bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and Interaction of Galaxies using Deep Learning
Authors: Caro Fernando , Huertas-Company Marc , Cabrera Guillermo
Published: May 2017

In order to understand how galaxies form and evolve, the measurement of the parameters related to their morphologies and also to the way they interact is one of the most relevant requirements. Due to the huge amount of data that is generated by surveys, the morphological and interaction analysis of galaxies can no longer rely on visual inspection. For dealing with such issue, new approaches based on machine learning techniques have been proposed in the last years with the aim of automating the classification process. We tested Deep Learning using images of galaxies obtained from CANDELS to study the accuracy achieved by this tool considering two different frameworks. In the first, galaxies were classified in terms of their shapes considering five morphological categories, while in the second, the way in which galaxies interact was employed for defining other five categories. The results achieved in both cases are compared and discussed.
Automatic Source Classification in Digitised First Byurakan Survey
Authors: Topinka Martin , Mickaelian Areg , Nesci Roberto , Rossi Corinne
Published: May 2017

The Digitised First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) provides low dispersion optical spectra for about 24 million sources. A two-step machine learning algorithm based on similarities to predefined templates is applied to select different classes of rare objects in the dataset automatically, for example late type stars, quasars and white dwarves. Identifying outliers from the groups of common astrophysical objects may lead to discovery of rare objects, such as gamma-ray burst afterglows.
An autoregressive model for irregular time series of variable stars
Authors: Eyheramendy Susana , Elorrieta Felipe , Palma Wilfredo
Published: May 2017

This paper discusses an autoregressive model for the analysis of irregularly observed time series. The properties of this model are studied and a maximum likelihood estimation procedure is proposed. The finite sample performance of this estimator is assessed by Monte Carlo simulations, showing accurate estimators. We implement this model to the residuals after fitting an harmonic model to light-curves from periodic variable stars from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) and Hipparcos surveys, showing that the model can identify time dependency structure that remains in the residuals when, for example, the period of the light-curves was not properly estimated.
The European perspective for LSST
Authors: Gangler Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

LSST is a next generation telescope that will produce an unprecedented data flow. The project goal is to deliver data products such as images and catalogs thus enabling scientific analysis for a wide community of users. As a large scale survey, LSST data will be complementary with other facilities in a wide range of scientific domains, including data from ESA or ESO. European countries have invested in LSST since 2007, in the construction of the camera as well as in the computing effort. This latter will be instrumental in designing the next step: how to distribute LSST data to Europe. Astroinformatics challenges for LSST indeed includes not only the analysis of LSST big data, but also the practical efficiency of the data access.
The WFIRST Science Archive and Analysis Center
Authors: Heap Sara R. , Szalay Alexander S. ,   the WFIRST Science Archive Team
Published: May 2017

The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) is a 2.4 m telescope with a large field of view ( ~ 0.3 deg2) and fine angular resolution (0.11”). WFIRST’s Wide Field Instrument (WFI) will obtain images in the Z, Y, J, H, F184, W149 (wide) filter bands, and grism spectra of the same large field of view. The data volume of the WFIRST Science Archive is expected to reach a few Petabytes. We describe plans to enable users to find the data of interest and, if needed, to analyze the datain situusing sophisticated software tools provided by the archive. As preparation, we are building a mini-archive that will help us to define realistic science requirements and to design the full WFIRST Science Archive.
Classification of galaxy type from images using Microsoft R Server
Authors: de Vries Andrie
Published: May 2017

Many astronomers working in the field of AstroInformatics write code as part of their work. Although the programming language of choice is Python, a small number (8%) use R. R has its specific strengths in the domain of statistics, and is often viewed as limited in the size of data it can handle. However, Microsoft R Server is a product that removes these limitations by being able to process much larger amounts of data. I present some highlights of R Server, by illustrating how to fit a convolutional neural network using R. The specific task is to classify galaxies, using only images extracted from the Sloan Digital Skyserver.
Redesigning metabolism based on orthogonality principles
Authors: Pandit Aditya Vikram , Srinivasan Shyam , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: May 2017

Modifications made during metabolic engineering for overproduction of chemicals have network-wide effects on cellular function due to ubiquitous metabolic interactions. These interactions, that make metabolic network structures robust and optimized for cell growth, act to constrain the capability of the cell factory. To overcome these challenges, we explore the idea of an orthogonal network structure that is designed to operate with minimal interaction between chemical production pathways and the components of the network that produce biomass. We show that this orthogonal pathway design approach has significant advantages over contemporary growth-coupled approaches using a case study on succinate production. We find that natural pathways, fundamentally linked to biomass synthesis, are less orthogonal in comparison to synthetic pathways. We suggest that the use of such orthogonal pathways can be highly amenable for dynamic control of metabolism and have other implications for metabolic engineering.
Recent enhancement of central Pacific El Niño variability relative to last eight centuries
Authors: Liu Yu , Cobb Kim M. , Song Huiming , Li Qiang , Li Ching-Yao , Nakatsuka Takeshi , An Zhisheng , Zhou Weijian , Cai Qiufang , Li Jinbao , Leavitt Steven W. , Sun Changfeng , Mei Ruochen , Shen Chuan-Chou , Chan Ming-Hsun , Sun Junyan , Yan Libin , Lei Ying , Ma Yongyong , Li Xuxiang , Chen Deliang , Linderholm Hans W.
Published: May 2017

