bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of leg position on the dose distribution of intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer: 3D computerised tomography plan evaluation and in vivo dosimetric study
Authors: Cengiz Mustafa , Colak Fatma , Yildiz Demet , Dogan Ali , Ozyigit Gokhan , Yildiz Ferah , Gurkaynak Murat
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of leg position on the dose distribution during intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer.

Patients and methods

This prospective study was performed on 11 women with cervical cancer who underwent intracavitary brachytherapy. After insertion of the brachytherapy applicator, two sets of computed tomography slices were taken including pelvis, one with straight leg and one with leg flexion position with knee support. The dose (7 Gy) was prescribed to point A. The radiotherapy plan was run on the Plato Planning Software System V14·1 to get the dose distributions. Also, rectum and bladder doses were measured for both leg positions during the treatment. The doses and volumes of organs were compared via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 11·5 statistical software.

Results

No significant difference regarding the dose distributions and volumes of target, sigmoid and bladder due to leg position was observed, either on 3D planning or on in vivo dose measurements. However, there were significant differences for 25 and 50% isodose coverage of rectum in favour of straight leg position (p=0·026). There were no significant differences regarding maximum doses in any critical organ.

Conclusion

Difference in leg position caused only a small change in rectum dose distribution and did not cause any other change in either dose distributions or in vivo measured doses of both target and critical organs during cervical brachytherapy. Straight leg position appears better with regard to rectum dose.
Unbundling the Regime Complex: The Effects of Private Authority
Authors: Green Jessica F. , Auld Graeme
Published: May 2016

The work on ‘regime complexes’ – loosely coupled regimes linked through non-hierarchical relationships – provides a lens for understanding the increasing density of international rules and institutions. However, the role of private authority in the regime complex – situations where non-state actors set rules or standards that other actors adopt – has only recently received academic attention. In this article, we ‘unbundle’ the concept of the regime complex in two novel ways. Firstly, we argue that an accurate depiction of any regime complex must also include private authority. Secondly, using examples from environmental governance, we carefully elaborate four specific mechanisms through which public and private authority interact, demonstrating the ways in which private authority can improve the problem-solving capacity of regime complexes. In short, a full understanding of the contributions of private authority to solving environmental problems requires examining its interactions with public rules and institutions.
ISPD produces CDP-ribitol used by FKTN and FKRP to transfer ribitol phosphate onto α-dystroglycan
Authors: Gerin Isabelle , Ury Benoît , Breloy Isabelle , Bouchet-Seraphin Céline , Bolsée Jennifer , Halbout Mathias , Graff Julie , Vertommen Didier , Muccioli Giulio G. , Seta Nathalie , Cuisset Jean-Marie , Dabaj Ivana , Quijano-Roy Susana , Grahn Ammi , Van Schaftingen Emile , Bommer Guido T.
Published: May 2016

Mutations in genes required for the glycosylation of α-dystroglycan lead to muscle and brain diseases known as dystroglycanopathies. However, the precise structure and biogenesis of the assembled glycan are not completely understood. Here we report that three enzymes mutated in dystroglycanopathies can collaborate to attach ribitol phosphate onto α-dystroglycan. Specifically, we demonstrate that isoprenoid synthase domain-containing protein (ISPD) synthesizes CDP-ribitol, present in muscle, and that both recombinant fukutin (FKTN) and fukutin-related protein (FKRP) can transfer a ribitol phosphate group from CDP-ribitol to α-dystroglycan. We also show that ISPD and FKTN are essential for the incorporation of ribitol into α-dystroglycan in HEK293 cells. Glycosylation of α-dystroglycan in fibroblasts from patients with hypomorphic ISPD mutations is reduced. We observe that in some cases glycosylation can be partially restored by addition of ribitol to the culture medium, suggesting that dietary supplementation with ribitol should be evaluated as a therapy for patients with ISPD mutations.
The calcium sensor Copine-6 regulates spine structural plasticity and learning and memory
Authors: Reinhard Judith R. , Kriz Alexander , Galic Milos , Angliker Nico , Rajalu Mathieu , Vogt Kaspar E. , Ruegg Markus A.
Published: May 2016

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) represents the cellular response of excitatory synapses to specific patterns of high neuronal activity and is required for learning and memory. Here we identify a mechanism that requires the calcium-binding protein Copine-6 to translate the initial calcium signals into changes in spine structure. We show that Copine-6 is recruited from the cytosol of dendrites to postsynaptic spine membranes by calcium transients that precede LTP. Cpne6 knockout mice are deficient in hippocampal LTP, learning and memory. Hippocampal neurons from Cpne6 knockouts lack spine structural plasticity as do wild-type neurons that express a Copine-6 calcium mutant. The function of Copine-6 is based on its binding, activating and recruiting the Rho GTPase Rac1 to cell membranes. Consistent with this function, the LTP deficit of Cpne6 knockout mice is rescued by the actin stabilizer jasplakinolide. These data show that Copine-6 links activity-triggered calcium signals to spine structural plasticity necessary for learning and memory.
A genome-wide association scan implicates DCHS2, RUNX2, GLI3, PAX1 and EDAR in human facial variation
Authors: Adhikari Kaustubh , Fuentes-Guajardo Macarena , Quinto-Sánchez Mirsha , Mendoza-Revilla Javier , Camilo Chacón-Duque Juan , Acuña-Alonzo Victor , Jaramillo Claudia , Arias William , Lozano Rodrigo Barquera , Pérez Gastón Macín , Gómez-Valdés Jorge , Villamil-Ramírez Hugo , Hunemeier Tábita , Ramallo Virginia , Silva de Cerqueira Caio C. , Hurtado Malena , Villegas Valeria , Granja Vanessa , Gallo Carla , Poletti Giovanni , Schuler-Faccini Lavinia , Salzano Francisco M. , Bortolini Maria- Cátira , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Cheeseman Michael , Rosique Javier , Bedoya Gabriel , Rothhammer Francisco , Headon Denis , González-José Rolando , Balding David , Ruiz-Linares Andrés
Published: May 2016

