bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence
Authors: Hart Benjamin L. , Hart Lynette A. , Thigpen Abigail P. , Willits Neil H.
Published: May 2016

German Shepherd Dogs are important in police and military work, and are a popular family pet. The debilitating joint disorders of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear (CCL) and elbow dysplasia can shorten a dog's useful working life and impact its role as a family member. For this study, veterinary hospital records were examined over a 14.5‐year period on 1170 intact and neutered (including spaying) German Shepherd Dogs for joint disorders and cancers previously associated with neutering. The diseases were followed through 8 years of age, with the exception of mammary cancer (MC) in females that was followed through 11 years. The cancers followed, apart from mammary, were osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumour. In intact males, 7% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in males neutered prior to a year of age, a significantly higher 21% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders. In intact females, 5% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in females neutered prior to a year of age, this measure was significantly increased to 16%. The increased joint disorder incidence mostly associated with early neutering wasCCL. MC was diagnosed in 4% of intact females compared with less than 1% in females neutered before 1 year. The occurrence of the other cancers followed through 8 years of age was not higher in the neutered than in the intact dogs. Urinary incontinence, not diagnosed in intact females, was diagnosed in 7% of females neutered before 1 year, a significant difference. These findings, profiling the increase in joint disorders associated with early neutering, should help guide the timing of neutering for this breed.
Multinational and large national corporations and climate adaptation: are we asking the right questions? A review of current knowledge and a new research perspective
Authors: Averchenkova Alina , Crick Florence , Kocornik‐Mina Adriana , Leck Hayley , Surminski Swenja
Published: May 2016

Adapting to climate change requires the engagement of all actors in society. Until recently, the predominant research focus has been on governments, communities, and the third sector as key actors in the adaptation process. Yet, there is a growing emphasis internationally on understanding the role of and the need to engage businesses in adaptation given their potential to finance projects, develop technologies and innovative solutions, and enhance the scale and cost‐effectiveness of certain adaptation measures. Large national and multinational corporations are among the key actors in this respect. Already, many of these corporations are purportedly taking steps to adapt their operations to climate change. Some stated reasons for their engagement include minimizing potential impacts on value chains, improving resource efficiency, enhancing production of sustainable raw materials, and supporting customers’, suppliers’, and communities’ climate change adaptation efforts. However, there is a paucity of work analysing adaptation actions by these corporations, their motivations and contribution to broader adaptation and climate‐resilient development efforts, as well as possible instances of maladaptation. We apply a three‐tier framework on drivers, responses, and outcomes to examine the state of knowledge according to recent literature on private sector and corporate adaptation to climate change. Our review highlights that the literature on the impact and outcomes of corporate adaptation actions is sparse and we consider the implications for future research. Our analysis concludes with a reflection on the relevance of corporate‐led adaptation—for the companies themselves, policymakers at all scales, as well as society at large. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:517–536. doi: 10.1002/wcc.402

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
Distal Pancreatectomy with En Bloc Resection of the Celiac Axis with Preservation or Reconstruction of the Left Gastric Artery in Patients with Pancreatic Body Cancer
Authors: Sato Takafumi , Saiura Akio , Inoue Yosuke , Takahashi Yu , Arita Junichi , Takemura Nobuyuki
Published: May 2016

Background

A distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP‐CAR) is indicated for left‐sided locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, ischemic complication resulting from the sacrifice of the common hepatic artery and left gastric artery (LGA) remain problematic. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of DP‐CAR with preservation or reconstruction of the left gastric artery.

Method

Between April 2011 and December 2014, we treated 17 cases using DP‐CAR with preservation or reconstruction of the LGA. If the tumor had involved the LGA, the LGA was dissected and reconstructed using the middle colic artery. We retrospectively analyzed the feasibility of this procedure.

Results

Among 17 consecutive patients who underwent DP‐CAR, the LGA was preserved in 13 patients and reconstructed in four patients. Major postoperative complications were observed in seven cases (41 %). A pancreatic fistula (grade B/C) or delayed gastric emptying (grade B/C) occurred in 7 (41 %) and 2 (12 %) cases, respectively. The overall R0 resection rate was 94 % (16/17). Eleven cases developed recurrences (liver, n = 4; lymph nodes, n = 2; peritoneal dissemination, n = 2; lung, n = 2; local recurrence, n = 1). The overall 1‐ and 3‐year postoperative survival rates were 74 and 45 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data showed that DP‐CAR with preservation or reconstruction of the LGA is a safe and feasible approach, and that this procedure may reduce the risk of ischemic complications.
Antibiotics Versus Appendicectomy for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Rollins Katie E. , Varadhan Krishna K. , Neal Keith R. , Lobo Dileep N.
Published: May 2016

Background

Uncomplicated acute appendicitis has been managed traditionally by early appendicectomy. However, recently, there has been increasing interest in the potential for primary treatment with antibiotics, with studies finding this to be associated with fewer complications than appendicectomy. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of antibiotic therapy with appendicectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

Method

This meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials included adult patients presenting with uncomplicated acute appendicitis treated with antibiotics or appendicectomy. The primary outcome measure was complications. Secondary outcomes included treatment efficacy, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission rate and incidence of complicated appendicitis.