The far-reaching impacts of central Pacific El Niño events on global climate differ appreciably from those associated with eastern Pacific El Niño events. Central Pacific El Niño events may become more frequent in coming decades as atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations rise, but the instrumental record of central Pacific sea-surface temperatures is too short to detect potential trends. Here we present an annually resolved reconstruction of NIÑO4 sea-surface temperature, located in the central equatorial Pacific, based on oxygen isotopic time series from Taiwan tree cellulose that span from 1190 AD to 2007 AD. Our reconstruction indicates that relatively warm Niño4 sea-surface temperature values over the late twentieth century are accompanied by higher levels of interannual variability than observed in other intervals of the 818-year-long reconstruction. Our results imply that anthropogenic greenhouse forcing may be driving an increase in central Pacific El Niño-Southern Oscillation variability and/or its hydrological impacts, consistent with recent modelling studies.
TGF-β activation by bone marrow-derived thrombospondin-1 causes Schistosoma- and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Mickael Claudia , Kassa Biruk , Gebreab Liya , Robinson Jeffrey C. , Koyanagi Daniel E. , Sanders Linda , Barthel Lea , Meadows Christina , Fox Daniel , Irwin David , Li Min , McKeon B. Alexandre , Riddle Suzette , Dale Brown R. , Morgan Leslie E. , Evans Christopher M. , Hernandez-Saavedra Daniel , Bandeira Angela , Maloney James P. , Bull Todd M. , Janssen William J. , Stenmark Kurt R. , Tuder Rubin M. , Graham Brian B.
Published: May 2017

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an obstructive disease of the precapillary pulmonary arteries. Schistosomiasis-associated PAH shares altered vascular TGF-β signalling with idiopathic, heritable and autoimmune-associated etiologies; moreover, TGF-β blockade can prevent experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) in pre-clinical models. TGF-β is regulated at the level of activation, but how TGF-β is activated in this disease is unknown. Here we show TGF-β activation by thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is both required and sufficient for the development of PH inSchistosoma-exposed mice. FollowingSchistosomaexposure, TSP-1 levels in the lung increase, via recruitment of circulating monocytes, while TSP-1 inhibition or knockout bone marrow prevents TGF-β activation and protects against PH development. TSP-1 blockade also prevents the PH in a second model, chronic hypoxia. Lastly, the plasma concentration of TSP-1 is significantly increased in subjects with scleroderma following PAH development. Targeting TSP-1-dependent activation of TGF-β could thus be a therapeutic approach in TGF-β-dependent vascular diseases.
Clonally stable Vκ allelic choice instructs Igκ repertoire
Authors: Levin-Klein Rena , Fraenkel Shira , Lichtenstein Michal , Matheson Louise S. , Bartok Osnat , Nevo Yuval , Kadener Sebastian , Corcoran Anne E. , Cedar Howard , Bergman Yehudit
Published: May 2017

Although much has been done to understand how rearrangement of the Igκ locus is regulated during B-cell development, little is known about the way the variable (V) segments themselves are selected. Here we show, using B6/Cast hybrid pre-B-cell clones, that a limited number of V segments on each allele is stochastically activated as characterized by the appearance of non-coding RNA and histone modifications. The activation states are clonally distinct, stable across cell division and developmentally important in directing the Ig repertoire upon differentiation. Using a new approach of allelic ATAC-seq, we demonstrate that the Igκ V alleles have differential chromatin accessibility, which may serve as the underlying basis of clonal maintenance at this locus, as well as other instances of monoallelic expression throughout the genome. These findings highlight a new level of immune system regulation that optimizes gene diversity.
Glucose represses dendritic cell-induced T cell responses
Authors: Lawless Simon J. , Kedia-Mehta Nidhi , Walls Jessica F. , McGarrigle Ryan , Convery Orla , Sinclair Linda V. , Navarro Maria N. , Murray James , Finlay David K.
Published: May 2017

Glucose and glycolysis are important for the proinflammatory functions of many immune cells, and depletion of glucose in pathological microenvironments is associated with defective immune responses. Here we show a contrasting function for glucose in dendritic cells (DCs), as glucose represses the proinflammatory output of LPS-stimulated DCs and inhibits DC-induced T-cell responses. A glucose-sensitive signal transduction circuit involving the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), HIF1α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) coordinates DC metabolism and function to limit DC-stimulated T-cell responses. When multiple T cells interact with a DC, they compete for nutrients, which can limit glucose availability to the DCs. In such DCs, glucose-dependent signalling is inhibited, altering DC outputs and enhancing T-cell responses. These data reveal a mechanism by which T cells regulate the DC microenvironment to control DC-induced T-cell responses and indicate that glucose is an important signal for shaping immune responses.
Attosecond interferometry with self-amplified spontaneous emission of a free-electron laser
Authors: Usenko Sergey , Przystawik Andreas , Jakob Markus Alexander , Lazzarino Leslie Lamberto , Brenner Günter , Toleikis Sven , Haunhorst Christian , Kip Detlef , Laarmann Tim
Published: May 2017

