bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet addiction and impulsivity among university students
Authors: Ünsalver B.Ö. , Aktepe H.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The progress in technology adds to the new ways of communication between people. In our age, online communication has taken the place of face to face communication. People express themselves, become friends and in a way become who they are through the tools of social media. Many biological and psychological factors may affect the choice of people for communicating through social media.

Objective

Main objective of this research is to measure the frequency of Internet addiction and it's relationship to social media use and impulsivity.

Methods

The population of the study is composed of 117 female (58.5%) and 83 male (41.5%) students between 18–25 years of age from Uskudar University. Barratt Impulsivity Scale and Internet Addiction Scale were used for data collection and measurement of variables.

Results

Among the participants, 97.5% were found to go online everyday. Among the participants, 74.5% went online for social media use. Only 5% of the subjects fitted the criteria for Internet addiction. Thirty-six percent had limited symptoms for Internet addiction. Internet addiction symptoms and impulsivity were positively related. The tool for Internet access did not affect Internet addiction. Those who used a smart phone went online for social media use more commonly than those who used a computer.

Conclusion

It has been debated that social media and the increase in smart phone use may be affecting young people and increase internet addiction rates, however we have found that impulsivity is an important factor for internet addiction as in other types of addiction.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Mental health profile of suicide victims in an Irish urban population
Authors: Udoh G.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To describe demographic and psychiatric characteristics of suicide victim cases.

Method

Retrospective, case file psychological autopsy of deaths registered at the coroner's court, Dublin. Cases with a verdict of suicide and open verdicts registered in 2007, 2012 and 2013 were included.

Results

Two hundred and five cases of suicide/open verdicts were registered the 3-year period. Seventy four percent (n = 152) were males. Mean age – 42.87 years old (STD = 15.44) with no significant difference between genders. Sixty-four percent (n = 132) were single at the time of death, while 32.2% had children. One hundred and ninety-eight had a stable accommodation; 37.5% (n = 77) living alone, and 36.6% (n = 75) actively employed.

One hundred and twelve subjects (54.6%) suffered from mental illness; 53.6% – affective disorder; 15.2% – alcohol and substance misuse; 12.5% – psychotic disorder. Seventy-nine (70.5%) were not in contact with mental health services at the time of death; 32 (28.6%) were attending as outpatients. Illness onset was recorded for 68.7% cases (n = 77); 35.7% (n = 40) had a length of illness of more than 5 years. Psychiatric comorbidity was present in 29.5% (n = 33); 54.5% (n = 18) presented also alcohol/substance misuse.

Conclusion

Suicide victims were single, middle-aged male, suffered mental health difficulties, most frequently affective disorder. A small number of subjects an additional comorbid diagnosis. Few were in contact with outpatient services at the time of death. No significant differences in demographic characteristics were found between the group suffering from mental illness and the group with no mental illness.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Differential diagnostic of self-destructive behaviour via structural-dynamic model
Authors: Pyliagina G.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Structural-dynamic model (SDM) of self-destructive behaviour (SdB) is needed for differential diagnostic of numerous features of SdB. SDM is based on an awareness that self-destructiveness has different variants with diversity of psychophysical damage as its outcome. SDM describes whole continuum of SdB variations and helps to differentiate them, to assess risk of suicidal or non-suicidal activity and to do long-term prognosis for SdB development as well.

Methods

SDM of SdB is a generalized conception, which is a result of consequent scientific researches. The clinical criteria by ICD-10 and semi-structured suicidological interview were used in all of the surveys. In general, we observed 860 patients with suicidal attempt, suicidal ideas and self-destructive injuries.

Results

Our researches proved that SDM of SdB determine suicidological diagnosis implementing all-round assessment of SdB features of patient using kinds, forms and clinical-pathogenetic types as main categories of this concept. The kinds of SdB are: self-aggressive behaviour, self-destructive behaviour (it includes non-suicidal or psychotic variants) and suicidal behaviour. Each kind of SdB helps to detect pathogenetic mechanisms and dynamic tendencies in development of it. The form of SdB discloses behavioural specification in each case. There are equivalent, internal and external forms. The clinical-pathogenetic types of SdB are: suicidal, parasuicidal, pseudosuicidal or asuicidal. Each of them discloses significant clinical characteristics of actual self-destructive episode (nosology, syndrome, psychological traits, situation peculiarities, etc.). The differential diagnostic of SdB by SDM concept will allow doctors to treat patients more accurately and effectively.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Prenatal exposure to maternal depression and its influences on infant development and behaviour
Authors: Shakel N. , Shakel N.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. Women are more at risk of depression while they are pregnant, and during the first weeks and months of postpartum period. Perinatal depression, might influence the children‘s development during pregnancy as well as it can have negative affect and delay in child postnatal development.

Materials and methods

Pregnant women undergoing antenatal care in Latvia, Riga were interviewed using PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, the obtained data from the scale's results were analyzed and summarized in an analystic cross-sectional study. Literature overview.

