bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualities and Qualifications of EFL Professionals: What Do Intensive English Program Administrators Think?
Authors: Akcan Sumru , Aydin Belgin , Karaman A. Cendel , Seferoğlu Gölge , Korkmazgil Sibel , Özbilgin Alev , Selvi Ali Fuad
Published: September 2016

Recent educational research has underscored the criticality and centrality of teacher quality as a decisive and prominent influence on students' academic growth and success. Consequently, it becomes imperative to define, understand, and study the qualities and qualifications of effective teachers so as to inform preservice and in‐service teacher education practices. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate administrators' views and expectations on teacher recruitment processes and qualities of English language teaching (ELT) professionals who work as instructors in intensive English programs at institutions of higher education in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. The study focused on 19 institutions of higher education in Turkey and Northern Cyprus and utilized a qualitative approach for data collection (semistructured face‐to‐face interviews, Skype interviews, and written responses) and analysis consistent with the principles of grounded theory methodology. The thematic analysis of the data revealed views on language teacher recruitment processes and practices in higher education and highlighted the vitality of language proficiency, openness for professional development and self‐reflection, character, and pedagogical knowledge for ideal applicants for teaching positions. Administrators' perceptions regarding teacher recruitment processes and qualities of ELT professionals offer insights that are useful for developing contextually sensitive preservice and in‐service teaching practices.
Tolerability of a rapid‐escalation vinblastine‐prednisolone protocol in dogs with mast cell tumours
Authors: Serra Varela Juan Carlos , Pecceu Evi , Handel Ian , Lawrence Jessica
Published: September 2016

Optimal chemotherapy protocols for high‐risk mast cell tumours (MCTs) are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the tolerability and toxicity profile of a rapidly escalating vinblastine and prednisolone protocol (VPP) in which 3.00 mg/m2was administered once 7 days apart: at day 14 and at day 21. Dogs with chemotherapy‐naïveMCTs presenting to the Oncology Service of a single institution were prospectively enrolled to receive escalating vinblastine, and haematology and a standardised quality‐of‐life questionnaire were assessed prior to each dosage. Thirty‐four dogs were included: 30 with microscopic disease treated with adequate local therapy and four with macroscopic disease. Of 220 doses of vinblastine administered, 4% were associated with grade 3 and 4 toxicity. A total of 70% of dogs tolerated 3.00 mg/m2given 7 days apart at day 14 and 21, although 29% of dogs developed dose‐limiting toxicities and 8% discontinued the protocol due to toxicity. In conclusion,VPPwas well‐tolerated overall, although prior to further dose intensity optimisation, it is important to determine if dose intensity is linked to outcome in canineMCTto avoid unwarranted toxicity.
Frictional force between a rotationally symmetric indenter and a viscoelastic half‐space
Authors: Kusche Stephan
Published: September 2016

The paper presents a numerical study of the tangential contact between a rigid indenter and an elastomer with linear rheology. Occurring friction forces are caused exclusively by internal dissipative losses. Especially the combinations of a conical or paraboloid indenter and the Maxwell or standard body with fixed ratio of moduli are studied. One result is, that by the use of proper chosen dimensionless variables, for each of the combinations, the contact forces depend explicitly on the indentation depth only. Curves describing this dependencies are given as Bézier function fits. Application of these methods to an indenter with arbitrary shape and materials with a discrete relaxation spectrum described by Prony series is possible. Although only stationary solutions are analysed here, the method enables us to examine the transient process as well.
Acute β‐Hydroxy‐β‐Methyl Butyrate Suppresses Regulators of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Lipid Oxidation While Increasing Lipid Content in Myotubes
Authors: Schnuck Jamie K. , Johnson Michele A. , Gould Lacey M. , Gannon Nicholas P. , Vaughan Roger A.
Published: September 2016

Leucine modulates synthetic and degradative pathways in muscle, possibly providing metabolic benefits for both athletes and diseased populations. Leucine has become popular among athletes for improving performance and body composition, however little is known about the metabolic effects of the commonly consumed leucine‐derived metabolite β‐hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate (HMB). Our work measured the effects of HMB on metabolic protein expression, mitochondrial content and metabolism, as well as lipid content in skeletal muscle cells. Specifically, cultured C2C12 myotubes were treated with either a control or HMB ranging from 6.25 to 25 μM for 24 h and mRNA and/or protein expression, oxygen consumption, glucose uptake, and lipid content were measured. Contrary to leucine's stimulatory effect on metabolism, HMB‐treated cells exhibited significantly reduced regulators of lipid oxidation including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and PPARβ/δ, as well as downstream target carnitine palmitoyl transferase, without alterations in glucose or palmitate oxidation. Furthermore, HMB significantly inhibited activation of the master regulator of energetics, AMP‐activated protein kinase. As a result, HMB‐treated cells also displayed reduced total mitochondrial content compared with true control or cells equivocally treated with leucine. Additionally, HMB treatment amplified markers of lipid biosynthesis (PPARγ and fatty acid synthase) as well as consistently promoted elevated total lipid content versus control cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that HMB did not improve mitochondrial metabolism or content, and may promote elevated cellular lipid content possibly through heightened PPARγ expression. These observations suggest that HMB may be most beneficial for populations interested in stimulating anabolic cellular processes.
Comparison of hemodynamic effects of biventricular versus left ventricular only pacing in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy: A before–after clinical trial
Authors: Faghfourian Babak , Homayoonfar Shahram , Rezvanjoo Mahdi , Poorolajal, MD, PhD Jalal , Emam Amir Hossein
Published: September 2016

Background

Biventricular (BiV) pacing is the most common mode of delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, initial clinical studies have indicated that left ventricular (LV) pacing is not inferior to BiV pacing. This study was conducted to address whether LV only pacing can provide the same hemodynamic response as BiV pacing.

