bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CDKAL1 rs7756992 is associated with diabetic retinopathy in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Peng Danfeng , Wang Jie , Zhang Rong , Jiang Feng , Tam Claudia H. T. , Jiang Guozhi , Wang Tao , Chen Miao , Yan Jing , Wang Shiyun , Yan Dandan , He Zhen , Ma Ronald C. W. , Bao Yuqian , Hu Cheng , Jia Weiping
Published: August 2017

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes. Susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes may also impact the susceptibility of DR. This case-control study investigated the effects of 88 type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci on DR in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes performed in two stages. In stage 1, 88 SNPs were genotyped in 1,251 patients with type 2 diabetes, and we found that ADAMTS9-AS2 rs4607103, WFS1 rs10010131, CDKAL1 rs7756992, VPS26A rs1802295 and IDE-KIF11-HHEX rs1111875 were significantly associated with DR. The association between CDKAL1 rs7756992 and DR remained significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (corrected P = 0.0492). Then, the effect of rs7756992 on DR were analysed in two independent cohorts for replication in stage 2. Cohort (1) consisted of 380 patients with DR and 613 patients with diabetes for ≥5 years but without DR. Cohort (2) consisted of 545 patients with DR and 929 patients with diabetes for ≥5 years but without DR. A meta-analysis combining the results of stage 1 and 2 revealed a significant association between rs7756992 and DR, with the minor allele A conferring a lower risk of DR (OR 0.824, 95% CI 0.743–0.914, P = 2.46 × 10−4).
High operating temperature in V-based superconducting quantum interference proximity transistors
Authors: Ligato Nadia , Marchegiani Giampiero , Virtanen Pauli , Strambini Elia , Giazotto Francesco
Published: August 2017

Here we report the fabrication and characterization of fully superconducting quantum interference proximity transistors (SQUIPTs) based on the implementation of vanadium (V) in the superconducting loop. At low temperature, the devices show high flux-to-voltage (up to 0.52 mV/Φ0) and flux-to-current (above 12 nA/Φ0) transfer functions, with the best estimated flux sensitivity ~ 2.6 μΦ0/(Hz)1/2 reached under fixed voltage bias, where Φ0 is the flux quantum. The interferometers operate up to Tbath 
$$\simeq $$
≃
 2 K, with an improvement of 70% of the maximal operating temperature with respect to early SQUIPTs design. The main features of the V-based SQUIPT are described within a simplified theoretical model. Our results open the way to the realization of SQUIPTs that take advantage of the use of higher-gap superconductors for ultra-sensitive nanoscale applications that operate at temperatures well above 1 K.
Experimental Study of Rheological Properties and Oil Displacement Efficiency in Oilfields for a Synthetic Hydrophobically Modified Polymer
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Mu Zhenbao , Wang Chao , Wang Yanling
Published: August 2017

In a previous study, we developed a synthetic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) using bromododecane (BD), which we denote as BD-HMHEC. In this work, we continually investigate the rheological properties and its oil displacement efficiency in PuTao well area in Daqing oilfields, China. Results show that BD-HMHEC solution has good viscosification, thermal-resistance, salt-tolerance, shear resistance, and acid/alkali resistance. The storage modulus (G’) and the loose modulus (G”) of the BD-HMHEC solutions increase significantly with increasing BD-HMHEC concentration, and the solution becomes viscoelastic at a sufficiently high BD-HMHEC concentration. The core flooding results showed BD-HMHEC flooding improves oil recovery by 7–14% in comparison with HEC flooding at concentrations of 4,000 mg/L under equivalent conditions. Moreover, BD-HMHEC flooding improves oil recovery by 7–8% after conducting water and hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) flooding. The oil displacement mechanism of BD-HMHEC solutions is discussed based on a visual evaluation. The results indicate that BD-HMHEC flooding is a feasible means for improving oil recovery after water/HPAM flooding.
Potential health risk of heavy metals in the leather manufacturing industries in Sialkot, Pakistan
Authors: Junaid Muhammad , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Tang Yu-Mei , Malik Riffat Naseem , Pei De-Sheng
Published: August 2017

This is a systematical report on the potential health risk of heavy metals from the leather industries in Pakistan based on multiple biological matrices of the exposed workers and indoor dust samples. The adverse impacts of heavy metals on the oxidative enzyme and their risks to workers’ health were also explored. Our results indicated that the level of Cr in indoor industrial dust was more than twice, compared to the background household dust. Blood, urine and hair samples of exposed workers showed significantly high concentrations of heavy metals, compared to those in the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in the blood samples expressed significant positive correlation with Cr and Ni. Total hazard quotients (HQs)/hazard index (HI) were >1, and Cr (VI) exhibited higher cancer risks than that of Cd in the exposed workers. In addition, the PCA-MLR analysis confirmed that the industrial sections; cutting, shivering/crusting, and stitching were the principal contributors of heavy metals in the biological entities of the workers. Taken together, our results highlighted the occupationally exposed groups would likely to experience the potential health risks due to excessive exposure to the heavy metals from the leather industries.
Machine learning quantum phases of matter beyond the fermion sign problem
Authors: Broecker Peter , Carrasquilla Juan , Melko Roger G. , Trebst Simon
Published: August 2017

