bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect ofWolbachiaon dengue dynamics in the presence of two serotypes of dengue: symmetric and asymmetric epidemiological characteristics
Authors: NDII M. Z. , ALLINGHAM D. , HICKSON R. I. , GLASS K.
Published: April 2016

An innovative strategy to reduce dengue transmission uses the bacteriumWolbachia. We analysed the effects ofWolbachiaon dengue transmission dynamics in the presence of two serotypes of dengue using a mathematical model, allowing for differences in the epidemiological characteristics of the serotypes. We found thatWolbachiahas a greater effect on secondary infections than on primary infections across a range of epidemiological characteristics. If one serotype is more transmissible than the other, it will dominate primary infections andWolbachiawill be less effective at reducing secondary infections of either serotype. Differences in the antibody-dependent enhancement of the two serotypes have considerably less effect on the benefits ofWolbachiathan differences in transmission probability. Even if the antibody-dependent enhancement rate is high,Wolbachiais still effective in reducing dengue. Our findings suggest thatWolbachiawill be effective in the presence of more than one serotype of dengue; however, a better understanding of serotype-specific differences in transmission probability may be needed to optimize delivery of aWolbachiaintervention.
Measurement equivalence across gender and education in the WHOQOL-BREF for community-dwelling elderly Taiwanese
Authors: Lin Chung-Ying , Li Yueh-Ping , Lin Sang-I , Chen Ching-Huey
Published: April 2016

Background:

The WHOQOL-BREF, a generic quality of life (QoL) instrument, has been widely used clinically and for research on older populations. However, its measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) has not been well examined for the elderly (≥ 65 years) across some different demographics.

Methods:

The data were derived from a cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling design in Taiwan. We enrolled 244 elderly participants: men = 143 (58.6%); educational level ≤ primary school = 121 (49.6%). The ME/I was examined using multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) across gender and educational level.

Results:

The fit indices were satisfactory for the configural models of gender and educational level (standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.0742 and 0.0770; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.0655 and 0.0686; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.953). In addition, MGCFAs showed that ME/I was supported across gender (ΔSRMR = 0.001 to 0.019; ΔRMSEA = −0.003 to 0.001; ΔCFI = −0.003 to 0.000) and educational level (ΔSRMR = 0.002 to 0.006; ΔRMSEA = −0.002 to 0.004; ΔCFI = −0.007 to 0.000).

Conclusion:

The WHOQOL-BREF Taiwan version is appropriate for combined use and for comparisons in older people across gender and different educational levels.
The effects of apolipoproteinε4 on aging brain in cognitively normal Chinese elderly: a surface-based morphometry study
Authors: Lu Hanna , Ma Suk Ling , Chan Sandra Sau Man , Lam Linda Chiu Wa
Published: April 2016

Background:

Default mode network (DMN) has been reported to be susceptible to APOEε4 genotype. However, the APOEε4-related brain changes in young carriers are different from the ones in elderly carriers. The current study aimed to evaluate the cortical morphometry of DMN subregions in cognitively normal elderly with APOEε4.

Method:

11 cognitively normal senior APOEε4 carriers and 27 matched healthy controls (HC) participated the neuropsychological tests, genotyping, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was used to assess the global volumetric changes. Surface-based morphometry (SBM) analysis was performed to measure regional gray matter volume (GMV) and gray matter thickness (GMT).

Results:

Advancing age was associated with decreased GMV of DMN subregions. Compared to HC, APOEε4 carriers presented cortical atrophy in right cingulate gyrus (R_CG) (GMV: APOE carriers: 8475.23 ± 1940.73 mm3, HC: 9727.34 ± 1311.57 mm3,t= 2.314,p= 0.026, corrected) and left insular (GMT: APOEε4 carriers: 3.83 ± 0.37 mm, HC: 4.05 ± 0.25 mm,t= 2.197,p= 0.033, corrected).

Conclusions:

Our results highlight the difference between different cortical measures and suggest that the cortical reduction of CG and insular maybe a potential neuroimaging marker for APOE 4εsenior carriers, even in the context of relatively intact cognition.
Disaster Training Exercises: An Educationally-Based Hierarchy
Authors: Walz Bruce J.
Published: April 2016

The literature of disaster planning and management makes frequent reference to disaster drills and exercises as a fundamental training tool. Such exercises have been variously described as ranging from full-scale, all-day events involving many agencies and resources to table-top simulations using models and prepared scenarios. Because of this large gamut of disaster training activities, often it is difficult for trainers to select the most appropriate model. The purpose of this paper is to place various types of disaster training exercises in a hierarchial order based on fundamental educational principles.
Pharmacogenetic testing for the guidance of psychiatric treatment: a multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Espadaler Jordi , Tuson Miquel , Lopez-Ibor Jose Miguel , Lopez-Ibor Franciso , Lopez-Ibor Maria Ines
Published: April 2016

Objective

We investigated the association between clinical outcome and the recommendations of a pharmacogenetic test (Neuropharmagen) in patients with a variety of psychiatric conditions whose previous treatment regimen had failed.

Methods

This retrospective, naturalistic, multicenter study included adult psychiatric patients (depression, psychosis, anxiety, bipolar, etc.) who had been seen at 3 private clinics. All patients had received pharmacogenetic testing (Neuropharmagen) and were classified depending on whether or not their post-test treatment regimen followed the test recommendations. Clinical severity was assessed with the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) at baseline (pre-test) and 3-month follow-up, and adverse events were recorded.