Methods

This before–after clinical trial was conducted at Ekbatan Hospital, from July 2012 to November 2014. Patients with a LV ejection fraction ≤35% and a QRS duration ≥0.12 s who had a standard indication for ventricular pacing were enrolled. The CRT devices of all patients had already been set for BiV pacing. Therefore, their CRT devices were set for LV only pacing for 3 months. The hemodynamic status of the patients was assessed by echocardiography before setting the CRT device to LV only pacing (as a control) and 3 months after (as an intervention).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the effect of BiV pacing and LV only pacing on the hemodynamic responses including LV ejection fraction, LV end diastolic and systolic volume, and velocity time integral of the aortic valve. Moreover, no significant difference was seen between men and women either.

Conclusions

LV only pacing is not inferior to BiV pacing, and the hemodynamic response was similar in the two groups. However, the LV mode has a number of advantages over the BiV mode. More evidence, based on large clinical trials, is needed to confirm our results.
A combined “in vivo” noninvasive evaluation of carotid plaques using ultrasonography and high-resolution magnetic resonance - new insight into plaque burden and vulnerability
Authors: Porretta Alessandra Pia , Bianda Nicola , Di Valentino Marcello , Segatto Jeanne Marie , Santini Paolo , Cattaneo Mattia , Moccetti Marco , Limoni Costanzo , Wyttenbach Rolf , Gallino Augusto
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Background: Qualitative change in carotid plaques was prospectively evaluated by Gray Scale Median (GSM) analysis at repeated examinations “in vivo”, in relation to quantitative change in carotid arterial geometry, as assessed by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). Patients and methods: Duplex ultrasound with GSM analysis and HR-MRI at the carotid level were performed at baseline and 1- and 2-year follow up in 30 patients with < 70% carotid stenosis. Changes in GSM values (ΔGSM) were evaluated as the intra-individual difference between 2-year and baseline values. HR-MRI studies were evaluated for lumen area (LA), total vessel area (TVA), vessel wall area (VWA = TVA-LA) and normalized wall index (NWI = VWA/TVA). Results: ΔGSM value distribution was divided into quartiles. Predominantly echolucent plaques with ΔGSM value in the lowest quartile (ΔGSM ≤- 8) showed a significantly greater mean 2-year LA (28.62 ± 10.9 mm2 vs. 17.88 ± 4.8 mm2, p = 0.04) and a greater mean 2-year TVA (83.64 ± 19.4 mm2 vs. 63.26 ± 9.2 mm2, p = 0.02) than predominantly echogenic plaques with ΔGSM value in the highest quartile (ΔGSM ≥8). Conclusions: Increasing echolucency during the 2-year follow up was associated with a 2-year lower degree of stenosis and higher tendency toward lumen preservation. By corroborating that plaque vulnerability is highly independent of stenosis severity, our study provided a possible new combined “in vivo” noninvasive approach for the assessment of carotid plaque vulnerability.
Efficacy and safety of therapeutic anticoagulation for the treatment of isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Xu-Chen , Hu Xu-Hua , Wang Xiao-Ran , Zhou Chao-Xi , Wang Gui-Ying
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Background: Diverse treatment suggestions range from monitoring with duplex examinations to therapeutic anticoagulation (TA) for managing isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis (ICMVT). However, the small sample sizes and low-level evidence provided by most studies in the literature mean that the benefits of promising new treatment protocols are unclear. Hence, this meta-analysis is intended to assess the efficacy and safety of TA for patients with ICMVT. Patients and methods: Articles comparing TA with no anticoagulation (NA) or no therapeutic anticoagulation (NTA) in patients with ICMVT were collected from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The risk ratio (RR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were generated for each outcome of interest. The data were pooled using a random-effects or fixed-effects model to evaluate differences in outcomes between the TA and control groups. Results: Five of 377 initially identified papers were included. One randomized controlled trial, one non-randomized controlled trial and three retrospective cohort studies (a total of 744 patients, 390 in the TA group and the remaining 354 in the NA or NTA group) were included in this meta-analysis. The occurrence of thrombosis progression was significantly less frequent in those who received TA compared with those receiving NTA (RR = 0.33, 95 % CI 0.20 to 0.54, p < 0.01). The rate of complete recanalization was higher, albeit not significantly, in the TA group than in the NTA group (RR = 1.96, 95 % CI 1.01 to 3.80, p = 0.05). None of the pooled outcomes were significantly different when comparing the TA and NA groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that TA may result in a significant reduction in the rate of thrombosis progression and a marginally significant increase in the rate of complete recanalization for patients with ICMVT. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify whether the benefits of TA outweigh the potential harm.
Effects of perinatal, late foetal, and early embryonic insults on the cardiovascular phenotype in experimental animal models and humans
Authors: Meister Theo Arthur , Rexhaj Emrush , Rimoldi Stefano Flavio , Scherrer Urs , Sartori Claudio
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in Western countries, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Genetic polymorphisms, once thought to represent a major determinant of cardiovascular risk, individually and collectively, only explain a tiny fraction of phenotypic variation and disease risk in humans. It is now clear that non-genetic factors, i.e., factors that modify gene activity without changing the DNA sequence and that are sensitive to the environment can cause important alterations of the cardiovascular phenotype in experimental animal models and humans. Here, we will review recent studies demonstrating that distinct pathological events during the perinatal (transient perinatal hypoxemia), late foetal (preeclampsia), and early embryonic (assisted reproductive technologies) periods induce profound alterations of the cardiovascular phenotype in humans and experimental animals. Moreover, we will provide evidence that epigenetic modifications are contributing importantly to this problem and are conferring the potential for its transmission to subsequent generations.
Early morning oedema in patients with primary varicose veins without trophic changes
Authors: Rastel Didier , Allaert François-André
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Background: Chronic lower limb oedema is one of the complications of superficial or deep chronic venous disorders. It is ranked as “C3”on the CEAP classification. In epidemiological studies, the recognition of oedema is mainly based on clinical signs, and oedema is more easily detected in the second part of the day when it becomes evident. We addressed the question whether oedema is already present in the morning in patients suffering of primary varicose veins without trophic changes. Patients and methods: In total, 101 patients with primary varicose veins (C2 and/or C3 stage of the CEAP classification) and 122 controls were enrolled as they appeared in our centre. The consultation time was no later than 6 hours after the patient had woken up. Oedema was detected by pitting test and ultrasound. Results: The mean consultation time lapse was 3.7 ± 1.2 hours after waking-up. Oedema was more frequent in the group of primary varicose veins without trophic changes (36 % compared to 14 % in the control group; p < 0.01). Oedema was mainly detected by ultrasound and far less so by the pitting test. Conclusions: Patients with varicose veins have morning oedema more frequently than patients without varicosis and at a higher rate than in epidemiological studies.
Randomised, open-label, phase II study of gemcitabine with and without IMM-101 for advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Dalgleish Angus G , Stebbing Justin , Adamson Douglas JA , Arif Seema Safia , Bidoli Paolo , Chang David , Cheeseman Sue , Diaz-Beveridge Robert , Fernandez-Martos Carlos , Glynne-Jones Rob , Granetto Cristina , Massuti Bartomeu , McAdam Karen , McDermott Raymond , Martín Andrés J Muñoz , Papamichael Demetris , Pazo-Cid Roberto , Vieitez Jose M , Zaniboni Alberto , Carroll Kevin J , Wagle Shama , Gaya Andrew , Mudan Satvinder S
Published: September 2016

