bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Classification Indicator of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in China
Authors: Wang Yannian , Liu Shanshan , Chen Ruoxi , Chen Zhongning , Yuan Jinlei , Li Quanzhong
Published: December 2017

Because of the differences of treatment, it is extremely important to classify the types of diabetes, especially for the diagnosis made by clinician. In this study, we proposed a novel scheme calculating an indicator of classifying diabetes, which contains two stages: the first is a model of feature extraction, 17 features are automatically extracted from the curve of glucose concentration acquired by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM); the second is a model of diabetes parameter regression based on an ensemble learning algorithm named double-Class AdaBoost. 1050 curves of glucose concentration of type 1 and type 2 diabetics were acquired at the Department of Endocrinology in People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University China, and an upper threshold μ was set to 7 mmol/L, 8 mmol/L, 9 mmol/L, 10 mmo/L, and 11 mmol/L respectively according to the guideline of WHO. The experiments show that the coincidence rate of our scheme and clinical diagnosis is 90.3%. The novel indicator extends the criteria in diagnosing types of diabetes and provides doctors with a scalar to classify diabetes of type 1 and type 2.
Identification and validation of FaP1D7, a putative marker associated with the biosynthesis of methyl butanoate in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)
Authors: Gor Mian Chee , Candappa Chrishani , de Silva Thishakya , Mantri Nitin , Pang Edwin
Published: December 2017

Breeding strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) with enhanced fruit flavour is one of the top breeding goals of many strawberry-producing countries. Although several genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of key aroma compounds have been identified, the development and application of molecular markers associated with fruit flavour remain limited. This study aims to identify molecular markers closely linked to genes controlling strawberry aroma. A purpose-built Subtracted Diversity Array (SDA) known asFragariaDiscovery Panel (FDP) was used for marker screening. Polymorphic sequences associated with key aroma compounds were identified from two DNA bulks with extreme phenotypes, established using 50 F1progeny plants derived from Juliette X 07-102-41 cross, two strawberry genotypes differing in aroma profile. A total of 49 polymorphic markers for eight key aroma compounds were detected using genotypic data of the extreme DNA bulks and phenotypic data obtained from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A similarity search against the physical maps ofFragaria vescarevealed that FaP1D7 is linked to genes potentially involved in the synthesis of methyl butanoate. A C/T SNP was detected within the feature, which could possibly be converted to a molecular tool for rapid screening of the strawberry accessions for their methyl butanoate production capacity.
Replay of large-scale spatio-temporal patterns from waking during subsequent NREM sleep in human cortex
Authors: Jiang Xi , Shamie Isaac , K. Doyle Werner , Friedman Daniel , Dugan Patricia , Devinsky Orrin , Eskandar Emad , Cash Sydney S. , Thesen Thomas , Halgren Eric
Published: December 2017

Animal studies support the hypothesis that in slow-wave sleep, replay of waking neocortical activity under hippocampal guidance leads to memory consolidation. However, no intracranial electrophysiological evidence for replay exists in humans. We identified consistent sequences of population firing peaks across widespread cortical regions during complete waking periods. The occurrence of these “Motifs” were compared between sleeps preceding the waking period (“Sleep-Pre”) when the Motifs were identified, and those following (“Sleep-Post”). In all subjects, the majority of waking Motifs (most of which were novel) had more matches in Sleep-Post than in Sleep-Pre. In rodents, hippocampal replay occurs during local sharp-wave ripples, and the associated neocortical replay tends to occur during local sleep spindles and down-to-up transitions. These waves may facilitate consolidation by sequencing cell-firing and encouraging plasticity. Similarly, we found that Motifs were coupled to neocortical spindles, down-to-up transitions, theta bursts, and hippocampal sharp-wave ripples. While Motifs occurring during cognitive task performance were more likely to have more matches in subsequent sleep, our studies provide no direct demonstration that the replay of Motifs contributes to consolidation. Nonetheless, these results confirm a core prediction of the dominant neurobiological theory of human memory consolidation.
Heat-killed Lactobacillus casei confers broad protection against influenza A virus primary infection and develops heterosubtypic immunity against future secondary infection
Authors: Jung Yu-Jin , Lee Young-Tae , Ngo Vu Le , Cho Young-Hee , Ko Eun-Ju , Hong Sung-Moon , Kim Ki-Hye , Jang Ji-Hun , Oh Joon-Suk , Park Min-Kyung , Kim Cheol-Hyun , Sun Jun , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: December 2017

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the common probiotics. Here, we investigated the antiviral protective effects of heat-killed LAB strain Lactobacillus casei DK128 (DK128) on influenza viruses. Intranasal treatment of mice with DK128 conferred protection against different subtypes of influenza viruses by lessening weight loss and lowering viral loads. Protection via heat-killed DK128 was correlated with an increase in alveolar macrophage cells in the lungs and airways, early induction of virus specific antibodies, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and innate immune cells. Importantly, the mice that were protected against primary viral infection as a result of heat-killed DK128 pretreatment developed subsequent heterosubtypic immunity against secondary virus infection. For protection against influenza virus via heat-killed DK128 pretreatment, B cells and partially CD4 T cells but not CD8 T cells were required as inferred from studies using knockout mouse models. Our study provides insight into how hosts can be equipped with innate and adaptive immunity via heat-killed DK128 treatment to protect against influenza virus, supporting that heat-killed LAB may be developed as anti-virus probiotics.
Antagonistic effect of dopamine structural analogues on human GABAρ1 receptor
Authors: Alaniz-Palacios Alfredo , Martínez-Torres Ataulfo
Published: December 2017

GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways are co-localized in several areas of the central nervous system and recently several reports have shown co-release of both neurotransmitters. The GABA-A receptor (β and ρ1 subunits) is modulated by dopamine (DA) and, interestingly, GABAρ1 can be modulated by several biogenic amines. Here we explored the effects of the metabolites of the dopaminergic pathway and other structural analogues of DA on GABAρ1 and the DA gated ion channel (LGC-53) from Caenorhabditis elegans expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our findings show an antagonistic effect of the metabolite 3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT, IC50 = 285 ± 30 µM) with similar potency compared to DA on induced GABA currents; however, it was inactive on LGC-53. The structural DA analogues and metabolites, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 2-phenylethylamine (β-PEA) and 4-amino-1-butanol (4-AM-1-OH), antagonized GABAρ1 currents, whereas β-PEA acted as partial agonists on LGC-53, indicating that the putative binding sites of both receptors may share structural characteristics. These results suggest that the DA metabolites 3-MT, DOPAC and HVA modulate GABAρ1 and possibly affect the activity of the receptors that include this subunit in vivo.
Wettability alteration of calcite oil wells: Influence of smart water ions
Authors: Prabhakar Sanjay , Melnik Roderick
Published: December 2017

Further enhancement of crude oil recovery in the enhanced recovery stage from calcite oil wells is a major global challenge for oil industry. Experimental results suggest that ions present in sea water, also called smart water, have a significant influence on the wettability alteration (less oil wet) of calcite surface. In this paper, by utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Quantum Molecular Dynamics (QMD) simulations, we investigate the effect of additive ions of sea water in oil recovery by using acetic acid as a model compound of crude oil molecules. We find that Na+ ions precipitate to the calcite surface and form Na acetate. The binding energy of Na acetate is larger than original oil molecule (acetic acid), which reduces oil recovery. On the other hand, Mg2+ and $${\rm{S}}{{\rm{O}}}_{4}^{2-}$$

S

O
4

2
−

ions can also reach to the calcite surface in proximity and modify the calcite surface. The binding energy of oil molecule on modified calcite surface is smaller than on pure calcite surface, which enhances oil recovery. Our results might help in understanding interaction among oil, water and additives ions of smart water for further experimental investigations.
Broadband light trapping strategies for quantum-dot photovoltaic cells (>10%) and their issues with the measurement of photovoltaic characteristics
Authors: Cho Changsoon , Song Jung Hoon , Kim Changjo , Jeong Sohee , Lee Jung-Yong
Published: December 2017

Bandgap tunability and broadband absorption make quantum-dot (QD) photovoltaic cells (PVs) a promising candidate for future solar energy conversion systems. Approaches to improving the electrical properties of the active layer increase efficiency in part. The present study focuses on optical room for enhancement in QD PVs over wide spectrum in the near-infrared (NIR) region. We find that ray-optical light trapping schemes rather than the nanophotonics approach may be the best solution for enhancing broadband QD PVs by suppressing the escape probability of internal photons without spectral dependency. Based on the theoretical study of diverse schemes for various bandgaps, we apply a V-groove structure and a V-groove textured compound parabolic trapper (VCPT) to PbS-based QD PVs along with the measurement issues for PVs with a light scattering layer. The efficiency of the best device is improved from 10.3% to 11.0% (certified to 10.8%) by a V-groove structure despite the possibility of underestimation caused by light scattering in small-area devices (aperture area: 0.0625 cm2). By minimizing such underestimation, even greater enhancements of 13.6% and 15.6% in short circuit current are demonstrated for finger-type devices (0.167 cm2 without aperture) and large-area devices (2.10 cm2 with an aperture of 0.350 cm2), respectively, using VCPT.
Volatile and bioactive compounds in opercula from Muricidae molluscs supports their use in ceremonial incense and traditional medicines
Authors: Nongmaithem Bijayalakshmi Devi , Mouatt Peter , Smith Joshua , Rudd David , Russell Michael , Sullivan Caroline , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: December 2017

Muricidae molluscs are the source of a valuable purple dye that was traded as a luxury item in the Mediterranean region and by the late Byzantine was reserved for royalty and priests. Less well known is the use of muricid opercula in sacred incense and traditional medicines, although they are still used as rare ingredients today. This study provides the first chemical assessment of opercula from Muricidae, based on several traditional preparation procedures. Chemical analysis of opercula smoke revealed aromatic phenols, which act as fragrance stabilisers and produce a “medicinal” odour. Analysis of lipid extracts revealed pharmaceutically active compounds, including brominated indoles, choline esters and adenosine, consistent with their traditional medical applications. Depending on the preparation procedures, toxic pyridine was also detected. ICP-MS analysis of muricid opercula shows the presence of essential macro and microelements, as well as metals, some of which exceed the recommended safe levels for human use. Nevertheless, these findings support the Muricidae as an historically important marine resource, providing Biblical dyes, medicines and perfume. The opercula contains biologically active compounds and produces smoke containing volatile scent compounds, consistent with their identification as the most likely source of onycha, a controversial ingredient in sacred incense.
Direct evidence of an efficient energy transfer pathway from jellyfish carcasses to a commercially important deep-water species
Authors: Dunlop Kathy M. , Jones Daniel O. B. , Sweetman Andrew K.
Published: December 2017

