bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titer improvement and pilot-scale production of platensimycin from Streptomyces platensis SB12026
Authors: Shi Jun , Pan Jian , Liu Ling , Yang Dong , Lu Songquan , Zhu Xiangcheng , Shen Ben , Duan Yanwen , Huang Yong
Published: April 2016

Platensimycin (PTM) and platencin (PTN), isolated from several strains of Streptomyces platensis are potent antibiotics against multi-drug resistant bacteria. PTM was also shown to have antidiabetic and antisteatotic activities in mouse models. Through a novel genome-mining method, we have recently identified six PTM and PTN dual-producing strains, and generated several mutants with improved production of PTM or PTN by inactivating the pathway-specific transcriptional repressor gene ptmR1. Among them, S. platensis SB12026 gave the highest titer of 310 mg/L for PTM. In this study, we now report titer improvement by medium and fermentation optimization and pilot-scale production and isolation of PTM from SB12026. The fermentation medium optimization was achieved by manipulating the carbon and nitrogen sources, as well as the inorganic salts. The highest titer of 1560 mg/L PTM was obtained in 15-L fermentors, using a formulated medium mainly containing soluble starch, soybean flour, morpholinepropanesulfonic acid sodium salt and CaCO3. In addition, a polyamide chromatographic step was applied to facilitate the purification and 45.14 g of PTM was successfully obtained from a 60 L scale fermentation. These results would speed up the future development of PTM as human medicine.
Religion, Power and Chaos in the Middle East
Authors: Bardají Rafael L.
Published: April 2016

The relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been conditioned by many factors, from the religious divide between Shia and Sunni interpretations of Islam to the regional role played by external forces, such as the US. We are currently witnessing the collapse of the traditional Middle East order, most dramatically in Syria. This breakdown has been accompanied by a rapprochement between the US and Iran. But far from producing a more stable situation, it is nurturing a reaction by Sunni states, led by Saudi Arabia, that may lead to more regional rivalries and confrontation. There are two camps–-the Shia led by Iran and the Sunni led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia–-that are colliding in several places, from Syria to Yemen. It is a clash of divergent religious branches but above all of power and strategic interests. Thus far the tensions have, to some extent, been kept under control. But they may well escalate in the near future.
Back to Basics: Flexible Endoscope Processing
Authors: Spruce Lisa
Published: April 2016

Flexible endoscopes are important tools in patient care, yet recent outbreaks of infections in patients who have undergone endoscopic procedures have increased awareness of how the complex design of these instruments makes them difficult to clean. This Back to Basics article focuses on flexible endoscope processing and provides sterile processing, endoscopy, and perioperative team members with strategies for successful processing of these instruments.
Comparing Candidate Selection: A Feminist Institutionalist Approach
Authors: Bjarnegård Elin , Kenny Meryl
Published: April 2016

This contribution evaluates the theoretical and methodological challenges of researching the gendered dynamics of candidate selection in comparative perspective. It argues that comparative studies should take into account not only the gendered nature of political parties and their wider institutional context, but must also investigate the informal aspects of the selection process and their gendered consequences. The article explores these dynamics by revisiting original in-depth research on the candidate selection process in two different settings – Thailand and Scotland. Using a common analytical framework, the article reflects on this work and points to two key aspects of the interaction between formal and informal rules – the gendered consequences of informal party recruitment and of local influence over candidate selection – which are critically important for understanding the continuity of male political dominance and female under-representation. The article concludes by outlining a research agenda for comparative work on gender, institutions and candidate selection and pointing to future directions for work in this area.
Keeping Men In, Shutting Women Out: Gender Biases in Candidate Selection Processes in Uruguay
Authors: Johnson Niki
Published: April 2016

Quota laws have been widely adopted in Latin America, with significant increases in the number of women elected to parliament in some countries. However, it is far from clear whether the laws have produced the modifications in the gender regimes which inform internal party power structures and dynamics that would allow women to participate – as aspirants or selectors – on an equal footing with their male counterparts in the processes of candidate selection. This article seeks to identify critical nodes where the interplay between the different institutions – systemic, normative and practical – of candidate selection intersects with gendered power relations to facilitate or hinder not only women’s access to elective posts, but the terms of their access. Employing a feminist institutionalist analytical framework, this article presents the findings from qualitative case study research on candidate selection in Uruguay in 2009 and 2014 and situates them within the existing – albeit small – body of studies of gender and candidate selection in the Latin American region.
Interactions between Party and Legislative Quotas: Candidate Selection and Quota Compliance in Portugal and Spain
Authors: Verge Tània , Espírito-Santo Ana
Published: April 2016

About two decades after the introduction of party quotas, in the mid-2000s both Portugal and Spain enacted legislative gender quotas. The simultaneous implementation of party and legislative quotas raises questions about the potential interactions between two types of candidate quotas sharing the same goal – granting gender equality in political representation. Following a feminist institutionalist approach, this article aims at disentangling under what circumstances compliance with legislative quotas is greater. By looking at the different party institutional contexts in which candidates are selected, a double comparative framework is set. Firstly, we examine within country how legislative quotas affect political parties with dissimilar strategies to pursue equal gender representation. Secondly, we analyse across countries how they impact on political parties with differently institutionalized voluntary quotas. The article shows that legislative quotas are nested in political parties’ candidate selection process and that existing gendered practices and norms limit the effective compliance with such measures.
Developing a Clinical Prediction Rule for First Hospital-Onset Clostridium difficile Infections: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Press Anne , Ku Benson S , McCullagh Lauren , Rosen Lisa , Richardson Safiya , McGinn Thomas
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The healthcare burden of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) demands attention and calls for a solution. Identifying patients’ risk of developing a primary nosocomial CDI is a critical first step in reducing the development of new cases of CDI.