Light-phase-sensitive techniques, such as coherent multidimensional spectroscopy, are well-established in a broad spectral range, already spanning from radio-frequencies in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to visible and ultraviolet wavelengths in nonlinear optics with table-top lasers. In these cases, the ability to tailor the phases of electromagnetic waves with high precision is essential. Here we achieve phase control of extreme-ultraviolet pulses from a free-electron laser (FEL) on the attosecond timescale in a Michelson-type all-reflective interferometric autocorrelator. By varying the relative phase of the generated pulse replicas with sub-cycle precision we observe the field interference, that is, the light-wave oscillation with a period of 129 as. The successful transfer of a powerful optical method towards short-wavelength FEL science and technology paves the way towards utilization of advanced nonlinear methodologies even at partially coherent soft X-ray FEL sources that rely on self-amplified spontaneous emission.
Persistent LHPA Activation in German Individuals Raised in an Overprotective Parental Behavior
Authors: Ullmann E. , Licinio J. , Barthel A. , Petrowski K. , Stalder T. , Bornstein S. R. , Kirschbaum C.
Published: May 2017

Parental upbringing may affect their offspring’s mental state across the entire lifespan. Overprotective parental child-rearing style may increase the disease burden in the offspring. Furthermore, this child-rearing style may also play a pathogenetic role by transmitting trauma- and stressor-related disorders (TSRD) across generations. Studies with animals have demonstrated that the mother’s immediate and expansive protection of the newborn decreases the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) axis activity in the offspring. However, few studies have investigated how stress impact humans raised in an overprotective manner. In a cross-sectional study with 40 healthy students recalling their overprotective upbringing, we show an increase in the dehydroepiandrostendione (DHEA) concentration and a reduction in the cortisol/DHEA-ratio in hair. Additionally, this child rearing style was associated with heightened indications of mental burden, depressiveness, and sense of coherence. Our results provide insight into the roots and consequences of psychological trauma across several generations. Further investigations focusing particularly on multigenerational transmission in extremely burdened families will augment our results.
Irisin prevents and restores bone loss and muscle atrophy in hind-limb suspended mice
Authors: Colaianni Graziana , Mongelli Teresa , Cuscito Concetta , Pignataro Paolo , Lippo Luciana , Spiro Giovanna , Notarnicola Angela , Severi Ilenia , Passeri Giovanni , Mori Giorgio , Brunetti Giacomina , Moretti Biagio , Tarantino Umberto , Colucci Silvia C. , Reseland Janne E. , Vettor Roberto , Cinti Saverio , Grano Maria
Published: May 2017

We previously showed that Irisin, a myokine released from skeletal muscle after physical exercise, plays a central role in the control of bone mass. Here we report that treatment with recombinant Irisin prevented bone loss in hind-limb suspended mice when administered during suspension (preventive protocol) and induced recovery of bone mass when mice were injected after bone loss due to a suspension period of 4 weeks (curative protocol). MicroCT analysis of femurs showed that r-Irisin preserved both cortical and trabecular bone mineral density, and prevented a dramatic decrease of the trabecular bone volume fraction. Moreover, r-Irisin protected against muscle mass decline in the hind-limb suspended mice, and maintained the fiber cross-sectional area. Notably, the decrease of myosin type II expression in unloaded mice was completely prevented by r-Irisin administration. Our data reveal for the first time that Irisin retrieves disuse‐induced bone loss and muscle atrophy. These findings may lead to development of an Irisin-based therapy for elderly immobile osteoporotic and physically disable patients, and might represent a countermeasure for astronauts subjected to microgravity-induced bone and muscle losses.
Melon13-lipoxygenase CmLOX18 may be involved in C6 volatiles biosynthesis in fruit
Authors: Zhang Chong , Cao Songxiao , Jin Yazhong , Ju Lijun , Chen Qiang , Xing Qiaojuan , Qi Hongyan
Published: May 2017

To better understand the function role of the melon CmLOX18 gene in the biosynthesis of C6 volatiles during fruit ripening, we biochemically characterized CmLOX18 and identified its subcellular localization in transgenic tomato plants. Heterologous expression in yeast cells showed that the molecular weight of the CmLOX18 protein was identical to that predicted, and that this enzyme possesseed lipoxygenase activity. Linoleic acid was demonstrated to be the preferred substrate for the purified recombinant CmLOX18 protein, which exhibited optimal catalytic activity at pH 4.5 and 30 °C. Chromatogram analysis of the reaction product indicated that the CmLOX18 protein exhibited positional specificity, as evidenced by its release of only a C-13 oxidized product. Subcellular localization analysis by transient expression in Arabidopsis protoplasts showed that CmLOX18 was localized to non-chloroplast organelles. When the CmLOX18 gene was transgenically expressed in tomato via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, it was shown to enhance expression levels of the tomato hydroperoxide lyase gene LeHPL, whereas the expression levels of six TomLox genes were little changed. Furthermore, transgenic tomato fruits exhibited increases in the content of the C6 volatiles, namely hexanal, (Z)-3-hexanal, and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, indicating that CmLOX18 probably plays an important role in the synthesis of C6 compounds in fruits.
Genome-wide profiling and differential expression of microRNA in rat pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Sherstyuk Vladimir V. , Medvedev Sergey P. , Elisaphenko Evgeniy A. , Vaskova Evgeniya A. , Ri Maxim T. , Vyatkin Yuri V. , Saik Olga V. , Shtokalo Dmitry N. , Pokushalov Evgeniy A. , Zakian Suren M.
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small noncoding RNAs that plays an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Much evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in regulating the human and mouse pluripotency. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, miRNAs in the pluripotent stem cells of one of the most commonly used model organisms – the Rattus norvegicus have not been studied. In the present study, we performed deep sequencing of small RNA molecules in the embryonic fibroblasts, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells of laboratory rats. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 674 known miRNAs and 394 novel miRNA candidates in all of the samples. Expression of known pluripotency-associated miRNAs, such as the miR-290–295 and miR-183-96-182 clusters as well as members of the miR-200 family, was detected in rat pluripotent stem cells. Analysis of the targets of differentially expressed known and novel miRNAs showed their involvement in the regulation of pluripotency and the reprogramming process in rats. Bioinformatics and systems biology approaches identified potential pathways that are regulated by these miRNAs. This study contributes to our understanding of miRNAs in the regulation of pluripotency and cell reprogramming in the laboratory rat.
Pulmonary emphysema is a risk factor for radiation pneumonitis in NSCLC patients with squamous cell carcinoma after thoracic radiation therapy
Authors: Zhou Ziyang , Song Xiao , Wu Ailu , Liu Hui , Wu Hongyu , Wu Qiongya , Liu Yu , Li Yefei , Cai Yong , Liang Shixiong
Published: May 2017