Here we provide empirical evidence of the presence of an energetic pathway between jellyfish and a commercially important invertebrate species. Evidence of scavenging on jellyfish carcasses by the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) was captured during two deployments of an underwater camera system to 250–287 m depth in Sognefjorden, western Norway. The camera system was baited with two Periphylla periphylla (Scyphozoa) carcasses to simulate the transport of jellyfish detritus to the seafloor, hereby known as jelly-falls. N. norveigus rapidly located and consumed a large proportion (>50%) of the bait. We estimate that the energy input from jelly-falls may represent a significant contribution to N. norvegicus energy demand (0.21 to 10.7 times the energy required for the population of N. norvegicus in Sognefjorden). This potentially high energetic contribution from jelly-falls highlights a possible role of gelatinous material in the support of commercial fisheries. Such an energetic pathway between jelly-falls and N. norvegicus could become more important with increases in jellyfish blooms in some regions.
Endometrial apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration during menstruation exhibits spatial and temporal dynamics that are recapitulated in a mouse model
Authors: Armstrong Gregory M. , Maybin Jacqueline A. , Murray Alison A. , Nicol Moira , Walker Catherine , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Rossi Adriano G. , Critchley Hilary O. D.
Published: December 2017

Menstruation is characterised by synchronous shedding and restoration of tissue integrity. Anin vivomodel of menstruation is required to investigate mechanisms responsible for regulation of menstrual physiology and to investigate common pathologies such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). We hypothesised that our mouse model of simulated menstruation would recapitulate the spatial and temporal changes in the inflammatory microenvironment of human menses. Three regulatory events were investigated: cell death (apoptosis), neutrophil influx and cytokine/chemokine expression. Well-characterised endometrial tissues from women were compared with uteri from a mouse model (tissue recovered 0, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h after removal of a progesterone-secreting pellet). Immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) revealed significantly increased staining in human endometrium from late secretory and menstrual phases. In mice, CC3 was significantly increased at 8 and 24 h post-progesterone-withdrawal. Elastase+human neutrophils were maximal during menstruation; Ly6G+mouse neutrophils were maximal at 24 h. Human endometrial and mouse uterine cytokine/chemokine mRNA concentrations were significantly increased during menstrual phase and 24 h post-progesterone-withdrawal respectively. Data from dated human samples revealed time-dependent changes in endometrial apoptosis preceding neutrophil influx and cytokine/chemokine induction during active menstruation. These dynamic changes were recapitulated in the mouse model of menstruation, validating its use in menstrual research.
Liquid-Crystal-Based Electrically Tuned Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Metasurface Switch
Authors: Su Hang , Wang Hao , Zhao Hua , Xue Tingyu , Zhang Jingwen
Published: December 2017

In this study, a structure to realize a switchover between two different responses of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) was designed and implemented by simulation. Taking advantage of the anisotropy in the structure and the coupling between the radiative and dark elements, a metasurface switch with modulation depth of over 85% between orthogonal polarization incident light illuminations was demonstrated. The key mode switchover between the “on” and “off” states was achieved by electrically changing the dressing light polarization with a liquid crystals layer pre-aligned with a mature technology, without changing the incident light and an expected and reversible transition from an EIT-like spectrum to a strong spectral dip was observed. The modulation in the EIT switch fabricated with the proposed straightforward approach is a promising tool to control the groping velocity delay.
Gene length as a regulator for ribosome recruitment and protein synthesis: theoretical insights
Authors: Fernandes Lucas D. , Moura Alessandro P. S. de , Ciandrini Luca
Published: December 2017

Protein synthesis rates are determined, at the translational level, by properties of the transcript’s sequence. The efficiency of an mRNA can be tuned by varying the ribosome binding sites controlling the recruitment of the ribosomes, or the codon usage establishing the speed of protein elongation. In this work we propose transcript length as a further key determinant of translation efficiency. Based on a physical model that considers the kinetics of ribosomes advancing on the mRNA and diffusing in its surrounding, as well as mRNA circularisation and ribosome drop-off, we explain how the transcript length may play a central role in establishing ribosome recruitment and the overall translation rate of an mRNA. According to our results, the proximity of the 3′ end to the ribosomal recruitment site of the mRNA could induce a feedback in the translation process that would favour the recycling of ribosomes. We also demonstrate how this process may be involved in shaping the experimental ribosome density-gene length dependence. Finally, we argue that cells could exploit this mechanism to adjust and balance the usage of its ribosomal resources.
Characterization of ozone in the lower troposphere during the 2016 G20 conference in Hangzhou
Authors: Su Wenjing , Liu Cheng , Hu Qihou , Fan Guangqiang , Xie Zhouqing , Huang Xin , Zhang Tianshu , Chen Zhenyi , Dong Yunsheng , Ji Xiangguang , Liu Haoran , Wang Zhuang , Liu Jianguo
Published: December 2017

