals
Authors: Yang Guoju , Bauer Thomas J. , Haller Gary L. , Baráth Eszter
Published: January 2018

A hydride transfer reaction with tertiary amines was observed in the presence of noble metals on a carbon support.
A direct synthetic method for (nitronyl nitroxide)-substituted π-electronic compounds via a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with a zinc complex
Authors: Suzuki Shuichi , Nakamura Fumiya , Naota Takeshi
Published: January 2018

We have developed an efficient synthetic method for (nitronyl nitroxide)-substituted π-electronic compounds via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with a zinc complex of the parent nitronyl nitroxide radical anion.
Synthesis and antimicrobial effects of highly dispersed, cellulose-stabilized silver/cellulose nanocomposites
Authors: Alahmadi N. S. , Betts J. W. , Heinze T. , Kelly S. M. , Koschella A. , Wadhawan J. D.
Published: January 2018

Silver/cellulose nanocomposite fibres, prepared using a simple reduction method, exhibit significant and competitive antibacterial activity against strains of bacteria, such as MRSA, which are proving resistant to broad-spectrum antibacterial agents.
Convergent and Divergent Validity of the Grammaticality and Utterance Length Instrument
Authors: Castilla-Earls Anny , Fulcher-Rood Katrina
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This feasibility study examines the convergent and divergent validity of the Grammaticality and Utterance Length Instrument (GLi), a tool designed to assess the grammaticality and average utterance length of a child's prerecorded story retell.

Method

Three raters used the GLi to rate audio-recorded story retells from 100 English-speaking preschool children. To examine convergent validity, the results of the GLi were correlated with 2 language sample measures, mean length of utterance in words and percentage of grammatical utterances, and with the results of the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test–Third Edition (Dawson, Stout, & Eyer, 2003). To examine divergent validity, the results of the GLi were correlated with the results of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test–Second Edition (Kaufman & Kaufman, 2004). Comparisons between task completion time for the GLi and Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT; Miller & Iglesias, 2010) transcription and analysis were also conducted. Last, preliminary discriminant analysis was used to examine the diagnostic potential of the GLi.

Results

The results of this study provide evidence of convergent and divergent validity for the GLi. The task completion time for the GLi was considerably shorter than the SALT transcription and analysis. Preliminary analysis of diagnostic accuracy suggests that the GLi has the potential to be a good tool to identify children with language impairment.

Discussion

The GLi has good convergent and divergent validity and is a reliable instrument to assess utterance length and grammaticality of prerecorded language samples. However, SALT transcription and analysis provide a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the language skills of a child.
Study of a sample of faint Be stars in the exofield of CoRoT
Authors: Semaan T. , Hubert A. M. , Zorec J. , Gutiérrez-Soto J. , Frémat Y. , Martayan C. , Fabregat J. , Eggenberger P.
Published: January 2018

Context. The class of Be stars are the epitome of rapid rotators in the main sequence. These stars are privileged candidates for studying the incidence of rotation on the stellar internal structure and on non-radial pulsations. Pulsations are considered possible mechanisms to trigger mass-ejection phenomena required to build up the circumstellar disks of Be stars.

Aims. Time series analyses of the light curves of 15 faint Be stars observed with the CoRoT satellite were performed to obtain the distribution of non-radial pulsation (NRP) frequencies in their power spectra at epochs with and without light outbursts and to discriminate pulsations from rotation-related photometric variations.

Methods. Standard Fourier techniques were employed to analyze the CoRoT light curves. Fundamental parameters corrected for rapid-rotation effects were used to study the power spectrum as a function of the stellar location in the instability domains of the Hertzsprung–Russell (H-R) diagram.