Results

Five randomised controlled trials with a total of 1430 participants (727 undergoing antibiotic therapy and 703 undergoing appendicectomy) were included. There was a 39 % risk reduction in overall complication rates in those treated with antibiotics compared with those undergoing appendicectomy (RR 0.61, 95 % CI 0.44–0.83, p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in hospital LOS (mean difference 0.25 days, 95 % CI −0.05 to 0.56, p = 0.10). In the antibiotic cohort, 123 of 587 patients initially treated successfully with antibiotics were readmitted with symptoms suspicious of recurrent appendicitis. The incidence of complicated appendicitis was not increased in patients who underwent appendicectomy after “failed” antibiotic treatment (10.8 %) versus those who underwent primary appendicectomy (17.9 %).

Conclusion

Increasing evidence supports the primary treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis with antibiotics, in terms of complications, hospital LOS and risk of complicated appendicitis. Antibiotics should be prescribed once a diagnosis of acute appendicitis is made or considered.
Preventive effects of citrulline on Western diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats
Authors: Jegatheesan Prasanthi , Beutheu Stéphanie , Freese Kim , Waligora-Dupriet Anne-Judith , Nubret Esther , Butel Marie-Jo , Bergheim Ina , De Bandt Jean-Pascal
Published: May 2016

A Western diet induces insulin resistance, liver steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) and intestinal dysbiosis, leading to increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation, thus contributing to the progression of NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In the present study, we sought, in a model of Western diet-induced NAFLD, to determine whether citrulline (Cit), an amino acid that regulates protein and energy metabolism, could decrease Western diet-induced liver injuries, as well as the mechanisms involved. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (45 %) and fructose (30 %) in drinking water or a control diet associated with water (group C) for 8 weeks. The high-fat, high-fructose diet (Western diet) was fed either alone (group WD) or with Cit (1 g/kg per d) (group WDC) or an isonitrogenous amount of non-essential amino acids (group WDA). We evaluated nutritional and metabolic status, liver function, intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota and splanchnic inflammatory status. Cit led to a lower level of hepatic TAG restricted to microvesicular lipid droplets and to a lower mRNA expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, a marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress, of pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6 (P<0·05) and Tnfα, and of toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) (P<0·05). Cit also improved plasma TAG and insulin levels. In the colon, it decreased inflammation (Tnfα and Tlr4 expressions) and increased claudin-1 protein expression. This was associated with higher levels of Bacteroides/Prevotella compared with rats fed the Western diet alone. Cit improves Western diet-induced liver injuries via decreased lipid deposition, increased insulin sensitivity, lower inflammatory process and preserved antioxidant status. This may be related in part to its protective effects at the gut level.
Archaeology within, archaeology without
Authors: Sanders Jeff
Published: May 2016

The rise of the nation state has had a major influence on the development of archaeology. Nation states today, however, differ from their 19th- and 20th-century equivalents, and they both impact upon and use archaeology in different ways. By looking outwards from an individual country within a collective nation state, I will explore the forms that this can take. From a Scotland-based perspective, I will look at how various borders and boundaries, and the aims and objectives of those responsible for them, affect archaeological work. As well as looking at institutional and administrative boundaries and their effect on archaeology, I will also explore how archaeological work, and the stories we produce, can either question or reinforce the nation state. Ultimately, archaeology can be used in a very different way now than in the 19th and 20th centuries: it is less about the specific stories and more about the process of uncovering them. Rather than telling a national story, archaeology can be used as an instrument to deliver on wider objectives.
Is there an alternative to the nation state?
Authors: Prescott Christopher
Published: May 2016

Academic developments, migration and other forces of globalization have ruptured the validity of traditional national and ethnic archaeology in the Scandinavian states. However, this does not mean that the relationship between nation states and archaeology has come to an end. In reference to Norway, this article contends that on a practical level there is no viable alternative to replace the nation state. In terms of archaeological narratives, it is more relevant to adapt archaeological narratives to the evolving state than to advocate abandoning the nation state altogether.
Perturbation of gut bacteria induces a coordinated cellular immune response in the purple sea urchin larva
Authors: CH Ho Eric , Buckley Katherine M , Schrankel Catherine S , Schuh Nicholas W , Hibino Taku , Solek Cynthia M , Bae Koeun , Wang Guizhi , Rast Jonathan P
Published: May 2016

The purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) genome sequence contains a complex repertoire of genes encoding innate immune recognition proteins and homologs of important vertebrate immune regulatory factors. To characterize how this immune system is deployed within an experimentally tractable, intact animal, we investigate the immune capability of the larval stage. Sea urchin embryos and larvae are morphologically simple and transparent, providing an organism‐wide model to view immune response at cellular resolution. Here we present evidence for immune function in five mesenchymal cell types based on morphology, behavior and gene expression. Two cell types are phagocytic; the others interact at sites of microbial detection or injury. We characterize immune‐associated gene markers for three cell types, including a perforin‐like molecule, a scavenger receptor, a complement‐like thioester‐containing protein and the echinoderm‐specific immune response factor 185/333. We elicit larval immune responses by (1) bacterial injection into the blastocoel and (2) seawater exposure to the marine bacterium Vibrio diazotrophicus to perturb immune state in the gut. Exposure at the epithelium induces a strong response in which pigment cells (one type of immune cell) migrate from the ectoderm to interact with the gut epithelium. Bacteria that accumulate in the gut later invade the blastocoel, where they are cleared by phagocytic and granular immune cells. The complexity of this coordinated, dynamic inflammatory program within the simple larval morphology provides a system in which to characterize processes that direct both aspects of the echinoderm‐specific immune response as well as those that are shared with other deuterostomes, including vertebrates.
Regulation of infection efficiency in a globally abundant marine Bacteriodetes virus
Authors: Howard-Varona Cristina , Roux Simon , Dore Hugo , Solonenko Natalie E , Holmfeldt Karin , Markillie Lye M , Orr Galya , Sullivan Matthew B
Published: May 2016

Bacteria impact humans, industry and nature, but do so under viral constraints. Problematically, knowledge of viral infection efficiencies and outcomes derives from few model systems that over-represent efficient lytic infections and under-represent virus–host natural diversity. Here we sought to understand infection efficiency regulation in an emerging environmental Bacteroidetes–virus model system with markedly different outcomes on two genetically and physiologically nearly identical host strains. For this, we quantified bacterial virus (phage) and host DNA, transcripts and phage particles throughout both infections. While phage transcriptomes were similar, transcriptional differences between hosts suggested host-derived regulation of infection efficiency. Specifically, the alternative host overexpressed DNA degradation genes and underexpressed translation genes, which seemingly targeted phage DNA particle production, as experiments revealed they were both significantly delayed (by >30 min) and reduced (by >50%) in the inefficient infection. This suggests phage failure to repress early alternative host expression and stress response allowed the host to respond against infection by delaying phage DNA replication and protein translation. Given that this phage type is ubiquitous and abundant in the global oceans and that variable viral infection efficiencies are central to dynamic ecosystems, these data provide a critically needed foundation for understanding and modeling viral infections in nature.
T-bet is a key modulator of IL-23-driven pathogenic CD4+ T cell responses in the intestine
Authors: Krausgruber Thomas , Schiering Chris , Adelmann Krista , Harrison Oliver J. , Chomka Agnieszka , Pearson Claire , Ahern Philip P. , Shale Matthew , Oukka Mohamed , Powrie Fiona
Published: May 2016

IL-23 is a key driver of pathogenic Th17 cell responses. It has been suggested that the transcription factor T-bet is required to facilitate IL-23-driven pathogenic effector functions; however, the precise role of T-bet in intestinal T cell responses remains elusive. Here, we show that T-bet expression by T cells is not required for the induction of colitis or the differentiation of pathogenic Th17 cells but modifies qualitative features of the IL-23-driven colitogenic response by negatively regulating IL-23R expression. Consequently, absence of T-bet leads to unrestrained Th17 cell differentiation and activation characterized by high amounts of IL-17A and IL-22. The combined increase in IL-17A/IL-22 results in enhanced epithelial cell activation and inhibition of either IL-17A or IL-22 leads to disease amelioration. Our study identifies T-bet as a key modulator of IL-23-driven colitogenic responses in the intestine and has important implications for understanding of heterogeneity among inflammatory bowel disease patients.
The mitogenome of a 35,000-year-old Homo sapiens from Europe supports a Palaeolithic back-migration to Africa
Authors: Hervella M. , Svensson E. M. , Alberdi A. , Günther T. , Izagirre N. , Munters A. R. , Alonso S. , Ioana M. , Ridiche F. , Soficaru A. , Jakobsson M. , Netea M. G. , de-la-Rua C.
Published: May 2016