Recently, atmospheric ozone pollution has demonstrated an aggravating tendency in China. To date, most research about atmospheric ozone has been confined near the surface, and an understanding of the vertical ozone structure is limited. During the 2016 G20 conference, strict emission control measures were implemented in Hangzhou, a megacity in the Yangtze River Delta, and its surrounding regions. Here, we monitored the vertical profiles of ozone concentration and aerosol extinction coefficients in the lower troposphere using an ozone lidar, in addition to the vertical column densities (VCDs) of ozone and its precursors in the troposphere through satellite-based remote sensing. The ozone concentrations reached a peak near the top of the boundary layer. During the control period, the aerosol extinction coefficients in the lower lidar layer decreased significantly; however, the ozone concentration fluctuated frequently with two pollution episodes and one clean episode. The sensitivity of ozone production was mostly within VOC-limited or transition regimes, but entered a NOx-limited regime due to a substantial decline of NOx during the clean episode. Temporary measures took no immediate effect on ozone pollution in the boundary layer; instead, meteorological conditions like air mass sources and solar radiation intensities dominated the variations in the ozone concentration.
Motion guided Spatiotemporal Sparsity for high quality 4D-CBCT reconstruction
Authors: Liu Yang , Tao Xi , Ma Jianhua , Bian Zhaoying , Zeng Dong , Feng Qianjin , Chen Wufan , Zhang Hua
Published: December 2017

Conventional cone-beam computed tomography is often deteriorated by respiratory motion blur, which negatively affects target delineation. On the other side, the four dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D-CBCT) can be considered to describe tumor and organ motion. But for current on-board CBCT imaging system, the slow rotation speed limits the projection number at each phase, and the associated reconstructions are contaminated by noise and streak artifacts using the conventional algorithm. To address the problem, we propose a novel framework to reconstruct 4D-CBCT from the under-sampled measurements—Motion guided Spatiotemporal Sparsity (MgSS). In this algorithm, we try to divide the CBCT images at each phase into cubes (3D blocks) and track the cubes with estimated motion field vectors through phase, then apply regional spatiotemporal sparsity on the tracked cubes. Specifically, we recast the tracked cubes into four-dimensional matrix, and use the higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) technique to analyze the regional spatiotemporal sparsity. Subsequently, the blocky spatiotemporal sparsity is incorporated into a cost function for the image reconstruction. The phantom simulation and real patient data are used to evaluate this algorithm. Results show that the MgSS algorithm achieved improved 4D-CBCT image quality with less noise and artifacts compared to the conventional algorithms.
DUSP1 regulates apoptosis and cell migration, but not the JIP1-protected cytokine response, during Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Sendai Virus infection
Authors: Robitaille Alexa C. , Caron Elise , Zucchini Nicolas , Mukawera Espérance , Adam Damien , Mariani Mélissa K. , Gélinas Anaïs , Fortin Audray , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Grandvaux Nathalie
Published: December 2017

The host antiviral response involves the induction of interferons and proinflammatory cytokines, but also the activation of cell death pathways, including apoptosis, to limit viral replication and spreading. This host defense is strictly regulated to eliminate the infection while limiting tissue damage that is associated with virus pathogenesis. Post-translational modifications, most notably phosphorylation, are key regulators of the antiviral defense implying an important role of protein phosphatases. Here, we investigated the role of the dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) in the host defense against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a pathogenic virus of the Pneumoviridae family, and Sendai virus (SeV), a model virus being developed as a vector for anti-RSV vaccine. We found that DUSP1 is upregulated before being subjected to proteasomal degradation. DUSP1 does not inhibit the antiviral response, but negatively regulates virus-induced JNK/p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Interaction with the JNK-interacting protein 1 scaffold protein prevents dephosphorylation of JNK by DUSP1, likely explaining that AP-1 activation and downstream cytokine production are protected from DUSP1 inhibition. Importantly, DUSP1 promotes SeV-induced apoptosis and suppresses cell migration in RSV-infected cells. Collectively, our data unveils a previously unrecognized selective role of DUSP1 in the regulation of tissue damage and repair during infections by RSV and SeV.
A switch in nucleotide affinity governs activation of the Src and Tec family kinases
Authors: von Raußendorf Freia , de Ruiter Anita , Leonard Thomas A.
Published: December 2017

The Tec kinases, closely related to Src family kinases, are essential for lymphocyte function in the adaptive immune system. Whilst the Src and Abl kinases are regulated by tail phosphorylation and N-terminal myristoylation respectively, the Tec kinases are notable for the absence of either regulatory element. We have found that the inactive conformations of the Tec kinase Itk and Src preferentially bind ADP over ATP, stabilising both proteins. We demonstrate that Itk adopts the same conformation as Src and that the autoinhibited conformation of Src is independent of its C-terminal tail. Allosteric activation of both Itk and Src depends critically on the disruption of a conserved hydrophobic stack that accompanies regulatory domain displacement. We show that a conformational switch permits the exchange of ADP for ATP, leading to efficient autophosphorylation and full activation. In summary, we propose a universal mechanism for the activation and autoinhibition of the Src and Tec kinases.
Role of ATP Hydrolysis in Cyanobacterial Circadian Oscillator
Authors: Das Sumita , Terada Tomoki P. , Sasai Masaki
Published: December 2017

