bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dual Pathogenic Mechanism Links Tau Acetylation to Sporadic Tauopathy
Authors: Trzeciakiewicz Hanna , Tseng Jui-Heng , Wander Connor M. , Madden Victoria , Tripathy Ashutosh , Yuan Chao-Xing , Cohen Todd J.
Published: March 2017

Tau acetylation has recently emerged as a dominant post-translational modification (PTM) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Mass spectrometry studies indicate that tau acetylation sites cluster within the microtubule (MT)-binding region (MTBR), suggesting acetylation could regulate both normal and pathological tau functions. Here, we combined biochemical and cell-based approaches to uncover a dual pathogenic mechanism mediated by tau acetylation. We show that acetylation specifically at residues K280/K281 impairs tau-mediated MT stabilization, and enhances the formation of fibrillar tau aggregates, highlighting both loss and gain of tau function. Full-length acetylation-mimic tau showed increased propensity to undergo seed-dependent aggregation, revealing a potential role for tau acetylation in the propagation of tau pathology. We also demonstrate that methylene blue, a reported tau aggregation inhibitor, modulates tau acetylation, a novel mechanism of action for this class of compounds. Our study identifies a potential “two-hit” mechanism in which tau acetylation disengages tau from MTs and also promotes tau aggregation. Thus, therapeutic approaches to limit tau K280/K281 acetylation could simultaneously restore MT stability and ameliorate tau pathology in AD and related tauopathies.
MiR-153 Regulates Amelogenesis by Targeting Endocytotic and Endosomal/lysosomal Pathways–Novel Insight into the Origins of Enamel Pathologies
Authors: Yin Kaifeng , Lin Wenting , Guo Jing , Sugiyama Toshihiro , Snead Malcolm L. , Hacia Joseph G. , Paine Michael L.
Published: March 2017

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is group of inherited disorders resulting in enamel pathologies. The involvement of epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of AI is yet to be clarified due to a lack of knowledge about amelogenesis. Our previous genome-wide microRNA and mRNA transcriptome analyses suggest a key role for miR-153 in endosome/lysosome-related pathways during amelogenesis. Here we show that miR-153 is significantly downregulated in maturation ameloblasts compared with secretory ameloblasts. Within ameloblast-like cells, upregulation of miR-153 results in the downregulation of its predicted targets including Cltc, Lamp1, Clcn4 and Slc4a4, and a number of miRNAs implicated in endocytotic pathways. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed the predicted interactions between miR-153 and the 3′-UTRs of Cltc, Lamp1 (in a prior study), Clcn4 and Slc4a4. In an enamel protein intake assay, enamel cells transfected with miR-153 show a decreased ability to endocytose enamel proteins. Finally, microinjection of miR-153 in the region of mouse first mandibular molar at postnatal day 8 (PN8) induced AI-like pathologies when the enamel development reached maturity (PN12). In conclusion, miR-153 regulates maturation-stage amelogenesis by targeting key genes involved in the endocytotic and endosomal/lysosomal pathways, and disruption of miR-153 expression is a potential candidate etiologic factor contributing to the occurrence of AI.
CRISPR/Cas9-generated p47phox-deficient cell line for Chronic Granulomatous Disease gene therapy vector development
Authors: Wrona Dominik , Siler Ulrich , Reichenbach Janine
Published: March 2017

Development of gene therapy vectors requires cellular models reflecting the genetic background of a disease thus allowing for robust preclinical vector testing. For human p47phox-deficient chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) vector testing we generated a cellular model using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 to introduce a GT-dinucleotide deletion (ΔGT) mutation in p47phox encoding NCF1 gene in the human acute myeloid leukemia PLB-985 cell line. CGD is a group of hereditary immunodeficiencies characterized by impaired respiratory burst activity in phagocytes due to a defective phagocytic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. In Western countries autosomal-recessive p47phox-subunit deficiency represents the second largest CGD patient cohort with unique genetics, as the vast majority of p47phox CGD patients carries ΔGT deletion in exon two of the NCF1 gene. The established PLB-985 NCF1 ΔGT cell line reflects the most frequent form of p47phox-deficient CGD genetically and functionally. It can be differentiated to granulocytes efficiently, what creates an attractive alternative to currently used iPSC models for rapid testing of novel gene therapy approaches.
Correlating Oxygen Evolution Catalysts Activity and Electronic Structure by a High-Throughput Investigation of Ni1-y-zFeyCrzOx
Authors: Schwanke Christoph , Stein Helge Sören , Xi Lifei , Sliozberg Kirill , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ludwig Alfred , Lange Kathrin M.
Published: March 2017

High-throughput characterization by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and electrochemical characterization is used to establish a correlation between electronic structure and catalytic activity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. As a model system a quasi-ternary materials library of Ni1-y-zFeyCrzOx was synthesized by combinatorial reactive magnetron sputtering, characterized by XAS, and an automated scanning droplet cell. The presence of Cr was found to increase the OER activity in the investigated compositional range. The electronic structure of NiII and CrIII remains unchanged over the investigated composition spread. At the Fe L-edge a linear combination of two spectra was observed. These spectra were assigned to FeIII in Oh symmetry and FeIII in Td symmetry. The ratio of FeIII Oh to FeIII Td increases with the amount of Cr and a correlation between the presence of the FeIII Oh and a high OER activity is found.
Novel computational method for predicting polytherapy switching strategies to overcome tumor heterogeneity and evolution
Authors: Jonsson Vanessa D. , Blakely Collin M. , Lin Luping , Asthana Saurabh , Matni Nikolai , Olivas Victor , Pazarentzos Evangelos , Gubens Matthew A. , Bastian Boris C. , Taylor Barry S. , Doyle John C. , Bivona Trever G.
Published: March 2017