OBJECTIVE

To derive a clinical prediction rule that can predict a patient’s risk of acquiring a primary CDI.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Large tertiary healthcare center.

PATIENTS

Total of 61,482 subjects aged at least 18 admitted over a 1-year period (2013).

INTERVENTION

None.

METHODS

Patient demographic characteristics, evidence of CDI, and other risk factors were retrospectively collected. To derive the CDI clinical prediction rule the patient population was divided into a derivation and validation cohort. A multivariable analysis was performed in the derivation cohort to identify risk factors individually associated with nosocomial CDI and was validated on the validation sample.

RESULTS

Among 61,482 subjects, CDI occurred in 0.46%. CDI outcome was significantly associated with age, admission in the past 60 days, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, history of congestive heart failure, and use of antibiotic medications. The sensitivity and specificity of the score, in the validation set, were 82.0% and 75.7%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85.

CONCLUSION

This study successfully derived a clinical prediction rule that will help identify patients at high risk for primary CDI. This tool will allow physicians to systematically recognize those at risk for CDI and will allow for early interventional strategies.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:896–900
Sex-biased response in activity to light sources with different spectral composition in geometrid moths with flightless females (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: Kadlec T. , Pikner M. , Piknerova G.
Published: April 2016

Geometrid moths occurring in late autumn and early spring in temperate forest habitats are often harmful defoliators of deciduous stands. Their populations can cause locally cyclic outbreaks and thus preventive monitoring actions have been developed, mainly based on pheromone attraction of males. Females are mostly flightless with reduced or lost wings and reduced senses associated with flying. Males are standard flyers with well-developed eyes and must be able to deal with rapidly changing light conditions during their activity. Although such differences indicate sex-biased differences in reactions to light, this has been insufficiently tested. In conditions of an experimental arena and using light-emitting diodes, we tested the different reactions of the sexes for nine species to precisely defined short segments of the electromagnetic spectrum in the range 360–660 nm. Across all species, males preferred shorter wavelengths up to 500 nm, while females were nonselective and generally less active. The sexes differed by eye size and body mass, with males having significantly larger eyes and lower body mass. Between brachypterous and apterous females, the former had larger eye size, while body mass differences were statistically insignificant. There were differences between the sexes in move-to-light reactions and changes in eye size and body mass in line with wing reduction. While males preferred a relatively distinct range of shorter wavelengths, a method of attraction to lights with distinct narrow spectra could be used markedly to enhance the established methods of forest pest monitoring, either alone or in combination with chemical male attraction.
From China to the Big Top: Chinese Acrobats and the Politics of Aesthetic Labor, 1950–2010
Authors: Zhang Tracy Y.
Published: April 2016

Since the mid-1980s, North American circus shows have imported jaw-dropping acrobatic acts from the People's Republic of China. This article examines the shifting politics of body and labor that facilitate the international recruitment of Chinese acrobats. Drawing on oral history interviews and archival materials, this study analyzes how a socialist labor hierarchy and ideas of ownership shape acrobats’ relationships with the Chinese state. Since the 1980s, these politics of labor and body have shifted in accordance with the accelerated commercialization of acrobatics, facilitating the international export of acrobats’ labor. This historical investigation sheds light on an overlooked chapter in the history of temporary foreign workers.
Gender and Precarious Labor in a Historical Perspective: Italian Women and Precarious Work between Fordism and Post-Fordism
Authors: Betti Eloisa
Published: April 2016

This article investigates the historical relationship between gender and precarious labor by analyzing the case study of Italian women in the second half of the twentieth century. A gendered historical approach shows that different production modes and working conditions were simultaneously present in Fordist and post-Fordist societies, and women, as well as migrants, experienced a significant level of precariousness even in the so-called golden age of the twentieth century. Sexual division of labor and sex-based discrimination seem to lie at the very heart of the gendered nature of precarious work, a long dureé nexus that has characterized industrial and postindustrial societies, as the article shows, in regard to the Italian case. By approaching the question of job precariousness as a multifaceted phenomenon, it is claimed that the subsequent spread of precarious work in the second half of the twentieth century was directly affected by labor and women's movement struggles, on the one hand, and by the role of the state and politics in defining and redefining the labor law relationship, on the other.
Factors associated with nutritional outcomes in the mother–child dyad: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Géa-Horta Tatiane , Silva Rita de Cássia Ribeiro , Fiaccone Rosemeire Leovigildo , Barreto Maurício Lima , Velásquez-Meléndez Gustavo
Published: April 2016

Objective

To estimate factors associated with double burden of nutritional outcomes in the mother–child dyad at the household level (child stunting and/or maternal overweight).

Design

Cross-sectional study using the Brazilian Demographic and Health Survey. Nutritional outcomes were: mother with normal weight and child with normal height; overweight mother and child with normal height; mother with normal weight and short-stature child; and overweight mother and child with short stature (double burden). The child was classified as short when height-for-ageZ-score was <−2 and the mother as overweight when BMI was ≥25·00 kg/m2. Socio-economic status, environment, social vulnerability, maternal characteristics and the child’s food intake were the exposure factors. The hierarchical approach for multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to assess the associations.

