bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forward reachable sets: Analytically derived properties of connected components for dynamic networks
Authors: ARMBRUSTER BENJAMIN , WANG LI , MORRIS MARTINA
Published: June 2017

Formal analysis of the emergent structural properties of dynamic networks is largely uncharted territory. We focus here on the properties of forward reachable sets (FRS) as a function of the underlying degree distribution and edge duration. FRS are defined as the set of nodes that can be reached from an initial seed via a path of temporally ordered edges; a natural extension of connected component measures to dynamic networks. Working in a stochastic framework, we derive closed-form expressions for the mean and variance of the exponential growth rate of the FRS for temporal networks with both edge and node dynamics. For networks with node dynamics, we calculate thresholds for the growth of the FRS. The effects of finite population size are explored via simulation and approximation. We examine how these properties vary by edge duration and different cross-sectional degree distributions that characterize a range of scientifically interesting normative outcomes (Poisson and Bernoulli). The size of the forward reachable set gives an upper bound for the epidemic size in disease transmission network models, relating this work to epidemic modeling (Ferguson, 2000; Eames, 2004).
PUFA levels in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids are differentially associated with colorectal adenoma risk
Authors: Rifkin Samara B. , Shrubsole Martha J. , Cai Qiuyin , Smalley Walter E. , Ness Reid M. , Swift Larry L. , Zheng Wei , Murff Harvey J.
Published: June 2017

Dietary intake of PUFA has been associated with colorectal neoplasm risk; however, results from observational studies have been inconsistent. Most prior studies have utilised self-reported dietary measures to assess fatty acid exposure which might be more susceptible to measurement error and biases compared with biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether erythrocyte phospholipid membrane PUFA percentages are associated with colorectal adenoma risk. We included data from 904 adenoma cases and 835 polyp-free controls who participated in the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study, a large colonoscopy-based case–control study. Erythrocyte membrane PUFA percentages were measured using GC. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted OR for risk of colorectal adenomas with erythrocyte membrane PUFA. Higher erythrocyte membrane percentages of arachidonic acid was associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomas (adjusted OR 1·66; 95 % CI 1·05, 2·62,Ptrend=0·02) comparing the highest tertile to the lowest tertile. The effect size for arachidonic acid was more pronounced when restricting the analysis to advanced adenomas only. Higher erythrocyte membrane EPA percentages were associated with a trend towards a reduced risk of advanced colorectal adenomas (Ptrend=0·05). Erythrocyte membrane arachidonic acid percentages are associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomas.
Association of providing/receiving support on the mortality of older adults with different living arrangements in Taiwan: a longitudinal study on ageing
Authors: LIAO MIAO-YU , YEH CHIH-JUNG , LEE SHU-HSIN , LIAO CHUN-CHENG , LEE MENG-CHIH
Published: June 2017

This longitudinal study evaluated the direct effects of providing/receiving family support on mortality in older adults with different living arrangements in Taiwan. All data analysed were obtained from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, 1996–2007, of residents aged ⩾67 years (1,492 men and 1,177 women) and Taiwan's National Death Register. Living arrangements were divided into living alone, living only with spouse, living with family and living with others. Support was mainly defined as family support divided into two categories: providing and receiving. The effect of providing/receiving family support on the mortality of older adults was evaluated using Cox regression analysed by living arrangement. Participants living with their families had lower educational levels (illiterate or elementary school) and more disability in both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. However, they provided more family support than those in other living arrangements. After adjusting for several potentially confounding variables, including background characteristics, economic status and various health status measures, results showed that older adults living with their families and providing support had an 11 per cent lower mortality rate (Hazard ratio = 0.89; 95 per cent confidence interval = 0.83–0.96; p = 0.0018). In conclusion, we found that, when living with family, the lives of older adults can be extended by providing support, clearly supporting the old adage ‘it is more blessing to give than to receive’. Older adults wanting to extend their lives can be encouraged to provide more help to their families.
The Squire Law Library at Cambridge: the Historical Development and Current Status of the International Law Collections
Authors: Dingle Lesley
Published: June 2017

In this paper Lesley Dingle provides a detailed account of the historical development of the public international law collections at the Squire Law Library in Cambridge. She explains the close involvement of the academic lawyers and the librarians, past and present, in developing an important collection which reflects the significance of the subject at Cambridge's Faculty of Law. Finally, she brings things up-to-date by detailing the extent of the electronic provision which benefits the modern scholar in this discipline.
An Exploration into the Information Searching Behaviours of Young Barristers in Ireland
Authors: Fay Ruth
Published: June 2017