Background:

Immune Modulation and Gemcitabine Evaluation-1, a randomised, open-label, phase II, first-line, proof of concept study (NCT01303172), explored safety and tolerability of IMM-101 (heat-killed Mycobacterium obuense; NCTC 13365) with gemcitabine (GEM) in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

Patients were randomised (2 : 1) to IMM-101 (10 mg ml−l intradermally)+GEM (1000 mg m−2 intravenously; n=75), or GEM alone (n=35). Safety was assessed on frequency and incidence of adverse events (AEs). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) were collected.

Results:

IMM-101 was well tolerated with a similar rate of AE and serious adverse event reporting in both groups after allowance for exposure. Median OS in the intent-to-treat population was 6.7 months for IMM-101+GEM v 5.6 months for GEM; while not significant, the hazard ratio (HR) numerically favoured IMM-101+GEM (HR, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.44–1.04, P=0.074). In a pre-defined metastatic subgroup (84%), OS was significantly improved from 4.4 to 7.0 months in favour of IMM-101+GEM (HR, 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.87, P=0.01).

Conclusions:

IMM-101 with GEM was as safe and well tolerated as GEM alone, and there was a suggestion of a beneficial effect on survival in patients with metastatic disease. This warrants further evaluation in an adequately powered confirmatory study.
JUN dependency in distinct early and late BRAF inhibition adaptation states of melanoma
Authors: Titz Bjoern , Lomova Anastasia , Le Allison , Hugo Willy , Kong Xiangju , ten Hoeve Johanna , Friedman Michael , Shi Hubing , Moriceau Gatien , Song Chunying , Hong Aayoung , Atefi Mohammad , Li Richard , Komisopoulou Evangelia , Ribas Antoni , Lo Roger S , Graeber Thomas G
Published: September 2016