We report a genome-wide association scan for facial features in ∼6,000 Latin Americans. We evaluated 14 traits on an ordinal scale and found significant association (P values<5 × 10−8) at single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genomic regions for three nose-related traits: columella inclination (4q31), nose bridge breadth (6p21) and nose wing breadth (7p13 and 20p11). In a subsample of ∼3,000 individuals we obtained quantitative traits related to 9 of the ordinal phenotypes and, also, a measure of nasion position. Quantitative analyses confirmed the ordinal-based associations, identified SNPs in 2q12 associated to chin protrusion, and replicated the reported association of nasion position with SNPs in PAX3. Strongest association in 2q12, 4q31, 6p21 and 7p13 was observed for SNPs in the EDAR, DCHS2, RUNX2 and GLI3 genes, respectively. Associated SNPs in 20p11 extend to PAX1. Consistent with the effect of EDAR on chin protrusion, we documented alterations of mandible length in mice with modified Edar funtion.
Activity in the fronto-parietal network indicates numerical inductive reasoning beyond calculation: An fMRI study combined with a cognitive model
Authors: Liang Peipeng , Jia Xiuqin , Taatgen Niels A. , Borst Jelmer P. , Li Kuncheng
Published: May 2016

Numerical inductive reasoning refers to the process of identifying and extrapolating the rule involved in numeric materials. It is associated with calculation and shares the common activation of the fronto-parietal regions with calculation, which suggests that numerical inductive reasoning may correspond to a general calculation process. However, compared with calculation, rule identification is critical and unique to reasoning. Previous studies have established the central role of the fronto-parietal network for relational integration during rule identification in numerical inductive reasoning. The current question of interest is whether numerical inductive reasoning exclusively corresponds to calculation or operates beyond calculation and whether it is possible to distinguish between them based on the activity pattern in the fronto-parietal network. To directly address this issue, three types of problems were created: numerical inductive reasoning, calculation and perceptual judgment. Our results showed that the fronto-parietal network was more active in numerical inductive reasoning which requires more exchanges between intermediate representations and long-term declarative knowledge during rule identification. These results survived even after controlling for the covariates of response time and error rate. A computational cognitive model was developed using the cognitive architecture ACT-R to account for the behavioral results and brain activity in the fronto-parietal network.
Competing covalent and ionic bonding in Ge-Sb-Te phase change materials
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Saikat , Sun Jifeng , Subedi Alaska , Siegrist Theo , Singh David J.
Published: May 2016

Ge2Sb2Te5 and related phase change materials are highly unusual in that they can be readily transformed between amorphous and crystalline states using very fast melt, quench, anneal cycles, although the resulting states are extremely long lived at ambient temperature. These states have remarkably different physical properties including very different optical constants in the visible in strong contrast to common glass formers such as silicates or phosphates. This behavior has been described in terms of resonant bonding, but puzzles remain, particularly regarding different physical properties of crystalline and amorphous phases. Here we show that there is a strong competition between ionic and covalent bonding in cubic phase providing a link between the chemical basis of phase change memory property and origins of giant responses of piezoelectric materials (PbTiO3, BiFeO3). This has important consequences for dynamical behavior in particular leading to a simultaneous hardening of acoustic modes and softening of high frequency optic modes in crystalline phase relative to amorphous. This different bonding in amorphous and crystalline phases provides a direct explanation for different physical properties and understanding of the combination of long time stability and rapid switching and may be useful in finding new phase change compositions with superior properties.
Coaxial Dual-wavelength Interferometric Method for a Thermal Infrared Focal-plane-array with Integrated Gratings
Authors: Shang Yuanfang , Ye Xiongying , Cao Liangcai , Song Pengfei , Feng Jinyang
Published: May 2016

Uncooled infrared (IR) focal-plane-array (FPA) with both large sensing range and high sensitivity is a great challenge due to the limited dynamic range of the detected signals. A coaxial dual-wavelength interferometric system was proposed here to detect thermal-induced displacements of an ultrasensitive FPA based on polyvinyl-chloride(PVC)/gold bimorph cantilevers and carbon nanotube (CNT)-based IR absorbing films. By alternately selecting the two displacement measurements performed by λ1 (=640 nm) and λ2 (=660 nm), the temperature measuring range with greater than 50% maximum sensitivity can be extended by eight-fold in comparison with the traditional single-wavelength mode. Meanwhile, the relative measurement error over the full measuring range is below 0.4%. In addition, it offers a feasible approach for on-line and on-wafer FPA characterization with great convenience and high efficiency.
A significant causal association between C-reactive protein levels and schizophrenia
Authors: Inoshita Masatoshi , Numata Shusuke , Tajima Atsushi , Kinoshita Makoto , Umehara Hidehiro , Nakataki Masahito , Ikeda Masashi , Maruyama Souichiro , Yamamori Hidenaga , Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Shimodera Shinji , Hashimoto Ryota , Imoto Issei , Yoneda Hiroshi , Iwata Nakao , Ohmori Tetsuro
Published: May 2016

