bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Derivation and verification of a lattice model for bending vibration of a plate
Authors: van Vliet Renate , Metrikine Andrei V.
Published: October 2017

Lattice models are successfully used in modelling of fracture of brittle materials. To date, most of the lattice multi‐dimensional (2D and 3D) models known to the authors describe either in‐plane or three‐dimensional mechanics of the materials. Only a few lattice models are available in the literature for the description of the out‐of‐plane mechanics of plates. However, the parameters of those lattice models have not been linked to those of the classical plate models, such as Mindlin‐Reissner plate theory, based on the classical continuum theory. Nor has the dynamic behaviour of the out‐of‐plane lattice models been compared to that of the classical plates. This gap is closed in this paper by means of developing a lattice model that reproduces the out‐of‐plane dynamics of a shear‐deformable plate in the low frequency band. The developed model can be applied in various fields of engineering. In this paper, however, it is discussed taking example of an ice sheet. The linear dynamics of the model is focused upon in this paper in order to show its consistency with a continuum plate theory in the low frequency band and underline the differences emerging at higher frequencies. The developed model is composed of masses and springs whose morphology and properties were derived to match the out‐of‐plane deformations of thick plates as described by the Mindlin‐Reissner theory. Bending, shear and torsion are taken into account. The eigenfrequencies and the steady‐state response of the model to a sinusoidal in time point load are computed and compared to those of a corresponding continuum plate. It is proven that the developed lattice predicts the same dynamic behaviour as the corresponding continuum plate at relatively low frequencies. At higher frequencies deviations occur. These are discussed in this paper in terms of the dispersion, anisotropy and specific boundary effects of the lattice model.
Modification of the Surgical Strategy for the Dissection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Using Continuous Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring
Authors: Marin Arteaga Andres , Peloni Giuseppe , Leuchter Igor , Bedat Benoit , Karenovics Wolfram , Triponez Frederic , Sadowski Samira Mercedes
Published: October 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to describe first experiences and changes in management using continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (C‐IONM) in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Method

Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery with C‐IONM since 2012. Surgical maneuvers were modified when electrophysiologic events occurred. Patients with persistent loss of signal (LOS) underwent postoperative laryngoscopy.

Results

One hundred and one patients (of 1586 neck surgeries) were included and 19 had events: In 13 these were temporary (resolved before end of surgery) and led to intraoperative modifications in surgical approach; in all cases traction was released, and in 8, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) approach was changed [superior approach (2), inferior approach (2), both (4)]. Six patients had persistent LOS (5.9%, present at end of procedure), with RLN palsy (RLNP) on postoperative day 1: In three, LOS occurred at electrode placement on the vagus nerve, leading to distal placement of the electrode allowing ipsilateral dissection under continuous monitoring; all three had complete recovery at 6 months. In the three other patients, LOS occurred on the RLN: one probable thermal, one traction lesion and one accidental section of the anterior RLN branch. The RLN recovered within 6 months in two patients, and in the third, RLNP persisted after 6 months (1/101 = 1%).

Conclusion

C‐IONM provides real‐time evaluation of the RLN function, allowing for adaptation of surgical maneuvers to prevent RLNP. It seems particularly useful in difficult cases like redo neck surgery, invasive thyroid cancer and intrathoracic or large goiter. Care should be given at electrode placement on the vagus nerve.
Globalizing Genomics: The Origins of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration
Authors: Stevens Hallam
Published: October 2017

Genomics is increasingly considered a global enterprise – the fact that biological information can flow rapidly around the planet is taken to be important to what genomics is and what it can achieve. However, the large-scale international circulation of nucleotide sequence information did not begin with the Human Genome Project. Efforts to formalize and institutionalize the circulation of sequence information emerged concurrently with the development of centralized facilities for collecting that information. That is, the very first databases build for collecting and sharing DNA sequence information were, from their outset, international collaborative enterprises. This paper describes the origins of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration between GenBank in the United States, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Databank, and the DNA Database of Japan. The technical and social groundwork for the international exchange of nucleotide sequences created the conditions of possibility for imagining nucleotide sequences (and subsequently genomes) as a “global” objects. The “transnationalism” of nucleotide sequence was critical to their ontology – what DNA sequences came to be during the Human Genome Project was deeply influenced by international exchange.
When to consider boosting: some rules for policy-makers
Authors: HERTWIG RALPH
Published: October 2017

In recent years, public officials have shown a growing interest in using evidence from the behavioural sciences to promote policy goals. Much of the discussion of behaviourally informed approaches has focused on ‘nudges’; that is, non-fiscal and non-regulatory interventions that steer (nudge) people in a specific direction while preserving choice. Less attention has been paid to boosts, an alternative evidence-based class of non-fiscal and non-regulatory intervention. The goal of boosts is to make it easier for people to exercise their own agency in making choices. For instance, when people are at risk of making poor health, medical or financial choices, the policy-maker – rather than steering behaviour through nudging – can take action to foster or boost individuals’ own decision-making competences. Boosts range from interventions that require little time and cognitive effort on the individual's part to ones that require substantial amounts of training, effort and motivation. This article outlines six rules that policy-makers can apply in order to determine under which conditions boosts, relative to nudges, are the preferable form of non-fiscal and non-regulatory intervention. The objective is not to argue that boosts are better than nudges or vice versa, but to begin to spell out the two approaches’ respective conditions for success.
Behavioral considerations for effective time-varying electricity prices
Authors: SCHNEIDER IAN , SUNSTEIN CASS R.
Published: October 2017