Setting

National Demographic and Health Survey of Children and Women conducted in Brazil, 2006–2007.

Subjects

Mother–child dyads (n3676).

Results

After adjustments, lower maternal educational level (OR=3·53; 95 % CI 1·33, 9·33) and inadequate household (non-masonry house; OR=2·54; 95 % CI 1·39, 4·66) were associated with the double burden of malnutrition. Mother’s short stature (OR=3·41; 95 % CI 1·76, 6·61), child’s vegetable intake on less than or equal to 4 d/week (OR=2·21; 95 % CI 1·03, 4·75) and inadequate household (non-masonry house; OR=2·29; 95 % CI 1·36, 3·87) were associated with child’s short stature. The lack of breast-feeding (OR=2·00; 95 % CI 1·07, 3·72) was associated with maternal overweight.

Conclusions

The present findings contribute to establishing strategies promoting health and healthy diets, by considering the growth deficit and overweight/obesity concomitantly.
Climate Change Influences the Dynamics Behind Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: April 2016

A new model reveals how cumulus convection, humidity, and tropical circulations interact as global temperatures rise.
The hnRNP-Htt axis regulates necrotic cell death induced by transcriptional repression through impaired RNA splicing
Authors: Mao Y , Tamura T , Yuki Y , Abe D , Tamada Y , Imoto S , Tanaka H , Homma H , Tagawa K , Miyano S , Okazawa H
Published: April 2016

In this study, we identify signaling network of necrotic cell death induced by transcriptional repression (TRIAD) by α-amanitin (AMA), the selective RNA polymerase II inhibitor, as a model of neurodegenerative cell death. We performed genetic screen of a knockdown (KD) fly library by measuring the ratio of transformation from pupa to larva (PL ratio) under TRIAD, and selected the cell death-promoting genes. Systems biology analysis of the positive genes mapped on protein–protein interaction databases predicted the signaling network of TRIAD and the core pathway including heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and huntingtin (Htt). RNA sequencing revealed that AMA impaired transcription and RNA splicing of Htt, which is known as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stabilizing molecule. The impairment in RNA splicing and PL ratio was rescued by overexpresion of hnRNP that had been also affected by transcriptional repression. Fly genetics with suppressor or expresser of Htt and hnRNP worsened or ameliorated the decreased PL ratio by AMA, respectively. Collectively, these results suggested involvement of RNA splicing and a regulatory role of the hnRNP-Htt axis in the process of the transcriptional repression-induced necrosis.
Tumor suppression in mice lacking GABARAP, an Atg8/LC3 family member implicated in autophagy, is associated with alterations in cytokine secretion and cell death
Authors: Salah F S , Ebbinghaus M , Muley V Y , Zhou Z , Al-Saadi K R D , Pacyna-Gengelbach M , O'Sullivan G A , Betz H , König R , Wang Z-Q , Bräuer R , Petersen I
Published: April 2016

GABARAP belongs to an evolutionary highly conserved gene family that has a fundamental role in autophagy. There is ample evidence for a crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis as well as the immune response. However, the molecular details for these interactions are not fully characterized. Here, we report that the ablation of murine GABARAP, a member of the Atg8/LC3 family that is central to autophagosome formation, suppresses the incidence of tumor formation mediated by the carcinogen DMBA and results in an enhancement of the immune response through increased secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2 and IFN-γfrom stimulated macrophages and lymphocytes. In contrast, TGF-β1 was significantly reduced in the serum of these knockout mice. Further, DMBA treatment of these GABARAP knockout mice reduced the cellularity of the spleen and the growth of mammary glands through the induction of apoptosis. Gene expression profiling of mammary glands revealed significantly elevated levels of Xaf1, an apoptotic inducer and tumor-suppressor gene, in knockout mice. Furthermore, DMBA treatment triggered the upregulation of pro-apoptotic (Bid, Apaf1, Bax), cell death (Tnfrsf10b, Ripk1) and cell cycle inhibitor (Cdkn1a, Cdkn2c) genes in the mammary glands. Finally, tumor growth of B16 melanoma cells after subcutaneous inoculation was inhibited in GABARAP-deficient mice. Together, these data provide strong evidence for the involvement of GABARAP in tumorigenesisin vivoby delaying cell death and its associated immune-related response.
Negative role of TAK1 in marginal zone B‐cell development incidental to NF‐κB noncanonical pathway activation
Authors: Shinohara Hisaaki , Kurosaki Tomohiro
Published: April 2016

The transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway is crucial in B‐cell physiology. One key molecule regulating this pathway is the serine/threonine kinase TAK1 (MAP3K7). TAK1 is responsible for positive feedback mechanisms in B‐cell receptor signaling that serve as an NF‐κB activation threshold. This study aimed to better understand the correlation between TAK1‐mediated signaling and B‐cell development and humoral immune responses. Here we showed that a B‐cell conditional deletion of TAK1 using mb1‐cre resulted in a dramatic elimination of the humoral immune response, consistent with the absence of the B‐1 B‐cell subset. When monitoring the self‐reactive B‐cell system (the immunoglobulin hen egg lysozyme/soluble hen egg lysozyme double‐transgenic mouse model), we found that TAK1‐deficient B cells exhibited an enhanced susceptibility to cell death that might explain the disappearance of the B1 subset. In contrast, these mice gained numerous marginal zone (MZ) B cells. We consequently examined the basal and B‐cell receptor‐induced activity of NF‐κB2 that is reported to regulate MZ B‐cell development, and demonstrated that the activity of NF‐κB2 increased in TAK1‐deficient B cells. Thus, our results present a novel in vivo function, the negative role of TAK1 in MZ B‐cell development that is likely associated with NF‐κB2 activation.
Hepatitis B virus genome replication triggers toll-like receptor 3-dependent interferon responses in the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Real Catherine Isabell , Lu Mengji , Liu Jia , Huang Xuan , Trippler Martin , Hossbach Markus , Deckert Jochen , Jahn-Hofmann Kerstin , Ickenstein Ludger Markus , John Matthias Johannes , Gibbert Kathrin , Dittmer Ulf , Vornlocher Hans-Peter , Schirmbeck Reinhold , Gerken Guido , Schlaak Joerg Friedrich , Broering Ruth
Published: April 2016

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been described as stealth virus subverting immune responses initially upon infection. Impaired toll-like receptor signaling by the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) attenuates immune responses to facilitate chronic infection. This implies that HBV replication may trigger host innate immune responses in the absence of HBsAg. Here we tested this hypothesis, using highly replicative transgenic mouse models. An HBV replication-dependent expression of antiviral genes was exclusively induced in HBsAg-deficient mice. These interferon responses attributed to toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-activated Kupffer and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and further controlled the HBV genome replication. However, activation of TLR3 with exogenous ligands indicated additional HBs-independent immune evasion events. Our data demonstrate that in the absence of HBsAg, hepatic HBV replication leads to Tlr3-dependent interferon responses in non-parenchymal liver cells. We hypothesize that HBsAg is a major HBV-mediated evasion mechanism controlling endogenous antiviral responses in the liver. Eradication of HBsAg as a therapeutic goal might facilitate the induction of endogenous antiviral immune responses in patients chronically infected with HBV.
MicroRNA-223 Attenuates Hypoxia-induced Vascular Remodeling by Targeting RhoB/MLC2 in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zeng Yan , Zhang Xiaoying , Kang Kang , Chen Jidong , Wu Zhiqin , Huang Jinyong , Lu Wenju , Chen Yuqin , Zhang Jie , Wang Zhiwei , Zhai Yujia , Qu Junle , Ramchandran Ramaswamy , Raj J. Usha , Wang Jian , Gou Deming
Published: April 2016

There is growing evidence that microRNAs are implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identified that miR-223 was significantly downregulated in chronically hypoxic mouse and rat lungs, as well as in pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) exposed to hypoxia. Knockdown of miR-223 increased PASMC proliferation. In contrast, miR-223 overexpression abrogated cell proliferation, migration and stress fiber formation. Administering miR-223 agomir in vivo antagonized hypoxia-induced increase in pulmonary artery pressure and distal arteriole muscularization. RhoB, which was increased by hypoxia, was identified as one of the targets of miR-223. Overexpressed miR-223 suppressed RhoB and inhibited the consequent phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) and the expression of myosin light chain of myosin II (MLC2), which was identified as another target of miR-223. Furthermore, serum miR-223 levels were decreased in female patients with PAH associated with congenital heart disease. Our study provides the first evidence that miR-223 can regulate PASMC proliferation, migration and actomyosin reorganization through its novel targets, RhoB and MLC2, resulting in vascular remodeling and the development of PAH. It also highlights miR-223 as a potential circulating biomarker and a small molecule drug for diagnosis and treatment of PAH.
A Laminated Microfluidic Device for Comprehensive Preclinical Testing in the Drug ADME Process
Authors: An Fan , Qu Yueyang , Luo Yong , Fang Ning , Liu Yang , Gao Zhigang , Zhao Weijie , Lin Bingcheng
Published: April 2016

New techniques are urgently needed to replace conventional long and costly pre-clinical testing in the new drug administration process. In this study, a laminated microfluidic device was fabricated to mimic the drug ADME response test in vivo. This proposed device was loaded and cultured with functional cells for drug response investigation and organ tissues that are involved in ADME testing. The drug was introduced from the top of the device and first absorbed by the Caco-2 cell layer and then metabolized by the primary hepatocyte layer. It subsequently interacted with the MCF-7 cell layer, distributed in the lung, heart and fat tissues and was finally eliminated through the dialysis membrane. Throughout this on-chip ADME process, the proposed device can be used as a reliable tool to simultaneously evaluate the drug anti-tumor activity, hepatotoxicity and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, this device was proven to be able to reflect the hepatic metabolism of a drug, drug distribution in the target tissues and the administration method of a drug. Furthermore, this microdevice is expected to reduce the number of drug candidates and accelerate the pre-clinical testing process subject to animal testing upon adaptation in new drug discovery.
Whispering galleries and the control of artificial atoms
Authors: Forrester Derek Michael , Kusmartsev Feodor V.
Published: April 2016