Results

There is a high correlation between the depressive episodes before pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum depression, as well as it have negative effects and delay in child postnatal development. Using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 screening scales, was set up an inquiry among 200 pregnant women in Riga, Latvia. Depressive symptoms have 45% of pregnant women. 36% of pregnant women have mild depression symptoms, 3% moderate symptoms, 5% moderate serve symptoms and 1% serve depression symptoms. In its turn anxiety disorder screening results are following: 35% of pregnant women have mild anxiety symptoms, 9% moderate anxiety symptoms; 3% serve anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorder symptoms note 47% of pregnant women. 36% of respondents note both depression symptoms and anxiety disorder symptoms.

Conclusion

HQ-9 and GAD-7 scales are informative, quick and easy for patients to complete. Children development and behavior has association with maternal depressive state during pregnancy. There is high prevalence of depression symptoms among preganant women in Latvia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
La 72 como espacio intercultural de emancipación y resistencia trans en la frontera sur de México
Authors: Gutiérrez Albertos Víctor Hugo
Published: June 2017

Paola es una joven trans, hondureña, de San Pedro Sula, que vive un exilio forzado en México porque su vida está en peligro. A pesar de la existencia de un amplio cuerpo jurídico internacional que la protege, en su tránsito transmigrante encuentra vigentes legislaciones y prácticas discriminatorias, que le niegan sus derechos como refugiada. La 72, casa de refugio de personas migrantes, ubicada en la fron- tera sur mexicana, vive una situación de emergencia humanitaria, que afronta a través de un proceso de interculturalidad crítica. La 72 se con- vierte en un lugar de libertad para Paola, donde va desarrollando una mayor emancipación en su disidencia de sexo-género, y de resistencia frente a la gobernanza global. Este artículo ofrece un panorama actual de la relación entre iden- tidades y expresiones de género trans y los procesos migratorios en la frontera sur de México.
Diet quality and attention capacity in European adolescents: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study
Authors: Henriksson Pontus , Cuenca-García Magdalena , Labayen Idoia , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Henriksson Hanna , Kersting Mathilde , Vanhelst Jeremy , Widhalm Kurt , Gottrand Frederic , Moreno Luis A. , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: June 2017

Adolescence represents an important period for the development of executive functions, which are a set of important cognitive processes including attentional control. However, very little is known regarding the associations of nutrition with components of executive functions in adolescence. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate associations of dietary patterns and macronutrient composition with attention capacity in European adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 384 (165 boys and 219 girls) adolescents, aged 12·5–17·5 years, from five European countries in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study. Attention capacity was examined using the d2 Test of Attention. Dietary intake was assessed through two non-consecutive 24 h recalls using a computer-based self-administered tool. Three dietary patterns (diet quality index, ideal diet score and Mediterranean diet score) and macronutrient/fibre intakes were calculated. Linear regression analysis was conducted adjusting for age, sex, BMI, maternal education, family affluence scale, study centre and energy intake (only for Mediterranean diet score). In these adjusted regression analyses, higher diet quality index for adolescents and ideal diet score were associated with a higher attention capacity (standardised β=0·16, P=0·002 and β=0·15, P=0·005, respectively). Conversely, Mediterranean diet score or macronutrient/fibre intake were not associated with attention capacity (P>0·05). Our results suggest that healthier dietary patterns, as indicated by higher diet quality index and ideal diet score, were associated with attention capacity in adolescence. Intervention studies investigating a causal relationship between diet quality and attention are warranted.
A gene expression signature distinguishes innate response and resistance to proteasome inhibitors in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mitra A K , Harding T , Mukherjee U K , Jang J S , Li Y , HongZheng R , Jen J , Sonneveld P , Kumar S , Kuehl W M , Rajkumar V , Van Ness B
Published: June 2017

Extensive interindividual variation in response to chemotherapy is a major stumbling block in achieving desirable efficacy in the treatment of cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, our goal was to develop a gene expression signature that predicts response specific to proteasome inhibitor (PI) treatment in MM. Using a well-characterized panel of human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) representing the biological and genetic heterogeneity of MM, we created an in vitro chemosensitivity profile in response to treatment with the four PIs bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixazomib and oprozomib as single agents. Gene expression profiling was performed using next-generation high-throughput RNA-sequencing. Applying machine learning-based computational approaches including the supervised ensemble learning methods Random forest and Random survival forest, we identified a 42-gene expression signature that could not only distinguish good and poor PI response in the HMCL panel, but could also be successfully applied to four different clinical data sets on MM patients undergoing PI-based chemotherapy to distinguish between extraordinary (good and poor) outcomes. Our results demonstrate the use of in vitro modeling and machine learning-based approaches to establish predictive biomarkers of response and resistance to drugs that may serve to better direct myeloma patient treatment options.
Damage tolerance of nuclear graphite at elevated temperatures
Authors: Liu Dong , Gludovatz Bernd , Barnard Harold S. , Kuball Martin , Ritchie Robert O.
Published: June 2017