Pulmonary emphysema (PE) has been demonstrated to have a high prevalence in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 153 patients with locally advanced NSCLC were enrolled in this study to investigate the association between PE and radiation pneumonitis (RP) after definitive thoracic radiation therapy (TRT). The incidence of RP in Grade 2, 3 and 5 were 11.1%, 9.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, PE, forced vital capacity (FVC), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and mean lung dose (MLD) were significantly associated with the risk of Grade ≥2 or Grade ≥3 RP in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, P < 0.05). Logistic analysis demonstrated that PE was an independent risk factor of RP in SCC (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed that the combination of age, PE, FVC, PO2 and MLD had a higher value to predict RP in SCC (AUC = 0.856 in Grade ≥2 RP and 0.882 in Grade ≥3 RP, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the more severe the PE, the higher the incidence of RP in SCC. Our results revealed that PE was a high risk factor for locally advanced NSCLC patients followed definitive TRT, especially for SCC patients.
Magnetic character of holmium atom adsorbed on platinum surface
Authors: Shick A. B. , Shapiro D. S. , Kolorenc J. , Lichtenstein A. I.
Published: May 2017

We address a recent controversy concerning the magnetic state of holmium adatom on platinum surface. Within a combination of the density functional theory (DFT) with the exact diagonalization (ED) of Anderson impurity model, the 〈J
z
〉 = 0 paramagnetic ground state |J = 8, J
z
 = ±8〉 is found. In an external magnetic field, this state is transformed to a spin-polarized state with 〈J
z
〉 ≈ 6.7. We emphasize the role of 5d–4f interorbital exchange polarization in modification of the 4f shell energy spectrum.
Arsenic mobilization in shallow aquifers due to CO2 and brine intrusion from storage reservoirs
Authors: Xiao Ting , Dai Zhenxue , Viswanathan Hari , Hakala Alexandra , Cather Martha , Jia Wei , Zhang Yongchao , McPherson Brian
Published: May 2017

We developed an integrated framework of combined batch experiments and reactive transport simulations to quantify water-rock-CO2 interactions and arsenic (As) mobilization responses to CO2 and/or saline water leakage into USDWs. Experimental and simulation results suggest that when CO2 is introduced, pH drops immediately that initiates release of As from clay minerals. Calcite dissolution can increase pH slightly and cause As re-adsorption. Thus, the mineralogy of the USDW is ultimately a determining factor of arsenic fate and transport. Salient results suggest that: (1) As desorption/adsorption from/onto clay minerals is the major reaction controlling its mobilization, and clay minerals could mitigate As mobilization with surface complexation reactions; (2) dissolution of available calcite plays a critical role in buffering pH; (3) high salinity in general hinders As release from minerals; and (4) the magnitude and quantitative uncertainty of As mobilization are predicated on the values of reaction rates and surface area of calcite, adsorption surface areas and equilibrium constants of clay minerals, and cation exchange capacity. Results of this study are intended to improve ability to quantify risks associated with potential leakage of reservoir fluids into shallow aquifers, in particular the possible environmental impacts of As mobilization at carbon sequestration sites.
Novel rapid-immunohistochemistry using an alternating current electric field for intraoperative diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer
Authors: Terata Kaori , Saito Hajime , Nanjo Hiroshi , Hiroshima Yuko , Ito Satoru , Narita Kasumi , Akagami Yoichi , Nakamura Ryuta , Konno Hayato , Ito Aki , Motoyama Satoru , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: May 2017

Axillary lymph node status and pathological diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is a prognostic factor that influences management of postoperative therapy. Recent reports indicate that one-step nucleic acid amplification and hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained frozen sections are effective for intraoperative diagnosis of SLNs. In the present study, we report a rapid-immunohistochemical staining (R-IHC) method that enables intraoperative detection of SLN metastases within 16 min using an anti-cytokeratin antibody. This is the first report on SLN diagnosis using R-IHC in patients with breast cancer. We prospectively examined 160 dissected SLNs from 108 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery at our institute. The dissected SLNs were sectioned and conventionally stained with HE or immunohistochemically labeled with anti-cytokeratin antibody using R-IHC procedures. Intraoperative R-IHC analyses were completed within 16 min, after which diagnoses were made by two pathologists. The total time required for intraoperative diagnosis was about 20 min. In this study series, R-IHC detected four metastatic SLNs that were undetected using conventional HE staining (4/20, 20.0%). Compared with subsequent permanent diagnosis, R-IHC offered 95.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity. These findings indicate R-IHC is a clinically applicable technique that enables precise and quick intraoperative detection of micro- and macrometastasis in breast cancer.
Time-dependent changes and potential mechanisms of glucose-lipid metabolic disorders associated with chronic clozapine or olanzapine treatment in rats
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Wu Zhixiang , Lian Jiamei , Hu Chang-Hua , Huang Xu-Feng , Deng Chao
Published: May 2017

