bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein syndrome: case series of a newly recognized central nervous system inflammatory disease
Authors: Venkateswaran S , Thulasirajah S , Pohl D , Rostasy K
Published: June 2015

Pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes have overlapping clinical and imaging features, but management and prognosis vary. We describe four children between the ages of 3 and 10 presenting with inflammatory brain disease - one with polyfocal neurological symptoms, one with severe bilateral optic neuritis and two with transverse myelitis, all without encephalopathy. All brain MRIs had extensive involvement of both deep grey and subcortical white matter. Three patients had longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions. Clinical and radiological findings did not meet criteria for multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or neuromyelitis optica (NMO). NMO IgG testing was negative. All patients had resolution of clinical and imaging findings after treatment with steroids and IVIg. We found, elevated levels of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies in all four patients. Three of the children receive monthly IVIg infusions. Two of the patients relapsed once within 18 months of their initial attack and have since remained relapse free for 32 months and 43 months, respectively. The third patient (transverse myelitis) has not had any relapses since her initial attack 15 months ago. It appears that children with this syndrome may have more favourable outcomes when compared to other CNS relapsing inflammatory conditions.
Magnetic field driven micro-convection in the Hele-Shaw cell: the Brinkman model and its comparison with experiment
Authors: Kitenbergs G. , Tatulcenkovs A. , Ērglis K. , Petrichenko O. , Perzynski R. , Cēbers A.
Published: June 2015

The micro-convection caused by the ponderomotive forces of the self-magnetic field in a magnetic fluid is studied here both numerically and experimentally. The theoretical approach based on the general Brinkman model substantially improves the description with respect to the previously proposed Darcy model. The predictions of both models are here compared to finely controlled experiments. The Brinkman model, in contrast to the Darcy model, allows us to describe the formation of mushrooms on the plumes of the micro-convective flow and the width of the fingers. In the Brinkman approach, excellent quantitative agreement is also obtained for the finger velocity dynamics and the velocity maximal values as a function of the magnetic Rayleigh number. The diffusion coefficient of particles of the water-based magnetic colloid determined by the threshold field strength value of the micro-convection is significantly larger than the diffusion coefficient of individual particles. This result is confirmed by independent measurements of the diffusion coefficient at the smearing of the diffusion front.
Modelling the cost-effectiveness of pharmacotherapy compared with cognitive–behavioural therapy and combination therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe depression in the UK
Authors: Koeser L. , Donisi V. , Goldberg D. P. , McCrone P.
Published: June 2015

Background.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England and Wales recommends the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for the treatment of moderate to severe depression. However, the cost-effectiveness analysis on which these recommendations are based has not included psychotherapy as monotherapy as a potential option. For this reason, we aimed to update, augment and refine the existing economic evaluation.

Method.

We constructed a decision analytic model with a 27-month time horizon. We compared pharmacotherapy with cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and combination treatment for moderate to severe depression in secondary care from a healthcare service perspective. We reviewed the literature to identify relevant evidence and, where possible, synthesized evidence from clinical trials in a meta-analysis to inform model parameters.

Results.

The model suggested that CBT as monotherapy was most likely to be the most cost-effective treatment option above a threshold of £22 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). It dominated combination treatment and had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £20 039 per QALY compared with pharmacotherapy. There was significant decision uncertainty in the probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions.

Contrary to previous NICE guidance, the results indicated that even for those patients for whom pharmacotherapy is acceptable, CBT as monotherapy may be a cost-effective treatment option. However, this conclusion was based on a limited evidence base, particularly for combination treatment. In addition, this evidence cannot easily be transferred to a primary care setting.
Delusional disorder and schizophrenia: a comparison of the neurocognitive and clinical characteristics in first-episode patients
Authors: Hui C. L. M. , Lee E. H. M. , Chang W. C. , Chan S. K. W. , Lin J. , Xu J. Q. , Chen E. Y. H.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Delusional disorder (DD) is thought to be distinct from schizophrenia (SZ). However, few systematic investigations have been conducted on DD because of the difficulty in ascertaining a representative sample size. Existing knowledge has been mostly generated from inpatient cohorts, which may be biased towards a more severe sample.

Method.

We compared the demographic, clinical and cognitive differences between 71 patients with first-episode DD and 71 age-matched patients with first-episode SZ. Participants were consecutively recruited from a population-based territory-wide study of early psychosis in Hong Kong targeting first-episode psychosis. Basic demographic information, premorbid functioning, duration of untreated psychosis, pathways to care, symptomatology, social, occupational, and cognitive functioning were comprehensively assessed using standardized measurements.

Results.

Patients with DD had less premorbid schizoid and schizotypal traits compared to patients with SZ. More patients with DD were married compared to patients with SZ. However, at first episode, there were no significant differences between the two groups in regards to the duration of untreated psychosis, pathways to care, symptom severity, neurocognitive performance, treatment, and functioning.

Conclusions.