The success of targeted cancer therapy is limited by drug resistance that can result from tumor genetic heterogeneity. The current approach to address resistance typically involves initiating a new treatment after clinical/radiographic disease progression, ultimately resulting in futility in most patients. Towards a potential alternative solution, we developed a novel computational framework that uses human cancer profiling data to systematically identify dynamic, pre-emptive, and sometimes non-intuitive treatment strategies that can better control tumors in real-time. By studying lung adenocarcinoma clinical specimens and preclinical models, our computational analyses revealed that the best anti-cancer strategies addressed existing resistant subpopulations as they emerged dynamically during treatment. In some cases, the best computed treatment strategy used unconventional therapy switching while the bulk tumor was responding, a prediction we confirmed in vitro. The new framework presented here could guide the principled implementation of dynamic molecular monitoring and treatment strategies to improve cancer control.
Stage-specific, Nonlinear Surface Ozone Damage to Rice Production in China
Authors: Carter Colin A. , Cui Xiaomeng , Ding Aijun , Ghanem Dalia , Jiang Fei , Yi Fujin , Zhong Funing
Published: March 2017

China is one of the most heavily polluted nations and is also the largest agricultural producer. There are relatively few studies measuring the effects of pollution on crop yields in China, and most are based on experiments or simulation methods. We use observational data to study the impact of increased air pollution (surface ozone) on rice yields in Southeast China. We examine nonlinearities in the relationship between rice yields and ozone concentrations and find that an additional day with a maximum ozone concentration greater than 120 ppb is associated with a yield loss of 1.12% ± 0.83% relative to a day with maximum ozone concentration less than 60 ppb. We find that increases in mean ozone concentrations, SUM60, and AOT40 during panicle formation are associated with statistically significant yield losses, whereas such increases before and after panicle formation are not. We conclude that heightened surface ozone levels will potentially lead to reductions in rice yields that are large enough to have implications for the global rice market.
Understanding and controlling morphology evolution via DIO plasticization in PffBT4T-2OD/PC71BM devices
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Parnell Andrew J. , Pontecchiani Fabio , Cooper Joshaniel F. K. , Thompson Richard L. , Jones Richard A. L. , King Stephen M. , Lidzey David G. , Bernardo Gabriel
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate that the inclusion of a small amount of the co-solvent 1,8-diiodooctane in the preparation of a bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic device increases its power conversion efficiency by 20%, through a mechanism of transient plasticisation. We follow the removal of 1,8-diiodooctane directly after spin-coating using ellipsometry and ion beam analysis, while using small angle neutron scattering to characterise the morphological nanostructure evolution of the film. In PffBT4T-2OD/PC71BM devices, the power conversion efficiency increases from 7.2% to above 8.7% as a result of the coarsening of the phase domains. This coarsening process is assisted by thermal annealing and the slow evaporation of 1,8-diiodooctane, which we suggest, acts as a plasticiser to promote molecular mobility. Our results show that 1,8-diiodooctane can be completely removed from the film by a thermal annealing process at temperatures ≤100 °C and that there is an interplay between the evaporation rate of 1,8-diiodooctane and the rate of domain coarsening in the plasticized film which helps elucidate the mechanism by which additives improve device efficiency.
Behavior of DNA-lacking mitochondria in Entamoeba histolytica revealed by organelle transplant
Authors: Kazama Makoto , Ogiwara Sanae , Makiuchi Takashi , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Nakada-Tsukui Kumiko , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Tachibana Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

The anaerobic protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica has mitosomes that are mitochondria lacking some canonical functions and organelle DNA. Mitosomes play an important role in the life cycle of the parasite. The distribution of proteins in mitosomes is not uniform, and how mitosomes are maintained and retained is unknown. To answer these questions, we developed a transplant method for mitosomes with hemagglutinin-tagged protein into recipient cells containing mitosomes with Myc-tagged protein. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the two protein tags colocalized in single mitosomes in some recipient cells. These results suggest that our transplant method can be used in anaerobic protozoa and that donor mitosomes may obtain recipient proteins through fusion with other mitosomes or through de novo synthesis of proteins in recipient cells.
Killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis and neutralization of lipopolysaccharide by 17-residue bovine lactoferricins: improved activity of Trp/Ala-containing molecules
Authors: Hao Ya , Yang Na , Wang Xiumin , Teng Da , Mao Ruoyu , Wang Xiao , Li Zhanzhan , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2017

Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) has potent antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities but is also hemolytic. Our objective was to identify LfcinB17-31 derivatives with reduced hemolysis and improved antimicrobial activity via substituting Cys3, Arg4, Gln7, Met10, and Gly14 with more hydrophobic residues. Two peptides, Lfcin4 and Lfcin5, showed higher activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis and lower hemolytic activity than the parent peptide LfcinB17-31. These peptides permeabilized the outer and inner membranes of S. enteritidis; however, Lfcin5 did not permeabilize the inner membrane of S. aureus. Gel retardation and circular dichroism spectra showed that Lfcin4 and Lfcin5 bound to bacterial genomic DNA. Lfcin4 inhibited DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Both peptides induced the peeling of membranes and the lysis of S. enteritidis. At doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg, Lfcin4 and Lfcin5 reduced the bacterial counts in infected thigh muscles by 0.03‒0.10 and 0.05‒0.63 log10 CFU/g of tissue, respectively, within 10 h. Lfcin4 and Lfcin5 enhanced the survival rate of endotoxemic mice; reduced serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels; and protected mice from lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury. These data suggest that Lfcin4 and Lfcin5 may be antimicrobial and anti-endotoxin peptides that could serve as the basis for the development of dual-function agents.
Beam shaping in high-power broad-area quantum cascade lasers using optical feedback
Authors: Ferré Simon , Jumpertz Louise , Carras Mathieu , Ferreira Robson , Grillot Frédéric
Published: March 2017

Broad-area quantum cascade lasers with high output powers are highly desirable sources for various applications including infrared countermeasures. However, such structures suffer from strongly deteriorated beam quality due to multimode behavior, diffraction of light and self-focusing. Quantum cascade lasers presenting high performances in terms of power and heat-load dissipation are reported and their response to a nonlinear control based on optical feedback is studied. Applying optical feedback enables to efficiently tailor its near-field beam profile. The different cavity modes are sequentially excited by shifting the feedback mirror angle. Further control of the near-field profile is demonstrated using spatial filtering. The impact of an inhomogeneous gain as well as the influence of the cavity width are investigated. Compared to existing technologies, that are complex and costly, beam shaping with optical feedback is a more flexible solution to obtain high-quality mid-infrared sources.
Noise-enabled optical ratchets
Authors: León-Montiel Roberto de J. , Quinto-Su Pedro A.
Published: March 2017

In this contribution, we report on the implementation of a novel noise-enabled optical ratchet system. We demonstrate that, unlike commonly-used ratchet schemes—where complex asymmetric optical potentials are needed—efficient transport of microparticles across a one-dimensional optical lattice can be produced by introducing controllable noise in the system. This work might open interesting routes towards the development of new technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of transport occurring at the micro- and nanoscale, from novel particle-sorting tools to efficient molecular motors.
Similarities and differences of functional connectivity in drug-naïve, first-episode adolescent and young adult with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Wei Shengnan , Womer Fay , Geng Haiyang , Jiang Xiaowei , Zhou Qian , Chang Miao , Zhou Yifang , Tang Yanqing , Wang Fei
Published: March 2017

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are considered two distinct psychiatric disorders. Yet, they have considerable overlap in symptomatology and clinical features, particularly in the initial phases of illness. The amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC) appear to have critical roles in these disorders; however, abnormalities appear to manifest differently. In our study forty-nine drug-naïve, first-episode MDD, 45 drug-naïve, first-episode SZ, and 50 healthy control (HC) participants from 13 to 30 years old underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Functional connectivity (FC) between the amygdala and PFC was compared among the three groups. Significant differences in FC were observed between the amygdala and ventral PFC (VPFC), dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC), and dorsal anterior cingulated cortex (dACC) among the three groups. Further analyses demonstrated that MDD showed decreased amygdala-VPFC FC and SZ had reductions in amygdala-dACC FC. Both the diagnostic groups had significantly decreased amygdala-DLPFC FC. These indicate abnormalities in amygdala-PFC FC and further support the importance of the interaction between the amygdala and PFC in adolescents and young adults with these disorders. Additionally, the alterations in amygdala-PFC FC may underlie the initial similarities observed between MDD and SZ and suggest potential markers of differentiation between the disorders at first onset.
Angiopoietin-like 4 Mediates Colonic Inflammation by Regulating Chemokine Transcript Stability via Tristetraprolin
Authors: Phua Terri , Sng Ming Keat , Tan Eddie Han Pin , Chee Dickson Shao Liang , Li Yinliang , Wee Jonathan Wei Kiat , Teo Ziqiang , Chan Jeremy Soon Kiat , Lim Maegan Miang Kee , Tan Chek Kun , Zhu Pengcheng , Arulampalam Velmurugesan , Tan Nguan Soon
Published: March 2017

Many gastrointestinal diseases exhibit a protracted and aggravated inflammatory response that can lead to hypercytokinaemia, culminating in extensive tissue damage. Recently, angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) has been implicated in many inflammation-associated diseases. However, how ANGPTL4 regulates colonic inflammation remains unclear. Herein, we show that ANGPTL4 deficiency in mice (ANGPTL4−/−) exacerbated colonic inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) or stearic acid. Microbiota was similar between the two genotypes prior DSS challenge. A microarray gene expression profile of the colon from DSS-treated ANGPTL4−/− mice was enriched for genes involved in leukocyte migration and infiltration, and showed a close association to inflamed ulcerative colitis (UC), whereas the profile from ANGPTL4+/+ littermates resembled that of non-inflamed UC biopsies. Bone marrow transplantation demonstrates the intrinsic role of colonic ANGPTL4 in regulating leukocyte infiltration during DSS-induced inflammation. Using immortalized human colon epithelial cells, we revealed that the ANGPTL4-mediated upregulation of tristetraprolin expression operates through CREB and NF-κB transcription factors, which in turn, regulates the stability of chemokines. Together, our findings suggest that ANGPTL4 protects against acute colonic inflammation and that its absence exacerbates the severity of inflammation. Our findings emphasize the importance of ANGPTL4 as a novel target for therapy in regulating and attenuating inflammation.
Crystal structures reveal N-terminal Domain of Arabidopsis thaliana ClpD to be highly divergent from that of ClpC1
Authors: Mohapatra Chinmayee , Kumar Jagdev Manas , Vasudevan Dileep
Published: March 2017

