bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nutrition transition and adolescents’ diets in low- and middle-income countries: a cross-cohort comparison
Authors: Aurino Elisabetta , Fernandes Meena , Penny Mary E
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate changes in dietary diversity and dietary composition among adolescents in four developing countries.

Design

We analysed dietary diversity and consumption of seven food groups and foods with added sugars as reported by adolescents from two cohorts growing up 8 years apart, when they were aged about 12 years.

Setting

Ethiopia, India (Andhra Pradesh), Peru and Vietnam in 2006 and 2013.

Subjects

Adolescents (n3659) from the older cohort (OC) born in 1995/96 and adolescents (n7422) from the younger cohort (YC) born in 2001/02 (N11 081).

Results

Controlling for other factors, dietary diversity increased in Peru (OC=4·89, YC=5·34,P<0·001) and Ethiopia (OC=3·52, YC=3·94,P=0·001). Dietary diversity was stable in India (OC=4·28, YC=4·29,P=0·982) and Vietnam (OC=4·71, YC=4·73,P=0·814); however, changes in dietary composition were observed. YC adolescents were more likely to consume eggs (India: +32 %,P=0·038; Vietnam: +50 %,P<0·001) and milk and dairy (India: +12 %,P=0·029; Vietnam: +46 %,P<0·001). Other notable shifts included meat consumption in Peru (+72 %,P<0·001) and consumption of fruit and vegetables in Ethiopia (+36 %,P<0·001). Compared with OC, the prevalence of added sugar consumption was greater among the YC in Ethiopia (+35 %,P=0·001) and Vietnam (+44 %P<0·001). Between 2006 and 2013, disparities in dietary diversity associated with household wealth and place of residence declined, although this varied by country. No marked gender disparities in dietary diversity were evident.

Conclusions

We found significant changes over time in dietary diversity among adolescents in four countries consistent with the hypothesis of the nutrition transition.
Effects of a lifestyle modification programme to reduce the number of risk factors for metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Watanabe Mariko , Yokotsuka Masako , Yamaoka Kazue , Adachi Misa , Nemoto Asuka , Tango Toshiro
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of a personal support lifestyle education programme (PSMetS) for reducing risk factors in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Design

A two-arm randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Companies in metropolitan Tokyo, Japan.

Subjects

Male workers with diagnosed MetS or a high risk for MetS according to the Counselling Guidance Program, Japan (n 193).

Results

The reduction in the number of risk factors for MetS (as defined according to the criteria published by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in April 2007 (MHLW-MetS)) in the PSMetS group was not significantly different from that in the usual care group by van Elteren’s test (baseline-adjusted P=0·075) for intention-to-treat (ITT), while it was significant (baseline-adjusted P=0·038) for per-protocol set (PPS). The proportion of MHLW-MetS was significantly different between groups by van Elteren’s test (baseline-adjusted P=0·031). Two components of MHLW-MetS showed significant reductions in the PSMetS group: waist circumference (baseline-adjusted P=0·001) and BMI (baseline-adjusted P=0·002). PPS and ITT analyses showed similar results.

Conclusions

For male workers with MHLW-MetS or a high risk of MHLW-MetS, PSMetS reduced the number of risk factors for MHLW-MetS.
Association between dietary patterns and blood lipid profiles among Chinese women
Authors: Zhang Jiguo , Wang Zhihong , Wang Huijun , Du Wenwen , Su Chang , Zhang Ji , Jiang Hongru , Jia Xiaofang , Huang Feifei , Zhai Fengying , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2016

Objective

The present study aimed to identify dietary patterns and explore their associations with blood lipid profiles among Chinese women.

Design

In a cross-sectional study, we identified dietary patterns using principal component analysis of data from three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. The China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) collected blood samples in the morning after an overnight fast and measured total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and TAG.

Setting

Data were from the 2009 wave of the CHNS.

Subjects

We studied 2468 women aged 18–80 years from the CHNS.

Results

We identified three dietary patterns: traditional southern (high intakes of rice, pork and vegetables), snack (high intakes of fruits, eggs and cakes) and Western (high intakes of poultry, fast foods and milk). The traditional southern pattern was inversely associated with HDL-C (β=−0·68; 95 % CI −1·22, −0·14; P<0·05). The snack pattern was significantly associated with higher TAG (β=4·14; 95 % CI 0·44, 7·84; P<0·05). The Western pattern was positively associated with TC (β=2·52; 95 % CI 1·03, 4·02; P<0·01) and LDL-C (β=2·26; 95 % CI 0·86, 3·66; P<0·01).

Conclusions

We identified three dietary patterns that are significantly associated with blood lipid profiles. This information is important for developing interventions and policies addressing dyslipidaemia prevention among Chinese women.
Consistency and trust in peer data exchange systems
Authors: BERTOSSI LEOPOLDO , BRAVO LORETO
Published: July 2016

We propose and investigate a semantics for peer data exchange systems where different peers are related by data exchange constraints and trust relationships. These two elements plus the data at the peers' sites and their local integrity constraints are made compatible via a semantics that characterizes sets of solution instances for the peers. They are the intended – possibly virtual – instances for a peer that are obtained through a data repair semantics that we introduce and investigate. The semantically correct answers from a peer to a query, the so-called peer consistent answers, are defined as those answers that are invariant under all its different solution instances. We show that solution instances can be specified as the models of logic programs with a stable model semantics. The repair semantics is based on null values as used in SQL databases, and is also of independent interest for repairs of single databases with respect to integrity constraints.
Pretransplant NPM1 MRD levels predict outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kayser S , Benner A , Thiede C , Martens U , Huber J , Stadtherr P , Janssen J W G , Röllig C , Uppenkamp M J , Bochtler T , Hegenbart U , Ehninger G , Ho A D , Dreger P , Krämer A
Published: July 2016