Quantum computation using artificial-atoms, such as novel superconducting circuits, can be sensitively controlled by external electromagnetic fields. These fields and the self-fields attributable to the coupled artificial-atoms influence the amount of quantum correlation in the system. However, control elements that can operate without complete destruction of the entanglement of the quantum-bits are difficult to engineer. Here we investigate the possibility of using closely-spaced-linear arrays of metallic-elliptical discs as whispering gallery waveguides to control artificial-atoms. The discs confine and guide radiation through the array with small notches etched into their sides that act as scatterers. We focus on π-ring artificial-atoms, which can generate their own spontaneous fluxes. We find that the micro-discs of the waveguides can be excited by terahertz frequency fields to exhibit whispering-modes and that a quantum-phase-gate composed of π-rings can be operated under their influence. Furthermore, we gauge the level of entanglement through the concurrence measure and show that under certain magnetic conditions a series of entanglement sudden-deaths and revivals occur between the two qubits. This is important for understanding the stability and life-time of qubit operations using, for example, a phase gate in a hybrid of quantum technologies composed of control elements and artificial-atoms.
Dynamics of histone H2A, H4 and HS1ph during spermatogenesis with a focus on chromatin condensation and maturity of spermatozoa
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Hui , Mu Shu-Mei , Guo Ming-Shen , Wu Jiang-li , Li Yan-qin , Zhang Han , Wang Ying , Kang Xian-Jiang
Published: April 2016

Histones and histone phosphorylation play vital roles during animal spermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation. The dynamic distribution of histones H2A and H4 and phosphorylated H2A and H4 at serine 1 (HS1ph) was explored in mammalian and Decapoda germ cells, with a special focus on the distribution of H2A, H4 and HS1ph between mouse condensed spermatozoa chromatin and crab non-condensed spermatozoa chromatin. The distribution of histone marks was also analysed in mature spermatozoa with different chromatin structures. Histone H2A and H4 marks were closely associated with the relatively loose chromatin structure in crab spermatozoa. The significant decrease in the HS1ph signal during spermatogenesis suggests that eliminating most of these epigenetic marks in the nucleusis closely associated with spermatozoa maturity.
The orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 is part of a p53–microRNA-34 network
Authors: Beard Jordan A. , Tenga Alexa , Hills Justin , Hoyer Jessica D. , Cherian Milu T. , Wang Yong-Dong , Chen Taosheng
Published: April 2016

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2) is an orphan nuclear receptor that is over-expressed in cancer and promotes cell proliferation, migration, transformation and chemoresistance. Increased expression and function of NR4A2 have been attributed to various signaling pathways, but little is known about microRNA (miRNA) regulation of NR4A2 in cancer. To investigate the posttranscriptional regulation of NR4A2, we used a 3′ untranslated region (UTR) reporter screen and identified miR-34 as a putative regulator of NR4A2. By using computer predictions, we identified and confirmed an miRNA recognition element in the 3′ UTR of NR4A2 that was responsible for miR-34–mediated suppression. We next demonstrated that overexpression of exogenous miR-34 or activation of the p53 pathway, which regulates endogenous miR-34 expression, decreased NR4A2 expression. Consistent with previous reports, overexpression of NR4A2 blocked the induction of p53 target genes, including mir-34a. This was a phenotypic effect, as NR4A2 overexpression could rescue cells from p53-induced inhibition of proliferation. In summary, our results are the first characterization of a cancer-related miRNA capable of regulating NR4A2 and suggest a network and possible feedback mechanism involving p53, miR-34 and NR4A2.
Detection and quantification of water-based aerosols using active open-path FTIR
Authors: Kira Oz , Linker Raphael , Dubowski Yael
Published: April 2016

Aerosols have a leading role in many eco-systems and knowledge of their properties is critical for many applications. This study suggests using active Open-Path Fourier Transform Infra-Red (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy for quantifying water droplets and solutes load in the atmosphere. The OP-FTIR was used to measure water droplets, with and without solutes, in a 20 m spray tunnel. Three sets of spraying experiments generated different hydrosols clouds: (1) tap water only, (2) aqueous ammonium sulfate (0.25–3.6%wt) and (3) aqueous ethylene glycol (0.47–2.38%wt). Experiment (1) yielded a linear relationship between the shift of the extinction spectrum baseline and the water load in the line-of-sight (LOS) (R2 = 0.984). Experiment (2) also yielded a linear relationship between the integrated extinction in the range of 880–1150 cm−1 and the ammonium sulfate load in the LOS (R2 = 0.972). For the semi-volatile ethylene glycol (experiment 3), present in the gas and condense phases, quantification was much more complex and two spectral approaches were developed: (1) according to the linear relationship from the first experiment (determination error of 8%) and (2) inverse modeling (determination error of 57%). This work demonstrates the potential of the OP-FTIR for detecting clouds of water-based aerosols and for quantifying water droplets and solutes at relatively low concentrations.
Low protein diets produce divergent effects on energy balance
Authors: Pezeshki Adel , Zapata Rizaldy C. , Singh Arashdeep , Yee Nicholas J. , Chelikani Prasanth K.
Published: April 2016

