bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Fencing and Irrigation on Species Composition and Diversity of Desert Plant Communities in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: El‐Keblawy Ali
Published: August 2016

Grazing and water are among the most important factors influencing community structure and productivity in natural rangelands. Little is known about the independent effects of grazing and water and their interaction on plant community structure and productivity in rangelands of the arid Arab Gulf deserts. Paired sampling plots were used to compare plant species composition, diversity and plant abundances and sizes inside and outside 14‐month irrigated and 30‐month non‐irrigated exclosures constructed during dry years on sandy dunes of the arid Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The results showed that the negative impacts of high grazing pressures on plant productivity (plant sizes and abundances) and diversity were stronger in the non‐irrigated sites. Both irrigation (IR) and protection (PR) enhanced plant diversity and productivity of the overgrazed degraded Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The combined effects of PR and IR resulted in the occurrence of a total of 22 species inside the irrigated exclosures; however, none of them appeared in the irrigated grazed sites. Eighteen palatable species occurred inside, but not outside, the irrigated exclosures. Chamaephytes, which are more sensitive to human and animal disturbances, recovered more than other life forms under PR and IR. Dipterygium glaucum showed a great potential to be used for restoration projects under water IR in the Arab Gulf deserts. It is concluded that grazing and water independently affected plant diversity and productivity, but the relative role of grazing is more important than that of water in conserving desert plants, especially the palatable ones. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of copper incorporation on the mechanical and thermal behavior of jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Biswas Bhabatosh , Chabri Sumit , Sawai Pravin , Mitra Bhairab Chandra , Das Kunal , Sinha Arijit
Published: August 2016

Jute fiber along with Cu particle dispersed unsaturated polyester composites having different filler (both Jute and Cu were in equal wt%) loading viz. 2, 5, 10, and 15 wt% were fabricated by compression molding technique. In the present investigation, it is observed that with fillers (Jute and Cu) incorporation the microhardness increases and reaches its maximum at 10 wt% of fillers content followed by slight deterioration at 15 wt%. Structural investigation through X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirms the presence and dispersion of filler. It is observed that with filler addition the crystallinity (%) of the matrix increases which is obtained from X‐ray diffraction pattern. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ensured the bonding of fillers with the matrix and detected the presence of moisture. The mechanical testing viz., tensile, flexural, and Izod impact test shows the strength and modulus increase monotonically upto 10 wt% filler addition followed by slight decreases at 15 wt% filler content. The scratch result shows the optimization of strength and toughness of the composites. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis and differential thermo‐gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability, degradation temperature, and residual mass significantly increased with fillers addition. The water absorption test (room temperature and boiling temperature) predict a variation in weight with time. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1315–E1330, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Chitosan Schiff base as effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acid medium
Authors: Menaka Ramanathan , Subhashini Sethumanickam
Published: August 2016

An environment
friendly inhibitor, chitosan thiophene carboxaldehyde Schiff base, was synthesized by a condensation reaction of the carbonyl group of thiophene 2‐carboxaldehyde and free amino groups of chitosan. The chitosan Schiff base was characterized by UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermal analysis. The surface morphology of the Schiff base derivative was examined by SEM. Gravimetric and electrochemical techniques were used to explore the behaviour of the chitosan thiophene derivative as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in an acidic environment. The effects of inhibitor concentration, exposure time and temperature were investigated. The chitosan Schiff base showed a good inhibition performance of 92% inhibition efficiency at room temperature for 12 h of immersion in a weight loss experiment. The electrochemical results showed that the chitosan derivative acts as an effective mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption of the inhibitor followed the Temkin isotherm model. SEM and AFM techniques were used to characterize the protective layer formed on the mild steel substrate. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermoelectric phenomena in chemically synthesized graphene nanoribbons with substitution atoms and functional groups
Authors: Zberecki K. , Swirkowicz R.
Published: August 2016

We analyze theoretically electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of narrow carbon polymers. Such nanoribbons, which can be obtained chemically via bottom‐up approach from the appropriate monomers, may exhibit extremely interesting properties from application point of view if modified with substitution Al/N atoms or functionalized with NOCH3 group. Our investigations, based on ab initio calculations, show that such modification may considerably narrow the bandgap with respect to pristine structures. Also, magnetic moments ordered ferromagnetically can be generated along modified edges, which results in the spin dependent band structure giving rise to remarkable spin effects, giving strongly enhanced spin Seebeck coefficient. These results suggest that modified polymeric graphene nanoribbons would have a great potential for applications in spintronic devices.
A flexible parametric approach to examining spatial variation in relative survival
Authors: Cramb Susanna M. , Mengersen Kerrie L. , Lambert Paul C. , Ryan Louise M. , Baade Peter D.
Published: August 2016