The objective was to evaluate the prognostic impact of pre-transplant minimal residual disease (MRD) as determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 67 adultNPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twenty-eight of the 67 patients had aFLT3-ITD (42%). Median age at transplantation was 54.7 years, median follow-up for survival from time of allografting was 4.9 years. At transplantation, 31 patients were in first, 20 in second complete remission (CR) and 16 had refractory disease (RD). Pre-transplantNPM1MRD levels were measured in 39 CR patients. Overall survival (OS) for patients transplanted in CR was significantly longer as compared to patients with RD (P=0.004), irrespective of whether the patients were transplanted in first or second CR (P=0.74). There was a highly significant difference in OS after allogeneic HSCT between pre-transplant MRD-positive and MRD-negative patients (estimated 5-year OS rates of 40 vs 89%;P=0.007). Multivariable analyses on time to relapse and OS revealed pre-transplantNPM1MRD levels >1% as an independent prognostic factor for poor survival after allogeneic HSCT, whereasFLT3-ITD had no impact. Notably, outcome of patients with pre-transplantNPM1MRD positivity >1% was as poor as that of patients transplanted with RD.
First-line therapy of peripheral T-cell lymphoma: extension and long-term follow-up of a study investigating the role of autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wilhelm M , Smetak M , Reimer P , Geissinger E , Ruediger T , Metzner B , Schmitz N , Engert A , Schaefer-Eckart K , Birkmann J
Published: July 2016

Current guidelines recommend consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) after induction chemotherapy for most patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This assumption is based on five prospective phase II studies, three of which included <50 patients with limited follow-up. Here we present the final analysis of the prospective German study. The treatment regimen consisted of four to six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy followed by mobilizing therapy and stem cell collection. Patients in complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) underwent myeloablative chemo(radio)therapy and autoSCT. From January 2001 to July 2010, 111 patients were enrolled in the study. The main subgroups were PTCL not specified (n=42) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n=37). Seventy-five (68%) of the 111 patients received transplantation. The main reason for not receiving autoSCT was progressive disease. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the complete response rate after myeloablative therapy was 59%. The estimated 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival and progression-free survival rates were 44%, 54% and 39%, respectively. The results of this study confirm that upfront autoSCT can result in long-term remissions in patients with all major subtypes of PTCL and therefore should be part of first-line therapy whenever possible.
Dose-dense and less dose-intense Total Therapy 5 for gene expression profiling-defined high-risk multiple myeloma
Authors: Jethava Y , Mitchell A , Zangari M , Waheed S , Schinke C , Thanendrarajan S , Sawyer J , Alapat D , Tian E , Stein C , Khan R , Heuck C J , Petty N , Avery D , Steward D , Smith R , Bailey C , Epstein J , Yaccoby S , Hoering A , Crowley J , Morgan G , Barlogie B , van Rhee F
Published: July 2016

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease with high-risk patients progressing rapidly despite treatment. Various definitions of high-risk MM are used and we reported that gene expression profile (GEP)-defined high risk was a major predictor of relapse. In spite of our best efforts, the majority of GEP70 high-risk patients relapse and we have noted higher relapse rates during drug-free intervals. This prompted us to explore the concept of less intense drug dosing with shorter intervals between courses with the aim of preventing inter-course relapse. Here we report the outcome of the Total Therapy 5 trial, where this concept was tested. This regimen effectively reduced early mortality and relapse but failed to improve progression-free survival and overall survival due to relapse early during maintenance.
Evolving changes in disease biomarkers and risk of early progression in smoldering multiple myeloma
Authors: Ravi P , Kumar S , Larsen J T , Gonsalves W , Buadi F , Lacy M Q , Go R , Dispenzieri A , Kapoor P , Lust J A , Dingli D , Lin Y , Russell S J , Leung N , Gertz M A , Kyle R A , Bergsagel P L , Rajkumar S V
Published: July 2016

We studied 190 patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) at our institution between 1973 and 2014. Evolving change in monoclonal protein level (eMP) was defined as ⩾10% increase in serum monoclonal protein (M) and/or immunoglobulin (Ig) (M/Ig) within the first 6 months of diagnosis (only if M-protein ⩾3 g/dl) and/or ⩾25% increase in M/Ig within the first 12 months, with a minimum required increase of 0.5 g/dl in M-protein and/or 500 mg/dl in Ig. Evolving change in hemoglobin (eHb) was defined as ⩾0.5 g/dl decrease within 12 months of diagnosis. A total of 134 patients (70.5%) progressed to MM over a median follow-up of 10.4 years. On multivariable analysis adjusting for factors known to predict for progression to MM, bone marrow plasma cells ⩾20% (odds ratio (OR)=3.37 (1.30–8.77), P=0.013), eMP (OR=8.20 (3.19–21.05), P<0.001) and eHb (OR=5.86 (2.12–16.21), P=0.001) were independent predictors of progression within 2 years of SMM diagnosis. A risk model comprising these variables was constructed, with median time to progression of 12.3, 5.1, 2.0 and 1.0 years among patients with 0–3 risk factors respectively. The 2-year progression risk was 81.5% in individuals who demonstrated both eMP and eHb, and 90.5% in those with all three risk factors.
Rapid construction of metabolite biosensors using domain-insertion profiling
Authors: Nadler Dana C. , Morgan Stacy-Anne , Flamholz Avi , Kortright Kaitlyn E. , Savage David F.
Published: July 2016

