bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRIM33 is essential for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation via BMP pathway
Authors: Guo Jia , Qin Wei , Xing Quan , Gao Manman , Wei Fuxin , Song Zhi , Chen Lingling , Lin Ying , Gao Xianling , Lin Zhengmei
Published: January 2017

Tripartite motif containing 33 (TRIM33) functions both as a positive and negative regulator of the TGF‐β/BMP pathway in tumors; however, its effect and mechanism during osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, which involves the TGF‐β/BMP pathway is not defined. In this study, we used mouse C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cell line and MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts to investigate the role of TRIM33 during this process. The results demonstrated that the expression of TRIM33 increased during the differentiation. Moreover, the overexpression or knockdown of TRIM33 resulted in both an augmentation or decrease in osteoblast differentiation, which were measured by the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at the mRNA level, both Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteocalcin (OCN) at the protein level, and the formation of mineral modules. To further demonstrate the mechanism of TRIM33 in this process, we found that TRIM33 could positively mediate the BMP pathway by forming TRIM33‐Smad1/5 complex. This interaction between TRIM33 and Smad1/5 triggered the phosphorylation of Smad1/5. In addition, the essential role of TRIM33 in osteoblast proliferation was determined in this study by CellCounting Kit (CCK) −8 and cell cycle assays. In summary, we establish the function of TRIM33 as a positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation in BMP pathway, which mediates its effect through its interaction with and activation of Smad1/5. In addition, the results clearly demonstrate that TRIM33 is necessary for osteoblast proliferation by regulating cell cycle. These results suggest that TRIM33 can be a positive target of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation through BMP pathway.
Promising anti‐tumor properties of bisdemethoxycurcumin: A naturally occurring curcumin analogue
Authors: Ramezani Mahin , Hatamipour Mahdi , Sahebkar Amirhosein
Published: January 2017

Curcuminoids are turmeric‐extracted phytochemicals with documented chemopreventive and anti‐tumor activities against several types of malignancies. Curcuminoids can modulate several molecular pathways and cellular targets involved in different stages of tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a minor constituent (approximately 3%) of curcuminoids that has been shown to be more stable than the other two main curcuminoids, that is, curcumin and demthoxycurcumin. Recent studies have revealed that BDMC has anti‐tumor effects exerted through a multimechanistic mode of action involving inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion and migration, metastasis and tumour growth, and induction of apoptotic death in cancer cells. The present review discusses the findings on the anti‐tumor effects of BDMC, underlying mechanisms, and the relevance of finding for translational studies in human.
Ultrasonic and Grinding Aptitudes of One‐Pot Synthesis of 5‐(4‐Chlorophenyl)‐7‐(3,4‐Dimethyl Phenyl)‐2‐oxo‐2H‐Pyrano[2,3‐b]Pyridine Derivatives as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Rizk Sameh A. , El‐Hashash Maher A. , El‐Badawy Azza A.
Published: January 2017

A simple facile “one‐pot” synthesis of 5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐7‐(3,4‐dimethyl phenyl)‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridine derivatives via three‐component reaction of chalcone, ethyl‐2‐substituted acetate, and ammonium acetate under ultrasonic irradiation and grinding tools. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against ATCC 25923, ATCC 10987, ATCC 274, and SM514. All the synthesized compounds have been characterized on the basis of their elemental analyses and spectral data.
Variations of Soil Organic Carbon Following Land Use Change on Deep‐Loess Hillsopes in China
Authors: Gao Xiaodong , Meng Tingting , Zhao Xining
Published: January 2017

Land use change is a key factor driving changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) around the world. However, the changes in SOC following land use changes have not been fully elucidated, especially for deep soils (>100 cm). Thus, we investigated the variations of SOC under different land uses (cropland, jujube orchard, 7‐year‐old grassland and 30‐year‐old grassland) on hillslopes in the Yuanzegou watershed of the Loess Plateau in China based on soil datasets related to soils within the 0–100 cm. Furthermore, we quantified the contribution of deep‐layer SOC (200–1,800 cm) to that of whole soil profiles based on soil datasets within the 0–1,800 cm. The results showed that in shallow profiles (0–100 cm), land uses significantly (p < 0·05) influenced the distribution of SOC contents and stocks in surface layer (0–20 cm) but not subsurface layers (20–100 cm). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that soil texture fractions and totalNwere significantly (p < 0·05 or 0·01) correlated with SOC content, which may have masked effects of land use change on SOC. In deep profiles (0–1,800 cm), SOC stock generally decreased with soil depth. But deep soils showed high SOC sequestration capacity. The SOC accumulated in the 100–1,800 m equalled 90·6%, 91·6%, 87·5% and 88·6% of amounts in the top 100 cm under cropland, 7‐year‐old grassland, 30‐year‐old grassland and jujube orchard, respectively. The results provide insights into SOC dynamics following land use changes and stressed the importance of deep‐layer SOC in estimating SOC inventory in deep loess soils. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral wave dissipation by submerged aquatic vegetation in a back‐barrier estuary
Authors: Nowacki Daniel J. , Beudin Alexis , Ganju Neil K.
Published: January 2017