Results. Frequencies are concentrated in separate groups as predicted for g-modes in rapid B-type rotators, except for the two stars that are outside the H-R instability domain. In five objects the variations in the power spectrum are correlated with the time-dependent outbursts characteristics. Time-frequency analysis showed that during the outbursts the amplitudes of stable main frequencies within 0.03 c d−1 intervals strongly change, while transients and/or frequencies of low amplitude appear separated or not separated from the stellar frequencies. The frequency patterns and activities depend on evolution phases: (i) the average separations between groups of frequencies are larger in the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS) than in the terminal age main sequence (TAMS) and are the largest in the middle of the MS phase; (ii) a poor frequency spectrum with f ≲ 1 cd−1 of low amplitude characterizes the stars beyond the TAMS; and (iii) outbursts are seen in stars hotter than B4 spectral type and in the second half of the MS.

Conclusions. The two main frequency groups are separated by δf = (1.24 ± 0.28) × frot in agreement with models of prograde sectoral g-modes (m = −1, −2) of intermediate-mass rapid rotators. The changes of amplitudes of individual frequencies and the presence of transients correlated with the outburst events deserve further studies of physical conditions in the subatmospheric layers to establish the relationship between pulsations and sporadic mass-ejection events.
Short arc orbit determination and imminent impactors in the Gaia era
Authors: Spoto F. , Del Vigna A. , Milani A. , Tommei G. , Tanga P. , Mignard F. , Carry B. , Thuillot W. , David P.
Published: January 2018

Short-arc orbit determination is crucial when an asteroid is first discovered. In these cases usually the observations are so few that the differential correction procedure may not converge. We developed an initial orbit computation method, based on systematic ranging, which is an orbit determination technique that systematically explores a raster in the topocentric range and range-rate space region inside the admissible region. We obtained a fully rigorous computation of the probability for the asteroid that could impact the Earth within a few days from the discovery without any a priori assumption. We tested our method on the two past impactors, 2008 TC3 and 2014 AA, on some very well known cases, and on two particular objects observed by the European Space Agency Gaia mission.
Translation to Brazilian Portuguese and Cultural Adaptation of the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index
Authors: Dias Ana , Doi Marcelo , Mesas Arthur , Fillis Michelle , Branco-Barreiro Fatima , Marchiori Luciana
Published: January 2018

Introduction Functional disorders of the craniocervical region affect 77.78% of Brazilian teachers. Among the most common instruments used to assess craniocervical disorders in a detailed and objective way, none had been translated to Brazilian Portuguese and adapted to Brazilian culture.

Objectives To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to culturally adapt the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (CDI).

Method The first phase of the study consisted of the translation, synthesis, back-translation, and review of the contents by a committee of experts, who developed a trial version and sent all the steps to the original author. The trial version was applied to 50 teachers of an institution. The reliability and internal consistency were evaluated by Cronbach α. For the validation, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CDI was correlated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) domains for cervicalgia and evaluated by Spearman ρ.

Result Some expressions were adapted to the Brazilian culture. Among the participants who did not report neck pain in the VAS, 84.21% suffered from craniocervical dysfunction acording to the CDI. Among the participants who reported neck pain in the VAS, 100% suffered from craniocervical dysfunction according to the CDI. The CDI showed good internal consistency and satisfactory reliability measured by Cronbrach α (α = 0.717). There was a strong correlation between the CDI and the VAS score (ρ = 0.735).

Conclusion No difficulties were encountered in the translation and back-translation of the CDI, and no problems were observed regarding the trial version developed; therefore, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CDI is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the functional alteration of the craniocervical region.
Efficacy and complications of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors and exploration for influencing factors
Authors: Song Shunzhe , Wang Xu , Zhang Shen , Li Yanxia , Zhang Xiaonan , Chu Xufang
Published: January 2018

Background Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) has emerged as a feasible technique for resecting upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract submucosal tumors (SMTs) through natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. STER reduces the risk of postoperative perforation and abdominal infections and promotes rapid wound healing. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of STER for small (≤ 3.5 cm) upper GI SMTs and explore the potential factors influencing STER’s efficacy and complication rate.