Most of the few published models used to obtain small‐area estimates of relative survival are based on a generalized linear model with piecewise constant hazards under a Bayesian formulation. Limitations of these models include the need to artificially split the time scale, restricted ability to include continuous covariates, and limited predictive capacity. Here, an alternative Bayesian approach is proposed: a spatial flexible parametric relative survival model. This overcomes previous limitations by combining the benefits of flexible parametric models: the smooth, well‐fitting baseline hazard functions and predictive ability, with the Bayesian benefits of robust and reliable small‐area estimates. Both spatially structured and unstructured frailty components are included. Spatial smoothing is conducted using the intrinsic conditional autoregressive prior. The model was applied to breast, colorectal, and lung cancer data from the Queensland Cancer Registry across 478 geographical areas. Advantages of this approach include the ease of including more realistic complexity, the feasibility of using individual‐level input data, and the capacity to conduct overall, cause‐specific, and relative survival analysis within the same framework. Spatial flexible parametric survival models have great potential for exploring small‐area survival inequalities, and we hope to stimulate further use of these models within wider contexts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
S100B Mediates Stemness of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells Through Inhibiting p53
Authors: Yang Tao , Cheng Jianan , Yang Yang , Qi Wei , Zhao Yuetao , Long Haixia , Xie Rongkai , Zhu Bo
Published: August 2016

S100B is one of the members of the S100 protein family and is involved in the progression of a variety of cancers. Ovarian cancer is driven by cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) that are involved in tumorigenesis, metastasis, chemo-resistance and relapse. We then hypothesized that S100B might exert pro-tumor effects by regulating ovarian CSLCs stemness, a key characteristic of CSLCs. First, we observed the high expression of S100B in ovarian cancer specimens when compared to that in normal ovary. The S100B upregulation associated with more advanced tumor stages, poorer differentiation and poorer survival. In addition, elevated S100B expression correlated with increased expression of stem cell markers including CD133, Nanog and Oct4. Then, we found that S100B was preferentially expressed in CD133+ ovarian CSLCs derived from both ovarian cancer cell lines and primary tumors of patients. More importantly, we revealed that S100B knockdown suppressed the in vitro self-renewal and in vivo tumorigenicity of ovarian CSLCs and decreased their expression of stem cell markers. S100B ectopic expression endowed non-CSLCs with stemness, which has been demonstrated with both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mechanically, we demonstrated that the underlying mechanism of S100B-mediated effects on CSLCs stemness was not dependent on its binding with a receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), but might be through intracellular regulation, through the inhibition of p53 expression and phosphorylation. In conclusion, our results elucidate the importance of S100B in maintenance of ovarian CSLCs stemness, which might provide a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
Fascin Is Critical for the Maintenance of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Pool Predominantly via the Activation of the Notch Self-Renewal Pathway
Authors: Barnawi Rayanah , Al-Khaldi Samiyah , Majed Sleiman Ghida , Sarkar Abdullah , Al-Dhfyan Abdullah , Al-Mohanna Falah , Ghebeh Hazem , Al-Alwan Monther
Published: August 2016

An emerging dogma shows that tumors are initiated and maintained by a subpopulation of cancer cells that hijack some stem cell features and thus referred to as “cancer stem cells” (CSCs). The exact mechanism that regulates the maintenance of CSC pool remains largely unknown. Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that we have previously demonstrated to be a major regulator of breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis, two cardinal features of CSCs. Here, we manipulated fascin expression in breast cancer cell lines and used several in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine the relationship between fascin expression and breast CSCs. Fascin knockdown significantly reduced stem cell-like phenotype (CD44hi/CD24lo and ALDH+) and reversal of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Interestingly, expression of the embryonic stem cell transcriptional factors (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, and Klf4) was significantly reduced when fascin expression was down-regulated. Functionally, fascin-knockdown cells were less competent in forming colonies and tumorspheres, consistent with lower basal self-renewal activity and higher susceptibility to chemotherapy. Fascin effect on CSC chemoresistance and self-renewability was associated with Notch signaling. Activation of Notch induced the relevant downstream targets predominantly in the fascin-positive cells. Limiting-dilution xenotransplantation assay showed higher frequency of tumor-initiating cells in the fascin-positive group. Collectively, our data demonstrated fascin as a critical regulator of breast CSC pool at least partially via activation of the Notch self-renewal signaling pathway and modification of the expression embryonic transcriptional factors. Targeting fascin may halt CSCs and thus presents a novel therapeutic approach for effective treatment of breast cancer.

Video Highlight: https://youtu.be/GxS4fJ_Ow-o
A Semi-Automated Approach for Mapping Geomorphology in Mountainous Terrain, Ferozpora Watershed (Kashmir Himalaya)
Authors: Rashid Irfan , Romshoo Shakil Ahmad , Hajam Javaid Ahmad , Abdullah Tariq
Published: August 2016