State-of-the-art machine learning techniques promise to become a powerful tool in statistical mechanics via their capacity to distinguish different phases of matter in an automated way. Here we demonstrate that convolutional neural networks (CNN) can be optimized for quantum many-fermion systems such that they correctly identify and locate quantum phase transitions in such systems. Using auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations to sample the many-fermion system, we show that the Green’s function holds sufficient information to allow for the distinction of different fermionic phases via a CNN. We demonstrate that this QMC + machine learning approach works even for systems exhibiting a severe fermion sign problem where conventional approaches to extract information from the Green’s function, e.g. in the form of equal-time correlation functions, fail.
Dispersive Regimes of the Dicke Model
Authors: Barberena Diego , Lamata Lucas , Solano Enrique
Published: August 2017

We study two dispersive regimes of the Dicke model in the dynamics of N two-level atoms interacting with a bosonic mode for long interaction times. Firstly, we analyze the model for the regime in which the qubit frequencies are equal and smaller than the mode frequency, and for values of the coupling strength similar or larger than the mode frequency, namely, the deep strong coupling regime. Secondly, we address an interaction that is dependent on the photon number, where the coupling strength is comparable to the geometric mean of the qubit and mode frequencies. We show that the associated dynamics is analytically tractable and provide useful frameworks with which to analyze the system behavior. In the deep strong coupling regime, we unveil the structure of unexpected resonances for specific values of the coupling, present for N ≥ 2, and in the photon-number-dependent regime we demonstrate that all the nontrivial dynamical behavior occurs in the atomic degrees of freedom for a given Fock state. We verify these assertions with numerical simulations of the qubit population and photon-statistic dynamics.
Enhanced silicon availability leads to increased methane production, nutrient and toxicant mobility in peatlands
Authors: Reithmaier Gloria-Maria Susanne , Knorr Klaus-Holger , Arnhold Sebastian , Planer-Friedrich Britta , Schaller Jörg
Published: August 2017

Peatlands perform important ecosystem functions, such as carbon storage and nutrient retention, which are affected, among other factors, by vegetation and peat decomposition. The availability of silicon (Si) in peatlands differs strongly, ranging from <1 to >25 mg L−1. Since decomposition of organic material was recently shown to be accelerated by Si, the aim of this study was to examine how Si influences decomposition of carbon and nutrient and toxicant mobilization in peatlands. We selected a fen site in Northern Bavaria with naturally bioavailable Si pore water concentrations of 5 mg/L and conducted a Si addition experiment. At a fourfold higher Si availability, dissolved organic carbon, carbon dioxide, and methane concentrations increased significantly. Furthermore, dissolved nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and arsenic concentrations were significantly higher under high Si availability. This enhanced mobilization may result from Si competing for binding sites but also from stronger reducing conditions, caused by accelerated respiration. The stronger reducing conditions also increased reduction of arsenate to arsenite and thus the mobility of this toxicant. Hence, higher Si availability is suggested to decrease carbon storage and increase nutrient and toxicant mobility in peatland ecosystems.
Analysis of spatial genetic variation reveals genetic divergence among populations of Primula veris associated to contrasting habitats
Authors: Deschepper Pablo , Brys Rein , Fortuna Miguel A. , Jacquemyn Hans
Published: August 2017

Genetic divergence by environment is a process whereby selection causes the formation of gene flow barriers between populations adapting to contrasting environments and is often considered to be the onset of speciation. Nevertheless, the extent to which genetic differentiation by environment on small spatial scales can be detected by means of neutral markers is still subject to debate. Previous research on the perennial herb Primula veris has shown that plants from grassland and forest habitats showed pronounced differences in phenology and flower morphology, suggesting limited gene flow between habitats. To test this hypothesis, we sampled 33 populations of P. veris consisting of forest and grassland patches and used clustering techniques and network analyses to identify sets of populations that are more connected to each other than to other sets of populations and estimated the timing of divergence. Our results showed that spatial genetic variation had a significantly modular structure and consisted of four well-defined modules that almost perfectly coincided with habitat features. Genetic divergence was estimated to have occurred about 114 generations ago, coinciding with historic major changes in the landscape. Overall, these results illustrate how populations adapting to different environments become structured genetically within landscapes on small spatial scales.
Molecular mechanisms of atlastin-mediated ER membrane fusion revealed by a FRET-based single-vesicle fusion assay
Authors: Kim Kyung Tae , Moon Yeojin , Jang Yunsu , Lee Kang Taek , Lee Changwook , Jun Youngsoo , Lee Sanghwa
Published: August 2017

Homotypic fusion of endoplasmic reticulum membranes is driven by atlastin GTPases; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, using a FRET-based single-vesicle fusion assay with liposomes bearing the yeast atlastin Sey1p, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of atlastin-mediated membrane tethering and fusion. Although Sey1p-bearing proteoliposomes frequently underwent membrane tethering in a GTP hydrolysis-dependent manner as reported in studies using bulk assays, only a small fraction of the tethered liposomes proceeded to fusion. Strikingly, the rest of the tethered liposomes failed to fuse or dissociate. This stable tethering, however, did not require continued GTP hydrolysis because GTP omission and magnesium chelation did not disrupt tethering. Interestingly, an increased Sey1p density on the membrane markedly accelerated tethering but barely affected the fusion rate of the tethered liposomes, indicating that Sey1p requires additional factors to support efficient fusion in vivo. Finally, the assay also revealed that Sey1p-mediated liposome fusion occurs through hemifusion, suggesting the mechanistic conservation between biological membrane fusion events despite the existence of diverse fusogens.
Unconventional MAPK-GSK-3β Pathway Behind Atypical Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition In Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Parveen Sana , Vedagiri Dhiviya , Nair Hitha Gopalan , Parthasarathy Haripriya , Harshan Krishnan Harinivas
Published: August 2017

