bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web‐enabled conversational interactions as a method to improve cognitive functions: Results of a 6‐week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dodge Hiroko H. , Zhu Jian , Mattek Nora C. , Bowman Molly , Ybarra Oscar , Wild Katherine V. , Loewenstein David A. , Kaye Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Increasing social interaction could be a promising intervention for improving cognitive function. We examined the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to assess whether conversation‐based cognitive stimulation through personal computers, webcams, and a user‐friendly interactive Internet interface had high adherence and a positive effect on cognitive function among older adults without dementia.

Methods

Daily 30‐minute face‐to‐face communications were conducted during a 6‐week trial period in the intervention group. The control group received only a weekly telephone interview. The cognitive status of normal subjects and those with mild cognitive impairment was operationally defined as a global clinical dementia rating of 0 and 0.5, respectively. Age, sex, education, mini mental state examination score, and clinical dementia rating score were balancing factors in randomization. The subjects were recruited using mass‐mailing invitations. The pre‐ to postintervention differences in the cognitive test scores and loneliness scores were compared between the control and intervention groups using linear regression models.

Results

Eighty‐three subjects participated (41 in the intervention group and 42 in the control group). Their mean ± standard deviation age was 80.5 ± 6.8 years. Adherence to the protocol was high. There was no dropout and mean percentage of days completed of the targeted trial days among the intervention group was 89% (range 77%–100%). Among the cognitively intact participants, the intervention group improved more than did the control group on a semantic fluency test (P = .003) at the post‐trial assessment and a phonemic fluency test (P = .004) at the 18‐week assessments. Among those with mild cognitive impairment, a trend (P = .04) toward improved psychomotor speed was observed in the intervention group.

Conclusion

Daily conversations by way of user‐friendly Internet communication programs demonstrated high adherence. Among the cognitively intact, the intervention group showed greater improvement in tests of language‐based executive functions. Increasing daily social contacts through communication technologies could offer cost‐effective home‐based prevention methods. Additional studies with a longer follow‐up duration are required to examine whether the intervention slows cognitive declines and delays the onset of dementia.
Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Hong Kong
Authors: Xu Cuiling , Perera Ranawaka A. P. M. , Chan Yap-Hang , Fang Vicky J. , Ng Sophia , Ip Dennis K. M. , Kam Andrea May-Sin , Leung Gabriel M. , Peiris J. S. Malik , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: June 2015

Vitamin D plays an important role in skeletal health throughout life. Some studies have hypothesised that vitamin D may reduce the risk of other diseases. Our study aimed to estimate age-specific and sex-specific serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status and to identify the determinants of serum 25(OH)D status in Hong Kong, a subtropical city in southern China. In 2009–2010, households in Hong Kong were followed up to identify acute respiratory illnesses, and sera from 2694 subjects were collected in three to four different study phases to permit measurement of 25(OH)D levels at different times of the year. A questionnaire survey on diet and lifestyle was conducted among children, with simultaneous serum collection in April and May 2010. The mean of serum 25(OH)D levels in age groups ranged from 39 to 63 nmol/l throughout the year with the mean values in all age groups in spring below 50 nmol/l. Children aged 6–17 years, and girls and women had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than adults, and boys and men, respectively (allP< 0·001). We estimated that serum 25(OH)D levels in Hong Kong followed a lagged pattern relative to climatic season by 5 weeks with lowest observed levels in early spring (March). For children aged 6–17 years, reporting a suntan, having at least 1 servings of fish/week and having at least 1 serving of eggs/week were independently associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels. Adequate sunlight exposure and increased intake of dietary vitamin D could improve vitamin D status, especially for children and females in the winter and spring.
The Kantian Case Against Torture
Authors: Barry Peter Brian
Published: June 2015

There is a decided consensus that Kantian ethics yields an absolutist case against torture – that torture is morally wrong and absolutely so. I argue that while thereisa Kantian case against torture, Kantian ethics does not clearly entail absolutism about torture. I consider several arguments for a Kantian absolutist position concerning torture and explain why none are sound. I close by clarifying just what the Kantian case against torture is. My contention is that while Kantian ethics does not support a variety ofmoralabsolutism about torture, it does suggest a strong version oflegalabsolutism.
Emotion regulation as a main mechanism of change in psychotherapy
Authors: Moyal Natali , Cohen Noga , Henik Avishai , Anholt Gideon E.
Published: June 2015

A model that suggests reconsolidation of traumatic memories as a mechanism of change in therapy is important, but problematic to generalize to disorders other than post-traumatic and acute-stress disorder. We suggest that a more plausible mechanism of change in psychotherapy is acquisition of adaptive emotion regulation strategies.
Sleeping-tree fidelity of the spider monkey shapes community-level seed-rain patterns in continuous and fragmented rain forests
Authors: González-Zamora Arturo , Arroyo-Rodríguez Víctor , Escobar Federico , Oyama Ken , Aureli Filippo , Stoner Kathryn E.
Published: June 2015