Chronic treatment with second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) has been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. To evaluate the longitudinal changes in glucose-lipid homeostasis after SGA use, we studied the time-dependent effects of olanzapine (OLZ) (3 mg/kg, b.i.d.) or clozapine (CLZ) (20 mg/kg, b.i.d.) treatment on metabolic profiles for 9 weeks in rats. Although only OLZ significantly increased body weight in rats, both OLZ and CLZ elevated blood lipid levels. Chronic OLZ treatment induced significant weight gain leading to a higher fasting insulin level and impaired glucose tolerance, whereas CLZ lowered fasting insulin levels and impaired glucose tolerance independent of weight gain. Treatment with both drugs deranged AKT/GSK phosphorylation and up-regulated muscarinic M3 receptors in the rats’ livers. Consistent with an elevation in lipid levels, both OLZ and CLZ significantly increased the protein levels of nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) in the liver, which was associated with improvement in hepatic histamine H1R. However, enhanced carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) signalling was observed in only CLZ-treated rats. These results suggest that SGA-induced glucose-lipid metabolic disturbances could be independent of weight gain, possibly through activation of SREBP/ChREBP in the liver.
E. coli promotes human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell transition from cytokine-producing bactericidal effectors to professional phagocytic killers in a TCR-dependent manner
Authors: Barisa M. , Kramer A. M. , Majani Y. , Moulding D. , Saraiva L. , Bajaj-Elliott M. , Anderson J. , Gustafsson K.
Published: May 2017

γδT cells provide immune-surveillance and host defense against infection and cancer. Surprisingly, functional details of γδT cell antimicrobial immunity to infection remain largely unexplored. Limited data suggests that γδT cells can phagocytose particles and act as professional antigen-presenting cells (pAPC). These potential functions, however, remain controversial. To better understand γδT cell-bacterial interactions, anex vivoco-culture model of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses toEscherichia coliwas employed. Vγ9Vδ2 cells underwent rapid T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent proliferation and functional transition from cytotoxic, inflammatory cytokine immunity, to cell expansion with diminished cytokine but increased costimulatory molecule expression, and capacity for professional phagocytosis. Phagocytosis was augmented by IgG opsonization, and inhibited by TCR-blockade, suggesting a licensing interaction involving the TCR and FcγR. Vγ9Vδ2 cells displayed potent cytotoxicity through TCR-dependent and independent mechanisms. We conclude that γδT cells transition from early inflammatory cytotoxic killers to myeloid-like APC in response to infectious stimuli.
Multiscale characterization of a lithium/sulfur battery by coupling operando X-ray tomography and spatially-resolved diffraction
Authors: Tonin Guillaume , Vaughan Gavin , Bouchet Renaud , Alloin Fannie , Di Michiel Marco , Boutafa Laura , Colin Jean-François , Barchasz Céline
Published: May 2017

Due to its high theoretical specific capacity, the lithium/sulfur battery is one of the most promising candidates for replacing current lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we investigate both chemical and morphological changes in the electrodes during cycling, by couplingoperandospatially resolved X-ray diffraction and absorption tomography to characterize Li/S cells under real working conditions. By combining these tools, the state of the active material in the entire cell was correlated with its electrochemical behavior, leading to a deeper understanding of the performance limiting degradation phenomena in Li/S batteries. Highly heterogeneous behavior of lithium stripping/plating was observed in the anode, while the evolution of sulfur distribution in the cathode depth was followed during cycling.
Circadian-tunable Perovskite Quantum Dot-based Down-Converted Multi-Package White LED with a Color Fidelity Index over 90
Authors: Yoon Hee Chang , Oh Ji Hye , Lee Soyoung , Park Jae Byung , Do Young Rag
Published: May 2017

New metrics of the color and circadian performances of down-converted white light-emitting diodes (DC-WLEDs) are rapidly becoming popular in smart lighting systems. This is due to the increased desire for accurate analytical methods to measure the effects of newly developed quantum dot (QD)-based lighting on the vision, color, and circadian sensors of retina cells in the human eye. In this regard, a two-measure system known as technical memorandum TM-30-2015 (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America), encompassing the color fidelity index (CFI, R
f
) and the color gamut index (CGI, R
g
), has been developed as a new metrics of color to replace the currently utilized color rendering index (CRI, R
a
). In addition, the tunability of the circadian efficacy of radiation (CER) is now more important due to its effect on the control of melatonin suppression/secretion, resetting of the central/local clocks of individuals given their daily cycles, and benefits to human health. In this paper, we developed and analyzed six-colored perovskite (Pe; cyan, green, yellowish green, amber, orange, and red colors) QDs-based multi-package WLED, and optimized the SPDs of tunable PeQD-based multi-package WLEDs in terms of promising human-centric lighting device, given its optimized visual energy, color qualities and health-promoting effects.
Changes in retinal metabolic profiles associated with form deprivation myopia development in guinea pigs
Authors: Yang Jinglei , Reinach Peter S. , Zhang Sen , Pan Miaozhen , Sun Wenfeng , Liu Bo , Li Fen , Li Xiaoqing , Zhao Aihua , Chen Tianlu , Jia Wei , Qu Jia , Zhou Xiangtian
Published: May 2017