Nuclear-grade graphite is a critically important high-temperature structural material for current and potentially next generation of fission reactors worldwide. It is imperative to understand its damage-tolerant behaviour and to discern the mechanisms of damage evolution under in-service conditions. Here we perform in situ mechanical testing with synchrotron X-ray computed micro-tomography at temperatures between ambient and 1,000 °C on a nuclear-grade Gilsocarbon graphite. We find that both the strength and fracture toughness of this graphite are improved at elevated temperature. Whereas this behaviour is consistent with observations of the closure of microcracks formed parallel to the covalent-sp2-bonded graphene layers at higher temperatures, which accommodate the more than tenfold larger thermal expansion perpendicular to these layers, we attribute the elevation in strength and toughness primarily to changes in the residual stress state at 800–1,000 °C, specifically to the reduction in significant levels of residual tensile stresses in the graphite that are ‘frozen-in’ following processing.
Uncertainty in the response of terrestrial carbon sink to environmental drivers undermines carbon-climate feedback predictions
Authors: Huntzinger D. N. , Michalak A. M. , Schwalm C. , Ciais P. , King A. W. , Fang Y. , Schaefer K. , Wei Y. , Cook R. B. , Fisher J. B. , Hayes D. , Huang M. , Ito A. , Jain A. K. , Lei H. , Lu C. , Maignan F. , Mao J. , Parazoo N. , Peng S. , Poulter B. , Ricciuto D. , Shi X. , Tian H. , Wang W. , Zeng N. , Zhao F.
Published: June 2017

Terrestrial ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the accumulation of carbon (C) in the atmosphere. Understanding the factors controlling land C uptake is critical for reducing uncertainties in projections of future climate. The relative importance of changing climate, rising atmospheric CO2, and other factors, however, remains unclear despite decades of research. Here, we use an ensemble of land models to show that models disagree on the primary driver of cumulative C uptake for 85% of vegetated land area. Disagreement is largest in model sensitivity to rising atmospheric CO2 which shows almost twice the variability in cumulative land uptake since 1901 (1 s.d. of 212.8 PgC vs. 138.5 PgC, respectively). We find that variability in CO2 and temperature sensitivity is attributable, in part, to their compensatory effects on C uptake, whereby comparable estimates of C uptake can arise by invoking different sensitivities to key environmental conditions. Conversely, divergent estimates of C uptake can occur despite being based on the same environmental sensitivities. Together, these findings imply an important limitation to the predictability of C cycling and climate under unprecedented environmental conditions. We suggest that the carbon modeling community prioritize a probabilistic multi-model approach to generate more robust C cycle projections.
Ecosystem activation system (EAS) technology for remediation of eutrophic freshwater
Authors: Chai Xiaoli , Wu Boran , Xu Zhongshuo , Yang Ning , Song Liyan , Mai Jingjing , Chen Yang , Dai Xiaohu
Published: June 2017

Ecosystem activation system (EAS) was developed to create beneficial conditions for microbiome recovery and then restore and maintain the ecological integrity (microbial community, phytoplankton, zooplankton) for eutrophic freshwater rehabilitation. A 30 day’s filed test of EAS indicated that over 50% of contaminant was removed and the algae visibly disappeared. EAS treatment 2.5-fold increased the diversity of microbial community and changed the microbial community structure (e.g., two and three-fold decrease in the amount of Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas, typical abundant species of eutrophic freshwater, respectively). Further, the diversity of phytoplankton and zooplankton of treated water suggested that these species were diverse. Representative phytoplankton of eutrophic freshwater, Chlorella and Chlamydomonas were undetectable. The possible mechanism of EAS is restoring the trophic levels of the water body via bottom-up approach by microbial community.
Spatiotemporal neural characterization of prediction error valence and surprise during reward learning in humans
Authors: Fouragnan Elsa , Queirazza Filippo , Retzler Chris , Mullinger Karen J. , Philiastides Marios G.
Published: June 2017

Reward learning depends on accurate reward associations with potential choices. These associations can be attained with reinforcement learning mechanisms using a reward prediction error (RPE) signal (the difference between actual and expected rewards) for updating future reward expectations. Despite an extensive body of literature on the influence of RPE on learning, little has been done to investigate the potentially separate contributions of RPE valence (positive or negative) and surprise (absolute degree of deviation from expectations). Here, we coupled single-trial electroencephalography with simultaneously acquired fMRI, during a probabilistic reversal-learning task, to offer evidence of temporally overlapping but largely distinct spatial representations of RPE valence and surprise. Electrophysiological variability in RPE valence correlated with activity in regions of the human reward network promoting approach or avoidance learning. Electrophysiological variability in RPE surprise correlated primarily with activity in regions of the human attentional network controlling the speed of learning. Crucially, despite the largely separate spatial extend of these representations our EEG-informed fMRI approach uniquely revealed a linear superposition of the two RPE components in a smaller network encompassing visuo-mnemonic and reward areas. Activity in this network was further predictive of stimulus value updating indicating a comparable contribution of both signals to reward learning.
Facile Control over the Supramolecular Ordering of Self-assembled Peptide Scaffolds by Simultaneous Assembly with a Polysacharride
Authors: Li Rui , Boyd-Moss Mitchell , Long Benjamin , Martel Anne , Parnell Andrew , Dennison Andrew J. C. , Barrow Colin J. , Nisbet David R. , Williams Richard J.
Published: June 2017