Repeated use of sleeping trees (STs) by frugivores promotes the deposition and aggregation of copious amounts of seed, thus having key implications for seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Seed-rain patterns produced by this behaviour likely depend on the frequency of use of these sites, yet this hypothesis has been poorly tested. We evaluated community-level seed-rain patterns produced by the spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) over 13 mo in latrines located beneath 60 STs in the Lacandona rain forest, Mexico. Because this primate is increasingly ‘forced’ to inhabit fragmented landscapes, we tested whether sleeping-tree fidelity (STF) differed among sites and between continuous and fragmented forests. We also tested whether seed-rain patterns were associated with STF within each site and forest type. STF was highly variable among STs (average = 7 mo, range = 1–12 mo), but did not differ among study sites or forest types. STF was positively associated with seed abundance, species diversity and species turnover. Nevertheless, STF tended to be negatively related to seed community evenness. These results are likely due to the most frequently used STs being in areas with greater food density. Our results demonstrate that site fidelity shapes community-level seed-rain patterns and thus has key ecological implications.
“Mediate First”: The Revival of Mediation in Labour Dispute Resolution in China
Authors: Zhuang Wenjia , Chen Feng
Published: June 2015

The past few years have witnessed the revival of mediation as a chief method of labour dispute settlement in China. While the central government's campaign has reinvigorated the use of mediation in order to control social conflicts and maintain stability, its expansion and extensive deployment have also been driven by local authorities, as mediation can better serve their policy priorities and bureaucratic interests. Not only does the extension of mediation provide local bureaucratic agencies with flexibility and discretionary power to resolve conflicts without having to comply with legal minimums, it also legitimizes the courts' “non-legalistic approach” to settling dispute cases. The extensive employment of mediation by local authorities has chipped away at the role of legal procedures in settling labour disputes. The revival of mediation embodies a tension between the rule of law the government has promoted since the reform and the extrajudicial methods it needs for controlling conflicts.
Country ideology and the California Vowel Shift
Authors: Podesva Robert J. , D'Onofrio Annette , Van Hofwegen Janneke , Kim Seung Kyung
Published: June 2015

Addressing the dearth of variation research in nonurban, noncoastal regions of California, this study examines the extent to which speakers in Redding, an inland community just north of the Central Valley, participate in the California Vowel Shift (CVS). We acoustically analyze the fronting of the back vowels boot and boat, the raising of ban and backing of bat, and the merger of bot and bought, in sociolinguistic interviews with 30 white lifelong residents. Results reveal a change in apparent time for all analyzed variables, indicating the CVS's progression through the community, though not as robust as in urban, coastal areas. Additionally, we provide evidence that shifting patterns for different vowels are structured by the ideological divide between town and country. Thus, as the CVS spreads through Redding, speakers utilize particular features of the shift differently, negotiating identities relevant in California's nonurban locales.
Marketplaces and central spaces: markets and the rise of competing spatial ideals in Danish city centres, c. 1850–1900
Authors: TOFTGAARD JENS
Published: June 2015

The traditional open-air markets on the central squares of Danish cities were thriving in the middle of the nineteenth century. However, the markets were soon challenged by new urban ideals of the city centre as a place for shopping and capital investment. At the same time, urban reformers made efforts to improve the market trade to meet modern standards. The rivalling interests struggled over the question of modernization or relocation of the central square markets and ultimately the definition and use of the central urban space. In particular, this article will examine the struggle over the construction of a fish market hall in Odense as it serves to reveal the different conceptions of the central urban space that affected the fate of the street markets.
GENE THERAPY FOR OBSTETRIC CONDITIONS
Authors: SPENCER REBECCA N. , CARR DAVID J. , DAVID ANNA L.
Published: June 2015

The first clinical trials of gene therapy in the 1990s offered the promise of a new paradigm for the treatment of genetic diseases. Over the decades that followed the challenges and setbacks which gene therapy faced often overshadowed any successes. Despite this, recent years have seen cause for renewed optimism. In 2012 Glybera™, an adeno-associated viral vector expressing lipoprotein lipase, became the first gene therapy product to receive marketing authorisation in Europe, with a licence to treat familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency. This followed the earlier licensing in China of two gene therapies: Gendicine™ for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and Oncorine™ for late-stage nasopharyngeal cancer. By this stage over 1800 clinical trials had been, or were being, conducted worldwide, and the therapeutic targets had expanded far beyond purely genetic disorders. So far no trials of gene therapy have been carried out in pregnancy, but an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying obstetric diseases means that it is likely to have a role to play in the future. This review will discuss how gene therapy works, its potential application in obstetric conditions and the risks and limitations associated with its use in this setting. It will also address the ethical and regulatory issues that will be faced by any potential clinical trial of gene therapy during pregnancy.
The two sides of border disease in Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica): silent persistence and population collapse
Authors: Marco Ignasi , Cabezón Oscar , Velarde Roser , Fernández-Sirera Laura , Colom-Cadena Andreu , Serrano Emmanuel , Rosell Rosa , Casas-Díaz Encarna , Lavín Santiago
Published: June 2015