Retinal metabolic changes have been suggested to be associated with myopia development. However, little is known about either their identity or time dependent behavior during this sight compromising process. To address these questions, gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS) was applied to compare guinea pig retinal metabolite levels in form deprivation (FD) eyes at 3 days and 2 weeks post FD with normal control (NC) eyes. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) models discriminated between time dependent retinal metabolic profiles in the presence and absence of FD. Myopia severity was associated with more metabolic pattern differences in the FD than in the NC eyes. After 3 days of FD, 11 metabolite levels changed and after 2 weeks the number of differences increased to 16. Five metabolites continuously decreased during two weeks of FD. Two-way ANOVA of the changes identified by OPLS indicates that 15 out of the 22 metabolites differences were significant. Taken together, these results suggest that myopia progression is associated with an inverse relationship between increases in glucose accumulation and lipid level decreases in form-deprived guinea pig eyes. Such changes indicate that metabolomic studies are an informative approach to identify time dependent retinal metabolic alterations associated with this disease.
Serum hepatitis B core antibody as a biomarker of hepatic inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine aminotransferase
Authors: Zhou Jiyuan , Song Liuwei , Zhao Hong , Yan Linlin , Ma Anlin , Xie Shibin , Zhang Xuqing , Zhang Dazhi , Xie Qing , Zhang Guo , Shang Jia , Cheng Jun , Zhao Weifeng , Zou Zhiqiang , Zhang Mingxiang , Xia Ningshao , Wang Guiqiang
Published: May 2017

Our previous studies unexpectedly indicated that the level of serum hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) was positively correlated with the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. The aim of this study was to determine whether anti-HBc could serve as a potential biomarker for the detection of liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, especially in patients with normal ALT levels. Serum anti-HBc levels were quantified in 655 treatment-naïve CHB patients, including 45 patients who underwent two liver biopsies (baseline phase and the 78th weeks of antiviral-treatment). Serum anti-HBc levels increased significantly along with the increasing histology activity index (HAI) score. After antiviral-treatment, patients with HAI score reduction had significant decline in serum anti-HBc level. Multivariate analysis showed that anti-HBc was independently associated with moderate-to-severe hepatic inflammation in patients with normal ALT level. Furthermore, serum anti-HBc showed a high diagnostic accuracy for predicting moderate-to-severe inflammation in both hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative CHB patients with normal ALT levels (area under the curve, AUC = 0.87 and 0.75; respectively). Thus, anti-HBc may be a strong indicator for assessing the hepatic inflammatory degree and used for antiviral treatment decisions in CHB patients with normal ALT levels.
Light generated bubble for microparticle propulsion
Authors: Frenkel Ido , Niv Avi
Published: May 2017

Light activated motion of micron-sized particles with effective forces in the range of micro-Newtons is hereby proposed and demonstrated. Our investigation shows that this exceptional amount of force results from accumulation of light-generated heat by a micron-sized particle that translates into motion due to a phase transition in the nearby water. High-speed imagery indicates the role of bubble expansion and later collapse in this event. Comparing observations with known models reveals a dynamic behavior controlled by polytropic trapped vapor and the inertia of the surrounding liquid. The potential of the proposed approach is demonstrated by realization of disordered optical media with binary light-activated switching from opacity to high transparency.
Fecal Occult Blood Test Results of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in South Korea (2006–2013)
Authors: Rim John Hoon , Youk Taemi , Kang Jung Gu , Park Byung Kyu , Gee Heon Yung , Kim Jeong-Ho , Yoo Jongha
Published: May 2017

There has been controversy regarding the clinical utility of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) as a screening tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the general population. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of Korea national CRC screening using FOBT from 2006 to 2013 and to evaluate the implementation of the program. We analyzed the results of FOBT, colonoscopy, and the side effects during colonoscopy for the subjects (n = 20,609,909) from the Korea National Health Insurance Cancer Screening database. For evaluation of Korea national CRC screening program implementation over the 8-year period, we calculated uptake rate, FOBT positivity rate, and subsequent test compliance rate. The overall uptake rate was 30.1%, with an increasing pattern from 2006 to 2011. A relatively higher FOBT positivity rate (6.4%) and lower subsequent test compliance rate (46.6%) were observed in comparison to the results previously reported in Western countries. Side effects reported within 3 months period after colonoscopy accounted for 0.17% of all procedures, with bleeding being the most prevalent type. Although the implementation of CRC screening program using FOBT in Korea seems successful, trends in key indicators for Korea national CRC screening program should be monitored continuously.
Adolescence is the starting point of sex-dichotomous COMT genetic effects
Authors: Sannino S , Padula M C , Managò F , Schaer M , Schneider M , Armando M , Scariati E , Sloan-Bena F , Mereu M , Pontillo M , Vicari S , Contarini G , Chiabrera C , Pagani M , Gozzi A , Eliez S , Papaleo F
Published: May 2017

The catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) genetic variations produce pleiotropic behavioral/neuroanatomical effects. Some of these effects may vary among sexes. However, the developmental trajectories of COMT-by-sex interactions are unclear. Here we found that extreme COMT reduction, in both humans (22q11.2 deletion syndrome COMT Met) and mice (COMT−/−), was associated to cortical thinning only after puberty and only in females. Molecular biomarkers, such as tyrosine hydroxylase, Akt and neuronal/cellular counting, confirmed that COMT-by-sex divergent effects started to appear at the cortical level during puberty. These biochemical differences were absent in infancy. Finally, developmental cognitive assessment in 22q11DS and COMT knockout mice established that COMT-by-sex-dichotomous effects in executive functions were already apparent in adolescence. These findings uncover that genetic variations severely reducing COMT result in detrimental cortical and cognitive development selectively in females after their sexual maturity. This highlights the importance of taking into account the combined effect of genetics, sex and developmental stage.
Small hybrid heteroaromatics: resourceful biological tools in cancer research
Authors: Abbot Vikrant , Sharma Poonam , Dhiman Saurabh , Noolvi Malleshappa N. , Patel Harun M. , Bhardwaj Varun
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, hybrid drugs containing two or more covalently linked known potential pharmacophores are designed to simultaneously modulate multiple targets of multifactorial diseases to overcome the side effects associated with a single drug.
Enhanced growth of tellurium nanowires under conditions of macromolecular crowding
Authors: Hunyadi Mátyás , Gácsi Zoltán , Csarnovics István , Csige Lóránt , Csik Attila , Daróczi Lajos , Huszánk Róbert , Szűcs Zoltán
Published: May 2017

The time-evolution of the mean excitonic wavelength demonstrating the enhanced ripening and growth rates of tellurium nanowires at increasing concentrations of the PVP crowder.
Is there any fundamental difference between ionic, covalent, and others types of bond? A canonical perspective on the question
Authors: Walton Jay R. , Rivera-Rivera Luis A. , Lucchese Robert R. , Bevan John W.
Published: May 2017

Canonical approaches demonstrate that pairwise interatomic interactions are fundamentally the same.
Nitrile hydroboration reactions catalysed by simple nickel salts, bis(acetylacetonato)nickel(ii) and its derivatives
Authors: Nakamura Go , Nakajima Yumiko , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Srinivas Venu , Shimada Shigeru
Published: May 2017

Simple nickel salts, bis(acetylacetonato)nickel(ii) and its derivatives, catalyzed the hydroboration reactions of aryl and alkyl nitriles with catechol borane.
Synthesis and electronic investigation of mono- and di-substituted 4-nitro- and 4-amino-pyrazol-1-yl bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine-type ligands and luminescent Eu(iii) derivatives
Authors: Strohecker D. J. , Lynch V. M. , Holliday B. J. , Jones R. A.
Published: May 2017

The synthesis of nitro- and amino-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridines was achieved, allowing for tuning of frontier orbital energies and Eu(iii) complex spectroscopic investigations.
Highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline by a Z-scheme g-C3N4/Bi3TaO7 nanocomposite photocatalyst
Authors: Luo Bifu , Chen Min , Zhang Zhengyuan , Xu Jie , Li Di , Xu Dongbo , Shi Weidong
Published: May 2017

Highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline by a fabricated Z-scheme g-C3N4/Bi3TaO7 nanocomposite photocatalyst.
Decamethyltitanocene hydride intermediates in the hydrogenation of the corresponding titanocene-(η2-ethene) or (η2-alkyne) complexes and the effects of bulkier auxiliary ligands
Authors: Pinkas Jiří , Gyepes Róbert , Císařová Ivana , Kubišta Jiří , Horáček Michal , Mach Karel
Published: May 2017

Thermally stable decaalkyl titanocene dihydrides vary their properties depending on the bulkiness of their auxiliary ligands.
Simulation of magnetite nanoparticle mobility in a heterogeneous flow cell
Authors: Lyon-Marion Bonnie A. , Becker Matthew D. , Kmetz Anthony A. , Foster Edward , Johnston Keith P. , Abriola Linda M. , Pennell Kurt D.
Published: May 2017

Measured and simulated magnetite nanoparticle transport and retention.
Implications of the Maillard reaction on bovine alpha-lactalbumin and its proteolysis during in vitro infant digestion
Authors: Joubran Yousef , Moscovici Alice , Portmann Reto , Lesmes Uri
Published: May 2017

This study investigated the functionality and digestibility of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of alpha-lactalbumin (α-la), a major whey protein and component of infant formulas.
Determination of hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen peroxide in complex samples of milk and urine by spectroscopic standard addition data and chemometrics methods
Authors: Shariati-Rad Masoud , Salarmand Narges , Jalilvand Farzaneh
Published: May 2017

Spectroscopic data of standard additions were collected and used to calculate the spectrum of the unknown interferent(s) based on the net analyte signal.
pH-responsive magnetic micelles gelatin-g-poly(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm-co-UA)-g-dextran/Fe3O4 as a hydrophilic drug carrier
Authors: Su Chao-Ming , Huang Chen-Yu , Chen Yao-Li , Ger Tzong-Rong
Published: May 2017

In the study, pH-selective magnetic targeting micelle, Gelatin-g-poly(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm-co-UA)-g-dextran/Fe3O4 (GPDF), has been synthesized for controlled release of a hydrophilic insulin-promoting factor, nicotinamide.
One-step hydrothermal preparation of Ce-doped MoO3 nanobelts with enhanced gas sensing properties
Authors: Li Zhuoqi , Wang Weijie , Zhao Zhicheng , Liu Xinrong , Song Peng
Published: May 2017

