bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small asteroids temporarily captured in the Earth-Moon system
Authors: Jedicke Robert , Bolin Bryce , Bottke William F. , Chyba Monique , Fedorets Grigori , Granvik Mikael , Patterson Geoff
Published: March 2016

We present an update on our work on understanding the population of natural objects that are temporarily captured in the Earth-Moon system like the 2-3 meter diameter, 2006 RH120, that was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey. We use the term ‘minimoon’ to refer to objects that are gravitationally bound to the Earth-Moon system, make at least one revolution around the barycenter in a co-rotating frame relative to the Earth-Sun axis, and are within 3 Earth Hill-sphere radii. There are one or two 1 to 2 meter diameter minimoons in the steady state population at any time, and about a dozen larger than 50 cm diameter. ‘Drifters’ are also bound to the Earth-Moon system but make less than one revolution about the barycenter. The combined population of minimoons and drifters provide a new opportunity for scientific exploration of small asteroids and testing concepts forin-situresource utilization. These objects provide interesting challenges for rendezvous missions because of their limited lifetime and complicated trajectories. Furthermore, they are difficult to detect because they are small, available for a limited time period, and move quickly across the sky.
Asteroid Discovery and Characterization with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
Authors: Jones R. Lynne , Jurić Mario , Ivezić Željko
Published: March 2016

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will be a ground-based, optical, all-sky, rapid cadence survey project with tremendous potential for discovering and characterizing asteroids.

With LSST's large 6.5m diameter primary mirror, a wide 9.6 square degree field of view 3.2 Gigapixel camera, and rapid observational cadence, LSST will discover more than 5 million asteroids over its ten year survey lifetime. With a single visit limiting magnitude of 24.5 in r band, LSST will be able to detect asteroids in the Main Belt down to sub-kilometer sizes. The current strawman for the LSST survey strategy is to obtain two visits (each ‘visit’ being a pair of back-to-back 15s exposures) per field, separated by about 30 minutes, covering the entire visible sky every 3-4 days throughout the observing season, for ten years.

The catalogs generated by LSST will increase the known number of small bodies in the Solar System by a factor of 10-100 times, among all populations. The median number of observations for Main Belt asteroids will be on the order of 200-300, with Near Earth Objects receiving a median of 90 observations. These observations will be spread among ugrizy bandpasses, providing photometric colors and allow sparse lightcurve inversion to determine rotation periods, spin axes, and shape information.

These catalogs will be created using automated detection software, the LSST Moving Object Processing System (MOPS), that will take advantage of the carefully characterized LSST optical system, cosmetically clean camera, and recent improvements in difference imaging. Tests with the prototype MOPS software indicate that linking detections (and thus ‘discovery’) will be possible at LSST depths with our working model for the survey strategy, but evaluation of MOPS and improvements in the survey strategy will continue. All data products and software created by LSST will be publicly available.
The IMPACTON Project: Pole and Shape of Eight Near-Earth Asteroids
Authors: Silva José Sergio , Lazzaro Daniela , Rodrigues Teresinha , Carvano Jorge Márcio , Roig Fernando , Souza Roberto ,   the IMPACTON team
Published: March 2016

The formation and evolution of Solar System small bodies, in particular those in near-Earth orbits, is a complex problem which solution strongly depends on a better knowledge of their physical properties. To contribute to the international efforts in this direction the IMPACTON project (www.on.br/IMPACTON) set up a dedicated facility denominated Observatório Astronômico do Sertão de Itaparica (OASI). Using the 1-m telescope several dozens of NEAs were observed between March 2012 and October 2014. Here we will present the results obtained for 8 objects. Relative magnitudes were used to obtain lightcurves and derive rotational periods. Applying the inversion method developed by Kaasalainen and Torppa (2001) and Kaasalainen et al. (2001), along with lightcurves from literature, allowed to refine the rotational period of these asteroids as well as to derive their pole direction and shape. The obtained results confirm a lack of poles toward the ecliptic and with a majority of retrograde rotators. A more representative sample, however, is needed in order to drive robust conclusions.
Direct Detections of the Yarkovsky Effect: Status and Outlook
Authors: Chesley Steven R. , Farnocchia Davide , Pravec Petr , Vokrouhlický David
Published: March 2016

We report the current results on a comprehensive scan of the near-Earth asteroid catalog for evidence of the Yarkovsky effect in the orbital motion of these bodies. While most objects do not have sufficient observational data to reveal such slight acceleration, we do identify 42 asteroids with a “valid” detection of the Yarkovsky effect, i.e., those with a signal at least 3 times greater than the formal uncertainty and a value compatible with the Yarkovsky mechanism.

We also identify a special category of non-detection, which we refer to as “weak signal,” where the objects are of a size that would permit a clear detection if the Yarkovsky effect is maximized, and yet the orbit is clearly incompatible with such accelerations. The implication is that the Yarkovsky effect is reduced in these cases, presumably due to mid-range obliquity, but possibly also due to size, bulk density, thermal inertia, albedo, or spin rate markedly different from assumptions.