Many observational studies have shown elevated blood CRP levels in schizophrenia compared with controls and one population-based prospective study has reported that elevated plasma CRP levels were associated with late- and very-late-onset schizophrenia. Furthermore, several clinical studies have reported the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs on the symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. However, whether elevated CRP levels are causally related to schizophrenia is not still established because of confounding factors and reverse causality. In the present study, we demonstrated that serum CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia than in the controls by conducting a case-control study and a meta-analysis of case-control studies between schizophrenia and serum CRP levels. Furthermore, we provided evidence for a causal association between elevated CRP levels and increased schizophrenia risk by conducting a Mendelian randomization analysis. Our findings suggest that elevated CRP itself may be a causal risk factor for schizophrenia.
GRK5 Deficiency Leads to Selective Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neuronal Vulnerability
Authors: He Minchao , Singh Prabhakar , Cheng Shaowu , Zhang Qiang , Peng Wei , Ding XueFeng , Li Longxuan , Liu Jun , Premont Richard T. , Morgan Dave , Burns Jeffery M. , Swerdlow Russell H. , Suo William Z.
Published: May 2016

Why certain diseases primarily affect one specific neuronal subtype rather than another is a puzzle whose solution underlies the development of specific therapies. Selective basal forebrain cholinergic (BFC) neurodegeneration participates in cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report the first recapitulation of the selective BFC neuronal loss that is typical of human AD in a mouse model termed GAP. We created GAP mice by crossing Tg2576 mice that over-express the Swedish mutant human β-amyloid precursor protein gene with G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5) knockout mice. This doubly defective mouse displayed significant BFC neuronal loss at 18 months of age, which was not observed in either of the singly defective parent strains or in the wild type. Along with other supporting evidence, we propose that GRK5 deficiency selectively renders BFC neurons more vulnerable to degeneration.
Proteome-wide drug screening using mass spectrometric imaging of bead-arrays
Authors: Zhou Ying , Liu Ziying , Rothschild Kenneth J. , Lim Mark J.
Published: May 2016

A fundamental challenge in the drug discovery process is to develop compounds with high efficacy and minimal side-effects. We describe a new approach to proteome-wide drug screening for detection of on- and off-target binding which combines the advantages of mass spectrometry with microarray technology. The method involves matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-MSI) of agarose micro-beads randomly arrayed at high-density in custom micro-well plates. Each bead carries a unique protein target and a corresponding photocleavable mass-tag for coding (PC-Mass-Tag). Compounds bound to specific protein beads and a photo-released coding PC-Mass-Tag are detected simultaneously using MALDI-MSI. As an initial demonstration of this approach, two kinase-targeted drugs, Dasatinib and Brigatinib (AP26113), were simultaneously screened against a model 50-member kinase-bead library. A MALDI-MSI scan performed at the equivalent density of 495,000 beads in the footprint of a microscope slide yielded 100% sensitivity for detecting known strong interactions with no false positives.
Triclosan-induced genes Rv1686c-Rv1687c and Rv3161c are not involved in triclosan resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Gomez Andromeda , Andreu Núria , Ferrer-Navarro Mario , Yero Daniel , Gibert Isidre
Published: May 2016

A key issue towards developing new chemotherapeutic approaches to fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis is to understand the mechanisms underlying drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that genes Rv1686c-Rv1687c and Rv3161c, predicted to encode an ATP-binding cassette transporter and a dioxygenase respectively, are induced in the presence of triclosan and other antimicrobial compounds. Therefore a possible role in drug resistance has been suggested for the products of these genes although no functional studies have been done. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of Rv1686c-Rv1687c and Rv3161c in M. tuberculosis resistance to triclosan and other drugs. To this end, deficient mutants and overproducing strains for both systems were constructed and their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against over 20 compounds, including triclosan, was evaluated. Unexpectedly, no differences between the MIC of these strains and the wild-type H37Rv were observed for any of the compounds tested. Moreover the MIC of triclosan was not affected by efflux pump inhibitors that inhibit the activity of transporters similar to the one encoded by Rv1686c-Rv1687c. These results suggest that none of the two systems is directly involved in M. tuberculosis resistance to triclosan or to any of the antimicrobials tested.
Uniform electric field generation in circular multi-well culture plates using polymeric inserts
Authors: Tsai Hsieh-Fu , Cheng Ji-Yen , Chang Hui-Fang , Yamamoto Tadashi , Shen Amy Q.
Published: May 2016