Single-fluorescent protein biosensors (SFPBs) are an important class of probes that enable the single-cell quantification of analytes in vivo. Despite advantages over other detection technologies, their use has been limited by the inherent challenges of their construction. Specifically, the rational design of green fluorescent protein (GFP) insertion into a ligand-binding domain, generating the requisite allosteric coupling, remains a rate-limiting step. Here, we describe an unbiased approach, termed domain-insertion profiling with DNA sequencing (DIP-seq), that combines the rapid creation of diverse libraries of potential SFPBs and high-throughput activity assays to identify functional biosensors. As a proof of concept, we construct an SFPB for the important regulatory sugar trehalose. DIP-seq analysis of a trehalose-binding-protein reveals allosteric hotspots for GFP insertion and results in high-dynamic range biosensors that function robustly in vivo. Taken together, DIP-seq simultaneously accelerates metabolite biosensor construction and provides a novel tool for interrogating protein allostery.
Controlling nanowire growth through electric field-induced deformation of the catalyst droplet
Authors: Panciera Federico , Norton Michael M. , Alam Sardar B. , Hofmann Stephan , Mølhave Kristian , Ross Frances M.
Published: July 2016

Semiconductor nanowires with precisely controlled structure, and hence well-defined electronic and optical properties, can be grown by self-assembly using the vapour–liquid–solid process. The structure and chemical composition of the growing nanowire is typically determined by global parameters such as source gas pressure, gas composition and growth temperature. Here we describe a more local approach to the control of nanowire structure. We apply an electric field during growth to control nanowire diameter and growth direction. Growth experiments carried out while imaging within an in situ transmission electron microscope show that the electric field modifies growth by changing the shape, position and contact angle of the catalytic droplet. This droplet engineering can be used to modify nanowires into three dimensional structures, relevant to a range of applications, and also to measure the droplet surface tension, important for quantitative development of strategies to control nanowire growth.
EphrinB2 repression through ZEB2 mediates tumour invasion and anti-angiogenic resistance
Authors: Depner C. , zum Buttel H. , Böğürcü N. , Cuesta A. M. , Aburto M. R. , Seidel S. , Finkelmeier F. , Foss F. , Hofmann J. , Kaulich K. , Barbus S. , Segarra M. , Reifenberger G. , Garvalov B. K. , Acker T. , Acker-Palmer A.
Published: July 2016

Diffuse invasion of the surrounding brain parenchyma is a major obstacle in the treatment of gliomas with various therapeutics, including anti-angiogenic agents. Here we identify the epi-/genetic and microenvironmental downregulation of ephrinB2 as a crucial step that promotes tumour invasion by abrogation of repulsive signals. We demonstrate that ephrinB2 is downregulated in human gliomas as a consequence of promoter hypermethylation and gene deletion. Consistently, genetic deletion of ephrinB2 in a murine high-grade glioma model increases invasion. Importantly, ephrinB2 gene silencing is complemented by a hypoxia-induced transcriptional repression. Mechanistically, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α induces the EMT repressor ZEB2, which directly downregulates ephrinB2 through promoter binding to enhance tumour invasiveness. This mechanism is activated following anti-angiogenic treatment of gliomas and is efficiently blocked by disrupting ZEB2 activity. Taken together, our results identify ZEB2 as an attractive therapeutic target to inhibit tumour invasion and counteract tumour resistance mechanisms induced by anti-angiogenic treatment strategies.
Antimicrobial peptides trigger a division block in Escherichia coli through stimulation of a signalling system
Authors: Yadavalli Srujana S. , Carey Jeffrey N. , Leibman Rachel S. , Chen Annie I. , Stern Andrew M. , Roggiani Manuela , Lippa Andrew M. , Goulian Mark
Published: July 2016

Antimicrobial peptides are an important component of the molecular arsenal employed by hosts against bacteria. Many bacteria in turn possess pathways that provide protection against these compounds. In Escherichia coli and related bacteria, the PhoQ/PhoP signalling system is a key regulator of this antimicrobial peptide defence. Here we show that treating E. coli with sublethal concentrations of antimicrobial peptides causes cells to filament, and that this division block is controlled by the PhoQ/PhoP system. The filamentation results from increased expression of QueE, an enzyme that is part of a tRNA modification pathway but that, as we show here, also affects cell division. We also find that a functional YFP–QueE fusion localizes to the division septum in filamentous cells, suggesting QueE blocks septation through interaction with the divisome. Regulation of septation by PhoQ/PhoP may protect cells from antimicrobial peptide-induced stress or other conditions associated with high-level stimulation of this signalling system.
Species interactions in occurrence data for a community of tick-transmitted pathogens
Authors: Estrada-Peña Agustín , de la Fuente José
Published: July 2016