A prominent mechanism of acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors in BRAFV600-mutant melanoma is associated with the upregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases. Evidences suggested that this resistance mechanism is part of a more complex cellular adaptation process. Using an integrative strategy, we found this mechanism to invoke extensive transcriptomic, (phospho-) proteomic and phenotypic alterations that accompany a cellular transition to a de-differentiated, mesenchymal and invasive state. Even short-term BRAF-inhibitor exposure leads to an early adaptive, differentiation state change—characterized by a slow-cycling, persistent state. The early persistent state is distinct from the late proliferative, resistant state. However, both differentiation states share common signaling alterations including JUN upregulation. Motivated by the similarities, we found that co-targeting of BRAF and JUN is synergistic in killing fully resistant cells; and when used up-front, co-targeting substantially impairs the formation of the persistent subpopulation. We confirmed that JUN upregulation is a common response to BRAF inhibitor treatment in clinically treated patient tumors. Our findings demonstrate that events shared between early- and late-adaptation states provide candidate up-front co-treatment targets.
Emerging magnetism and anomalous Hall effect in iridate–manganite heterostructures
Authors: Nichols John , Gao Xiang , Lee Shinbuhm , Meyer Tricia L. , Freeland John W. , Lauter Valeria , Yi Di , Liu Jian , Haskel Daniel , Petrie Jonathan R. , Guo Er-Jia , Herklotz Andreas , Lee Dongkyu , Ward Thomas Z. , Eres Gyula , Fitzsimmons Michael R. , Lee Ho Nyung
Published: September 2016

Strong Coulomb repulsion and spin–orbit coupling are known to give rise to exotic physical phenomena in transition metal oxides. Initial attempts to investigate systems, where both of these fundamental interactions are comparably strong, such as 3d and 5d complex oxide superlattices, have revealed properties that only slightly differ from the bulk ones of the constituent materials. Here we observe that the interfacial coupling between the 3d antiferromagnetic insulator SrMnO3 and the 5d paramagnetic metal SrIrO3 is enormously strong, yielding an anomalous Hall response as the result of charge transfer driven interfacial ferromagnetism. These findings show that low dimensional spin–orbit entangled 3d–5d interfaces provide an avenue to uncover technologically relevant physical phenomena unattainable in bulk materials.
Multiple novel gene-by-environment interactions modify the effect of FTO variants on body mass index
Authors: Young Alexander I. , Wauthier Fabian , Donnelly Peter
Published: September 2016

Genetic studies have shown that obesity risk is heritable and that, of the many common variants now associated with body mass index, those in an intron of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have the largest effect. The size of the UK Biobank, and its joint measurement of genetic, anthropometric and lifestyle variables, offers an unprecedented opportunity to assess gene-by-environment interactions in a way that accounts for the dependence between different factors. We jointly examine the evidence for interactions between FTO (rs1421085) and various lifestyle and environmental factors. We report interactions between the FTO variant and each of: frequency of alcohol consumption (P=3.0 × 10−4); deviations from mean sleep duration (P=8.0 × 10−4); overall diet (P=5.0 × 10−6), including added salt (P=1.2 × 10−3); and physical activity (P=3.1 × 10−4).
MiR-21-5p Links Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Phenotype with Stem-Like Cell Signatures via AKT Signaling in Keloid Keratinocytes
Authors: Yan Li , Cao Rui , Liu YuanBo , Wang LianZhao , Pan Bo , Lv XiaoYan , Jiao Hu , Zhuang Qiang , Sun XueJian , Xiao Ran
Published: September 2016

Keloid is the abnormal wound healing puzzled by the aggressive growth and high recurrence rate due to its unrevealed key pathogenic mechanism. MicroRNAs contribute to a series of biological processes including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cells stemness involved in fibrotic disease. Here, using microRNAs microarray analysis we found mir-21-5p was significantly up-regulated in keloid epidermis. To investigate the role of miR-21-5p in keloid pathogenesis, we transfected miR-21-5p mimic or inhibitor in keloid keratinocytes and examined the abilities of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, the expressions of EMT-related markers vimentin and E-cadherin and stem-like cells-associated markers CD44 and ALDH1, and the involvement of PTEN and the signaling of AKT and ERK. Our results demonstrated that up-regulation or knockdown of miR-21-5p significantly increased or decreased the migration, invasion and sphere-forming abilities of keloid keratinocytes, and the phenotype of EMT and cells stemness were enhanced or reduced as well. Furthermore, PTEN and p-AKT were shown to participate in the regulation of miR-21-5p on EMT phenotypes and stemness signatures of keloid keratinocytes, which might account for the invasion and recurrence of keloids. This molecular mechanism of miR-21-5p on keloid keratinocytes linked EMT with cells stemness and implicated novel therapeutic targets for keloids.
Endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari and different doses of N-fertilizer alter microbial community structure and function in rhizosphere of rice
Authors: Siddikee Md. Ashaduzzaman , Zereen Mst Israt , Li Cai-Feng , Dai Chuan-Chao
Published: September 2016