A cyanobacterial protein KaiC shows a stable oscillation in its phosphorylation level with approximately one day period when three proteins, KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC, are incubated in the presence of ATP in vitro. During this oscillation, KaiC hydrolyzes more ATP molecules than required for phosphorylation. Here, in this report, a theoretical model of the KaiABC oscillator is developed to elucidate the role of this ATP consumption by assuming multifold feedback relations among reactions and structural transition in each KaiC molecule and the structure-dependent binding reactions among Kai proteins. Results of numerical simulation showed that ATP hydrolysis is a driving mechanism of the phosphorylation oscillation in the present model, and that the frequency of ATP hydrolysis in individual KaiC molecules is correlated to the frequency of oscillation in the ensemble of many Kai molecules, which indicates that the coherent oscillation is generated through the coupled microscopic intramolecular and ensemble-level many-molecular regulations.
Structural reorganization of the early visual cortex following Braille training in sighted adults
Authors: Bola Łukasz , Siuda-Krzywicka Katarzyna , Paplińska Małgorzata , Sumera Ewa , Zimmermann Maria , Jednoróg Katarzyna , Marchewka Artur , Szwed Marcin
Published: December 2017

Training can induce cross-modal plasticity in the human cortex. A well-known example of this phenomenon is the recruitment of visual areas for tactile and auditory processing. It remains unclear to what extent such plasticity is associated with changes in anatomy. Here we enrolled 29 sighted adults into a nine-month tactile Braille-reading training, and used voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging to describe the resulting anatomical changes. In addition, we collected resting-state fMRI data to relate these changes to functional connectivity between visual and somatosensory-motor cortices. Following Braille-training, we observed substantial grey and white matter reorganization in the anterior part of early visual cortex (peripheral visual field). Moreover, relative to its posterior, foveal part, the peripheral representation of early visual cortex had stronger functional connections to somatosensory and motor cortices even before the onset of training. Previous studies show that the early visual cortex can be functionally recruited for tactile discrimination, including recognition of Braille characters. Our results demonstrate that reorganization in this region induced by tactile training can also be anatomical. This change most likely reflects a strengthening of existing connectivity between the peripheral visual cortex and somatosensory cortices, which suggests a putative mechanism for cross-modal recruitment of visual areas.
Principles of Economic Rationality in Mice
Authors: Rivalan Marion , Winter York , Nachev Vladislav
Published: December 2017

Humans and non-human animals frequently violate principles of economic rationality, such as transitivity, independence of irrelevant alternatives, and regularity. The conditions that lead to these violations are not completely understood. Here we report a study on mice tested in automated home-cage setups using rewards of drinking water. Rewards differed in one of two dimensions, volume or probability. Our results suggest that mouse choice conforms to the principles of economic rationality for options that differ along a single reward dimension. A psychometric analysis of mouse choices further revealed that mice responded more strongly to differences in probability than to differences in volume, despite equivalence in return rates. This study also demonstrates the synergistic effect between the principles of economic rationality and psychophysics in making quantitative predictions about choices of healthy laboratory mice. This opens up new possibilities for the analyses of multi-dimensional choice and the use of mice with cognitive impairments that may violate economic rationality.
Multi-channel microfluidic chip coupling with mass spectrometry for simultaneous electro-sprays and extraction
Authors: Yu Cilong , Tang Fei , Qian Xiang , Chen Yan , Yu Quan , Ni Kai , Wang Xiaohao
Published: December 2017

Considering the advantages and research status of microfluidic chip coupling with mass spectrometry (MS), a microfluidic chip-based multi-channel ionization (MCMCI) for the extraction of untreated compounds in complex matrices without sample pretreatments was developed. Quantitative analysis of human urine spiked with various rhodamine B concentrations was also performed, and good linearity was obtained. Comparing to the macro ionization device, MCMCI significantly improved the integration of ionization source, simplified the operation of such a device, and greatly increased the signal intensity with much lower gas pressure. Comparison of our MCMCI with two and three gas channels indicated that the liquid–liquid extraction process before spraying and after spraying produced similar MS results. Moreover, this MCMCI with three gas channels also implemented simultaneous dual sprays with high DC voltages, the interference of two samples was minor and ion suppression effect was drastically alleviated. Such advantages may easily enable internal calibration for accurate mass measurement. Furthermore, dual extraction can be implemented by integrating such multi-spray configuration, which can improve the extracted signal intensity and sensitivity. These technologies open up new avenues for the application of microfluidic chip coupling with MS.
States and traits of neural irregularity in the age-varying human brain
Authors: Waschke Leonhard , Wöstmann Malte , Obleser Jonas
Published: December 2017

Sensory representations, and thus human percepts, of the physical world are susceptible to fluctuations in brain state or “neural irregularity”. Furthermore, aging brains display altered levels of neural irregularity. We here show that a single, within-trial, information-theoretic measure (weighted permutation entropy) captures neural irregularity in the human electroencephalogram as a proxy for both, trait-like differences between individuals of varying age, and state-like fluctuations that bias perceptual decisions. First, the overall level of neural irregularity increased with participants’ age, paralleled by a decrease in variability over time, likely indexing age-related changes at structural and functional levels of brain activity. Second, states of higher neural irregularity were associated with optimized sensory encoding and a subsequently increased probability of choosing the first of two physically identical stimuli to be higher in pitch. In sum, neural irregularity not only characterizes behaviourally relevant brain states, but also can identify trait-like changes that come with age.
A 6-DOF Navigation Method based on Iterative Closest Imaging Point Algorithm
Authors: Shi Shuai , You Zheng , Zhao Kaichun , Wang Zhaoyao , Ouyang Chenguang , Cao Yongkui
Published: December 2017