The caseinolytic protease machinery associated chaperone protein ClpC is known to be present in bacteria, plants and other eukaryotes, whereas ClpD is unique to plants. Plant ClpC and ClpD proteins get localized into chloroplast stroma. Herein, we report high resolution crystal structures of the N-terminal domain of Arabidopsis thaliana ClpC1 and ClpD. Surprisingly, AtClpD, but not AtClpC1, deviates from the typical N-terminal repeat domain organization of known Clp chaperones and have only seven α-helices, instead of eight. In addition, the loop connecting the two halves of AtClpD NTD is longer and covers the region which in case of AtClpC1 is thought to contribute to adaptor protein interaction. Taken together, the N-terminal domain of AtClpD has a divergent structural organization compared to any known Clp chaperones which hints towards its specific role during plant stress conditions, as opposed to that in the maintenance of chloroplastic homeostasis by AtClpC1. Conservation of residues in the NTD that are responsible for the binding of the cyclic peptide activator - Cyclomarin A, as reported for mycobacterial ClpC1 suggests that the peptide could be used as an activator to both AtClpC1 and AtClpD, which could be useful in their detailed in vitro functional characterization.
De novo and reference transcriptome assembly of transcripts expressed during flowering provide insight into seed setting in tetraploid red clover
Authors: Kovi Mallikarjuna Rao , Amdahl Helga , Alsheikh Muath , Rognli Odd Arne
Published: March 2017

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is one of the most important legume forage species in temperate livestock agriculture. Tetraploid red clover cultivars are generally producing less seed than diploid cultivars. Improving the seed setting potential of tetraploid cultivars is necessary to utilize the high forage quality and environmentally sustainable nitrogen fixation ability of red clover. In the current study, our aim was to identify candidate genes involved in seed setting. Two genotypes, ‘Tripo’ with weak seed setting and ‘Lasang’ with strong seed setting were selected for transcriptome analysis. De novo and reference based analyses of transcriptome assemblies were conducted to study the global transcriptome changes from early to late developmental stages of flower development of the two contrasting red clover genotypes. Transcript profiles, gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis indicate that genes related to flower development, pollen pistil interactions, photosynthesis and embryo development are differentially expressed between these two genotypes. A significant number of genes related to pollination were overrepresented in ‘Lasang’, which might be a reason for its good seed setting ability. The candidate genes detected in this study might be used to develop molecular tools for breeding tetraploid red clover varieties with improved seed yield potentials.
Serum Macro TSH Level is Associated with Sleep Quality in Patients with Cardiovascular Risks – HSCAA Study
Authors: Kadoya Manabu , Koyama Sachie , Morimoto Akiko , Miyoshi Akio , Kakutani Miki , Hamamoto Kae , Kurajoh Masafumi , Shoji Takuhito , Moriwaki Yuji , Koshiba Masahiro , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Inaba Masaaki , Namba Mitsuyoshi , Koyama Hidenori
Published: March 2017

Macro thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) has been reported to be associated with seasonality and regulated by changes in day length in rodents, different from free TSH. In the present study, we investigated structural differences between macro TSH and free TSH levels in human serum, as well as the association of macro TSH with sleep quality. We enrolled 314 patients registered in the Hyogo Sleep Cardio-Autonomic Atherosclerosis (HSCAA) study. Sleep quality shown by actigraphy, sleep physical activity, and percent sleep in all and TSH closely matched subjects were significantly associated with high macro TSH levels. Macro and free TSH were similarly increased following thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation, while circadian changes associated with those were distinct. To further analyze the structure of macro TSH, serum samples were separated by gel filtration chromatography. Although treatment with glycosidase did not affect morbidity, the macro TSH fraction had a markedly low affinity to the Con A column as compared with free TSH, indicating a distinct glycosylation structure. In conclusion, an increase in serum macro TSH is associated with low sleep quality and regulated in a manner distinct from free TSH, potentially due to an altered glycosylation structure.
Metabolomics of the tick-Borrelia interaction during the nymphal tick blood meal
Authors: Hoxmeier J. Charles , Fleshman Amy C. , Broeckling Corey D. , Prenni Jessica E. , Dolan Marc C. , Gage Kenneth L. , Eisen Lars
Published: March 2017

The causal agents of Lyme disease in North America, Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii, are transmitted primarily by Ixodes scapularis ticks. Due to their limited metabolic capacity, spirochetes rely on the tick blood meal for nutrients and metabolic intermediates while residing in the tick vector, competing with the tick for nutrients in the blood meal. Metabolomics is an effective methodology to explore dynamics of spirochete survival and multiplication in tick vectors before transmission to a vertebrate host via tick saliva. Using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we identified statistically significant differences in the metabolic profile among uninfected I. scapularis nymphal ticks, B. burgdorferi-infected nymphal ticks and B. mayonii-infected nymphal ticks by measuring metabolism every 24 hours over the course of their up to 96 hour blood meals. Specifically, differences in the abundance of purines, amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids during the blood meal among the three groups of nymphal ticks suggest that B. mayonii and B. burgdorferi may have different metabolic capabilities, especially during later stages of nymphal feeding. Understanding mechanisms underlying variable metabolic requirements of different Lyme disease spirochetes within tick vectors could potentially aid development of novel methods to control spirochete transmission.
Superconductivity and magnetism in iron sulfides intercalated by metal hydroxides
Authors: Zhou Xiuquan , Eckberg Christopher , Wilfong Brandon , Liou Sz-Chian , Vivanco Hector K. , Paglione Johnpierre , Rodriguez Efrain E.
Published: March 2017