In 2001, border disease virus (BDV) was identified as the cause of a previously unreported disease in Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Spain. Since then, the disease has caused a dramatic decrease, and in some cases collapse, of chamois populations and has expanded to nearly the entire distribution area in the Pyrenees. Chamois BDV was characterized as BDV-4 genotype and experimental studies confirmed that it was the primary agent of the disease. The infection has become endemic in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees. However, while most Pyrenean chamois populations have been severely affected by the disease, others have not, despite the circulation of BDV in apparently healthy individuals, suggesting the existence of different viral strategies for persisting in the host population. Changes in the interplay of pathogen, host and environmental factors may lead to the formation of different disease patterns. A key factor influencing disease emergence may be pathogen invasiveness through viral mutation. Host factors, such as behavior, immunity at the population level and genetic variability, may also have driven different epidemiological scenarios. Climatic and other ecological factors may have favored secondary infections, such as pneumonia, that under particular circumstances have been major contributing factors in the high mortality observed in some areas.
Aging and pension reform: extending the retirement age and human capital formation
Authors: VOGEL EDGAR , LUDWIG ALEXANDER , BÖRSCH-SUPAN AXEL
Published: June 2015

Projected demographic changes in industrialized and developing countries vary in extent and timing but will reduce the share of the population in working age everywhere. Conventional wisdom suggests that this will increase capital intensity with falling rates of return to capital and increasing wages. This decreases welfare for middle aged asset rich households. This paper takes the perspective of the three demographically oldest European nations – France, Germany and Italy – to address three important adjustment channels to dampen these detrimental effects of aging in these countries: investing abroad, endogenous human capital formation, and increasing the retirement age. Our quantitative finding is that endogenous human capital formation in combination with an increase in the retirement age has strong implications for economic aggregates and welfare, in particular in the open economy. These adjustments reduce the maximum welfare losses of demographic change for households alive in 2010 by about 2.2 percentage points in terms of consumption equivalent variation.
Assessing the social and economic benefits of organic and fair trade tea production for small-scale farmers in Asia: a comparative case study of China and Sri Lanka
Authors: Qiao Yuhui , Halberg Niels , Vaheesan Saminathan , Scott Steffanie
Published: June 2015

Organic agriculture has the potential to provide improved livelihood opportunities, increased income and social benefits for resource-poor small-scale farmers. It has thus become a popular strategy for economic development and poverty reduction in many areas of the global south. However, there has been limited empirical research regarding the actual benefits of certified organic production, particularly when organic is combined with fair trade certification, and for small-scale farmers who are not engaged in coffee or banana production. Further research is needed to demonstrate experiences of farmers under diverse socioeconomic conditions, organizational contexts and degrees of market access. To address these gaps, two surveys of certified organic and fair trade tea producers in China and Sri Lanka were undertaken to investigate the contributions of organic crops to the household economy. In both cases, organic production required lower investment in terms of external inputs but a higher input of farmers’ labor. The price premium received by farmers for the organic tea compensated for the extra labor input and lower yield, resulting in a net profit. However, given the relatively small plots of tea gardens of each household, organic production could not fully provide for the households’ livelihood. Non-farm income dominated the total income of the households across the study cases, despite the earnings from organic farming. In both sites, market-oriented organic tea projects have created more options for paid work locally, which benefits women of reproductive age. Social benefits of organic farming were also reported. Pursuing fair trade certification on top of organic production facilitated farmer organizing, training and community development. Organic agriculture and fair trade certification offer important prospects to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in other, less favored areas of Asia. These forms of certified production could provide economic and social benefits in instances where farm income is the main source of household income.
Playing the Gender Card: The Uses and Abuses of Gender in Australian Politics
Authors: Johnson Carol
Published: June 2015

Former Australian Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard was accused of unfairly playing the gender card against then Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in her accusations of sexism and misogyny. It was also claimed that she had thereby initiated the first “gender war” in Australian politics. Analyzing Australian politicians’ discursive mobilizations of gender during the Gillard period provides useful insights that are relevant to the broader international literature on gender and politics, particularly given that Gillard's experiences have similarities with those of prominent female politicians in other countries, including Hillary Clinton. The article argues for a much broader understanding of playing the gender card that includes both issues of femininity and masculinity and that also emphasizes the close relationship between issues of playing the gender card and issues of gender performativity.
A Tale of Two Feminisms in International Relations? Feminist Political Economy and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Authors: True Jacqui
Published: June 2015

A photo depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin in chivalrous fashion, placing his coat around the shoulders of China's first lady at an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) dinner made headline news around the world in November 2014 (Allen-Ebrahimian 2014). Surely this is not the serious stuff of international politics, IR colleagues commented in social media forums? But from a feminist perspective that pays attention to the pervasive gendering of IR, the image was not at all surprising or trivial. Indeed, the gender symbolism of the image reveals the patriarchal foundations of international politics. Putin, for his part, personifies the linkages between the figure of the male provider—at the heart of global economic governance and meetings like APEC—and the figure of the male protector of “womenandchildren” (Enloe 1993)—at the heart of the security state system.
Radar micro-Doppler mini-UAV classification using spectrograms and cepstrograms
Authors: Harmanny Ronny I.A. , de Wit Jacco J.M. , Premel-Cabic Gilles
Published: June 2015