Results

182 patients were available for analysis. After multivariate adjustment, patients whose treatment followed the test recommendations had odds of improvement about 4 times greater than patients whose treatment did not follow the recommendations (adjusted OR=3.86, 95%CI 1.36–10.95; p=0.011). Importantly, psychiatric diagnosis did not significantly affect the odds of improvement. Also, in the subpopulation with baseline CGI-S score >3 (N=170), the rate of stabilization at follow-up (defined as CGI-S≤3) was significantly higher in patients whose treatment followed the pharmacogenetic recommendations (p=0.033). There was no apparent difference in the incidence of adverse events (6 patients in each group).

Conclusions

Non–drug naïve patients whose treatment followed the recommendations of pharmacogenetic testing were more likely to improve their condition than patients whose treatment did not. These results are consistent with previous clinical research on depressed patients, and this study also suggests that this benefit can be extended to psychiatric conditions other than depression.
Development of a toolkit for early identification of cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Greenhalgh Sue , Truman Carole , Webster Valerie , Selfe James
Published: April 2016

Aim

To develop a simple cauda equina syndrome (CES) toolkit to facilitate the subjective examination of low back pain patients potentially at risk of CES. To undertake preliminary validation of the content of the toolkit.

Background

CES is a rare condition which can be very challenging to identify in a generalist medical setting.

Method

A three phase iterative design with two stake holder groups; extended scope practitioners experienced in managing CES patients and CES sufferers.

Toolkit development

Synthesis of existing CES literature with CES patient data generated from in depth interviews.

Toolkit validation

Content validation of the draft toolkit with CES patients.

Toolkit validation

Content validation of the draft toolkit with extended scope physiotherapists.

Findings

A three arm toolkit has been developed for use with patients considered by the clinician as at risk of developing CES (eg, worsening low back pain with symptoms/signs of progressive sensory-motor deficit in the lower limbs); patient expertise, clinical expertise, research and pathways. Uniquely, the toolkit drew upon the lived experiences of patients suffering from CES to inform the content.
Tobacco use and self-reported morbidity among rural Indian adults
Authors: Barik Anamitra , Rai Rajesh Kumar , Chowdhury Abhijit
Published: April 2016

Aim

To measure the prevalence of self-reported morbidity and its associated factors among adults (aged ⩾15 years) in a select rural Indian population.

Background

Self-reporting of smoking has been validated as population-based surveys using self-reported data provide reasonably consistent estimates of smoking prevalence, and are generally considered to be sufficiently accurate for tracking the general pattern of morbidity associated with tobacco use in populations. However, to gauge the true disease burden using self-reported morbidity data requires cautious interpretation.

Methods

During 2010–2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted under the banner of the Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Birbhum, an initiative of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, India. With over 93.6% response rate from the population living in 12 300 households, this study uses the responses from 16 354 individuals: 8012 smokers, and 8333 smokeless tobacco users. Smokers and smokeless tobacco users were asked whether they have developed any morbidity symptoms due to smoking, or smokeless tobacco use. Bivariate, as well as multivariate logistic regression analyses were deployed to attain the study objective.

Findings

Over 20% of smokers and over 9% of smokeless tobacco users reported any morbidity. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated using logistic regression shows that women are less likely to report any morbidity attributable to smoking (OR: 0.69; CI: 0.54–0.87), and more likely to report any morbidity due to smokeless tobacco use (OR: 1.68; CI: 1.36–2.09). Non-Hindus have higher odds, whereas the wealthiest respondents have lower odds of reporting any morbidity. With a culturally appropriate intervention to change behaviour, youth (both men and women) could be targeted with comprehensive tobacco cessation assistance programmes. A focussed intervention could be designed for unprocessed tobacco users to curb hazardous effects of tobacco use.
Authenticating Representation: Women's Quotas and Islamist Parties
Authors: Ben Shitrit Lihi
Published: April 2016

The spread of women's quotas in legislative bodies across the world since the mid-1990s has become one of the most significant factors impacting levels of women's political representation (Dahlerup 2013; Krook 2009; Tripp and Kang 2008). In the Middle East, a region that has long held a place at the very bottom of global rankings of women's representation, the adoption of such quotas is transforming levels of representation (Kang 2009). But there is still much debate over the utility of quotas for women's meaningful participation in political life. There is now a well-established literature that examines the effects of quotas on women's descriptive or numerical representation. We have a fairly robust idea about the types of quotas that are appropriate for particular sets of electoral system contexts when the goal is to generate a target percentage of women elected to legislative bodies (Jones 2005; Larserud and Taphorn 2007). However, questions about whether and how quotas benefit women beyond the simple addition of several women parliamentarians to the political game remain contested. The various arguments for the utility of quotas rest mainly on two underlying propositions. The first is that quotas, by bringing more women to the political sphere, promote the substantive representation of women's interests. The second is that quotas have a symbolic effect. They help demonstrate that women are fit and able to govern and so contribute to countering women's historical exclusion from politics.
The Political Cure: Gender Quotas and Women's Health
Authors: Westfall Aubrey , Chantiles Carissa
Published: April 2016