Enabling control over macromolecular ordering and the spatial distribution of structures formed via the mechanisms of molecular self-assembly is a challenge that could yield a range of new functional materials. In particular, using the self-assembly of minimalist peptides, to drive the incorporation of large complex molecules will allow a functionalization strategy for the next generation of biomaterial engineering. Here, for the first time, we show that co-assembly with increasing concentrations of a highly charged polysaccharide, fucoidan, the microscale ordering of Fmoc-FRGDF peptide fibrils and subsequent mechanical properties of the resultant hydrogel can be easily and effectively manipulated without disruption to the nanofibrillar structure of the assembly.
Precisely tuneable energy transfer system using peptoid helix-based molecular scaffold
Authors: Kang Boyeong , Yang Woojin , Lee Sebok , Mukherjee Sudipto , Forstater Jonathan , Kim Hanna , Goh Byoungsook , Kim Tae-Young , Voelz Vincent A. , Pang Yoonsoo , Seo Jiwon
Published: June 2017

The energy flow during natural photosynthesis is controlled by maintaining the spatial arrangement of pigments, employing helices as scaffolds. In this study, we have developed porphyrin-peptoid (pigment-helix) conjugates (PPCs) that can modulate the donor-acceptor energy transfer efficiency with exceptional precision by controlling the relative distance and orientation of the two pigments. Five donor-acceptor molecular dyads were constructed using zinc porphyrin and free base porphyrin (Zn(i + 2)–Zn(i + 6)), and highly efficient energy transfer was demonstrated with estimated efficiencies ranging from 92% to 96% measured by static fluorescence emission in CH2Cl2 and from 96.3% to 97.6% using femtosecond transient absorption measurements in toluene, depending on the relative spatial arrangement of the donor-acceptor pairs. Our results suggest that the remarkable precision and tunability exhibited by nature can be achieved by mimicking the design principles of natural photosynthetic proteins.
Low oxygen eddies in the eastern tropical North Atlantic: Implications for N2O cycling
Authors: Grundle D. S. , Löscher C. R. , Krahmann G. , Altabet M. A. , Bange H. W. , Karstensen J. , Körtzinger A. , Fiedler B.
Published: June 2017

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a climate relevant trace gas, and its production in the ocean generally increases under suboxic conditions. The Atlantic Ocean is well ventilated, and unlike the major oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, dissolved oxygen and N2O concentrations in the Atlantic OMZ are relatively high and low, respectively. This study, however, demonstrates that recently discovered low oxygen eddies in the eastern tropical North Atlantic (ETNA) can produce N2O concentrations much higher (up to 115 nmol L−1) than those previously reported for the Atlantic Ocean, and which are within the range of the highest concentrations found in the open-ocean OMZs of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. N2O isotope and isotopomer signatures, as well as molecular genetic results, also point towards a major shift in the N2O cycling pathway in the core of the low oxygen eddy discussed here, and we report the first evidence for potential N2O cycling via the denitrification pathway in the open Atlantic Ocean. Finally, we consider the implications of low oxygen eddies for bulk, upper water column N2O at the regional scale, and point out the possible need for a reevaluation of how we view N2O cycling in the ETNA.
Correlative cellular ptychography with functionalized nanoparticles at the Fe L-edge
Authors: Gallagher-Jones Marcus , Dias Carlos Sato Baraldi , Pryor Alan , Bouchmella Karim , Zhao Lingrong , Lo Yuan Hung , Cardoso Mateus Borba , Shapiro David , Rodriguez Jose , Miao Jianwei
Published: June 2017

Precise localization of nanoparticles within a cell is crucial to the understanding of cell-particle interactions and has broad applications in nanomedicine. Here, we report a proof-of-principle experiment for imaging individual functionalized nanoparticles within a mammalian cell by correlative microscopy. Using a chemically-fixed HeLa cell labeled with fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles as a model system, we implemented a graphene-oxide layer as a substrate to significantly reduce background scattering. We identified cellular features of interest by fluorescence microscopy, followed by scanning transmission X-ray tomography to localize the particles in 3D, and ptychographic coherent diffractive imaging of the fine features in the region at high resolution. By tuning the X-ray energy to the Fe L-edge, we demonstrated sensitive detection of nanoparticles composed of a 22 nm magnetic Fe3O4 core encased by a 25-nm-thick fluorescent silica (SiO2) shell. These fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles act as landmarks and offer clarity in a cellular context. Our correlative microscopy results confirmed a subset of particles to be fully internalized, and high-contrast ptychographic images showed two oxidation states of individual nanoparticles with a resolution of ~16.5 nm. The ability to precisely localize individual fluorescent nanoparticles within mammalian cells will expand our understanding of the structure/function relationships for functionalized nanoparticles.
A novel upward-looking hydroacoustic method for improving pelagic fish surveys
Authors: Baran Roman , Jůza Tomáš , Tušer Michal , Balk Helge , Blabolil Petr , Čech Martin , Draštík Vladislav , Frouzová Jaroslava , Jayasinghe Asanka D. , Koliada Ievgen , Mrkvička Tomáš , Muška Milan , Ricard Daniel , Sajdlová Zuzana , Vejřík Lukáš , Kubečka Jan
Published: June 2017