Submerged aquatic vegetation is generally thought to attenuate waves, but this interaction remains poorly characterized in shallow‐water field settings with locally generated wind waves. Better quantification of wave–vegetation interaction can provide insight to morphodynamic changes in a variety of environments and also is relevant to the planning of nature‐based coastal protection measures. Toward that end, an instrumented transect was deployed across a Zostera marina (common eelgrass) meadow in Chincoteague Bay, Maryland/Virginia, U.S.A., to characterize wind‐wave transformation within the vegetated region. Field observations revealed wave‐height reduction, wave‐period transformation, and wave‐energy dissipation with distance into the meadow, and the data informed and calibrated a spectral wave model of the study area. The field observations and model results agreed well when local wind forcing and vegetation‐induced drag were included in the model, either explicitly as rigid vegetation elements or implicitly as large bed‐roughness values. Mean modeled parameters were similar for both the explicit and implicit approaches, but the spectral performance of the explicit approach was poor compared to the implicit approach. The explicit approach over‐predicted low‐frequency energy within the meadow because the vegetation scheme determines dissipation using mean wavenumber and frequency, in contrast to the bed‐friction formulations, which dissipate energy in a variable fashion across frequency bands. Regardless of the vegetation scheme used, vegetation was the most important component of wave dissipation within much of the study area. These results help to quantify the influence of submerged aquatic vegetation on wave dynamics in future model parameterizations, field efforts, and coastal‐protection measures.
Radiation conditions for the linear water‐wave problem in periodic channels
Authors: Nazarov Sergey A. , Taskinen Jari
Published: January 2017

We study the well‐posedness of the linearized water‐wave problem in a periodic channel with fixed or freely floating compact bodies. Floquet–Bloch–Gelfand‐transform techniques lead to a generalized spectral problem with quadratic dependence on a complex parameter, and the asymptotics of the solutions at infinity can be described using Floquet waves. These are constructed from Jordan chains, which are related with the eigenvalues of the quadratic pencil and which are calculated in the paper in some typical cases. Posing proper radiation conditions requires a careful study of spaces of incoming and outgoing waves, especially in the threshold situation. This is done with the help of a certain skew‐Hermitian form q, which is closely related to the Umov–Poynting vector of energy transportation. Our radiation conditions make the problem operator into a Fredholm operator of index zero and provides natural (energy) classification of outgoing/incoming waves. They also lead to a novel, most natural properties and interpretation of the scattering matrix, which becomes unitary and symmetric even at threshold.
In vivo imaging of the progression of acute lung injury using hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate
Authors: Pourfathi Mehrdad , Xin Yi , Kadlecek Stephen J. , Cereda Maurizio F. , Profka Harrilla , Hamedani Hooman , Siddiqui Sarmad M. , Ruppert Kai , Drachman Nicholas A. , Rajaei Jennia N. , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To investigate pulmonary metabolic alterations during progression of acute lung injury.

Methods

Using hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate imaging, we measured pulmonary lactate and pyruvate in 15 ventilated rats 1, 2, and 4 h after initiation of mechanical ventilation. Lung compliance was used as a marker for injury progression. 5 untreated rats were used as controls; 5 rats (injured‐1) received 1 ml/kg and another 5 rats (injured‐2) received 2 ml/kg hydrochloric acid (pH 1.25) in the trachea at 70 min.

Results

The mean lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio of the injured‐1 cohort was 0.15 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.03 at baseline and 1 h after the injury, and significantly increased from the baseline value 3 h after the injury to 0.23 ± 0.02 (P = 0.002). The mean lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio of the injured‐2 cohort decreased from 0.14 ± 0.03 at baseline to 0.08 ± 0.02 1 h after the injury and further decreased to 0.07 ± 0.02 (P = 0.08) 3 h after injury. No significant change was observed in the control group. Compliance in both injured groups decreased significantly after the injury (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in severe cases of lung injury, edema and hyperperfusion in the injured lung tissue may complicate interpretation of the pulmonary lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio as a marker of inflammation. However, combining the lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio with pulmonary compliance provides more insight into the progression of the injury and its severity. Magn Reson Med 78:2106–2115, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Determinants of long‐term weight change among middle‐aged Swedish women
Authors: El Reda Darline , Ström Peter , Sandin Sven , Oh Jin‐Kyoung , Adami Hans‐Olov , Löf Marie , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: January 2017

Objective

To describe the determinants of 12‐year weight change among middle‐aged women in Sweden.

Methods

In 1991/1992, 49,259 women across Sweden were recruited into a cohort. In 2003, 34,402 (73%) completed follow‐up. Lifestyle and health characteristics including weight were collected, and 12‐year weight change and substantial weight gain (≥+5.0 kg) were calculated; association between baseline characteristics and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of substantial weight gain were estimated.

Results

During the 12‐year follow‐up, 81% of women experienced weight gain. Being above average weight (64.5 kg) at baseline (OR =1.20, 95% CI: 1.14–1.26) and smoking 1 to 9 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.20), 10 to 19 (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.39), or ≥20 cigarettes daily (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32) increased a woman's odds of experiencing substantial weight gain (influenced by smoking cessation). In contrast, risk of substantial weight gain was reduced among women 45 to 50 years of age (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.73–0.85), women reporting high alcohol consumption (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83–0.98), and those with medium (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–1.00) or high (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77–0.90) physical activity levels.