Our findings challenge previous thinking that patients with DD had better functioning than patients with SZ. This study not only provides an updated perspective into conceptualizing the clinical differences between DD and SZ, but also expands the descriptive account of the two disorders to include the neurocognitive dimension.
SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION WITH GENERATED COVARIATES
Authors: Mammen Enno , Rothe Christoph , Schienle Melanie
Published: June 2015

We study a general class of semiparametric estimators when the infinite-dimensional nuisance parameters include a conditional expectation function that has been estimated nonparametrically using generated covariates. Such estimators are used frequently to e.g., estimate nonlinear models with endogenous covariates when identification is achieved using control variable techniques. We study the asymptotic properties of estimators in this class, which is a nonstandard problem due to the presence of generated covariates. We give conditions under which estimators are root-nconsistent and asymptotically normal, derive a general formula for the asymptotic variance, and show how to establish validity of the bootstrap.
Exposure to cows is not associated with diarrhoea or impaired child growth in rural Odisha, India: a cohort study
Authors: SCHMIDT W.-P. , BOISSON S. , ROUTRAY P. , BELL M. , CAMERON M. , TORONDEL B. , CLASEN T.
Published: June 2015

Exposure to animal livestock has been linked to zoonotic transmission, especially of gastrointestinal pathogens. Exposure to animals may contribute to chronic asymptomatic intestinal infection, environmental enteropathy and child under-nutrition in low-income settings. We conducted a cohort study to explore the effect of exposure to cows on growth and endemic diarrhoea in children aged <5 years in a rural, low-income setting in the Indian state of Odisha. The study enrolled 1992 households with 2739 children. Height measurements were available for 824 children. Exposure to cows was measured as (1) the presence of a cowshed within or outside the compound, (2) the number of cows owned by a household, and (3) the number of cowsheds located within 50 m of a household. In a sub-study of 518 households, fly traps were used to count the number of synanthropic flies that may act as vectors for gastrointestinal pathogens. We found no evidence that environmental exposure to cows contributes to growth deficiency in children in rural India, neither directly by affecting growth, nor indirectly by increasing the risk of diarrhoea. We found no strong evidence that the presence of a cowshed increased the number synanthropic flies in households.
Literary and Cultural Circulation: Machado de Assis and Théodule-Armand Ribot
Authors: Jobim José Luís
Published: June 2015

This paper’s argument is that in the case of Ibero-America, the literary or cultural insertion of elements from other places is not only or predominantly determined by the meaning that the element had in its supposed place of origin, but, rather, by the specific context where this element is subsequently placed. It is the study of this context that can generate better explanations not only about the reasons for this (and not another) element having been ‘imported’ but also about the meaning that it will have in the new context, in connection with the other elements that are also present there. After giving some answers from a selected number of scholars to the question of how does a given literary or cultural element, with an assumed origin in a given context, insert itself in another context, this paper will present, as a case study, the supposed ‘importation’ by Machado de Assis of the ideas of Théodule-Armand Ribot, demonstrating that the Brazilian author did not reproduce ‘imported’ elements, maintaining them in the terms in which they were articulated in the work of the French writer in their original context, but rather transformed them into something else.
World Libraries, the Diplomatic Role of Cultural Agencies
Authors: Gutierrez Juan Jose Prieto
Published: June 2015

Cultural actions are among the best tools for ministries of foreign affairs worldwide. Many countries who choose to work with cultural actions could potentially reach millions of citizens, inclusive of those living in remote areas. One of these cultural actions is that of establishing and opening cultural centres. This paper presents libraries as providing outstanding service in all these centres. Through a historical and numerical analysis of the libraries of The British Council, the Alliance Française’s Institut Français, the Goethe Institut and the Cervantes Institute, it can be shown that libraries are a real tool for public diplomacy that can exceed its remit of social assistance, social services and education. To conclude, this paper will also look at actions that could be undertaken to improve and cater for network libraries.
Sodium in commonly consumed fast foods in New Zealand: a public health opportunity
Authors: Prentice Celia A , Smith Claire , McLean Rachael M
Published: June 2015

Objective

(i) To determine the Na content of commonly consumed fast foods in New Zealand and (ii) to estimate Na intake from savoury fast foods for the New Zealand adult population.

Design

Commonly consumed fast foods were identified from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey. Na values from all savoury fast foods from chain restaurants (n 471) were obtained from nutrition information on company websites, while the twelve most popular fast-food types from independent outlets (n 52) were determined using laboratory analysis. Results were compared with the UK Food Standards Agency 2012 sodium targets. Nutrient analysis was completed to estimate Na intake from savoury fast foods for the New Zealand population using the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey.

Setting

New Zealand.

Subjects

Adults aged 15 years and above.

Results

From chain restaurants, sauces/salad dressings and fried chicken had the highest Na content (per 100 g) and from independent outlets, sausage rolls, battered hotdogs and mince and cheese pies were highest in Na (per 100 g). The majority of fast foods exceeded the UK Food Standards Agency 2012 sodium targets. The mean daily Na intake from savoury fast foods was 283 mg/d for the total adult population and 1229 mg/d for fast-food consumers.