Microbial community structure and functions of rhizosphere soil of rice were investigated after applying low and high doses of nitrogenous fertilizer and Phomopsis liquidambari. Average well color development, substrate richness, catabolic diversity and soil enzymes activities varied after applying N-fertilizer and P. liquidambari and were greater in P. liquidambari treated soil than only N-fertilization. Multivariate analysis distinctly separated the catabolic and enzymes activity profile which statistically proved alteration of microbial functional diversity. Nitrogen fertilizer altered microbial community structure revealed by the increased content of total PLFAs, specific subgroup marker PLFAs except fungal PLFAs and by the decreased ratio of G+/G−, sat/monunsat, iso/anteiso, F/B except trans/cis while P. liquidambari inoculation enhanced N-fertilization effect except increased fungal PLFA and decreased trans/cis. PCA using identified marker PLFAs revealed definite discrimination among the treatments which further statistically confirmed structural changed of microbial community. Nitrogenase activity representative of N-fixing community decreased in N-fertilizer treatment while P. liquidambari inoculation increased. In short, application of P. liquidambari with low doses of N-fertilizer improved rice growth and reduced N-fertilizer requirement by increasing enzymes activities involved in C, N and P cycling, structural and functional diversity of microbes, nitrogenase activity involved in N2 fixation and accumulation of total-N.
Systems Pharmacology Dissection of the Integrated Treatment for Cardiovascular and Gastrointestinal Disorders by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Tao Qin , Guo Zihu , Fu Yingxue , Chen Xuetong , Shar Piar Ali , Shahen Mohamed , Zhu Jinglin , Xue Jun , Bai Yaofei , Wu Ziyin , Wang Zhenzhong , Xiao Wei , Wang Yonghua
Published: September 2016

Though cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) are different diseases associated with different organs, they are highly correlated clinically. Importantly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), similar treatment strategies have been applied in both diseases. However, the etiological mechanisms underlying them remain unclear. Here, an integrated systems pharmacology approach is presented for illustrating the molecular correlations between CVDs and GIDs. Firstly, we identified pairs of genes that are associated with CVDs and GIDs and found that these genes are functionally related. Then, the association between 115 heart meridian (HM) herbs and 163 stomach meridian (SM) herbs and their combination application in Chinese patent medicine was investigated, implying that both CVDs and GIDs can be treated by the same strategy. Exemplified by a classical formula Sanhe Decoration (SHD) treating chronic gastritis, we applied systems-based analysis to introduce a drug-target-pathway-organ network that clarifies mechanisms of different diseases being treated by the same strategy. The results indicate that SHD regulated several pathological processes involved in both CVDs and GIDs. We experimentally confirmed the predictions implied by the effect of SHD for myocardial ischemia. The systems pharmacology suggests a novel integrated strategy for rational drug development for complex associated diseases.
3D passive stabilization of n = 0 MHD modes in EAST tokamak
Authors: Chen S. L. , Villone F. , Xiao B. J. , Barbato L. , Luo Z. P. , Liu L. , Mastrostefano S. , Xing Z.
Published: September 2016

Evidence is shown of the capability of non-axisymmetrical conducting structures in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to guarantee the passive stabilization of the n = 0 MHD unstable mode. Suitable numerical modeling of the experiments allows a clear interpretation of the phenomenon. This demonstration and the availability of computational tools able to describe the effect of 3D conductors will have a huge impact on the design of future fusion devices, in which the conducting structures closest to plasma will be highly segmented.
Fabrication of Silica Nanospheres Coated Membranes: towards the Effective Separation of Oil-in-Water Emulsion in Extremely Acidic and Concentrated Salty Environments
Authors: Chen Yuning , Liu Na , Cao Yingze , Lin Xin , Xu Liangxin , Zhang Weifeng , Wei Yen , Feng Lin
Published: September 2016

A superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic surface is fabricated by simply coating silica nanospheres onto a glass fiber membrane through a sol-gel process. Such membrane has a complex framework with micro and nano structures covering and presents a high efficiency (more than 98%) of oil-in-water emulsion separation under harsh environments including strong acidic and concentrated salty conditions. This membrane also possesses outstanding stability since no obvious decline in efficiency is observed after different kinds of oil-in-water emulsions separation, which provides it candidate for comprehensive applicability.
Sensitive determination of the spin polarization of optically pumped alkali-metal atoms using near-resonant light
Authors: Ding Zhichao , Long Xingwu , Yuan Jie , Fan Zhenfang , Luo Hui
Published: September 2016

A new method to measure the spin polarization of optically pumped alkali-metal atoms is demonstrated. Unlike the conventional method using far-detuned probe light, the near-resonant light with two specific frequencies was chosen. Because the Faraday rotation angle of this approach can be two orders of magnitude greater than that with the conventional method, this approach is more sensitive to the spin polarization. Based on the results of the experimental scheme, the spin polarization measurements are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
The Neuromelanin-related T2* Contrast in Postmortem Human Substantia Nigra with 7T MRI
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyeok , Baek Sun-Yong , Song YoungKyu , Lim Sujeong , Lee Hansol , Nguyen Minh Phuong , Kim Eun-Joo , Huh Gi Yeong , Chun Se Young , Cho HyungJoon
Published: September 2016