For ethical reasons and animal welfare, it is becoming increasingly more important to carry out ecological surveys with a non-invasive approach. Information about fish distribution and abundance in the upper water column is often fundamental. However, this information is extremely hard to obtain using classical hydroacoustic methods. We developed a rigid frame system for pushing upward looking transducers of the scientific echo sounder (38 and 120 kHz) in front of the research vessel. The efficiency of the new approach for monitoring juvenile fish at night was investigated by comparing the results with a quantitative fry trawl in the Římov Reservoir in the Czech Republic. The experimental setup enabled comparisons for the 0–3 m and 3–6 m depth layers, which are utilized by almost all juvenile fish in summer. No statistically significant differences in the estimated abundance of juveniles were found between the two sampling methods. The comparison of abundance estimates gathered by the two frequencies were also not significantly different. The predicted mean lengths from acoustic sampling and the trawl catches differed by less than 10 mm in all comparisons. Results suggest that mobile hydroacoustic upward-looking systems can fill the methodological gap in non-invasive surveying of surface fishes.
MiR-320a as a Potential Novel Circulating Biomarker of Arrhythmogenic CardioMyopathy
Authors: Sommariva Elena , D’Alessandra Yuri , Farina Floriana Maria , Casella Michela , Cattaneo Fabio , Catto Valentina , Chiesa Mattia , Stadiotti Ilaria , Brambilla Silvia , Dello Russo Antonio , Carbucicchio Corrado , Vettor Giulia , Riggio Daniela , Sandri Maria Teresa , Barbuti Andrea , Vernillo Gianluca , Muratori Manuela , Dal Ferro Matteo , Sinagra Gianfranco , Moimas Silvia , Giacca Mauro , Colombo Gualtiero Ivanoe , Pompilio Giulio , Tondo Claudio
Published: June 2017

Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic CardioMyopathy (ACM) is challenging and often late after disease onset. No circulating biomarkers are available to date. Given their involvement in several cardiovascular diseases, plasma microRNAs warranted investigation as potential non-invasive diagnostic tools in ACM. We sought to identify circulating microRNAs differentially expressed in ACM with respect to Healthy Controls (HC) and Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia patients (IVT), often in differential diagnosis. ACM and HC subjects were screened for plasmatic expression of 377 microRNAs and validation was performed in 36 ACM, 53 HC, 21 IVT. Variable importance in data partition was estimated through Random Forest analysis and accuracy by Receiver Operating Curves. Plasmatic miR-320a showed 0.53 ± 0.04 fold expression difference in ACM vs. HC (p < 0.01). A similar trend was observed when comparing ACM (n = 13) and HC (n = 17) with athletic lifestyle, a ACM precipitating factor. Importantly, ACM patients miR-320a showed 0.78 ± 0.05 fold expression change vs. IVT (p = 0.03). When compared to non-invasive ACM diagnostic parameters, miR-320a ranked highly in discriminating ACM vs. IVT and it increased their accuracy. Finally, miR-320a expression did not correlate with ACM severity. Our data suggest that miR-320a may be considered a novel potential biomarker of ACM, specifically useful in ACM vs. IVT differentiation.
Reconfigurable chaos in electro-optomechanical system with negative Duffing resonators
Authors: Jin Leisheng , Guo Yufeng , Ji Xincun , Li Lijie
Published: June 2017

Generating various laser sources is important in the communication systems. We propose an approach that uses a mechanical resonator coupled with the optical fibre system to produce periodic and chaotic optical signals. The resonator is structured in such a way that the nonlinear oscillation occurs conveniently. The mechanical apparatus in the configuration is the well known resonating system featured by the negative stiffness. The mechanical resonance is converted to reflected optical signal with the same dynamic properties as the mechanical oscillation, subsequently interacting with the optical signal within the optical fibre. The optical radiative force on the mechanical structure is also considered in the analysis. The coupled electro-optomechanical system has been analysed, and results show that the mechanical resonator has the capability to control the dynamics of the optical signal precisely. The system will have potential applications in tunable laser sources.
Order and interactions in DNA arrays: Multiscale molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zavadlav Julija , Podgornik Rudolf , Praprotnik Matej
Published: June 2017

While densely packed DNA arrays are known to exhibit hexagonal and orthorhombic local packings, the detailed mechanism governing the associated phase transition remains rather elusive. Furthermore, at high densities the atomistic resolution is paramount to properly account for fine details, encompassing the DNA molecular order, the contingent ordering of counterions and the induced molecular ordering of the bathing solvent, bringing together electrostatic, steric, thermal and direct hydrogen-bonding interactions, resulting in the observed osmotic equation of state. We perform a multiscale simulation of dense DNA arrays by enclosing a set of 16 atomistically resolved DNA molecules within a semi-permeable membrane, allowing the passage of water and salt ions, and thus mimicking the behavior of DNA arrays subjected to external osmotic stress in a bathing solution of monovalent salt and multivalent counterions. By varying the DNA density, local packing symmetry, and counterion type, we obtain osmotic equation of state together with the hexagonal-orthorhombic phase transition, and full structural characterization of the DNA subphase in terms of its positional and angular orientational fluctuations, counterion distributions, and the solvent local dielectric response profile with its order parameters that allow us to identify the hydration force as the primary interaction mechanism at high DNA densities.
On-chip coherent detection with quantum limited sensitivity
Authors: Kovalyuk Vadim , Ferrari Simone , Kahl Oliver , Semenov Alexander , Shcherbatenko Michael , Lobanov Yury , Ozhegov Roman , Korneev Alexander , Kaurova Nataliya , Voronov Boris , Pernice Wolfram , Gol’tsman Gregory
Published: June 2017