Conclusions

Taking into account the Na content and frequency of consumption, potato dishes, filled rolls, hamburgers and battered fish contributed substantially to Na intake for fast-food consumers in New Zealand. These foods should be targeted for Na reduction reformulation.
Parenting Support as Policy Field: An Analytic Framework
Authors: Daly Mary
Published: June 2015

This article develops an analytic framework for parenting support, treating it as both a form of social policy and a measure that intervenes more broadly in politics and society. It is suggested that, as a form of social policy, parenting support can be examined through analytical categories that are classic to social policy, such as: the nature of the offer or ‘good’ to parents, the modality of provision, conditions of access and operation, the policy setting and linkages to other policies, the unfolding of the policy over time and historical roots, philosophical underpinnings and dominant professional influences. In a second layer, the social and political roots and orientations of parenting support have to be investigated. When one does this by, for example, identifying the main actors involved in parenting support and the rationales and claims made for parenting support as a policy response, it becomes obvious that parenting support can be either a benign project of support or part of a more controlling educative or retraining exercise.
Explaining Interfaith Dialogue in the Muslim World
Authors: Kayaoglu Turan
Published: June 2015

In the last two decades, several Muslim states and civil society groups have embraced interfaith dialogue as a means of engagement with non-Muslims, especially with Christians. Why do these actors initiate interfaith dialogue? Why do they follow different interfaith dialogue strategies? This article argues that Islamic actors initiate interfaith dialogue to signal their moderate stance to powerful others who are concerned with Islamic radicalization and violence. These Islamic interfaith actors follow different strategies because of their interfaith theology (ideas about the legitimacy of religious others) and the nature of state-religion interaction (secular versus religious states) in their home countries. To support its argument, this article examines three Muslim interfaith initiatives: the Gülen Movement in Turkey and beyond (Sunni-Sufi, a civil society-led project), Jordan's A Common Word initiative (Sunni, a semi-governmental project), and Saudi Arabia's interfaith efforts (Sunni-Wahhabi, a state-led project).
Reconfigurable antennas with frequency, polarization, and pattern diversities for multi-radio wireless applications
Authors: Sulakshana Chilukuri , Anjaneyulu Lokam
Published: June 2015

This paper presents different reconfigurable antennas with frequency, polarization, and pattern diversities. All the antennas have a very simple, novel, and compact structures, which are used for different wireless communication applications. These antennas employ switching for obtaining different reconfigurations. At first, an E-shaped antenna is designed for multi-band frequency reconfigurability. Second, circular and rectangular-shaped patch antennas are designed for achieving diversity in polarization. At last, a pattern reconfigurable antenna is designed with multiport excitation. These antenna performances are analyzed using various parameters such as return loss, radiation pattern, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), and gain. The prototypes of the antennas are fabricated and measured results along with simulated ones are presented. Both the results are in good agreement.
Das Elektrokardiogramm des Sporttreibenden und der Sport-assoziierte plötzliche Herztod
Authors: Trachsel Lukas-Daniel , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: June 2015

Regelmässiges körperliches Training induziert strukturelle, elektrische und funktionelle Anpassungen des Herzens. Die grösste Herausforderung für den Arzt liegt darin, Veränderungen hinweisend für eine strukturelle Herzerkrankung von physiologischen, trainingsassoziierten Anpassungen im Sinne eines 'Athlete's heart' zu unterscheiden. Bei zugrundliegender Kardiopathie ist sportliche Aktivität nicht die Ursache, sondern kann ein Trigger für belastungsabhängige Tachyarrhythmien bzw. für den belastungsabhängigen plötzlichen Herztod (SCD) sein. Um Athleten mit einer kardialen Grunderkrankung und erhöhtem Risiko für einen SCD frühzeitig zu identifizieren wird in Europa ein Preparticipation Screening empfohlen, welches von der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Sportmedizin (SGSM) übernommen wurde. Dieses Screening umfasst neben der spezifischen Anamnese und der Herzauskultation auch ein Ruhe-Elektrokardiogramm (Ruhe-EKG). Aufgrund der hohen Anzahl falsch-positiver EKG-Befunde wurden in den letzten Jahren die Beurteilungskriterien des Athleten-EKGs wiederholt angepasst, die Sensitivität und insbesondere auch die Spezifität konnte mit den „verfeinerten Seattle Kriterien“ 2014 deutlich verbessert werden. Der frühen Repolarisation galt in den letzten Jahren ein Hauptaugenmerk: neben dem (Ausdauer-) Training besteht eine klare Assoziation zum männlichen Geschlecht, zur Ethnie, zu den Veränderungen des vegetativen Nervensystems und zu erhöhten QRS-Voltage-Kriterien.
Untersuchung der Simulationssensibilität des Alertness-Tests der Testbatterie zur Aufmerksamkeitsprüfung (TAP)
Authors: Fiene Marina , Bittner Verena , Fischer Julia , Schwiecker Kati , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Zaehle Tino
Published: June 2015