Barristers need information. They need it to defend their clients by presenting their case in court. Some of the information they need is to be found in a book; some is to be found on a database. Choices made by the barristers and the rationale for these choices form the basis for what is to follow, as Ruth Fay explains. In this piece of research, a lack of a control group meant that no firm conclusions could be drawn. However, some interesting findings emerged in terms of how the library was used. A number of recommendations were proposed. For the most part, they centred on practical and immediate rethinks with encouragement towards the ushering in of a new culture.
Traditional Benefits Versus Perquisites
Authors: Renaud Stéphane , Morin Lucie , Béchard Alexis
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to test the association between satisfaction with traditional benefits and perquisites and turnover via the mediating effect of organizational commitment. Data come from a series of electronic surveys conducted among a sample of new employees working in the Canadian division of a large international Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) firm. Results indicate that while satisfaction with traditional benefits has both a direct and indirect effect on turnover, satisfaction with perquisites only has an indirect effect on turnover via organizational commitment. Results also show that satisfaction with traditional benefits has a stronger impact on turnover than satisfaction with perquisites.
Massive Waves of Melting Greenland Ice Warped Earth’s Crust
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: June 2017

A novel method uses shifting bedrock to trace pulses of mass that propagate down a glacier.
Gene knockout of Zmym3 in mice arrests spermatogenesis at meiotic metaphase with defects in spindle assembly checkpoint
Authors: Hu Xiangjing , Shen Bin , Liao Shangying , Ning Yan , Ma Longfei , Chen Jian , Lin Xiwen , Zhang Daoqin , Li Zhen , Zheng Chunwei , Feng Yanmin , Huang Xingxu , Han Chunsheng
Published: June 2017

ZMYM3, a member of the MYM-type zinc finger protein family and a component of a LSD1-containing transcription repressor complex, is predominantly expressed in the mouse brain and testis. Here, we show that ZMYM3 in the mouse testis is expressed in somatic cells and germ cells until pachytene spermatocytes. Knockout (KO) of Zmym3 in mice using the CRISPR-Cas9 system resulted in adult male infertility. Spermatogenesis of the KO mice was arrested at the metaphase of the first meiotic division (MI). ZMYM3 co-immunoprecipitated with LSD1 in spermatogonial stem cells, but its KO did not change the levels of LSD1 or H3K4me1/2 or H3K9me2. However, Zmym3 KO resulted in elevated numbers of apoptotic germ cells and of MI spermatocytes that are positive for BUB3, which is a key player in spindle assembly checkpoint. Zmym3 KO also resulted in up-regulated expression of meiotic genes in spermatogonia. These results show that ZMYM3 has an essential role in metaphase to anaphase transition during mouse spermatogenesis by regulating the expression of diverse families of genes.
The role of MAP2 kinases and p38 kinase in acute murine liver injury models
Authors: Zhang Jun , Min Robert W M , Le Khanh , Zhou Sheng , Aghajan Mariam , Than Tin A , Win Sanda , Kaplowitz Neil
Published: June 2017

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mediates hepatotoxicity through interaction of its phospho-activated form with a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, Sh3bp5 or Sab, leading to dephosphorylation of intermembrane Src and consequent impaired mitochondrial respiration and enhanced ROS release. ROS production from mitochondria activates MAP3 kinases, such as MLK3 and ASK1, which continue to activate a pathway to sustain JNK activation, and amplifies the toxic effect of acetaminophen (APAP) and TNF/galactosamine (TNF/GalN). Downstream of MAP3K, in various contexts MKK4 activates both JNK and p38 kinases and MKK7 activates only JNK. The relative role of MKK4 versus 7 in liver injury is largely unexplored, as is the potential role of p38 kinase, which might be a key mediator of toxicity in addition to JNK. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) to MKK4, MKK7 and p38 (versus scrambled control) were used for in vivo knockdown, and in some experiments PMH were used after in vivo knockdown. Mice were treated with APAP or TNF/GalN and injury assessed. MKK4 and MKK7 were expressed in liver and each was efficiently knocked down with two different ASOs. Massive liver injury and ALT elevation were abrogated by MKK4 but not MKK7 ASO pretreatment in both injury models. The protection was confirmed in PMH. Knockdown of MKK4 completely inhibited basal P-p38 in both cytoplasm and mitochondria. However, ALT levels and histologic injury in APAP-treated mice were not altered with p38 knockdown versus scrambled control. p38 knockdown significantly increased P-JNK levels in cytoplasm but not mitochondria after APAP treatment. In conclusion, MKK4 is the major MAP2K, which activates JNK in acute liver injury. p38, the other downstream target of MKK4, does not contribute to liver injury from APAP or TNF/galactosamine.
Role of peroxiredoxin2 downregulation in recurrent miscarriage through regulation of trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Wu Fan , Tian Fuju , Zeng Weihong , Liu Xiaorui , Fan Jianxia , Lin Yi , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2017