Wholesale prices for electricity vary significantly due to high fluctuations and low elasticity of short-run demand. End-use customers have typically paid flat retail rates for their electricity consumption, and time-varying prices (TVPs) have been proposed to help reduce peak consumption and lower the overall cost of servicing demand. Unfortunately, the general practice is an opt-in system: a default rule in favor of TVPs would be far better. A behaviorally informed analysis also shows that when transaction costs and decision biases are taken into account, the most cost-reflective policies are not necessarily the most efficient. On reasonable assumptions, real-time prices can result in less peak conservation of manually controlled devices than time-of-use or critical-peak prices. For that reason, the trade-offs between engaging automated and manually controlled loads must be carefully considered in time-varying rate design. The rate type and accompanying program details should be designed with the behavioral biases of consumers in mind, while minimizing price distortions for automated devices.
DOMESTIC EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS AND TREATY INTERPRETATION
Authors: Prislan Vid
Published: October 2017

The article discusses the increasing use by international courts and tribunals of domestic explanatory materials—such as various statements, reports, and explanatory memoranda that usually complement the domestic approval of treaties—in the process of treaty interpretation. After examining the types of materials that can be used as interpretative aids in accordance with the general rules on treaty interpretation (Articles 31–32 VCLT), the article scrutinizes the various ways in which domestic explanatory materials have informed the interpretation of treaty provisions in the practice of international adjudicatory bodies. The analysis focuses on the legal grounds on which such materials have been admitted in the interpretative process, the reasons for which resort has been made to them by the adjudicating body, as well as the circumstances in which such documents have been invoked by the litigating parties. The article then discusses certain advantages and disadvantages stemming from the use of domestic explanatory materials in the interpretative process.
VICTIM–PERPETRATOR RECONCILIATION AGREEMENTS:WHAT CAN MUSLIM-MAJORITY JURISDICTIONS AND THE PRC LEARN FROM EACH OTHER?
Authors: Pascoe Daniel , Miao Michelle
Published: October 2017

As States that use the death penalty liberally in a world that increasingly favours abolition, the Muslim-majority jurisdictions that are strict exponents of Islamic law and the People's Republic of China share a crucial commonality: their frequent use of victim–perpetrator reconciliation agreements to remove convicted murderers from the threat of execution. In both cases, rather than a prisoner's last chance at escaping execution being recourse to executive clemency, victim–perpetrator reconciliation agreements fulfil largely the same purpose, together with providing means of compensating victims for economic loss, and enabling the State concerned to reduce execution numbers without formally limiting the death penalty's scope in law. Utilizing the functionalist approach of comparative law methodology, this article compares the 13 death penalty retentionist nations that have incorporated Islamic law principles into their positive criminal law with the People's Republic of China, as to the functions underpinning victim–perpetrator reconciliation agreements in death penalty cases.
Leishmania and other intracellular pathogens: selectivity, drug distribution and PK–PD
Authors: CROFT SIMON L.
Published: October 2017