Political gender quotas have become the institutional solution for most governments hoping to increase women's descriptive and substantive representation in national and local government, despite the lack of consensus over whether quotas have a consistent positive effect on the lives of women. We argue that the different forms in which quotas are implemented result in diverse effects in the substantive representation of women's issues. Using women's health to illustrate the substantive effect of women's political participation through quotas, we utilize multilevel models to find that quotas are effective at placing women into legislative office and that this descriptive representation is associated with positive conditions for women's health. However, the strength of the relationship depends on the type of quota implemented. Countries implementing candidate quotas exhibit more consistent but weaker relationships between representation and women's health outcomes than in countries with reserved seat quotas. These results affirm the quota's objective to place women in political office but suggest that the policy effectiveness of the individual female legislators may depend on the quota system in place.
A Decade of Progress in Stratospheric Aerosol Research
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: April 2016

Enhanced technology and chemistry-climate models have advanced our understanding of the sources and processes controlling the evolution of the stratospheric aerosol layer, the so-called Junge layer.
Real-time quantification of protein expression at the single-cell level via dynamic protein synthesis translocation reporters
Authors: Aymoz Delphine , Wosika Victoria , Durandau Eric , Pelet Serge
Published: April 2016

Protein expression is a dynamic process, which can be rapidly induced by extracellular signals. It is widely appreciated that single cells can display large variations in the level of gene induction. However, the variability in the dynamics of this process in individual cells is difficult to quantify using standard fluorescent protein (FP) expression assays, due to the slow maturation of their fluorophore. Here we have developed expression reporters that accurately measure both the levels and dynamics of protein synthesis in live single cells with a temporal resolution under a minute. Our system relies on the quantification of the translocation of a constitutively expressed FP into the nucleus. As a proof of concept, we used these reporters to measure the transient protein synthesis arising from two promoters responding to the yeast hyper osmolarity glycerol mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (pSTL1 and pGPD1). They display distinct expression dynamics giving rise to strikingly different instantaneous expression noise.
Energy efficiency trade-offs drive nucleotide usage in transcribed regions
Authors: Chen Wei-Hua , Lu Guanting , Bork Peer , Hu Songnian , Lercher Martin J.
Published: April 2016

Efficient nutrient usage is a trait under universal selection. A substantial part of cellular resources is spent on making nucleotides. We thus expect preferential use of cheaper nucleotides especially in transcribed sequences, which are often amplified thousand-fold compared with genomic sequences. To test this hypothesis, we derive a mutation-selection-drift equilibrium model for nucleotide skews (strand-specific usage of ‘A’ versus ‘T’ and ‘G’ versus ‘C’), which explains nucleotide skews across 1,550 prokaryotic genomes as a consequence of selection on efficient resource usage. Transcription-related selection generally favours the cheaper nucleotides ‘U’ and ‘C’ at synonymous sites. However, the information encoded in mRNA is further amplified through translation. Due to unexpected trade-offs in the codon table, cheaper nucleotides encode on average energetically more expensive amino acids. These trade-offs apply to both strand-specific nucleotide usage and GC content, causing a universal bias towards the more expensive nucleotides ‘A’ and ‘G’ at non-synonymous coding sites.
Adipose tissue mTORC2 regulates ChREBP-driven de novo lipogenesis and hepatic glucose metabolism
Authors: Tang Yuefeng , Wallace Martina , Sanchez-Gurmaches Joan , Hsiao Wen-Yu , Li Huawei , Lee Peter L. , Vernia Santiago , Metallo Christian M. , Guertin David A.
Published: April 2016

Adipose tissue de novo lipogenesis (DNL) positively influences insulin sensitivity, is reduced in obesity, and predicts insulin resistance. Therefore, elucidating mechanisms controlling adipose tissue DNL could lead to therapies for type 2 diabetes. Here, we report that mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) functions in white adipose tissue (WAT) to control expression of the lipogenic transcription factor ChREBPβ. Conditionally deleting the essential mTORC2 subunit Rictor in mature adipocytes decreases ChREBPβ expression, which reduces DNL in WAT, and impairs hepatic insulin sensitivity. Mechanistically, Rictor/mTORC2 promotes ChREBPβ expression in part by controlling glucose uptake, but without impairing pan-AKT signalling. High-fat diet also rapidly decreases adipose tissue ChREBPβ expression and insulin sensitivity in wild-type mice, and does not further exacerbate insulin resistance in adipose tissue Rictor knockout mice, implicating adipose tissue DNL as an early target in diet-induced insulin resistance. These data suggest mTORC2 functions in WAT as part of an extra-hepatic nutrient-sensing mechanism to control glucose homeostasis.
Rational design of efficient electrode–electrolyte interfaces for solid-state energy storage using ion soft landing
Authors: Prabhakaran Venkateshkumar , Mehdi B. Layla , Ditto Jeffrey J. , Engelhard Mark H. , Wang Bingbing , Gunaratne K. Don D. , Johnson David C. , Browning Nigel D. , Johnson Grant E. , Laskin Julia
Published: April 2016