After the dispersal of modern humans (Homo sapiens) Out of Africa, hominins with a similar morphology to that of present-day humans initiated the gradual demographic expansion into Eurasia. The mitogenome (33-fold coverage) of the Peştera Muierii 1 individual (PM1) from Romania (35 ky cal BP) we present in this article corresponds fully to Homo sapiens, whilst exhibiting a mosaic of morphological features related to both modern humans and Neandertals. We have identified the PM1 mitogenome as a basal haplogroup U6*, not previously found in any ancient or present-day humans. The derived U6 haplotypes are predominantly found in present-day North-Western African populations. Concomitantly, those found in Europe have been attributed to recent gene-flow from North Africa. The presence of the basal haplogroup U6* in South East Europe (Romania) at 35 ky BP confirms a Eurasian origin of the U6 mitochondrial lineage. Consequently, we propose that the PM1 lineage is an offshoot to South East Europe that can be traced to the Early Upper Paleolithic back migration from Western Asia to North Africa, during which the U6 lineage diversified, until the emergence of the present-day U6 African lineages.
Hyponatremia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Il Shin Jae , Park Se Jin , Suh Chang-Hee , Lee Geum Hwa , Hur Min Woo , Han Song Yi , Kim Dong Soo , Kim Ji Hong
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to determine whether decreased serum sodium concentration could be associated with the disease activity in SLE. We retrospectively analyzed the data of the two independent cohorts of children and adults with SLE in two centers. Hyponatremia was associated with serum chloride (p = 0.004), albumin (p = 0.002) and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (p = 0.026) in children with SLE. Serum sodium levels were correlated negatively with ESR (p =0.001) and positively with serum albumin levels (p < 0.0001) and C3 (p = 0.008) in children with SLE and those levels were correlated negatively with serum interleukin-6 levels (p = 0.003) in adults with SLE. Independent risk factors for the development of hyponatremia were the decreased serum C3 levels (OR 1.069, p = 0.031), the decreased serum chloride levels (OR 2.054, p = 0.006) and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR 1.066, p = 0.03) in children with SLE and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.480, p = 0.023) in combined cohorts with SLE by multiple logistic regression analyses. Our study firstly showed that hyponatremia could reflect a disease activity and severe inflammation of SLE.
Development and evaluation of two subunit vaccine candidates containing antigens of hepatitis E virus, rotavirus, and astrovirus
Authors: Xia Ming , Wei Chao , Wang Leyi , Cao Dianjun , Meng Xiang-Jin , Jiang Xi , Tan Ming
Published: May 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), rotavirus (RV), and astrovirus (AstV) are important pathogens that transmit through a common fecal-oral route, causing hepatitis (HEV) and gastroenteritis (RV and AstV) respectively in humans. In this study, we developed and evaluated two subunit vaccine candidates that consisted of the same protruding or spike protein antigens of the three viruses in two formats, a fusion of the three antigens into one molecule (fused vaccine) vs. a mixture of the three free antigens together (mixed vaccine). Both vaccines were easily made viaE. coliexpression system. Mouse immunization experiments showed that the fused vaccine elicited significantly higher antibody responses against the three viral antigens than those induced by the mixed vaccine. In addition, the mouse post-immune antisera of the fused vaccine revealed significantly higher neutralizing titers against HEV infection in cell culture, as well as significantly higher 50% blocking titers (BT50) against RV VP8-HBGA receptor interactions than those of the post-immune antisera after immunization of the mixed vaccine. Thus, the fused vaccine is a promising trivalent vaccine candidate against HEV, RV, and AstV, which is worth for further development.
Plasma prolactin and breast cancer risk: a meta- analysis
Authors: Wang Minghao , Wu Xiujuan , Chai Fan , Zhang Yi , Jiang Jun
Published: May 2016

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its incidence is on a constant rise. Previous studies suggest that higher levels of plasma prolactin are associated with escalated risk of breast cancer, however, these results are contradictory and inconclusive. PubMed and Medline were used to search and identify published observational studies that assessed the relationship between plasma prolactin levels and the risk of breast cancer. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. A total of 7 studies were included in our analysis. For the highest versus lowest levels of plasma prolactin, the pooled RR (95% CI) of breast cancer were 1.16 (1.04, 1.29). In subgroup analyses, we found a positive association between plasma prolactin levels and the risk of breast cancer among the patients who were postmenopausal, ER+/PR+ or in situ and invasive carcinoma. However, this positive association was not detected in the premenopausal and ER-/PR- patients. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence supporting a significantly positive association between plasma prolactin levels and the risk of breast cancer.
Nucleation and growth of (10͞11) semi-polar AlN on (0001) AlN by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Liu Ting , Zhang Jicai , Su Xujun , Huang Jun , Wang Jianfeng , Xu Ke
Published: May 2016

Wurtzite AlN is widely used for deep ultraviolet optoelectronic devices (DUV), which are generally grown along the [0001]-direction of the wurtzite structure on currently available substrates. However, huge internal electrostatic fields are presented within the material along [0001] axis induced by piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization, which has limited the internal quantum efficiency of AlN based DUV LEDs dramatically. The internal fields can be strongly reduced by changing the epitaxial growth direction from the conventional polar c-direction into less polar crystal directions. Twinned crystal is a crystal consisting of two or more domains with the same crystal lattice and composition but different crystal orientations. In other words, twins can be induced to change crystal directions. In this work we demonstrated that the epitaxial growth of ("Equation missing") semi-polar AlN on (0001) AlN by constructing ("Equation missing") and ("Equation missing") twin structures. This new method is relative feasible than conventional methods and it has huge prospect to develop high-quality semi-polar AlN.
Single molecule targeted sequencing for cancer gene mutation detection
Authors: Gao Yan , Deng Liwei , Yan Qin , Gao Yongqian , Wu Zengding , Cai Jinsen , Ji Daorui , Li Gailing , Wu Ping , Jin Huan , Zhao Luyang , Liu Song , Ge Liangjin , Deem Michael W. , He Jiankui
Published: May 2016