Applying uniform electric field (EF) in vitro in the physiological range has been achieved in rectangular shaped microchannels. However, in a circular-shaped device, it is difficult to create uniform EF from two electric potentials due to different electrical resistances originated from the length difference between the diameter of the circle and the length of any parallel chord of the bottom circular chamber where cells are cultured. To address this challenge, we develop a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided designed (CAD) polymeric insert to create uniform EF in circular shaped multi-well culture plates. A uniform EF with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.2% in the 6-well plate can be generated with an effective stimulation area percentage of 69.5%. In particular, NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells are used to validate the performance of the 3D designed Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) inserts in a circular-shaped 6-well plate. The CAD based inserts can be easily scaled up (i.e., 100 mm dishes) to further increase effective stimulation area percentages, and also be implemented in commercially available cultureware for a wide variety of EF-related research such as EF-cell interaction and tissue regeneration studies.
Polymyxin Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii: Genetic Mutations and Transcriptomic Changes in Response to Clinically Relevant Dosage Regimens
Authors: Cheah Soon-Ee , Johnson Matthew D. , Zhu Yan , Tsuji Brian T. , Forrest Alan , Bulitta Jurgen B. , Boyce John D. , Nation Roger L. , Li Jian
Published: May 2016

Polymyxins are often last-line therapeutic agents used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistantA. baumannii. Recent reports of polymyxin-resistantA. baumanniihighlight the urgent need for research into mechanisms of polymyxin resistance. This study employed genomic and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the mechanisms of polymyxin resistance inA. baumanniiAB307-0294 using anin vitrodynamic model to mimic four different clinically relevant dosage regimens of polymyxin B and colistin over 96 h. Polymyxin B dosage regimens that achieved peak concentrations above 1 mg/L within 1 h caused significant bacterial killing (~5 log10CFU/mL), while the gradual accumulation of colistin resulted in no bacterial killing. Polymyxin resistance was observed across all dosage regimens; partial reversion to susceptibility was observed in 6 of 8 bacterial samples during drug-free passaging. Stable polymyxin-resistant samples contained a mutation inpmrB. The transcriptomes of stable and non-stable polymyxin-resistant samples were not substantially different and featured altered expression of genes associated with outer membrane structure and biogenesis. These findings were further supportedviaintegrated analysis of previously published transcriptomics data from strain ATCC19606. Our results provide a foundation for understanding the mechanisms of polymyxin resistance following exposure to polymyxins and the need to explore effective combination therapies.
Changes in hydration structure are necessary for collective motions of a multi-domain protein
Authors: Oroguchi Tomotaka , Nakasako Masayoshi
Published: May 2016

Conformational motions of proteins are necessary for their functions. To date, experimental studies measuring conformational fluctuations of a whole protein structure have revealed that water molecules hydrating proteins are necessary to induce protein functional motions. However, the underlying microscopic mechanism behind such regulation remains unsolved. To clarify the mechanism, multi-domain proteins are good targets because it is obvious that water molecules between domains play an important role in domain motions. Here, we show how changes in hydration structure microscopically correlate with large-amplitude motions of a multi-domain protein, through molecular dynamics simulation supported by structural analyses and biochemical experiments. We first identified collective domain motions of the protein, which open/close an active-site cleft between domains. The analyses on changes in hydration structure revealed that changes in local hydration in the depth of the cleft are necessary for the domain motion and vice versa. In particular, ‘wetting’/‘drying’ at a hydrophobic pocket and ‘adsorption’/‘dissociation’ of a few water molecules at a hydrophilic crevice in the cleft were induced by dynamic rearrangements of hydrogen-bond networks, and worked as a switch for the domain motions. Our results microscopically demonstrated the importance of hydrogen-bond networks of water molecules in understanding energy landscapes of protein motions.
A rationally engineered yeast pyruvyltransferase Pvg1p introduces sialylation-like properties in neo-human-type complex oligosaccharide
Authors: Higuchi Yujiro , Yoshinaga Sho , Yoritsune Ken-ichi , Tateno Hiroaki , Hirabayashi Jun , Nakakita Shin-ichi , Kanekiyo Miho , Kakuta Yoshimitsu , Takegawa Kaoru
Published: May 2016

Pyruvylation onto the terminus of oligosaccharide, widely seen from prokaryote to eukaryote, confers negative charges on the cell surface and seems to be functionally similar to sialylation, which is found at the end of human-type complex oligosaccharide. However, detailed molecular mechanisms underlying pyruvylation have not been clarified well. Here, we first determined the crystal structure of fission yeast pyruvyltransferase Pvg1p at a resolution of 2.46 Å. Subsequently, by combining molecular modeling with mutational analysis of active site residues, we obtained a Pvg1p mutant (Pvg1pH168C) that efficiently transferred pyruvyl moiety onto a human-type complex glycopeptide. The resultant pyruvylated human-type complex glycopeptide recognized similar lectins on lectin arrays as the α2,6-sialyl glycopeptides. This newly-generated pyruvylation of human-type complex oligosaccharides would provide a novel method for glyco-bioengineering.
Phenotypic dynamics of microglial and monocyte-derived cells in glioblastoma-bearing mice
Authors: Ricard Clément , Tchoghandjian Aurélie , Luche Hervé , Grenot Pierre , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Rougon Geneviève , Malissen Marie , Debarbieux Franck
Published: May 2016