Finally, there are a number of asteroids showing a significant signal for nongravitational acceleration, and yet with a magnitude too great to be attributed to the Yarkovsky effect. We term these “spurious detections” because most are due to erroneous optical astrometry, often involving a single isolated night from precovery observations. Some cases may be due to other nongravitational accelerations, such as outgassing, mass loss, or micro-meteoroid flux.
Spherical albedo of a Lommel-Seeliger scattering ellipsoidal asteroid
Authors: Muinonen Karri , Wilkman Olli
Published: March 2016

We compute the spherical albedo for a Lommel-Seeliger scattering ellipsoidal asteroid with a realistic disk-integrated phase function. The spherical (or Bond) albedo gives the ratio of the fluxes incident on and scattered by an asteroid. Thus, it plays a key role in the determination of the flux absorbed and afterwards thermally emitted by the asteroid at longer wavelengths. We provide extensive computations for the spherical albedo of low-albedo and moderate-albedo asteroids by utilizing the analytical disk-integrated brightness of a Lommel-Seeliger ellipsoid. In doing so, we utilize realistic triaxial models of known asteroids as well as idealistic prolate or oblate models of substantial elongation or flatness, respectively. We show that the spherical albedos can vary significantly as a function of the rotational pole orientation, rotational phase, and the triaxial ellipsoidal shape: variations of the order of 5-10% are realistic, with a tendency to grow with increasing elongation or flatness of the shape.
NEO follow-up, recovery and precovery campaigns at the ESA NEO Coordination Centre
Authors: Micheli Marco , Koschny Detlef , Drolshagen Gerhard , Perozzi Ettore , Borgia Barbara
Published: March 2016

The NEO Coordination Centre (NEOCC) has been established within the framework of the ESA Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Programme. Among its tasks are the coordination of observational activities and the distribution of up-to-date information on NEOs through its web portal.

The Centre is directly involved in observational campaigns with various telescopes, including ESO's VLT and ESA's OGS telescope. We are also developing a network of collaborating observatories, with a variety of capabilities, which are alerted when an important observational opportunity arises.

From a service perspective, the system hosted at the NEOCC collects information on NEOs produced by European services and makes it available to users, with a focus on objects with possible collisions with the Earth. Among the tools provided via our portal are the Risk List of all known NEOs with impact solutions, and the Priority List, which allows observers to identify NEOs in most urgent need of observations.
Dynamics of Satellites Around Asteroids in Presence of Solar Radiation Pressure
Authors: Xin Xiaosheng , Scheeres Daniel J. , Hou Xiyun , Liu Lin
Published: March 2016

Due to the close distance to the Sun, solar radiation pressure (SRP) plays an important role in the dynamics of satellites around near-Earth asteroids (NEAs). In this paper, we focus on the equilibrium points of a satellite orbiting around an asteroid in presence of SRP in the asteroid rotating frame. The asteroid is modelled as a uniformly rotating triaxial ellipsoid. When SRP comes into play, the equilibrium points transformed into periodic orbits termed as``dynamical substitutes". We obtain the analytical approximate solutions of the dynamical substitutes from the linearised equations of motion. The analytical solutions are then used as initial guesses and are numerically corrected to compute the accurate orbits of the dynamical substitutes. The stability of the dynamical substitutes is analysed and the stability maps are obtained by varying parameters of the ellipsoid model as well as the magnitude of SRP.
Active Asteroids in the NEO Population
Authors: Jenniskens Peter
Published: March 2016

Some main-belt asteroids evolve into near-Earth objects. They can then experience the same meteoroid-producing phenomena as active asteroids in the main belt. If so, they would produce meteoroid streams, some of which evolve to intersect Earth's orbit and produce meteor showers at Earth. Only few of those are known. Meteoroid streams that move in orbits with Tisserand parameter well in excess of 3 are the Geminids and Daytime Sextantids of the Phaethon complex and the lesser known epsilon Pegasids. The observed activity appears to be related to nearly whole scale disintegrations, rather than dust ejection from volatile outgassing as observed in active comets. There is only a small population of asteroids with a main-belt origin that recently disintegrated into meteoroid streams.
Erosive Hit-and-Run Impact Events: Debris Unbound
Authors: Sarid Gal , Stewart Sarah T. , Leinhardt Zoë M.
Published: March 2016