Zur Sicherung valider Testprofile in der neuropsychologischen Begutachtung ist die Beurteilung der Plausibilität vorgebrachter Defizite unerlässlich. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Sensibilität für Täuschungsverhalten des Alertness-Tests der Testbatterie zur Aufmerksamkeitsprüfung (TAP) untersucht. Der Vergleich der Testleistungen von 17 Probanden unter (i) normaler Anstrengungsbereitschaft, (ii) Simulationsvorsatz und (iii) Simulation mit vorheriger Information über glaubhafte Täuschungsstrategien zeigte, dass informierte Probanden geringere Reaktionszeiten und Standardabweichungen als unter der naiven Simulationsbedingung aufweisen, aber weiterhin langsamere und inkonsistentere Reaktionen als unter optimaler Anstrengungsbereitschaft zeigen. Selbst unter willentlicher Anstrengung waren sie nicht fähig, normgerechte Standardabweichungen ihrer simulierten Minderleistung zu erreichen. Demnach deuten konstante Reaktionszeiten auf authentisches Leistungsverhalten hin. Im Vergleich zu Testdaten von Patienten zeigte sich, dass die Simulationsabsicht informierter Probanden mittels einzelner Testparameter nicht identifiziert werden kann. Unter Berücksichtigung mehrerer Testparameter ist es allerdings auch bei Kenntnis glaubhafter Täuschungsstrategien möglich, eine valide Beurteilung der Plausibilität der individuellen Leistung zu gewährleisten.
Europäische Umfrage zum Einsatz von Beschwerdenvalidierungstests: Ergebnisse der deutschen Teilnehmer
Authors: Dandachi-FitzGerald Brechje , Merten Thomas , Ponds Rudolf , Niemann Hendrik
Published: June 2015

Zur Praxis der Beschwerdenvalidierung wurde 2011 eine Umfrage unter europäischen Neuropsychologen durchgeführt ( Dandachi-FitzGerald, Ponds & Merten, 2013 ). Die Ergebnisse der deutschsprachigen Teilstichprobe werden berichtet (n = 211). Obwohl die Teilnehmer die Bedeutung einer sorgfältigen Beurteilung der Beschwerdenvalidität anerkannten, dominieren nichtstandardisierte Ansätze. Die am häufigsten eingesetzten Beschwerdenvalidierungstests waren: Testbatterie zur Forensischen Neuropsychologie, Word Memory Test, Rey 15-Item-Test, Amsterdamer Kurzzeitgedächtnistest, Aggravations- und Simulationstest. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine große Streuung bezüglich der Erwartungen über die Prävalenz negativer Antwortverzerrungen sowie zum Einsatz von Beschwerdenvalidierungstests.

Erhebliche Unterschiede gab es in der Praxis der Beschwerdenvalidierung in gutachtlichen gegenüber klinischen Untersuchungskontexten. Leitlinien für die Beurteilung der Beschwerdenvalidität fehlen im deutschen Sprachraum und sind in Europa bislang nur aus Großbritannien bekannt.
Face Memory in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease Moderated by Sex and Encoding Duration
Authors: Arndt Larissa R. , Esser Günter , Weirich Sebastian , Oelsner Henriette , Ebersbach Georg , Bengner Thomas
Published: June 2015

We examined face memory deficits in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) with specific regard to the moderating role of sex and the different memory processes involved. We tested short- and long-term face recognition memory in 18 nonclinical participants and 18 IPD-patients matched for sex, education and age. We varied the duration of item presentation (1, 5, 10s), the time of testing (immediately, 1hr, 24hrs) and the possibility to re-encode items. In accordance with earlier studies, we report face memory deficits in IPD. Moreover, our findings indicate that sex and encoding conditions may be important moderator variables. In contrast to healthy individuals, IPD-patients cannot gain from increasing duration of presentation. Furthermore, our results suggest that IPD leads to face memory deficits in women, only.
Die aktuellen europäischen und amerikanischen Hypertonie-Leitlinien
Authors: Nägele Matthias , Sudano Isabella , Flammer Andreas , Ruschitzka Frank
Published: June 2015

Ende 2013 erschien die lang erwartete Leitlinie des achten US-amerikanischen Joint National Committee (JNC8). In dieser wurden neun konkrete Empfehlungen zur Behandlung der arteriellen Hypertonie erarbeitet. Insbesondere die Harmonisierung der Grenz- und Zielblutdruckwerte stellt eine Vereinfachung für den praktizierenden Mediziner dar. Die Empfehlungen blieben jedoch nicht ohne Kontroverse. Besonders die Erhöhung des Zielblutdrucks auf Werte von unter 150/90 mmHg bei Patienten gleich oder älter 60 Jahre wurde kritisiert. In diesem Punkt und auch der Frage der geeigneten Antihypertensiva zeigen sich Unterschiede zur aktuellen Leitlinie der European Society of Cardiology und European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH 2013). Dieser Artikel versucht die verschiedenen Standpunkte darzulegen und so einen Überblick über den wachsenden Bereich der Hypertonie-Leitlinien zu liefern.
NASA Selects Science Instruments for Europa Mission
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2015

The instruments chosen for a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa include cameras, spectrometers, magnetometers, and an ice-penetrating radar.
Circadian control of bile acid synthesis by a KLF15-Fgf15 axis
Authors: Han Shuxin , Zhang Rongli , Jain Rajan , Shi Hong , Zhang Lilei , Zhou Guangjin , Sangwung Panjamaporn , Tugal Derin , Atkins G. Brandon , Prosdocimo Domenick A. , Lu Yuan , Han Xiaonan , Tso Patrick , Liao Xudong , Epstein Jonathan A. , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: June 2015