Inflammatory cells, an integral component of tumor evolution, are present in Glioblastomas multiforme (GBM). To address the cellular basis and dynamics of the inflammatory microenvironment in GBM, we established an orthotopic syngenic model by grafting GL261-DsRed cells in immunocompetent transgenic LysM-EGFP//CD11c-EYFP reporter mice. We combined dynamic spectral two-photon imaging with multiparametric cytometry and multicolor immunostaining to characterize spatio-temporal distribution, morphology and activity of microglia and blood-derived infiltrating myeloid cells in live mice. Early stages of tumor development were dominated by microglial EYFP+ cells invading the tumor, followed by massive recruitment of circulating LysM-EGFP+ cells. Fluorescent invading cells were conventional XCR1+ and monocyte-derived dendritic cells distributed in subpopulations of different maturation stages, located in different areas relative to the tumor core. The lethal stage of the disease was characterized by the progressive accumulation of EGFP+/EYFP+ monocyte-derived dendritic cells. This local phenotypic regulation of monocyte subtypes marked a transition in the immune response.
The simple neuroendocrine-immune regulatory network in oyster Crassostrea gigas mediates complex functions
Authors: Liu Zhaoqun , Wang Lingling , Zhou Zhi , Sun Ying , Wang Mengqiang , Wang Hao , Hou Zhanhui , Gao Dahai , Gao Qiang , Song Linsheng
Published: May 2016

The neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) regulatory network is a complex system, which plays an indispensable role in the immunity of the host. In the present study, the bioinformatical analysis of the transcriptomic data from oyster Crassostrea gigas and further biological validation revealed that oyster TNF (CgTNF-1 CGI_10018786) could activate the transcription factors NF-κB and HSF (heat shock transcription factor) through MAPK signaling pathway, and then regulate apoptosis, redox reaction, neuro-regulation and protein folding in oyster haemocytes. The activated immune cells then released neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, norepinephrine and [Met5]-enkephalin to regulate the immune response by arising the expression of three TNF (CGI_10005109, CGI_10005110 and CGI_10006440) and translocating two NF-κB (Cgp65, CGI_10018142 and CgRel, CGI_10021567) between the cytoplasm and nuclei of haemocytes. Neurotransmitters exhibited the immunomodulation effects by influencing apoptosis and phagocytosis of oyster haemocytes. Acetylcholine and norepinephrine could down-regulate the immune response, while [Met5]-enkephalin up-regulate the immune response. These results suggested that the simple neuroendocrine-immune regulatory network in oyster might be activated by oyster TNF and then regulate the immune response by virtue of neurotransmitters, cytokines and transcription factors.
Identification and Characterization of miRNAs in Chondrus crispus by High-Throughput Sequencing and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Gao Fan , Nan FangRu , Song Wei , Feng Jia , Lv JunPing , Xie ShuLian
Published: May 2016

Chondrus crispus, an economically and medicinally important red alga, is a medicinally active substance and important for anti-tumor research. In this study, 117C. crispusmiRNAs (108 conserved and 9 novel) were identified from 2,416,181 small-RNA reads using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics methods. According to the BLAST search against the miRBase database, these miRNAs belonged to 110 miRNA families. Sequence alignment combined with homology searching revealed both the conservation and diversity of predicted potential miRNA families in different plant species. Four and 19 randomly selected miRNAs were validated by northern blotting and stem-loop quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detection, respectively. The validation rates (75% and 94.7%) demonstrated that most of the identified miRNAs could be credible. A total of 160 potential target genes were predicted and functionally annotated by Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. We also analyzed the interrelationship of miRNAs, miRNA-target genes and target genes inC. crispusby constructing a Cytoscape network. The 117 miRNAs identified in our study should supply large quantities of information that will be important for red algae small RNA research.
Design of α-Fe2O3 nanorods functionalized tubular NiO nanostructure for discriminating toluene molecules
Authors: Wang Chen , Wang Tianshuang , Wang Boqun , Zhou Xin , Cheng Xiaoyang , Sun Peng , Zheng Jie , Lu Geyu
Published: May 2016

A novel tubular NiO nanostructure was synthesized by a facile and low-cost hydrothermal strategy and then further functionalized by decorating α-Fe2O3 nanorods. The images of electron microscopy indicated that the α-Fe2O3 nanorods were assembled epitaxially on the surfaces of NiO nanotubes to form α-Fe2O3/NiO nanotubes. As a proof-of-concept demonstration of the function, gas sensing devices were fabricated from as-prepared α-Fe2O3/NiO nanotubes and showed enhanced gas response and excellent selectivity toward toluene, giving a response of 8.8 to 5 ppm target gas, which was about 7.8 times higher than that of pure NiO nanotubes at 275 °C. The improved gas sensing performance of α-Fe2O3/NiO nanotubes could be attributed to the unique tubular morphology features, p-n heterojunctions and the synergetic behavior of α-Fe2O3 and NiO.
Structural and functional insights into the E3 ligase, RNF126
Authors: Krysztofinska Ewelina M. , Martínez-Lumbreras Santiago , Thapaliya Arjun , Evans Nicola J. , High Stephen , Isaacson Rivka L.
Published: May 2016

RNF126 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that collaborates with the BAG6 sortase complex to ubiquitinate hydrophobic substrates in the cytoplasm that are destined for proteasomal recycling. Composed of a trimeric complex of BAG6, TRC35 and UBL4A the BAG6 sortase is also associated with SGTA, a co-chaperone from which it can obtain hydrophobic substrates. Here we solve the solution structure of the RNF126 zinc finger domain in complex with the BAG6 UBL domain. We also characterise an interaction between RNF126 and UBL4A and analyse the competition between SGTA and RNF126 for the N-terminal BAG6 binding site. This work sheds light on the sorting mechanism of the BAG6 complex and its accessory proteins which, together, decide the fate of stray hydrophobic proteins in the aqueous cytoplasm.
Synthesis of advanced aluminide intermetallic coatings by low-energy Al-ion radiation
Authors: Shen Mingli , Gu Yan , Zhao Panpan , Zhu Shenglong , Wang Fuhui
Published: May 2016