The radar micro-Doppler signature of a target is determined by parts of the target moving or rotating in addition to the main body motion. The relative motion of these parts is characteristic for different classes of targets, e.g. the flapping motion of a bird's wings versus the spinning of propeller blades. In the present study, the micro-Doppler signature is exploited to discriminate birds and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Emphasis is on micro-Doppler features that can be extracted from spectrograms and cepstrograms, enabling the human eye or indeed automatic classification algorithms to make a quick distinction between man-made objects and bio-life. In addition, in case of man-made objects, it is desired to further characterize the type of mini-UAV to aid the threat assessment. Also this characterization is done on the basis of micro-Doppler features.
A Participant Walks Into a Bar…
Authors: Hales Andrew H. , Williams Kipling D. , Eckhardt Christopher I.
Published: June 2015

Alcohol is commonly used to cope with social pain, but its effectiveness remains unknown. Existing theories offer diverging predictions. Pain overlap theory predicts that because alcohol numbs physical pain it should also numb people to the negative effects of ostracism. Alcohol myopia predicts that because alcohol intensifies salient emotions it should enhance the negative effects of ostracism. We conducted a field experiment in a bar, exposing individuals to ostracism or inclusion using Cyberball on an iPad. Subjective intoxication, but not blood alcohol concentration, was associated with less distress for participants who were ostracized, and more distress in participants who were included. We conclude that alcohol reduces both the pain of ostracism and the pleasure of inclusion.
Efficient T‐cell priming and activation requires signaling through prostaglandin E2 (EP) receptors
Authors: Sreeramkumar Vinatha , Hons Miroslav , Punzón Carmen , Stein Jens V , Sancho David , Fresno Manuel , Cuesta Natalia
Published: June 2015

Understanding the regulation of T‐cell responses during inflammation and auto‐immunity is fundamental for designing efficient therapeutic strategies against immune diseases. In this regard, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is mostly considered a myeloid‐derived immunosuppressive molecule. We describe for the first time that T cells secrete PGE2 during T‐cell receptor stimulation. In addition, we show that autocrine PGE2 signaling through EP receptors is essential for optimal CD4+ T‐cell activation in vitro and in vivo, and for T helper 1 (Th1) and regulatory T cell differentiation. PGE2 was found to provide additive co‐stimulatory signaling through AKT activation. Intravital multiphoton microscopy showed that triggering EP receptors in T cells is also essential for the stability of T cell–dendritic cell (DC) interactions and Th‐cell accumulation in draining lymph nodes (LNs) during inflammation. We further demonstrated that blocking EP receptors in T cells during the initial phase of collagen‐induced arthritis in mice resulted in a reduction of clinical arthritis. This could be attributable to defective T‐cell activation, accompanied by a decline in activated and interferon‐γ‐producing CD4+ Th1 cells in draining LNs. In conclusion, we prove that T lymphocytes secret picomolar concentrations of PGE2, which in turn provide additive co‐stimulatory signaling, enabling T cells to attain a favorable activation threshold. PGE2 signaling in T cells is also required for maintaining long and stable interactions with DCs within LNs. Blockade of EP receptors in vivo impairs T‐cell activation and development of T cell‐mediated inflammatory responses. This may have implications in various pathophysiological settings.
ProDeGe: a computational protocol for fully automated decontamination of genomes
Authors: Tennessen Kristin , Andersen Evan , Clingenpeel Scott , Rinke Christian , Lundberg Derek S , Han James , Dangl Jeff L , Ivanova Natalia , Woyke Tanja , Kyrpides Nikos , Pati Amrita
Published: June 2015

Single amplified genomes and genomes assembled from metagenomes have enabled the exploration of uncultured microorganisms at an unprecedented scale. However, both these types of products are plagued by contamination. Since these genomes are now being generated in a high-throughput manner and sequences from them are propagating into public databases to drive novel scientific discoveries, rigorous quality controls and decontamination protocols are urgently needed. Here, we present ProDeGe (Protocol for fully automated Decontamination of Genomes), the first computational protocol for fully automated decontamination of draft genomes. ProDeGe classifies sequences into two classes—clean and contaminant—using a combination of homology and feature-based methodologies. On average, 84% of sequence from the non-target organism is removed from the data set (specificity) and 84% of the sequence from the target organism is retained (sensitivity). The procedure operates successfully at a rate of ~0.30 CPU core hours per megabase of sequence and can be applied to any type of genome sequence.
The phosphorylated prodrug FTY720 is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that reactivates ERα expression and enhances hormonal therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Hait N C , Avni D , Yamada A , Nagahashi M , Aoyagi T , Aoki H , Dumur C I , Zelenko Z , Gallagher E J , Leroith D , Milstien S , Takabe K , Spiegel S
Published: June 2015

Estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-negative breast cancer is clinically aggressive and does not respond to conventional hormonal therapies. Strategies that lead to re-expression of ERα could sensitize ERα-negative breast cancers to selective ER modulators. FTY720 (fingolimod, Gilenya), a sphingosine analog, is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prodrug for treatment of multiple sclerosis that also has anticancer actions that are not yet well understood. We found that FTY720 is phosphorylated in breast cancer cells by nuclear sphingosine kinase 2 and accumulates there. Nuclear FTY720-P is a potent inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) that enhances histone acetylations and regulates expression of a restricted set of genes independently of its known effects on canonical signaling through sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. High-fat diet (HFD) and obesity, which is now endemic, increase breast cancer risk and have been associated with worse prognosis. HFD accelerated the onset of tumors with more advanced lesions and increased triple-negative spontaneous breast tumors and HDAC activity in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice. Oral administration of clinically relevant doses of FTY720 suppressed development, progression and aggressiveness of spontaneous breast tumors in these mice, reduced HDAC activity and strikingly reversed HFD-induced loss of estrogen and progesterone receptors in advanced carcinoma. In ERα-negative human and murine breast cancer cells, FTY720 reactivated expression of silenced ERα and sensitized them to tamoxifen. Moreover, treatment with FTY720 also re-expressed ERα and increased therapeutic sensitivity of ERα-negative syngeneic breast tumors to tamoxifen in vivo more potently than a known HDAC inhibitor. Our work suggests that a multipronged attack with FTY720 is a novel combination approach for effective treatment of both conventional hormonal therapy-resistant breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.
An On-Demand Optical Quantum Random Number Generator with In-Future Action and Ultra-Fast Response
Authors: Stipčević Mario , Ursin Rupert
Published: June 2015

Random numbers are essential for our modern information based society e.g. in cryptography. Unlike frequently used pseudo-random generators, physical random number generators do not depend on complex algorithms but rather on a physicsal process to provide true randomness. Quantum random number generators (QRNG) do rely on a process, wich can be described by a probabilistic theory only, even in principle. Here we present a conceptualy simple implementation, which offers a 100% efficiency of producing a random bit upon a request and simultaneously exhibits an ultra low latency. A careful technical and statistical analysis demonstrates its robustness against imperfections of the actual implemented technology and enables to quickly estimate randomness of very long sequences. Generated random numbers pass standard statistical tests without any post-processing. The setup described, as well as the theory presented here, demonstrate the maturity and overall understanding of the technology.
Evolution of extreme stomach pH in bilateria inferred from gastric alkalization mechanisms in basal deuterostomes
Authors: Stumpp Meike , Hu Marian Y. , Tseng Yung-Che , Guh Ying-Jeh , Chen Yi-Chih , Yu Jr-Kai , Su Yi-Hsien , Hwang Pung-Pung
Published: June 2015

The stomachs of most vertebrates operate at an acidic pH of 2 generated by the gastric H+/K+-ATPase located in parietal cells. The acidic pH in stomachs of vertebrates is believed to aid digestion and to protect against environmental pathogens. Little attention has been placed on whether acidic gastric pH regulation is a vertebrate character or a deuterostome ancestral trait. Here, we report alkaline conditions up to pH 10.5 in the larval digestive systems of ambulacraria (echinoderm + hemichordate), the closest relative of the chordate. Microelectrode measurements in combination with specific inhibitors for acid-base transporters and ion pumps demonstrated that the gastric alkalization machinery in sea urchin larvae is mainly based on direct H+ secretion from the stomach lumen and involves a conserved set of ion pumps and transporters. Hemichordate larvae additionally utilized HCO3− transport pathways to generate even more alkaline digestive conditions. Molecular analyses in combination with acidification experiments supported these findings and identified genes coding for ion pumps energizing gastric alkalization. Given that insect larval guts were also reported to be alkaline, our discovery raises the hypothesis that the bilaterian ancestor utilized alkaline digestive system while the vertebrate lineage has evolved a strategy to strongly acidify their stomachs.
Phase Modulation in Rydberg Dressed Multi-Wave Mixing processes
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyang , Zheng Huaibin , Yao Xin , Tian Yaling , Che Junling , Wang Xiuxiu , Zhu Dayu , Zhang Yanpeng , Xiao Min
Published: June 2015

We study the enhancement and suppression of different multi-waving mixing (MWM) processes in a Rydberg-EIT rubidium vapor system both theoretically and experimentally. The nonlinear dispersion property of hot rubidium atoms is modulated by the Rydberg-Rydberg interaction, which can result in a nonlinear phase shift of the relative phase between dark and bright states. Such Rydberg-induced nonlinear phase shift can be quantitatively estimated by the lineshape asymmetry in the enhancedand suppressed MWM processes, which can also demonstrate the cooperative atom-light interaction caused by Rydberg blockaded regime. Current study on phase shift is applicable to phase-sensitive detection and the study of strong Rydberg-Rydberg interaction.
Osteocyte specific responses to soluble and mechanical stimuli in a stem cell derived culture model
Authors: Thompson William R. , Uzer Gunes , Brobst Kaitlyn E. , Xie Zhihui , Sen Buer , Yen Sherwin S. , Styner Maya , Rubin Janet
Published: June 2015