Diets deficient in protein often increase food consumption, body weight and fat mass; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We compared the effects of diets varying in protein concentrations on energy balance in obesity-prone rats. We demonstrate that protein-free (0% protein calories) diets decreased energy intake and increased energy expenditure, very low protein (5% protein) diets increased energy intake and expenditure, whereas moderately low protein (10% protein) diets increased energy intake without altering expenditure, relative to control diet (15% protein). These diet-induced alterations in energy expenditure are in part mediated through enhanced serotonergic and β-adrenergic signaling coupled with upregulation of key thermogenic markers in brown fat and skeletal muscle. The protein-free and very low protein diets decreased plasma concentrations of multiple essential amino acids, anorexigenic and metabolic hormones, but these diets increased the tissue expression and plasma concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-21. Protein-free and very low protein diets induced fatty liver, reduced energy digestibility, and decreased lean mass and body weight that persisted beyond the restriction period. In contrast, moderately low protein diets promoted gain in body weight and adiposity following the period of protein restriction. Together, our findings demonstrate that low protein diets produce divergent effects on energy balance.
Extending the duration of hypothermia does not further improve white matter protection after ischemia in term-equivalent fetal sheep
Authors: Davidson Joanne O. , Yuill Caroline A. , Zhang Frank G. , Wassink Guido , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: April 2016

A major challenge in modern neonatal care is to further improve outcomes after therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. In this study we tested whether extending the duration of cooling might reduce white matter damage. Term-equivalent fetal sheep (0.85 gestation) received either sham ischemia followed by normothermia (n = 8) or 30 minutes of bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by three days of normothermia (n = 8), three days of hypothermia (n = 8) or five days of hypothermia (n = 8) started three hours after ischemia. Histology was assessed 7 days after ischemia. Ischemia was associated with loss of myelin basic protein (MBP) and Olig-2 positive oligodendrocytes and increased Iba-1-positive microglia compared to sham controls (p < 0.05). Three days and five days of hypothermia were associated with a similar, partial improvement in MBP and numbers of oligodendrocytes compared to ischemia-normothermia (p < 0.05). Both hypothermia groups had reduced microglial activation compared to ischemia-normothermia (p < 0.05). In the ischemia-five-day hypothermia group, but not ischemia-three-day, numbers of microglia remained higher than in sham controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, delayed cerebral hypothermia partially protected white matter after global cerebral ischemia in fetal sheep. Extending cooling from 3 to 5 days did not further improve outcomes, and may be associated with greater numbers of residual microglia.
Sustainable Sulfur-rich Copolymer/Graphene Composite as Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode with Excellent Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Shukla Swapnil , Khosla Gaganpreet Singh , Lochab Bimlesh , Mitra Sagar
Published: April 2016

A sulfur-rich copolymer, poly(S-r-C-a) has been synthesized via a sustainable route, showing the utility of two major industrial wastes- elemental sulfur (petroleum waste) and cardanol (agro waste), to explore its potential as cathode material for Li-S batteries. The sulfur-rich copolymer exhibited a reduction in the active material dissolution into the electrolyte and a low self-discharge rate behavior during the rest time compared to an elemental sulfur cathode, indicating the chemical confinement of sulfur units. The presence of organosulfur moieties in copolymer suppress the irreversible deposition of end-discharge products on electrode surfaces and thus improve the electrochemical performances of Li-S batteries. This sulfur copolymer offered a reversible capacity of 892 mA h g−1 at 2nd cycle and maintained the capacity of 528 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at 200 mA g−1. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared via a sustainable route was used as a conductive filler to extract the better electrochemical performances from this sulfur copolymer. Such sustainable origin batteries prepared via economically viable showed an improved specific capacity of ~975 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1 current rate with capacity fading of 0.15% per cycle and maintained a stable performance over 500 cycles at 2000 mA g−1.
Barrier Modification of Metal-contact on Silicon by Sub-2 nm Platinum Nanoparticles and Thin Dielectrics
Authors: Zheng Haisheng , Mahajan Bikram K. , Su Sheng C. , Mukherjee Somik , Gangopadhyay Keshab , Gangopadhyay Shubhra
Published: April 2016

We report metal/p-Si contact barrier modification through the introduction of either “isolated” or “nonisolated” tilted-target-sputtered sub-2 nm platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) in combination with either a 0.98 nm Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3 or a 1.6 nm chemically grown SiO2 dielectric layer, or both. Here, we study the role of these Pt NP’s size dependent properties, i.e., the Pt NP-metal surface dipole, the Coulomb blockade and quantum confinement effect in determining the degree of Fermi level depinning observed at the studied metal/p-Si interfaces. By varying only the embedded Pt NP size and its areal density, the nature of the contact can also be modulated to be either Schottky or Ohmic upon utilizing the same gate metal. 0.74 nm Pt NPs with an areal density of 1.1 × 1013 cm−2 show ~382 times higher current densities compared to the control sample embedded with similarly sized Pt NPs with ~1.6 times lower areal densities. We further demonstrate that both Schottky (Ti/p-Si) and poor Ohmic (Au/p-Si) contact can be modulated into a good Ohmic contact with current density of 18.7 ± 0.6 A/cm2 and 10.4 ± 0.4 A/cm2, respectively, showing ~18 and ~30 times improvement. A perfect forward/reverse current ratio of 1.041 is achieved for these low doped p-Si samples.
A new hand-held optical reflectometer to measure enamel erosion: correlation with surface hardness and calcium release
Authors: Carvalho Thiago Saads , Baumann Tommy , Lussi Adrian
Published: April 2016