Formation of heterostructured [(Na1−xFex)(OH)2]FeS and enhancement of critical temperature of layered FeS by lithium hydroxide intercalation.
Effect of ancillary ligands on the properties of diphenylphosphoryl-substituted cationic Ir(iii) complexes
Authors: Yu Hongcui , Liu Chun , Yu Zhenni , Zhang Liyan , xiu Jinghai
Published: March 2017

A new class of greenish-blue to blue emitting diphenylphosphoryl-substituted cationic cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes (POF1–POF6) with different N^N ancillary ligands are reported.
Aptamer-based biosensors for detection of lead(ii) ion: a review
Authors: Yang Danxing , Liu Xiaocheng , Zhou Yaoyu , Luo Lin , Zhang Jiachao , Huang Anqi , Mao Qiming , Chen Xiao , Tang Lin
Published: March 2017

Lead(ii) ion (Pb2+) contamination can be accumulated along the food chain and cause a serious threat to public health.
Supramolecular chemistry: Where from? Where to?
Authors: Lehn Jean-Marie
Published: March 2017

It is difficult to determine when the area termed “Supramolecular Chemistry” started and thus what anniversary there really is.
Dynamic covalent diarylbibenzofuranone-modified nanocellulose: mechanochromic behaviour and application in self-healing polymer composites
Authors: Imato K. , Natterodt J. C. , Sapkota J. , Goseki R. , Weder C. , Takahara A. , Otsuka H.
Published: March 2017

Surface mechanochemistry of nanocelluloses modified with a dynamic covalent mechanophore is investigated, and self-healing composites with the celluloses are developed.
Mild and efficient synthesis of ω,ω-heterodifunctionalized polymers and polymer bioconjugates
Authors: Adrian Figg C. , Bartley Ashton N. , Kubo Tomohiro , Tucker Bryan S. , Castellano Ronald K. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: March 2017

Semi-telechelic ω,ω-heterodifunctional polymers and polymer bioconjugates are synthesized under mild conditions using benzotrifuranone.
Impacts of inorganic draw solutes on the performance of thin-film composite forward osmosis membrane in a microfiltration assisted anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor
Authors: Hu Taozhan , Wang Xinhua , Wang Chen , Li Xiufen , Ren Yueping
Published: March 2017

A Donnan equilibrium led to a higher NH4+–N concentration and more severe FO biofouling for the draw solutes NaCl and MgCl2, respectively.
Formaldehyde sensing based on the catalytic reaction of β-HgS nanocrystals
Authors: Shen Jiang-Shan , Wu Jia-Jia , Sun Xiang-Ying , Wu Zhen-Long , Gao Ping , Bin Liu Bin Liu
Published: March 2017

A novel and simple fluorescent sensing platform for detecting formaldehyde could be successfully developed on the basis of the catalytic activity of β-HgS nanocrystals towards O-phenylenediamine.
Highly efficient saturated visible up-conversion photoluminescent Y2O3:Er3+ microspheres pumped with a 1.55 μm laser diode
Authors: Zhao Jinbo , Wu Lili , Zhang Chuanjiang , Zeng Bin , Lv Yingnan , Li Zhen , Jiang Qinglong , Guo Zhanhu
Published: March 2017

Highly efficient saturation up-conversion bright visible luminescence was obtained using 1.55 μm laser diode excitation power as low as ∼0.03 W cm−2 in lab-synthesized Y2O3:Er3+ microspheres.
l-Proline-Catalyzed Cyclization of 6-Aminopyrimidine-4(3H)-ones with Nitroolefins: Synthesis of Polysubstituted 5-Arylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones
Authors: Zhang Furen , Li Chunmei
Published: March 2017

A simple and efficient one-pot procedure for the synthesis of new pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives has been established through an l-proline-catalyzed cyclization of 6-aminopyrimidine-4(3H)-one with nitroolefins in water. The reaction at 80 °C in water gives various highly substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines in good to excellent yields. This procedure has the advantages of environmental friendliness, good yields, and convenient operation.
Impact of the Herbal Breviscapine on the Pharmacokinetics of Simvastatin in Rats: The Involvement of CYP3A4
Authors: Ju Aixia , Li Yang , Qu Zhe , Li Qiuhong
Published: March 2017