New drugs and treatments for diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, such as leishmaniasis and the Leishmania species, have proved to be some of the most difficult to discover and develop. The focus of discovery research has been on the identification of potent and selective compounds that inhibit target enzymes (or other essential molecules) or are active against the causative pathogen in phenotypic in vitro assays. Although these discovery paradigms remain an essential part of the early stages of the drug R & D pathway, over the past two decades additional emphasis has been given to the challenges needed to ensure that the potential anti-infective drugs distribute to infected tissues, reach the target pathogen within the host cell and exert the appropriate pharmacodynamic effect at these sites. This review will focus on how these challenges are being met in relation to Leishmania and the leishmaniases with lessons learned from drug R & D for other intracellular pathogens.
Kognitive Profile bei lese-rechtschreibschwachen Kindern mit und ohne Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme
Authors: Schuchardt Kirsten , Brandenburg Janin , Fischbach Anne , Mähler Claudia
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. Lese-Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten gehen sehr häufig mit Auffälligkeiten in der Aufmerksamkeit einher. Etwa jedes fünfte Kind mit Lese-Rechtschreibschwäche erfüllt auch die Kriterien einer ADHS. Für die vorliegende Studie war hierbei von Interesse, ob Kinder mit isolierten Schriftsprachschwierigkeiten die gleichen kognitiven Funktionseinschränkungen aufweisen wie Kinder mit komorbider Aufmerksamkeitsproblematik. Insgesamt 99 Drittklässler mit durchschnittlicher Intelligenz (33 Kinder mit Lese-Rechtschreibschwäche, 33 Kinder mit Lese-Rechtschreibschwäche und Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit sowie 33 unauffällige Kinder der Kontrollgruppe) wurden hinsichtlich ihrer Leistungen in der phonologischen Informationsverarbeitung, Sprache und zentral-exekutiven Arbeitsgedächtnisfunktionen miteinander verglichen. Es zeigte sich, dass die lese-rechtschreibschwachen Kinder Auffälligkeiten in den Sprachfähigkeiten, im phonologischen Arbeitsgedächtnis und in der Benennungsgeschwindigkeit aufwiesen, die Kinder mit Lese-Rechtschreibschwäche und zusätzlicher Aufmerksamkeitsproblematik dagegen in den zentral-exekutiven Funktionen. Beide Gruppen schnitten dagegen gleichermaßen schwach im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe in der phonologischen Bewusstheit ab. Anhand des spezifischen kognitiven Funktionsprofils können 58–64 % der Kinder korrekt zu den einzelnen Gruppen klassifiziert werden. Insgesamt zeigen sich deutliche Unterschiede in den kognitiven Funktionsmustern, aber auch Gemeinsamkeiten, die in der Diagnostik und lerntherapeutischen Intervention Berücksichtigung finden sollten.
Apps zur Förderung von Rechtschreib­fähigkeiten im Grundschulalter
Authors: Fleischhauer Elisabeth , Schledjewski Janine , Grosche Michael
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. Lehrkräfte könnten ihren Rechtschreibunterricht in der Grundschule mithilfe von Apps leichter differenzieren und effektiver gestalten. Apps sind Software auf mobilen Endgeräten (z.B. Smartphones). Sie können die Lernförderung bereichern, weil sie eigenständiges, redundanzreiches, adaptives, multimodales, spielerisches Üben ermöglichen. Die Güte von Apps zur Rechtschreibförderung ist jedoch schwer zu beurteilen. In diesem Beitrag präsentieren wir einen Ansatz, wie die Qualität von Apps zur Rechtschreibförderung beurteilt werden kann. Zu diesem Zweck leiten wir aus Theorien zum Schriftspracherwerb, zur Instruktions- und Motivationspsychologie, aus Meta-Analysen zur Effektivität von Fördermethoden sowie aus Differenzierungsvoraussetzungen Gütekriterien für Rechtschreib-Lernapps ab und geben einen Überblick, inwiefern aktuell verfügbare Apps diese Gütekriterien erfüllen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass keine App alle Gütekriterien erfüllt und sich die Apps in Bezug auf die erfüllten Gütekriterien stark unterscheiden. Apps zum Training der deutschen Rechtschreibung sollten daher theorie- und evidenzbasiert weiterentwickelt werden, bevor ihr volles Potenzial für den Einsatz im differenzierten Unterricht ausgeschöpft werden kann.
Open-Source Tool Aims to Boost Confidence in Ice Sheet Models
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: October 2017

The software could help strengthen ice sheet models to provide a better basis for policy decisions.
Mycorrhizal fungi show regular community compositions in natural ecosystems
Authors: Verbruggen Erik , Sheldrake Merlin , Bainard Luke D , Chen Baodong , Ceulemans Tobias , De Gruyter Johan , Van Geel Maarten
Published: October 2017

Dissimilarity overlap curve analysis has shown that ‘universality’ is a common feature in many complex microbial communities, suggesting that the same taxa interact in a similar manner when shared between communities. We present evidence that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, common plant root symbionts, show universal community compositions in natural ecosystems and that this pattern is conserved even at larger spatial scales. However, universality was not detected in agricultural ecosystems potentially implying that agricultural symbiont communities are formed in a different manner.
Deciphering TAL effectors for 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine recognition
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Liu Lulu , Guo Shengjie , Song Jinghui , Zhu Chenxu , Yue Zongwei , Wei Wensheng , Yi Chengqi
Published: October 2017

DNA recognition by transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins is mediated by tandem repeats that specify nucleotides through repeat-variable diresidues. These repeat-variable diresidues form direct and sequence-specific contacts to DNA bases; hence, TALE–DNA interaction is sensitive to DNA chemical modifications. Here we conduct a thorough investigation, covering all theoretical repeat-variable diresidue combinations, for their recognition capabilities for 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, two important epigenetic markers in higher eukaryotes. We identify both specific and degenerate repeat-variable diresidues for 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Utilizing these novel repeat-variable diresidues, we achieve methylation-dependent gene activation and genome editing in vivo; we also report base-resolution detection of 5hmC in an in vitro assay. Our work deciphers repeat-variable diresidues for 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, and provides tools for TALE-dependent epigenome recognition.
Extracellular matrix stiffness and cell contractility control RNA localization to promote cell migration
Authors: Wang Tianhong , Hamilla Susan , Cam Maggie , Aranda-Espinoza Helim , Mili Stavroula
Published: October 2017