The rational design of improved electrode–electrolyte interfaces (EEI) for energy storage is critically dependent on a molecular-level understanding of ionic interactions and nanoscale phenomena. The presence of non-redox active species at EEI has been shown to strongly influence Faradaic efficiency and long-term operational stability during energy storage processes. Herein, we achieve substantially higher performance and long-term stability of EEI prepared with highly dispersed discrete redox-active cluster anions (50 ng of pure ∼0.75 nm size molybdenum polyoxometalate (POM) anions on 25 μg (∼0.2 wt%) carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes) by complete elimination of strongly coordinating non-redox species through ion soft landing (SL). Electron microscopy provides atomically resolved images of a uniform distribution of individual POM species soft landed directly on complex technologically relevant CNT electrodes. In this context, SL is established as a versatile approach for the controlled design of novel surfaces for both fundamental and applied research in energy storage.
Broadband mode conversion via gradient index metamaterials
Authors: Wang HaiXiao , Xu YaDong , Genevet Patrice , Jiang Jian-Hua , Chen HuanYang
Published: April 2016

We propose a design for broadband waveguide mode conversion based on gradient index metamaterials (GIMs). Numerical simulations demonstrate that the zeroth order of transverse magnetic mode or the first order of transverse electric mode (TM0/TE1) can be converted into the first order of transverse magnetic mode or the second order of transverse electric mode (TM1/TE2) for a broadband of frequencies. As an application, an asymmetric propagation is achieved by integrating zero index metamaterials inside the GIM waveguide.
Automated microfluidic platform of bead-based electrochemical immunosensor integrated with bioreactor for continual monitoring of cell secreted biomarkers
Authors: Riahi Reza , Shaegh Seyed Ali Mousavi , Ghaderi Masoumeh , Zhang Yu Shrike , Shin Su Ryon , Aleman Julio , Massa Solange , Kim Duckjin , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: April 2016

There is an increasing interest in developing microfluidic bioreactors and organs-on-a-chip platforms combined with sensing capabilities for continual monitoring of cell-secreted biomarkers. Conventional approaches such as ELISA and mass spectroscopy cannot satisfy the needs of continual monitoring as they are labor-intensive and not easily integrable with low-volume bioreactors. This paper reports on the development of an automated microfluidic bead-based electrochemical immunosensor for in-line measurement of cell-secreted biomarkers. For the operation of the multi-use immunosensor, disposable magnetic microbeads were used to immobilize biomarker-recognition molecules. Microvalves were further integrated in the microfluidic immunosensor chip to achieve programmable operations of the immunoassay including bead loading and unloading, binding, washing, and electrochemical sensing. The platform allowed convenient integration of the immunosensor with liver-on-chips to carry out continual quantification of biomarkers secreted from hepatocytes. Transferrin and albumin productions were monitored during a 5-day hepatotoxicity assessment in which human primary hepatocytes cultured in the bioreactor were treated with acetaminophen. Taken together, our unique microfluidic immunosensor provides a new platform for in-line detection of biomarkers in low volumes and long-term in vitro assessments of cellular functions in microfluidic bioreactors and organs-on-chips.
Invasion characteristics of a Plasmodium knowlesi line newly isolated from a human
Authors: Amir Amirah , Russell Bruce , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Moon Robert W. , Fong Mun Yik , Vythilingam Indra , Subramaniam Vellayan , Snounou Georges , Lau Yee Ling
Published: April 2016

Plasmodium knowlesi is extensively used as an important malaria model and is now recognized as an important cause of human malaria in Malaysia. The strains of P. knowlesi currently used for research were isolated many decades ago, raising concerns that they might no longer be representative of contemporary parasite populations. We derived a new P. knowlesi line (University Malaya line, UM01), from a patient admitted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and compared it with a human-adapted laboratory line (A1-H.1) derived from the P. knowlesi H strain. The UM01 and A1-H.1 lines readily invade human and macaque (Macaca fascicularis) normocytes with a preference for reticulocytes. Whereas invasion of human red blood cells was dependent on the presence of the Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC) for both parasite lines, this was not the case for macaque red blood cells. Nonetheless, differences in invasion efficiency, gametocyte production and the length of the asexual cycle were noted between the two lines. It would be judicious to isolate and characterise numerous P. knowlesi lines for use in future experimental investigations of this zoonotic species.
Perturbed rhythmic activation of signaling pathways in mice deficient for Sterol Carrier Protein 2-dependent diurnal lipid transport and metabolism
Authors: Jouffe Céline , Gobet Cédric , Martin Eva , Métairon Sylviane , Morin-Rivron Delphine , Masoodi Mojgan , Gachon Frédéric
Published: April 2016

Through evolution, most of the living species have acquired a time keeping system to anticipate daily changes caused by the rotation of the Earth. In all of the systems this pacemaker is based on a molecular transcriptional/translational negative feedback loop able to generate rhythmic gene expression with a period close to 24 hours. Recent evidences suggest that post-transcriptional regulations activated mostly by systemic cues play a fundamental role in the process, fine tuning the time keeping system and linking it to animal physiology. Among these signals, we consider the role of lipid transport and metabolism regulated by SCP2. Mice harboring a deletion of theScp2 locus present a modulated diurnal accumulation of lipids in the liver and a perturbed activation of several signaling pathways including PPARα, SREBP, LRH-1, TORC1 and its upstream regulators. This defect in signaling pathways activation feedbacks upon the clock by lengthening the circadian period of animals through post-translational regulation of core clock regulators, showing that rhythmic lipid transport is a major player in the establishment of rhythmic mRNA and protein expression landscape.
Induction of Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Proliferation Revealed by Combinatorial Screening in High Density Microbioreactor Arrays
Authors: Titmarsh Drew M. , Glass Nick R. , Mills Richard J. , Hidalgo Alejandro , Wolvetang Ernst J. , Porrello Enzo R. , Hudson James E. , Cooper-White Justin J.
Published: April 2016