Erosive collisions among planetary embryos in the inner solar system can lead to multiple remnant bodies, varied in mass, composition and residual velocity. Some of the smaller, unbound debris may become available to seed the main asteroid belt. The makeup of these collisionally produced bodies is different from the canonical chondritic composition, in terms of rock/iron ratio and may contain further shock-processed material. Having some of the material in the asteroid belt owe its origin from collisions of larger planetary bodies may help in explaining some of the diversity and oddities in composition of different asteroid groups.
Wo steht die Sozialpsychiatrie?
Authors: Schomerus Georg , Freyberger Harald J.
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Während die Sozialpsychiatrie an den Universitäten auf dem Rückzug zu sein scheint, hat sich die Patientenversorgung in der Psychiatrie in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark sozialpsychiatrisch verändert. Im Gegensatz zu diesem akademischen Trend gibt das vorliegende Themenheft einen Überblick über innovative sozialpsychiatrische Forschungsvorhaben, die sich nicht nur der Versorgungsfoschung, sondern auch der sozialpsychiatrischen Grundlagenforschung widmen. Wir diskutieren, inwieweit die akademische Zukunft der Psychiatrie auf dem Gebiet der Sozialpsychiatrie liegen wird.
Beurteilung depressiver und somatischer Symptome mittels des PHQ-9 und PHQ-15 bei ambulanten vietnamesischen und deutschen Patientinnen
Authors: Hahn Eric , Burian Ronald , Dreher Annegret , Schomerus Georg , Dettling Michael , Diefenbacher Albert , von Poser Anita , Tam Ta Thi Minh
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Studien in der Allgemeinbevölkerung zeigen uneinheitliche Ergebnisse bezüglich häufigerer Somatisierung bei Migranten. Vergleichende Untersuchungen fanden bei depressiven Patienten ostasiatischer Herkunft geringere Angaben von psychologischen Symptomen und häufigere somatische Beschwerden, als bei Patienten westlicher Herkunft. Aufgrund einer geringen Inanspruchnahme psychiatrischer Versorgungsangebote in Deutschland, insbesondere durch vietnamesische Migranten der ersten Generation, existieren bisher keine Studien zu einer psychischen und somatischen Symptomausprägung bei Patienten vietnamesischer Herkunft im Vergleich zu deutschen Patienten ohne Migrationshintergrund. Im Kontext kultursensibler Diagnostik von Migranten in Deutschland wurde als ausreichend messäquivalentes Selbstbeurteilungsinstrument insbesondere der Patient Health Questionnaire bzw. der Gesundheitsfragebogen für Patienten als ein valides und einfach verwendbares Instrument für eine Erfassung von Symptomen und Schweregraden häufiger psychischer Störungen, wie der Depression empfohlen. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden bei 66 vietnamesischen Patientinnen der ersten Generation und 83 deutschen Patientinnen während des erstmaligen psychiatrischen Kontaktes psychische Symptome einer Depression mittels des PHQ-9 und somatische Symptome mittels des PHQ-15 in der jeweiligen Muttersprache erfasst. Für beide Gruppen fand sich für beide Instrumente eine zufriedenstellende interne Konsistenz. Ein möglicher Zusammenhang zwischen der Herkunft und dem Schweregrad der Ausprägung psychischer depressiver und somatischer Symptome bei diagnostizierter depressiver Episode erfolgte mittels einer multivariaten Analyse. Für die Selbstbeurteilung mittels des PHQ-9 fanden sich keine Gruppenunterschiede hinsichtlich des Gesamtsummenwertes und des Schweregrades psychischer depressiver Symptome. Dagegen berichteten vietnamesische Patientinnen in der Selbstwahrnehmung anhand des PHQ-15 von einem insgesamt höheren Schweregrad von somatischen Symptomen. Insbesondere waren bei depressiven vietnamesischen Patientinnen die Mittelwerte der Einzelitems Kopfschmerzen, Glieder- und Gelenkschmerzen, Schmerzen im Brustbereich sowie Schwindel und Ohnmachtsanfälle gegenüber deutschen Patientinnen deutlich erhöht. Entgegen der Untersuchungshypothese und früherer Studien ging die häufigere Selbstbeurteilung oder Aufmerksamkeit auf somatische Symptome bei vietnamesischen Patientinnen nicht mit einer verminderten Eigenwahrnehmung von psychischen Symptomen einer depressiven Episode anhand des PHQ-9 einher.
Spätaussiedler, Migranten, Deutsche ohne Migrationshintergrund im Maßregelvollzug (§ 63 StGB)
Authors: Bulla Jan , Baumann Amelie , Querengässer Jan , Hoffmann Klaus , Ross Thomas
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Spätaussiedler haben aus historischen und politischen Gründen einen besonderen Rechtsstatus. Untersucht wurde, ob es aus empirischen Gründen gerechtfertigt ist, nach § 63 StGB untergebrachte Spätaussiedler von Deutschen ohne Migrationshintergrund (Deutsche o. M.) und anderen Migranten zu unterscheiden. Hauptdiagnosen, Indexdelikte und Indikatoren für die psychosoziale, kriminologische und psychiatrische Vorgeschichte von N = 1353 Probanden wurden verglichen. Spätaussiedler glichen in verschiedenen Merkmalen entweder den Deutschen o. M. oder den Migranten. Eine dezidierte Unterscheidung ist aus Sicht dieser Erhebung nicht sinnvoll.
Auswirkungen von Peer-Begleitung für Angehörige auf Belastung und Lebensqualität
Authors: Heumann Kolja , Janßen Lisa , Ruppelt Friederike , Mahlke Candelaria , Sielaff Gyöngyver , Bock Thomas
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Angehörige psychisch erkrankter Menschen sind für diese eine wichtige Ressource. Gleichzeitig bringt ihre Rolle zusätzliche Belastungen auf verschiedenen Ebenen mit sich, die auf Kosten der eigenen Gesundheit gehen können. Im Kontext des Hamburger Peer-Projekts im Psychenet-Programm wurden an zehn Standorten in allen Hamburger Kliniken geschulte Angehörige als Angehörigen-Peerbegleiter eingesetzt, um die Situation der Angehörigen psychisch langfristig Erkrankter in Hinblick auf Belastung und Lebensqualität zu verbessern. Im Zeitraum von 11.2011 bis 03.2015 wurden von 242 Angehörigen, die die Peer-Begleitung in Anspruch genommen haben, N = 165 Angehörige untersucht. Mittels Selbstrating wurde zu drei Zeitpunkten (prä, post, Katamnese nach jeweils 6 Monaten) die subjektive Belastung der Angehörigen (FBA), die psychische und körperliche gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (SF-8) sowie die Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung (ZUF-8) erfragt. Ein Großteil (93 %) der Teilnehmer war zufrieden mit der erhaltenen Peer-Begleitung. Im Vergleich zum Prä-Zeitpunkt war im Anschluss an die Begleitung die Belastung signifikant reduziert und die Lebensqualität verbessert. Nach einem halben Jahr ohne Begleitung blieben Belastung und psychische Lebensqualität konstant – mit steigender Tendenz. Die Ergebnisse geben einen guten Hinweis auf die Wirksamkeit von Angehörigen Peer-Begleitung, welche zukünftig in randomisierten Studien überprüft werden sollte. Peer-Begleitung könnte eine deutliche Lücke in der Unterstützung Angehöriger psychisch Erkrankter schließen und hat damit präventiv für diese Zielgruppe, und indirekt auch für die betroffenen Patienten, einen großen Stellenwert. Die nachhaltige Implementierung wird empfohlen.
Predicting the Risks and Occurrence of Extratropical Cyclones
Authors: Raible Christoph , Stephenson David , Leoncini Giovanni
Published: March 2016