Metals that work at high temperatures (for instance, superalloys in gas-turbines) depend on thermally grown oxide (TGO, commonly alumina) to withstand corrosion attack. Nickel Aluminide (NiAl) as one superior alumina TGO former plays an important role in protective coatings for turbine blades in gas-turbine engines used for aircraft propulsion and power generation. Lowering TGO growth rate is essentially favored for offering sustainable protection, especially in thermal barrier coatings (TBC). However, it can only be achieved currently by a strategy of adding the third element (Pt or reactive elements) into NiAl during traditional diffusion- or deposition-based synthesis of the coating. Here we present a highly flexible Al-ion radiation-based synthesis of advanced NiAl coatings, achieving low TGO growth rate without relying on the third element addition. Our results expand the strategy for lowering TGO growth rate and demonstrate potentials for ion radiation in advancing materials synthesis.
A supramolecular strategy based on molecular dipole moments for high-quality covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Salonen Laura M. , Medina Dana D. , Carbó-Argibay Enrique , Goesten Maarten G. , Mafra Luís , Guldris Noelia , Rotter Julian M. , Stroppa Daniel G. , Rodríguez-Abreu Carlos
Published: May 2016

Attractive intermolecular interactions of building blocks with strong dipole moments result in a COF with high crystallinity and large surface area.
Intrinsically flexible electronic materials for smart device applications
Authors: Lorenzo Marta , Zhu Biyun , Srinivasan Geetha
Published: May 2016

Flexible functional electrode materials composed of chemically linked conducting polymer–biopolymer composites for smart device applications are presented.
Determination of the secondary structure of peptides in the presence of Gram positive bacterium S. epidermidis cells
Authors: Avitabile C. , D'Andrea L. D. , Saviano M. , Romanelli A.
Published: May 2016

Temporin L folds into α helix upon incubation with S. epidermidis cells.
The origin of room temperature ferromagnetism mediated by Co–VZn complexes in the ZnO grain boundary
Authors: Sasikala Devi Assa Aravindh , Roqan Iman S.
Published: May 2016

Ferromagnetism in polycrystalline ZnO doped with Co has been observed to be sustainable in recent experiments.
Crossbreeding in beef production: meta-analysis of breed means to estimate breed-specific effects on leather properties
Authors: MacNeil M. D. , Scholtz M. M. , Theunissen A. , De Bruyn J. F. , Neser F. W. C.
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to discern opportunities for improving leather-making properties of hides originating from beef production systems based on indigenous Afrikaner cattle via crossbreeding. Data were previously unpublished breed means from purebred Afrikaner, Brahman, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental, top-crosses of Brahman, Charolais, Hereford, and Simmental sires on (1) Afrikaner dams producing F1 progenies and (2) Brahman × Afrikaner, Charolais × Afrikaner, Hereford × Afrikaner, and Simmental × Afrikaner F1 females producing both backcross and three-breed cross progenies. Hide yield (%), leather yield (dm2/kg), force 20% extension (Mpa), extension grain crack (%), extension break (%), force break (Mpa), slit tear force (N/mm), distension grain crack (%), and force grain crack (N/mm) were evaluated. Breed direct effects and individual heterosis, but not maternal effects, may be important for most of these traits. Direct effects due to the exotic breeds reduced hide yield but generally improved leather properties relative to the indigenous Afrikaner. For both hide and leather yields, individual heterosis effects arose primarily from indicus × taurus crosses with the Hereford × Brahman effect being most pronounced. Thus, there may be opportunities to improve leather yield and quality through crossbreeding relative to the straightbred Afrikaner. A top-cross mating plan may be recommended to enhance production by subsistence level farmers having access to Afrikaner females, provided that management can ensure appropriate use of the terminal sires.
Artificial feeding of honeybees based on an understanding of nutritional principles
Authors: Manning R.
Published: May 2016