Circadian control of nutrient availability is critical to efficiently meet the energetic demands of an organism. Production of bile acids (BAs), which facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients, is a major regulator of this process. Here we identify a KLF15-Fgf15 signalling axis that regulates circadian BA production. Systemic Klf15 deficiency disrupted circadian expression of key BA synthetic enzymes, tissue BA levels and triglyceride/cholesterol absorption. Studies in liver-specific Klf15-knockout mice suggested a non-hepatic basis for regulation of BA production. Ileal Fgf15 is a potent inhibitor of BA synthesis. Using a combination of biochemical, molecular and functional assays (including ileectomy and bile duct catheterization), we identify KLF15 as the first endogenous negative regulator of circadian Fgf15 expression. Elucidation of this novel pathway controlling circadian BA production has important implications for physiologic control of nutrient availability and metabolic homeostasis.
Imaging screw dislocations at atomic resolution by aberration-corrected electron optical sectioning
Authors: Yang H. , Lozano J. G. , Pennycook T. J. , Jones L. , Hirsch P. B. , Nellist P. D.
Published: June 2015

Screw dislocations play an important role in materials’ mechanical, electrical and optical properties. However, imaging the atomic displacements in screw dislocations remains challenging. Although advanced electron microscopy techniques have allowed atomic-scale characterization of edge dislocations from the conventional end-on view, for screw dislocations, the atoms are predominantly displaced parallel to the dislocation line, and therefore the screw displacements are parallel to the electron beam and become invisible when viewed end-on. Here we show that screw displacements can be imaged directly with the dislocation lying in a plane transverse to the electron beam by optical sectioning using annular dark field imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope. Applying this technique to a mixed [a+c] dislocation in GaN allows direct imaging of a screw dissociation with a 1.65-nm dissociation distance, thereby demonstrating a new method for characterizing dislocation core structures.
Phase and composition controllable synthesis of cobalt manganese spinel nanoparticles towards efficient oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Chun , Han Xiaopeng , Cheng Fangyi , Hu Yuxiang , Chen Chengcheng , Chen Jun
Published: June 2015

Spinel-type oxides are technologically important in many fields, including electronics, magnetism, catalysis and electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Typically, these materials are prepared by conventional ceramic routes that are energy consuming and offer limited control over shape and size. Moreover, for mixed-metal oxide spinels (for example, CoxMn3−xO4), the crystallographic phase sensitively correlates with the metal ratio, posing great challenges to synthesize active product with simultaneously tuned phase and composition. Here we report a general synthesis of ultrasmall cobalt manganese spinels with tailored structural symmetry and composition through facile solution-based oxidation–precipitation and insertion–crystallization process at modest condition. As an example application, the nanocrystalline spinels catalyse the oxygen reduction/evolution reactions, showing phase and composition co-dependent performance. Furthermore, the mild synthetic strategy allows the formation of homogeneous and strongly coupled spinel/carbon nanocomposites, which exhibit comparable activity but superior durability to Pt/C and serve as efficient catalysts to build rechargeable Zn–air and Li–air batteries.
Novel anti-thrombotic agent for modulation of protein disulfide isomerase family member ERp57 for prophylactic therapy
Authors: Cui Guozhen , Shan Luchen , Guo Lin , Chu Ivan Keung , Li Guohui , Quan Quan , Zhao Yun , Chong Cheong Meng , Zhang Zaijun , Yu Pei , Hoi Maggie Pui Man , Sun Yewei , Wang Yuqiang , Lee Simon MingYuen
Published: June 2015

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family members including PDI and ERp57 emerge as novel targets for anti-thrombotic treatments, but chemical agents with selectivity remain to be explored. We previously reported a novel derivative of danshensu (DSS), known as ADTM, displayed strong cardioprotective effects against oxidative stress-induced cellular injuryin vitroand acute myocardial infarctin vivo. Herein, using chemical proteomics approach, we identified ERp57 as a major target of ADTM. ADTM displayed potent inhibitory effects on the redox activity of ERp57, inhibited the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced expressions of P-selectin and αIIbβ3 integrin and disrupted the interaction between ERp57 and αIIbβ3. In addition, ADTM inhibited both arachidonic acid (AA)-induced and ADP-induced platelet aggregationin vitro. Furthermore, ADTM significantly inhibited rat platelet aggregation and thrombus formationin vivo. Taken together, ADTM represents a promising candidate for anti-thrombotic therapy targeting ERp57.
Adaptive Spontaneous Transitions between Two Mechanisms of Numerical Averaging
Authors: Brezis Noam , Bronfman Zohar Z. , Usher Marius
Published: June 2015

We investigated the mechanism with which humans estimate numerical averages. Participants were presented with 4, 8 or 16 (two-digit) numbers, serially and rapidly (2 numerals/second) and were instructed to convey the sequence average. As predicted by a dual, but not a single-component account, we found a non-monotonic influence of set-size on accuracy. Moreover, we observed a marked decrease in RT as set-size increases and RT-accuracy tradeoff in the 4-, but not in the 16-number condition. These results indicate that in accordance with the normative directive, participants spontaneously employ analytic/sequential thinking in the 4-number condition and intuitive/holistic thinking in the 16-number condition. When the presentation rate is extreme (10 items/sec) we find that, while performance still remains high, the estimations are now based on intuitive processing. The results are accounted for by a computational model postulating population-coding underlying intuitive-averaging and working-memory-mediated symbolic procedures underlying analytical-averaging, with flexible allocation between the two.
A sensitised RNAi screen reveals a ch-TOG genetic interaction network required for spindle assembly
Authors: Barr Alexis R. , Bakal Chris
Published: June 2015