Inducing cardiomyocyte proliferation in post-mitotic adult heart tissue is attracting significant attention as a therapeutic strategy to regenerate the heart after injury. Model animal screens have identified several candidate signalling pathways, however, it remains unclear as to what extent these pathways can be exploited, either individually or in combination, in the human system. The advent of human cardiac cells from directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) now provides the ability to interrogate human cardiac biology in vitro, but it remains difficult with existing culture formats to simply and rapidly elucidate signalling pathway penetrance and interplay. To facilitate high-throughput combinatorial screening of candidate biologicals or factors driving relevant molecular pathways, we developed a high-density microbioreactor array (HDMA) – a microfluidic cell culture array containing 8100 culture chambers. We used HDMAs to combinatorially screen Wnt, Hedgehog, IGF and FGF pathway agonists. The Wnt activator CHIR99021 was identified as the most potent molecular inducer of human cardiomyocyte proliferation, inducing cell cycle activity marked by Ki67, and an increase in cardiomyocyte numbers compared to controls. The combination of human cardiomyocytes with the HDMA provides a versatile and rapid tool for stratifying combinations of factors for heart regeneration.
Sparsity-Based Pixel Super Resolution for Lens-Free Digital In-line Holography
Authors: Song Jun , Leon Swisher Christine , Im Hyungsoon , Jeong Sangmoo , Pathania Divya , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Pivovarov Misha , Weissleder Ralph , Lee Hakho
Published: April 2016

Lens-free digital in-line holography (LDIH) is a promising technology for portable, wide field-of-view imaging. Its resolution, however, is limited by the inherent pixel size of an imaging device. Here we present a new computational approach to achieve sub-pixel resolution for LDIH. The developed method is a sparsity-based reconstruction with the capability to handle the non-linear nature of LDIH. We systematically characterized the algorithm through simulation and LDIH imaging studies. The method achieved the spatial resolution down to one-third of the pixel size, while requiring only single-frame imaging without any hardware modifications. This new approach can be used as a general framework to enhance the resolution in nonlinear holographic systems.
New mechanism of kinetic exchange interaction induced by strong magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Iwahara Naoya , Chibotaru Liviu F.
Published: April 2016

It is well known that the kinetic exchange interaction between single-occupied magnetic orbitals (s-s) is always antiferromagnetic, while between single- and double-occupied orbitals (s-d) is always ferromagnetic and much weaker. Here we show that the exchange interaction between strongly anisotropic doublets of lanthanides, actinides and transition metal ions with unquenched orbital momentum contains a new s-d kinetic contribution equal in strength with the s-s one. In non-collinear magnetic systems, this s-d kinetic mechanism can cause an overall ferromagnetic exchange interaction which can become very strong for transition metal ions. These findings are fully confirmed by DFT based analysis of exchange interaction in several Ln3+ complexes.
Anxiety promotes memory for mood-congruent faces but does not alter loss aversion
Authors: Charpentier Caroline J. , Hindocha Chandni , Roiser Jonathan P. , Robinson Oliver J.
Published: April 2016

Pathological anxiety is associated with disrupted cognitive processing, including working memory and decision-making. In healthy individuals, experimentally-induced state anxiety or high trait anxiety often results in the deployment of adaptive harm-avoidant behaviours. However, how these processes affect cognition is largely unknown. To investigate this question, we implemented a translational within-subjects anxiety induction, threat of shock, in healthy participants reporting a wide range of trait anxiety scores. Participants completed a gambling task, embedded within an emotional working memory task, with some blocks under unpredictable threat and others safe from shock. Relative to the safe condition, threat of shock improved recall of threat-congruent (fearful) face location, especially in highly trait anxious participants. This suggests that threat boosts working memory for mood-congruent stimuli in vulnerable individuals, mirroring memory biases in clinical anxiety. By contrast, Bayesian analysis indicated that gambling decisions were better explained by models that did not include threat or treat anxiety, suggesting that: (i) higher-level executive functions are robust to these anxiety manipulations; and (ii) decreased risk-taking may be specific to pathological anxiety. These findings provide insight into the complex interactions between trait anxiety, acute state anxiety and cognition, and may help understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying adaptive anxiety.
Human wild-type full-length tau accumulation disrupts mitochondrial dynamics and the functions via increasing mitofusins
Authors: Li Xia-Chun , Hu Yu , Wang Zhi-hao , Luo Yu , Zhang Yao , Liu Xiu-Ping , Feng Qiong , Wang Qun , Ye Keqiang , Liu Gong-Ping , Wang Jian-Zhi
Published: April 2016