We recently reported an atypical epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human hepatoma cell culture Huh7.5, which was non-responsive to the canonical EMT-transcription factors. Here we characterize major pathways regulating this atypical EMT through whole genome transcriptome profiling and molecular analysis, and identify a unique regulation of EMT by GSK-3β. Our analysis reveals remarkable suppression of several key liver-specific markers in Huh7.5M cells indicating that EMT not only changes the epithelial properties, but alters the characteristics associated with hepatocytes as well. One key finding of this study is that GSK-3β, a known antagonist to β-Catenin signaling and a major pro-apoptotic regulator, is critical for the maintenance of EMT in Huh7.5M cells as its inhibition reversed EMT. Importantly, through these studies we identify that maintenance of EMT by GSK-3β in Huh7.5M is regulated by p38MAPK and ERK1/2 that has not been reported elsewhere and is distinct from another metastatic non-hepatic cell line MDA-MB-231. These data showcase the existence of non-canonical mechanisms behind EMT. The atypicalness of this system underlines the existence of tremendous diversity in cancer-EMT and warrants the necessity to take a measured approach while dealing with metastasis and cancer drug resistance.
Detecting hybridization between sister species of Terebratulina (Brachiopoda, Cancellothyridoidea) in the North Atlantic: morphology versus molecules
Authors: Lüter Carsten , Ebeling Nina A. , Aberhan Martin
Published: August 2017

Investigating samples of the cancellothyridid brachiopod Terebratulina collected during the IceAGE (Me85/3) expedition of RV METEOR at the continental shelf around Iceland with both morphometrical and molecular methods, we were for the first time able to detect a hybridization event between brachiopod sister species, which are thought to have separated 60 MYA. Terebratulina retusa and T. septentrionalis can clearly be distinguished on the basis of consistent species-specific molecular signatures in both mitochondrial and nuclear markers, whereas morphometrical analyses proved to be less reliable for species determination than previously thought. Two out of 28 specimens were identified as offspring of a one-way hybridization event between T. retusa eggs and T. septentrionalis sperm. Whereas the fossil record of Terebratulina in the North Atlantic region is too fragmentary to reconstruct the history of the hybridization event, the different life history traits of the two species and current oceanographic conditions around Iceland offer plausible explanations for the occurrence of crossbreeds in this common brachiopod genus.
The NADPH oxidase NOX2 mediates loss of parvalbumin interneurons in traumatic brain injury: human autoptic immunohistochemical evidence
Authors: Schiavone Stefania , Neri Margherita , Trabace Luigia , Turillazzi Emanuela
Published: August 2017

Pharmacological interventions for traumatic brain injury (TBI) are limited. Together with parvalbumin (PV) loss, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the NADPH oxidase NOX enzymes represents a key step in TBI. Here, we investigated the contribution of NOX2-derived oxidative stress to the loss of PV immunoreactivity associated to TBI, performing immunohistochemistry for NOX2, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and PV on post mortem brain samples of subjects died following TBI, subjects died from spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) and controls (CTRL). We detected an increased NOX2 expression and 8OHdG immunoreactivity in subjects died from TBI with respect to CTRL and SICH. NOX2 increase was mainly observed in GABAergic PV-positive interneurons, with a minor presence in microglia. No significant differences in other NADPH oxidase isoforms (NOX1 and NOX4) were detected among experimental groups. NOX2-derived oxidative stress elevation appeared a specific TBI-induced phenomenon, as no alterations in the nitrosative pathway were detected. Our results suggest that NOX2-derived oxidative stress might play a crucial role in the TBI-induced loss of PV-positive interneurons.
Highly efficient up-conversion luminescence in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped Na5Lu9F32 single crystals by vertical Bridgman method
Authors: He Shinan , Xia Haiping , Zhang Jianli , Zhu Yongsheng , Chen Baojiu
Published: August 2017

Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped Na5Lu9F32 single crystals with different concentrations of Yb3+ ions were prepared to investigate their phase structure, up-conversion (UC) properties and mechanism of UC luminescence by Bridgman method. Under 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) excitation, three sharp UC emission bands topping at green ~525 nm, ~548 nm and red ~669 nm were obtained in Er3+/Yb3+ doped Na5Lu9F32 single crystals which are attributing to the transitions of 2H11/2 → 4I15/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2, respectively. The quadratic dependence of pump power on UC emission indicated that two-photon process is in charge of the transition from excited state of Yb3+ ions to lower state of Er3+ ion in Na5Lu9F32 single crystals. The long-accepted mechanism for the production of red and green emissions through up-conversion (UC) under 980 nm excitation in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped materials apply in the Na5Lu9F32 host was displayed. The enhancement of the red emission was observed due to a cross-relaxation (CR) process of the form: 4F7/2 + 4I11/2 → 4F9/2 + 4F9/2. Furthermore, an ideal yellowish green light performance could be achieved with 1.0 mol% Er3+ doped certain Yb3+ concentrations samples, and its external quantum efficiency approached to 6.80% under 5.5 Wcm−2 980 nm excitation which can be applied in developing UC displays for electro-optical devices.
Global methylation correlates with clinical status in multiple sclerosis patients in the first year of IFNbeta treatment
Authors: Pinto-Medel María Jesús , Oliver-Martos Begoña , Urbaneja-Romero Patricia , Hurtado-Guerrero Isaac , Ortega-Pinazo Jesús , Serrano-Castro Pedro , Fernández Óscar , Leyva Laura
Published: August 2017