How multiple spindle assembly pathways are integrated to drive bipolar spindle assembly is poorly understood. We performed an image-based double RNAi screen to identify genes encoding Microtubule-Associated Proteins (MAPs) that interact with the highly conserved ch-TOG gene to regulate bipolar spindle assembly in human cells. We identified a ch-TOG centred network of genetic interactions which promotes centrosome-mediated microtubule polymerisation, leading to the incorporation of microtubules polymerised by all pathways into a bipolar structure. Our genetic screen also reveals that ch-TOG maintains a dynamic microtubule population, in part, through modulating HSET activity. ch-TOG ensures that spindle assembly is robust to perturbation but sufficiently dynamic such that spindles can explore a diverse shape space in search of structures that can align chromosomes.
Cu Mesh for Flexible Transparent Conductive Electrodes
Authors: Kim Won-Kyung , Lee Seunghun , Hee Lee Duck , Hee Park In , Seong Bae Jong , Woo Lee Tae , Kim Ji-Young , Hun Park Ji , Chan Cho Yong , Ryong Cho Chae , Jeong Se-Young
Published: June 2015

Copper electrodes with a micromesh/nanomesh structure were fabricated on a polyimide substrate using UV lithography and wet etching to produce flexible transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs). Well-defined mesh electrodes were realized through the use of high-quality Cu thin films. The films were fabricated using radio-frequency (RF) sputtering with a single-crystal Cu target—a simple but innovative approach that overcame the low oxidation resistance of ordinary Cu. Hybrid Cu mesh electrodes were fabricated by adding a capping layer of either ZnO or Al-doped ZnO. The sheet resistance and the transmittance of the electrode with an Al-doped ZnO capping layer were 6.197 ohm/sq and 90.657%, respectively and the figure of merit was 60.502 × 10–3/ohm, which remained relatively unchanged after thermal annealing at 200 °C and 1,000 cycles of bending. This fabrication technique enables the mass production of large-area flexible TCEs and the stability and high performance of Cu mesh hybrid electrodes in harsh environments suggests they have strong potential for application in smart displays and solar cells.
Lateral assembly of oxidized graphene flakes into large-scale transparent conductive thin films with a three-dimensional surfactant 4-sulfocalix[4]arene
Authors: Sundramoorthy Ashok K. , Wang Yilei , Wang Jing , Che Jianfei , Thong Ya Xuan , Lu Albert Chee W. , Chan-Park Mary B.
Published: June 2015

Graphene is a promising candidate material for transparent conductive films because of its excellent conductivity and one-carbon-atom thickness. Graphene oxide flakes prepared by Hummers method are typically several microns in size and must be pieced together in order to create macroscopic films. We report a macro-scale thin film fabrication method which employs a three-dimensional (3-D) surfactant, 4-sulfocalix[4]arene (SCX), as a lateral aggregating agent. After electrochemical exfoliation, the partially oxidized graphene (oGr) flakes are dispersed with SCX. The SCX forms micelles, which adsorb on the oGr flakes to enhance their dispersion, also promote aggregation into large-scale thin films under vacuum filtration. A thin oGr/SCX film can be shaved off from the aggregated oGr/SCX cake by immersing the cake in water. The oGr/SCX thin-film floating on the water can be subsequently lifted from the water surface with a substrate. The reduced oGr (red-oGr) films can be as thin as 10−20 nm with a transparency of >90% and sheet resistance of 890 ± 47 kΩ/sq. This method of electrochemical exfoliation followed by SCX-assisted suspension and hydrazine reduction, avoids using large amounts of strong acid (unlike Hummers method), is relatively simple and can easily form a large scale conductive and transparent film from oGr/SCX suspension.
Vertically aligned P(VDF-TrFE) core-shell structures on flexible pillar arrays
Authors: Choi Yoon-Young , Yun Tae Gwang , Qaiser Nadeem , Paik Haemin , Roh Hee Seok , Hong Jongin , Hong Seungbum , Han Seung Min , No Kwangsoo
Published: June 2015

PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE) nano- and micro- structures have been widely used due to their potential applications in several fields, including sensors, actuators, vital sign transducers and energy harvesters. In this study, we developed vertically aligned P(VDF-TrFE) core-shell structures using high modulus polyurethane acrylate (PUA) pillars as the support structure to maintain the structural integrity. In addition, we were able to improve the piezoelectric effect by 1.85 times from 40 ± 2 to 74 ± 2 pm/V when compared to the thin film counterpart, which contributes to the more efficient current generation under a given stress, by making an effective use of the P(VDF-TrFE) thin top layer as well as the side walls. We attribute the enhancement of piezoelectric effects to the contributions from the shell component and the strain confinement effect, which was supported by our modeling results. We envision that these organic-based P(VDF-TrFE) core-shell structures will be used widely as 3D sensors and power generators because they are optimized for current generations by utilizing all surface areas, including the side walls of core-shell structures.
Facilitated Tau Degradation by USP14 Aptamers via Enhanced Proteasome Activity
Authors: Lee Jung Hoon , Shin Seung Kyun , Jiang Yanxialei , Choi Won Hoon , Hong Chaesun , Kim Dong-Eun , Lee Min Jae
Published: June 2015