High field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based delineation of the substantia nigra (SN) and visualization of its inner cellular organization are promising methods for the evaluation of morphological changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases; however, corresponding MR contrasts must be matched and validated with quantitative histological information. Slices from two postmortem SN samples were imaged with a 7 Tesla (7T) MRI with T1 and T2* imaging protocols and then stained with Perl’s Prussian blue, Kluver-Barrera, tyrosine hydroxylase, and calbindin immunohistochemistry in a serial manner. The association between T2* values and quantitative histology was investigated with a co-registration method that accounts for histology slice preparation. The ventral T2* hypointense layers between the SNr and the crus cerebri extended anteriorly to the posterior part of the crus cerebri, which demonstrates the difficulty with an MRI-based delineation of the SN. We found that the paramagnetic hypointense areas within the dorsolateral SN corresponded to clusters of neuromelanin (NM). These NM-rich zones were distinct from the hypointense ventromedial regions with high iron pigments. Nigral T2* imaging at 7T can reflect the density of NM-containing neurons as the metal-bound NM macromolecules may decrease T2* values and cause hypointense signalling in T2* imaging at 7T.
Bivalent Copper Ions Promote Fibrillar Aggregation of KCTD1 and Induce Cytotoxicity
Authors: Liu Zhepeng , Song Feifei , Ma Zhi-li , Xiong Qiushuang , Wang Jingwen , Guo Deyin , Sun Guihong
Published: September 2016

Potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 1 (KCTD1) family members have a BTB/POZ domain, which can facilitate protein-protein interactions involved in the regulation of different signaling pathways. KCTD proteins have potential Zn2+/Cu2+ binding sites with currently unknown structural and functional roles. We investigated potential Cu2+-specific effects on KCTD1 using circular dichroism, turbidity measurement, fluorescent dye binding, proteinase K (PK) digestion, cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. These experiments indicate that the KCTD1 secondary structure assumes greater β-sheet content and the proteins aggregate into a PK-resistant form under 20 μM Cu2+, and this β-sheet-rich aggregation with Cu2+ promotes fibril formation, which results in increased cell toxicity by apoptosis. Our results reveal a novel role for Cu2+ in determining the structure and function of KCTD1.
Geographic variation in wing size and shape of the grasshopper Trilophidia annulata (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae): morphological trait variations follow an ecogeographical rule
Authors: Bai Yi , Dong Jia-Jia , Guan De-Long , Xie Juan-Ying , Xu Sheng-Quan
Published: September 2016

A quantitative analysis of wing variation in grasshoppers can help us to understand how environmental heterogeneity affects the phenotypic patterns of insects. In this study, geometric morphometric methods were used to measure the differences in wing shape and size of Trilophidia annulata among 39 geographical populations in China, and a regression analysis was applied to identify the major environmental factors contributing to the observed morphological variations. The results showed that the size of the forewing and hindwing were significantly different among populations; the shape of the forewing among populations can be divided into geographical groups, however hindwing shape are geographical overlapped, and populations cannot be divided into geographical groups. Environmental PCA and thin-plate spline analysis suggested that smaller individuals with shorter and blunter-tip forewings were mainly distributed in the lower latitudes and mountainous areas, where they have higher temperatures and more precipitation. Correspondingly, the larger-bodied grasshoppers, those that have longer forewings with a longer radial sector, are distributed in contrary circumstances. We conclude that the size variations in body, forewing and hindwing of T. annulata apparently follow the Bergmann clines. The importance of climatic variables in influencing morphological variation among populations, forewing shape of T. annulata varies along an environmental gradient.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reshape and Provoke Proliferation of Articular Chondrocytes by Paracrine Secretion
Authors: Xu Lei , Wu Yuxi , Xiong Zhimiao , Zhou Yan , Ye Zhaoyang , Tan Wen-Song
Published: September 2016

Coculture between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and articular chondrocytes (ACs) represents a promising strategy for cartilage regeneration. This study aimed at elaborating how ACs were regulated by MSCs. Rabbit ACs (rACs) and rabbit MSCs (rMSCs) were seeded separately in a Transwell system to initiate non-contact coculture in growth medium without chondrogenic factors. Cell morphology, cell proliferation, production of extracellular matrix (ECM), and gene expression of rACs were characterized. Upon coculture, rACs underwent a morphological transition from a rounded or polygonal shape into a fibroblast-like one and proliferation was provoked simultaneously. Such effects were dependent on the amount of rMSCs. Along with these changes, ECM production and gene expression of rACs were also perturbed. Importantly, when a ROCK inhibitor (Y27632) was supplemented to coculture, the effects except that on cell proliferation were inhibited, suggesting the involvement of RhoA/ROCK signaling. By applying an inhibitor (BIBF1120) of VEGFR1/2/3, FGFR1/2/3 and PDGFRα/β in coculture, or supplementing FGF-1, VEGF-A and PDGFbb in monoculture, it was confirmed that the paracrine factors by rMSCs mediated the compounding effects on rACs. These findings shed light on MSCs-ACs interactions and might confer an insight view on cell-based cartilage regeneration.
Exploration of laser-driven electron-multirescattering dynamics in high-order harmonic generation
Authors: Li Peng-Cheng , Sheu Yae-Lin , Jooya Hossein Z. , Zhou Xiao-Xin , Chu Shih-I
Published: September 2016