Studying osteocyte behavior in culture has proven difficult because these embedded cells require spatially coordinated interactions with the matrix and surrounding cells to achieve the osteocyte phenotype. Using an easily attainable source of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, we generated cells with the osteocyte phenotype within two weeks. These “stem cell derived-osteocytes” (SCD-O) displayed stellate morphology and lacunocanalicular ultrastructure. Osteocytic genes Sost, Dmp1, E11 and Fgf23 were maximally expressed at 15 days and responded to PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3. Production of sclerostin mRNA and protein, within 15 days of culture makes the SCD-O model ideal for elucidating regulatory mechanisms. We found sclerostin to be regulated by mechanical factors, where low intensity vibration significantly reduced Sost expression. Additionally, this model recapitulates sclerostin production in response to osteoactive hormones, as PTH or LIV repressed secretion of sclerostin, significantly impacting Wnt-mediated Axin2 expression, via β-catenin signaling. In summary, SCD-O cells produce abundant matrix, rapidly attain the osteocyte phenotype and secrete functional factors including sclerostin under non-immortalized conditions. This culture model enables ex vivo observations of osteocyte behavior while preserving an organ-like environment. Furthermore, as marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be obtained from transgenic animals; our model enables study of genetic control of osteocyte behaviors.
Cell proliferation by silk gut incorporating FGF-2 protein microcrystals
Authors: Kotani Eiji , Yamamoto Naoto , Kobayashi Isao , Uchino Keiro , Muto Sayaka , Ijiri Hiroshi , Shimabukuro Junji , Tamura Toshiki , Sezutsu Hideki , Mori Hajime
Published: June 2015

Silk gut processed from the silk glands of the silkworm could be an ideal biodegradable carrier for cell growth factors. We previously demonstrated that polyhedra, microcrystals of Cypovirus 1 polyhedrin, can serve as versatile carrier proteins. Here, we report the generation of a transgenic silkworm that expresses polyhedrin together with human basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in its posterior silk glands to utilize silk gut as a proteinaceous carrier to protect and slowly release active cell growth factors. In the posterior silk glands, polyhedrin formed polyhedral microcrystals and FGF-2 became encapsulated within the polyhedra due to a polyhedron-immobilization signal. Silk gut powder prepared from posterior silk glands containing polyhedron-encapsulated FGF-2 stimulated the phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAP kinase and induced the proliferation of serum-starved NIH3T3 cells by releasing bioactive FGF-2. Even after a one-week incubation at 25 °C, significantly higher biological activity of FGF-2 was observed for silk gut powder incorporating polyhedron-encapsulated FGF-2 relative to silk gut powder with non-encapsulated FGF-2. Our results demonstrate that posterior silk glands incorporating polyhedron-encapsulated FGF-2 are applicable to the preparation of biodegradable silk gut, which can protect and release FGF-2 that is produced in a virus- and serum-free expression system with significant application potential.
Comprehensive prediction of drug-protein interactions and side effects for the human proteome
Authors: Zhou Hongyi , Gao Mu , Skolnick Jeffrey
Published: June 2015

Identifying unexpected drug-protein interactions is crucial for drug repurposing. We develop a comprehensive proteome scale approach that predicts human protein targets and side effects of drugs. For drug-protein interaction prediction, FINDSITEcomb, whose average precision is ~30% and recall ~27%, is employed. For side effect prediction, a new method is developed with a precision of ~57% and a recall of ~24%. Our predictions show that drugs are quite promiscuous, with the average (median) number of human targets per drug of 329 (38), while a given protein interacts with 57 drugs. The result implies that drug side effects are inevitable and existing drugs may be useful for repurposing, with only ~1,000 human proteins likely causing serious side effects. Akilling indexderived from serious side effects has a strong correlation with FDA approved drugs being withdrawn. Therefore, it provides a pre-filter for new drug development. The methodology is free to the academic community on the DR. PRODIS (DRugome, PROteome and DISeasome) webserver athttp://cssb.biology.gatech.edu/dr.prodis/. DR. PRODIS provides protein targets of drugs, drugs for a given protein target, associated diseases and side effects of drugs, as well as an interface for the virtual target screening of new compounds.
Antioxidant treatment enhances human mesenchymal stem cell anti-stress ability and therapeutic efficacy in an acute liver failure model
Authors: Zeng Wen , Xiao Jia , Zheng Gang , Xing Feiyue , Tipoe George L. , Wang Xiaogang , He Chengyi , Chen Zhi-Ying , Liu Yingxia
Published: June 2015

One of the major problems influencing the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy is the poor cell survival following transplantation. This is partly attributed to insufficient resistance of transplanted stem cells to oxidative and inflammatory stresses at the injured sites. In the current study, we demonstrated the pivotal role of antioxidant levels in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) dynamic in vitro anti-stress abilities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/H2O2 intoxication and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in a murine acute liver failure model induced by D-galactosamine/LPS (Gal/LPS) by either reducing the antioxidant levels with diethyl maleate (DEM) or increasing antioxidant levels with edaravone. Both the anti- and pro-oxidant treatments dramatically influenced the survival, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of hUCMSCs through the MAPK-PKC-Nrf2 pathway in vitro. When compared with untreated and DEM-treated cells, edaravone-treated hUCMSCs rescued NOD/SCID mice from Gal/LPS-induced death, significantly improved hepatic functions and promoted host liver regeneration. These effects were probably from increased stem cell homing, promoted proliferation, decreased apoptosis and enhanced secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) under hepatic stress environment. In conclusion, elevating levels of antioxidants in hUCMSCs with edaravone can significantly influence their hepatic tissue repair capacity.
Microwave synthesis and actuation of shape memory polycaprolactone foams with high speed
Authors: Zhang Fenghua , Zhou Tianyang , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: June 2015