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the primary mechanism by which intracellular proteins, transcription factors and many proteotoxic proteins with aggregation-prone structures are degraded. The UPS is reportedly downregulated in various neurodegenerative disorders, with increased proteasome activity shown to be beneficial in many related disease models. Proteasomes function under tonic inhibitory conditions, possibly via the ubiquitin chain-trimming function of USP14, a proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB). We identified three specific RNA aptamers of USP14 (USP14-1, USP14-2 and USP14-3) that inhibited its deubiquitinating activity. The nucleotide sequences of these non-cytotoxic USP14 aptamers contained conserved GGAGG motifs, with G-rich regions upstream and similar secondary structures. They efficiently elevated proteasomal activity, as determined by the increased degradation of small fluorogenic peptide substrates and physiological polyubiquitinated Sic1 proteins. Additionally, proteasomal degradation of tau proteins was facilitated in the presence of the UPS14 aptamers in vitro. Our results indicate that these novel inhibitory UPS14 aptamers can be used to enhance proteasome activity and to facilitate the degradation of proteotoxic proteins, thereby protecting cells from various neurodegenerative stressors.
Chemical mediation of coral larval settlement by crustose coralline algae
Authors: Tebben J. , Motti C. A , Siboni Nahshon , Tapiolas D. M. , Negri A. P. , Schupp P. J. , Kitamura Makoto , Hatta Masayuki , Steinberg P. D. , Harder T.
Published: June 2015

The majority of marine invertebrates produce dispersive larvae which, in order to complete their life cycles, must attach and metamorphose into benthic forms. This process, collectively referred to as settlement, is often guided by habitat-specific cues. While the sources of such cues are well known, the links between their biological activity, chemical identity, presence and quantificationin situare largely missing. Previous work on coral larval settlementin vitrohas shown widespread induction by crustose coralline algae (CCA) and in particular their associated bacteria. However, we found that bacterial biofilms on CCA did not initiate ecologically realistic settlement responses in larvae of 11 hard coral species from Australia, Guam, Singapore and Japan. We instead found that algal chemical cues induce identical behavioral responses of larvae as per live CCA. We identified two classes of CCA cell wall-associated compounds – glycoglycerolipids and polysaccharides – as the main constituents of settlement inducing fractions. These algae-derived fractions induce settlement and metamorphosis at equivalent concentrations as present in CCA, both in small scale laboratory assays and under flow-through conditions, suggesting their ability to act in an ecologically relevant fashion to steer larval settlement of corals. Both compound classes were readily detected in natural samples.
Whole genome methylation array reveals the down-regulation of IGFBP6 and SATB2 by HIV-1
Authors: Zhang Yinfeng , Li Sai-Kam , Yi Yang Kevin , Liu Minghua , Lee Nelson , Tang Xian , Wang Hui , Liu Li , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Chiyu , Wang Jianhua , Kwok-Wing Tsui Stephen
Published: June 2015

Nowadays, the knowledge in DNA methylation-mediated gene regulation has shed light on the understanding of virus-host interplay in the context of genome alteration. It has also been shown that HIV is able to change the DNA methylation pattern by DNA methyltransferases and such changes can be correlated with the progression of AIDS. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between genome-wide DNA methylation pattern and HIV infection using the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation - microarray method. A pair of monozygotic twins was recruited: one of the twins was infected with HIV while the other was not. Based on data from the microarray experiment, 4679 differentially methylated regions in the HIV positive subject with the significant peak values were identified. Selected genes were then validated in human T lymphocyte CEM*174 cell line and HIV/AIDS patients by comparing with normal subjects. We found that IGFBP6 and SATB2 were significantly down-regulated in HIV-infected CEM*174 cells and 3 different cohorts of HIV/AIDS patients while their promoters were predominantly hyper-methylated compared with normal controls. This study also provides a resource for the identification of HIV-induced methylation and contributes to better understanding of the development of HIV/AIDS.
Altered resting state functional connectivity of anterior cingulate cortex in drug naïve adolescents at the earliest stages of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Gaudio Santino , Piervincenzi Claudia , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Romana Montecchi Francesca , Riva Giuseppe , Carducci Filippo , Cosimo Quattrocchi Carlo
Published: June 2015

Previous Resting-State Functional Connectivity (RSFC) studies have shown several functional alterations in adults with or recovered from long Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The aim of this paper was to investigate whole brain RSFC in adolescents with AN in the earliest stages, less than 6 months, of the disorder. Sixteen drug-naïve outpatient female adolescents with AN-restrictive type (AN-r) (mean age: 15,8; SD 1,7) were compared to 16 age-matched healthy female (mean age: 16,3; SD 1,4). Relevant resting state networks (RSNs) were identified using independent component analysis (ICA) from functional magnetic resonance imaging data; a dual regression technique was used to detect between-group differences in the RSNs. Between-group differences of the functional connectivity maps were found in the executive control network (ECN). Particularly, decreased temporal correlation was observed in AN-r patients relative to healthy controls between the ECN functional connectivity maps and the anterior cingulate cortex (p < 0.05 corrected). Our results in AN adolescents may represent an early trait-related biomarker of the disease. Considering that the above mentioned network and its area are mainly involved in cognitive control and emotional processing, our findings could explain the impaired cognitive flexibility in relation to body image and appetite in AN patients.
CdS quantum dots modified CuO inverse opal electrodes for ultrasensitive electrochemical and photoelectrochemical biosensor
Authors: Xia Lei , Xu Lin , Song Jian , Xu Ru , Liu Dali , Dong Biao , Song Hongwei
Published: June 2015