To achieve six degree-of-freedom autonomous navigation of an inboard spacecraft, a novel algorithm called iterative closest imaging point (ICIP) is proposed, which deals with the pose estimation problem of a vision navigation system (VNS). This paper introduces the basics of the ICIP algorithm, including mathematical model, algorithm architecture, and convergence theory. On this basis, a navigation method is proposed. This method realizes its initialization using a Gaussian mixture model-based Kalman filter, which simultaneously solves the 3D-to-2D point correspondences and the camera pose. The initial value sensitivity, computational efficiency, robustness, and accuracy of the proposed navigation method are discussed based on simulation results. A navigation experiment verifies that the proposed method works effectively. The three-axis Euler angle accuracy is within 0.19° (1σ), and the three-axis position accuracy is within 1.87 mm (1σ). The ICIP algorithm estimates the full-state pose by merely finding the closest point couples respectively form the images obtained by the VNS and predicted at an initial value. Then the optimized solution of the imaging model is iteratively calculated and the full-state pose is obtained. Benefiting from the absence of a requirement for feature matching, the proposed navigation method offers advantages of low computational complexity, favorable stability, and applicability in an extremely simple environment in comparison with conventional methods.
CRISPR/Cas9 microinjection in oocytes disables pancreas development in sheep
Authors: Vilarino Marcela , Rashid Sheikh Tamir , Suchy Fabian Patrik , McNabb Bret Roberts , van der Meulen Talitha , Fine Eli J. , Ahsan Syed Daniyal , Mursaliyev Nurlybek , Sebastiano Vittorio , Diab Santiago Sain , Huising Mark O. , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Ross Pablo J.
Published: December 2017

One of the ultimate goals of regenerative medicine is the generation of patient-specific organs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Sheep are potential hosts for growing human organs through the technique of blastocyst complementation. We report here the creation of pancreatogenesis-disabled sheep by oocyte microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting PDX1, a critical gene for pancreas development. We compared the efficiency of target mutations after microinjecting the CRISPR/Cas9 system in metaphase II (MII) oocytes and zygote stage embryos. MII oocyte microinjection reduced lysis, improved blastocyst rate, increased the number of targeted bi-allelic mutations, and resulted in similar degree of mosaicism when compared to zygote microinjection. While the use of a single sgRNA was efficient at inducing mutated fetuses, the lack of complete gene inactivation resulted in animals with an intact pancreas. When using a dual sgRNA system, we achieved complete PDX1 disruption. This PDX1−/− fetus lacked a pancreas and provides the basis for the production of gene-edited sheep as a host for interspecies organ generation. In the future, combining gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 and PSCs complementation could result in a powerful approach for human organ generation.
Effect of high-power-laser with and without graphite coating on bonding of resin cement to lithium disilicate ceramic
Authors: Feitosa Fernanda A. , de Araújo Rodrigo M. , Tay Franklin R. , Niu Lina , Pucci César R.
Published: December 2017

The present study evaluated the effect of different high-power-laser surface treatments on the bond strength between resin cement and disilicate ceramic. Lithium disilicate ceramic specimens with truncated cones shape were prepared and divided into 5 groups: HF (hydrofluoric acid-etching), Er:YAG laser + HF, Graphite + Er:YAG laser + HF, Nd:YAG laser + HF, and Graphite + Nd:YAG laser + HF. The treated ceramic surfaces were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and surface roughness measurement. Hourglasses-shaped ceramic- resin bond specimens were prepared, thermomechanically cycled and stressed to failure under tension. The results showed that for both the factors “laser” and “graphite”, statistically significant differences were observed (p < 0.05). Multiple-comparison tests performed on the “laser” factor were in the order: Er:YAG > Nd:YAG (p < 0.05), and on the “graphite” factor were in the order: graphite coating < without coating (p < 0.05). The Dunnett test showed that Er:YAG + HF had significantly higher tensile strength (p = 0.00). Higher surface roughness was achieved after Er:YAG laser treatment. Thus Er:YAG laser treatment produces higher bond strength to resin cement than other surface treatment protocols. Surface-coating with graphite does not improve bonding of the laser-treated lithium disilicate ceramic to resin cement.
Spatial-Temporal Variation of Drought in China from 1982 to 2010 Based on a modified Temperature Vegetation Drought Index (mTVDI)
Authors: Zhao Shuhe , Cong Dianmin , He Kexun , Yang Hong , Qin Zhihao
Published: December 2017