Peroxiredoxin (Prdx) 2 is an antioxidant protein that utilizes its redox-sensitive cysteine groups to reduce hydrogen peroxide molecules and protect cells against oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, its function in trophoblasts at the maternal–fetal interface has not been clarified yet. In this study, significantly lower Prdx2 expression was found in the first-trimester villous cytotrophoblasts of patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM) than in cytotrophoblasts from healthy controls. Further, Prdx2 knockdown inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis of trophoblast cells. The reason for this may be an increase in the level of cellular ROS after knockdown of Prdx2, which may subsequently lead to an increase in the expression of phosphorylated p53 (p-p53) and p38-MAPK/p21. Prdx2 knockdown also impaired the fusion of BeWo cells induced by forskolin. Bioinformatics analysis identified a c-Myc-binding site in the Prdx2 promoter region, and chromatin immunoprecipitation verified that c-Myc directly bound to a site in this locus. Suppression and overexpression of c-Myc resulted in reduction and increase of Prdx2 expression respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that c-Myc was downregulated in the first-trimester cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM, and its downregulation is also related with inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, as well as upregulated p21 expression and p-p53/p53 ratio. Our findings indicate that Prdx2 might have an important role in the regulation of trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis during early pregnancy, and that its expression is mediated by c-Myc. Thus, these two proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of RM and may represent potential therapeutic targets.
Ochratoxin A-induced autophagy in vitro and in vivo promotes porcine circovirus type 2 replication
Authors: Qian Gang , Liu Dandan , Hu Junfa , Gan Fang , Hou Lili , Chen Xingxiang , Huang Kehe
Published: June 2017

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is recognized as the causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated diseases. Recently, we reported that low doses of OTA promoted PCV2 replication in vitro and in vivo, but the underlying mechanism needed further investigation. The present studies further confirmed OTA-induced PCV2 replication promotion as measured by cap protein expression, viral titer, viral DNA copies and the number of infected cells. Our studies also showed that OTA induced autophagy in PK-15 cells, as assessed by the markedly increased expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II, autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), and Beclin-1 and the accumulation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-LC3 dots. OTA induced complete autophagic flux, which was detected by monitoring p62 degradation and LC3-II turnover using immunoblotting. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methylademine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) significantly attenuated OTA-induced PCV2 replication promotion. The observed phenomenon was further confirmed by the knock-down of ATG5 or Beclin-1 by specific siRNA. Further studies showed that N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an ROS scavenger could block autophagy induced by OTA, indicating that ROS may be involved in the regulation of OTA-induced autophagy. Furthermore, we observed significant increases in OTA concentrations in lung, spleen, kidney, liver and inguinal lymph nodes (ILN) and bronchial lymph nodes (BLN) of pigs fed 75 and 150 μg/kg OTA compared with controls in vivo. Administration of 75 μg/kg OTA significantly increased PCV2 replication and autophagy in the lung, spleen, kidney and BLN of pigs. Taken together, it could be concluded that OTA-induced autophagy in vitro and in vivo promotes PCV2 replication.
Oxygen consumption of gastrocnemius medialis muscle during submaximal voluntary isometric contractions with and without preceding stretch
Authors: Paternoster F. K. , Hahn D. , Stöcker F. , Schwirtz A. , Seiberl W.
Published: June 2017

After an active muscle stretch, maintaining a certain amount of force in the following isometric phase is accompanied by less muscle activation compared to an isometric contraction without preceding active stretch at the corresponding muscle length. This reduced muscle activation might be related to reduced metabolic costs, such as the oxidative metabolism. Hence, the aim of this study was to clarify if mechanisms associated with stretch-induced activation reduction (AR) also influence oxygen consumption of voluntary activated human muscles after active stretch. Plantarflexion torque of 20 subjects was measured during 1) purely isometric and 2) active stretch contractions (26°, 60°/s), at a submaximal torque level of 30% MVC. Oxygen consumption (m$$\dot{\rm{V}}$$

V

·

O2) of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) was estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy while applying arterial occlusion. Since the overall group did not show AR at GM after active stretch (p > 0.19), a subgroup was defined (n = 10) showing AR of 13.0 ± 10.3% (p = 0.00). However, for both purely isometric and active contractions m$$\dot{\rm{V}}$$

V

·

O2 was the same (p = 0.32). Therefore, AR triggered by active stretch did not affect m$$\dot{\rm{V}}$$

V

·

O2 of active human muscle.
Predictive value of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for acute myocardial infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Pang Hui , Han Bing , Fu Qiang , Zong Zhenkun
Published: June 2017

The presence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) confers a poor prognosis in atrial fibrillation (AF), associated with increased mortality dramatically. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for AMI in patients with AF. This retrospective study enrolled 5140 consecutive nonvalvular AF patients, 300 patients with AMI and 4840 patients without AMI. We identified the optimal cut-off values of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores each based on receiver operating characteristic curves to predict the risk of AMI. Both CHADS2 score and CHA2DS2-VASc score were associated with an increased odds ratio of the prevalence of AMI in patients with AF, after adjustment for hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea. The present results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for CHADS2 score was 0.787 with a similar accuracy of the CHA2DS2-VASc score (AUC 0.750) in predicting “high-risk” AF patients who developed AMI. However, the predictive accuracy of the two clinical-based risk scores was fair. The CHA2DS2-VASc score has fair predictive value for identifying high-risk patients with AF and is not significantly superior to CHADS2 in predicting patients who develop AMI.
Mechanisms and time-resolved dynamics for trihydrogen cation (H3
+) formation from organic molecules in strong laser fields
Authors: Ekanayake Nagitha , Nairat Muath , Kaderiya Balram , Feizollah Peyman , Jochim Bethany , Severt Travis , Berry Ben , Pandiri Kanaka Raju , Carnes Kevin D. , Pathak Shashank , Rolles Daniel , Rudenko Artem , Ben-Itzhak Itzik , Mancuso Christopher A. , Fales B. Scott , Jackson James E. , Levine Benjamin G. , Dantus Marcos
Published: June 2017