In the present study, the surface reflection intensity (SRI) was measured from enamel with different induced erosion degrees using a hand-held pen-size reflectometer (Hand-Held) and a Table-Top reflectometer. To validate the Hand-Held reflectometer, we correlated its optical signals with the change of surface microhardness (SMH) and amount of calcium released from the enamel samples during erosion. We used 124 tooth enamel specimens that were exposed to an erosive challenge of either 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 minutes. SRI and SMH were measured before and after the erosive challenge and we also measured the amount of calcium released to the citric acid. Relative SRI loss (rSRIloss) and relative SMH loss (rSMHloss) were calculated. rSRIloss from the Hand-Held and the Table-Top reflectometers were similar and significantly correlated to rSMHloss and calcium release. The regression analyses showed a significant association between rSRIloss from both reflectometers and rSMHloss and calcium, showing that both reflectometers can be used to measure erosive demineralization of enamel. The Hand-Held reflectometer is capable of assessing in vitro erosion, correlating to other commonly used methods. It is small, easy to handle and provides fast measurement, being a possible candidate to measure erosion in clinical studies.
Factors associated with graft survival and endothelial cell density after Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Ishii Nobuhito , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Yazu Hiroyuki , Satake Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Akitoshi , Shimazaki Jun
Published: April 2016

Postoperative endothelial cell loss leads to graft failure after corneal transplantation, and is one of the important issues for long-term prognosis. The objective of this study was to identify clinical factors affecting graft survival and postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) after Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). A total of 198 consecutive Japanese patients (225 eyes) who underwent DSAEK were analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression and multiple linear regression models. The candidate factors included recipient age; gender; diagnosis; pre-existing iris damage state, scored based on its severity; the number of previous intraocular surgeries; graft ECD; graft diameter; simultaneous cataract surgery; surgeons experience; intraoperative iris damage; postoperative rebubbling; and graft rejection. Eyes with higher pre-existing iris damage score and more number of previous intraocular surgery had a significantly higher risk of graft failure (HR = 8.53; P < 0.0001, and HR = 2.66; P = 0.026, respectively). Higher pre-existing iris damage score, lower graft ECD, and smaller graft diameter were identified as significant predisposing factors for lower postoperative ECD. The results show that iris damage status before DSAEK may be clinically useful in predicting the postoperative course. Avoiding intraoperative iris damage, especially in eyes with low ECD can change the prognosis of future DSAEK.
Enabling higher photoelectrochemical efficiency of TiO2via controlled formation of a disordered shell: an alternative to the hydrogenation process
Authors: Gurylev Vitaly , Mishra Mrinalini , Su Chung-Yi , Perng Tsong-Pyng
Published: April 2016

A simple one-step and low-temperature process was developed to form an amorphous overlayer on the crystalline TiO2film by atomic layer deposition.
Salacia chinensis L. extract ameliorates abnormal glucose metabolism and improves the bone strength and accumulation of AGEs in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Shirakawa Jun-ichi , Arakawa Shoutaro , Tagawa Tomoya , Gotoh Kentaroh , Oikawa Norihisa , Ohno Rei-ichi , Shinagawa Masatoshi , Hatano Kota , Sugawa Hikari , Ichimaru Kenta , Kinoshita Sho , Furusawa Chisato , Yamanaka Mikihiro , Kobayashi Masakazu , Masuda Shuichi , Nagai Mime , Nagai Ryoji
Published: April 2016

Salacia chinensis L. extract improves the uptake of glucose.
Synthesis of amino heterocycle aspartyl protease inhibitors
Authors: Chambers Rachel K. , Khan Tanweer A. , Olsen David B. , Sleebs Brad E.
Published: April 2016

Synthetic strategies to access 2-amino heterocycle head groups that inhibit aspartyl proteases, are reviewed.
A closer examination of the coupling between ionic hydrogen bond (IHB) stretching and flanking group motions in (CH3OH)2H+: the strong isotope effects
Authors: Tan Jake A. , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: April 2016

The intermode coupling between shared proton (O–H+–O) fundamental stretching and flanking modes in (CH3OH)2H+ was revisited in the following contexts: (1) evaluation of Hamiltonian matrix elements represented in a “pure state” (PS) basis and (2) tuning of coupling strengths using H/D isotopic substitution.
New insights into the modification mechanism of Li-rich Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 coated by Li2ZrO3
Authors: Zhang Jicheng , Zhang Heng , Gao Rui , Li Zhengyao , Hu Zhongbo , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: April 2016

The synergetic modification mechanism in Li2ZrO3-coated Li-rich Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2via a synchronous lithiation strategy has been proposed.
Mechanisms of charge accumulation in the dark operation of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ripolles Teresa S. , Baranwal Ajay K. , Nishinaka Koji , Ogomi Yuhei , Garcia-Belmonte Germà , Hayase Shuzi
Published: April 2016

In this work, a new current peak at forward bias in the dark current–voltage curves has been identified for standard mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.
Catenation of carbon in LaC2 predicted under high pressure
Authors: Su Chuanxun , Zhang Jurong , Liu Guangtao , Wang Xin , Wang Hui , Ma Yanming
Published: April 2016

Predicted structures of LaC2 at ambient pressure and high pressure reveal a variety of carbon structural units ranging from a dimer to bent C3, zigzag C4 and armchair polymer chains.
High-coverage stable structures of 3d transition metal intercalated bilayer graphene
Authors: Liao Ji-Hai , Zhao Yu-Jun , Tang Jia-Jun , Yang Xiao-Bao , Xu Hu
Published: April 2016