Droughts cause huge losses of society and environment, therefore it is important to study the spatial-temporal pattern of drought. The traditional remote sensing drought indices (AVI, VCI and TCI) only consider the single factor representing the soil moisture (surface temperature or NDVI). The comprehensive remote sensing drought indices (VSWI and TVDI) can estimate the soil moisture more accurately, but they are not suitable for large scale region especially with great elevation variation. In this study, a modified Temperature Vegetation Drought Index (mTVDI) was constructed based on the correction of elevation and dry edge. Compared with the traditional drought indices, mTVDI had a better relationship with soil moisture in all selected months (R = −0.376, −0.406, −0.459, and −0.265, p < 0.05). mTVDI was used to analyze the spatial-temporal patterns of drought in China from 1982 to 2010. The results showed that droughts appeared more frequently in Northwest China and the southwest of Tibet while drought centers of North and Southwest China appeared in Huanghuaihai Plain and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau respectively. The frequency of drought was increasing as a whole while the frequency of severe drought increased significantly by 4.86% and slight drought increased slowly during 1982 to 2010. The results are useful for the understanding of drought and policy making of climate change.
Transit and integration of extracellular mitochondria in human heart cells
Authors: Cowan Douglas B. , Yao Rouan , Thedsanamoorthy Jerusha K. , Zurakowski David , del Nido Pedro J. , McCully James D.
Published: December 2017

Tissue ischemia adversely affects the function of mitochondria, which results in impairment of oxidative phosphorylation and compromised recovery of the affected organ. The impact of ischemia on mitochondrial function has been extensively studied in the heart because of the morbidity and mortality associated with injury to this organ. As conventional methods to preserve cardiac cell viability and contractile function following ischemia are limited in their efficacy, we developed a unique approach to protect the heart by transplanting respiration-competent mitochondria to the injured region. Our previous animal experiments showed that transplantation of isolated mitochondria to ischemic heart tissue leads to decreases in cell death, increases in energy production, and improvements in contractile function. We also discovered that exogenously-derived mitochondria injected or perfused into ischemic hearts were rapidly internalised by cardiac cells. Here, we used three-dimensional super-resolution microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to determine the intracellular fate of endocytosed exogenous mitochondria in human iPS-derived cardiomyocytes and primary cardiac fibroblasts. We found isolated mitochondria are incorporated into cardiac cells within minutes and then transported to endosomes and lysosomes. The majority of exogenous mitochondria escape from these compartments and fuse with the endogenous mitochondrial network, while some of these organelles are degraded through hydrolysis.
Risk of glomerular filtration rate decline in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Wang Shao-Yun , Luo Jing , Dong Yi-Fei , Liu Xu-Yang , Fan Ying-Li , Deng Ming , Chen Da-Wei , Li Ping , Cheng Xiao-Shu
Published: December 2017

Sleep apnoea is associated with chronic kidney diseases. A high obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) prevalence is shown in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Whether the presence of OSA would affect the renal function of patients with HCM is unknown. Forty-five consecutive patients with HCM were divided into the HCM OSA− and OSA+ groups. Forty-three patients with OSA without HCM were recruited as controls. Clinical indices, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were measured. The eGFR was significantly lower in the HCM OSA+ group than in the HCM OSA− (P < 0.05) and OSA (P < 0.001) groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified that the apnoea-hypopnoea index was independently associated with eGFR in all patients with HCM (β = −1.329, 95% confidence interval: −1.942, −0.717, P < 0.001). The urine 8-OHdG level, an oxidative stress marker, was significantly higher in the HCM OSA+ group than in the HCM OSA− (P < 0.001) and OSA (P < 0.001) groups and significantly correlated with the AHI (r = 0.467, P = 0.003) and eGFR (r = −0.457, P = 0.004) in all patients with HCM. Our study suggests a risk of eGFR decline in patients with HCM and OSA.
First demonstration of coherent Cherenkov radiation matched to circular plane wave
Authors: Sei Norihiro , Takahashi Toshiharu
Published: December 2017

We observed coherent Cherenkov radiation matched to a circular plane wave (CCR-MCP) for the first time using a hollow conical dielectric made of a high-density polyethylene. The refractive index and the absorption coefficient of the dielectric were evaluated to be 1.537 ± 0.004 and 0.006 ± 0.028 by measuring the pulse formed by the interference between the CCR-MCP and the coherent diffraction radiation. These values were consistent with the values shown in a reference for the high-density polyethylene. In accordance with the theory of the Cherenkov radiation, the spectrum of the CCR-MCP shifted towards higher wavenumbers compared to that of the coherent diffraction radiation. The intensity of the CCR-MCP beam was proportional to the height of the hollow conical dielectric and was 3 times the intensity of the coherent diffraction radiation. The CCR-MCP technique can produce broadband terahertz-wave sources with unprecedented power at compact accelerator facilities.
Advantage of early orchiopexy for undescended testis: Analysis of testicular growth percentage ratio in patients with unilateral undescended testicle
Authors: Tseng Chi-Shin , Chiang I-Ni , Hong Chung-Hung , Lu Yu-Chuan , Hong Jian-Hua , Chang Hong-Chiang , Huang Kuo-How , Pu Yeong-Shiau
Published: December 2017

