bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Complete Versus Partial Surgical Stabilization of Flail Chest
Authors: Nickerson Terry P. , Thiels Cornelius A. , Kim Brian D. , Zielinski Martin D. , Jenkins Donald H. , Schiller Henry J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Rib fractures are common after chest wall trauma. For patients with flail chest, surgical stabilization is a promising technique for reducing morbidity. Anatomical difficulties often lead to an inability to completely repair the flail chest; thus, the result is partial flail chest stabilization (PFS). We hypothesized that patients with PFS have outcomes similar to those undergoing complete flail chest stabilization (CFS).

Methods

A prospectively collected database of all patients who underwent rib fracture stabilization procedures from August 2009 until February 2013 was reviewed. Abstracted data included procedural and complication data, extent of stabilization, and pulmonary function test results.

Results

Of 43 patients who underwent operative stabilization of flail chest, 23 (53 %) had CFS and 20 (47 %) underwent PFS. Anterior location of the fracture was the most common reason for PFS (45 %). Age, sex, operative time, pneumonia, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and narcotic use were the same in both groups. Total lung capacity was significantly improved in the CFS group at 3 months. No chest wall deformity was appreciated on follow‐up, and no patients underwent additional stabilization procedures following PFS.

Conclusion

Despite advances in surgical technique, not all fractures are amenable to repair. There was no difference in chest wall deformity, narcotic use, or clinically significant impairment in pulmonary function tests among patients who underwent PFS compared with CFS. Our data suggest that PFS is an acceptable strategy and that extending or creating additional incisions for CFS is unnecessary.
Benchmarking and tracking domestic gas and electricity consumption at the local authority level
Authors: Morris Jonathan , Allinson David , Harrison John , Lomas Kevin J.
Published: September 2015

Government, local authority and industry initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of housing stocks are central to national and international commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. To be effective, initiatives need to target homes which, given their location, size, fuel type and occupancy, use more energy than expected. This paper illustrates how energy efficiency benchmarks can be developed that account for these factors and highlights the shortcomings of relying on simple energy consumption statistics. The study uses existing data (with national coverage) and the measured electricity and gas consumption of groups consisting of, on average, 500–700 households to benchmark and track domestic gas and electricity consumption across England. Multiple regression models, which account for 65 % of the variation in domestic gas consumption and 73 % of domestic electricity variation, are used to derive the benchmarks. The actual gas and electricity consumption of each group of homes is compared against the derived benchmark and an energy efficiency index presented. The approach enables changes in energy efficiency to be tracked temporally, for example to assess the effectiveness of government, local authority or industry initiatives. National and city-scale patterns of energy efficiency are also discussed.
Big Data Privacy: Challenges to Privacy Principles and Models
Authors: Soria-Comas Jordi , Domingo-Ferrer Josep
Published: September 2015

This paper explores the challenges raised by big data in privacy-preserving data management. First, we examine the conflicts raised by big data with respect to preexisting concepts of private data management, such as consent, purpose limitation, transparency and individual rights of access, rectification and erasure. Anonymization appears as the best tool to mitigate such conflicts, and it is best implemented by adhering to a privacy model with precise privacy guarantees. For this reason, we evaluate how well the two main privacy models used in anonymization (k-anonymity and

$$\varepsilon $$

ε

-differential privacy) meet the requirements of big data, namely composability, low computational cost and linkability.
Clinical implication of monitoring rivaroxaban and apixaban by using anti‐factor Xa assay in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ikeda Kozue , Tachibana Hideaki
Published: September 2015

Background

Although patients taking non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) do not require routine coagulation monitoring, high‐risk patients require monitoring to assess pharmacodynamics.

Methods

We measured (1) anti‐factor Xa activity (AXA), using chromogenic assay with the HemosIL Liquid Heparin kit, (2) prothrombin time (PT), and (3) activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in 188 blood samples from 70 patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation, of whom 36 received rivaroxaban once daily and 34 received apixaban twice daily.

Results

After the rivaroxaban therapy, AXA ranged from 0 to 3.65 IU/mL; PT, from 9.6 to 44.5 s; and APTT, from 19.3 to 69.7 s. After the apixaban therapy, AXA ranged from 0.02 to 3.18 IU/mL; PT, from 10.2 to 20.8 s; and APTT, from 21.8 to 59.8 s. At peak time, the AXA of patients who received rivaroxaban and apixaban were almost the same (2.08±0.91 IU/mL vs. 1.71±0.57 IU/mL), but the PT and APTT of patients who received rivaroxaban were more prolonged than those of patients who received apixaban (18.1±5.6 s vs. 13.8±0.9 s, p<0.001 and 40.9±7.3 s vs. 35.5±7.5 s, p<0.01, respectively). At trough time, the AXA and PT of patients who received rivaroxaban were respectively lower and shorter than those of patients who received apixaban (0.28±0.31 IU/mL vs. 1.04±0.72 IU/mL, p<0.001 and 11.9±2.0 s vs. 13.7±2.4 s, p<0.01, respectively), but the APTT of patients who received rivaroxaban and apixaban did not significantly differ (32.3±4.3 s vs. 34.3±3.8 s).