Artificial pollen substitutes were developed to improve productivity from honeybees during periods of nutrient scarcity. The history of pollen-substitute development is outlined. Although many attempts have been made, no substitute has the same nutritional value as bee-collected pollen. Following a review of honeybee nutrition, Black (2006) described the ingredient and nutrient specifications for a pollen substitute, including the need for attractiveness to honeybees. Protein isolates were recommended to avoid toxicity from carbohydrates found in many ingredients used in previous studies. Twenty-seven plant- and animal-derived oils and a rum supplement, mixed at 2% with a low-lipid irradiated pollen, were evaluated for attractiveness by measuring consumption and bee congregation when placed in dishes within beehives. Coconut, linseed oil and rum were preferred significantly (P < 0.05) to the pollen, whereas pollen was preferred to lavender and sage oils. Almond and evening primrose oils were also highly, but not significantly, preferred compared with pollen and were used in combinations with coconut and linseed oils in subsequent experiments. Eleven predominantly pure protein sources, either singly or in combination, were mixed with 2% or 5% attractive oils and evaluated for attractiveness. Soybean protein isolate was selected, because attractiveness was not significantly different from bee-collected pollen. It was then used with oils in an experiment to evaluate either powdered cellulose or milled oat hulls as a fibre source. There were no significant differences in attractiveness of substitutes with the two fibre sources or pollen, and powdered cellulose was selected for further use on the basis of availability. An experiment with ~1000 newly hatched bees with a fertile queen in cages was undertaken to evaluate the diets when given as the sole nutrient source. Consumption, bee longevity and estimated hypopharyngeal gland development using head weight were measured One artificial diet (PI-5) contained 30% soybean protein isolate, 10% cellulose, 42% icing sugar, 12.5% water, 4.5% mixed oils and 1.3% minerals and vitamin plus cholesterol. Diet (PI-10) was similar, but contained twice as much oil replacing icing sugar. Other treatments were redgum pollen (P), a commercial pollen substitute, Feedbee® and defatted soybean meal. Diet consumption, lifespan and head weights were significantly less for the PI diets than for P, while Feedbee® and defatted soybean-meal diets were generally intermediate. The PI diets were discovered to contain excess sodium, due to the manufacturing process. Bees consuming the PI diets had lower concentrations of magnesium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc in their bodies than did those offered P. The fatty acid content of bee bodies also varied with diet. A revised formulation is recommended with reduced sodium and modified mineral and fatty acid composition.
Time to Empower Release of Insects Carrying a Dominant Lethal and Wolbachia Against Zika
Authors: Dickens Borame L. , Yang Jie , Cook Alex R. , Carrasco Luis R.
Published: May 2016

RIDL (release of insects with dominant lethality) and Wolbachia are 2 potentially powerful tools in the fight against Zika, but their technological advancement is being hampered by policy barriers. In this study, we discuss what could be done to overcome these regulatory deadlocks.
Suzaku observations of the hard X-ray spectrum of Vela Jr. (SNR RX J0852.0−4622)
Authors: Takeda Sawako , Bamba Aya , Terada Yukikatsu , Tashiro Makoto S. , Katsuda Satoru , Yamazaki Ryo , Ohira Yutaka , Iwakiri Wataru
Published: May 2016

We report the results of Suzaku observations of the young supernova remnant, Vela Jr. (RX J0852.0−4622), which is known to emit synchrotron X-rays, as well as TeV gamma-rays. Utilizing 39 Suzaku mapping observation data from Vela Jr., a significant hard X-ray emission is detected with the hard X-ray detector (HXD) from the northwest TeV-emitting region. The X-ray spectrum is reproduced well by a single power-law model with a photon index of $3.15^{+1.18}_{-1.14}$ in the 12–22 keV band. Compiling this hard X-ray spectrum with the soft X-ray spectrum simultaneously observed with the X-ray imaging spectrometer (XIS) onboard Suzaku, we find that the wide-band X-ray spectrum in the 2–22 keV band is reproduced with a single power-law or concave broken power-law model, which are statistically consistent with each other. Whichever of the two models, single or broken power-law, is appropriate, clearly the spectrum has no roll-off structure. Applying this result to the method introduced in Yamazaki et al. (2014, Res. Astron. Astrophys., 14, 165), we find that a one-zone synchrotron model with electron spectrum having a power-law plus exponential cut-off may not be applicable to Vela Jr.
Proximal Femoral Growth Modification: Effect of Screw, Plate, and Drill on Asymmetric Growth of the Hip
Authors: d’Heurle Albert , McCarthy James , Klimaski David , Stringer Keith
Published: May 2016

Background:

Guided growth has long been used in the lower extremities but has not been applied to varus or valgus deformity in the hip, as may occur in children with cerebral palsy or developmental dysplasia of the hip. The purpose of this study was to determine if screw, plate, or drilling techniques decreased the femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) and articular trochanteric disease (ATD), as well as describe growth plate structural changes with each method.

Methods:

Twelve 8-week-old lambs underwent proximal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis (IACUC approved) using either a screw (n=4), plate (n=4), or drilling procedure (n=4). Postoperative time was 6 months. Radiographs taken after limb harvest were used to measure NSA and ATD. Differences between treated and control sides were determined by 1-tailed paired t tests and Bonferroni (α=0.05/3). Histology was obtained for 1 limb pair per group. Proximal femurs were cut in midcoronal plane and the longitudinal growth plates were examined for structural changes.

Results:

The mean NSA measured 7 degrees less than controls in this model using the screw technique, and this difference was statistically significant. Differences between the control and the treated groups did not reach statistical significance for either the plate or the drill group. Differences in ATD were not statistically significant, although there was a trend for larger ATD measurements using the screw technique. Histologically, physeal changes were observed on the operative sides in screw and plate specimens, but not drill specimens, compared with contralateral sham control. The screw specimen exhibited the most severe changes, with growth plate closure over half the section. The plate specimen showed focal loss of the physis across the section, but with no evidence of closure.

Conclusions:

This study builds on previous work that indicates screw hemiepiphysiodesis can effectively alter the shape of the proximal femur, and result in a lower neck-shaft ankle (or lesser valgus). This study suggests that implantation of a screw is likely to be more effective than a plate or drilling procedure in decreasing the NSA in skeletally immature hips.