Mapping geomorphology in a mountainous terrain is very critical for understanding various land surface processes for their accurate quantification and prediction on different spatial and temporal scales. In the present study, geomorphological mapping was carried out in Ferozpora watershed of Jhelum using remotely sensed data supported by extensive field observations. Three approaches were adopted for mapping geomorphology of Ferozpora watershed. A geomorphological mapping model, Topographic Position Index (TPI), on Screen Image Interpretation (OSII) of satellite data and a hybrid approach utilizing information from TPI and OSII of satellite data were employed. Geomorphology of the area, mapped using the three approaches, was cross checked and verified with the ground data collected by extensively surveying the area and recording the geo-location of the geomorphological features using GPS. Overall, 12 different landforms were mapped which include Alluvial plains, Deeply incised streams, Glacial terrain, Highly dissected hills, Karewa, Fluvial landforms, Moderately dissected hills, Mountain ridges, River channel and U-shaped valleys. The study revealed that Hybrid approach, using inputs from TPI, OSII and field observations, is appropriate in mapping different geomorphological features in this topographically complex terrain with an overall accuracy of 91.53% as compared to TPI (45.56%) and OSII (77.82%) approaches. The study could be extrapolated to other parts of topographically complex Himalayan terrain so as to bring about a very high resolution geomorphological map of Himalayas which could aid policy makers, planners and earth scientists in better modelling the earth surface processes like soil erosion, landslides, hydrology, etc. in the region.
Transition of Care in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Survey of Current Practices
Authors: Bolger Ashlee , Vargus‐Adams Jilda , McMahon Mary
Published: August 2016

Background

Transition of care from pediatric to adult health care providers for youth with special needs (including cerebral palsy [CP]) is of current interest because these individuals are now living well into adulthood. Studies have attempted to identify barriers to transition, ideal timing for transition of care, and key elements for successful transition programs. These studies often encompass a wide range of diagnoses, and results cannot be fully applied to those with CP.

Objective

To identify and describe current transition‐of‐care (TOC) practices and beliefs among physician providers of adolescents with CP in multidisciplinary CP clinics.

Design

Descriptive survey.

Setting

Multidisciplinary CP clinics in the United States.

Participants

Physician leaders in the aforementioned CP clinics.

Methods

Respondents completed an electronic survey. Responses were deidentified and reported in aggregate by the use of descriptive statistics.

Main Outcome Measure

Electronic survey addressing 3 domains: demographics of clinics, current opinions/practices related to TOC processes, and perceived barriers to successful TOC.

Results

Fifteen surveys were sent with 11 returned (response rate = 73%). TOC practices varied among clinics surveyed. Fifty‐five percent of clinics had a structured transition program, but only one transitioned 100% of their patients to adult providers by 22 years of age. Only one clinic had an absolute upper age limit for seeing patients, and 36% of clinics accepted new patients older than 21 years. No respondent was “completely satisfied” with their transition process, and only one respondent was “moderately satisfied.” The majority of respondents felt the ideal care setting for adults with CP was a comprehensive, multidisciplinary adult‐focused clinic in an adult hospital/clinic with primarily adult providers. They noted the top 3 perceived barriers to successful TOC were limited adult providers willing to accept CP patients, concern about the level of care in the adult health care system, and lack of financial resources.

Conclusion

Current TOC practices vary considerably among multidisciplinary pediatric CP clinics and are not satisfactory to individual physician providers within these clinics. Respondents desired a multidisciplinary clinic in an adult care setting with adult providers; however, the top 3 perceived barriers involved the adult health care system, making it difficult for pediatric providers to develop effective TOC programs.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
The permissive power of the ban on war
Authors: Hurd Ian
Published: August 2016

The ban on inter-state war in the UN Charter is widely identified as central to the modern international order–Michael Byers calls it ‘one of the twentieth century’s greatest achievements’. Even if it is only imperfectly observed, it is often seen as a constraint on state autonomy and an improvement on the pre-legal, unregulated world before 1945. In response to this conventional view, this article shows that the laws on war in the Charter are better seen as permissive rather than constraining. I make two points. First, by creating a legal category around ‘self-defence’, the laws on war authorise, and thus legitimate, wars that are motivated by the security needs of the state, while forbidding other motives for wars. Second, state practice since 1945 has expanded the scope of this authorisation, extending it in both time and space beyond the black-letter text of the Charter. The permissive effect of law on war has therefore been getting larger. These two effects suggest that international law is a resource that increases state power, at least for powerful states, and this relation between international law and power politics is missed by both realists and liberal internationalists.
Household Transmission ofClostridium difficileto Family Members and Domestic Pets
Authors: Loo Vivian G. , Brassard Paul , Miller Mark A.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk ofClostridium difficiletransmission from index cases withC. difficileinfection (CDI) to their household contacts and domestic pets.

DESIGN

A prospective study from April 2011 to June 2013.

SETTING

Patients with CDI from Canadian tertiary care centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with CDI, their household human contacts, and pets.