Multiple rescattering processes play an important role in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in an intense laser field. However, the underlying multi-rescattering dynamics are still largely unexplored. Here we investigate the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG associated with the odd and even number of returning times of the electron to the parent ion. We perform fully ab initio quantum calculations and extend the empirical mode decomposition method to extract the individual multiple scattering contributions in HHG. We find that the tunneling ionization regime is responsible for the odd number times of rescattering and the corresponding short trajectories are dominant. On the other hand, the multiphoton ionization regime is responsible for the even number times of rescattering and the corresponding long trajectories are dominant. Moreover, we discover that the multiphoton- and tunneling-ionization regimes in multiple rescattering processes occur alternatively. Our results uncover the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG for the first time. It also provides new insight regarding the control of the multiple rescattering processes for the optimal generation of ultrabroad band supercontinuum spectra and the production of single ultrashort attosecond laser pulse.
KIF3A binds to β-arrestin for suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signalling independently of primary cilia in lung cancer
Authors: Kim Minsuh , Suh Young-Ah , Oh Ju-Hee , Lee Bo Ra , Kim Joon , Jang Se Jin
Published: September 2016

Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signalling is implicated in the progression of several human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, mutations in Wnt/β-catenin pathway components are uncommon in NSCLC, and their epigenetic control remains unclear. Here, we show that KIF3A, a member of the kinesin-2 family, plays a role in suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signalling in NSCLC cells. KIF3A knockdown increases both β-catenin levels and transcriptional activity with concomitant promotion of malignant potential, such as increased proliferation and migration and upregulation of stemness markers. Because KIF3A binds β-arrestin, KIF3A depletion allows β-arrestin to form a complex with DVL2 and axin, stabilizing β-catenin. Although primary cilia, whose biogenesis requires KIF3A, are thought to restrain the Wnt response, pharmacological inhibition of ciliogenesis failed to increase β-catenin activity in NSCLC cells. A correlation between KIF3A loss and a poorer NSCLC prognosis as well as β-catenin and cyclin D1 upregulation further suggests that KIF3A suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signalling and tumourigenesis in NSCLC.
Triptonide Effectively Inhibits Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling via C-terminal Transactivation Domain of β-catenin
Authors: Chinison Jessica , Aguilar Jose S. , Avalos Alan , Huang Ying , Wang Zhijun , Cameron D. Joshua , Hao Jijun
Published: September 2016

Abnormal activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in many diseases including cancer. As a result, therapeutic agents that disrupt this signaling pathway have been highly sought after. Triptonide is a key bioactive small molecule identified in a traditional Chinese medicine named Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., and it has a broad spectrum of biological functions. Here we show that triptonide can effectively inhibit canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting the downstream C-terminal transcription domain of β-catenin or a nuclear component associated with β-catenin. In addition, triptonide treatment robustly rescued the zebrafish “eyeless” phenotype induced by GSK-3β antagonist 6-bromoindirubin-30-oxime (BIO) for Wnt signaling activation during embryonic gastrulation. Finally, triptonide effectively induced apoptosis of Wnt-dependent cancer cells, supporting the therapeutic potential of triptonide.
Exceedingly Higher co-loading of Curcumin and Paclitaxel onto Polymer-functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide for Highly Potent Synergistic Anticancer Treatment
Authors: Muthoosamy Kasturi , Abubakar Ibrahim Babangida , Bai Renu Geetha , Loh Hwei-San , Manickam Sivakumar
Published: September 2016

Metastasis of lung carcinoma to breast and vice versa accounts for one of the vast majority of cancer deaths. Synergistic treatments are proven to be the effective method to inhibit malignant cell proliferation. It is highly advantageous to use the minimum amount of a potent toxic drug, such as paclitaxel (Ptx) in ng/ml together with a natural and safe anticancer drug, curcumin (Cur) to reduce the systemic toxicity. However, both Cur and Ptx suffer from poor bioavailability. Herein, a drug delivery cargo was engineered by functionalizing reduced graphene oxide (G) with an amphiphilic polymer, PF-127 (P) by hydrophobic assembly. The drugs were loaded via pi-pi interactions, resulting in a nano-sized GP-Cur-Ptx of 140 nm. A remarkably high Cur loading of 678 wt.% was achieved, the highest thus far compared to any other Cur nanoformulations. Based on cell proliferation assay, GP-Cur-Ptx is a synergistic treatment (CI < 1) and is highly potent towards lung, A549 (IC50 = 13.24 μg/ml) and breast, MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 1.450 μg/ml) cancer cells. These positive findings are further confirmed by increased reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential depletion and cell apoptosis. The same dose treated on normal MRC-5 cells shows that the system is biocompatible and cancerous cell-specific.
Xanthomonas campestris FabH is required for branched-chain fatty acid and DSF-family quorum sensing signal biosynthesis
Authors: Yu Yong-Hong , Hu Zhe , Dong Hui-Juan , Ma Jin-Cheng , Wang Hai-Hong
Published: September 2016