Clinical Significance:

If further preclinical, and later clinical, studies demonstrate reproducible efficacy, guided growth of the proximal femur may eventually become a viable option for treatment or prevention of hip deformity in select patients.
Prevention of Thumb Web Space Contracture With Multiplanar External Fixation
Authors: Harper Carl M. , Iorio Matthew L.
Published: May 2016

Thumb web space contracture following hand trauma can be disabling with numerous reconstructive procedures existing to correct the resultant deformity. Following marked soft tissue injury to the hand we utilized the Stryker Hoffmann II Micro External Fixator System to link the first and second metacarpals by a multiplanar system using 1.6 or 2.0 mm self-drilling half-pins and 3 mm carbon fiber connecting rods. This facilitated placement of the thumb in maximal palmar abduction as well as allowed adjustment of thumb position throughout the postoperative period. This technique was performed on 5 patients. Two patients were treated with a first web space external fixator for table saw injuries to the radial aspect of the hand. An additional 2 patients were treated with a first web space external fixator following metacarpophalangeal joint capsular release in the setting of thermal burns. A fifth patient underwent second ray amputation, trapeziectomy and trapezoidectomy for squamous cell carcinoma with subsequent stabilization with the external fixator. The external fixator was left in place until soft tissues were healed (average 5.5 wk). The patients were allowed to mobilize their hand in as much as the external fixator allowed, and no device-associated complications were noted. Thumb web space was preserved with passive and supple thumb circumduction and web space abduction/adduction in all patients at an average follow-up of 5 months. The average Quick Dash Score was 35±5 and the average Modern Activity Subjective Survey of 2007 was 30±8.
Compliance of Perioperative Antibiotic Dosing and Surgical Site Infection Rate in Office-Based Elective Surgery
Authors: LaBove Gabrielle , Davison Steven P. , Jackson Monica
Published: May 2016

Background:

A best practice goal to reduce surgical site infection includes administration of antibiotics in the ideal preoperative window. This article evaluates an office surgical suite antibiotic administration rate and compares it with the timing of a local hospital treating a similar patient population. The hypothesis was that similar or better compliance and surgical site infection rates can be achieved in the office-based suite.

Methods:

A total of 277 office-based surgeries were analyzed for antibiotic administration time before incision and their corresponding surgical site infection rate.

Results:

Our facility administered timely prophylactic antibiotics in 96% of cases with a surgical site infection rate of 0.36%. This rate was significantly lower than a reported rate of 3.7%.

Conclusion:

Low infection rates with high antibiotic administration rate suggest that compliance with best possible practice protocols is possible in the outpatient setting.
Clinical Features of Infectious Keratitis Caused by Propionibacterium Acnes
Authors: Lim Sung A. , Na Kyung-Sun , Joo Choun-Ki
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Propionibacterium acnes is a commensal bacteria whose pathogenicity in infectious keratitis is unclear. In this study, we report infectious keratitis cultured with P. acnes and evaluate its clinical characteristics.

Methods:

All cases of infectious keratitis submitted to the microbiology laboratory of St. Mary's Hospital of Seoul between January 2013 and April 2014 were reviewed. Nonpretreated cases that were positive for P. acnes were identified, and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were studied.

Results:

Of 132 cultures submitted to the microbiology laboratory, 89 (67.4%) were positive for growth, and a total of 16 (17.9%) of the 89 cases yielded P. acnes in culture medium. Infectious keratitis that was positive for P. acnes was generally small (62.5%) with deep stromal infiltration (81.25%) and a peripheral location (56.25%). The average incubation period was 11.06±5.76 days, and the average time to reepithelialization was 23.50+13.52 days. All the cases of P. acnes evaluated in this report responded well to medical treatment.

Conclusions:

Infectious keratitis with P. acnes is not uncommon and can be confused with other Gram-positive cocci. Thus, P. acnes should be suspected in small-sized keratitis with an unusually long incubation period.
Early effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on peptides and hormones involved in the control of energy balance
Authors: Molin Netto Bárbara Dal , Earthman Carrie P. , Cravo Bettini Solange , Grotti Clemente Ana Paula , Landi Masquio Deborah Cristina , Farias Gisele , Boritza Katia , da Silva Larissa Gabrielle , von der Heyde Maria Emilia , Dâmaso Ana Raimunda
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Body weight varies depending on the prevailing direction of environmental pressures; however, physiological factors also play a significant role in the control of body weight. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on hormones and peptides involved in the control of energy balance and their possible implications in appetite/satiety.

Methods

The sample included 39 individuals with extreme obesity (37 women and two men) who underwent RYGB. Anthropometric and biochemical markers were collected before surgery and 6 months after RYGB.

Results

The BMI decreased from 44.3±6.4 to 31.7±5.7 kg/m2 (P<0.001) at the sixth month. Percentage of excess weight lost was 63.2±25.0%. Leptin and glucose levels decreased significantly 6 months after RYGB (P<0.001). Interestingly, a significant correlation was confirmed between the anorexigenic gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) and the central anorexigenic mediator α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone after 6 months of RYGB (r=0.35, P=0.004). In contrast, PYY concentrations were correlated negatively with BMI (r=−0.34, P=0.002).

Conclusion

In the present investigation, it was found that there is a relationship between α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and PYY concentrations, and it supports the role of the PYY to POMC signal in appetite regulation after RYGB.