The alteration of DNA methylation patterns are a key component of disease onset and/or progression. Our objective was to evaluate the differences in Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1) methylation levels, as a surrogate marker of global DNA methylation, between multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls. In addition, we assessed the association of LINE-1 methylation with clinical disease activity in patients treated with IFNbeta (IFNβ). We found that individuals with high levels of LINE-1 methylation showed 6-fold increased risk of suffering MS. Additionally, treated MS patients who bear high LINE-1 methylation levels had an 11-fold increased risk of clinical activity. Moreover, a negative correlation between treatment duration and percentage of LINE-1 methylation, that was statistically significant exclusively in the group of patients without clinical activity, was observed. Our data suggest that in MS patients, a slight global DNA hypermethylation occurs that may be related to the pathophysiology of the disease. In addition, global DNA methylation levels could play a role as a biomarker for the differential clinical response to IFNβ.
Ocular fundus pulsations within the posterior rat eye: Chorioscleral motion and response to elevated intraocular pressure
Authors: Augustin Marco , Fialová Stanislava , Fischak Corinna , Schmetterer Leopold , Hitzenberger Christoph K. , Baumann Bernhard
Published: August 2017

A multi-functional optical coherence tomography (OCT) approach is presented to determine ocular fundus pulsations as an axial displacement between the retina and the chorioscleral complex in the albino rat eye. By combining optical coherence elastography and OCT angiography (OCTA), we measure subtle deformations in the nanometer range within the eye and simultaneously map retinal and choroidal perfusion. The conventional OCT reflectivity contrast serves as a backbone to segment the retina and to define several slabs which are subsequently used for quantitative ocular pulsation measurements as well as for a qualitative exploration of the multi-functional OCT image data. The proposed concept is applied in healthy albino rats as well as in rats under acute elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP). The evaluation of this experiment revealed an increased pulsatility and deformation between the retinal and chorioscleral complex while increasing the IOP level from 15 mmHg to 65 mmHg. At IOP levels exceeding 65 mmHg, the pulsatility decreased significantly and retinal as well as choroidal perfusion vanished in OCTA. Furthermore, the evaluation of the multi-parametric experiment revealed a spatial correlation between fundus pulsatility and choroidal blood flow. This indicates that the assessed pulsatility may be a valuable parameter describing the choroidal perfusion.
Osteocyte regulation of orthodontic force-mediated tooth movement via RANKL expression
Authors: Shoji-Matsunaga Ayumi , Ono Takehito , Hayashi Mikihito , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Moriyama Keiji , Nakashima Tomoki
Published: August 2017

Orthodontic tooth movement is achieved by the remodeling of the alveolar bone surrounding roots of teeth. Upon the application of orthodontic force, osteoclastic bone resorption occurs on the compression side of alveolar bone, towards which the teeth are driven. However, the molecular basis for the regulatory mechanisms underlying alveolar bone remodeling has not been sufficiently elucidated. Osteoclastogenesis is regulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), which is postulated to be expressed by the cells surrounding the tooth roots. Here, we show that osteocytes are the critical source of RANKL in alveolar bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. Using a newly established method for the isolation of periodontal tissue component cells from alveolar bone, we found that osteocytes expressed a much higher amount of RANKL than other cells did in periodontal tissue. The critical role of osteocyte-derived RANKL was confirmed by the reduction of orthodontic tooth movement in mice specifically lacking RANKL in osteocytes. Thus, we provide in vivo evidence for the key role of osteocyte-derived RANKL in alveolar bone remodeling, establishing a molecular basis for orthodontic force-mediated bone resorption.
Direct Learning Hidden Excited State Interaction Patterns from ab initio Dynamics and Its Implication as Alternative Molecular Mechanism Models
Authors: Liu Fang , Du Likai , Zhang Dongju , Gao Jun
Published: August 2017

The excited states of polyatomic systems are rather complex, and often exhibit meta-stable dynamical behaviors. Static analysis of reaction pathway often fails to sufficiently characterize excited state motions due to their highly non-equilibrium nature. Here, we proposed a time series guided clustering algorithm to generate most relevant meta-stable patterns directly from ab initio dynamic trajectories. Based on the knowledge of these meta-stable patterns, we suggested an interpolation scheme with only a concrete and finite set of known patterns to accurately predict the ground and excited state properties of the entire dynamics trajectories, namely, the prediction with ensemble models (PEM). As illustrated with the example of sinapic acids, The PEM method does not require any training data beyond the clustering algorithm, and the estimation error for both ground and excited state is very close, which indicates one could predict the ground and excited state molecular properties with similar accuracy. These results may provide us some insights to construct molecular mechanism models with compatible energy terms as traditional force fields.
The inhibitory mechanism of Hal3 on the yeast Ppz1 phosphatase: A mutagenesis analysis
Authors: Molero Cristina , Casado Carlos , Ariño Joaquín
Published: August 2017

The Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (PPase) Ppz1 is an enzyme related to the ubiquitous type-1 PPases (PP1c) but found only in fungi. It is regulated by an inhibitory subunit, Hal3, which binds to its catalytic domain. Overexpression of Ppz1 is highly toxic for yeast cells, so its de-regulation has been proposed as a target for novel antifungal therapies. While modulation of PP1c by its many regulatory subunits has been extensively characterized, the manner by which Hal3 controls Ppz1 remains unknown. We have used error-prone PCR mutagenesis to construct a library of Ppz1 variants and developed a functional assay to identify mutations affecting the binding or/and the inhibitory capacity of Hal3. We have characterized diverse Ppz1 mutated versionsin vivoandin vitroand found that, although they were clearly refractory to Hal3 inhibition, none of them exhibited significant reduction in Hal3 binding. Mapping the mutations strengthened the notion that Hal3 does not interact with Ppz1 through its RVxF-like motif (found in most PP1c regulators). In contrast, the most relevant mutations mapped to a conserved α-helix region used by mammalian Inhibitor-2 to regulate PP1c. Therefore, modulation of PP1c and Ppz1 by their subunits likely differs, but could share some structural features.
Dysmobility Syndrome and Risk of Mortality for Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Nexus of Aging and Body Composition
Authors: Lee Wei-Ju , Liu Li-Kuo , Hwang An-Chun , Peng Li-Ning , Lin Ming-Hsien , Chen Liang-Kung
Published: August 2017

Dysmobility syndrome is a newly proposed concept to comprehensively consider bone-muscle-adiposity as a whole to associate with mortality and other adverse outcomes in the older adults. Little was known in Asian populations since the body composition was highly related to ethnicity. The study aimed to evaluate the association between dysmobility syndrome and mortality and to explore the most optimal operational definition for dysmobility syndrome. The prevalence of dysmobility syndrome was 3.9–10.1% based on different operational definitions of adiposity and skeletal muscle index. Subjects with dysmobility syndrome were older, more often to be women, having higher adiposity, lower lean body mass and bone mineral density. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that dysmobility and pre-dysmobility syndrome had higher risk of mortality than the robust group (Hazard ratio (HR): 11.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–109.1; and HR 8.7, 95% CI 1.1-67.3, respectively). Overall, the modified operational definition of dysmobility syndrome in Asian populations using FNIH-adjusted skeletal muscle mass and waist circumference-defined adiposity may be the most optimal model for mortality prediction. Taking the nexus of body composition as a whole to evaluate the mortality risk of older adults is an important improvement beyond sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
Giant modulation of the electronic band gap of carbon nanotubes by dielectric screening
Authors: Aspitarte Lee , McCulley Daniel R. , Bertoni Andrea , Island Joshua O. , Ostermann Marvin , Rontani Massimo , Steele Gary A. , Minot Ethan D.
Published: August 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising material for high-performance electronics beyond silicon. But unlike silicon, the nature of the transport band gap in CNTs is not fully understood. The transport gap in CNTs is predicted to be strongly driven by electron-electron (e-e) interactions and correlations, even at room temperature. Here, we use dielectric liquids to screen e-e interactions in individual suspended ultra-clean CNTs. Using multiple techniques, the transport gap is measured as dielectric screening is increased. Changing the dielectric environment from air to isopropanol, we observe a 25% reduction in the transport gap of semiconducting CNTs, and a 32% reduction in the band gap of narrow-gap CNTs. Additional measurements are reported in dielectric oils. Our results elucidate the nature of the transport gap in CNTs, and show that dielectric environment offers a mechanism for significant control over the transport band gap.
Transcriptomic, biochemical and physio-anatomical investigations shed more light on responses to drought stress in two contrasting sesame genotypes
Authors: Dossa Komivi , Li Donghua , Wang Linhai , Zheng Xiaomin , Liu Aili , Yu Jingyin , Wei Xin , Zhou Rong , Fonceka Daniel , Diouf Diaga , Liao Boshou , Cissé Ndiaga , Zhang Xiurong
Published: August 2017

Sesame is an important oilseed crop with a high oil quality. It is prone to drought stress in the arid and semi-arid areas where it is widely grown. This study aims to decipher the response of tolerant (DT) and sensitive (DS) genotypes to progressive drought based on transcriptome, biochemical and physio-anatomical characterizations. Results indicated that under severe stress, DT relied on a well-functioning taproot while DS displayed a disintegrated root due to collapsed cortical cells. This was attributed to a higher accumulation of osmoprotectants and strong activity of antioxidant enzymes especially peroxidases in DT. From roots, DT could supply water to the aboveground tissues to ensure photosynthetic activities and improve endurance under stress. Temporal transcriptome sequencing under drought further confirmed that DT strongly activated genes related to antioxidant activity, osmoprotection and hormonal signaling pathways including abscisic acid and Ethylene. Furthermore, DT displayed unique differentially expressed genes in root functioning as peroxidases, interleukin receptor-associated kinase, heat shock proteins, APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element-binding protein and mitogen activated protein kinase, to effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species and preserve root cell integrity. Finally, 61 candidate genes conferring higher drought tolerance in DT were discovered and may constitute useful resources for drought tolerance improvement in sesame.
PorV is an Outer Membrane Shuttle Protein for the Type IX Secretion System
Authors: Glew Michelle D. , Veith Paul D. , Chen Dina , Gorasia Dhana G. , Peng Ben , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: August 2017