While single photon detectors provide superior intensity sensitivity, spectral resolution is usually lost after the detection event. Yet for applications in low signal infrared spectroscopy recovering information about the photon’s frequency contributions is essential. Here we use highly efficient waveguide integrated superconducting single-photon detectors for on-chip coherent detection. In a single nanophotonic device, we demonstrate both single-photon counting with up to 86% on-chip detection efficiency, as well as heterodyne coherent detection with spectral resolution f/∆f exceeding 1011. By mixing a local oscillator with the single photon signal field, we observe frequency modulation at the intermediate frequency with ultra-low local oscillator power in the femto-Watt range. By optimizing the nanowire geometry and the working parameters of the detection scheme, we reach quantum-limited sensitivity. Our approach enables to realize matrix integrated heterodyne nanophotonic devices in the C-band wavelength range, for classical and quantum optics applications where single-photon counting as well as high spectral resolution are required simultaneously.
LINE-1 hypomethylation is not a common event in preneoplastic stages of gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Kupcinskas Juozas , Steponaitiene Ruta , Langner Cosima , Smailyte Giedre , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Kupcinskas Limas , Malfertheiner Peter , Link Alexander
Published: June 2017

LINE-1 hypomethylation is widely accepted as marker for global genomic DNA hypomethylation, which is a frequent event in cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate LINE-1 methylation status at different stages of gastric carcinogenesis and evaluate its prognostic potential in clinical settings. LINE-1 methylation was analyzed in 267 tissue samples by bisulfite pyrosequencing including primary colorectal cancer tissues (T-CRC) with corresponding adjacent colon mucosa (N-CRC), gastric cancer tissues (T-GC) with corresponding gastric mucosa (N-GC), normal gastric tissues (N), chronic non-atrophic and atrophic gastritis (CG). LINE-1 methylation level was lower in both T-GC and T-CRC when compared to paired adjacent tissues. No difference was observed for LINE-1 methylation status between patients with normal gastric mucosa, CG and N-GC. LINE-1 methylation in T-GC but not N-GC tended to correlate with age. Subgroup stratification analysis did not reveal significant differences in LINE-1 methylation status according to tumor stage, anatomical location, histological subtype, differentiation grade. We observed similar overall survival data between patients with high or low LINE-1 levels. In summary, LINE-1 hypomethylation is a characteristic feature in GC but not very common in early preneoplastic stages of gastric carcinogenesis. Prognostic role of LINE-1 hypomethylation in GC patients could not be confirmed in this cohort.
Cervical cancer stem cells manifest radioresistance: Association with upregulated AP-1 activity
Authors: Tyagi Abhishek , Vishnoi Kanchan , Kaur Harsimrut , Srivastava Yogesh , Roy Bal Gangadhar , Das Bhudev C. , Bharti Alok C.
Published: June 2017

Transcription factor AP-1 plays a central role in HPV-mediated cervical carcinogenesis. AP-1 has also been implicated in chemo-radio-resistance but the mechanism(s) remained unexplored. In the present study, cervical cancer stem-like cells (CaCxSLCs) isolated and enriched from cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and C33a demonstrated an elevated AP-1 DNA-binding activity in comparison to non-stem cervical cancer cells. Upon UV-irradiation, CaCxSLCs showed a UV exposure duration-dependent higher proliferation and highly increased AP-1 activity whereas it was completely abolished in non-stem cancer cells. CaCxSLCs also showed differential overexpression of c-Fos and c-Jun at transcript as well as in protein level. The loss of AP-1 activity and expression was accompanied by decrease in cell viability and proliferation in UV-irradiated non-stem cancer cells. Interestingly, CaCxSLCs treated with curcumin prior to UV-irradiation abolished AP-1 activity and a concomitant reduction in SP cells leading to abrogation of sphere forming ability, loss of proliferation, induction of apoptosis and the cells were poorly tumorigenic. The curcumin pre-treatment abolished the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun but upregulated Fra-1 expression in UV-irradiated CaCxSLCs. Thus, the study suggests a critical role of AP-1 protein in the manifestation of radioresistance but targeting with curcumin helps in radiosensitizing CaCxSLCs through upregulation of Fra-1.
Heterogeneity of odorant identification impairment in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Umeda-Kameyama Yumi , Ishii Shinya , Kameyama Masashi , Kondo Kenji , Ochi Atsushi , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Ogawa Sumito , Akishita Masahiro
Published: June 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients exhibit olfactory dysfunction. However, the olfactory declineti precise nature is not fully understood. One hundred patients (60 AD, 28 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), 12 Normal) were enrolled. All participants underwent olfactory function testing using an odour stick identification test for Japanese (OSIT-J). OSIT-J scores were significantly correlated with recall. We classified OSIT-J odorants into three groups: Category I, odorants that were difficult for normal aged subjects to identify; Category II, odorants that became harder to accurately identify with cognitive decline; and Category III, odorants that even AD patients could identify. We defined a “cognitive subset” consisting of six Category II OSIT-J odorants (perfume, rose, Japanese cypress, curry, India ink and gas leak odour). The ability to identify “cognitive subset” odours was significantly better indicator of cognitive status than the ability to identify “non-cognitive subset”, which consisted of the six remaining items. The ability to identify the gas leak odorant was decreased early in the aMCI stage, suggesting a need to reconsider the odours used to signal gas leaks. The “cognitive subset” would provide a more convenient and effective biomarker for diagnosing dementia in clinical settings.
A repeat length variation in myo-inositol monophosphatase gene contributes to seed size trait in chickpea
Authors: Dwivedi Vikas , Parida Swarup Kumar , Chattopadhyay Debasis
Published: June 2017