Conclusions

The majority of women experienced weight gain during middle age. Population‐specific determinants of weight gain should guide obesity prevention efforts.
Obesity coverage gap: Consumers perceive low coverage for obesity treatments even when workplace wellness programs target BMI
Authors: Wilson Elizabeth Ruth , Kyle Theodore K. , Nadglowski Joseph F. , Stanford Fatima Cody
Published: January 2017

Objective

Evidence‐based obesity treatments, such as bariatric surgery, are not considered essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Employer‐sponsored wellness programs with incentives based on biometric outcomes are allowed and often used despite mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness. This study examines consumers' perceptions of their coverage for obesity treatments and exposure to workplace wellness programs.

Methods

A total of 7,378 participants completed an online survey during 2015–2016. Respondents answered questions regarding their health coverage for seven medical services and exposure to employer wellness programs that target weight or body mass index (BMI). Using χ2 tests, associations between perceptions of exposure to employer wellness programs and coverage for medical services were examined. Differences between survey years were also assessed.

Results

Most respondents reported they did not have health coverage for obesity treatments, but more of the respondents with employer wellness programs reported having coverage. Neither the perception of coverage for obesity treatments nor exposure to wellness programs increased between 2015 and 2016.

Conclusions

Even when consumers have exposure to employer wellness programs that target BMI, their health insurance often excludes obesity treatments. Given the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of such treatments, reducing that coverage gap may mitigate obesity's individual‐ and population‐level effects.
Feedback‐charging a metallic island
Authors: Schaller Gernot
Published: January 2017

We consider electronic transport through a single‐electron quantum dot that is tunnel‐coupled to an electronic lead and a metallic island. A background reservoir keeps the metallic island at a thermal state with the ambient temperature, while the charge accumulated on the island is reflected in a time‐dependent chemical potential. Without feedback, a current would flow through the system until the chemical potentials of island and lead are equilibrated. A feedback loop can be implemented by a quantum point contact detecting the dot state, classical processing of the result, and appropriate feedback actions on the electronic tunneling rates taken, with the objective to direct the current in a preferred direction. Since we directly take the detector counting statistics into account, this automatically includes measurement errors in the description. When mainly the rates are modified but hardly any energy is exchanged with the system, this feedback loop effectively implements a Maxwell demon, capable of transporting electrons against an electric bias and thereby charging the metallic island. Once the feedback protocol is stopped, the metallic island simply discharges. We find that a quantitative detector model may be useful for a realistic statistical description of feedback loops.

Sketch of the model. The system (S) consists of a single‐electron transistor (SET) dot that can be occupied with at most a single electron. It is tunnel‐coupled to a lead (R) held at a fixed thermal equilibrium state and to a metallic island (L). The metallic island is held at a fixed temperature by an additional background reservoir (bg), with which it can exchange energy but no particles (shaded contact region). Its chemical potential would normally evolve until . A simple feedback loop can be implemented by measuring the state of the system with a quantum point contact (dt), classical signal processing (SP), and using the gate controls (GC) to obtain occupation‐dependent tunneling rates. With feedback active, it is possible to charge the island (). Expressions in brackets (green) denote abbreviations used in the paper.
Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for Cancer Nanotheranostics
Authors: Chen Yongjiu , Wu Yakun , Sun Bingbing , Liu Sijin , Liu Huiyu
Published: January 2017

Emerging nanotechnologies show unprecedented advantages in accelerating cancer theranostics. Among them, two‐dimensional nanomaterials (2DNMs) represent a novel type of material with versatile physicochemical properties that have enabled a new horizon for applications in both cancer diagnosis and therapy. Studies have demonstrated that 2DNMs may be used in diverse aspects, including i) cancer detection due to their high propensity towards tumor markers; ii) molecular imaging for guided tumor therapies, and iii) drug and gene loading, photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapies. However, their biomedical applications raise concerns due to the limited understanding of their in vivo metabolism, transformation and possible toxicities. In this comprehensive review, the state‐of‐the‐art development of 2DNMs and their implications for cancer nanotheranostics are presented. The modification strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of 2DNMs are also reviewed.
Adverse event associated with auriculotherapy
Authors: Morita Akira , Shimada Hirobumi , Yagi Akio , Nagamine Koichi , Nagai Chigusa , Ryu Koichi , Takano Shizuko , Okamoto Hideki , Hirasaki Yoshiro , Namiki Takao
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Case

A 76‐year‐old man with tympanic membrane perforation and hearing loss in the right ear since childhood was hospitalized in September 2015 due to deterioration of renal function. On cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate possible cerebrovascular disorder, an artifact was observed. Further, cranial computed tomography (CT) showed seven metallic objects in the region extending from the right external ear canal to the right middle ear.

Outcome

The objects were determined to be acupressure pellets measuring 1 mm in diameter.