Numerous RNAs are enriched within cellular protrusions, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We had shown that the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) protein controls localization of some RNAs at protrusions. Here, using protrusion-isolation schemes and RNA-Seq, we find that RNAs localized in protrusions of migrating fibroblasts can be distinguished in two groups, which are differentially enriched in distinct types of protrusions, and are additionally differentially dependent on APC. APC-dependent RNAs become enriched in high-contractility protrusions and, accordingly, their localization is promoted by increasing stiffness of the extracellular matrix. Dissecting the underlying mechanism, we show that actomyosin contractility activates a RhoA-mDia1 signaling pathway that leads to formation of a detyrosinated-microtubule network, which in turn is required for localization of APC-dependent RNAs. Importantly, a competition-based approach to specifically mislocalize APC-dependent RNAs suggests that localization of the APC-dependent RNA subgroup is functionally important for cell migration.
Sample composition alters associations between age and brain structure
Authors: LeWinn Kaja Z. , Sheridan Margaret A. , Keyes Katherine M. , Hamilton Ava , McLaughlin Katie A.
Published: October 2017

Despite calls to incorporate population science into neuroimaging research, most studies recruit small, non-representative samples. Here, we examine whether sample composition influences age-related variation in global measurements of gray matter volume, thickness, and surface area. We apply sample weights to structural brain imaging data from a community-based sample of children aged 3–18 (N = 1162) to create a “weighted sample” that approximates the distribution of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and sex in the U.S. Census. We compare associations between age and brain structure in this weighted sample to estimates from the original sample with no sample weights applied (i.e., unweighted). Compared to the unweighted sample, we observe earlier maturation of cortical and sub-cortical structures, and patterns of brain maturation that better reflect known developmental trajectories in the weighted sample. Our empirical demonstration of bias introduced by non-representative sampling in this neuroimaging cohort suggests that sample composition may influence understanding of fundamental neural processes.
Characteristic rotational behaviors of rod-shaped cargo revealed by automated five-dimensional single particle tracking
Authors: Chen Kuangcai , Gu Yan , Sun Wei , Bin Dong  , Wang Gufeng , Fan Xinxin , Xia Tian , Fang Ning
Published: October 2017

We report an automated single particle tracking technique for tracking the x, y, z coordinates, azimuthal and elevation angles of anisotropic plasmonic gold nanorod probes in live cells. These five spatial coordinates are collectively referred to as 5D. This method overcomes a long-standing challenge in distinguishing rotational motions from translational motions in the z-axis in differential interference contrast microscopy to result in full disclosure of nanoscale motions with high accuracy. Transferrin-coated endocytic gold nanorod cargoes initially undergo active rotational diffusion and display characteristic rotational motions on the membrane. Then as the cargoes being enclosed in clathrin-coated pits, they slow down the active rotation and experience a quiet period before they restore active rotational diffusion after fission and eventually being transported away from the original entry spots. Finally, the 3D trajectories and the accompanying rotational motions of the cargoes are resolved accurately to render the intracellular transport process in live cells.
Arginine methylation catalyzed by PRMT1 is required for B cell activation and differentiation
Authors: Infantino Simona , Light Amanda , O’Donnell Kristy , Bryant Vanessa , Avery Danielle T. , Elliott Michael , Tangye Stuart G. , Belz Gabrielle , Mackay Fabienne , Richard Stephane , Tarlinton David
Published: October 2017

Arginine methylation catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) is a common post-translational modification in mammalian cells, regulating many important functions including cell signalling, proliferation and differentiation. Here we show the role of PRMT1 in B-cell activation and differentiation. PRMT1 expression and activity in human and mouse peripheral B cells increases in response to in vitro or in vivo activation. Deletion of the Prmt1 gene in mature B cells establishes that although the frequency and phenotype of peripheral B cell subsets seem unaffected, immune responses to T-cell-dependent and -independent antigens are substantially reduced. In vitro activation of Prmt1-deficient B cells with a variety of mitogens results in diminished proliferation, differentiation and survival, effects that are correlated with altered signal transduction from the B cell receptor. Thus PRMT1 activity in B cells is required for correct execution of multiple processes that in turn are necessary for humoral immunity.
Causes of model dry and warm bias over central U.S. and impact on climate projections
Authors: Lin Yanluan , Dong Wenhao , Zhang Minghua , Xie Yuanyu , Xue Wei , Huang Jianbin , Luo Yong
Published: October 2017

Climate models show a conspicuous summer warm and dry bias over the central United States. Using results from 19 climate models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), we report a persistent dependence of warm bias on dry bias with the precipitation deficit leading the warm bias over this region. The precipitation deficit is associated with the widespread failure of models in capturing strong rainfall events in summer over the central U.S. A robust linear relationship between the projected warming and the present-day warm bias enables us to empirically correct future temperature projections. By the end of the 21st century under the RCP8.5 scenario, the corrections substantially narrow the intermodel spread of the projections and reduce the projected temperature by 2.5 K, resulting mainly from the removal of the warm bias. Instead of a sharp decrease, after this correction the projected precipitation is nearly neutral for all scenarios.
ID3 regulates the MDC1-mediated DNA damage response in order to maintain genome stability
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Park Seon-Joo , Hariharasudhan Gurusamy , Kim Min-Ji , Jung Sung Mi , Jeong Seo-Yeon , Chang In-Youb , Kim Cheolhee , Kim Eunae , Yu Jihyeon , Bae Sangsu , You Ho Jin
Published: October 2017