The effect of breviscapine injection on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin and the mRNA expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme was investigated with rats. The rats were pretreated for 8 consecutive days with breviscapine injection (20 mg/kg/day, i. v.), followed by administration of simvastatin through gavage (40 mg/kg). The control rats received the corresponding volume of saline solution for the pretreatment. Blood samples were collected at varied time points after simvastatin administration and the liver was harvested after the last collection of the blood sample for measurement of the CYP3A4 mRNA expression. Pre-treatment with breviscapine injection led to increased plasma concentration of simvastatin, showing 57% increase for AUC0-∞ (P<0.01), 31% increase for C
max (P<0.01), and 36% decrease for the total plasma clearance, compared with the control. Pre-treatment with breviscapine injection also inhibited the mRNA expression of the hepatic CYP3A4. These findings indicate that pre-treatment with breviscapine injection could increase the plasma concentration of simvastatin, possibly by inhibiting the expression of the hepatic CYP3A4, and combined use of breviscapine with simvastatin may improve the simvastatin efficacy and reduce its adverse reactions through reduced its dosage.
An international survey of polypectomy training and assessment
Authors: Patel K. , Rajendran A. , Faiz O. , Rutter M. , Rutter C. , Jover R. , Koutroubakis I. , Januszewicz W. , Ferlitsch M. , Dekker E. , MacIntosh D. , Ng S. , Kitiyakara T. , Pohl H. , Thomas-Gibson S.
Published: March 2017

Background and study aims Colonic polypectomy is acknowledged to be a technically challenging part of colonoscopy. Training in polypectomy is recognized to be often inconsistent. This study aimed to ascertain worldwide practice in polypectomy training.

Patients and methods An electronic survey was distributed to endoscopic trainees and trainers in 19 countries asking about their experiences of receiving and delivering training. Participants were also asked about whether formal polypectomy training guidance existed in their country.

Results Data were obtained from 610 colonoscopists. Of these responses, 348 (57.0 %) were from trainers and 262 (43.0 %) from trainees; 6.6 % of trainers assessed competency once per year or less often. Just over half (53.1 %) of trainees had ever had their polypectomy technique formally assessed by any trainer. Approximately half the trainees surveyed (51.1 %) stated that the principles of polypectomy had only ever been taught to them intermittently. Of those trainees with the most colonoscopy experience, who had performed over 500 procedures, 48.2 % had had training on removing large polyps of over 10 mm; 46.2 % (121 respondents) of trainees surveyed held no record of the polypectomies they had performed. Only four of the 19 countries surveyed had specific guidelines on polypectomy training.

Conclusions A significant number of competent colonoscopists have never been taught how to perform polypectomy. Training guidelines worldwide generally give little direction as to how trainees should acquire polypectomy skills. The learning curve for polypectomy needs to be defined to provide reliable guidance on how to train colonoscopists in this skill.
Effect of Traditional Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus with Xanthosoma sagittifolium on the Male Reproductive System of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Oridupa Olayinka , Folasire Oluyemisi , Owolabi Adedotun , Aina Oluwasanmi
Published: March 2017

The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) targets glycemic control as well as prevention or reversal of other complications associated with the metabolic disorder. One of such complications is the infertility which has been traced to oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by DM.

In this study, experimentally-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were fed with Xanthosoma sagittifolium (cocoyam) for 14 days and its effect on sperm morphology and characteristics, as well as histology of the testes were assessed. X. sagittifolium corm feed (Xs) were reconstituted with commercial rat feed to contain 25, 50, 75 or 100% X. sagittifolium on a weight/weight basis.

One primary and 7 secondary cell abnormalities were observed with overall increased total abnormal sperm cells in the diabetic rats. Sperm cell motility was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all diabetic rats, but diabetic rats fed with Xs showed increased motility and liveability. Sperm volume was unchanged, but the depressed sperm count in the untreated diabetic rats was increased in Xs-fed rats. Histology of Xs-fed diabetic rats showed reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter and luminal diameter which was significantly enlarged in untreated diabetic rats.

X. sagittifolium significantly (p<0.05) prevented further deterioration of sperm cell quality and reversed cell apoptosis as presented by increased sperm motility, liveability and count. In the overall, the chances of fertilization by sperm cells from diabetic patients will be increased as well as achievement of good glycemic control and prevention of further damage by the disease condition.
Nature of electron trap states under inversion at In0.53Ga0.47As/Al2O3 interfaces
Authors: Colleoni Davide , Pourtois Geoffrey , Pasquarello Alfredo
Published: March 2017

In and Ga impurities substitutional to Al in the oxide layer resulting from diffusion out of the substrate are identified as candidates for electron traps under inversion at In0.53Ga0.47As/Al2O3 interfaces. Through density-functional calculations, these defects are found to be thermodynamically stable in amorphous Al2O3 and to be able to capture two electrons in a dangling bond upon breaking bonds with neighboring O atoms. Through a band alignment based on hybrid functional calculations, it is inferred that the corresponding defect levels lie at ∼1 eV above the conduction band minimum of In0.53Ga0.47As, in agreement with measured defect densities. These results support the technological importance of avoiding cation diffusion into the oxide layer.
The effect of post-annealing on the structure and magnetotransport properties of Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 thin film
Authors: Chen Liping , Zeng Jiali , Li Miao , Tang Zhenhua , Gao Ju
Published: March 2017

Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 (PSMO) thin film is epitaxially grown on (001)-oriented LaAlO3 single-crystal substrate using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). It is found that the as-grown PSMO film shows compressive strain in plane and tensile strain out of the plane. Upon annealing at 900°C in the air, the strain is significantly relaxed. The paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition temperature TC shifts from 200 K to 220 K, and the antiferromagnetic insulating phase is suppressed in the phase separated state at low temperature. In addition, the magnetoresistance (MR) is found to increase around the ferromagnetic transition temperature, whereas it decreases from 99% to 60% at low temperature of 20 K.
Abnormal enhancement of ferromagnetism for LaMnO3+δ thin films with decreasing oxygen pressure
Authors: Zhang A. M. , Zhang W. C. , Wu X. S. , Lin J. G.
Published: March 2017