Conclusion

Taking careful history of any prior ear disease is essential, as is the conducting of thorough examination for tympanic membrane perforation. Use of acupressure pellets on the anterior auricle should be avoided in patients with tympanic membrane perforation.
Utilization of peers in services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges: A scoping review
Authors: Gopalan Geetha , Lee Sang Jung , Harris Ryan , Acri Mary C. , Munson Michelle R.
Published: January 2017

This scoping review synthesizes published and unpublished information on Youth Peer Support Services (YPSS), where young adults with current or prior mental health challenges provide support services to other youth and young adults currently struggling with similar difficulties. Existing published and unpublished “grey” literature were reviewed, yielding 30 programs included for data extraction and qualitative syntheses using a descriptive analytic framework. Findings identify variations in service delivery structures, program goals, host service systems, peer roles, core competencies, training and supervision needs, outcomes for youth and young adult consumers, as well as organizational readiness needs to integrate YPSS. Recommendations for future research, practice, and policy include more studies evaluating the unique impact of YPSS using rigorous methodological study designs, identifying developmentally appropriate training/supervision strategies and overall service costs and financing options, as well as distinguishing YPSS from other peer models with regard to certification and billing.
Speed of coming down from infinity for birth-and-death processes
Authors: Bansaye Vincent , Méléard Sylvie , Richard Mathieu
Published: January 2017

We describe in detail the speed of `coming down from infinity' for birth-and-death processes which eventually become extinct. Under general assumptions on the birth-and-death rates, we firstly determine the behavior of the successive hitting times of large integers. We identify two different regimes depending on whether the mean time for the process to go from n+1 to n is negligible or not compared to the mean time to reach n from ∞. In the first regime, the coming down from infinity is very fast and the convergence is weak. In the second regime, the coming down from infinity is gradual and a law of large numbers and a central limit theorem for the hitting times sequence hold. By an inversion procedure, we deduce that the process is almost surely equivalent to a nonincreasing function when the time goes to 0. Our results are illustrated by several examples including applications to population dynamics and population genetics. The particular case where the death rate varies regularly is studied in detail.
Magnetic Resonance Myelography in Congenital Absence of the Cervical Pedicle
Authors: Alhazmi Rami , Farmer Jean-Pierre , Saint-Martin Christine
Published: January 2017

Absence of the cervical pedicle is a very rare congenital anomaly, easily misrecognized as a unilateral facet dislocation in a setting of acute trauma or a neoplastic process like a nerve sheath tumor. Although correct diagnosis can be achieved on the cervical radiograph and confirmed by the CT, MRI Myelography is clearly of additional value because shows the specific relationship and orientation of the nerve roots. To the best to our knowledge, this is the first description of MR Myelography findings.
The effect of deep brain stimulation on the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: a critical review of the current evidence
Authors: Kurtis Mónica M , Rajah Thadshani , Delgado Luisa F , Dafsari Haidar S
Published: January 2017

The benefit of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in controlling the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is well established, however, the impact on the non-motor symptoms (NMS) remains to be elucidated, although the growing investigative efforts are promising. This article reviews the reported data and considers the level of evidence available with regard to the effect of DBS on NMS total burden and on the cognitive, neuropsychiatric, sleep, pain, dysautonomic, and weight domains. Multiple case series suggest that DBS improves the burden of NMS by reducing prevalence, intensity, and non-motor fluctuations. There is level I evidence on the effect of DBS on cognition and mood. Slight cognitive decline has been reported in most class I studies, although the functional effect is probably minimal. Two randomized prospective studies reported no change in depression while improvement of anxiety has been reported by a class I trial. Prospective cohort studies point to improvement of hyperdopaminergic behaviors, such as impulse control disorders, while others report that hypodopaminergic states, like apathy, can appear after DBS. There is only class III evidence supporting the benefit of DBS on other NMS such as nocturnal sleep, pain, dysautonomia (urinary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and sweating), and weight loss. Although preliminary results are promising, randomized prospectively controlled trials with NMS as primary end points are necessary to further explore the effect of DBS on these often invalidating symptoms and offer conclusions about efficacy.
Plasmonic plano-semi-cylindrical nanocavities with high-efficiency local-field confinement
Authors: Liu Feifei , Zhang Xinping , Fang Xiaohui
Published: January 2017

Plasmonic nanocavity arrays were achieved by producing isolated silver semi-cylindrical nanoshells periodically on a continuous planar gold film. Hybridization between localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the Ag semi-cylindrical nanoshells (SCNS) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in the gold film was observed as split bonding and anti-bonding resonance modes located at different spectral positions. This led to strong local field enhancement and confinement in the plano-concave nanocavites. Narrow-band optical extinction with an amplitude as high as 1.5 OD, corresponding to 97% reduction in the transmission, was achieved in the visible spectrum. The resonance spectra of this hybrid device can be extended from the visible to the near infrared by adjusting the structural parameters.
Alterations in the brain adenosine metabolism cause behavioral and neurological impairment in ADA-deficient mice and patients
Authors: Sauer Aisha V. , Hernandez Raisa Jofra , Fumagalli Francesca , Bianchi Veronica , Poliani Pietro L. , Dallatomasina Chiara , Riboni Elisa , Politi Letterio S. , Tabucchi Antonella , Carlucci Filippo , Casiraghi Miriam , Carriglio Nicola , Cominelli Manuela , Forcellini Carlo Alberto , Barzaghi Federica , Ferrua Francesca , Minicucci Fabio , Medaglini Stefania , Leocani Letizia , la Marca Giancarlo , Notarangelo Lucia D. , Azzari Chiara , Comi Giancarlo , Baldoli Cristina , Canale Sabrina , Sessa Maria , D’Adamo Patrizia , Aiuti Alessandro
Published: January 2017

Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency is an autosomal recessive variant of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) caused by systemic accumulation of ADA substrates. Neurological and behavioral abnormalities observed in ADA-SCID patients surviving after stem cell transplantation or gene therapy represent an unresolved enigma in the field. We found significant neurological and cognitive alterations in untreated ADA-SCID patients as well as in two groups of patients after short- and long-term enzyme replacement therapy with PEG-ADA. These included motor dysfunction, EEG alterations, sensorineural hypoacusia, white matter and ventricular alterations in MRI as well as a low mental development index or IQ. Ada-deficient mice were significantly less active and showed anxiety-like behavior. Molecular and metabolic analyses showed that this phenotype coincides with metabolic alterations and aberrant adenosine receptor signaling. PEG-ADA treatment corrected metabolic adenosine-based alterations, but not cellular and signaling defects, indicating an intrinsic nature of the neurological and behavioral phenotype in ADA deficiency.
A reduced mechanical model for cAMP-modulated gating in HCN channels
Authors: Weißgraeber Stephanie , Saponaro Andrea , Thiel Gerhard , Hamacher Kay
Published: January 2017

We developed an in silico mechanical model to analyze the process of cAMP-induced conformational modulations in hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, which conduct cations across the membrane of mammalian heart and brain cells. The structural analysis reveals a quaternary twist in the cytosolic parts of the four subunits in the channel tetramer. This motion augments the intrinsic dynamics of the very same protein structure. The pronounced differences between the cAMP bound and unbound form include a mutual interaction between the C-linker of the cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) and the linker between the S4 and S5 transmembrane domain of the channel. This allows a mechanistic annotation of the twisting motion in relation to the allosteric modulation of voltage-dependent gating of this channel by cAMP.
Bacterial community composition in costal dunes of the Mediterranean along a gradient from the sea shore to the inland
Authors: Wasserstrom Haggai , Kublik Susanne , Wasserstrom Rachel , Schulz Stefanie , Schloter Michael , Steinberger Yosef
Published: January 2017

Sand dunes are unique ecosystems with distinct features which limited the accumulation of biomass. The distance from seashore affects both the physical properties of the sand dunes and the biota living above- and below ground. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of the distance from shore to inland on soil bacterial community composition during wet and dry season. We studied a chronosequence of sites close to the eastern Mediterranean coast. Bacterial diversity was assessed using directly extracted DNA from soil samples and 16 S ribosomal RNA gene fingerprinting. Our data indicates a significant influence of season and site on bacterial community structure. We showed that during the wet season soil organic matter, pH and salinity strongly influence bacterial community composition, whereas during the dry period bacterial diversity was mainly driven by the shortage of water at all sites. Consequently diversity was lowest during dry season at dunes close to the shore, whereas during the wet season the higher water content and the reduced salinity at the dunes which are more at the inland induced an increase in diversity, which illustrates the pronounced dynamics of microbial communities in soil over a season mainly at inland dunes.
Disrupted global metastability and static and dynamic brain connectivity across individuals in the Alzheimer’s disease continuum
Authors: Córdova-Palomera Aldo , Kaufmann Tobias , Persson Karin , Alnæs Dag , Doan Nhat Trung , Moberget Torgeir , Lund Martina Jonette , Barca Maria Lage , Engvig Andreas , Brækhus Anne , Engedal Knut , Andreassen Ole A. , Selbæk Geir , Westlye Lars T.
Published: January 2017

As findings on the neuropathological and behavioral components of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continue to accrue, converging evidence suggests that macroscale brain functional disruptions may mediate their association. Recent developments on theoretical neuroscience indicate that instantaneous patterns of brain connectivity and metastability may be a key mechanism in neural communication underlying cognitive performance. However, the potential significance of these patterns across the AD spectrum remains virtually unexplored. We assessed the clinical sensitivity of static and dynamic functional brain disruptions across the AD spectrum using resting-state fMRI in a sample consisting of AD patients (n = 80) and subjects with either mild (n = 44) or subjective (n = 26) cognitive impairment (MCI, SCI). Spatial maps constituting the nodes in the functional brain network and their associated time-series were estimated using spatial group independent component analysis and dual regression, and whole-brain oscillatory activity was analyzed both globally (metastability) and locally (static and dynamic connectivity). Instantaneous phase metrics showed functional coupling alterations in AD compared to MCI and SCI, both static (putamen, dorsal and default-mode) and dynamic (temporal, frontal-superior and default-mode), along with decreased global metastability. The results suggest that brains of AD patients display altered oscillatory patterns, in agreement with theoretical premises on cognitive dynamics.
Exocyst subunit SEC3A marks the germination site and is essential for pollen germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Yan , Tan Xiaoyun , Wang Mengru , Li Bingxuan , Zhao Yanxue , Wu Chengyun , Rui Qingchen , Wang Junxia , Liu Zhongyuan , Bao Yiqun
Published: January 2017