Interactions between tick species, their realized range of hosts, the pathogens they carry and transmit, and the geographic distribution of species in the Western Palearctic were determined based on evidence published between 1970–2014. These relationships were linked to remotely sensed features of temperature and vegetation and used to extract the network of interactions among the organisms. The resulting datasets focused on niche overlap among ticks and hosts, species interactions, and the fraction of the environmental niche in which tick-borne pathogens may circulate as a result of interactions and overlapping environmental traits. The resulting datasets provide a valuable resource for researchers interested in tick-borne pathogens, as they conciliate the abiotic and biotic sides of their niche, allowing exploration of the importance of each host species acting as a vertebrate reservoir in the circulation of tick-transmitted pathogens in the environmental niche.
Open data set of live cyanobacterial cells imaged using an X-ray laser
Authors: van der Schot Gijs , Svenda Martin , Maia Filipe R.N.C. , Hantke Max F. , DePonte Daniel P. , Seibert M. Marvin , Aquila Andrew , Schulz Joachim , Kirian Richard A. , Liang Mengning , Stellato Francesco , Bari Sadia , Iwan Bianca , Andreasson Jakob , Timneanu Nicusor , Bielecki Johan , Westphal Daniel , Nunes de Almeida Francisca , Odić Duško , Hasse Dirk , Carlsson Gunilla H. , Larsson Daniel S.D. , Barty Anton , Martin Andrew V. , Schorb Sebastian , Bostedt Christoph , Bozek John D. , Carron Sebastian , Ferguson Ken , Rolles Daniel , Rudenko Artem , Epp Sascha W. , Foucar Lutz , Rudek Benedikt , Erk Benjamin , Hartmann Robert , Kimmel Nils , Holl Peter , Englert Lars , Loh N. Duane , Chapman Henry N. , Andersson Inger , Hajdu Janos , Ekeberg Tomas
Published: July 2016

Structural studies on living cells by conventional methods are limited to low resolution because radiation damage kills cells long before the necessary dose for high resolution can be delivered. X-ray free-electron lasers circumvent this problem by outrunning key damage processes with an ultra-short and extremely bright coherent X-ray pulse. Diffraction-before-destruction experiments provide high-resolution data from cells that are alive when the femtosecond X-ray pulse traverses the sample. This paper presents two data sets from micron-sized cyanobacteria obtained at the Linac Coherent Light Source, containing a total of 199,000 diffraction patterns. Utilizing this type of diffraction data will require the development of new analysis methods and algorithms for studying structure and structural variability in large populations of cells and to create abstract models. Such studies will allow us to understand living cells and populations of cells in new ways. New X-ray lasers, like the European XFEL, will produce billions of pulses per day, and could open new areas in structural sciences.
Global positioning system survey data for active seismic and volcanic areas of eastern Sicily, 1994 to 2013
Authors: Bonforte Alessandro , Fagone Sonia , Giardina Carmelo , Genovese Simone , Aiesi Gianpiero , Calvagna Francesco , Cantarero Massimo , Consoli Orazio , Consoli Salvatore , Guglielmino Francesco , Puglisi Biagio , Puglisi Giuseppe , Saraceno Benedetto
Published: July 2016

This work presents and describes a 20-year long database of GPS data collected by geodetic surveys over the seismically and volcanically active eastern Sicily, for a total of more than 6300 measurements. Raw data were initially collected from the various archives at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Catania—Osservatorio Etneo and organized in a single repository. Here, quality and completeness checks were performed, while all necessary supplementary information were searched, collected, validated and organized together with the relevant data. Once all data and information collections were completed, raw binary data were converted into the universal ASCII RINEX format; all data are provided in this format with the necessary information for precise processing. In order to make the data archive readily consultable, we developed software allowing the user to easily search and obtain the needed data by simple alphanumeric and geographic queries.
Coherent diffraction of single Rice Dwarf virus particles using hard X-rays at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Munke Anna , Andreasson Jakob , Aquila Andrew , Awel Salah , Ayyer Kartik , Barty Anton , Bean Richard J. , Berntsen Peter , Bielecki Johan , Boutet Sébastien , Bucher Maximilian , Chapman Henry N. , Daurer Benedikt J. , DeMirci Hasan , Elser Veit , Fromme Petra , Hajdu Janos , Hantke Max F. , Higashiura Akifumi , Hogue Brenda G. , Hosseinizadeh Ahmad , Kim Yoonhee , Kirian Richard A. , Reddy Hemanth K.N. , Lan Ti-Yen , Larsson Daniel S.D. , Liu Haiguang , Loh N. Duane , Maia Filipe R.N.C. , Mancuso Adrian P. , Mühlig Kerstin , Nakagawa Atsushi , Nam Daewoong , Nelson Garrett , Nettelblad Carl , Okamoto Kenta , Ourmazd Abbas , Rose Max , van der Schot Gijs , Schwander Peter , Seibert M. Marvin , Sellberg Jonas A. , Sierra Raymond G. , Song Changyong , Svenda Martin , Timneanu Nicusor , Vartanyants Ivan A. , Westphal Daniel , Wiedorn Max O. , Williams Garth J. , Xavier Paulraj Lourdu , Yoon Chun Hong , Zook James
Published: July 2016

Single particle diffractive imaging data from Rice Dwarf Virus (RDV) were recorded using the Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). RDV was chosen as it is a well-characterized model system, useful for proof-of-principle experiments, system optimization and algorithm development. RDV, an icosahedral virus of about 70 nm in diameter, was aerosolized and injected into the approximately 0.1 μm diameter focused hard X-ray beam at the CXI instrument of LCLS. Diffraction patterns from RDV with signal to 5.9 Ångström were recorded. The diffraction data are available through the Coherent X-ray Imaging Data Bank (CXIDB) as a resource for algorithm development, the contents of which are described here.
Rapid Brownian Motion Primes Ultrafast Reconstruction of Intrinsically Disordered Phe-Gly Repeats Inside the Nuclear Pore Complex
Authors: Moussavi-Baygi R. , Mofrad M. R. K.
Published: July 2016