The compressive LaMnO3+δ thin films with thickness of ∼20 nm are grown on LaAlO3 (001) single crystal substrates under various oxygen environment. With decreasing oxygen pressure, the in-plane compressive strain is enhanced. It is found that the breathing mode (Q1) and the basal plane distortion mode (Q2) of MnO6 octahedron are suppressed, while the octahedral stretching mode (Q3) is promoted. The promoted Q3 switches the orbital order from x2-1/y2-1 to (x2-y2)+(z2-1) type. The ferromagnetic (FM) transition temperature Tc increases from 85 K to 105 K and the low-temperature magnetization increases greatly by 175%. The abnormal enhancement of magnetization with decreasing oxygen pressure is ascribed to the strain enlarged FM domains due to the decreased MnO6 distortion and the switched orbital ordering. This result is advantageous to explain the novel phenomena in LaMnO3-related systems.
Selection of sap feed trees by yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) in north-eastern Queensland, Australia – implications for site-specific habitat management
Authors: Heise-Pavlov S. R. , Chizinski T. , Walker N. E.
Published: March 2017

Knowledge of site-specific ecological factors affecting a species’ resource selection is essential to assist in habitat management for a species’ conservation, particularly for species with narrow resource width. This study aimed to assess whether microhabitat variables affect the selection of Eucalyptus resinifera sap feed trees by yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) in north-eastern Australia. Microhabitat variables were measured in a simplified way around glider-selected and -non-selected Eucalyptus resinifera trees. Canopy cover and percentage of burnt trunk below breast height were identified as influential on feed tree selection, with feed trees showing a higher percentage of burnt trunk and a lower surrounding canopy cover. While the direct effect of fire on a potential feed tree remains to be clarified, fire may affect the structural composition of vegetation leading to lower surrounding canopy cover around potential feed trees. Thus, any forest management, such as logging and grazing should be practiced with great caution since they affect structural features of the vegetation that may contribute to the selection of feed trees by this species and may also affect its alternative food resources.
Characterisation of amorphous/nanocrystalline multilayer Si3N4–Si3N4/Si2N2O films prepared by alternately sputtering
Authors: Liu Eryong , Pu Jibin , Zeng Zhixiang , Wang Yongxin , Zhao Wenjie
Published: March 2017

By using direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering deposition, multilayer Si3N4 films composed of alternately DC layer and RF layer were prepared. Phase composition, microstructure, and hardness/toughness of different Si3N4 films were studied. X-ray diffraction results showed that DC layer was amorphous Si3N4 film, while RF layer was nanocrystalline Si3N4 film. The hardness of amorphous Si3N4 film was higher than that of nanocrystalline Si3N4 film and the plasticity of nanocrystalline Si3N4 film was higher than that of amorphous Si3N4 film. Furthermore, the hardness/toughness of multilayer Si3N4 films was obviously higher than that of the single Si3N4 film and the plasticity was higher than that of single nanocrystalline Si3N4 film, which can be attributed to the fact that a large number of interface hindered the increasing of particles, thus, the fine particles and the interface strengthened the multilayer films, while the propagation of micro-crack was prevented by amorphous/nanocrystalline layer of multilayer Si3N4 film.
Collective effectiveness in the XV de France: selections and time matter
Authors: Sedeaud Adrien , Saulière Guillaume , Marquet Laurie‐Anne , Del Vecchio Scott , Bar‐Hen Avner , Toussaint Jean‐François
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of selections and shared selections in the rugby union. Players’ names, positions, and number of selections were collected for all XV de France's games (1906–2014). Every team's percentage of renewal of workforce was calculated for backs and forwards. During the 1987–2014 period, all second row forwards (locks), halfbacks, and centres’ shared selections (number of times when two players have competed together) were recreated. The Best vs. Rest method was applied to these remodelled dyads. They were analysed and compared with surrounding teammates as well as opponents. Head coaches similarly change their workforce for upcoming matches after winning or losing (around 30%), but losing teams renew significantly more positions in their line‐ups. The recreated halfbacks, locks, and centres reveal a common pattern. Whether victorious or not, the ‘renewed couples’ victory percentage will congregate towards the XV de France's victory percentage. For all the best recreated couples, the cumulated number of selections for forwards’ is always higher than the ones part of less efficient teams: 231.3 ± 80 vs. 212.9 ± 91 selections for locks’ teammates (Effect sizes (ES) small, possibly positive, 54.8%). In best recreated couples, number 8’s are significantly more experienced than their counterparts in less efficient pairs (ES small, likely positive, 76.3%). The XV de France's collective effectiveness relies on a balance between stability and workforce renewal, which allows the building of specific position interactions and builds on experimented forwards packs. Selections and shared selections are serious collective performance parameters associated with performance.
Combined training, FNDC5/irisin levels and metabolic markers in obese men: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bonfante Ivan Luiz Padilha , Chacon‐Mikahil Mara Patrícia Traina , Brunelli Diego Trevisan , Gáspari Arthur Fernandes , Duft Renata Garbellini , Lopes Wendell Arhur , Bonganha Valéria , Libardi Cleiton Augusto , Cavaglieri Cláudia Regina
Published: March 2017