Strong-field laser-matter interactions often lead to exotic chemical reactions. Trihydrogen cation formation from organic molecules is one such case that requires multiple bonds to break and form. We present evidence for the existence of two different reaction pathways for H3+ formation from organic molecules irradiated by a strong-field laser. Assignment of the two pathways was accomplished through analysis of femtosecond time-resolved strong-field ionization and photoion-photoion coincidence measurements carried out on methanol isotopomers, ethylene glycol, and acetone. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations suggest the formation occurs via two steps: the initial formation of a neutral hydrogen molecule, followed by the abstraction of a proton from the remaining CHOH2+ fragment by the roaming H2 molecule. This reaction has similarities to the H2 + H2+ mechanism leading to formation of H3+ in the universe. These exotic chemical reaction mechanisms, involving roaming H2 molecules, are found to occur in the ~100 fs timescale. Roaming molecule reactions may help to explain unlikely chemical processes, involving dissociation and formation of multiple chemical bonds, occurring under strong laser fields.
Beaming and enhanced transmission through a subwavelength aperture via epsilon-near-zero media
Authors: Hajian Hodjat , Ozbay Ekmel , Caglayan Humeyra
Published: June 2017

We numerically validate and experimentally realize considerable funneling of electromagnetic energy through a subwavelength aperture that is covered with an epsilon-near-zero metamaterial (ENZ). The epsilon-near-zero metamaterial is composed of two layers of metasurfaces and operates at microwave frequencies. We demonstrate that the presence of the metamaterial at the inner and outer sides of the aperture not only lead to a significant enhancement in light transmission, but also cause a directional emission of light extracting from this hybrid system. In addition to these experimental results, we theoretically demonstrate the same concept in mid-IR region for a subwavelength gold aperture with indium tin oxide as an epsilon-near-zero material. Moreover, we found that using a dielectric spacer in-between the sunwavelength aperture and the ENZ medium, it is possible to red-shift the enhancement/directional frequency of the system.
Behavioral Inefficiency on a Risky Decision-Making Task in Adulthood after Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure in Rats
Authors: Miller Kelsey M. , Risher Mary-Louise , Acheson Shawn K. , Darlow Matthew , Sexton Hannah G. , Schramm-Sapyta Nicole , Swartzwelder H. S.
Published: June 2017

Adolescence is a period of development in neural circuits that are critical for adult functioning. There is a relationship between alcohol exposure and risky decision-making, though the enduring effects of adolescent ethanol exposure on risky decision-making in adulthood have not been fully explored. Studies using positive reinforcement have shown that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure results in higher levels of risky decision-making in adulthood, but the effects of AIE on punishment-mediated decision-making have not been explored. Adolescent rats were exposed to AIE or saline vehicle across a 16-day period, and then allowed to mature into adulthood. They were then trained to lever press for food reward and were assessed for risky decision-making by pairing increased levels of food reward with the probability of footshock punishment. AIE did not alter punishment-mediated risky decision-making. However, it did result in a significant increase in the delay to lever pressing. This finding is consistent with previous reports, using other behavioral tasks, which show decreased behavioral efficiency in adulthood after AIE. These findings indicate that AIE increases behavioral inefficiency, but not punishment-mediated risk-taking, in adulthood. Thus they contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the long-term effects of AIE on adult behavior.
Immunosuppression in Honeybee Queens by the Neonicotinoids Thiacloprid and Clothianidin
Authors: Brandt Annely , Grikscheit Katharina , Siede Reinhold , Grosse Robert , Meixner Marina Doris , Büchler Ralph
Published: June 2017

Queen health is crucial to colony survival of honeybees, since reproduction and colony growth rely solely on the queen. Queen failure is considered a relevant cause of colony losses, yet few data exist concerning effects of environmental stressors on queens. Here we demonstrate for the first time that exposure to field-realistic concentrations of neonicotinoid pesticides can severely affect the immunocompetence of queens of western honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). In young queens exposed to thiacloprid (200 µg/l or 2000 µg/l) or clothianidin (10 µg/l or 50 µg/l), the total hemocyte number and the proportion of active, differentiated hemocytes was significantly reduced. Moreover, functional aspects of the immune defence namely the wound healing/melanisation response, as well as the antimicrobial activity of the hemolymph were impaired. Our results demonstrate that neonicotinoid insecticides can negatively affect the immunocompetence of queens, possibly leading to an impaired disease resistance capacity.
Improved Energetic-Behaviors of Spontaneously Surface-Mediated Al Particles
Authors: Kim Dong Won , Kim Kyung Tae , Min Tae Sik , Kim Kyung Ju , Kim Soo Hyung
Published: June 2017