MDC1 plays a critical role in the DNA damage response (DDR) by interacting directly with several factors including γ-H2AX. However, the mechanism by which MDC1 is recruited to damaged sites remains elusive. Here, we show that MDC1 interacts with a helix–loop–helix (HLH)-containing protein called inhibitor of DNA-binding 3 (ID3). In response to double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome, ATM phosphorylates ID3 at serine 65 within the HLH motif, and this modification allows a direct interaction with MDC1. Moreover, depletion of ID3 results in impaired formation of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced MDC1 foci, suppression of γ-H2AX-bound MDC1, impaired DSB repair, cellular hypersensitivity to IR, and genomic instability. Disruption of the MDC1–ID3 interaction prevents accumulation of MDC1 at sites of DSBs and suppresses DSB repair. Thus, our study uncovers an ID3-dependent mechanism of recruitment of MDC1 to DNA damage sites and suggests that the ID3–MDC1 interaction is crucial for DDR.
Opiate use inhibits TLR9 signaling pathway in vivo: possible role in pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Liao Yanyan , Jiang Junjun , Liang Bingyu , Wei Fumei , Huang Jiegang , Pan Peijiang , Su Jinming , Zhou Bo , Zang Ning , Ye Li , Liang Hao
Published: October 2017

The molecular mechanism of opiate use promoting HIV-1 infection is not fully understood. TLR9 is expressed in many immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, which can recognize viruses and viral products and consequently induce the production of antiviral factors and initiate immune responses. Previous studies have shown that chronic viral infections can overcome and impair TLR9 pathway. We aimed to explore whether opiate use enhances HIV infection through inhibition of TLR9 pathway via a population-based study. A total of 200 subjects were enrolled and divided into four groups as follows: Opiate+ HIV+ (50), Opiate− HIV+ (50), Opiate+ HIV− (50), and healthy control (Opiate− HIV−, 50). All HIV-infected subjects did not receive antiretroviral therapy while they were enrolled in the study. The results showed that opiate use was associated with higher viral load and lower CD4+ T cell count. Opiate use alone led to lower expression of TLR9, IRF7, and IFN-α at the protein level in PBMCs. Combined with HIV-1 infection, opiate use resulted in lower expression of MyD88, ISG56, and MxA. In addition, morphine treatment promoted HIV-1 replication in macrophages via inhibition of TLR9 pathway. Our data reveal that opiate use plays a cofactor role in pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection through inhibition of TLR9 pathway.
Erratum: Joining smallholder farmers’ traditional knowledge with metric traits to select better varieties of Ethiopian wheat
Authors: Mancini Chiara , Kidane Yosef G. , Mengistu Dejene K. ,   Melfa and Workaye Farmer Community, Amit  , Letegabriel  , Tsedal  , Tinasu B. , Letekiros  , Hadash  , Letemedhin  , Tinasu A. , Kiros  , Leteberhan  , Letekidan  , Hareya  , Letecheal  , Hiritu  , Ametezigu  , Amlak Yohannes G. , Slassie Priest Gebre G. , Girmay Priest G. Selamma , Gebre G. Micheal , Mesfin G. Slassie , Desta Kahsay , Teklay Solomon , Kidan Haftu G. , Egziabher Tesfay G. , Desalegn Priest Weldeslassie , Gebre Hailemariam , Micheal Hiluf G. , Mebrahtu Girmay , Hailemichael  , Teklay Amare , Tesfay Esit , Gitehun Asrebeb , Tadesse Endale , Asfaw Mariye , Aragaw Kassaye , Brku Tegaye , Tadasse Yeshi , Hailu Mariye , Kassun Adisse , Gel aw Guzguz , Emagn Melkam , Mitku Fenta , Mengste Asres , Yigzaw Bzunesh , Tesfaw Eset , Belay Tesfaw , Yirga Wodaje , Sisay Priest Agaju , Hailu Bewuketu , Wale Priest Tefera , Setegn Mulugeta , Tesfie Tilaye , Meretie Biset , Kassie Libay , Biset Tegaye , Hailu Yemataw , Agazu Libay , Yigzaw Mulatie , Yigzaw Adimasu , Abate Getachew , Pè Mario Enrico , Fadda Carlo , Dell’Acqua Matteo
Published: October 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Fast identification of the conduction-type of nanomaterials by field emission technique
Authors: Yang Xun , Gan Haibo , Tian Yan , Peng Luxi , Xu Ningsheng , Chen Jun , Chen Huanjun , Deng Shaozhi , Liang Shi-Dong , Liu Fei
Published: October 2017

There are more or less dopants or defects existing in nanomaterials, so they usually have different conduct-types even for the same substrate. Therefore, fast identification of the conduction-type of nanomaterials is very essential for their practical application in functional nanodevices. Here we use the field emission (FE) technique to research nanomaterials and establish a generalized Schottky-Nordheim (SN) model, in which an important parameter λ (the image potential factor) is first introduced to describe the effective image potential. By regarding λ as the criterion, their energy-band structure can be identified: (a) λ = 1: metal; (b) 0.5 < λ < 1: n-type semiconductor; (c) 0 < λ < 0.5: p-type semiconductor. Moreover, this method can be utilized to qualitatively evaluate the doping-degree for a given semiconductor. We test numerically and experimentally a group of nanomaterial emitters and all results agree with our theoretical results very well, which suggests that our method based on FE measurements should be an ideal and powerful tool to fast ascertain the conduction-type of nanomaterials.
Improving membrane protein expression and function using genomic edits
Authors: Jensen Heather M. , Eng Thomas , Chubukov Victor , Herbert Robin A. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila
Published: October 2017