METHODS

Epidemiologic information and stool or rectal swabs were collected from participants at enrollment and monthly for up to 4 months. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed onC. difficileisolates. Probable transmission was defined as the conversion of aC. difficileculture–negative contact toC. difficileculture–positive contact with a PFGE pattern indistinguishable or closely related to the index case. Possible transmission was defined as a contact with a positiveC. difficileculture at baseline with a strain indistinguishable or closely related to the index case.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients with CDI participated in this study; 67 human contacts and 15 pet contacts were included. Overall, 9 human contacts (13.4%) wereC. difficileculture positive; 1 contact (1.5%) developed CDI; and 8 contacts were asymptomatic. Of 67 human contacts, probable transmission occurred in 1 human contact (1.5%) and possible transmission occurred in 5 human contacts (7.5%). Of 15 pet contacts, probable transmission occurred in 3 (20%) and possible transmission occurred in 1 (6.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high proportion ofC. difficileculture positivity at 13.4% among human contacts and asymptomatic carriage of domestic pets reached 26.7%. These results suggest that household transmission ofC. difficilemay be a source of community-associated cases.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1–7
Characteristics of LGBT Quitline Callers Across 14 States
Authors: Lukowski Amy V. , Morris Chad , Young Susan E. , Tinkelman David
Published: August 2016

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities in the United States are disproportionately impacted by smoking, including incidence rates and a lower rate of cessation success. Previous studies have shown that the emotional impact of social stigma and discrimination have contributed to this pronounced health disparity. Utilising data from three years of quitline callers receiving cessation treatment from National Jewish Health, we examine how LGBT callers differ from straight/heterosexual callers in terms of demographic characteristics, tobacco use history, and the prevalence and consequences of emotional or mental health problems. Findings suggest that the LGBT population begins using tobacco in pre-adolescence at a much higher rate than other quitline callers. The most striking finding is that the LGBT callers report higher rates of mental health issues than other callers. In addition, these individuals feel that their mental health issues negatively impact their ability to have a successful quit attempt. This study contributes to the broader understanding of factors associated with elevated rates of tobacco use in the LGBT community, which may inform potential specialised prevention and cessation efforts for this high-risk population.
Delirium in elderly patients: association with educational attainment
Authors: Martins Sónia , Paiva José Artur , Simões Mário R. , Fernandes Lia
Published: August 2016

Objective

Among cognitive reserve markers, educational attainment is the most widely studied, with several studies establishing a strong association with risk of dementia. However, it has not yet been fully examined in delirium. This study aims to analyse the relationship between educational attainment and delirium.

Methods

The study included elderly hospitalised patients admitted (≥48 h) into an intermediate care unit (IMCU) of Intensive Care Medicine Service. Exclusion criteria were as follows: Glasgow Coma Scale (total≤11), blindness/deafness, inability to communicate or to speak Portuguese. The European Portuguese Version of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was used for delirium assessment.

Results

The final sample (n=157) had a mean age of 78.8 (SD=7.6) the majority being female (52.2%), married (51.5%) and with low educational level (49%). According to CAM, 21% of the patients had delirium. The delirium group presented the fewest years of education (median 1 vs. 4), with statistical significance (p=0.003). Delirium was more frequent among male patients [odds ratio (OR) 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12–0.86; p=0.023], as well as those patients with lower education (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.62–0.95; p=0.016), and with respiratory disease (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.20–9.33; p=0.020), after controlling for age and medication.

Conclusion

Similar to previous studies, these findings point to a negative correlation between education and delirium. This study appears as an attempt to contribute to the knowledge about the role of cognitive reserve in risk of delirium, particularly because is the first one that has been carried out in an IMCU, with lower educated elderly patients. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship considering other markers (e.g. cognitive activities), which can contribute to the definition of preventive strategies.
Incorporation and washout of orally administeredn-3 fatty acid ethyl esters in different plasma lipid fractions
Authors: Zuijdgeest-van Leeuwen Sonja D. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Rietveld Trinet , van den Berg J.Willem O. , Paul Wilson J. H.
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present study was to quantify the incorporation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into plasma lipids after oral administration ofn-3 fatty acid ethyl esters, since little is known about the rate and pattern of incorporation into plasma lipid fractions. In addition, we aimed to obtain preliminary information regarding EPA half-life, which is needed to establish an optimal dosing schedule. Five healthy volunteers ingested two 8·5 g doses ofn-3 fatty acid ethyl esters daily for 7 d, supplying 6·0 g EPA/d and 5·3 g DHA/d. The fatty acid compositions of plasma phospholipids (PL), cholesteryl esters (CE) and triacylglycerols (TAG) were determined during supplementation and during a washout period of 7 d. Half-lives of EPA and DHA were calculated. The proportion of EPA in PL showed a 15-fold increase after 7 d (P< 0·001), while DHA showed a smaller increase (P< 0·01). In CE, EPA also increased (P< 0·05), while DHA did not increase at all. Remarkably, incorporation of DHA into TAG was even higher than that of EPA. Half-life of EPA in PL ranged from 1·63 to 2·31 d (mean 1·97 (se 0·15) d), whereas mean half-life of EPA in CE was 3·27 (se 0·56) d. In three subjects, washout of EPA and DHA from TAG seemed to follow a bi-exponential pattern, with a short half-life (< 1 d) in the initial phase and a half-life of several days in the second phase. In conclusion, EPA ethyl esters are rapidly incorporated into plasma lipids, especially into PL. The relatively long half-life of EPA in plasma would permit a dosing schedule with intervals of ≥12 h in supplementation studies.
World climate suitability projections to 2050 and 2100 for growing oil palm
Authors: PATERSON R. R. M. , KUMAR L. , SHABANI F. , LIMA N.
Published: August 2016