Surface-mediated Al particles are synthesized by incorporating the stable fluoride reaction of Al-F on a pure Al surface in place of natural oxides. Al particles with fluoro-polymer directly adsorbed on the surface show a considerable capability to overcome limitations caused by the surface oxide. Here, we report that Al fluoride when spontaneously formed at the poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Al interface serves as an oxidation-protecting layer while also providing an efficient combustion path along which the internal Al rapidly reacts with external oxygen atoms. Both thermal oxidation and explosion tests of the poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Al particles show superior exothermic enthalpy energy and simultaneously rapid oxidation reactivity compared to those of Al2O3 passivated Al particles. It is clearly elucidated that the enhanced energetic properties of Al particles mediated by poly(vinylidene fluoride) originate from the extraordinary pyrolytic process of Al fluoride occurring at a low temperature compared to Al2O3 passivated Al. Hence, these results clarify that the surface mediation of Al particles can be significantly considered as advanced technology for many energetic applications.
Quantitative characterization of the auxin-inducible degron: a guide for dynamic protein depletion in single yeast cells
Authors: Papagiannakis Alexandros , de Jonge Janeska J , Zhang Zheng , Heinemann Matthias
Published: June 2017

Perturbations are essential for the interrogation of biological systems. The auxin-inducible degron harbors great potential for dynamic protein depletion in yeast. Here, we thoroughly and quantitatively characterize the auxin-inducible degron in single yeast cells. We show that an auxin concentration of 0.25 mM is necessary for fast and uniform protein depletion between single cells, and that in mother cells proteins are depleted faster than their daughters. Although, protein recovery starts immediately after removal of auxin, it takes multiple generations before equilibrium is reached between protein synthesis and dilution, which is when the original protein levels are restored. Further, we found that blue light, used for GFP excitation, together with auxin results in growth defects, caused by the photo-destruction of auxin to its toxic derivatives, which can be avoided if indole-free auxin substitutes are used. Our work provides guidelines for the successful combination of microscopy, microfluidics and the auxin-inducible degron, offering the yeast community an unprecedented tool for dynamic perturbations on the single cell level.
GWAS follow-up study of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma identifies potential genetic loci associated with family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Song Xin , Li Wen-Qing , Hu Nan , Zhao Xue Ke , Wang Zhaoming , Hyland Paula L. , Jiang Tao , Kong Guo Qiang , Su Hua , Wang Chaoyu , Wang Lemin , Sun Li , Fan Zong Min , Meng Hui , Zhang Tang Juan , Ji Ling Fen , Hu Shou Jia , Han Wei Li , Wu Min Jie , Zheng Peng Yuan , Lv Shuang , Li Xue Min , Zhou Fu You , Burdett Laurie , Ding Ti , Qiao You-Lin , Fan Jin-Hu , Han Xiao-You , Giffen Carol , Tucker Margaret A. , Dawsey Sanford M. , Freedman Neal D. , Chanock Stephen J. , Abnet Christian C. , Taylor Philip R. , Wang Li-Dong , Goldstein Alisa M.
Published: June 2017

Based on our initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Han Chinese, we conducted a follow-up study to examine the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with family history (FH) of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGI) cancer in cases with ESCC. We evaluated the association between SNPs and FH of UGI cancer among ESCC cases in a stage-1 case-only analysis of the National Cancer Institute (NCI, 541 cases with FH and 1399 without FH) and Henan GWAS (493 cases with FH and 869 without FH) data (discovery phase). The top SNPs (or their surrogates) from discovery were advanced to a stage-2 evaluation in additional Henan subjects (2801 cases with FH and 3136 without FH, replication phase). A total of 19 SNPs were associated with FH of UGI cancer in ESCC cases with P < 10−5 in the stage-1 meta-analysis of NCI and Henan GWAS data. In stage-2, the association for rs79747906 (located at 18p11.31, P = 5.79 × 10−6 in discovery) was replicated (P = 0.006), with a pooled-OR of 1.59 (95%CI: 1.11-2.28). We identified potential genetic variants associated with FH of UGI cancer. Our findings may provide important insights into new low-penetrance susceptibility regions involved in the susceptibility of families with multiple UGI cancer cases.
Multiple cues produced by a robotic fish modulate aggressive behaviour in Siamese fighting fishes
Authors: Romano Donato , Benelli Giovanni , Donati Elisa , Remorini Damiano , Canale Angelo , Stefanini Cesare
Published: June 2017

The use of robotics to establish social interactions between animals and robots, represents an elegant and innovative method to investigate animal behaviour. However, robots are still underused to investigate high complex and flexible behaviours, such as aggression. Here, Betta splendens was tested as model system to shed light on the effect of a robotic fish eliciting aggression. We evaluated how multiple signal systems, including a light stimulus, affect aggressive responses in B. splendens. Furthermore, we conducted experiments to estimate if aggressive responses were triggered by the biomimetic shape of fish replica, or whether any intruder object was effective as well. Male fishes showed longer and higher aggressive displays as puzzled stimuli from the fish replica increased. When the fish replica emitted its full sequence of cues, the intensity of aggression exceeded even that produced by real fish opponents. Fish replica shape was necessary for conspecific opponent perception, evoking significant aggressive responses. Overall, this study highlights that the efficacy of an artificial opponent eliciting aggressive behaviour in fish can be boosted by exposure to multiple signals. Optimizing the cue combination delivered by the robotic fish replica may be helpful to predict escalating levels of aggression.
Post-glacial biogeography of trembling aspen inferred from habitat models and genetic variance in quantitative traits
Authors: Ding Chen , Schreiber Stefan G. , Roberts David R. , Hamann Andreas , Brouard Jean S.
Published: June 2017