With the rapid decline in cost of sequencing, it is now affordable to examine multiple genes in a single disease-targeted clinical test using next generation sequencing. Current targeted sequencing methods require a separate step of targeted capture enrichment during sample preparation before sequencing. Although there are fast sample preparation methods available in market, the library preparation process is still relatively complicated for physicians to use routinely. Here, we introduced an amplification-free Single Molecule Targeted Sequencing (SMTS) technology, which combined targeted capture and sequencing in one step. We demonstrated that this technology can detect low-frequency mutations using artificially synthesized DNA sample. SMTS has several potential advantages, including simple sample preparation thus no biases and errors are introduced by PCR reaction. SMTS has the potential to be an easy and quick sequencing technology for clinical diagnosis such as cancer gene mutation detection, infectious disease detection, inherited condition screening and noninvasive prenatal diagnosis.
Modified serpinA1 as risk marker for Parkinson’s disease dementia: Analysis of baseline data
Authors: Halbgebauer Steffen , Nagl Magdalena , Klafki Hans , Haußmann Ute , Steinacker Petra , Oeckl Patrick , Kassubek Jan , Pinkhardt Elmar , Ludolph Albert C. , Soininen Hilkka , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Wiltfang Jens , Otto Markus
Published: May 2016

Early detection of dementia in Parkinson disease is a prerequisite for preventive therapeutic approaches. Modified serpinA1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was suggested as an early biomarker for differentiation between Parkinson patients with (PDD) or without dementia (PD). Within this study we aimed to further explore the diagnostic value of serpinA1. We applied a newly developed nanoscale method for the detection of serpinA1 based on automated capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF). A clinical sample of 102 subjects including neurologically healthy controls (CON), PD and PDD patients was investigated. Seven serpinA1 isoforms of different charge were detected in CSF from all three diagnostic groups. The mean CSF signals of the most acidic serpinA1 isoform differed significantly (p < 0.01) between PDD (n = 29) and PD (n = 37) or CON (n = 36). Patients above the cut-off of 6.4 have a more than six times higher risk for an association with dementia compared to patients below the cut off. We propose this serpinA1 CIEF-immunoassay as a novel tool in predicting cognitive impairment in PD patients and therefore for patient stratification in therapeutic trials.
Fructose, but not glucose, impairs insulin signaling in the three major insulin-sensitive tissues
Authors: Baena Miguel , Sangüesa Gemma , Dávalos Alberto , Latasa María-Jesús , Sala-Vila Aleix , Sánchez Rosa María , Roglans Núria , Laguna Juan Carlos , Alegret Marta
Published: May 2016

Human studies support the relationship between high intake of fructose-sweetened beverages and type 2 diabetes, but there is a debate on whether this effect is fructose-specific or it is merely associated to an excessive caloric intake. Here we investigate the effects of 2 months’ supplementation to female rats of equicaloric 10% w/v fructose or glucose solutions on insulin sensitivity in target tissues. Fructose supplementation caused hepatic deposition of triglycerides and changed the fatty acid profile of this fraction, with an increase in monounsaturated and a decrease in polyunsaturated species, but did not cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Fructose but not glucose-supplemented rats displayed an abnormal glucose tolerance test and did not show increased phosphorylation of V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog-2 (Akt) in white adipose tissue and liver after insulin administration. In skeletal muscle, phosphorylation of Akt and of Akt substrate of 160 kDA (AS160) was not impaired but the expression of the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) in the plasma membrane was reduced only in fructose-fed rats. In conclusion, fructose but not glucose supplementation causes fatty liver without inflammation and oxidative stress and impairs insulin signaling in the three major insulin-responsive tissues independently from the increase in energy intake.
Illumina MiSeq sequencing disfavours a sequence motif in the GFP reporter gene
Authors: Van den Hoecke Silvie , Verhelst Judith , Saelens Xavier
Published: May 2016

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is one of the most used reporter genes. We have used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyse the genetic diversity of a recombinant influenza A virus that expresses GFP and found a remarkable coverage dip in the GFP coding sequence. This coverage dip was present when virus-derived RT-PCR product or the parental plasmid DNA was used as starting material for NGS and regardless of whether Nextera XT transposase or Covaris shearing was used for DNA fragmentation. Therefore, the sequence coverage dip in the GFP coding sequence was not the result of emerging GFP mutant viruses or a bias introduced by Nextera XT fragmentation. Instead, we found that the Illumina MiSeq sequencing method disfavours the ‘CCCGCC’ motif in the GFP coding sequence.
Mucosal adherent bacterial dysbiosis in patients with colorectal adenomas
Authors: Lu Yingying , Chen Jing , Zheng Junyuan , Hu Guoyong , Wang Jingjing , Huang Chunlan , Lou Lihong , Wang Xingpeng , Zeng Yue
Published: May 2016