Arabidopsis exocyst subunit SEC3A has been reported to participate in embryo development. Here we report that SEC3A is involved during pollen germination. A T-DNA insertion in SEC3A leads to an absolute, male-specific transmission defect that can be complemented by the expression of SEC3A coding sequence from the LAT52 promoter or SEC3A genomic DNA. No obvious abnormalities in the microgametogenesis are observed in the sec3a/SEC3A mutant, however, in vitro and in vivo pollen germination are defective. Further studies reveal that the callose, pectin, and cellulose are apparently not deposited at the germination site during pollen germination. SEC3A is expressed ubiquitously, including in pollen grains and pollen tubes. Notably, SEC3A-GFP fusion proteins are specifically recruited to the future pollen germination site. This particular localization pattern is independent of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI-4,5P2), although SEC3-HIS fusion proteins are able to bind to several phosphoinositols in vitro. These results suggest that SEC3A plays an important role in the establishment of the polar site for pollen germination.
Sprayable superhydrophobic nano-chains coating with continuous self-jumping of dew and melting frost
Authors: Wang Shanlin , Zhang Wenwen , Yu Xinquan , Liang Caihua , Zhang Youfa
Published: January 2017

Spontaneous movement of condensed matter provides a new insight to efficiently improve condensation heat transfer on superhydrophobic surface. However, very few reports have shown the jumping behaviors on the sprayable superhydrophobic coatings. Here, we developed a sprayable silica nano-porous coating assembled by fluorinated nano-chains to survey the condensates’ dynamics. The dewdrops were continuously removed by self- and/or trigger-propelling motion due to abundant nano-pores from random multilayer stacking of nano-chains. In comparison, the dewdrops just could be slipped under the gravity effect on lack of nano-pores coatings stacked by silica nano-spheres and nano-aggregates. More interestingly, the spontaneous jumping effect also occurred on micro-scale frost crystals under the defrosting process on nano-chains coating surfaces. Different from self-jumping of dewdrops motion, the propelling force of frost crystals were provided by a sudden increase of the pressure under the frost crystal.
Urinary exosome-derived microRNAs reflecting the changes of renal function and histopathology in dogs
Authors: Ichii Osamu , Ohta Hiroshi , Horino Taro , Nakamura Teppei , Hosotani Marina , Mizoguchi Tatsuya , Morishita Keitaro , Nakamura Kensuke , Hoshino Yuki , Takagi Satoshi , Sasaki Noboru , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi , Sato Ryo , Oyamada Kazuhisa , Kon Yasuhiro
Published: January 2017

MicroRNAs act as post-transcriptional regulators, and urinary exosome (UExo)-derived microRNAs may be used as biomarkers. Herein, we screened for UExo-derived microRNAs reflecting kidney disease (KD) status in dogs. Examined dogs were divided into healthy kidney control (HC) and KD groups according to renal dysfunction. We confirmed the appearance of UExo having irregular globe-shapes in a dog by immunoblot detection of the exosome markers, TSG101 and CD9. Based on our previous data using KD model mice and the data obtained herein by next generation sequencing of UExo-derived microRNAs in dogs, miR-26a, miR-146a, miR-486, miR-21a, and miR-10a/b were selected as candidate microRNAs. In particular, UExo-derived miR-26a and miR-10a/b were significantly decreased in KD dogs, and miR-26a levels negatively correlated with deteriorated renal function compared to the other miRNAs. UExo-derived miR-21a levels corrected or not to that of internal control microRNAs in UExo, miR-26a and miR-191, significantly increased with renal dysfunction. In kidney tissues, the decrease of miR-26a and miR-10a/b in the glomerulus and miR-10b in the tubulointerstitium negatively correlated with deteriorated renal function and histopathology. Increased miR-21a in the tubulointerstitium rather than in the glomerulus correlated with deteriorated renal histopathology. In conclusion, microRNAs reflecting the changes in renal function and histopathology in dogs were identified in this study.
Tailoring Mechanically Robust Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) Nanofiber/nets for Ultrathin High-Efficiency Air Filter
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Liu Hui , Yin Xia , Li Zhaoling , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: January 2017

Effective promotion of air filtration applications proposed for fibers requires their real nanoscale diameter, optimized pore structure, and high service strength; however, creating such filter medium has proved to be a tremendous challenge. This study first establishes a strategy to design and fabricate novel poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) nanofiber/nets (PMIA NF/N) air filter via electrospinning/netting. Our strategy results in generation of a bimodal structure including a scaffold of nanofibers and abundant two-dimensional ultrathin (~20 nm) nanonets to synchronously construct PMIA filters by combining solution optimization, humidity regulation, and additive inspiration. Benefiting from the structural features including the true nanoscale diameter, small pore size, high porosity, and nets bonding contributed by the widely distributed nanonets, our PMIA NF/N filter exhibits the integrated properties of superlight weight (0.365 g m−2), ultrathin thickness (~0.5 μm), and high tensile strength (72.8 MPa) for effective air filtration, achieving the ultra-low penetration air filter level of 99.999% and low pressure drop of 92 Pa for 300–500 nm particles by sieving mechanism. The successful synthesis of PMIA NF/N would not only provide a promising medium for particle filtration, but also develop a versatile platform for exploring the application of nanonets in structural enhancement, separation and purification.
MOF-derived multifractal porous carbon with ultrahigh lithium-ion storage performance
Authors: Li Ang , Tong Yan , Cao Bin , Song Huaihe , Li Zhihong , Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Jisheng , Chen Gen , Luo Hongmei
Published: January 2017