Intracellular accumulation of tau protein is hallmark of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, the cellular mechanism whereby tau accumulation causes neurodegeneration is poorly understood. Here we report that overexpression of human wild-type full-length tau (termed htau) disrupted mitochondrial dynamics by enhancing fusion and induced their perinuclear accumulation in HEK293 cells and rat primary hippocampal neurons. The htau accumulation at later stage inhibited mitochondrial functions shown by the decreased ATP level, the ratio of ATP/ADP and complex I activity. Simultaneously, the cell viability was decreased with retraction of the cellular/neuronal processes. Further studies demonstrated that htau accumulation increased fusion proteins, including OPA1 and mitofusins (Mfn1, Mfn2) and reduced the ubiquitination of Mfn2. Downregulation of the mitofusins by shRNA to ~45% or ~52% of the control levels attenuated the htau-enhanced mitochondrial fusion and restored the functions, while downregulation of OPA1 to ~50% of the control level did not show rescue effects. Finally, abnormal mitochondrial accumulation and dysfunction were also observed in the brains of htau transgenic mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate that htau accumulation decreases cell viability and causes degeneration via enhancing mitofusin-associated mitochondrial fusion, which provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying tauopathies.
A study on the electron transport properties of ZnON semiconductors with respect to the relative anion content
Authors: Park Jozeph , Kim Yang Soo , Ok Kyung-Chul , Park Yun Chang , Kim Hyun You , Park Jin-Seong , Kim Hyun-Suk
Published: April 2016

High-mobility zinc oxynitride (ZnON) semiconductors were grown by RF sputtering using a Zn metal target in a plasma mixture of Ar, N2, and O2 gas. The RF power and the O2 to N2 gas flow rates were systematically adjusted to prepare a set of ZnON films with different relative anion contents. The carrier density was found to be greatly affected by the anion composition, while the electron mobility is determined by a fairly complex mechanism. First-principles calculations indicate that excess vacant nitrogen sites (VN) in N-rich ZnON disrupt the local electron conduction paths, which may be restored by having oxygen anions inserted therein. The latter are anticipated to enhance the electron mobility, and the exact process parameters that induce such a phenomenon can only be found experimentally. Contour plots of the Hall mobility and carrier density with respect to the RF power and O2 to N2 gas flow rate ratio indicate the existence of an optimum region where maximum electron mobility is obtained. Using ZnON films grown under the optimum conditions, the fabrication of high-performance devices with field-effect mobility values exceeding 120 cm2/Vs is demonstrated based on simple reactive RF sputtering methods.
Thioflavin T as an efficient fluorescence sensor for selective recognition of RNA G-quadruplexes
Authors: Xu Shujuan , Li Qian , Xiang Junfeng , Yang Qianfan , Sun Hongxia , Guan Aijiao , Wang Lixia , Liu Yan , Yu Lijia , Shi Yunhua , Chen Hongbo , Tang Yalin
Published: April 2016

RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) play important roles in translational regulation, mRNA processing events and gene expression. Therefore, a fluorescent probe that is capable of efficiently recognizing RNA G-quadruplex structures among other RNA forms is highly desirable. In this study, a water-soluble fluorogenic dye (i.e., Thioflavin T (ThT)) was employed to recognize RNA G-quadruplex structures using UV–Vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and emission lifetime experiments. By stacking on the G-tetrad, the ThT probe exhibited highly specific recognition of RNA G-quadruplex structures with striking fluorescence enhancement compared with other RNA forms. The specific binding demonstrates that ThT is an efficient fluorescence sensor that can distinguish G4 and non-G4 RNA structures.
Molecular adsorbates as probes of the local properties of doped graphene
Authors: Pham Van Dong , Joucken Frédéric , Repain Vincent , Chacon Cyril , Bellec Amandine , Girard Yann , Rousset Sylvie , Sporken Robert , Santos Maria Cristina dos , Lagoute Jérôme
Published: April 2016

Graphene-based sensors are among the most promising of graphene’s applications. The ability to signal the presence of molecular species adsorbed on this atomically thin substrate has been explored from electric measurements to light scattering. Here we show that the adsorbed molecules can be used to sense graphene properties. The interaction of porphyrin molecules with nitrogen-doped graphene has been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and ab initio calculations. Molecular manipulation was used to reveal the surface below the adsorbed molecules allowing to achieve an atomic-scale measure of the interaction of molecules with doped graphene. The adsorbate’s frontier electronic states are downshifted in energy as the molecule approaches the doping site, with largest effect when the molecule sits over the nitrogen dopant. Theoretical calculations showed that, due to graphene’s high polarizability, the adsorption of porphyrin induces a charge rearrangement on the substrate similar to the image charges on a metal. This charge polarization is enhanced around nitrogen site, leading to an increased interaction of molecules with their image charges on graphene. Consequently, the molecular states are stabilized and shift to lower energies. These findings reveal the local variation of polarizability induced by nitrogen dopant opening new routes towards the electronic tuning of graphene.
Antibiofilm efficacy of photoactivated curcumin, triple and double antibiotic paste, 2% chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus fecalis in vitro
Authors: Devaraj Sharmila , Jagannathan Nithya , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: April 2016