Recent reports have suggested that the gut microbiota is involved in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The composition of gut microbiota in CRC precursors has not been adequately described. To characterize the structure of adherent microbiota in this disease, we conducted pyrosequencing-based analysis of 16S rRNA genes to determine the bacterial profile of normal colons (healthy controls) and colorectal adenomas (CRC precursors). Adenoma mucosal biopsy samples and adjacent normal colonic mucosa from 31 patients with adenomas and 20 healthy volunteers were profiled using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed structural segregation between colorectal adenomatous tissue and control tissue. Alpha diversity estimations revealed higher microbiota diversity in samples from patients with adenomas. Taxonomic analysis illustrated that abundance of eight phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Candidate-division TM7 and Tenericutes) was significantly different. In addition, Lactococcus and Pseudomonas were enriched in preneoplastic tissue, whereas Enterococcus, Bacillus and Solibacillus were reduced. However, both PCoA and cluster tree analyses showed similar microbiota structure between adenomatous and adjacent non-adenoma tissues. These present findings provide preliminary experimental evidence supporting that colorectal preneoplastic lesion may be the most important factor leading to alterations in bacterial community composition.
Proteomic profiling of cellulase-aid-extracted membrane proteins for functional identification of cellulose synthase complexes and their potential associated- components in cotton fibers
Authors: Li Ao , Wang Ruyi , Li Xianliang , Liu Mingyong , Fan Jian , Guo Kai , Luo Bing , Chen Tingting , Feng Shengqiu , Wang Yanting , Wang Bingrui , Peng Liangcai , Xia Tao
Published: May 2016

Cotton fibers are an excellent model for understanding of cellulose biosynthesis in higher plants. In this study, we determined a high cellulose biosynthesis activity in vitro by optimizing biochemical reaction conditions in cotton fibers. By adding a commercial cellulase enzyme into fibers extraction process, we extracted markedly higher levels of GhCESA1 and GhCESA8 proteins and observed an increase in β-1,4-glucan and β-1,3-glucan products in vitro. LC-MS/MS analysis of anti-GhCESA8-immunoprecipitated proteins showed that 19 proteins could be found in three independent experiments including four CESAs (GhCESA1,2,7,8), five well-known non-CESA proteins, one callose synthase (CALS) and nine novel proteins. Notably, upon the cellulase treatment, four CESAs, one CALS and four novel proteins were measured at relatively higher levels by calculating total peptide counts and distinct peptide numbers, indicating that the cellulase-aid-extracted proteins most likely contribute to the increase in β-glucan products in vitro. These results suggest that the cellulase treatment may aid to release active cellulose synthases complexes from growing glucan chains and make them more amenable to extraction. To our knowledge, it is the first time report about the functional identification of the potential proteins that were associated with plant cellulose and callose synthases complexes by using the cellulase-aided protein extraction.
Quantum coherence and quantum phase transitions
Authors: Li Yan-Chao , Lin Hai-Qing
Published: May 2016

We study the connections between local quantum coherence (LQC) based on Wigner-Yanase skew information and quantum phase transitions (QPTs). When applied on the one-dimensional Hubbard, XY spin chain with three-spin interaction and Su-Schrieffer-Heeger models, the LQC and its derivatives are used successfully to detect different types of QPTs in these spin and fermionic systems. Furthermore, the LQC is effective as the quantum discord (QD) in detecting QPTs at finite temperatures, where the entanglement has lost its effectiveness. We also demonstrate that the LQC can exhibit different behaviors in many forms compared with the QD.
Variation in infection length and superinfection enhance selection efficiency in the human malaria parasite
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Han , Childs Lauren M. , Buckee Caroline O.
Published: May 2016

The capacity for adaptation is central to the evolutionary success of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria epidemiology is characterized by the circulation of multiple, genetically diverse parasite clones, frequent superinfection and highly variable infection lengths, a large number of which are chronic and asymptomatic. The impact of these characteristics on the evolution of the parasite is largely unknown, however, hampering our understanding of the impact of interventions and the emergence of drug resistance. In particular, standard population genetic frameworks do not accommodate variation in infection length or superinfection. Here, we develop a population genetic model of malaria including these variations and show that these aspects of malaria infection dynamics enhance both the probability and speed of fixation for beneficial alleles in complex and non-intuitive ways. We find that populations containing a mixture of short- and long-lived infections promote selection efficiency. Interestingly, this increase in selection efficiency occurs even when only a small fraction of the infections are chronic, suggesting that selection can occur efficiently in areas of low transmission intensity, providing a hypothesis for the repeated emergence of drug resistance in the low transmission setting of Southeast Asia.
Intraindividual dynamics of transcriptome and genome-wide stability of DNA methylation
Authors: Furukawa Ryohei , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Ohmomo Hideki , Shiwa Yuh , Ono Kanako , Suzuki Sadafumi , Satoh Mamoru , Hitomi Jiro , Sobue Kenji , Shimizu Atsushi
Published: May 2016