Expression of membrane proteins often leads to growth inhibition and perturbs central metabolism and this burden varies with the protein being overexpressed. There are also known strain backgrounds that allow greater expression of membrane proteins but that differ in efficacy across proteins. We hypothesized that for any membrane protein, it may be possible to identify a modified strain background where its expression can be accommodated with less burden. To directly test this hypothesis, we used a bar-coded transposon insertion library in tandem with cell sorting to assess genome-wide impact of gene deletions on membrane protein expression. The expression of five membrane proteins (CyoB, CydB, MdlB, YidC, and LepI) and one soluble protein (GST), each fused to GFP, was examined. We identified Escherichia coli mutants that demonstrated increased membrane protein expression relative to that in wild type. For two of the proteins (CyoB and CydB), we conducted functional assays to confirm that the increase in protein expression also led to phenotypic improvement in function. This study represents a systematic approach to broadly identify genetic loci that can be used to improve membrane protein expression, and our method can be used to improve expression of any protein that poses a cellular burden.
Translesion synthesis DNA polymerase η exhibits a specific RNA extension activity and a transcription-associated function
Authors: Gali Vamsi K. , Balint Eva , Serbyn Nataliia , Frittmann Orsolya , Stutz Francoise , Unk Ildiko
Published: October 2017

Polymerase eta (Polη) is a low fidelity translesion synthesis DNA polymerase that rescues damage-stalled replication by inserting deoxy-ribonucleotides opposite DNA damage sites resulting in error-free or mutagenic damage bypass. In this study we identify a new specific RNA extension activity of Polη of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that Polη is able to extend RNA primers in the presence of ribonucleotides (rNTPs), and that these reactions are an order of magnitude more efficient than the misinsertion of rNTPs into DNA. Moreover, during RNA extension Polη performs error-free bypass of the 8-oxoguanine and thymine dimer DNA lesions, though with a 103 and 102–fold lower efficiency, respectively, than it synthesizes opposite undamaged nucleotides. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrate that the transcription of several genes is affected by the lack of Polη, and that Polη is enriched over actively transcribed regions. Moreover, inactivation of its polymerase activity causes similar transcription inhibition as the absence of Polη. In summary, these results suggest that the new RNA synthetic activity of Polη can have in vivo relevance.
Electropermeabilization of Inner and Outer Cell Membranes with Microsecond Pulsed Electric Fields: Quantitative Study with Calcium Ions
Authors: Hanna Hanna , Denzi Agnese , Liberti Micaela , André Franck M. , Mir Lluis M.
Published: October 2017

Microsecond pulsed electric fields (μsPEF) permeabilize the plasma membrane (PM) and are widely used in research, medicine and biotechnology. For internal membranes permeabilization, nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) are applied but this technology is complex to use. Here we report that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane can also be electropermeabilized by one 100 µs pulse without affecting the cell viability. Indeed, using Ca2+ as a permeabilization marker, we observed cytosolic Ca2+ peaks in two different cell types after one 100 µs pulse in a medium without Ca2+. Thapsigargin abolished these Ca2+ peaks demonstrating that the calcium is released from the ER. Moreover, IP3R and RyR inhibitors did not modify these peaks showing that they are due to the electropermeabilization of the ER membrane and not to ER Ca2+ channels activation. Finally, the comparison of the two cell types suggests that the PM and the ER permeabilization thresholds are affected by the sizes of the cell and the ER. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that µsPEF, which are easier to control than nsPEF, can permeabilize internal membranes. Besides, μsPEF interaction with either the PM or ER, can be an efficient tool to modulate the cytosolic calcium concentration and study Ca2+ roles in cell physiology.
Distraction and Expressive Suppression Strategies in Regulation of High- and Low-Intensity Negative Emotions
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Wei , Fan Cong , Zhu Chuanlin , Li Shuaixia , Zhang Zhao , Qi Zhengyang , Luo Wenbo
Published: October 2017

The current study compared the effectiveness of distraction, an antecedent-focused strategy that involves diverting an individual’s attention away from affective terms, and expressive suppression, a response-focused strategy that involves inhibiting conscious emotion-expressive behavior during an emotionally aroused state, in the regulation of high- and low-intensity unpleasant stimuli, using event-related potentials (ERPs). Sixteen participants completed an emotion regulation experiment in which they passively viewed high- or low-intensity unpleasant images (view), solved a mathematical equation presented on high- or low-intensity negative images (distraction), or suppressed their emotional expression in response to high- or low-intensity unpleasant images (suppression). Their negative experiences after implementation of these strategies were rated by participants on a 1–9 scale. We mainly found that compared with expressive suppression, distraction yielded greater attenuation of the early phase of centro-parietal LPP when the participants responded to high-intensity stimuli. In the low-intensity condition, distraction, but not expressive suppression, effectively decreased the early phase of LPP. The findings suggest that expressive suppression works as early as distraction in the high-intensity condition; more importantly, distraction is superior to expressive suppression in regulating negative emotion, which is influenced by emotional intensity.
Increased NK cell immunity in a transgenic mouse model of NKp46 overexpression
Authors: Glasner Ariella , Isaacson Batya , Viukov Sergey , Neuman Tzahi , Friedman Nehemya , Mandelboim Michal , Sexl Veronika , Hanna Jacob H. , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: October 2017