Root canal disinfection is one of the most important factors governing success of root canal treatment, especially when regenerative strategies are used. This study evaluated the efficacy of 5 intracanal medicaments against mature biofilms of Enterococcus fecalis in vitro: Light activated curcumin, triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAP), chlorhexidine, calcium hydroxide. Untreated teeth with biofilms served as controls. Confocal microscopy was used to analyse the biofilm mass and percentage of live/dead bacteria within the root canal as well as dentinal tubules. Dentinal shavings obtained from the root canal walls (at 200 and 400 microns depth) were used to quantify the colony forming units/mL. The results showed that light activated curcumin and triple antibiotic paste brought about complete disruption of the biofilm structure (P < 0.05) while chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide were not significantly different from the control (P > 0.05). Light activated curcumin brought about the highest percentage of dead cells at both depths, but this was not significantly different from triple antibiotic paste (P > 0.05). Curcumin, TAP and DAP brought about a significant reduction of CFU/mL at both depths compared to the control and other groups (P < 0.05). Light activated curcumin brought about a 7 log reduction of bacteria at both depths.
Nearly diffraction-limited X-ray focusing with variable-numerical-aperture focusing optical system based on four deformable mirrors
Authors: Matsuyama Satoshi , Nakamori Hiroki , Goto Takumi , Kimura Takashi , Khakurel Krishna P. , Kohmura Yoshiki , Sano Yasuhisa , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Nishino Yoshinori , Yamauchi Kazuto
Published: April 2016

Unlike the electrostatic and electromagnetic lenses used in electron microscopy, most X-ray focusing optical systems have fixed optical parameters with constant numerical apertures (NAs). This lack of adaptability has significantly limited application targets. In the research described herein, we developed a variable-NA X-ray focusing system based on four deformable mirrors, two sets of Kirkpatrick–Baez-type focusing mirrors, in order to control the focusing size while keeping the position of the focus unchanged. We applied a mirror deformation procedure using optical/X-ray metrology for offline/online adjustments. We performed a focusing test at a SPring-8 beamline and confirmed that the beam size varied from 108 nm to 560 nm (165 nm to 1434 nm) in the horizontal (vertical) direction by controlling the NA while maintaining diffraction-limited conditions.
Generation of a monoclonal antibody recognizing the CEACAM glycan structure and inhibiting adhesion using cancer tissue-originated spheroid as an antigen
Authors: Sato Yumi , Tateno Hiroaki , Adachi Jun , Okuyama Hiroaki , Endo Hiroko , Tomonaga Takeshi , Inoue Masahiro
Published: April 2016

Spheroids cultured directly from tumours can better reflect in vivo tumour characteristics than two-dimensional monolayer culture or three-dimensional culture of established cell lines. In this study, we generated antibodies by directly immunizing mice with primary-cultured living spheroids from human colorectal cancer. We performed phenotypic screening via recognition of the surface of the spheroids and inhibition of their adhesion to extracellular matrices to identify a monoclonal antibody, clone 5G2. The antibody inhibited cell migration in two-dimensional culture and promoted cell detachment. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry detected the 5G2 signal in many colorectal cancer spheroids, as well as patient tumours, but failed to detect in various cell lines examined. We found that 5G2 recognized the Lea and Lec on N-glycan, and their major carrier proteins were CEACAM5 and CEACAM6. Pre-incubation of the spheroids with 5G2 impaired translocation of integrin β4 from the lateral membrane to the contact interface between the extracellular matrix when embedded in it. As we successfully obtained a functional antibody, which antigen was glycan structures and lost in cell lines, cancer tissue-originated spheroids can be a useful antigen for generating novel anti-cancer antibodies.
Molecular simulations of conformation change and aggregation of HIV-1 Vpr13-33 on graphene oxide
Authors: Zeng Songwei , Zhou Guoquan , Guo Jianzhong , Zhou Feng , Chen Junlang
Published: April 2016

Recent experiments have reported that the fragment of viral protein R (Vpr), Vpr13-33, can assemble and change its conformation after adsorbed on graphene oxide (GO) and then reduce its cytotoxicity. This discovery is of great importance, since the mutation of Vpr13-33 can decrease the viral replication, viral load and delay the disease progression. However, the interactions between Vpr13-33 and GO at atomic level are still unclear. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the dynamic process of the adsorption of Vpr13-33 onto GO and the conformation change after aggregating on GO surface. We found that Vpr13-33 was adsorbed on GO surface very quickly and lost its secondary structure. The conformation of peptides-GO complex was highly stable because of π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions. When two peptides aggregated on GO, they did not dimerize, since the interactions between the two peptides were much weaker than those between each peptide and GO.
Imaging mass spectrometry for the precise design of antibody-drug conjugates
Authors: Fujiwara Yuki , Furuta Masaru , Manabe Shino , Koga Yoshikatsu , Yasunaga Masahiro , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: April 2016

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of immunotherapeutic agents that enable the delivery of cytotoxic drugs to target malignant cells. Because various cancers and tumour vascular endothelia strongly express anti-human tissue factor (TF), we prepared ADCs consisting of a TF-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) linked to the anticancer agent (ACA) monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a valine-citrulline (Val-Cit) linker (human TF ADC). Identifying the most efficient drug design in advance is difficult because ADCs have complicated structures. The best method of assessing ADCs is to examine their selectivity and efficiency in releasing and distributing the ACA within tumour tissue. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) can be used to directly detect the distributions of native molecules within tumour tissues. Here, MALDI-IMS enabled the identification of the intratumour distribution of MMAE released from the ADC. In conclusion, MALDI-IMS is a useful tool to assess ADCs and facilitate the optimization of ADC design.
Antidiabetic activity of silver nanoparticles from green synthesis using Lonicera japonica leaf extract
Authors: Balan Kannan , Qing Weixia , Wang Youyou , Liu Xiuhua , Palvannan Thayumanavan , Wang Yong , Ma Fanyi , Zhang Yun
Published: April 2016