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important food legume crop. Seed size is the most economically important trait for chickpea. To understand the genetic regulation of seed size in chickpea, the present study established a three-way association of CT repeat length variation of a simple sequence repeat (SSR) in myo-inositol monophosphatase gene (CaIMP) with seed weight and phytic acid content by large scale validation and genotyping in a set of genetically diverse germplasm accessions and two reciprocal intra-specific mapping populations. Germplasms and mapping individuals with CT repeat-length expansion in the 5′ untranslated region of CaIMP exhibited a pronounced increase in CaIMP protein level, enzymatic activity, seed-phytate content and seed weight. A chickpea transient expression system demonstrated this repeat-length variation influenced the translation of CaIMP mRNA, apparently by facilitating translation initiation. Our analyses proposed that the SSR marker derived from 5′ UTR of a CaIMP gene is a promising candidate for selection of seed size/weight for agronomic trait improvement of chickpea.
A variation in PANK2 gene is causing Pantothenate kinase-associated Neurodegeneration in a family from Jammu and Kashmir – India
Authors: Angural Arshia , Singh Inderpal , Mahajan Ankit , Pandoh Pranav , Dhar Manoj K , Kaul Sanjana , Verma Vijeshwar , Rai Ekta , Razdan Sushil , Kishore Pandita Kamal , Sharma Swarkar
Published: June 2017

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disorder associated with nucleotide variation(s) in mitochondrial human Pantothenate kinase 2 (hPanK2) protein encoding PANK2 gene, and is characterized by symptoms of extra-pyramidal dysfunction and accumulation of non-heme iron predominantly in the basal ganglia of the brain. In this study, we describe a familial case of PKAN from the State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India based on the clinical findings and genetic screening of two affected siblings born to consanguineous normal parents. The patients present with early-onset, progressive extrapyramidal dysfunction, and brain Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) suggestive of symmetrical iron deposition in the globus pallidi. Screening the PANK2 gene in the patients as well as their unaffected family members revealed a functional single nucleotide variation, perfectly segregating in the patient’s family in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. We also provide the results of in-silico analyses, predicting the functional consequence of the identified PANK2 variant.
A new LC-MS/MS method for fast determination of formaldehyde in the air of public places
Authors: Zhao Yong-Gang , Zhang Yun , Wang Feng-Lian , Chen Ning , Lou Chao-Yan , Zhang Kai , Jin Mi-Cong , Zhu Yan
Published: June 2017

In China, air pollution is getting worse, and the adverse effect of formaldehyde on human health has been attracting more and more attention.
A strategy for rapid identification of healthy Tegillarca granosa from among those contaminated with unspecified heavy metals using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xi , Yuan Leiming , Chen Xiaojing , Shi Yijian , Zhu Dehua
Published: June 2017

A novel strategy for rapidly distinguishing healthy Tegillarca granosa samples from among those subjected to unspecified heavy metal contamination is here introduced using an infrared spectroscopy approach.
A dual-functional heterogeneous ruthenium catalyst for the green one-pot synthesis of biphenols
Authors: Maeno Zen , Mitsudome Takato , Mizugaki Tomoo , Jitsukawa Koichiro
Published: June 2017

A green one-pot synthesis of biphenols using O2 and H2 was achieved using a magadiite-supported Ru nanoparticle catalyst.
Control of stereoselectivity of benzylic hydroxylation catalysed by wild-type cytochrome P450BM3 using decoy molecules
Authors: Suzuki Kazuto , Stanfield Joshua Kyle , Shoji Osami , Yanagisawa Sota , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Watanabe Yoshihito
Published: June 2017

The benzylic hydroxylation of non-native substrates was catalysed by cytochrome P450BM3, wherein “decoy molecules” controlled the stereoselectivity of the reactions.
Ratiometric in vivo auditioning of targeted silver nanoparticles
Authors: Toome Kadri , Willmore Anne-Mari A. , Paiste Päärn , Tobi Allan , Sugahara Kazuki N. , Kirsimäe Kalle , Ruoslahti Erkki , Braun Gary B. , Teesalu Tambet
Published: June 2017

Isotopically barcoded silver nanoparticles for ratiometric in vivo homing studies.
Single-trigger dual-responsive nanoparticles for controllable and sequential prodrug activation
Authors: Robertson Neil M. , Yang Yang , Khan Irfan , LaMantia Vincent E. , Royzen Maksim , Yigit Mehmet V.
Published: June 2017

The prodrug payloads on an MRI-active nanodrug are released and activated sequentially (fast and slow) in response to a highly specific single chemical stimulus, inducing an enhanced synergistic effect.
Chain-breaking antioxidant activity of hydroxylated and methoxylated magnolol derivatives: the role of H-bonds
Authors: Baschieri Andrea , Pulvirenti Luana , Muccilli Vera , Amorati Riccardo , Tringali Corrado
Published: June 2017