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen associated with chronic periodontitis. Major virulence factors named gingipains (cysteine proteinases, RgpA, RgpB and Kgp) are secreted via the Type IX Secretion System (T9SS). These, together with approximately 30 other proteins, are secreted to the cell surface and anchored to the outer membrane by covalent modification to anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) via the novel Gram negative sortase, PorU. PorU is localised on the cell surface and cleaves the C-terminal domain signal (CTD) of T9SS substrates and conjugates their new C-termini to A-LPS. A 440 kDa-attachment complex was identified in the wild-type (WT) comprising of PorU:PorV:PorQ:PorZ. In mutant strains, sub-complexes comprising PorU:PorV or PorQ:PorZ were also identified at smaller native sizes suggesting that PorU and PorZ are anchored to the cell surface via interaction with the PorV and PorQ outer membrane proteins, respectively. Analysis of porU mutants and a CTD cleavage mutant revealed accumulation of immature T9SS substrates in a PorV-bound form. Quantitative label-free proteomics of WT whole cell lysates estimated that the proportion of secretion channels:attachment complexes:free PorV:T9SS substrates was 1:6:110:2000 supporting a role for PorV as a shuttle protein delivering secreted proteins to the attachment complex for CTD signal cleavage and A-LPS modification.
Circadian clock-dependent increase in salivary IgA secretion modulated by sympathetic receptor activation in mice
Authors: Wada Misaki , Orihara Kanami , Kamagata Mayo , Hama Koki , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Haraguchi Atsushi , Miyakawa Hiroki , Nakao Atsuhito , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: August 2017

The salivary gland is rhythmically controlled by sympathetic nerve activation from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which functions as the main oscillator of circadian rhythms. In humans, salivary IgA concentrations reflect circadian rhythmicity, which peak during sleep. However, the mechanisms controlling this rhythmicity are not well understood. Therefore, we examined whether the timing of parasympathetic (pilocarpine) or sympathetic (norepinephrine; NE) activation affects IgA secretion in the saliva. The concentrations of saliva IgA modulated by pilocarpine activation or by a combination of pilocarpine and NE activation were the highest in the middle of the light period, independent of saliva flow rate. The circadian rhythm of IgA secretion was weakened by an SCN lesion and Clock gene mutation, suggesting the importance of the SCN and Clock gene on this rhythm. Adrenoceptor antagonists blocked both NE- and pilocarpine-induced basal secretion of IgA. Dimeric IgA binds to the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) on the basolateral surface of epithelial cells and forms the IgA-pIgR complex. The circadian rhythm of Pigr abundance peaked during the light period, suggesting pIgR expression upon rhythmic secretion of IgA. We speculate that activation of sympathetic nerves during sleep may protect from bacterial access to the epithelial surface through enhanced secretion of IgA.
Musashi-1 Enhances Glioblastoma Cell Migration and Cytoskeletal Dynamics through Translational Inhibition of Tensin3
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Yun , Lin Liang-Ting , Wang Mong-Lien , Laurent Benoit , Hsu Chih-Hung , Pan Chih-Ming , Jiang Wan-Ru , Chen Pau-Yuan , Ma Hsin-I , Chen Yi-Wei , Huang Pin-I , Chiou Arthur , Chiou Shih-Hwa
Published: August 2017

The RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 (MSI1) exerts essential roles in multiple cellular functions, such as maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency of stem cells. MSI1 overexpression has been observed in several tumor tissues, including glioblastoma (GBM), and is considered as a well-established marker for tumor metastasis and recurrence. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MSI1 regulates cell migration are still undetermined. Here we reported that MSI1 alters cell morphology, promotes cell migration, and increases viscoelasticity of GBM cells. We also found that MSI1 directly binds to the 3′UTR of Tensin 3 (TNS3) mRNA, a negative regulator of cell migration, to inhibit its translation. Additionally, we identified that RhoA-GTP could be a potential regulator in MSI1/TNS3-mediated cell migration and morphological changes. In a xenograft animal model, high expression ratio of MSI1 to TNS3 enhanced GBM tumor migration. We also confirmed that MSI1 and TNS3 expressions are mutually exclusive in migratory tumor lesions, and GBM patients with MSI1high/TNS3low pattern tend to have poor clinical outcome. Taken together, our findings suggested a critical role of MSI1-TNS3 axis in regulating GBM migration and highlighted that the ratio of MSI1/TNS3 could predict metastatic and survival outcome of GBM patients.
Nanocellulosic materials as bioinks for 3D bioprinting
Authors: Piras Carmen C. , Fernández-Prieto Susana , De Borggraeve Wim M.
Published: August 2017

Use of nanocellulose in 3D bioprinting for biomedical applications.
The effects of exfoliation, organic solvents and anodic activation on the catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of tungsten disulfide
Authors: Liu Wanglian , Benson John , Dawson Craig , Strudwick Andrew , Raju Arun Prakash Aranga , Han Yisong , Li Meixian , Papakonstantinou Pagona
Published: August 2017

The effects of size selected exfoliation, organic solvents and electrochemical activation on the catalytic HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) performance of WS2were investigated.
The role of the secondary structure of helical poly(phenylacetylene)s in the formation of nanoparticles from polymer–metal complexes (HPMCs)
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Arias Sandra , Quiñoá Emilio , Riguera Ricardo , Freire Félix
Published: August 2017

The secondary structure of chiral helical polymers forming helical polymer–metal complexes (HPMCs) plays a major role in their subsequent nanostructuration.
Synthesis of Cu-catalysed quinazolinones using a Csp3–H functionalisation/cyclisation strategy
Authors: Gholap Aniket V. A. , Maity Soham , Schulzke Carola , Maiti Debabrata , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: August 2017