5th Workshop on European Storms: Impacts and Predictability; Bern, Switzerland, 31 August to 2 September 2015
TRIP6 antagonizes the recruitment of A20 and CYLD to TRAF6 to promote the LPA2 receptor-mediated TRAF6 activation
Authors: Lin Fang-Tsyr , Lin Vivian Y , Lin Victor T G , Lin Weei-Chin
Published: March 2016

The elevated lysophosphatidic acid signaling has been causally linked to cancer-associated inflammation and tumorigenesis through upregulation of nuclear factor-κB signaling. However, how this signaling event is regulated has not yet been fully understood. Here we demonstrate that TRIP6, an LPA2 receptor-interacting adaptor protein, functions as a positive regulator of nuclear factor-κB and JNK signaling through direct binding to and activation of the E3 ligase TRAF6. Upon lysophosphatidic acid stimulation, TRIP6 recruits TRAF6 to the LPA2 receptor and promotes lysophosphatidic acid-induced JNK and nuclear factor-κB activation in a TRAF6-dependent manner. TRIP6 antagonizes the recruitment of deubiquitinases A20 and CYLD to TRAF6, thus sustaining the E3 ligase activity of TRAF6 and augmenting lysophosphatidic acid-activated nuclear factor-κB signaling. In contrast, depletion of TRIP6 by TRIP6-specific shRNA or Cas9/sgRNA greatly enhances the association of TRAF6 with A20 and CYLD, and attenuates lysophosphatidic acid-induced muclear factor-κB and JNK/p38 activation in ovarian cancer cells. On the other hand, TRAF6 also regulates TRIP6 by facilitating its binding to nuclear factor-κB p65 and phosphorylation by c-Src. Together, TRIP6 cooperates with TRAF6 to regulate the LPA2 receptor signaling, which may ultimately contribute to chronic inflammation, apoptotic resistance and cell invasion.
Synthetic RNA–protein modules integrated with native translation mechanisms to control gene expression in malaria parasites
Authors: Ganesan Suresh M. , Falla Alejandra , Goldfless Stephen J. , Nasamu Armiyaw S. , Niles Jacquin C.
Published: March 2016

Synthetic posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression is important for understanding fundamental biology and programming new cellular processes in synthetic biology. Previous strategies for regulating translation in eukaryotes have focused on disrupting individual steps in translation, including initiation and mRNA cleavage. In emphasizing modularity and cross-organism functionality, these systems are designed to operate orthogonally to native control mechanisms. Here we introduce a broadly applicable strategy for robustly controlling protein translation by integrating synthetic translational control via a small-molecule-regulated RNA–protein module with native mechanisms that simultaneously regulate multiple facets of cellular RNA fate. We demonstrate that this strategy reduces ‘leakiness’ to improve overall expression dynamic range, and can be implemented without sacrificing modularity and cross-organism functionality. We illustrate this in Saccharomyces cerevisae and the non-model human malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Given the limited functional genetics toolkit available for P. falciparum, we establish the utility of this strategy for defining essential genes.
A genome-wide association scan in admixed Latin Americans identifies loci influencing facial and scalp hair features
Authors: Adhikari Kaustubh , Fontanil Tania , Cal Santiago , Mendoza-Revilla Javier , Fuentes-Guajardo Macarena , Chacón-Duque Juan-Camilo , Al-Saadi Farah , Johansson Jeanette A. , Quinto-Sanchez Mirsha , Acuña-Alonzo Victor , Jaramillo Claudia , Arias William , Barquera Lozano Rodrigo , Macín Pérez Gastón , Gómez-Valdés Jorge , Villamil-Ramírez Hugo , Hunemeier Tábita , Ramallo Virginia , Silva de Cerqueira Caio C. , Hurtado Malena , Villegas Valeria , Granja Vanessa , Gallo Carla , Poletti Giovanni , Schuler-Faccini Lavinia , Salzano Francisco M. , Bortolini Maria-Cátira , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Rothhammer Francisco , Bedoya Gabriel , Gonzalez-José Rolando , Headon Denis , López-Otín Carlos , Tobin Desmond J. , Balding David , Ruiz-Linares Andrés
Published: March 2016