The chain-breaking antioxidant activity of four new hydroxylated and methoxylated magnolol derivatives is boosted by intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Silibinin protects Staphylococcus aureus from UVC-induced bactericide via enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Cai Jia-Yi , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Ma Kai , Hou Yong-Na , Li Jian , Yao Guo-Dong , Liu Wei-Wei , Otkur Wuxiyar , Hayashi Toshihiko , Itoh Kikuji , Tashiro Shin-ichi , Ikejima Takashi
Published: June 2017

ROS produced by silibinin suppresses UVC-inducedStaphylococcus aureuscell death.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) grafted polystyrene (PVDF-g-PS) membrane based on in situ polymerization for solvent resistant nanofiltration
Authors: Yuan Fang , Yang Yi , Wang Rui , Chen Dongju
Published: June 2017

A poly(vinylidene fluoride) grafted polystyrene (PVDF-g-PS) membrane was prepared by in situ polymerization methods and applied in solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF).
Investigation of mesoporous NiAl2O4/MOx (M = La, Ce, Ca, Mg)–γ-Al2O3 nanocomposites for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Xueguang , Chen Chenju , Zou Xiujing , Shang Xingfu , Ding Weizhong , Lu Xionggang
Published: June 2017

Mesoporous NiAl2O4/MOx (M = La, Ce, Ca, Mg)–γ-Al2O3 composites through a one-pot partial hydrolysis method showed excellent catalytic performance for dry reforming of methane.
Mn doped CdS passivated CuInSe2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells with remarkably enhanced photovoltaic efficiency
Authors: Mehmood Ikhtisham , Liu Yueli , Chen Keqiang , Shah Abdul Hakim , Chen Wen
Published: June 2017

This paper explores that novel architecture of CuInSe2/Mn-CdS exhibits remarkable enhancement in photovoltaic performance of the QDSSCs, which presents an excellent power conversion efficiency of 3.96%.
Magnetic properties of composites based on the intercalation of ZnII and CuII bimetallic macrocyclic complexes in the MnPS3 phase
Authors: Fuentealba P. , Paredes-Garcia V. , Venegas-Yazigi D. , Silva I. D. A. , Magon C. J. , Costa de Santana R. , Audebrand N. , Manzur J. , Spodine E.
Published: June 2017

EPR and magnetic susceptibility data of composites based on MnPS3 show the influence of the intercalated species on their magnetic properties.
Multifunctional cellulose-containing fabrics using modified finishing formulations
Authors: Ibrahim Nabil A. , Eid Basma M. , El-Aziz Eman Abd , Abou Elmaaty Tarek M. , Ramadan Shaimaa M.
Published: June 2017

High performance functional cellulose-containing fabrics were prepared by including ZrO–NPs, ZnO–NPs and TiO2–NPs into traditional finishing formulations.
ENDOR characterization of an iron–alkene complex provides insight into a corresponding organometallic intermediate of nitrogenase
Authors: Horitani Masaki , Grubel Katarzyna , McWilliams Sean F. , Stubbert Bryan D. , Mercado Brandon Q. , Yu Ying , Gurubasavaraj Prabhuodeyara M. , Lees Nicholas S. , Holland Patrick L. , Hoffman Brian M.
Published: June 2017

Comparison of an iron(I)–alkene complex to a nitrogenase intermediate using ENDOR reveals details of the binding geometry.
Selective arc-discharge synthesis of Dy2S-clusterfullerenes and their isomer-dependent single molecule magnetism
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsiang , Krylov Denis S. , Avdoshenko Stanislav M. , Liu Fupin , Spree Lukas , Yadav Ravi , Alvertis Antonis , Hozoi Liviu , Nenkov Konstantin , Kostanyan Aram , Greber Thomas , Wolter Anja U. B. , Popov Alexey A.
Published: June 2017

Dy-sulfide clusterfullerene single molecule magnets are synthesized selectively, and their relaxation of magnetization is thoroughly studied by DC and AC-magnetometry.
Postural control in high-level kata and kumite karatekas
Authors: Gauchard Gérome C. , Lion Alexis , Bento Loïc , Perrin Philippe P. , Ceyte Hadrien
Published: June 2017

Postural performance may vary according to the constraints related to the practice of different martial arts. This study aimed to investigate the visual and tactile contribution in balance control: (i) between karatekas and sedentary controls; (ii) between kata and kumite specialists within the elite karatekas. Balance control in quiet stance of 23 high-level karatekas (11 kata and 12 kumite specialists) and of 24 sedentary controls was evaluated in four sensory context conditions, a combination of visual cue availability (eyes open or closed) and tactile support reliability (firm or foam surface). The results showed that karatekas had a reduced body sway and a smaller sway area compared to controls, especially in the more challenging condition, i.e. eyes closed on a foam surface. Moreover, kata karatekas tended to have a reduced body sway and a smaller sway area than kumite karatekas in all sensory conditions. The practice of karate may enhance balance control in quiet stance by optimizing the role of tactile cues and by decreasing the weighting of visual cues. Moreover, the specialization into different karateka practices may induce the implementation of specific postural strategies to solve a given balance problem.