A series of 2,3-disubstituted-4(3H)-quinazolinones were synthesised via a copper-catalysed Csp3–H functionalisation/cyclisation of 2-amino-N,N-dialkylbenzamides.
Synthesis, characterization and mechanism of formation of carbon aerogels incorporated with highly crystalline lanthanum oxychloride particles
Authors: Zhu Xiurong , Yu Yi , Yuan Jvjun , Zhang Xianke , Yu Huajun , Zhang Wen , Du Ai , Zhou Bin
Published: August 2017

Low-density carbon aerogels incorporated with high crystallization LaOCl particles: (a) photograph, (b) SEM, (c) TEM and (d) XRD.
Strain and electric field tunable electronic structure of buckled bismuthene
Authors: Liu Ming-Yang , Huang Yang , Chen Qing-Yuan , Li Ze-Yu , Cao Chao , He Yao
Published: August 2017

Based on first-principles density functional theory calculations, we systemically study the properties of two-dimensional buckled single-layer bismuth (b-bismuthene).
A computational approach towards understanding hydrogen gas adsorption in Co–MIL-88A
Authors: Xuan Huynh Nguyen Thi , Na O My , Chihaia Viorel , Son Do Ngoc
Published: August 2017

The hydrogen adsorption is most favorable at the hollow site of Co–MIL-88A.
Synthesis of an azo-Mn(ii) complex with mild pH control using a microfluidic device
Authors: Tanaka Daiki , Sawai Shunsuke , Yoon Dong Hyun , Sekiguchi Tetsushi , Akitsu Takashiro , Shoji Shuichi
Published: August 2017

This study describes a new control method of pH for azo-Mn(ii) complexes that requiring an accurate pH control by fluidic device.
Polycaprolactone-templated reduced-graphene oxide liquid crystal nanofibers towards biomedical applications
Authors: Jalili-Firoozinezhad Sasan , Mohamadzadeh Moghadam Mohamad Hasan , Ghanian Mohammad Hossein , Ashtiani Mohammad Kazemi , Alimadadi Hossein , Baharvand Hossein , Martin Ivan , Scherberich Arnaud
Published: August 2017

Here, we report a facile method to generate electrically conductive nanofibers by coating and subsequently chemically reducing graphene oxide (GO) liquid crystals on a polycaprolactone (PCL) mat.
UV/ozone-assisted tribochemistry-induced nanofabrication on Si(100) surfaces
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Yu Bingjun , Jiang Shulan , Jiang Liang , Qian Linmao
Published: August 2017

UV/ozone oxidation provides a simple and efficient method to prepare super-hydrophilic SiOx films for tribochemistry-induced nanofabrication on Si substrates.
Dissipative particle dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations on mesoscale structure and proton conduction in a SPEEK/PVDF-g-PSSA membrane
Authors: Ma Yue , Wang Yuxiang , Deng Xuejian , Zhou Guanggang , Khalid Sha , Sun Xiaoliang , Sun Wei , Zhou Qiong , Lu Guiwu
Published: August 2017

The blend morphologies evolve from disordered small particles to a regular PVDF cluster network, which were connected by SPEEK cylindrical channels.
Simultaneously enhanced Jsc and FF by employing two solution-processed interfacial layers for inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Ding Yang , Jiang Yue , Zheng MingZhi , Wu Sujuan , Lu Xubing , Zeng Min , Gao Xingsen , Wang Qianming , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun-ming , Kempa Krzysztof , Gao Jinwei
Published: August 2017

A high-performance perovskite solar cell has been achieved by embedding s-MoOx and TOPD buffer layers between active layer and electrodes, showing a remarkable enhancement in FF from 69.2% to 80.7%, and in efficiency from 11.2% to 16.04%.
Ratiometric photoacoustic imaging of endoplasmic reticulum polarity in injured liver tissues of diabetic mice
Authors: Xiao Haibin , Wu Chuanchen , Li Ping , Gao Wen , Zhang Wen , Zhang Wei , Tong Lili , Tang Bo
Published: August 2017

We have developed a new fluorescent and photoacoustic dual-mode probe, ER-P, for the detection of ER polarity of liver tissues in normal and diabetic mice.
Enhancing charge mobilities in organic semiconductors by selective fluorination: a design approach based on a quantum mechanical perspective
Authors: Maiti Buddhadev , Schubert Alexander , Sarkar Sunandan , Bhandari Srijana , Wang Kunlun , Li Zhe , Geva Eitan , Twieg Robert J. , Dunietz Barry D.
Published: August 2017

Selective fluorination of organic semiconducting molecules can enhance attractive intermolecular interactions without increasing the risk for charge trapping.
Forming next-generation antibody–nanoparticle conjugates through the oriented installation of non-engineered antibody fragments
Authors: Greene Michelle K. , Richards Daniel A. , Nogueira João C. F. , Campbell Katrina , Smyth Peter , Fernández Marcos , Scott Christopher J. , Chudasama Vijay
Published: August 2017

Enabling oriented installation of non-engineered antibody fragments on nanoparticle surfaces to create next-generation antibody–nanoparticle conjugates.
Performance optimization and single parabolic band behavior of thermoelectric MnTe
Authors: Xu Yidong , Li Wen , Wang Chen , Li Juan , Chen Zhiwei , Lin Siqi , Chen Yue , Pei Yanzhong
Published: August 2017