In this work we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Lonicera japonica.
Interactions of dendrimers with biological drug targets: reality or mystery – a gap in drug delivery and development research
Authors: Ahmed Shaimaa , Vepuri Suresh B. , Kalhapure Rahul S. , Govender Thirumala
Published: April 2016

Molecular/Material modelling is essential for understanding dendrimer–target interactions and brings a new dimension to dendrimers' research in therapeutics.
Iron-catalyzed domino indole fluorination/allenic aza-Claisen rearrangement
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Cembellín Sara , Martínez del Campo Teresa , Muñoz Alejandro
Published: April 2016

The synthesis of 2-allenyl-2-substituted-3,3-difluoroindolines has been accomplished, taking advantage of the reaction between N-allenyl-indoles and Selectfluor under iron catalysis.
Rod-shaped and fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite free of molecular immunopotentiators stimulates anti-cancer immunity in vivo
Authors: Wang Xiupeng , Li Xia , Ito Atsuo , Watanabe Yohei , Tsuji Noriko M.
Published: April 2016

Rod-shaped and fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles significantly increased the cellular uptake of a model antigen by BMDCs, improved antigen presentation, stimulated immune-related cytokine secretion, and enhanced the anti-cancer immunity.
The effect of an Fe promoter on Cu/SiO2 catalysts for improving their catalytic activity and stability in the water-gas shift reaction
Authors: Wu Hung-Chi , Chen Tse-Ching , Wu Jia Huang , Chen Ching-Hsiang , Lee Jyh-Fu , Chen Ching-Shiun
Published: April 2016

By adding a small amount of iron, the catalytic activity and stability of Cu/SiO2 are effectively improved.
Re-analysis of narcotic critical body residue data using the equilibrium distribution concept and refined partition coefficients
Authors: Endo Satoshi
Published: April 2016

An internal distribution model with relevant partition coefficients can reduce the variability of narcotic critical body residues.
Single-molecule electrochemistry in nanochannels: probing the time of first passage
Authors: Kang Shuo , Nieuwenhuis Ab F. , Mathwig Klaus , Mampallil Dileep , Kostiuchenko Zinaida A. , Lemay Serge G.
Published: April 2016

The diffusive mass transport of individual redox molecules was probed experimentally in microfabricated nanogap electrodes. The residence times for molecules inside a well-defined detection volume were extracted and the resulting distribution was compared with quantitative analytical predictions from random-walk theory for the time of first passage. The results suggest that a small number of strongly adsorbing sites strongly influence mass transport at trace analyte levels.
Critical evaluation of internal standardization in ICP tandem mass spectrometry and feasibility of the oxygen reaction for boron determination in plants
Authors: Amaral Clarice D. B. , Machado Raquel C. , Virgilio Alex , Schiavo Daniela , Nogueira Ana Rita A. , Nóbrega Joaquim A.
Published: April 2016

Internal standard behaviour when using a reaction cell and the consequences of promoting or not its reaction were evaluated for boron determination in plants.
Preferential binding of anticancer drugs to triplex DNA compared to duplex DNA: a spectroscopic and calorimetric study
Authors: Lohani Neelam , Rajeswari Moganty R.
Published: April 2016

Binding study of adriamycin and actinomycin to triplex DNA formed on the promoter region of hmgb1 gene using spectroscopic and calorimetric technique.
Polymer blend nanocomposites based on poly(l-lactic acid), polypropylene and WS2 inorganic nanotubes
Authors: Naffakh Mohammed , Díez-Pascual Ana M. , Marco Carlos
Published: April 2016

The overall thermal and mechanical properties of PLLA/PPPP-g-MAH/INT-WS2 confirm the high-performance of these novel biopolymer blend nanocomposites, which opens new possibilities for use in biomedical applications.
Patterning of amorphous-InGaZnO thin-film transistors by stamping of surface-modified polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Gu Chungwan , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: April 2016

Indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) layer is patterned, and thin-film transistors are fabricated by surface modified polydimethylsiloxane stamping and IGZO solution.
Engineering β-sheets employing N-methylated heterochiral amino acids
Authors: Ghosh Dipan , Lahiri Priyanka , Verma Hitesh , Mukherjee Somnath , Chatterjee Jayanta
Published: April 2016

Engineerable β-turn motif is reported that modulates the extent of right-handed twist in β-sheets.
Universal mass spectrometric analysis of poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Cecchini Martina M. , Steinkoenig Jan , Reale Samantha , Barner Leonie , Yuan Jiayin , Goldmann Anja S. , De Angelis Francesco , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: April 2016

We introduce a universal tool for the mass spectrometric analysis of a wide range of various types of poly(ionic liquids).
Preparation of magnetic composites of MIL-53(Fe) or MIL-100(Fe) via partial transformation of their framework into γ-Fe2O3
Authors: Bezverkhyy I. , Popova E. , Geoffroy N. , Herbst F. , Bellat J.-P.
Published: April 2016

A novel approach to magnetic Fe-based MOF composites is proposed based on the partial conversion of their framework into γ-Fe2O3.