Conformational behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins, such as Phe-Gly repeat domains, alters drastically when they are confined in and tethered to, nan channels. This has challenged our understanding of how they serve to selectively facilitate translocation of nuclear transport receptor (NTR)-bearing macromolecules. Heterogeneous FG-repeats, tethered to the NPC interior, nonuniformly fill the channel in a diameter-dependent manner and adopt a rapid Brownian motion, thereby forming a porous and highly dynamic polymeric meshwork that percolates in radial and axial directions and features two distinguishable zones: a dense hydrophobic rod-like zone located in the center and a peripheral low-density shell-like zone. The FG-meshwork is locally disrupted upon interacting with NTR-bearing macromolecules, but immediately reconstructs itself between 0.44 μs and 7.0 μs, depending on cargo size and shape. This confers a perpetually-sealed state to the NPC and is solely due to rapid Brownian motion of FG-repeats, not FG-repeat hydrophobic bonds. Elongated-shaped macromolecules, both in the presence and absence of NTRs, penetrate more readily into the FG-meshwork compared to their globular counterparts of identical volume and surface chemistry, highlighting the importance of the shape effects in nucleocytoplasmic transport. These results can help our understanding of geometrical effects in and the design of, intelligent and responsive biopolymer-based materials in nanofiltration and artificial nanopores.
Rapid detection of talcum powder in tea using FT-IR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Zhang Yuying , He Yong
Published: July 2016

This paper investigated the feasibility of Fourier transform infrared transmission (FT-IR) spectroscopy to detect talcum powder illegally added in tea based on chemometric methods. Firstly, 210 samples of tea powder with 13 dose levels of talcum powder were prepared for FT-IR spectra acquirement. In order to highlight the slight variations in FT-IR spectra, smoothing, normalize and standard normal variate (SNV) were employed to preprocess the raw spectra. Among them, SNV preprocessing had the best performance with high correlation of prediction (RP = 0.948) and low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP = 0.108) of partial least squares (PLS) model. Then 18 characteristic wavenumbers were selected based on a hybrid of backward interval partial least squares (biPLS) regression, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm and successive projections algorithm (SPA). These characteristic wavenumbers only accounted for 0.64% of the full wavenumbers. Following that, 18 characteristic wavenumbers were used to build linear and nonlinear determination models by PLS regression and extreme learning machine (ELM), respectively. The optimal model with RP = 0.963 and RMSEP = 0.137 was achieved by ELM algorithm. These results demonstrated that FT-IR spectroscopy with chemometrics could be used successfully to detect talcum powder in tea.
Phenotypic and functional characteristics of IL-21-expressing CD8+ T cells in human nasal polyps
Authors: Xiao Li , Jia Lei , Bai Lu , He Long , Yang Binyan , Wu Changyou , Li Huabin
Published: July 2016

Although CD4+ T cells are recognized to play an important role in the inflammatory response of nasal polyps (NPs), the biological functions of CD8+ T cells in polypogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed cell markers, cytokine expression and transcription factors in IL-21-expressing CD8+ T cells in polyp tissues of NP patients. The results showed that the majority of IL-21-producing CD8+ T cells were effector memory cells and they co-expressed IFN-γ. IL-21-expressing CD8+ T cells in polyp tissues expressed higher CXCR5, PD-1 and ICOS levels than cells in control tissues and showed significantly higher T-bet and Bcl-6 expression levels compared with IL-21−CD8+ T cells. Purified polyp CD8+ T cells promoted IgG production from isolated polyp B cells in vitro and recombinant IL-12 modulated the expression of IL-21, IFN-γ and CD40L in purified polyp CD8+ T cells. Moreover, the percentage of IL-21+CD8+ T cells in polyp tissues was positively correlated with endoscopic and CT scan scores in NP patients. These findings indicated that polyp CD8+ T cells, by co-expressing IL-21 and IFN-γ and other markers, display a Tfh cell functionality, which is associated with the clinical severity of NP patients.
Nut intake and stroke risk: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Shao Chuan , Tang Hui , Zhao Wei , He Jianquan
Published: July 2016

We aim to quantify the effects of nut intake on risk of stroke by a dose-response meta-analysis with a random-effects model. Two databases (PubMed and Emabse) were searched for prospective cohort studies regarding nut intake and stroke risk. Studies were included if they fulfilled the predefined criteria. Eleven articles encompassing fourteen cohort studies were included in final analysis. The pooled relative risk (RR) of stroke for the highest versus (vs.) lowest category of nut intake was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.97). The power to detect a RR of 0.88 for the highest versus vs. lowest category of nut intake was 86.2%. In multiple subset analyses by gender, location and stroke subtype, the inverse association was only found in women (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–0.96) and Asia (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93). In the dose-response meta-analysis, evidence for a nonlinear association between nut intake and stroke risk was observed and a RR of 0.86 was conferred for 12 g/day. Based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, the quality of evidence was moderate. In conclusions, finding from current meta-analysis of fourteen cohort studies indicates that nut intake may be related to decreased risk of stroke.
Far-infrared radiation protects viability in a cell model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia by preventing polyQ protein accumulation and improving mitochondrial function
Authors: Chang Jui-Chih , Wu Shey-Lin , Hoel Fredrik , Cheng Yu-Shan , Liu Ko-Hung , Hsieh Mingli , Hoel August , Tronstad Karl Johan , Yan Kuo-Chia , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lin Wei-Yong , Kuo Shou-Jen , Su Shih-Li , Liu Chin-San
Published: July 2016