Palm oil (PO) is a very important commodity used as food, in pharmaceuticals, for cooking and as biodiesel: PO is a major contributor to the economies of many countries, especially Indonesia and Malaysia. Novel tropical regions are being explored increasingly to grow oil palm as current land decreases, whilst recent published modelling studies by the current authors for Malaysia and Indonesia indicate that the climate will become less suitable. Countries that grow the crop commercially include those in Latin America, Africa and Asia. How will climate change (CC) affect the ability to grow oil palm in these countries? Worldwide projections for apt climate were made using Climex software in the present paper and the global area with unsuitable climate was assessed to increase by 6%, whilst highly suitable climate (HSC) decreased by 22% by 2050. The suitability decreases are dramatic by 2100 suggesting regions totally unsuitable for growing OP, which are currently appropriate: the global area with unsuitable climate increased from 154 to 169 million km2 and HSC decreased from 17 to 4 million km2. This second assessment of Indonesia and Malaysia confirmed the original findings by the current authors of large decreases in suitability. Many parts of Latin America and Africa were dramatically decreased: reductions in HSC for Brazil, Columbia and Nigeria are projected to be 119 000, 35 and 1 from 5 000 000, 219 and 69 km2, respectively. However, increases in aptness were observed in 2050 for Paraguay and Madagascar (HSC increases were 90 and 41%, respectively), which were maintained until 2100 (95 and 45%, respectively). Lesser or transient increases were seen for a few other countries. Hot, dry and cold climate stresses upon oil palm for all regions are also provided. These results have negative implications for growing oil palm in countries as: (a) alternatives to Malaysia and Indonesia or (b) economic resources per se. The inability to grow oil palm may assist in amelioration of CC, although the situation is complex. Data suggest a moderate movement of apposite climate towards the poles as previously predicted.
Diversity of helminth parasites in aquatic invertebrate hosts in Latin America: how much do we know?
Authors: Aguirre-Macedo M.L. , May-Tec A.L. , Martínez-Aquino A. , Cremonte F. , Martorelli S.R.
Published: August 2016

Helminths in aquatic invertebrate hosts have been overlooked in comparison with vertebrate hosts. Therefore, the known diversity, ecology and distribution of these host–parasite systems are very limited in terms of their taxonomic diversity, habitat and geographic regions. In this study we examined the published literature on helminth parasites of aquatic invertebrates from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to identify the state of the knowledge in the region and to identify patterns of helminth diversity. Results showed that 67% of the literature is from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. We found records for 772 host–parasite associations. Most records relate to medically or economically important hosts. Molluscs were the most studied host group with 377 helminth records (80% trematodes). The lymnaeids and planorbids were the most studied molluscs across LAC. Arthropods were the second most studied host group with 78 helminth records (trematodes 38%, cestodes 24% and nematodes 20%), with shrimps and crabs being the most studied hosts. Host species with the largest number of helminth taxa were those with a larger sampling effort through time, usually in a small country region. No large geographical-scale studies were identified. In general, the knowledge is still too scarce to allow any zoogeographical or helminth diversity generalization, as most hosts have been studied locally and the studies on invertebrate hosts in LAC are substantially uneven among countries.
The identity of two species of cyphonautes larvae (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Hayward P.J.
Published: August 2016

Two species of bryozoan cyphonautes larvae are described and illustrated from plankton tows made among coral heads in shallow waters at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Individuals of both species settled and metamorphosed, and their ancestrulae and early astogeny are also described and illustrated. One is recognized as a formerly unknown species of Conopeum, C. ponticum sp. nov., the other is attributed to Biflustra reticulata.
RICHARD WAGNER AND THE GERMAN NATION
Authors: Blanning Tim
Published: August 2016

Richard Wagner's relationship with the German nation was inconsistent and often contradictory, veering between pride and distaste. One constant feature, however, was his intense hostility to the German princes. He held them responsible for the decline of German culture after the Reformation and, more especially, after the Thirty Years War. Their imitation of Italian and French models amounted to cultural treason in his view. The great revival of the ‘German spirit’ in the eighteenth century, he asserted with characteristic vehemence, came from the common people. It was they too who rose in revolt against Napoleonic tyranny in the great ‘War of Liberation’ of 1813–15. Yet once again the princes betrayed them, restoring despotic rule once the French yoke had been removed and resuming the patronage of French plays and Italian operas. In forming this narrative, Wagner was strongly influenced by Friedrich Schiller, who ranks with Shakespeare and Beethoven in his rather limited pantheon. It found its way into several of his music dramas, most explicitly in The Mastersingers of Nuremberg, whose political message has often been misunderstood.
Results of a pnCCD Based Ultrafast Direct Single Electron Imaging Camera for Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Ryll H. , Müller K. , Ihle S. , Soltau H. , Ordavo I. , Liebel A. , Hartmann R. , Rosenauer A. , Strüder L.
Published: August 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Cold Temperatures Set Off Slow-Moving Landslides
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: August 2016