The effects of training on FNDC5/irisin and its association with fitness and metabolic marker improvements induced by training have been poorly investigated in humans. Thus, the present study assessed the effects of combined training (CT) on FNDC5/irisin levels, metabolic markers and fitness adaptations in obese men. Middle‐age obese men (age 49.13 ± 5.75, body mass index (BMI) 30.86 ± 1.63) were randomly distributed in the CT group (n = 12) and control group (CG n = 10). The CT consisted of strength followed by aerobic training, 3 times/week, for 24 weeks. Body composition, physical fitness, plasma FNDC5/irisin, biochemical markers and metabolic scores/index were evaluated. CT maintained FNDC5/irisin levels (µg/mL) (pre: 4.15 ± 0.32, post: 4.21 ± 0.32; p = .96) and improved body composition, metabolic and physical fitness markers. In the CG, decreased FNDC5/irisin (µg/mL) (pre: 4.36 ± 0.23, post: 3.57 ± 0.94; p = .01) and reduced strength (supine exercise/kg) (pre: 71 ± 14.7, post: 60.1 ± 14.05; p < .01) were observed, along with a trend to increase HOMA‐IR (pre: 2.63 ± 1.11, post: 3.14 ± 1.27; p = .07) and other indicators of metabolic deterioration. An inverse correlation was found between the change (Δ%) in levels of FNDC5/irisin and Δ% glucose, Δ% total cholesterol, Δ% triglycerides and Δ% waist circumference, in addition to a positive relation with Δ% muscle strength. In conclusion, CT maintained FNDC5/irisin levels and provided metabolic and fitness benefits. The correlation between FNDC5/irisin changes and metabolic parameters, as well as the FNDC5/irisin reduction associated with fitness and metabolic worsening in the CG, suggests a relationship between FNDC5/irisin and a healthy metabolic status in humans.
Lowest 𝔰𝔩(2)-types in 𝔰𝔩(𝔫)-representations
Authors: Lhou Hassan , Willenbring Jeb
Published: March 2017

Fix

n
≥
3

n \geq 3

. Let

s

\mathfrak {s}

be a principally embedded

s
l

2

\mathfrak {sl}_2

-subalgebra in

s
l

n

\mathfrak {sl}_n

. A special case of results of the second author and Gregg Zuckerman implies that there exists a positive integer

b
(
n
)

b(n)

such that for any finite dimensional irreducible

s
l

n

\mathfrak {sl}_n

-representation,

V
V

, there exists an irreducible

s

\mathfrak {s}

-representation embedding in

V
V

with dimension at most

b
(
n
)

b(n)

. We prove that

b
(
n
)
=
n

b(n)=n

is the sharpest possible bound. We also address embeddings other than the principal one.

The exposition involves an application of the Cartan–Helgason theorem, Pieri rules, Hermite reciprocity, and a calculation in the “branching algebra” introduced by Roger Howe, Eng-Chye Tan, and the second author.
The Earliest Viking Activity in England?
Authors: Downham Clare
Published: March 2017

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has been regarded as an unproblematic guide to the first viking raids on the English-speaking peoples. The hiatus in records of viking raids in the Chronicle from AD 794 until 835 has led scholars to believe that southern Britain suffered little piratical activity in those years. This paper uses the evidence of contemporary letters, foreign chronicles and charters to provide an alternative narrative. These sources demonstrate that Kent suffered under the threat of seaborne attacks from the 790s until the 820s when no events are recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The paper invites reconsideration of the textbook accounts of the beginning of the Viking Age in England.
Calibration drift in regression and machine learning models for acute kidney injury
Authors: Davis Sharon E , Lasko Thomas A , Chen Guanhua , Siew Edward D , Matheny Michael E
Published: March 2017

Objective

Predictive analytics create opportunities to incorporate personalized risk estimates into clinical decision support. Models must be well calibrated to support decision-making, yet calibration deteriorates over time. This study explored the influence of modeling methods on performance drift and connected observed drift with data shifts in the patient population.

Materials and Methods

Using 2003 admissions to Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals nationwide, we developed 7 parallel models for hospital-acquired acute kidney injury using common regression and machine learning methods, validating each over 9 subsequent years.

Results

Discrimination was maintained for all models. Calibration declined as all models increasingly overpredicted risk. However, the random forest and neural network models maintained calibration across ranges of probability, capturing more admissions than did the regression models. The magnitude of overprediction increased over time for the regression models while remaining stable and small for the machine learning models. Changes in the rate of acute kidney injury were strongly linked to increasing overprediction, while changes in predictor-outcome associations corresponded with diverging patterns of calibration drift across methods.

Conclusions

Efficient and effective updating protocols will be essential for maintaining accuracy of, user confidence in, and safety of personalized risk predictions to support decision-making. Model updating protocols should be tailored to account for variations in calibration drift across methods and respond to periods of rapid performance drift rather than be limited to regularly scheduled annual or biannual intervals.
Fecal Microbiota Transfer for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negatives: A Clinical Success Combined With Microbiological Failure
Authors: Stalenhoef Janneke E. , Terveer Elisabeth M. , Knetsch Cornelis W. , van‘t Hof Peter J. , Vlasveld Imro N. , Keller Josbert J. , Visser Leo G. , Kuijper Eduard J.
Published: March 2017

Combined fecal microbiota transfer and antibiotic treatment prevented recurrences of urinary tract infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but it failed to eradicate intestinal colonization with MDR Escherichia coli. Based on microbiota analysis, failure was not associated with distinct diminished microbiota diversity.