Far infrared radiation (FIR) is currently investigated as a potential therapeutic strategy in various diseases though the mechanism is unknown. Presently, we tested if FIR mediates beneficial effects in a cell model of the neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). SCA3 is caused by a mutation leading to an abnormal polyglutamine expansion (PolyQ) in ataxin-3 protein. The consequent aggregation of mutant ataxin-3 results in disruption of vital cell functions. In this study, neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) was transduced to express either non-pathogenic ataxin-3-26Q or pathogenic ataxin-3-78Q proteins. The cells expressing ataxin-3-78Q demonstrated decreased viability and increased sensitivity to metabolic stress in the presence rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration. FIR exposure was found to protect against these effects. Moreover, FIR improved mitochondrial respiratory function, which was significantly compromised in ataxin-3-78Q and ataxin-3-26Q expressing cells. This was accompanied by decreased levels of mitochondrial fragmentation in FIR treated cells, as observed by fluorescence microscopy and protein expression analysis. Finally, the expression profile LC3-II, Beclin-1 and p62 suggested that FIR prevent the autophagy inhibiting effects observed in ataxin-3-78Q expressing cells. In summary, our results suggest that FIR have rescuing effects in cells expressing mutated pathogenic ataxin-3, through recovery of mitochondrial function and autophagy.
Thymic DCs derived IL-27 regulates the final maturation of CD4+ SP thymocytes
Authors: Tang Hui , Zhang Jie , Sun Xiuyuan , Qian Xiaoping , Zhang Yu , Jin Rong
Published: July 2016

IL-27, as a pleiotropic cytokine, promotes the differentiation of naïve T cells to Th1, while suppressing Th2 and Th17 differentiation in the periphery. However, the role of IL-27 in the thymocyte development remains unknown. Here we showed that IL-27 was highly expressed in thymic plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) while its receptor expression was mainly detected in CD4+ single-positive (SP) thymocytes. Deletion of the p28 subunit in DCs resulted in a reduction of the most mature Qa-2+ subsets of CD4+ SP T cells. This defect was rescued by intrathymic administration of exogenous IL-27. In vitro differentiation assay further demonstrated that IL-27 alone was able to drive the maturation of the newly generated 6C10+CD69+CD4+ SP cells into Qa-2+ cells. Collectively, this study has revealed an important role of thymic DCs-derived IL-27 in the regulation of the phenotypic maturation of CD4+ SP thymocytes.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 reflects liver fat accumulation and dysregulation of signalling pathways in the liver of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Rusli Fenni , Deelen Joris , Andriyani Evi , Boekschoten Mark V. , Lute Carolien , van den Akker Erik B. , Müller Michael , Beekman Marian , Steegenga Wilma T
Published: July 2016

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21) has emerged as a potential plasma marker to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To study the molecular processes underlying the association of plasma Fgf21 with NAFLD, we explored the liver transcriptome data of a mild NAFLD model of aging C57BL/6J mice at 12, 24 and 28 months of age. The plasma Fgf21 level significantly correlated with intrahepatic triglyceride content. At the molecular level, elevated plasma Fgf21 levels were associated with dysregulated metabolic and cancer-related pathways. The up-regulated Fgf21 levels in NAFLD were implied to be a protective response against the NAFLD-induced adverse effects, e.g. lipotoxicity, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. An in vivo PPARα challenge demonstrated the dysregulation of PPARα signalling in the presence of NAFLD, which resulted in a stochastically increasing hepatic expression of Fgf21. Notably, elevated plasma Fgf21 was associated with declining expression of Klb, Fgf21’s crucial co-receptor, which suggests a resistance to Fgf21. Therefore, although liver fat accumulation is a benign stage of NAFLD, the elevated plasma Fgf21 likely indicated vulnerability to metabolic stressors that may contribute towards progression to end-stage NAFLD. In conclusion, plasma levels of Fgf21 reflect liver fat accumulation and dysregulation of metabolic pathways in the liver.
Real-time Kinematic Positioning of INS Tightly Aided Multi-GNSS Ionospheric Constrained PPP
Authors: Gao Zhouzheng , Shen Wenbin , Zhang Hongping , Niu Xiaoji , Ge Maorong
Published: July 2016

Real-time Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique is being widely applied for providing precise positioning services with the significant improvement on satellite precise products accuracy. With the rapid development of the multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (multi-GNSS), currently, about 80 navigation satellites are operational in orbit. Obviously, PPP performance is dramatically improved with all satellites compared to that of GPS-only PPP. However, the performance of PPP could be evidently affected by unexpected and unavoidable severe observing environments, especially in the dynamic applications. Consequently, we apply Inertial Navigation System (INS) to the Ionospheric-Constrained (IC) PPP to overcome such drawbacks. The INS tightly aided multi-GNSS IC-PPP model can make full use of GNSS and INS observations to improve the PPP performance in terms of accuracy, availability, continuity and convergence speed. Then, a set of airborne data is analyzed to evaluate and validate the improvement of multi-GNSS and INS on the performance of IC-PPP.
Digital-Analog Quantum Simulation of Spin Models in Trapped Ions
Authors: Arrazola Iñigo , Pedernales Julen S. , Lamata Lucas , Solano Enrique
Published: July 2016