Falling ground temperatures in the cold season are found to trigger shallow, slow-moving landslides on slopes with clayey soil.
IgG subclass co‐expression brings harmony to the quartet model of murine IgG function
Authors: Collins Andrew M
Published: August 2016

A model of murine IgG function is presented in which the co‐expression of the IgG subclasses is a central feature, class switching occurs before the commencement of somatic hypermutation, and there is little switching between subclasses. It is named the quartet model to emphasize the harmony that comes from the simultaneous presence of the four subclasses. In this model, IgG3 and IgG2b antibodies are particularly important early in the response, when T‐cell help may be limiting. IgG3 initiates inflammation through complement fixation, whereas IgG2b provides early FcγR‐mediated effector functions. As T‐cell help strengthens, IgG2a antibodies increase the power of the response, whereas IgG1 production helps limit the inflammatory drive and limits immunopathology. The model highlights the fact that murine IgG subclasses function quite differently to human IgG subclasses. This allows them to serve the special immunological needs of a species that is vulnerable because of its small size.
Cell-permeable succinate prodrugs bypass mitochondrial complex I deficiency
Authors: Ehinger Johannes K. , Piel Sarah , Ford Rhonan , Karlsson Michael , Sjövall Fredrik , Frostner Eleonor Åsander , Morota Saori , Taylor Robert W. , Turnbull Doug M. , Cornell Clive , Moss Steven J. , Metzsch Carsten , Hansson Magnus J. , Fliri Hans , Elmér Eskil
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial complex I (CI) deficiency is the most prevalent defect in the respiratory chain in paediatric mitochondrial disease. This heterogeneous group of diseases includes serious or fatal neurological presentations such as Leigh syndrome and there are very limited evidence-based treatment options available. Here we describe that cell membrane-permeable prodrugs of the complex II substrate succinate increase ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration in CI-deficient human blood cells, fibroblasts and heart fibres. Lactate accumulation in platelets due to rotenone-induced CI inhibition is reversed and rotenone-induced increase in lactate:pyruvate ratio in white blood cells is alleviated. Metabolomic analyses demonstrate delivery and metabolism of [13C]succinate. In Leigh syndrome patient fibroblasts, with a recessive NDUFS2 mutation, respiration and spare respiratory capacity are increased by prodrug administration. We conclude that prodrug-delivered succinate bypasses CI and supports electron transport, membrane potential and ATP production. This strategy offers a potential future therapy for metabolic decompensation due to mitochondrial CI dysfunction.
A nickel iron diselenide-derived efficient oxygen-evolution catalyst
Authors: Xu Xiang , Song Fang , Hu Xile
Published: August 2016

Efficient oxygen-evolution reaction catalysts are required for the cost-effective generation of solar fuels. Metal selenides have been reported as promising oxygen-evolution catalysts; however, their active forms are yet to be elucidated. Here we show that a representative selenide catalyst, nickel selenide, is entirely converted into nickel hydroxide under oxygen-evolution conditions. This result indicates that metal selenides are unstable during oxygen evolution, and the in situ generated metal oxides are responsible for their activity. This knowledge inspired us to synthesize nanostructured nickel iron diselenide, a hitherto unknown metal selenide, and to use it as a templating precursor to a highly active nickel iron oxide catalyst. This selenide-derived oxide catalyses oxygen evolution with an overpotential of only 195 mV for 10 mA cm−2. Our work underscores the importance of identifying the active species of oxygen-evolution catalysts, and demonstrates how such knowledge can be applied to develop better catalysts.
Effects of race and sex on cerebral hemodynamics, oxygen delivery and blood flow distribution in response to high altitude
Authors: Liu Jie , Liu Yang , Ren Li-hua , Li Li , Wang Zhen , Liu Shan-shan , Li Su-zhi , Cao Tie-sheng
Published: August 2016

To assess racial, sexual and regional differences in cerebral hemodynamic response to high altitude (HA, 3658 m). We performed cross-sectional comparisons on total cerebral blood flow (TCBF = sum of bilateral internal carotid and vertebral arterial blood flows = QICA + QVA), total cerebrovascular resistance (TCVR), total cerebral oxygen delivery (TCOD) and QVA/TCBF (%), among six groups of young healthy subjects: Tibetans (2-year staying) and Han (Han Chinese) at sea level, Han (2-day, 1-year and 5-year) and Tibetans at HA. Bilateral ICA and VA diameters and flow velocities were derived from duplex ultrasonography; and simultaneous measurements of arterial pressure, oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration were conducted. Neither acute (2-day) nor chronic (>1 year) responses showed sex differences in Han, except that women showed lower TCOD compared with men. Tibetans and Han exhibited different chronic responses (percentage alteration relative to the sea-level counterpart value) in TCBF (−17% vs. 0%), TCVR (22% vs. 12%), TCOD (0% vs. 10%) and QVA/TCBF (0% vs. 2.4%, absolute increase), with lower resting TCOD found in SL- and HA-Tibetans. Our findings indicate racial but not sex differences in cerebral hemodynamic adaptations to HA, with Tibetans (but not Han) demonstrating an altitude-related change of CBF distribution.
Extremely heat tolerant photo-symbiosis in a shallow marine benthic foraminifera
Authors: Schmidt C. , Titelboim D. , Brandt J. , Herut B. , Abramovich S. , Almogi-Labin A. , Kucera M.
Published: August 2016