Using species distribution models and information on genetic structure and within-population variance observed in a series of common garden trials, we reconstructed a historical biogeography of trembling aspen in North America. We used an ensemble classifier modelling approach (RandomForest) to reconstruct palaeoclimatic habitat for the periods 21,000, 14,000, 11,000 and 6,000 years before present. Genetic structure and diversity in quantitative traits was evaluated in common garden trials with 43 aspen collections ranging from Minnesota to northern British Columbia. Our main goals were to examine potential recolonisation routes for aspen from southwestern, eastern and Beringian glacial refugia. We further examined if any refugium had stable habitat conditions where aspen clones may have survived multiple glaciations. Our palaeoclimatic habitat reconstructions indicate that aspen may have recolonised boreal Canada and Alaska from refugia in the eastern United States, with separate southwestern refugia for the Rocky Mountain regions. This is further supported by a southeast to northwest gradient of decreasing genetic variance in quantitative traits, a likely result of repeated founder effects. Stable habitat where aspen clones may have survived multiple glaciations was predicted in Mexico and the eastern United States, but not in the west where some of the largest aspen clones have been documented.
Chimeras and complex cluster states in arrays of spin-torque oscillators
Authors: Zaks Michael , Pikovsky Arkady
Published: June 2017

We consider synchronization properties of arrays of spin-torque nano-oscillators coupled via an RC load. We show that while the fully synchronized state of identical oscillators may be locally stable in some parameter range, this synchrony is not globally attracting. Instead, regimes of different levels of compositional complexity are observed. These include chimera states (a part of the array forms a cluster while other units are desynchronized), clustered chimeras (several clusters plus desynchronized oscillators), cluster state (all oscillators form several clusters), and partial synchronization (no clusters but a nonvanishing mean field). Dynamically, these states are also complex, demonstrating irregular and close to quasiperiodic modulation. Remarkably, when heterogeneity of spin-torque oscillators is taken into account, dynamical complexity even increases: close to the onset of a macroscopic mean field, the dynamics of this field is rather irregular.
Alkaline-Earth Metals-Doped Pyrochlore Gd2Zr2O7 as Oxygen Conductors for Improved NO2 Sensing Performance
Authors: Zhong Fulan , Zhao Jiwu , Shi Lanqian , Xiao Yihong , Cai Guohui , Zheng Yong , Long Jinlin
Published: June 2017

This work proposed a novel strategy to fabricate highly-stable NO2 sensor based on a pyrochlore-phase Gd2Zr2O7 oxygen conductor. The incorporation of alkaline-earth metals distinctly enhances the sensing performance of the Gd2Zr2O7 based sensors. The excellent sensor based on Gd1.95Ca0.05Zr2O7+δ exhibits rapid response-recovery characteristics with the maximum response current value (ΔI = 6.4 μA), extremely short 90% responce (3 s) and 90% recovery (35 s) time towards 500 ppm NO2 at 500 °C, which is better than that of commercial YSZ under the same condition. The ΔI value towards NO2 is much higher than those towards other gases (CH4, C3H6, C3H8, CO, NO, SO2, C2H4, CO2 and C2H6), exhibiting excellent selectivity for detecting NO2. The response signal basically maintains a stable value of 6.4 μA after the sensors was stored for half a month and a month. The outstanding selectivity and highly stability of the NO
2
sensors based on Gd2−xMxZr2O7+δ
are expected to a promising application in automotive vehicles.
Predictors of Change in Self-Reported Sleep Duration in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Shih-Pai Sleep Study, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hsi-Chung , Chou Pesus
Published: June 2017

The present study aims to examine and compare the predictors of changes in self-reported sleep duration in older adults. A total of 2,294 participants over the age of 65 in the Shih-Pai Sleep Study were followed-up for an average of 3 years. According to the self-reported sleep duration at baseline and the results of a follow-up survey conducted 3 years later, participants were classified into three categories: mid-range sleepers (6–7 hours), short sleepers (≤5 hours), and long sleepers (≥8 hours). The main outcome variable was the sleep duration at the follow-up survey. A comparison of the results of the baseline and follow-up surveys revealed that only 45.9% of participants remained in the same spectrum of sleep duration in both surveys, with baseline long sleepers having the lowest consistency rate (27.6%). Only incident diseases, with the exception of prevalent diabetes and physical disability, predicted shortening of sleep duration. In contrast, prevalent morbidities or baseline characteristics correlated with the lengthening of sleep duration. The findings suggested that the self-estimated sleep duration fluctuated in a significant proportion of study participants over time. Predictors of lengthening of sleep duration were essentially different from predictors of shortening of sleep duration.
Large perturbations in CO2 flux and subsequent chemosynthesis are induced in agricultural soil by the addition of elemental sulfur
Authors: Kelleher Brian P. , Flanagan Paul V. , Hart Kris M. , Simpson Andre J. , Oppenheimer Seth F. , Murphy Brian T. , O’Reilly Shane S. , Jordan Sean F. , Grey Anthony , Ibrahim Aliyu , Allen Christopher C. R.
Published: June 2017