Natural Killer (NK) cells employ activating receptors like the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs: NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46), of which only NKp46 has a mouse orthologue (Ncr1), to eliminate abnormal cells. NKp46/Ncr1 is considered a selective marker for NK cells, although it is also found on a subset of ILCs, where it appears to be without function. The influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) was the first ligand identified for Ncr1/NKp46 followed by other viral, bacterial and even fungal ligands. NKp46/Ncr1 also recognizes unknown self and tumor ligands. Here we describe the generation of a transgenic mouse where the Ncr1 gene is expressed in the Rosa locus, preceded by a floxed stop sequence allowing Ncr1/NKp46 expression in various tissues upon crossing with Cre transgenic mouse lines. Surprisingly, while several crossings were attempted, Ncr1 overexpression was successful only where cre recombinase expression was dependent on the Ncr1 promoter. Ncr1 overexpression in NK cells increased NK cell immunity in two hallmark Ncr1 related pathologies, influenza virus infection and B16 melanoma. These data suggest that increasing NK cell cytotoxicity by enforced NKp46/Ncr1 expression serves as a potential therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of various pathologies, and in immunotherapy.
Extreme tooth enlargement in a new Late Cretaceous rhabdodontid dinosaur from Southern France
Authors: Godefroit Pascal , Garcia Géraldine , Gomez Bernard , Stein Koen , Cincotta Aude , Lefèvre Ulysse , Valentin Xavier
Published: October 2017

Rhabdodontidae is a successful clade of ornithopod dinosaurs, characteristic of Late Cretaceous continental faunas in Europe. A new rhabdodontid from the late Campanian, of southern France, Matheronodon provincialis gen. et sp. nov., is characterized by the extreme enlargement of both its maxillary and dentary teeth, correlated to a drastic reduction in the number of maxillary teeth (4 per generation in MMS/VBN-02-102). The interalveolar septa on the maxilla are alternately present or resorbed ventrally so as to be able to lodge such enlarged teeth. The rhabdodontid dentition and masticatory apparatus were adapted for producing a strict and powerful shearing action, resembling a pair of scissors. With their relatively simple dentition, contrasting with the sophisticated dental batteries in contemporary hadrosaurids, Matheronodon and other rhabdodontids are tentatively interpreted as specialized consumers of tough plant parts rich in sclerenchyma fibers, such as Sabalites and Pandanites.
Alterations of regional homogeneity and functional connectivity in pituitary adenoma patients with visual impairment
Authors: Song Guidong , Qiu Jicheng , Li Chuzhong , Li Jiye , Gui Songbai , Zhu Haibo , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: October 2017

Evidences have showed that the deprivation of vision can considerably alter the resting-state activity both within and beyond the visual cortices. However, the functional changes of the brain cortices related to partially vision-deprivation are still largely unknown. Using resting-state functional MR imaging, we quantitatively evaluated the regional homogeneity(ReHo) and functional connectivity(FC) changes between 25 pituitary adenoma patients with visual impairment and 25 healthy controls(HCs). Compared with HCs, PAs exhibited significant increased ReHo in the left superior occipital gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus and reduced ReHo in the left inferior frontal gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus. PAs also showed decreased FC between vision-related area and higher-order cognitive brain areas. Furthermore, we identified that in the PAs group the FC between the left V1 and left V3 increased while the FC between left V2v and left V5 significantly decreased, the FC between left V4 area and the V3, V2d area increased. In our study, we identified that the ReHo and FC were altered between the vision-related cortices and other higher-order cognitive cortices along with disorganized functional connectivity within the visual system in PAs with visual impairment. These findings may provide important insights to understand the plasticity of visual network.
Differences in Tribological Behaviors upon Switching Fixed and Moving Materials of Tribo-pairs including Metal and Polymer
Authors: Xu Aijie , Tian Pengyi , Wen Shizhu , Guo Fei , Hu Yueqiang , Jia Wenpeng , Dong Conglin , Tian Yu
Published: October 2017