The ordered states of Sc-intercalated bilayer graphene are modulated by the biaxial strain and the chemical potential of Sc.
Dominant factors limiting the optical gain in layered two-dimensional halide perovskite thin films
Authors: Chong Wee Kiang , Thirumal Krishnamoorthy , Giovanni David , Goh Teck Wee , Liu Xinfeng , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Sum Tze Chien
Published: April 2016

The dominant competing relaxation channels that limit biexciton build-up for population inversion curtails the optical gain in layered (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4 perovskite thin films.
Capturing Re(i) in an neutral N,N,N pincer Scaffold and resulting enhanced absorption of visible light
Authors: Bulsink Philip , Al-Ghamdi Ahlam , Joshi Prajesh , Korobkov Ilia , Woo Tom , Richeson Darrin
Published: April 2016

A family of Re(i) pincer complexes [κ3-2,6-{ArNCMe}2(NC5H3)]Re(CO)2X (ArC6H5, Me2C6H3, iPr2C6H3; X = Cl, Br) and (κ3-terpy)Re(CO)2X (X = Cl, Br) is accessed via an unconventional thermal transformation of bidentate complexes by heating in the solid state to 200–240 °C under nitrogen.
Insertion of tBuNC into thorium–phosphorus and thorium–arsenic bonds: phosphaazaallene and arsaazaallene moieties in f element chemistry
Authors: Behrle Andrew C. , Walensky Justin R.
Published: April 2016

The reactivity of thorium–phosphido and thorium–arsenido bonds was probed using tert-butyl isocyanide, tBuNC.
Iridium containing honeycomb Delafossites by topotactic cation exchange
Authors: Roudebush John H. , Ross K. A. , Cava R. J.
Published: April 2016

We report the structure and magnetic properties of two new iridium-based honeycomb Delafossite compounds, Cu3NaIr2O6 and Cu3LiIr2O6, formed by a topotactic cation exchange reaction.
Stabilization of molecular lanthanide polysulfides by bulky scorpionate ligands
Authors: Kühling Marcel , McDonald Robert , Liebing Phil , Hilfert Liane , Ferguson Michael J. , Takats Josef , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: April 2016

The first well-defined lanthanide polysulfide complexes containing S42− and S52− ligands have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
In situ measurement of Os isotopic ratios in sulfides calibrated against ultra-fine particle standards using LA-MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Zhu Lüyun , Liu Yongsheng , Ma Tingting , Lin Jie , Hu Zhaochu , Wang Chao
Published: April 2016

The spiked in-house standards provide a new approach for in situ Os isotope analysis of sulfides.
Determination of radiogenic silicon and its isotopes in neutron irradiated aluminum alloys by ICP-MS
Authors: Shi Y. , Broome C. , Collins R.
Published: April 2016

Aluminum alloy is frequently used as component material in research nuclear reactors.
Interfacing monolith-based electrochromatography in microchips with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for elemental speciation
Authors: Cheng Heyong , Li Pu , Liu Jinhua , Xu Zigang
Published: April 2016

This work demonstrated the coupling of monolith-based electrochromatography in microchips with ICP-MS for elemental speciation.
The anticonvulsant sulfamide JNJ-26990990 and its S,S-dioxide analog strongly inhibit carbonic anhydrases: solution and X-ray crystallographic studies
Authors: Di Fiore Anna , De Simone Giuseppina , Alterio Vincenzo , Riccio Vincenzo , Winum Jean-Yves , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: April 2016

Inhibition and X-ray crystallographic data for the binding of JNJ-26990990 and itsS,S-dioxide analog to hCAs have been reported.
Synthesis of isoquinolines via Rh-catalyzed C–H activation/C–N cyclization with diazodiesters or diazoketoesters as a C2 source
Authors: Wang Jie , Zha Shanke , Chen Kehao , Zhang Feifei , Zhu Jin
Published: April 2016

Synthesis of isoquinolines based on efficient C–C and C–N bond formation through Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization and subsequent intramolecular cyclization is reported. Diazodiesters serving as a C2 source in the newly formed heterocycles are first demonstrated.
Polylactic acid nanocomposite films with spherical nanocelluloses as efficient nucleation agents: effects on crystallization, mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Lu Fangfang , Yu Houyong , Yan Chenfeng , Yao Juming
Published: April 2016

An important industrial problem (low crystallization rate) for commercial polylactic acid (PLA) is addressed by incorporating SCNFs as efficient nucleation agents.
Asymmetric catalytic sulfoxidation by a novel VIV8 cluster catalyst in the presence of serum albumin: a simple and green oxidation system
Authors: Tang Jie , Yao Peng-Fei , Xu Xiao-Ling , Li Hai-Ye , Huang Fu-Ping , Nie Qing-Qing , Luo Mei-Yi , Yu Qing , Bian He-Dong
Published: April 2016

Enantioselective oxidation of a series of alkyl aryl sulfides catalyzed by a novel VIV8 cluster is tested in an aqueous medium in the presence of serum albumin. The procedure is simple, environmentally friendly, selective, and highly reactive.
Two unique star-like [MnIVMnIII2LnIII] clusters: magnetic relaxation phenomena
Authors: Tziotzi Thomais G. , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , Inglis Ross , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: April 2016

Synthesis and magnetic properties of two tetrametallic star-like [MnIVMnIII2Ln] (Ln: Gd, Dy) clusters.