Conclusions

Measurement of AXA might be useful to assess the pharmacodynamics of high‐risk patients, such as high age, low body weight, and/or low renal function, and to assess the intensity of anticoagulation by using different methods of administration, such as crushed tablet via the nasogastric tube.
Law and Tradition in a Socialist Market Economy: Haunted House Litigation in China
Authors: NOVARETTI Simona
Published: September 2015

The transition of the People’s Republic of China into a market economy and the ensuing development of its real estate market have seen the rise of a new type of case, related to the sale of “second hand properties” (er shou fang) (二手房,): the “disputes in transactions for haunted houses” (xiong zhai maimai jiufen) (凶宅买卖纠纷). Can the plaintiff’s rights, which are not regulated by express provisions of statutory law but are rooted in traditional beliefs, be claimed in the courts of a socialist country? What are the legal grounds of these claims, if any? My aim is to highlight, through the analysis of several cases decided by the People’s Courts since 2004, the complex relationship between tradition, law, and economy in a country that provides one of the greatest examples of “legal transplants” in the history of mankind.
Ebola Preparedness Planning and Collaboration by Two Health Systems in Wisconsin, September to December 2014
Authors: Leonhardt Kathryn Kraft , Keuler Megan , Safdar Nasia , Hunter Paul
Published: September 2015

We describe the collaborative approach used by 2 health systems in Wisconsin to plan and prepare for the threat of Ebola virus disease. This was a descriptive study of the preparedness planning, infection prevention, and collaboration with public health agencies undertaken by 2 health systems in Wisconsin between September and December 2014. The preparedness approach used by the 2 health systems relied successfully on their robust infrastructure for planning and infection prevention. In the setting of rapidly evolving guidance and unprecedented fear regarding Ebola, the 2 health systems enhanced their response through collaboration and coordination with each other and government public health agencies. Key lessons learned included the importance of a rigorous planning process, robust infection prevention practices, and coalitions between public and private health sectors. The potential threat of Ebola virus disease stimulated emergency preparedness in which acute care facilities played a leading role in the public health response. Leveraging the existing expertise of health systems is essential when faced with emerging infectious diseases. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:691–697)
Lacydoniidae Bergström, 1914 (Polychaeta) in the South Atlantic: morphology, three new species and five new records
Authors: Rizzo Alexandra E. , Magalhães Wagner F. , Santos Cinthya S.G.
Published: September 2015

LacydoniaMarion & Bobretzky in Marion, 1874 is the only known genus in Lacydoniidae Bergström, 1914, which is composed of small polychaetes scarcely sampled. Studies on the biology and ecology of this group are rare and most species descriptions are based on one or a few specimens. There are 13 nominal species from different parts of the world. We revise herein the morphological characters used for species description on the basis of a lacydoniid assemblage collected in Campos Basin, Southern Brazil. Material was obtained in two sampling campaigns during the Project Habitats/Petrobras – Heterogeneidade Ambiental da Bacia de Campos, coordinated by CENPES/Petrobras. Lacydoniids were collected from the continental shelf, canyons and slope, at depths from 25 to 2500 m. This polychaete family is recorded for the first time in Brazilian waters, three new species are described and all others are new records to the South Atlantic. The new species areLacydonia anapaulaesp. nov.,L. brasiliensissp. nov. andL. jackisp. nov. Newly recorded species areL. cirrata(Hartman & Fauchald, 1971),L. laureciLaubier, 1975,L. mirandaMarion & Bobretzky in Marion, 1874,L. oculata(Hartman, 1967) andL. cf.papillataUschakov, 1958. An updated key to all described species ofLacydoniais included.
Abnormalities in neuroendocrine stress response in psychosis: the role of endocannabinoids
Authors: Appiah-Kusi E. , Leyden E. , Parmar S. , Mondelli V. , McGuire P. , Bhattacharyya S.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this article is to summarize current evidence regarding alterations in the neuroendocrine stress response system and endocannabinoid system and their relationship in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Exposure to stress is linked to the development of a number of psychiatric disorders including psychosis. However, the precise role of stress in the development of psychosis and the possible mechanisms that might underlie this are not well understood. Recently the cannabinoid hypothesis of schizophrenia has emerged as a potential line of enquiry. Endocannabinoid levels are increased in patients with psychosis compared with healthy volunteers; furthermore, they increase in response to stress, which suggests another potential mechanism for how stress might be a causal factor in the development of psychosis. However, research regarding the links between stress and the endocannabinoid system is in its infancy. Evidence summarized here points to an alteration in the baseline tone and reactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis as well as in various components of the endocannabinoid system in patients with psychosis. Moreover, the precise nature of the inter-relationship between these two systems is unclear in man, especially their biological relevance in the context of psychosis. Future studies need to simultaneously investigate HPA axis and endocannabinoid alterations both at baseline and following experimental perturbation in healthy individuals and those with psychosis to understand how they interact with each other in health and disease and obtain mechanistic insight as to their relevance to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Hurricane Sandy: Impact on Emergency Department and Hospital Utilization by Older Adults in Lower Manhattan, New York (USA)
Authors: Gotanda Hiroshi , Fogel Joyce , Husk Gregg , Levine Jeffrey M. , Peterson Monte , Baumlin Kevin , Habboushe Joseph
Published: September 2015