Cytosine methylation at CpG dinucleotides is an epigenetic mechanism that affects the gene expression profiles responsible for the functional differences in various cells and tissues. Although gene expression patterns are dynamically altered in response to various stimuli, the intraindividual dynamics of DNA methylation in human cells are yet to be fully understood. Here, we investigated the extent to which DNA methylation contributes to the dynamics of gene expression by collecting 24 blood samples from two individuals over a period of 3 months. Transcriptome and methylome association analyses revealed that only ~2% of dynamic changes in gene expression could be explained by the intraindividual variation of DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified monocytes. These results showed that DNA methylation levels remain stable for at least several months, suggesting that disease-associated DNA methylation markers are useful for estimating the risk of disease manifestation.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor activation regulates cocaine actions and dopamine homeostasis in the lateral septum by decreasing arachidonic acid levels
Authors: Reddy I A , Pino J A , Weikop P , Osses N , Sørensen G , Bering T , Valle C , Bluett R J , Erreger K , Wortwein G , Reyes J G , Graham D , Stanwood G D , Hackett T A , Patel S , Fink-Jensen A , Torres G E , Galli A
Published: May 2016

Agonism of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) has been effective at treating aspects of addictive behavior for a number of abused substances, including cocaine. However, the molecular mechanisms and brain circuits underlying the therapeutic effects of GLP-1R signaling on cocaine actions remain elusive. Recent evidence has revealed that endogenous signaling at the GLP-1R within the forebrain lateral septum (LS) acts to reduce cocaine-induced locomotion and cocaine conditioned place preference, both considered dopamine (DA)-associated behaviors. DA terminals project from the ventral tegmental area to the LS and express the DA transporter (DAT). Cocaine acts by altering DA bioavailability by targeting the DAT. Therefore, GLP-1R signaling might exert effects on DAT to account for its regulation of cocaine-induced behaviors. We show that the GLP-1R is highly expressed within the LS. GLP-1, in LS slices, significantly enhances DAT surface expression and DAT function. Exenatide (Ex-4), a long-lasting synthetic analog of GLP-1 abolished cocaine-induced elevation of DA. Interestingly, acute administration of Ex-4 reduces septal expression of the retrograde messenger 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), as well as a product of its presynaptic degradation, arachidonic acid (AA). Notably, AA reduces septal DAT function pointing to AA as a novel regulator of central DA homeostasis. We further show that AA oxidation product γ-ketoaldehyde (γ-KA) forms adducts with the DAT and reduces DAT plasma membrane expression and function. These results support a mechanism in which postsynaptic septal GLP-1R activation regulates 2-AG levels to alter presynaptic DA homeostasis and cocaine actions through AA.
The evaluation of matrix effects in pesticide multi-residue methods via matrix fingerprinting using liquid chromatography electrospray high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Gómez-Ramos María del Mar , Rajski Łukasz , Lozano Ana , Fernández-Alba Amadeo R.
Published: May 2016

Matrix fingerprinting of twenty-three different commodities was evaluated.
The first voltammetric investigation for astilbin based on β-cyclodextrin functionalized graphene modified electrode
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Qinqin , Sheng Kai , Zou Lina , Ye Baoxian
Published: May 2016

The electrochemical properties of astilbin were investigated for the first time and an electroanalytical method was established synchronously, which was based on a β-cyclodextrin–graphene nanocomposite modified electrode.
Explanation of the size dependent in-plane optical resonance of triangular silver nanoprisms
Authors: Knauer Andrea , Koehler J. Michael
Published: May 2016

Single electron excitationversusplasmon: different insights into the optical resonance of triangular silver nanoprisms.
Enhanced stability of Cu2+–ATCUN complexes under physiologically relevant conditions by insertion of structurally bulky and hydrophobic amino acid residues into the ATCUN motif
Authors: Miyamoto Takaaki , Fukino Yuta , Kamino Shinichiro , Ueda Masashi , Enomoto Shuichi
Published: May 2016

The stability of Cu2+–ATCUN complexes under physiologically relevant conditions is enhanced by inserting bulky and hydrophobic residues at positions 1 and 2 of the ATCUN peptide.
Novel photochemistry of molecular polaritons in optical cavities
Authors: Bennett Kochise , Kowalewski Markus , Mukamel Shaul
Published: May 2016

Violations of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation (BOA) and the consequent nonadiabatic dynamics have long been an object of intense study. Recently, such dynamics have been induced via strong coupling of the molecule to a high-amplitude (spatially confined) mode of the electromagnetic field in optical cavities. However, the effects of a cavity on a pre-existing avoided crossing or conical intersection are relatively unexplored. The dynamics of molecules dressed by cavity modes are usually calculated by invoking the rotating wave approximation (RWA), which greatly simplifies the calculation but breaks down when the cavity mode frequency is higher than the relevant material frequencies. We develop a protocol for computing curve crossing dynamics in an optical cavity by exploiting a recently-developed method of solving the quantum Rabi model without invoking the RWA. The method is demonstrated for sodium iodide.
In situ measurements of calcium carbonate dissolution under rising CO2 pressure using underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Goueguel Christian L. , Jain Jinesh C. , McIntyre Dustin L. , Carson Cantwell G. , Edenborn Harry M.
Published: May 2016

Underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was applied for rapid in situ measurements of CaCO3 dissolution in CO2-saturated water at high pressure.
Metal-catalyzed cycloisomerization as a powerful tool in the synthesis of complex sesquiterpenoids
Authors: Stathakis Christos I. , Gkizis Petros L. , Zografos Alexandros L.
Published: May 2016

Metal-catalyzed cycloisomerization reactions can be regarded as “artificial sesquiterpenoid cyclase” tools in modern organic synthesis, and their progress is reviewed.
Wide bandgap, strain-balanced quantum well tunnel junctions on InP substrates
Authors: Lumb M. P. , Yakes M. K. , González M. , Bennett M. F. , Schmieder K. J. , Affouda C. A. , Herrera M. , Delgado F. J. , Molina S. I. , Walters R. J.
Published: May 2016

In this work, the electrical performance of strain-balanced quantum well tunnel junctions with varying designs is presented. Strain-balanced quantum well tunnel junctions comprising compressively strained InAlAs wells and tensile-strained InAlAs barriers were grown on InP substrates using solid-source molecular beam epitaxy. The use of InAlAs enables InP-based tunnel junction devices to be produced using wide bandgap layers, enabling high electrical performance with low absorption. The impact of well and barrier thickness on the electrical performance was investigated, in addition to the impact of Si and Be doping concentration. Finally, the impact of an InGaAs quantum well at the junction interface is presented, enabling a peak tunnel current density of 47.6 A/cm2 to be realized.
Study of backward waves in multilayered structures composed of graphene micro-ribbons
Authors: Barzegar-Parizi Saeedeh
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the multilayered structure composed of periodic arrays of graphene ribbons separated by the dielectric slabs is investigated for both the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations. The transmission spectra show a stopband region between the low-THz frequency passband region and the higher-frequency one for TM polarization due to dual capacitive-inductive nature of the surface impedance corresponding to arrays of graphene ribbons. For TE polarization, the surface impedance is pure inductive; therefore, a passband region can be seen after the low-THz frequency stopband region. The in-plane permittivities are calculated based on the scattering parameters retrieval method. The negative permittivities are obtained in stopband regions corresponding to Bloch evanescent modes. This structure allows the propagation of backward waves in negative permittivity regime for TM polarization.
Evaluating the privacy properties of telephone metadata
Authors: Mayer Jonathan , Mutchler Patrick , Mitchell John C.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Privacy protections against government surveillance are often scoped to communications content and exclude communications metadata. In the United States, the National Security Agency operated a particularly controversial program, collecting bulk telephone metadata nationwide. We investigate the privacy properties of telephone metadata to assess the impact of policies that distinguish between content and metadata. We find that telephone metadata is densely interconnected, can trivially be reidentified, enables automated location and relationship inferences, and can be used to determine highly sensitive traits.
Target shape dependence in a simple model of receptor-mediated endocytosis and phagocytosis
Authors: Richards David M. , Endres Robert G.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Most previous work on endocytosis (the way cells ingest particles) has focused on engulfment of spherical targets. However, this is rarely relevant outside the laboratory, where cells must engulf a huge variety of target shapes, from capped cylinders (like many bacteria) to hourglasses (such as dividing cells). Here, we map this problem to the well-studied physics problem of the freezing of water. This allows us to study a wide range of different, biologically relevant shapes. In particular, for the first time, to our knowledge, it allows us to examine the orientation dependence of phagocytosis, to explain the shape dependence of phagocytosis and receptor-meditated endocytosis, and to explain why nonspherical targets often engulf faster when the most highly-curved tip is engulfed first.
Receptor arrays optimized for natural odor statistics
Authors: Zwicker David , Murugan Arvind , Brenner Michael P.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Natural odors typically consist of many molecules at different concentrations, which together determine the odor identity. This information is collectively encoded by olfactory receptors and then forwarded to the brain. However, it is unclear how the receptor activity can encode both the composition of the odor and the concentrations of its constituents. We study a simple model of the olfactory receptors from which we derive design principles for optimally communicating odor information in a given natural environment. We use these results to discuss biological olfactory systems, and we propose how they can be used to improve artificial sensor arrays.
A lead isotope perspective on urban development in ancient Naples
Authors: Delile Hugo , Keenan-Jones Duncan , Blichert-Toft Janne , Goiran Jean-Philippe , Arnaud-Godet Florent , Romano Paola , Albarède Francis
Published: May 2016

Significance

A well-dated sedimentary sequence from the ancient harbor of Naples sheds new light on an old problem: could the great AD 79 Vesuvius eruption have affected the water supply of the cities around the Bay of Naples? We here show, using Pb isotopes, that this volcanic catastrophe not only destroyed the urban lead pipe water supply network, but that it took the Roman administration several decades to replace it, and that the commissioning of the new system, once built, occurred nearly instantaneously. Moreover, discontinuities in the Pb isotopic record of the harbor deposits prove a powerful tool for tracking both Naples’ urbanization and later major conflicts at the end of the Roman period and in early Byzantine times.