We report a genome-wide association scan in over 6,000 Latin Americans for features of scalp hair (shape, colour, greying, balding) and facial hair (beard thickness, monobrow, eyebrow thickness). We found 18 signals of association reaching genome-wide significance (P values 5 × 10−8 to 3 × 10−119), including 10 novel associations. These include novel loci for scalp hair shape and balding, and the first reported loci for hair greying, monobrow, eyebrow and beard thickness. A newly identified locus influencing hair shape includes a Q30R substitution in the Protease Serine S1 family member 53 (PRSS53). We demonstrate that this enzyme is highly expressed in the hair follicle, especially the inner root sheath, and that the Q30R substitution affects enzyme processing and secretion. The genome regions associated with hair features are enriched for signals of selection, consistent with proposals regarding the evolution of human hair.
Multiple tipping points and optimal repairing in interacting networks
Authors: Majdandzic Antonio , Braunstein Lidia A. , Curme Chester , Vodenska Irena , Levy-Carciente Sary , Eugene Stanley H. , Havlin Shlomo
Published: March 2016

Systems composed of many interacting dynamical networks—such as the human body with its biological networks or the global economic network consisting of regional clusters—often exhibit complicated collective dynamics. Three fundamental processes that are typically present are failure, damage spread and recovery. Here we develop a model for such systems and find a very rich phase diagram that becomes increasingly more complex as the number of interacting networks increases. In the simplest example of two interacting networks we find two critical points, four triple points, ten allowed transitions and two ‘forbidden’ transitions, as well as complex hysteresis loops. Remarkably, we find that triple points play the dominant role in constructing the optimal repairing strategy in damaged interacting systems. To test our model, we analyse an example of real interacting financial networks and find evidence of rapid dynamical transitions between well-defined states, in agreement with the predictions of our model.
Lysosome triggered near-infrared fluorescence imaging of cellular trafficking processes in real time
Authors: Grossi Marco , Morgunova Marina , Cheung Shane , Scholz Dimitri , Conroy Emer , Terrile Marta , Panarella Angela , Simpson Jeremy C. , Gallagher William M. , O’Shea Donal F.
Published: March 2016

Bioresponsive NIR-fluorophores offer the possibility for continual visualization of dynamic cellular processes with added potential for direct translation to in vivo imaging. Here we show the design, synthesis and lysosome-responsive emission properties of a new NIR fluorophore. The NIR fluorescent probe design differs from typical amine functionalized lysosomotropic stains with off/on fluorescence switching controlled by a reversible phenol/phenolate interconversion. Emission from the probe is shown to be highly selective for the lysosomes in co-imaging experiments using a HeLa cell line expressing the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 fused to green fluorescent protein. The responsive probe is capable of real-time continuous imaging of fundamental cellular processes such as endocytosis, lysosomal trafficking and efflux in 3D and 4D. The advantage of the NIR emission allows for direct translation to in vivo tumour imaging, which is successfully demonstrated using an MDA-MB-231 subcutaneous tumour model. This bioresponsive NIR fluorophore offers significant potential for use in live cellular and in vivo imaging, for which currently there is a deficit of suitable molecular fluorescent tools.
Coherent phonon control via electron-lattice interaction in ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers
Authors: Kim Chul Hoon , Shim Je-Ho , Lee Kyung Min , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Dong Eon
Published: March 2016

The manipulation of coherent phonons in condensed systems has attracted fundamental interest, particularly for its applications to future devices. We demonstrate that a coherent phonon in Co/Pt nano-multilayer can be quantitatively controlled via electron-lattice coupling, specifically by changing the multilayer repeat number. To that end, systematic measurement of the time-resolved reflectivity and magneto-optical Kerr effect in Co/Pt multilayers was performed. The coherent phonon frequency was observed to be shifted with the change of the multilayer repeat number. This shift could be clearly explained based on the two-temperature model. Detailed analysis indicated that the lattice heat capacity and electron-lattice coupling strength are linearly dependent on the repeat number of the periodic multilayer structures. Accessing the control of coherent phonons using nanostructures opens a new avenue for advanced phonon-engineering applications.
TDP-43 or FUS-induced misfolded human wild-type SOD1 can propagate intercellularly in a prion-like fashion
Authors: Pokrishevsky Edward , Grad Leslie I. , Cashman Neil R.
Published: March 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which appears to spread through the neuroaxis in a spatiotemporally restricted manner, is linked to heritable mutations in genes encoding SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, C9ORF72, or can occur sporadically without recognized genetic mutations. Misfolded human wild-type (HuWt) SOD1 has been detected in both familial and sporadic ALS patients, despite mutations in SOD1 accounting for only 2% of total cases. We previously showed that accumulation of pathological TDP-43 or FUS coexist with misfolded HuWtSOD1 in patient motor neurons and can trigger its misfolding in cultured cells. Here, we used immunocytochemistry and immunoprecipitation to demonstrate that TDP-43 or FUS-induced misfolded HuWtSOD1 can propagate from cell-to-cell via conditioned media and seed cytotoxic misfolding of endogenous HuWtSOD1 in the recipient cells in a prion-like fashion. Knockdown of SOD1 using siRNA in recipient cells, or incubation of conditioned media with misfolded SOD1-specific antibodies, inhibits intercellular transmission, indicating that HuWtSOD1 is an obligate seed and substrate of propagated misfolding. In this system, intercellular spread of SOD1 misfolding is not accompanied by transmission of TDP-43 or FUS pathology. Our findings argue that pathological TDP-43 and FUS may exert motor neuron pathology in ALS through the initiation of propagated misfolding of SOD1.
Improved secondary caries resistance via augmented pressure displacement of antibacterial adhesive
Authors: Zhou Wei , Niu Li-na , Huang Li , Fang Ming , Chang Gang , Shen Li-juan , Tay Franklin R. , Chen Ji-hua
Published: March 2016