Microwave technology is a highly effective approach to fast and uniform heating. This article investigates that the microwave heating as a novel method is used to rapidly foam and actuate biocompatible and biodegradable shape memory crosslinked-polycaprolactone (c-PCL) foams. The optical microscope proves that the resulting c-PCL foams have homogenous pore structure. Mechanical behavior and shape memory performance of c-PCL foams are investigated by static materials testing. Shape recovery ratio is approximately 100% and the whole recovery process takes only 98 s when trigged by microwave. Due to the unique principle of microwave heating, the recovery speed of c-PCL foams in microwave oven is several times faster than that in hot water and electric oven. Hence compared to the traditional heating methods, microwave is expected to bring more advantages to modern industry and scientific research in the field of smart materials and structures.
Experimental quantum annealing: case study involving the graph isomorphism problem
Authors: Zick Kenneth M. , Shehab Omar , French Matthew
Published: June 2015

Quantum annealing is a proposed combinatorial optimization technique meant to exploit quantum mechanical effects such as tunneling and entanglement. Real-world quantum annealing-based solvers require a combination of annealing and classical pre- and post-processing; at this early stage, little is known about how to partition and optimize the processing. This article presents an experimental case study of quantum annealing and some of the factors involved in real-world solvers, using a 504-qubit D-Wave Two machine and the graph isomorphism problem. To illustrate the role of classical pre-processing, a compact Hamiltonian is presented that enables a reduced Ising model for each problem instance. On random N-vertex graphs, the median number of variables is reduced from N2 to fewer than N log2N and solvable graph sizes increase from N = 5 to N = 13. Additionally, error correction via classical post-processing majority voting is evaluated. While the solution times are not competitive with classical approaches to graph isomorphism, the enhanced solver ultimately classified correctly every problem that was mapped to the processor and demonstrated clear advantages over the baseline approach. The results shed some light on the nature of real-world quantum annealing and the associated hybrid classical-quantum solvers.
Generation of mutant mice via the CRISPR/Cas9 system using FokI-dCas9
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Tamano Moe , Yamashita Satoshi , Kato Tomoko , Saito Takeshi , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Inui Masafumi , Takada Shuji
Published: June 2015

Genome editing, which introduces mutations in genes of interest using artificial DNA nucleases such as the ZFN, TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 systems in living cells, is a useful tool for generating mutant animals. Although CRISPR/Cas9 provides advantages over the two other systems, such as an easier vector construction and high efficiency of genome editing, it raises concerns of off-target effects when single guide RNA (gRNA) is used. Recently, FokI-dCas9 (fCas9), a fusion protein comprised of the inactivated mutant form of Cas9 and the DNA nuclease domain of FokI, has been developed. It enables genome editing with reduced risks of off-target effects in mammalian cultured cell lines, as fCas9 requires gRNAs to bind opposite strands with an appropriate distance between them. Here, we demonstrated that fCas9 efficiently generates living mutant mice through microinjection of its mRNA and gRNAs into zygotes. A comparison of the relative efficiencies of genome editing using fCas9 and other modified Cas9s showed that these mutagenesis efficiencies are similar when the targets of two gRNAs are separated by an appropriate distance, suggesting that in addition to the ease of vector construction, fCas9 exhibit high efficiency in producing mutant mice and in reducing risks of off-target effects.
Correction: Sequential separation of ultra-trace U, Th, Pb, and lanthanides using a simple automatic system
Authors: Miyamoto Yutaka , Yasuda Kenichiro , Magara Masaaki
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Sequential separation of ultra-trace U, Th, Pb, and lanthanides using a simple automatic system’ by Yutaka Miyamoto, et al., Analyst, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5an00027k.
Mimicking the active site of aldehyde dehydrogenases: stabilization of carbonyl hydrates through hydrogen bonds
Authors: Roth A. J. K. , Tretbar M. , Stark C. B. W.
Published: June 2015

N-Oxides have been identified as reagents stabilizing aldehyde hydrates in solution and in the solid state.
The singlet excited state of BODIPY promoted aerobic cross-dehydrogenative-coupling reactions under visible light
Authors: Wang Xu-Zhe , Meng Qing-Yuan , Zhong Jian-Ji , Gao Xue-Wang , Lei Tao , Zhao Lei-Min , Li Zhi-Jun , Chen Bin , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: June 2015

We disclose for the first time that the singlet excited state (1PS*) of BODIPY rather than triplet excited state (3PS*) can drive C–H bond activation to form C–C and C–P bonds smoothly upon irradiation by visible light.
Transformation of azulenes to bicyclic [4]dendralene and heptafulvene derivatives via photochemical cycloaddition of dialkylsilylene
Authors: Kosai Tomoyuki , Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: June 2015