Porous carbon is one of the most promising alternatives to traditional graphite materials in lithium-ion batteries. This is not only attributed to its advantages of good safety, stability and electrical conductivity, which are held by all the carbon-based electrodes, but also especially ascribed to its relatively high capacity and excellent cycle stability. Here we report the design and synthesis of a highly porous pure carbon material with multifractal structures. This material is prepared by the vacuum carbonization of a zinc-based metal-organic framework, which demonstrates an ultrahigh lithium storage capacity of 2458 mAh g−1 and a favorable high-rate performance. The associations between the structural features and the lithium storage mechanism are also revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), especially the closed pore effects on lithium-ion storage.
Immunomagnetic separation of tumor initiating cells by screening two surface markers
Authors: Sun Chen , Hsieh Yuan-Pang , Ma Sai , Geng Shuo , Cao Zhenning , Li Liwu , Lu Chang
Published: January 2017

Isolating tumor initiating cells (TICs) often requires screening of multiple surface markers, sometimes with opposite preferences. This creates a challenge for using bead-based immunomagnetic separation (IMS) that typically enriches cells based on one abundant marker. Here, we propose a new strategy that allows isolation of CD44+/CD24−TICs by IMS involving both magnetic beads coated by anti-CD44 antibody and nonmagnetic beads coated by anti-CD24 antibody (referred to as two-bead IMS). Cells enriched with our approach showed significant enhancement in TIC marker expression (examined by flow cytometry) and improved tumorsphere formation efficiency. Our method will extend the application of IMS to cell subsets characterized by multiple markers.
Heparin triggered dose dependent multi-color emission switching in water: a convenient protocol for heparinase I estimation in real-life biological fluids
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Samanta Suman K. , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: January 2017

The reversible self-assembly of amphiphilic probes with heparin as the stimulus for the screening of heparinase I enzyme is reported.
Enhanced long-term stability of perovskite solar cells by 3-hydroxypyridine dipping
Authors: Fu Rui , Zhao Yicheng , Li Qi , Zhou Wenke , Yu Dapeng , Zhao Qing
Published: January 2017

With 3-HP treatment, perovskite solar cells can give a steady and long-term output at maximum power point for more than 50 hours.
Trimethylamine-N-oxide: its hydration structure, surface activity, and biological function, viewed by vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ohto Tatsuhiko , Hunger Johannes , Backus Ellen H. G. , Mizukami Wataru , Bonn Mischa , Nagata Yuki
Published: January 2017

Vibrational spectroscopy and molecular simulations revealed the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of TMAO in aqueous solution.
Mechanistic insights into heterogeneous methane activation
Authors: Latimer Allegra A. , Aljama Hassan , Kakekhani Arvin , Yoo Jong Suk , Kulkarni Ambarish , Tsai Charlie , Garcia-Melchor Max , Abild-Pedersen Frank , Nørskov Jens K.
Published: January 2017

A framework for predicting whether a catalyst will activate methane through the radical or surface-stabilized pathway is presented.
The decomposition of benzenesulfonyl azide: a matrix isolation and computational study
Authors: Deng Guohai , Dong Xuelin , Liu Qifan , Li Dingqing , Li Hongmin , Sun Qiao , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: January 2017

The stepwise Curtius-rearrangement of benzenesulfonyl azide, PhS(O)2N3, has been proven experimentally by the direct observation of the novel intermediates sulfonyl nitrene PhS(O)2N and N-sulfonyl imine PhNSO2 and theoretically by quantum chemical calculations.
Photoinduced electron transfer in supramolecular ruthenium–porphyrin assemblies
Authors: Rota Martir Diego , Averardi Mattia , Escudero Daniel , Jacquemin Denis , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: January 2017

We present dynamic supramolecular systems composed of a Ru(ii) complex of the form of [Ru(dtBubpy)2(qpy)][PF6]2 (where dtBubpy is 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-dipyridyl and qpy is 4,4′:2′,2′′:4′′,4′′′-quaterpyridine) and zinc tetraphenylporphyrins (ZnTPP), through non-covalent interactions between the distal pyridines of the qpy and the zinc of ZnTPP.
Phosphovanadomolybdic acid catalyzed direct C–H trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes using NaSO2CF3as the CF3source and O2as the terminal oxidant
Authors: Li Chifeng , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: January 2017

In the presence of phosphovanadomolybdic acids, a direct C–H trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes efficiently proceeded by utilizing NaSO2CF3as the CF3source and O2as the terminal oxidant.
Unusual binding modes in the copper(ii) and palladium(ii) complexes of peptides containing both histidyl and cysteinyl residues
Authors: Lihi Norbert , Sanna Daniele , Bányai István , Várnagy Katalin , Sóvágó Imre
Published: January 2017

The change of the histidine in the peptide chain provides unusual binding behavior of albumin related peptides.
A new FRET-based ratiometric probe for fluorescence and colorimetric analyses of adenosine 5′-triphosphate
Authors: An Nianqi , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jing , Liu Cui , Shi Luqing , Liu Lihua , Deng Ludi , Lu Yan
Published: January 2017