The microbial contribution to soil organic matter has been shown to be much larger than previously thought and thus it plays a major role in carbon cycling. Among soil microorganisms, chemoautotrophs can fix CO2without sunlight and can glean energy through the oxidation of reduced elements such as sulfur. Here we show that the addition of sulfur to soil results in an initial surge in production of CO2through microbial respiration, followed by an order of magnitude increase in the capture of carbon from the atmosphere as elemental sulfur is oxidised to sulfate.Thiobacillus spp., take advantage of specific conditions to become the dominant chemoautotrophic group that consumes CO2. We discern the direct incorporation of atmospheric carbon into soil carbohydrate, protein and aliphatic compounds and differentiate these from existing biomass. These results suggest that chemoautotrophs can play a large role in carbon cycling and that this carbon is heavily influenced by land management practises.
Refining Long-Term Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes – The VILDIA Score
Authors: Goliasch Georg , Silbernagel Günther , Kleber Marcus E. , Grammer Tanja B. , Pilz Stefan , Tomaschitz Andreas , Bartko Philipp E. , Maurer Gerald , Koenig Wolfgang , Niessner Alexander , März Winfried
Published: June 2017

Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with diabetes relies on traditional risk factors. However, numerous novel biomarkers have been found to be independent predictors of cardiovascular disease, which might significantly improve risk prediction in diabetic patients. We aimed to improve prediction of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients by investigating 135 evolving biomarkers. Based on selected biomarkers a clinically applicable prediction algorithm for long-term cardiovascular mortality was designed. We prospectively enrolled 864 diabetic patients of the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular health (LURIC) study with a median follow-up of 9.6 years. Independent risk factors were selected using bootstrapping based on a Cox regression analysis. The following seven variables were selected for the final multivariate model: NT-proBNP, age, male sex, renin, diabetes duration, Lp-PLA2 and 25-OH vitamin D3. The risk score based on the aforementioned variables demonstrated an excellent discriminatory power for 10-year cardiovascular survival with a C-statistic of 0.76 (P < 0.001), which was significantly better than the established UKPDS risk engine (C-statistic = 0.64, P < 0.001). Net reclassification confirmed a significant improvement of individual risk prediction by 22% (95% confidence interval: 14–30%) compared to the UKPDS risk engine (P < 0.001). The VILDIA score based on traditional cardiovascular risk factors and reinforced with novel biomarkers outperforms previous risk algorithms.
Computing disease-linked SOD1 mutations: deciphering protein stability and patient-phenotype relations
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Rahman Safikur , Choudhry Hani , Zamzami Mazin A. , Sarwar Jamal Mohammad , Islam Asimul , Ahmad Faizan , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: June 2017

Protein stability is a requisite in the field of biotechnology, cell biology and drug design. To understand effects of amino acid substitutions, computational models are preferred to save time and expenses. As a systemically important, highly abundant, stable protein, the knowledge of Cu/Zn Superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) is important, making it a suitable test case for genotype-phenotype correlation in understanding ALS. Here, we report performance of eight protein stability calculators (PoPMuSiC 3.1, I-Mutant 2.0, I-Mutant 3.0, CUPSAT, FoldX, mCSM, BeatMusic and ENCoM) against 54 experimental stability changes due to mutations of SOD1. Four different high-resolution structures were used to test structure sensitivity that may affect protein calculations. Bland-Altman plot was also used to assess agreement between stability analyses. Overall, PoPMuSiC and FoldX emerge as the best methods in this benchmark. The relative performance of all the eight methods was very much structure independent, and also displayed less structural sensitivity. We also analyzed patient’s data in relation to experimental and computed protein stabilities for mutations of human SOD1. Correlation between disease phenotypes and stability changes suggest that the changes in SOD1 stability correlate with ALS patient survival times. Thus, the results clearly demonstrate the importance of protein stability in SOD1 pathogenicity.
Facilitation of phosphorus uptake in maize plants by mycorrhizosphere bacteria
Authors: Battini Fabio , Grønlund Mette , Agnolucci Monica , Giovannetti Manuela , Jakobsen Iver
Published: June 2017

A major challenge for agriculture is to provide sufficient plant nutrients such as phosphorus (P) to meet the global food demand. The sufficiency of P is a concern because of it’s essential role in plant growth, the finite availability of P-rock for fertilizer production and the poor plant availability of soil P. This study investigated whether biofertilizers and bioenhancers, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their associated bacteria could enhance growth and P uptake in maize. Plants were grown with or without mycorrhizas in compartmented pots with radioactive P tracers and were inoculated with each of 10 selected bacteria isolated from AMF spores. Root colonization by AMF produced large plant growth responses, while seven bacterial strains further facilitated root growth and P uptake by promoting the development of AMF extraradical mycelium. Among the tested strains, Streptomyces sp. W94 produced the largest increases in uptake and translocation of 33P, while Streptomyces sp. W77 highly enhanced hyphal length specific uptake of 33P. The positive relationship between AMF-mediated P absorption and shoot P content was significantly influenced by the bacteria inoculants and such results emphasize the potential importance of managing both AMF and their microbiota for improving P acquisition by crops.
Host age and expression of genes involved in red blood cell invasion in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates
Authors: Valmaseda Aida , Bassat Quique , Aide Pedro , Cisteró Pau , Jiménez Alfons , Casellas Aina , Machevo Sonia , Aguilar Ruth , Sigaúque Betuel , Chauhan Virander S. , Langer Christine , Beeson James , Chitnis Chetan , Alonso Pedro L. , Gaur Deepak , Mayor Alfredo
Published: June 2017