We propose a method to simulate spin models in trapped ions using a digital-analog approach, consisting in a suitable gate decomposition in terms of analog blocks and digital steps. In this way, we show that the quantum dynamics of an enhanced variety of spin models could be implemented with substantially less number of gates than a fully digital approach. Typically, analog blocks are built of multipartite dynamics providing the complexity of the simulated model, while the digital steps are local operations bringing versatility to it. Finally, we describe a possible experimental implementation in trapped-ion technologies.
Self-assembled monolayers of alendronate on Ti6Al4V alloy surfaces enhance osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Rojo Luis , Gharibi Borzo , McLister Robert , Meenan Brian J. , Deb Sanjukta
Published: July 2016

Phosphonates have emerged as an alternative for functionalization of titanium surfaces by the formation of homogeneous self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) via Ti-O-P linkages. This study presents results from an investigation of the modification of Ti6Al4V alloy by chemisorption of osseoinductive alendronate using a simple, effective and clean methodology. The modified surfaces showed a tailored topography and surface chemistry as determined by SEM microscopy and RAMAN spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that an effective mode of bonding is created between the metal oxide surface and the phosphate residue of alendronate, leading to formation of homogenous drug distribution along the surface. In-vitro studies showed that alendronate SAMs induce differentiation of hMSC to a bone cell phenotype and promote bone formation on modified surfaces. Here we show that this novel method for the preparation of functional coatings on titanium-based medical devices provides osseoinductive bioactive molecules to promote enhanced integration at the site of implantation.
Coupling among Microbial Communities, Biogeochemistry and Mineralogy across Biogeochemical Facies
Authors: Stegen James C. , Konopka Allan , McKinley James P. , Murray Chris , Lin Xueju , Miller Micah D. , Kennedy David W. , Miller Erin A. , Resch Charles T. , Fredrickson Jim K.
Published: July 2016

Physical properties of sediments are commonly used to define subsurface lithofacies and these same physical properties influence subsurface microbial communities. This suggests an (unexploited) opportunity to use the spatial distribution of facies to predict spatial variation in biogeochemically relevant microbial attributes. Here, we characterize three biogeochemical facies—oxidized, reduced and transition—within one lithofacies and elucidate relationships among facies features and microbial community biomass, richness and composition. Consistent with previous observations of biogeochemical hotspots at environmental transition zones, we find elevated biomass within a biogeochemical facies that occurred at the transition between oxidized and reduced biogeochemical facies. Microbial richness—the number of microbial taxa—was lower within the reduced facies and was well-explained by a combination of pH and mineralogy. Null modeling revealed that microbial community composition was influenced by ecological selection imposed by redox state and mineralogy, possibly due to effects on nutrient availability or transport. As an illustrative case, we predict microbial biomass concentration across a three-dimensional spatial domain by coupling the spatial distribution of subsurface biogeochemical facies with biomass-facies relationships revealed here. We expect that merging such an approach with hydro-biogeochemical models will provide important constraints on simulated dynamics, thereby reducing uncertainty in model predictions.
Comparative proteomic analysis of the shoot apical meristem in maize between a ZmCCT-associated near-isogenic line and its recurrent parent
Authors: Wu Liuji , Wang Xintao , Wang Shunxi , Wu Liancheng , Tian Lei , Tian Zhiqiang , Liu Ping , Chen Yanhui
Published: July 2016

The ZmCCT, one of the most important genes affecting photoperiod response, delays flowering under long-day conditions in maize (Zea mays). In this study we used the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique-based proteomics approach to identify differentially expressed proteins between a near-isogenic line (NIL) and its recurrent parent, contrasting in alleles of ZmCCT. A total of 5,259 distinct proteins were identified. Among them, 386 proteins were differentially expressed between NIL-cml line (ZmCCT-positive) and H4 line (ZmCCT-negative). Functional categorization showed that the differentially proteins were mainly involved in energy production, photosynthesis, signal transduction and cell organization and biogenesis. Our results showed that during shoot apical meristem (SAM) development cell division proteins, carbohydrate metabolism–related proteins and flower inhibition-related proteins were more abundant in the ZmCCT-positive line than the ZmCCT-negative line. These results, taken together with morphological observations, showed that the effect of ZmCCT on flowering might be caused by its effect on one or all of these biological processes. Although the exact roles of these putative related proteins remain to be examined, our results obtained using the proteomics approach lead to a better understanding of the photoperiodicity mechanism in maize plants.
Delivery of Hydrogen Sulfide by Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Destruction Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Authors: Chen Gangbin , Yang Li , Zhong Lintao , Kutty Shelby , Wang Yuegang , Cui Kai , Xiu Jiancheng , Cao Shiping , Huang Qiaobing , Liao Wangjun , Liao Yulin , Wu Juefei , Zhang Wenzhu , Bin Jianping
Published: July 2016