Methods Comprehensive literature searches were performed to find studies on STER for removal of SMTs. Several English-language databases were searched, including MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for the period January 2010 to June 2016. The medical terms “submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection or STER”, “upper gastrointestinal”, and “submucosal tumors” were used in the search. The primary outcome measures were the pooled estimates of the complete resection and en bloc resection rates. The secondary outcome measure was the pooled estimate of complications.

Result Twelve studies including 397 patients and 430 lesions were identified. The pooled estimate of the complete resection rate was 98.1 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 95.9 – 99.2 %). The pooled estimate of en bloc resection was 94.9 % (95 % CI: 91.1 – 97.1 %). The pooled estimate of gas-related complications such as pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema was 21.5 % (95 % CI: 13.2 – 33.1 %). The pooled estimate of inflammation-related complications including pleural and abdominal effusion was 8.4 % (95 % CI: 5.6 – 12.3 %). Gas-related complications occurred more frequently in the esophagogastric junction than in the stomach. In addition, the pooled estimate of delayed bleeding was 2.2 % (95 % CI: 1.0 – 4.7 %).

Conclusion STER appeared to be an extremely effective technique for removing upper GI SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer. In addition, the very low rate of complications also shows the safety of this technique. Tumor size, infiltration depth, and location may influence the complication rates.
Static magnetism and thermal switching in randomly oriented L1 FePt thin films
Authors: Lisfi A. , Pokharel S. , Alqarni A. , Akioya O. , Morgan W. , Wuttig M.
Published: January 2018

Static magnetism and thermally activated magnetic relaxation were investigated in granular FePt films (20 nm-200 nm thick) with random magnetic anisotropy through hysteresis loop, torque curve and magnetization time dependence measurements. While the magnetism of thicker film (200 nm thick) is dominated by a single switching of the ordered L10 phase, thinner film (20 nm) displays a double switching, which is indicative of the presence of the disordered cubic phase. The pronounced behavior of double switching in thinner film suggests that the film grain boundary is composed of soft cubic magnetic phase. The magnetic relaxation study reveals that magnetic viscosity S of the films is strongly dependent on the external applied field and exhibits a maximum value (12 kAm) around the switching field and a vanishing behavior at low (1 kOe) and large (12 kOe) fields. The activation volume of the thermal switching was found to be much smaller than the physical volume of the granular structure due to the incoherent rotation mode of the magnetization reversal mechanism, which is established to be domain wall nucleation.
Broadband strip-line ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy of soft magnetic CoFeTaZr patterned thin films
Authors: Gupta S. , Kumar D. , Jin T. L. , Nongjai R. , Asokan K. , Ghosh A. , Aparnadevi M. , Suri P. , Piramanayagam S. N.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, magnetic and magnetization dynamic properties of compositionally patterned Co46Fe40Ta9Zr5 thin films are investigated. A combination of self-assembly and ion-implantation was employed to locally alter the composition of Co46Fe40Ta9Zr5 thin film in a periodic manner. 20 keV O+ and 60 keV N+ ions were implanted at different doses in order to modify the magnetization dynamic properties of the samples in a controlled fashion. Magnetic hysteresis loop measurements revealed significant changes in the coercivity for higher influences of 5 × 1016 ions per cm2. In particular, N+ implantation was observed to induce two phase formation with high and low coercivities. Broadband strip-line ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy over wide range of frequency (8 – 20 GHz) was used to study the magnetization dynamics as a function of ion-beam dosage. With higher fluences, damping constant showed a continuous increase from 0.0103 to 0.0430. Such control of magnetic properties at nano-scale using this method is believed to be useful for spintronics and microwave device applications.
Flexible, transparent heaters have rapid response
Authors: Larter Raima
Published: January 2018

Mica coated with doped zinc oxide produces flexible and transparent heaters; multiple uses expected in LCD panels, electronics in extreme environments.