The CuO inverse opal photonic crystals (IOPCs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method and modified with CdS quantum dots by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). CdS QDs modified CuO IOPCs FTO electrodes of different SILAR cycles were fabricated and their electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (I–t). Structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The result indicated that the structure of IOPCs and loading of CdS QDs could greatly improve the electrochemical properties. Three SILAR cycles of CdS QDs sensitization was the optimum condition for preparing electrodes, it exhibited a sensitivity of 4345 μA mM-1 cm-2 to glucose with a 0.15 μM detection limit (S/N= 3) and a linear range from 0.15 μM to 0.5 mM under a working potential of +0.7 V. It also showed strong stability, good reproducibility, excellent selectivity and fast amperometric response. This work provides a promising approach for realizing excellent photoelectrochemical nonenzymatic glucose biosensor of similar composite structure.
Chitosan/siCkip-1 biofunctionalized titanium implant for improved osseointegration in the osteoporotic condition
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Kaimin , Song Wen , Xu Haiyan , An Ran , Zhao Lingzhou , Liu Bin , Zhang Yumei
Published: June 2015

Biofunctionalization with siRNA targeting the key negative modulators of bone turnover involved in the molecular mechanism of osteoporosis, such as casein kinase-2 interacting protein-1 (Ckip-1), may lead to enhanced Ti osseointegration in the osteoporotic condition. In this study, even siRNA loading was accomplished by the thermal alkali (TA) treatment to make the Ti ultrahydrophilic and negatively charged to facilitate the physical adsorption of the positively charged CS/siR complex, designated as TA-CS/siR. The intracellular uptake of the CS/siR complex and the gene knockdown efficiency were assessed with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as well as the green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing H1299 cells. In vitro osteogenic activity of TA-CS/siCkip-1 targeting Ckip-1 was assessed with MSCs. In vivo osseointegration of TA-CS/siCkip-1 was assessed in the osteoporotic rat model. TA-CS/siR showed excellent siRNA delivery efficiency and gene silencing effect. TA-CS/siCkip-1 significantly improved the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in terms of the enhanced alkaline phosphatase and collagen product and extracellular matrix mineralization and led to dramatically enhanced in vivo osseointegration in the osteoporostic rat model, showing promising clinical potential for the osteoporotic condition application. TA-CS/siR may constitute a general approach for developing the advanced Ti implants targeting specific molecular mechanism.
Substrate-mediated strain effect on the role of thermal heating and electric field on metal-insulator transition in vanadium dioxide nanobeams
Authors: Kim Min-Woo , Jung Wan-Gil , Hyun-Cho  , Bae Tae-Sung , Chang Sung-Jin , Jang Ja-Soon , Hong Woong-Ki , Kim Bong-Joong
Published: June 2015

Single-crystalline vanadium dioxide (VO2) nanostructures have recently attracted great attention because of their single domain metal-insulator transition (MIT) nature that differs from a bulk sample. The VO2 nanostructures can also provide new opportunities to explore, understand and ultimately engineer MIT properties for applications of novel functional devices. Importantly, the MIT properties of the VO2 nanostructures are significantly affected by stoichiometry, doping, size effect, defects and in particular, strain. Here, we report the effect of substrate-mediated strain on the correlative role of thermal heating and electric field on the MIT in the VO2 nanobeams by altering the strength of the substrate attachment. Our study may provide helpful information on controlling the properties of VO2 nanobeam for the device applications by changing temperature and voltage with a properly engineered strain.
Expanding the chemical space for natural products by Aspergillus-Streptomyces co-cultivation and biotransformation
Authors: Wu Changsheng , Zacchetti Boris , Ram Arthur F.J. , van Wezel Gilles P. , Claessen Dennis , Hae Choi Young
Published: June 2015

Actinomycetes and filamentous fungi produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, with applications as antimicrobials, anticancer agents or agrochemicals. Their genomes contain a far larger number of gene clusters for natural products than originally anticipated and novel approaches are required to exploit this potential reservoir of new drugs. Here, we show that co-cultivation of the filamentous model microbesStreptomyces coelicolorandAspergillus nigerhas a major impact on their secondary metabolism. NMR-based metabolomics combined with multivariate data analysis revealed several compounds that correlated specifically to co-cultures, including the cyclic dipeptide cyclo(Phe-Phe) and 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, both of which were produced byA. nigerin response toS. coelicolor. Furthermore, biotransformation studies witho-coumaric acid and caffeic acid resulted in the production of the novel compounds (E)-2-(3-hydroxyprop-1-en-1-yl)-phenol and (2E,4E)-3-(2-carboxy-1-hydroxyethyl)-2,4-hexadienedioxic acid, respectively. This highlights the utility of microbial co-cultivation combined with NMR-based metabolomics as an efficient pipeline for the discovery of novel natural products.