Bleaching, the loss of algal symbionts, occurs in marine photosymbiotic organisms at water temperatures minimally exceeding average summer SST (sea surface temperatures). Pre-adaptation allows organisms to persist under warmer conditions, providing the tolerance can be carried to new habitats. Here we provide evidence for the existence of such adaptation in the benthic foraminifera Pararotalia calcariformata. This species occurs at a thermally polluted site in the Mediterranean, where water temperatures reach a maxima daily average of 36 °C during the summer. To test whether this occurrence represents a widespread adaptation, we conducted manipulative experiments exposing this species from an unpolluted site to elevated temperatures (20–42 °C). It was kept in co-culture with the more thermally sensitive foraminifera Amphistegina lobifera in two experiments (20–36 °C). Reduced photosynthetic activity in A. lobifera occurred at 32 °C whereas photochemical stress in P. calcariformata was first observed during exposure to 36 °C. Pararotalia calcariformata survived all treatment conditions and grew under 36 °C. The photosymbiosis in P. calcariformata is unusually thermally tolerant. These observations imply that marine eukaryote-eukaryote photosymbiosis can respond to elevated temperatures by drawing on a pool of naturally occurring pre-adaptations. It also provides a perspective on the massive occurrence of symbiont-bearing foraminifera in the early Cenozoic hothouse climate.
Precise Tuning of Facile One-Pot Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Synthesis
Authors: Shirahama Hitomi , Lee Bae Hoon , Tan Lay Poh , Cho Nam-Joon
Published: August 2016

Gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) is one of the most commonly used photopolymerizable biomaterials in bio-applications. However, GelMA synthesis remains suboptimal, as its reaction parameters have not been fully investigated. The goal of this study is to establish an optimal route for effective and controllable GelMA synthesis by systematically examining reaction parameters including carbonate-bicarbonate (CB) buffer molarity, initial pH adjustment, MAA concentration, gelatin concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time. We employed several analytical techniques in order to determine the degree of substitution (DS) and conducted detailed structural analysis of the synthesized polymer. The results enabled us to optimize GelMA synthesis, showing the optimal conditions to balance the deprotonation of amino groups with minimizing MAA hydrolysis, which led to nearly complete substitution. The optimized conditions (low feed ratio of MAA to gelatin (0.1 mL/g), 0.25 M CB buffer at pH 9, and a gelatin concentration of 10–20%) enable a simplified reaction scheme that produces GelMA with high substitution with just one-step addition of MAA in one pot. Looking forward, these optimal conditions not only enable facile one-pot GelMA synthesis but can also guide researchers to explore the efficient, high methacrylation of other biomacromolecules.
Repositioning organohalogen drugs: a case study for identification of potent B-Raf V600E inhibitors via docking and bioassay
Authors: Li Yisu , Guo Binbin , Xu Zhijian , Li Bo , Cai Tingting , Zhang Xinben , Yu Yuqi , Wang Heyao , Shi Jiye , Zhu Weiliang
Published: August 2016

Drug repositioning has been attracting increasingly attention for its advantages of reducing costs and risks. Statistics showed that around one quarter of the marketed drugs are organohalogens. However, no study has been reported, to the best of our knowledge, to aim at efficiently repositioning organohalogen drugs, which may be attributed to the lack of accurate halogen bonding scoring function. Here, we present a study to show that two organohalogen drugs were successfully repositioned as potent B-Raf V600E inhibitors via molecular docking with halogen bonding scoring function, namely D3DOCKxb developed in our lab, and bioassay. After virtual screening by D3DOCKxb against the database CMC (Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry), 3 organohalogen drugs that were predicted to form strong halogen bonding with B-Raf V600E were purchased and tested with ELISA-based assay. In the end, 2 of them, rafoxanide and closantel, were identified as potent inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.07 μM and 1.90 μM, respectively, which are comparable to that of vemurafenib (IC50: 0.17 μM), a marketed drug targeting B-Raf V600E. Single point mutagenesis experiments confirmed the conformations predicted by D3DOCKxb. And comparison experiment revealed that halogen bonding scoring function is essential for repositioning those drugs with heavy halogen atoms in their molecular structures.
Detecting the Biopolymer Behavior of Graphene Nanoribbons in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wijeratne Sithara S. , Penev Evgeni S. , Lu Wei , Li Jingqiang , Duque Amanda L. , Yakobson Boris I. , Tour James M. , Kiang Ching-Hwa
Published: August 2016