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an attractive agent for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, however, systemic delivery of H2S may cause unwanted side effects. Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction has become a promising tool for organ specific delivery of bioactive substance. We hypothesized that delivery of H2S by ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and could avoid unwanted side effects. We prepared microbubbles carrying hydrogen sulfide (hs-MB) with different H2S/C3F8 ratios (4/0, 3/1, 2/2, 1/3, 0/4) and determined the optimal ratio. Release of H2S triggered by ultrasound was investigated. The cardioprotective effect of ultrasound targeted hs-MB destruction was investigated in a rodent model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The H2S/C3F8 ratio of 2/2 was found to be an optimal ratio to prepare stable hs-MB with higher H2S loading capability. Ultrasound targeted hs-MB destruction triggered H2S release and increased the concentration of H2S in the myocardium and lung. Ultrasound targeted hs-MB destruction limited myocardial infarct size, preserved left ventricular function and had no influence on haemodynamics and respiratory. This cardioprotective effect was associated with alleviation of apoptosis and oxidative stress. Delivery of H2S to the myocardium by ultrasound targeted hs-MB destruction attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and may avoid unwanted side effects.
The continuous and discrete molecular orbital x-ray bands from Xeq+ (12≤q≤29) +Zn collisions
Authors: Guo Yipan , Yang Zhihu , Hu Bitao , Wang Xiangli , Song Zhangyong , Xu Qiumei , Zhang Boli , Chen Jing , Yang Bian , Yang Jie
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the x-ray emissions are measured by the interaction of 1500–3500 keV Xeq+ (q = 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 and 29) ions with Zn target. When q < 29, we observe Ll, Lα, Lβ1, Lβ2 and Lγ characteristic x-rays from Xeq+ ions and a broad M-shell molecular orbital (MO) x-ray band from the transient quasi-molecular levels. It is found that their yields quickly increase with different rates as the incident energy increases. Besides, the widths of the broad MO x-ray bands are about 0.9–1.32 keV over the energy range studied and are proportional to v1/2 (v = projectile velocity). Most remarkably, when the projectile charge state is 29, the broad x-ray band separates into several narrow discrete spectra, which was never observed before in this field.
Antiferroelectric Nature of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx Perovskite and Its Implication for Charge Separation in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sewvandi Galhenage A. , Kodera Kei , Ma Hao , Nakanishi Shunsuke , Feng Qi
Published: July 2016

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been attracted scientific interest due to high performance. Some researchers have suggested anomalous behavior of PSCs to the polarizations due to the ion migration or ferroelectric behavior. Experimental results and theoretical calculations have suggested the possibility of ferroelectricity in organic-inorganic perovskite. However, still no studies have been concretely discarded the ferroelectric nature of perovskite absorbers in PSCs. Hysteresis of P-E (polarization-electric field) loops is an important evidence to confirm the ferroelectricity. In this study, P-E loop measurements, in-depth structural study, analyses of dielectric behavior and the phase transitions of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite were carried out and investigated. The results suggest that CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite is in an antiferroelectric phase at room temperature. The antiferroelectric phase can be switched to ferroelectric phase by the poling treatment and exhibits ferroelectric-like hysteresis P-E loops and dielectric behavior around room temperature; namely, the perovskite can generate a ferroelectric polarization under PSCs operating conditions. Furthermore, we also discuss the implications of ferroelectric polarization on PSCs charge separation.
A simple, rapid, low-cost technique for naked-eye detection of urine-isolated TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion RNA
Authors: Koo Kevin M. , Wee Eugene J. H. , Mainwaring Paul N. , Trau Matt
Published: July 2016

The TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion is one of a series of highly promising prostate cancer (PCa) biomarker alternatives to the controversial serum PSA. Current methods for detecting TMPRSS2:ERG are limited in terms of long processing time, high cost and the need for specialized equipment. Thus, there is an unmet need for less complex, faster and cheaper methods to enable gene fusion detection in the clinic. We describe herein a simple, rapid and inexpensive assay which combines robust isothermal amplification technique with a novel visualization method for evaluating urinary TMPRSS2:ERG status at less than USD 5 and with minimal equipment. The assay is sensitive and rapidly detects as low as 105 copies of TMPRSS2:ERG transcripts while maintaining high levels of specificity.
Folate-Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Ursolic Acid Confer Anti-Breast Cancer Activities in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jin Hua , Pi Jiang , Yang Fen , Jiang Jinhuan , Wang Xiaoping , Bai Haihua , Shao Mingtao , Huang Lei , Zhu Haiyan , Yang Peihui , Li Lihua , Li Ting , Cai Jiye , Chen Zheng W.
Published: July 2016

Ursolic acid (UA) has proved to have broad-spectrum anti-tumor effects, but its poor water solubility and incompetent targeting property largely limit its clinical application and efficiency. Here, we synthesized a nanoparticle-based drug carrier composed of chitosan, UA and folate (FA-CS-UA-NPs) and demonstrated that FA-CS-UA-NPs could effectively diminish off-target effects and increase local drug concentrations of UA. Using MCF-7 cells as in vitro model for anti-cancer mechanistic studies, we found that FA-CS-UA-NPs could be easily internalized by cancer cells through a folate receptor-mediated endocytic pathway. FA-CS-UA-NPs entered into lysosome, destructed the permeability of lysosomal membrane and then got released from lysosomes. Subsequently, FA-CS-UA-NPs localized into mitochondria but not nuclei. The prolonged retention of FA-CS-UA-NPs in mitochondria induced overproduction of ROS and destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential and resulted in the irreversible apoptosis in cancer cells. In vivo experiments showed that FA-CS-UA-NPs could significantly reduce breast cancer burden in MCF-7 xenograft mouse model. These results suggested that FA-CS-UA-NPs could further be explored as an anti-cancer drug candidate and that our approach might provide a platform to develop novel anti-cancer drug delivery system.