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), a Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium, causes black rot disease of cruciferous vegetables. Although Xcc has a complex fatty acid profile comprised of straight-chain fatty acids and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), and encodes a complete set of genes required for fatty acid synthesis, there is still little known about the mechanism of BCFA synthesis. We reported that expression of Xcc fabH restores the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum fabH mutant, and this allows the R. solanacearum fabH mutant to produce BCFAs. Using in vitro assays, we demonstrated that Xcc FabH is able to condense branched-chain acyl-CoAs with malonyl-ACP to initiate BCFA synthesis. Moreover, although the fabH gene is essential for growth of Xcc, it can be replaced with Escherichia coli fabH, and Xcc mutants failed to produce BCFAs. These results suggest that Xcc does not have an obligatory requirement for BCFAs. Furthermore, Xcc mutants lost the ability to produce cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, a diffusible signal factor (DSF) required for quorum sensing of Xcc, which confirms that the fatty acid synthetic pathway supplies the intermediates for DSF signal biosynthesis. Our study also showed that replacing Xcc fabH with E. coli fabH affected Xcc pathogenesis in host plants.
High protein flexibility and reduced hydration water dynamics are key pressure adaptive strategies in prokaryotes
Authors: Martinez N. , Michoud G. , Cario A. , Ollivier J. , Franzetti B. , Jebbar M. , Oger P. , Peters J.
Published: September 2016

Water and protein dynamics on a nanometer scale were measured by quasi-elastic neutron scattering in the piezophile archaeon Thermococcus barophilus and the closely related pressure-sensitive Thermococcus kodakarensis, at 0.1 and 40 MPa. We show that cells of the pressure sensitive organism exhibit higher intrinsic stability. Both the hydration water dynamics and the fast protein and lipid dynamics are reduced under pressure. In contrast, the proteome of T. barophilus is more pressure sensitive than that of T. kodakarensis. The diffusion coefficient of hydration water is reduced, while the fast protein and lipid dynamics are slightly enhanced with increasing pressure. These findings show that the coupling between hydration water and cellular constituents might not be simply a master-slave relationship. We propose that the high flexibility of the T. barophilus proteome associated with reduced hydration water may be the keys to the molecular adaptation of the cells to high hydrostatic pressure.
Tylophorine Analog DCB-3503 Inhibited Cyclin D1 Translation through Allosteric Regulation of Heat Shock Cognate Protein 70
Authors: Wang Ying , Lam Wing , Chen Shao-Ru , Guan Fu-Lan , Dutchman Ginger E. , Francis Samson , Baker David C. , Cheng Yung-Chi
Published: September 2016

Tylophorine analog DCB-3503 is a potential anticancer and immunosuppressive agent that suppresses the translation of cellular regulatory proteins, including cyclin D1, at the elongation step. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unknown. This study demonstrates that DCB-3503 preferentially binds to heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70), which is a determinant for cyclin D1 translation by binding to the 3′-untranslated region (3′ UTR) of its mRNA. DCB-3503 allosterically regulates the ATPase and chaperone activities of HSC70 by promoting ATP hydrolysis in the presence of specific RNA binding motifs (AUUUA) of cyclin D1 mRNA. The suppression of cyclin D1 translation by DCB-3503 is not solely caused by perturbation of the homeostasis of microRNAs, although the microRNA processing complex is dissociated with DCB-3503 treatment. This study highlights a novel regulatory mechanism of protein translation with AUUUA motifs in the 3′ UTR of mRNA by HSC70, and its activity can be allosterically modulated by DCB-3503. DCB-3503 may be used to treat malignancies, such as hepatocellular carcinoma or breast cancer with elevated expression of cyclin D1.
Single-Shot Measurement of Temporally-Dependent Polarization State of Femtosecond Pulses by Angle-Multiplexed Spectral-Spatial Interferometry
Authors: Lin Ming-Wei , Jovanovic Igor
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate that temporally-dependent polarization states of ultrashort laser pulses can be reconstructed in a single shot by use of an angle-multiplexed spatial-spectral interferometry. This is achieved by introducing two orthogonally polarized reference pulses and interfering them with an arbitrarily polarized ultrafast pulse under measurement. A unique calibration procedure is developed for this technique which facilitates the subsequent polarization state measurements. The accuracy of several reconstructed polarization states is verified by comparison with that obtained from an analytic model that predicts the polarization state on the basis of its method of production. Laser pulses with mJ-level energies were characterized via this technique, including a time-dependent polarization state that can be used for polarization-gating of high-harmonic generation for production of attosecond pulses.
Sampling Hyperpolarized Molecules Utilizing a 1 Tesla Permanent Magnetic Field
Authors: Tee Sui Seng , DiGialleonardo Valentina , Eskandari Roozbeh , Jeong Sangmoo , Granlund Kristin L. , Miloushev Vesselin , Poot Alex J. , Truong Steven , Alvarez Julio A. , Aldeborgh Hannah N. , Keshari Kayvan R.
Published: September 2016

Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HP MRS) using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is a technique that has greatly enhanced the sensitivity of detecting 13C nuclei. However, the HP MRS polarization decays in the liquid state according to the spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) of the nucleus. Sampling of the signal also destroys polarization, resulting in a limited temporal ability to observe biologically interesting reactions. In this study, we demonstrate that sampling hyperpolarized signals using a permanent magnet at 1 Tesla (1T) is a simple and cost-effective method to increase T1s without sacrificing signal-to-noise. Biologically-relevant information may be obtained with a permanent magnet using enzyme solutions and in whole cells. Of significance, our findings indicate that changes in pyruvate metabolism can also be quantified in a xenograft model at this field strength.