A new ratiometric probe for ATP was designed based on the binding-induced modulation of FRET coupled with the ACQ sensing mechanism.
Synthetic modulation of micro- and mesopores in polycyanurate networks for adsorptions of gases and organic hydrocarbons
Authors: Shen Changjiang , Yan Jun , Deng Gaoyang , Zhang Biao , Wang Zhonggang
Published: January 2017

Synthetic modulation of pores sizes in polycyanurates from 1.17 to 17.3 nm was achieved by varying geometrical shape, size and number of functional groups of monomers. The relationships between porous structure and adsorptions of gases and organic hydrocarbons were studied.
Molecular dynamics and charge transport in organic semiconductors: a classical approach to modeling electron transfer
Authors: Pelzer Kenley M. , Vázquez-Mayagoitia Álvaro , Ratcliff Laura E. , Tretiak Sergei , Bair Raymond A. , Gray Stephen K. , Van Voorhis Troy , Larsen Ross E. , Darling Seth B.
Published: January 2017

Using ab initio calculations of charges in PCBM fullerenes, a multiscale approach applies classical molecular dynamics to model charge transfer.
Thermally activated delayed fluorescent phenothiazine–dibenzo[a,j]phenazine–phenothiazine triads exhibiting tricolor-changing mechanochromic luminescence
Authors: Okazaki Masato , Takeda Youhei , Data Przemyslaw , Pander Piotr , Higginbotham Heather , Monkman Andrew P. , Minakata Satoshi
Published: January 2017

Incorporation of switchable donors into an acceptor core led to tricolor luminescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence.
Aggregation-induced emission: mechanistic study of the clusteroluminescence of tetrathienylethene
Authors: Viglianti Lucia , Leung Nelson L. C. , Xie Ni , Gu Xinggui , Sung Herman H. Y. , Miao Qian , Williams Ian D. , Licandro Emanuela , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2017

Crystallization induced S⋯S interactions leading to an unusual luminescent phenomenon.
Tri‐section stepped‐impedance resonator filter with controllable mixed electric and magnetic cross‐coupling
Authors: Wan Xin Wen , Li Min Quan
Published: January 2017

A novel tri‐section stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) filter with controllable mixed electric and magnetic cross coupling is proposed. Two quarter‐wavelength shorted‐end SIRs and one half‐wavelength SIR are used to realise tri‐section topology. The electric and magnetic couplings in mixed cross coupling can be controlled by the inter‐digital capacitor structure and the gap between shorted lines, respectively. Then, additional transmission zeros can be obtained for better frequency selectivity and high rejected level in stopband. One filter sample is designed and fabricated with single‐layer PCB. Good agreements are achieved between the measured and simulated S‐parameters.
DC‐offset elimination method for grid synchronisation
Authors: Li Yunlu , Wang Dazhi , Ning Yi , Hui Nanmu
Published: January 2017

For three‐phase power system, the synchronous reference frame (SRF) phase‐locked loop (PLL) is probably the most widely used synchronisation technique under ideal grid condition. However, the presence of dc‐offset causes fundamental frequency oscillations errors in estimated phase. To deal with this problem, delay signal cancellation (DSC) operator is utilised in SRF‐PLL in recent published literature at the cost of slowing down the dynamic behaviour. The aim is to propose a rapid dc‐offset rejection method in three‐phase PLL for grid synchronisation. With the employment of modified DSC operator, the dynamic performance of the conventional DSC‐based PLL is improved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed through simulation results.
Biorthogonal frequency division multiple access
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Shao Kai , Zhuang Ling
Published: January 2017

Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) multicarrier modulation is the key technology in wireless communication. However, OFDMA can just get the best performance under strict carrier frequency synchronisation. Furthermore, the rectangular prototype window used in OFDMA modulation has poor spectral power density. To overcome shortcomings in OFDMA, a natural choice is filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) modulation. However, FBMC loses orthogonality and can just have near perfect reconstruction because of the truncated prototype filter length in a useful FBMC structure. The reconstruction errors in FBMC are sensitive to the prototype window. In this study, the authors introduce a new multicarrier modulation scheme that has very low peak to average power ratio (PAPR), and both advantages of OFDMA and FBMC. The authors call it biorthogonal frequency division multiple access (BFDMA). BFDMA has not only perfect reconstruction like OFDMA, but also very low PAPR and much better spectral power density than OFDMA.
Stationary average consensus for high‐order multi‐agent systems
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad Hadi , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher
Published: January 2017

The stationary average consensus problem is studied for high‐order multi‐agent systems (MASs) under balanced directed networks. The objective is to bring the positions of agents to the average of their initial positions while allowing all the remaining states (e.g., velocity, acceleration, and higher‐order states) to converge to zero. To this end, the authors propose two consensus protocols for high‐order MASs in two cases: (i) state‐feedback control, which assumes that each agent has access to its own states as well as the relative positions of its neighbours; and (ii) output‐feedback control, where each agent measures only its own position and the relative positions of its neighbours. Two case studies are given to illustrate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed protocols. In the first case study, a state‐feedback controller is designed for consensus‐based formation control of a team of vertical take‐off and landing aircraft. In the second case study, an output‐feedback consensus protocol is designed for a third‐order MAS and compare it with a recent technique from the literature.