This study reports the experience of our tertiary referral center and proposes a new indicator, the growth percentage ratio (GPR), for determining the optimal timing of surgical intervention. A retrospective review of boys who underwent orchiopexy for undescended testis from 2001 to 2013 was conducted. We analyzed testicular volumes in different age groups using the UDT to normally descended testis ratio and testicular GPR. A total of 134 boys with unilateral undescended testicle underwent regular ultrasonography follow-up examinations for more than a mean of 3.9 years. Forty-five (33.4%) of them underwent orchiopexy before the age of one year. Orchiopexy at this age resulted in a GPR (2.02 ± 0.40) that was significantly higher than the GPRs in the second (1 < age ≤ 2 years, 1.25 ± 0.13, p = 0.004) and third (age > 2 years, 1.24 ± 0.14 p = 0.008) age groups. The undescended testicle grew faster when orchiopexy was performed before one year of age. Orchiopexy performed within one year from birth significantly accelerates the growth of the UDT, as determined using the GPR, compared to other age groups. The present clinical evidence indicates that orchiopexy should be performed before one year of age.
Simultaneous monitoring of different vitrification solution components permeating into tissues
Authors: Vásquez-Rivera Andrés , Sommer Kim K. , Oldenhof Harriëtte , Higgins Adam Z. , Brockbank Kelvin G. M. , Hilfiker Andres , Wolkers Willem F.
Published: December 2017

Cryopreservation can be used for long-term preservation of tissues and organs.
Screening of sulfonamides in waters based on miniaturized solid phase extraction and microplate spectrophotometric detection
Authors: Peixoto Patrícia S. , Tóth Ildikó V. , Machado Sandia , Barreiros Luisa , Machado Ana , Bordalo Adriano A. , Lima José L. F. C. , Segundo Marcela A.
Published: December 2017

A simple and cost-effective screening method for determination of sulfonamides in water is proposed.
Porous dipeptide crystals as volatile-drug vessels
Authors: Bracco S. , Asnaghi D. , Negroni M. , Sozzani P. , Comotti A.
Published: December 2017

Anesthetic vapors find temporary hospitality in porous dipeptide crystals, which behave as biologically friendly hosts and carriers.
Synthesis and reactions of 4H-1,4-telluraborine
Authors: Tsao Fu An , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: December 2017

The 4H-1,4-telluraborine is a shown to be a versatile reagent undergoing both protonolysis and hydroboration, affording a new range of 1,4-telluraborine derivatives.
Heterogeneity of deposited phases in supported transition metal oxide catalysts: reversible temperature-dependent evolution of molecular structures and configurations
Authors: Andriopoulou Chrysanthi , Boghosian Soghomon
Published: December 2017

Reversible temperature-dependent structural transformations of oxometallic species deposited at low submonolayer coverage on titania(P25).
Synergy between active sites and electric conductivity of molybdenum sulfide for efficient electrochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Zeng Feng , Broicher Cornelia , Palkovits Stefan , Simeonov Kalin , Palkovits Regina
Published: December 2017

Synergy between active sites and electric conductivity tailored by controllable calcination and carbon nanotube addition for efficient electrochemical hydrogen production.
Quality evaluation of human and environmental toxicity studies performed with nanomaterials – the GUIDEnano approach
Authors: Fernández-Cruz M. L. , Hernández-Moreno D. , Catalán J. , Cross R. K. , Stockmann-Juvala H. , Cabellos J. , Lopes Viviana R. , Matzke M. , Ferraz N. , Izquierdo J. J. , Navas J. M. , Park M. , Svendsen C. , Janer G.
Published: December 2017

The GUIDEnano quality tool establishes objective criteria to score the quality of eco/toxicity studies performed with nanomaterials.
UV-induced toxicity of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and the protective properties of natural organic matter (NOM) from the Rio Negro Amazon River
Authors: Zhang Yueyang , Blewett Tamzin A. , Val Adalberto L. , Goss Greg G.
Published: December 2017

Co-exposure of UV and CeO2 NPs caused sub-lethal effects on cardinal tetras and NOM reduced the phototoxicity of CeO2 NPs.
Anti-diabetic activity of a polyphenol-rich extract fromPhellinus igniariusin KK-Ay mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zheng Sijian , Deng Shihao , Huang Yun , Huang Mi , Zhao Ping , Ma Xinhua , Wen Yanzhang , Wang Qiang , Yang Xinzhou
Published: December 2017

The present study investigated the anti-diabetic activity and potential mechanisms of the polyphenol rich extract fromPhellinus igniarius(PI-PRE)in vitroandin vivo.
Carbonated water for the separation of carboxylic compounds: a chromatography approach
Authors: Yuan X. , Richter B. E. , Jiang K. , Boniface K. J. , Cormier A. , Sanders C. A. , Palmer C. , Jessop P. G. , Cunningham M. F. , Oleschuk R. D.
Published: December 2017

Amine functionalized silica particles and carbonated water were used for the separation of pharmaceutical compounds with carboxylic groups through an ionic exchange mechanism.
High-throughput double emulsion-based microfluidic production of hydrogel microspheres with tunable chemical functionalities toward biomolecular conjugation
Authors: Liu Eric Y. , Jung Sukwon , Weitz David A. , Yi Hyunmin , Choi Chang-Hyung
Published: December 2017

Capillary microfluidic fabrication of monodisperse and chemically functional hydrogel microspheres with selective conjugation schemes yields improved protein conjugation.
Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of substituted 3-cinnamoyl-4-hydroxy-pyran-2-one (CHP) in pursuit of new potential antituberculosis agents
Authors: Bhat Zubair Shanib , Ul Lah Hafiz , Rather Muzafar Ahmad , Maqbool Mubashir , Ara Tabassum , Ahmad Zahoor , Yousuf Syed Khalid
Published: December 2017

Tuberculosis is an ever-evolving infectious disease that urgently needs new drugs.