The coefficient of friction (COF) between two materials is usually believed to be an intrinsic property of the materials themselves. In this study, metals of stainless steel (304) and brass (H62), and polymers of polypropylene (PP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were tested on a standard ball-on-three-plates test machine. Significantly different tribological behaviors were observed when fixed and moving materials of tribo-pairs (metal/polymer) were switched. As an example, under the same applied load and rotating speed, the COF (0.49) between a rotating PP ball and three fixed H62 plates was approximately 2.3 times higher than that between switched materials of tribo-pairs. Meanwhile, the COF between H62 and PTFE was relatively stable. The unexpected tribological behaviors were ascribed to the thermal and mechanical properties of tribo-pairs. Theoretical analysis revealed that the differences in the maximum local temperature between switching the fixed and moving materials of tribo-pairs were consistent with the differences in the tested COF. This result indicated the precise prediction of the COF of two materials is complexcity, and that thermal and mechanical properties should be properly considered in designing tribo-pairs, because these properties may significantly affect tribological performance.
Primary Astrocytic Tumours and Paired Recurrences have Similar Biological Features in IDH1, TP53 and TERTp Mutation and MGMT, ATRX Loss
Authors: Li Xia , Wei Jie , Liu Yixiong , Li Peifeng , Fan Linni , Wang Yingmei , Li Mingyang , Zhao Danhui , Yu Zhou , Ye Jing , Guo Ying , Yan Qingguo , Guo Shuangping , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2017

Astrocytic tumours are the most common type of primary malignant brain tumour. Most astrocytic tumours will recur at some point after surgery. Currently, the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy does not prevent the recurrence of astrocytic tumours. In this study, we investigated the consistency in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), tumour protein p53 (TP53) and telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) mutations during astrocytic tumour recurrence. We also evaluated the protein loss of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation, X-linked (ATRX) during disease recurrence. We then determined the prognostic significance of these findings in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. Our results showed that in most cases,IDH1,TP53andTERTpmutation status and MGMT and ATRX protein expression levels were stable during recurrence, which may indicate that these alterations occurred early in astrocytic tumour development. Furthermore, inIDH1wild type group, the patients who were negative for MGMT and had a low Ki67 index showed a longer PFS. Therefore, we suggest thatIDH1mutation combined with MGMT expression level and Ki67 index might be an effective biomarker panel for evaluating the PFS of patients with astrocytic tumours.
A Unified Framework for Modeling Continuum and Rarefied Gas Flows
Authors: Xiao Hong , Tang Ke
Published: October 2017

The momentum and heat transport in rarefied gas flows is known to deviate from the classical laws of Navier and Fourier in Navier-Stokes-Fourier (NSF) equations. A more sophisticated Nonlinear Coupled Constitutive Model (NCCM) has been derived from the Boltzmann equation to describe gaseous and thermal transport both in continuum and rarefied gas flows. We first develop a unified numerical framework for modeling continuum and rarefied flows based on the NCCM model both in two and three dimensions. Special treatment is given to the complex highly nonlinear transport equations for non-conserved variables that arise from the high degree of thermal nonequilibrium. For verification and validation, we apply the present scheme to a stiff problem of hypersonic gas flows around a 2D cylinder, a 3D sphere, and the Apollo configuration both in continuum and rarefied situations. The results show that the present unified framework yields solutions that are in better agreement with the benchmark and experimental data than are the NSF results in all studied cases of rarefied problems. Good agreement is observed between the present study and the NSF results for continuum cases. The results show that this study provides a unified framework for modeling continuum and rarefied gas flows.
Controlled delivery and minimally invasive imaging of stem cells in the lung
Authors: Kim Jinho , Guenthart Brandon , O’Neill John D. , Dorrello N. Valerio , Bacchetta Matthew , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana
Published: October 2017

Intratracheal delivery of stem cells into injured or diseased lungs can provide a variety of therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects for the treatment of acute lung injury and chronic lung disease. While the efficacy of this approach depends on delivering the proper cell dosage into the target region of the airway, tracking and analysis of the cells have been challenging, largely due to the limited understanding of cell transport and lack of suitable cell monitoring techniques. We report on the transport and deposition of intratracheally delivered stem cells as well as strategies to modulate the number of cells (e.g., dose), topographic distribution, and region-specific delivery in small (rodent) and large (porcine and human) lungs. We also developed minimally invasive imaging techniques for real-time monitoring of intratracheally delivered cells. We propose that this approach can facilitate the implementation of patient-specific cells and lead to enhanced clinical outcomes in the treatment of lung disease with cell-based therapies.
Hepatitis virus infection and age-related cataract
Authors: Park Sangshin , Choi Nam-Kyong
Published: October 2017

This study was performed to investigate the relationships of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to age-related cataract, and to assess whether liver damage mediates the hepatitis-cataract association. This study analyzed data in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012 on 10,037 participants aged ≥40 years. We performed mediation analysis to address the contribution of serum markers of liver damage, high aspartate (AST, >49.9 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, >56.1 IU/L), to the relationships of HBV and HCV infection to cataract. Odds ratios (ORs) for nuclear and any cataract with HBV infection were 1.09 [95% confidence interval (95CI) = 1.02–1.16] and 1.07 (95CI = 1.00–1.14), respectively, compared to HBV uninfection; ORs with HCV infection were 1.35 (95CI = 1.18–1.55) and 1.40 (95CI = 1.12–1.76), respectively. High AST completely mediated the HBV infection-any cataract association. The significant relationships of HCV infection with nuclear and any cataract were formed only by their direct effects, not by mediation effects of high AST or ALT. HBV and HCV infection was significantly associated with nuclear and any cataract. High AST significantly mediates the effects of HBV infections on any cataract outcome, but the associations of HCV infection with nuclear and any cataract were not mediated by high AST or ALT.