The present in vitro study evaluated the secondary caries resistance potential of acid-etched human coronal dentin bonded using augmented pressure adhesive displacement in conjunction with an experimental antibacterial adhesive. One hundred and twenty class I cavities were restored with a commercial non-antibacterial etch-and-rinse adhesive (N) or an experimental antibacterial adhesive (A) which was displaced by gentle air-blow (G) or augmented pressure air-blow (H). After bonding and restoration with resin composite, the resulted 4 groups (N-G, N-H, A-G and A-H) were exposed to Streptococcus mutans biofilm for 4, 8, 15, 20 or 25 days. The development of secondary caries in the bonding interface was then examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data acquired from 15, 20 and 25 days of artificial caries induction were analyzed with three-way ANOVA at α = 0.05. The depth of the artificial carious lesions was significantly affected by “adhesive type” (Single Bond 2 vs experimental antibacterial adhesive p = 0.003), “intensity of adhesive displacement” (gentle vs augmented-pressure adhesive displacement; p < 0.001), as well as “artificial caries induction time” (p < 0.001). The combined use of augmented pressure adhesive displacement and experimental antibacterial adhesive reduces the progression of secondary caries.
All-atom simulations and free-energy calculations of coiled-coil peptides with lipid bilayers: binding strength, structural transition, and effect on lipid dynamics
Authors: Woo Sun Young , Lee Hwankyu
Published: March 2016

Peptides E and K, which are synthetic coiled-coil peptides for membrane fusion, were simulated with lipid bilayers composed of lipids and cholesterols at different ratios using all-atom models. We first calculated free energies of binding from umbrella sampling simulations, showing that both E and K peptides tend to adsorb onto the bilayer surface, which occurs more strongly in the bilayer composed of smaller lipid headgroups. Then, unrestrained simulations show that K peptides more deeply insert into the bilayer with partially retaining the helical structure, while E peptides less insert and predominantly become random coils, indicating the structural transition from helices to random coils, in quantitative agreement with experiments. This is because K peptides electrostatically interact with lipid phosphates, as well as because hydrocarbons of lysines of K peptide are longer than those of glutamic acids of E peptide and thus form stronger hydrophobic interactions with lipid tails. This deeper insertion of K peptide increases the bilayer dynamics and a vacancy below the peptide, leading to the rearrangement of smaller lipids. These findings help explain the experimentally observed or proposed differences in the insertion depth, binding strength, and structural transition of E and K peptides, and support the snorkeling effect.
NAD+ regulates Treg cell fate and promotes allograft survival via a systemic IL-10 production that is CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells independent
Authors: Elkhal Abdallah , Rodriguez Cetina Biefer Hector , Heinbokel Timm , Uehara Hirofumi , Quante Markus , Seyda Midas , Schuitenmaker Jeroen M. , Krenzien Felix , Camacho Virginia , de la Fuente Miguel A. , Ghiran Ionita , Tullius Stefan G.
Published: March 2016

CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs have been shown to play a central role in immune homeostasis while preventing from fatal inflammatory responses, while Th17 cells have traditionally been recognized as pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in a myriad of diseases. Studies have shown the potential of Tregs to convert into Th17 cells and Th17 cells into Tregs. Increasing evidence have pointed out CD25 as a key molecule during this transdifferentiation process, however molecules that allow such development remain unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of NAD+ on the fate of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs in-depth, dissected their transcriptional signature profile and explored mechanisms underlying their conversion into IL-17A producing cells. Our results demonstrate that NAD+ promotes Treg conversion into Th17 cells in vitro and in vivo via CD25 cell surface marker. Despite the reduced number of Tregs, known to promote homeostasis and an increased number of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, NAD+ was able to promote an impressive allograft survival through a robust systemic IL-10 production that was CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ independent. Collectively, our study unravels a novel immunoregulatory mechanism of NAD+ that regulates Tregs fate while promoting allograft survival that may have clinical applications in alloimmunity and in a wide spectrum of inflammatory conditions.
Prognostic implications of dynamic serum lactate dehydrogenase assessments in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Zhou Guan-Qun , Ren Xian-Yue , Mao Yan-Ping , Chen Lei , Sun Ying , Liu Li-Zhi , Li Li , Lin Ai-Hua , Mai Hai-Qiang , Ma Jun
Published: March 2016