Graphene nanoribbons (GNR), can be prepared in bulk quantities for large-area applications by reducing the product from the lengthwise oxidative unzipping of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). Recently, the biomaterials application of GNR has been explored, for example, in the pore to be used for DNA sequencing. Therefore, understanding the polymer behavior of GNR in solution is essential in predicting GNR interaction with biomaterials. Here, we report experimental studies of the solution-based mechanical properties of GNR and their parent products, graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONR). We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study their mechanical properties in solution and showed that GNR and GONR have similar force-extension behavior as in biopolymers such as proteins and DNA. The rigidity increases with reducing chemical functionalities. The similarities in rigidity and tunability between nanoribbons and biomolecules might enable the design and fabrication of GNR-biomimetic interfaces.
Fetal Bovine Serum RNA Interferes with the Cell Culture derived Extracellular RNA
Authors: Wei Zhiyun , Batagov Arsen O. , Carter David R. F. , Krichevsky Anna M.
Published: August 2016

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been used in eukaryotic cell cultures for decades. However, little attention has been paid to the biological effects associated with RNA content of FBS on cell cultures. Here, using RNA sequencing, we demonstrate that FBS contains a diverse repertoire of protein-coding and regulatory RNA species, including mRNA, miRNA, rRNA and snoRNA. The majority of them (>70%) are retained even after extended ultracentrifugation in the preparations of vesicle-depleted FBS (vdFBS) commonly utilized in the studies of extracellular vesicles (EV) and intercellular communication. FBS-associated RNA is co-isolated with cell-culture derived extracellular RNA (exRNA) and interferes with the downstream RNA analysis. Many evolutionally conserved FBS-derived RNA species can be falsely annotated as human or mouse transcripts. Notably, specific miRNAs abundant in FBS, such as miR-122, miR-451a and miR-1246, have been previously reported as enriched in cell-culture derived EVs, possibly due to the confounding effect of the FBS. Analysis of publically available exRNA datasets supports the notion of FBS contamination. Furthermore, FBS transcripts can be taken up by cultured cells and affect the results of highly sensitive gene expression profiling technologies. Therefore, precautions for experimental design are warranted to minimize the interference and misinterpretations caused by FBS-derived RNA.
Neuoroprotective efficacies by KUS121, a VCP modulator, on animal models of retinal degeneration
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoko , Muraoka Yuki , Ikeda Hanako Ohashi , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Kondo Mineo , Terasaki Hiroko , Kakizuka Akira , Yoshimura Nagahisa
Published: August 2016

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of the leading causes of adult blindness and has no established therapy. We have shown that valosin-containing protein (VCP) modulators, Kyoto University Substances (KUSs), ameliorated abnormally low ATP levels by inhibiting the ATPase of VCP, thereby protected several types of cells, including retinal neurons, from cell death-inducing insults. In this study, we found that KUS121, one of the VCP modulators, effectively protects photoreceptors both morphologically and functionally, in two animal models of retinal degeneration, rd12 mice and RP rabbits with a rhodopsin (Pro347Leu) mutation. In rd12 mice, KUS121 suppressed the loss of photoreceptors, not only rods but also cones, as well as the visual function deterioration. Significant protective effects existed even when the medication was started in later stages of the disease. In RP rabbits, KUS121 suppressed thinning of the outer nuclear layer and maintained visual function. In the retinas treated with KUS121, suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress, activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and suppression of disease-associated apoptosis were evident. The ability of KUS121 to protect photoreceptors, especially cones, even in later stages of the disease may contribute to the preservation of central vision in RP patients, which is important for quality of vision.
Robust phase retrieval for high resolution edge illumination x-ray phase-contrast computed tomography in non-ideal environments
Authors: Zamir Anna , Endrizzi Marco , Hagen Charlotte K. , Vittoria Fabio A. , Urbani Luca , De Coppi Paolo , Olivo Alessandro
Published: August 2016

Edge illumination x-ray phase contrast tomography is a recently developed imaging technique which enables three-dimensional visualisation of low-absorbing materials. Dedicated phase retrieval algorithms can provide separate computed tomography (CT) maps of sample absorption, refraction and scattering properties. In this paper we propose a novel “modified local retrieval” method which is capable of accurately retrieving sample properties in a range of realistic, non-ideal imaging environments. These include system misalignment, defects in the used optical elements and system geometry variations over time due to vibrations or temperature fluctuations. System instabilities were analysed, modelled and incorporated into a simulation study. As a result, an additional modification was introduced to the retrieval procedure to account for changes in the imaging system over time, as well as local variations over the field of view. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated in comparison to a previously used “global retrieval” method by applying both approaches to experimental CT data of a rat’s heart acquired in a non-ideal environment. The use of the proposed method resulted in the removal of major artefacts, leading to a significant improvement in image quality. This method will therefore enable acquiring high-resolution, reliable CT data of large samples in realistic settings.