Regioselective cycloaddition of dialkylsilylene upon irradiation converts azulene and guaiazulene to bicyclic [4]dendralene and heptafulvene derivatives, respectively.
Rapid synthesis of ultrathin, defect-free ZIF-8 membranes via chemical vapour modification of a polymeric support
Authors: Shamsaei Ezzatollah , Low Ze-Xian , Lin Xiaocheng , Mayahi Alireza , Liu Huiyuan , Zhang Xiwang , Zhe Liu Jefferson , Wang Huanting
Published: June 2015

Ultrathin ZIF-8 membranes with a thickness of around 200 nm were prepared by chemical vapour modification of surface chemistry and nanopores of an asymmetric bromomethylated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (BPPO) substrate.
Glycerol prevents dehydration in lipid cubic phases
Authors: Richardson S. J. , Staniec P. A. , Newby G. E. , Rawle J. L. , Slaughter A. R. , Terrill N. J. , Elliott J. M. , Squires A. M.
Published: June 2015

The addition of glycerol to lipid cubic phase films is shown to prevent dehydration, allowing exposure to open, ambient environments.
Fluorescent recognition of uranyl ions by a phosphorylated cyclic peptide
Authors: Yang Chu-Ting , Han Jun , Gu Mei , Liu Jun , Li Yi , Huang Zeng , Yu Hai-Zhu , Hu Sheng , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2015

Fluorescent recognition of uranyl ions was achieved using a phosphorylated cyclic peptide, which can be used as a fluorescent sensor.
Micromotor-based on–off fluorescence detection of sarin and soman simulants
Authors: Singh Virendra V. , Kaufmann Kevin , Orozco Jahir , Li Jinxing , Galarnyk Michael , Arya Gaurav , Wang Joseph
Published: June 2015

Self-propelled micromotor-based fluorescent “On–Off” detection of nerve agents is described.
Deformation and structure evolution of glassy poly(lactic acid) below the glass transition temperature
Authors: Zhou Chengbo , Li Hongfei , Zhang Yao , Xue Feifei , Huang Shaoyong , Wen Huiying , Li Jingqing , de Claville Christiansen Jesper , Yu Donghong , Wu Zhonghua , Jiang Shichun
Published: June 2015

The mesocrystal was found to form from the mesophase of glassy PLA stretched below the glass transition temperature.
Anion triggered and solvent assisted structural diversity and reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation between 1D and 2D coordination polymers
Authors: Tripathi Sarita , Srirambalaji Renganathan , Patra Samir , Anantharaman Ganapathi
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of four new coordination polymers (CPs) 1–4 from angular ditopic ligand 2,6-bis(imidazol-1-yl)pyridine (pyim2) and the anion triggered structural variation (1D and 2D)under different solvent conditions have been reported.
Mesoporous SnO2 single crystals as an effective electron collector for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhu Zonglong , Zheng Xiaoli , Bai Yang , Zhang Teng , Wang Zilong , Xiao Shuang , Yang Shihe
Published: June 2015

Mesoporous single crystals are prized for their fast electron transport and high surface area.
Monitoring a CuO gas sensor at work: an advanced in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy study
Authors: Volanti D. P. , Felix A. A. , Suman P. H. , Longo E. , Varela J. A. , Orlandi M. O.
Published: June 2015

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and electrical measurements were used to elucidate the local structure and electronic changes of copper(ii) oxide (CuO) nanostructures under working conditions.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy of Li-ion batteries
Authors: Ventosa E. , Schuhmann W.
Published: June 2015

Scanning electrochemical microscopy has demonstrated to be a powerful analytical tool for the investigation of various processes in Li-ion batteries.
Quantum phase transitions in interfacing two gapped systems of ordinary fermions driven by external strain and atomic adsorption
Authors: Chen Li , Chang Kai , Zheng X. G. , Ji S. H. , Wang D. C. , Zhao D. P.
Published: June 2015

We study how the electronic structure of a single bilayer Bi on a single quintuple layer Bi2Se3 (Bi2Te3) changes with interface polarization, strain and H adsorption using first-principles calculations.
From crystal to glass-like thermal conductivity in crystalline minerals
Authors: Bouyrie Y. , Candolfi C. , Pailhès S. , Koza M. M. , Malaman B. , Dauscher A. , Tobola J. , Boisron O. , Saviot L. , Lenoir B.
Published: June 2015

Inelastic neutron scattering performed on powders and single crystals indicate that the glass-like thermal conductivity of tetrahedrite minerals originates from a strongly anharmonic low-energy vibrational mode related to the peculiar chemical environment of the Cu2 atoms.
Structural design of graphene for use in electrochemical energy storage devices
Authors: Chen Kunfeng , Song Shuyan , Liu Fei , Xue Dongfeng
Published: June 2015

This review elucidates the structural design methodologies toward high-performance graphene-based electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices.
A review of electrolyte materials and compositions for electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin , Qiao Jinli , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jiujun
Published: June 2015

Electrolytes have been identified as some of the most influential components in the performance of electrochemical supercapacitors (ESs), which include: electrical double-layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors and hybrid supercapacitors. This paper reviews recent progress in the research and development of ES electrolytes.
Ir-Catalyzed enantioselective group transfer reactions
Authors: Schafer Andrew G. , Blakey Simon B.
Published: June 2015

This tutorial review highlights the emergence of iridium complexes as catalysts for enantioselective group transfer reactions.