The prognostic value of dynamic serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) hasn’t been explored. We retrospectively analyzed 1,428 cases of NPC treated with IMRT with or without chemotherapy. Elevated pre- and/or post-treatment LDH levels were found to be associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), but not with local relapse-free survival (LRFS). The dynamic variations in LDH levels were prognostic factors for OS, DFS and DMFS, but not for LRFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that the N category, T category, post-treatment serum LDH level and age were independent prognostic factors for OS. Our results demonstrated that dynamic variations in LDH levels were associated with risk of distant failure and death, which may shed light on the dynamics of the disease and the response to therapy. We consider that LDH measurements will be of great clinical importance in the management of NPC, especially, when considering “decision points” in treatment algorithms. Therefore, we strongly recommend that LDH levels should be determined before and after treatment in NPC patients and the results integrated into decisions regarding treatment strategies.
MiR-1180 promotes apoptotic resistance to human hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Tan Guosheng , Wu Linwei , Tan Jinfu , Zhang Bing , Tai William Chi-shing , Xiong Shiqiu , Chen Wei , Yang Jianyong , Li Heping
Published: March 2016

Apoptosis resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant factor in carcinogenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis resistance is crucial for developing anticancer therapies. Importantly, small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as key biomarkers for detecting tumour onset and progression. In the present study, we demonstrate that miR-1180 is upregulated in HCC. Ectopic expression of miR-1180 has an anti-apoptotic effect in HCC, while miR-1180 inhibition increases cell apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, our results show that miR-1180 directly targets key inhibitors of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway (i.e., OTUD7B and TNIP2) and the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 associated death promoter (BAD) protein by post-transcriptional downregulation. Therefore, the anti-apoptotic function of miR-1180 in HCC may occur through NF-κB pathway activation via downregulation of its negative regulators. In conclusion, our study reveals the critical role of miR-1180 during apoptosis resistance in HCC.
Tail-like anther crest aids pollination by manipulating pollinator’s behaviour in a wild ginger
Authors: Fan Yong-Li , Li Qing-Jun
Published: March 2016

Innovative floral organs are widely distributed taxonomically in angiosperms and some of them are conspicuous and curious in morphology. Floral organs have long been supposed to play a crucial role in fertilization by pollinators. However, why innovative organs occur, how they are adapted for pollinators and what sexual roles they play are still puzzling. Here we focused on a wild ginger (Zingiber densissimum, Zingiberaceae) and tested the function of the curious anther crest, an innovative floral structure widely distributed in Zingiberaceae. The anther crest is a specialized anther appendage that extends up from the top of the anther to form a tail-like structure, about 150% as long as the anther. We found this structure promoted both the male and the female functions of plants by manipulating its pollinators and causing pollinators to adopt a position ideal for pollen removal and receipt. This study provides a novel example of structure adaptation in which both the male and the female functions are enhanced by resource allocation on a male organ, expanding the knowledge of the sexual roles of the anther appendage.
From crystal structure of α-conotoxin GIC in complex with Ac-AChBP to molecular determinants of its high selectivity for α3β2 nAChR
Authors: Lin Bo , Xu Manyu , Zhu Xiaopeng , Wu Yong , Liu Xi , Zhangsun Dongting , Hu Yuanyan , Xiang Shi-Hua , Kasheverov Igor E. , Tsetlin Victor I. , Wang Xinquan , Luo Sulan
Published: March 2016

Acetylcholine binding proteins (AChBPs) are unique spatial homologs of the ligand-binding domains of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and they reproduce some pharmacological properties of nAChRs. X-ray crystal structures of AСhBP in complex with α-conotoxins provide important insights into the interactions of α-conotoxins with distinct nAChR subtypes. Although considerable efforts have been made to understand why α-conotoxin GIC is strongly selective for α3β2 nAChR, this question has not yet been solved. Here we present the structure of α-conotoxin GIC in complex with Aplysia californica AChBP (Ac-AChBP) at a resolution of 2.1 Å. Based on this co-crystal structure complemented with molecular docking data, we suggest the key residues of GIC in determining its high affinity and selectivity for human α3β2 vs α3β4 nAChRs. These suggestions were checked by radioligand and electrophysiology experiments, which confirmed the functional role of detected contacts for GIC interactions with Ac-AChBP and α3β2 nAChR subtypes. While GIC elements responsible for its high affinity binding with Ac-AChBP and α3β2 nAChR were identified, our study also showed the limitations of computer modelling in extending the data from the X-ray structures of the AChBP complexes to all nAChR subtypes.
Extremely large fractionation of Li isotopes in a chromitite-bearing mantle sequence
Authors: Su Ben-Xun , Zhou Mei-Fu , Robinson Paul T.
Published: March 2016

We report Li isotopic compositions of olivine from the mantle sequence of the Luobusa ophiolite, southern Tibet. The olivine in the Luobusa ophiolite has Li concentrations from ~0.1 to 0.9 ppm and a broad range of δ7Li (+14 to −20‰). An inverse correlation of Li concentration and δ7Li in olivine from harzburgite suggests recent diffusive ingress of Li into the rock. Olivine from dunite enveloping podiform chromitites shows positive δ7Li values higher than those of MORB, whereas olivine from the chromitite has negative δ7Li values. Such variations are difficult to reconcile by diffusive fractionation and are thought to record the nature of the magma sources. Our results clearly indicate that the Luobusa chromitites formed from magmas with light Li isotopic compositions and that the dunites are products of melt-rock interaction. The isotopically light magmas originated by partial melting of a subducted slab after high degrees of dehydration and then penetrated the overlying mantle wedge. This study provides evidence for Li isotope heterogeneity in the mantle that resulted from subduction of a recycled oceanic component.
nagZ Triggers Gonococcal Biofilm Disassembly
Authors: Bhoopalan Senthil V. , Piekarowicz Andrzej , Lenz Jonathan D. , Dillard Joseph P. , Stein Daniel C.
Published: March 2016