Carrier concentration optimization realizes a figure of merit of unity in thermoelectric MnTe with possible further improvements by minimizing κL.
Ultrahigh-performance electrospun polylactide membranes with excellent oil/water separation ability via interfacial stereocomplex crystallization
Authors: Jing Yao , Zhang Li , Huang Rui , Bai Dongyu , Bai Hongwei , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang
Published: August 2017

A low-temperature sintering technology is devised to fabricate electrospun sc-PLA membranes with superior mechanical strength and unprecedented separation performanceviaforming sc crystallites between adjacent fibers.
Brønsted base site engineering of graphitic carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Xue Lu , Fang Wen Qi , Liu Wenqing , Jia Yi , Jing Dengwei , Wang Yun , Yang Ling-Yun , Gong Xue-Qing , Yao Ye-Feng , Yang Hua Gui , Yao Xiangdong
Published: August 2017

Through the combination of a HPH method and 2D15N SSNMR spectroscopy, the Brønsted base sites of g-C3N4can be tuned and identified.
Gelatin-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles with sustained release properties for intracameral pharmacotherapy of glaucoma
Authors: Liao Yu-Te , Lee Chih-Hung , Chen Si-Tan , Lai Jui-Yang , Wu Kevin C.-W.
Published: August 2017

Herein, pilocarpine-loaded gelatin-covered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (denoted as p/GM) were intracamerally administrated into the anterior chamber for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP).
β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets: an effective sensing platform for constructing nucleic acid-based optical sensors
Authors: Zhou Hui , Peng Junbin , Qiu Xinlan , Gao Yansha , Lu Limin , Wang Wenmin
Published: August 2017

We report for the first time that β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets can exhibit differential affinity toward short oligonucleotide fragment versus ssDNA probe and the absorbed DNA can also be desorbed by degrading the β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets.
Computational investigation of metal organic frameworks for storage and delivery of anticancer drugs
Authors: Erucar Ilknur , Keskin Seda
Published: August 2017

The potential of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as binary drug carriers was computationally investigated for storage and delivery of two anticancer drug molecules, methotrexate (MTX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
Processing of ferroelectric polymers for microelectronics: from morphological analysis to functional devices
Authors: Dehsari Hamed Sharifi , Michels Jasper J. , Asadi Kamal
Published: August 2017

Solution casting under ambient conditions of thin films of the ferroelectric copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) is highly attractive for cost-effective production of flexible memory devices.
Kirigami-patterned highly stretchable conductors from flexible carbon nanotube-embedded polymer films
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Zhang Ling , Duan Shasha , Jiang Hao , Shen Jianhua , Li Chunzhong
Published: August 2017

This symmetric kirigami-patterned film possesses excellent stretchability, superior conductive stability under large deformations, and good durability during repeated cycling tests.
Indicators of Dysphagia in Aged Care Facilities
Authors: Pu Dai , Murry Thomas , Wong May C. M. , Yiu Edwin M. L. , Chan Karen M. K.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate risk factors for dysphagia in elderly individuals in aged care facilities.

Method

A total of 878 individuals from 42 aged care facilities were recruited for this study. The dependent outcome was speech therapist-determined swallowing function. Independent factors were Eating Assessment Tool score, oral motor assessment score, Mini-Mental State Examination, medical history, and various functional status ratings. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify independent variables associated with dysphagia in this cohort.

Results

Two statistical models were constructed. Model 1 used variables from case files without the need for hands-on assessment, and Model 2 used variables that could be obtained from hands-on assessment. Variables positively associated with dysphagia identified in Model 1 were male gender, total dependence for activities of daily living, need for feeding assistance, mobility, requiring assistance walking or using a wheelchair, and history of pneumonia. Variables positively associated with dysphagia identified in Model 2 were Mini-Mental State Examination score, edentulousness, and oral motor assessments score.

Conclusions

Cognitive function, dentition, and oral motor function are significant indicators associated with the presence of swallowing in the elderly. When assessing the frail elderly, case file information can help clinicians identify frail elderly individuals who may be suffering from dysphagia.
Practioner Reflection That Enhances Interprofessional Collaborative Practices for Serving Children Who Are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
Authors: Blaiser Kristina M. , Nevins Mary Ellen
Published: August 2017

Interprofessional collaboration is essential to maximize outcomes of young children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHH). Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, educators, developmental therapists, and parents need to work together to ensure the child's hearing technology is fit appropriately to maximize performance in the various communication settings the child encounters. However, although interprofessional collaboration is a key concept in communication sciences and disorders, there is often a disconnect between what is regarded as best professional practice and the self-work needed to put true collaboration into practice. This paper offers practical tools, processes, and suggestions for service providers related to the self-awareness that is often required (yet seldom acknowledged) to create interprofessional teams with the dispositions and behaviors that enhance patient/client care.
Synthesis of (–)-Muricatacin and (–)-(R,R)-L-Factor Involving an Organocatalytic Direct Vinylogous Aldol Reaction
Authors: Cooze Christopher , Manchoju Amarender , Pansare Sunil
Published: August 2017

Concise syntheses of the polyketide natural product (–)-muricatacin and (–)-(R,R)-L-factor (natural product enantiomer) were achieved in four steps by employing an organocatalytic asymmetric direct vinylogous aldol reaction of γ-crotonolactone and suitable aliphatic aldehydes as the key step.