Rare earth ions are considered as the ideal dopants to modify the crystal structure, electronics structure, and gas sensing performance of metal oxides semiconductors.
Top-down fabrication of fluorine-doped tin oxide nanopillar substrates for solar water splitting
Authors: Tang Maureen H. , Chakthranont Pongkarn , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: May 2017

Nanopillar fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates fabricated by nanosphere lithography and argon milling enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of WO3 photoanodes.
Nitrogen doping for facile and effective modification of graphene surfaces
Authors: Yanilmaz A. , Tomak A. , Akbali B. , Bacaksiz C. , Ozceri E. , Ari O. , Senger R. T. , Selamet Y. , Zareie H. M.
Published: May 2017

Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) was prepared by exposing the graphene transferred to different substrates to atomic nitrogen plasma.
Intramolecular cyclization of N-allyl propiolamides: a facile synthetic route to highly substituted γ-lactams (a review)
Authors: Soleimani-Amiri Somayeh , Vessally Esmail , Babazadeh Mirzaagha , Hosseinian Akram , Edjlali Ladan
Published: May 2017

The development of simple and efficient methods for construction of substituted γ-lactams is an important synthetic goal because such ring skeletons are present in numerous natural compounds that display diverse biological activities.
Benzoquinoline-based fluoranthene derivatives as electron transport materials for solution-processed red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Park So-Ra , Shin Dong Heon , Park Sang-Mi , Suh Min Chul
Published: May 2017

A new electron transport material (ETM) with two fluoranthene and a benzoquinoline moiety was synthesized for the fabrication of solution-processed phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs).
External oxidant-free cross-coupling of arylcopper and alkynylcopper reagents leading to arylalkyne
Authors: Wang Sheng , Min Yaosen , Zhang Xiaowei , Xi Chanjuan
Published: May 2017

External oxidant-free cross-coupling of arylcopper and alkynylcopper reagents for the formation of arylalkynes was performed.
Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide-based counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Singh Eric , Kim Ki Seok , Yeom Geun Young , Nalwa Hari Singh
Published: May 2017

Dye-sensitized solar cell using counter electrode based on transition metal dichalcogenides.
Multimode microsensors based on Ag–TiO2–graphene materials used for the molecular recognition of carcinoembryonic antigen in whole blood samples
Authors: Gugoasa Livia Alexandra , Muklive AĺOgaidi Ahmed Jassim , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , El-Khatib Ahed , Rosu Marcela-Corina , Pruneanu Stela
Published: May 2017

Ag–TiO2–graphene pastes modified with inulin, and l-alanine tert-butyl ester nitrate were proposed for the molecular recognition of carcinoembryonic antigen in whole blood samples.
Changes of mineralogical characteristics and osteoblast activities of raw and processed pyrites
Authors: Liu L. , Zhao G. H. , Gao Q. Q. , Chen Y. J. , Chen Z. P. , Xu Z. S. , Li W. D.
Published: May 2017

Pyrite, a commonly used mineral medicine in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is normally prescribed in the form of calcined or processed pyrite to ensure clinical safety and efficacy.
Coordination matrix/signal amplifier strategy for simultaneous electrochemical determination of cadmium(ii), lead(ii), copper(ii), and mercury(ii) ions based on polyfurfural film/multi-walled carbon nanotube modified electrode
Authors: Huang Jianzhi , Bai Silan , Yue Guoqing , Cheng Wenxue , Wang Lishi
Published: May 2017

Coordination matrix/signal amplifier strategy for simultaneous electrochemical determination of cadmium(ii), lead(ii), copper(ii) and mercury(ii) ions based on polyfurfural film/multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode.
UV-crosslinked poly(arylene ether sulfone) – LAPONITE® nanocomposites for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Lee Sun Hwa , Lee Won Jun , Kim Tae Kyoung , Bayazit Mustafa K. , Kim Sang Ouk , Choi Yeong Suk
Published: May 2017

UV-crosslinked sulfonated poly(arylene sulfone)/clay nanocomposites are fabricated by incorporating UV-crosslinkable monomers, bridge molecules, and clay nanofillers for high performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Efficient total synthesis of neocryptolepine and synthetic access to 6-methylquinindoline from a common intermediate
Authors: Méndez María V. , Heredia Daniel A. , Larghi Enrique L. , Bracca Andrea B. J. , Kaufman Teodoro S.
Published: May 2017

The total synthesis of neocryptolepine and the synthesis of its non-natural isomer 6-methyl quinindoline were efficiently achieved in a few steps from a common intermediate.
A highly versatile fluorenone-based macrocycle for the sensitive detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fluoride anions
Authors: Tamgho Ingrid-Suzy , Chaudhuri Sauradip , Verderame Molly , DiScenza Dana J. , Levine Mindy
Published: May 2017

Reported herein is the high yielding synthesis of a new fluorenone-based triazolophane and its sensing capabilities for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fluoride anions.
Tailoring chain structures of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone copolyester macromonomers using rac-binaphthyl-diyl hydrogen phosphate-catalyzed ring-opening copolymerization with monomer addition strategy
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Xia Ming , Kong Xueqiang , Severtson Steven John , Wang Wen-Jun
Published: May 2017

rac-BNPH catalyzed ring-opening copolymerization of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone with monomer addition strategy effectively tailoring chain structures of macromonomers.