Plasmodium falciparum proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion are main targets of acquired immunity and important vaccine candidates. We hypothesized that anti-parasite immunity acquired upon exposure would limit invasion-related gene (IRG) expression and affect the clinical impact of the infection. 11 IRG transcript levels were measured in P. falciparum isolates by RT-PCR, and IgG/IgM against invasion ligands by Luminex®, in 50 Mozambican adults, 25 children with severe malaria (SM) and 25 with uncomplicated malaria (UM). IRG expression differences among groups and associations between IRG expression and clinical/immunologic parameters were assessed. IRG expression diversity was higher in parasites infecting children than adults (p = 0.022). eba140 and ptramp expression decreased with age (p = 0.003 and 0.007, respectively) whereas p41 expression increased (p = 0.022). pfrh5 reduction in expression was abrupt early in life. Parasite density decreased with increasing pfrh5 expression (p < 0.001) and, only in children, parasite density increased with p41 expression (p = 0.007), and decreased with eba175 (p = 0.013). Antibody responses and IRG expression were not associated. In conclusion, IRG expression is associated with age and parasite density, but not with specific antibody responses in the acute phase of infection. Our results confirm the importance of multi-antigen vaccines development to avoid parasite immune escape when tested in malaria-exposed individuals.
Nanometric alternating magnetic field generator
Authors: Espejo A. P. , Tejo F. , Vidal-Silva N. , Escrig J.
Published: June 2017

In this work we introduce an alternating magnetic field generator in a cylindrical nanostructure. This field appears due to the rotation of a magnetic domain wall located at some position, generating a magnetic region that varies its direction of magnetization alternately, thus inducing an alternating magnetic flux in its vicinity. This phenomenon occurs due to the competition between a spin-polarized current and a magnetic field, which allows to control both the angular velocity and the pinning position of the domain wall. As proof of concept, we study the particular case of a diameter-modulated nanowire with a spin-polarized current along its axis and the demagnetizing field produced by its modulation. This inhomogeneous field allows one to control the angular velocity of the domain wall as a function of its position along the nanowire allowing frequencies in the GHz range to be achieved. This generator could be used in telecommunications for devices in the range of radiofrequencies or, following Faraday’s induction law, could also induce an electromotive force and be used as a movable alternate voltage source in future nanodevices.
Overcoming Microalgae Harvesting Barrier by Activated Algae Granules
Authors: Tiron Olga , Bumbac Costel , Manea Elena , Stefanescu Mihai , Nita Lazar Mihai
Published: June 2017

The economic factor of the microalgae harvesting step acts as a barrier to scaling up microalgae-based technology designed for wastewater treatment. In view of that, this study presents an alternative microalgae-bacteria system, which is proposed for eliminating the economic obstacle. Instead of the microalgae-bacteria (activated algae) flocs, the study aimed to develop activated algae granules comprising the microalgae Chlorella sp. as a target species. The presence of the filamentous microalgae (Phormidium sp.) was necessary for the occurrence of the granulation processes. A progressive decrease in frequency of the free Chlorella sp. cells was achieved once with the development of the activated algae granules as a result of the target microalgae being captured in the dense and tangled network of filaments. The mature activated algae granules ranged between 600 and 2,000 µm, and were characterized by a compact structure and significant settling ability (21.6 ± 0.9 m/h). In relation to the main aim of this study, a microalgae recovery efficiency of higher than 99% was achieved only by fast sedimentation of the granules; this performance highlighted the viability of the granular activated algae system for sustaining a microalgae harvesting procedure with neither cost nor energy inputs.
Dramatic band gap reduction incurred by dopant coordination rearrangement in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO2
Authors: Wu T. S. , Chen Y. W. , Weng S. C. , Lin C. N. , Lai C. H. , Huang Y. J. , Jeng H. T. , Chang S. L. , Soo Y. L.
Published: June 2017

A dramatic band gap narrowing of 1.61 eV has been observed in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO2 (ceria), as a result of thermal annealing, without changing the ceria crystal structure and the Co concentration. As demonstrated by x-ray absorption fine structures, thermal annealing incurs an oxygen coordination rearrangement around Co atoms from an octahedral coordination to a square-planar coordination. First principle calculation using density functional theory reveals two stable oxygen coordination types surrounding Co, consistent with the experimental observation. The band gap values calculated for the two stable coordination types differ dramatically, reproducing the experimentally observed band gap narrowing. These prominent effects due to local structure rearrangement around dopant atoms can lead to unprecedented methods for band gap engineering in doped nanocrystal oxides.