Bacterial-bacterial interactions play a critical role in promoting biofilm formation. Here we show that NagZ, a protein associated with peptidoglycan recycling, has moonlighting activity that allows it to modulate biofilm accumulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We characterize the biochemical properties of NagZ and demonstrate its ability to function as a dispersing agent for biofilms formed on abiotic surfaces. We extend these observations to cell culture and tissue explant models and show that in nagZ mutants, the biofilms formed in cell culture and on human tissues contain significantly more biomass than those formed by a wild-type strain. Our results demonstrate that an enzyme thought to be restricted to peptidoglycan recycling is able to disperse preformed biofilms.
How Inhomogeneous Site Percolation Works on Bethe Lattices: Theory and Application
Authors: Ren Jingli , Zhang Liying , Siegmund Stefan
Published: March 2016

Inhomogeneous percolation, for its closer relationship with real-life, can be more useful and reasonable than homogeneous percolation to illustrate the critical phenomena and dynamical behaviour of complex networks. However, due to its intricacy, the theoretical framework of inhomogeneous percolation is far from being complete and many challenging problems are still open. In this paper, we first investigate inhomogeneous site percolation on Bethe Lattices with two occupation probabilities, and then extend the result to percolation with m occupation probabilities. The critical behaviour of this inhomogeneous percolation is shown clearly by formulating the percolation probability "Equation missing" with given occupation probability p, the critical occupation probability "Equation missing", and the average cluster size "Equation missing" where p is subject to "Equation missing". Moreover, using the above theory, we discuss in detail the diffusion behaviour of an infectious disease (SARS) and present specific disease-control strategies in consideration of groups with different infection probabilities.
The electronic, structural and magnetic properties of La1−1/3Sr1/3MnO3 film with oxygen vacancy: a first principles investigation
Authors: Li Jia
Published: March 2016

We have systematically investigated the influence of oxygen vacancy defects on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of La1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 1/3) film by means of ab initio calculations using bare GGA as well as GGA+U formalism, in the latter of which, the on-site Coulombic repulsion parameter U for Mn 3d orbital has been determined by the linear response theory. It is revealed that the introduction of the vacancy defects causes prominent structural changes including the distortion of MnO6 octahedra and local structural deformation surrounding the oxygen vacancy. The GGA+U formalism yields a significantly larger structural change than the bare GGA method, surprisingly in contrast with the general notion that the inclusion of Hubbard U parameter exerts little influence on structural properties. The distortion of MnO6 octahedra leads to a corresponding variation in the hybridization between Mn 3d and O 2p, which gets strengthened if the Mn-O distance becomes smaller and vice versa. The magnetic moments of the Mn atoms located in three typical sites of the vacancy-containing supercell are all larger than those in the pristine system. We have characterized the O-vacancy defect as a hole-type defect that forms a negative charge center, attracting electrons.
NO2 inhalation promotes Alzheimer’s disease-like progression: cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 modulation and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition-targeted medication
Authors: Yan Wei , Yun Yang , Ku Tingting , Li Guangke , Sang Nan
Published: March 2016

Air pollution has been reported to be associated with increased risks of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Because NO2 is a typical primary air pollutant and an important contributor to secondary aerosols, NO2-induced neuronal functional abnormalities have attracted greater attention, but the available experimental evidence, modulating mechanisms, and targeting medications remain ambiguous. In this study, we exposed C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 mice to dynamic NO2 inhalation and found for the first time that NO2 inhalation caused deterioration of spatial learning and memory, aggravated amyloid β42 (Aβ42) accumulation, and promoted pathological abnormalities and cognitive defects related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The microarray and bioinformation data showed that the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) played a key role in modulating this aggravation. Furthermore, increasing endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) by inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) prevented PGE2 production, neuroinflammation-associated Aβ42 accumulation, and neurodegeneration, indicating a therapeutic target for relieving cognitive impairment caused by NO2 exposure.
Strain-Engineered Graphene Grown on Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Summerfield Alex , Davies Andrew , Cheng Tin S. , Korolkov Vladimir V. , Cho YongJin , Mellor Christopher J. , Foxon C. Thomas , Khlobystov Andrei N. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Eaves Laurence , Novikov Sergei V. , Beton Peter H.
Published: March 2016

Graphene grown by high temperature molecular beam epitaxy on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) forms continuous domains with dimensions of order 20 μm, and exhibits moiré patterns with large periodicities, up to ~30 nm, indicating that the layers are highly strained. Topological defects in the moiré patterns are observed and attributed to the relaxation of graphene islands which nucleate at different sites and subsequently coalesce. In addition, cracks are formed leading to strain relaxation, highly anisotropic strain fields, and abrupt boundaries between regions with different moiré periods. These cracks can also be formed by modification of the layers with a local probe resulting in the contraction and physical displacement of graphene layers. The Raman spectra of regions with a large moiré period reveal split and shifted G and 2D peaks confirming the presence of strain. Our work demonstrates a new approach to the growth of epitaxial graphene and a means of generating and modifying strain in graphene.