Background

On October 29th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused a storm surge interrupting electricity with disruption to Manhattan’s (New York, USA) health care infrastructure. Beth Israel Medical Center (BIMC) was the only fully functioning major hospital in lower Manhattan during and after Hurricane Sandy. The impact on emergency department (ED) and hospital use by geriatric patients in lower Manhattan was studied.

Methods

The trends of ED visits and hospitalizations in the immediate post-Sandy phase (IPS) during the actual blackout (October 29 through November 4, 2012), and the extended post-Sandy phase (EPS), when neighboring hospitals were still incapacitated (November 5, 2012 through February 10, 2013), were analyzed with baseline. The analysis was broken down by age groups (18-64, 65-79, and 80+ years old) and included the reasons for ED visits and admissions.

Results

During the IPS, there was a significant increase in geriatric visits (from 11% to 16.5% in the 65-79 age group, and from 6.5% to 13% in the 80+ age group) as well as in hospitalizations (from 22.7% to 25.2% in the 65-79 age group, and from 17.6% to 33.8% in the 80+ age group). However, these proportions returned to baseline during the EPS. The proportions of the categories “dialysis,” “respiratory device,” “social,” and “syncope” in geriatric patients in ED visits were significantly higher than younger patients. The increases of the categories “medication,” “dialysis,” “respiratory device,” and “social” represented two-thirds of absolute increase in both ED visits and admissions for the 65-79 age group, and half of the absolute increase in ED visits for the 80+ age group. The categories “social” and “respiratory device” peaked one day after the disaster, “dialysis” peaked two days after, and “medication” peaked three days after in ED visit analysis.

Conclusions

There was a disproportionate increase in ED visits and hospitalizations in the geriatric population compared with the younger population during the IPS. The primary factor of the disproportionate impact on the geriatric population appears to be from indirect effects of the hurricane, mainly due to the subsequent power outages, such as “dialysis,” “respiratory device,” and “social.” Further investigation by chart review may provide more insights to better aid with future disaster preparedness.

GotandaH, FogelJ, HuskG, LevineJM, PetersonM, BaumlinK, HabbousheJ. Hurricane Sandy: impact on emergency department and hospital utilization by older adults in Lower Manhattan, New York (USA). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):496–502.
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response: There’s An App for That
Authors: Bachmann Daniel J. , Jamison Nathan K. , Martin Andrew , Delgado Jose , Kman Nicholas E.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Smartphone applications (or apps) are becoming increasingly popular with emergency responders and health care providers, as well as the public as a whole. There are thousands of medical apps available for Smartphones and tablet computers, with more added each day. These include apps to view textbooks, guidelines, medication databases, medical calculators, and radiology images.

Hypothesis/Problem

With an ever expanding catalog of apps that relate to disaster medicine, it is hard for both the lay public and responders to know where to turn for effective Smartphone apps. A systematic review of these apps was conducted.

Methods

A search of the Apple iTunes store (Version 12; Apple Inc.; Cupertino, California USA) was performed using the following terms obtained from the PubMed Medical Subject Headings Database: Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Responders, Disaster, Disaster Planning, Disaster Medicine, Bioterrorism, Chemical Terrorism, Hazardous Materials (HazMat), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). After excluding any unrelated apps, a working list of apps was formed and categorized based on topics. Apps were grouped based on applicability to responders, the lay public, or regional preparedness, and were then ranked based on iTunes user reviews, value, relevance to audience, and user interface.

Results

This search revealed 683 applications and was narrowed to 219 based on relevance to the field. After grouping the apps as described above, and subsequently ranking them, the highest quality apps were determined from each group. The Community Emergency Response Teams and FEMA had the best apps for National Disaster Medical System responders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had high-quality apps for emergency responders in a variety of fields. The National Library of Medicine’s Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER) app was an excellent app for HazMat responders. The American Red Cross had the most useful apps for natural disasters. Numerous valuable apps for public use, including alert apps, educational apps, and a well-made regional app, were also identified.

Conclusion

Smartphone applications are fast becoming essential to emergency responders and the lay public. Many high-quality apps existing in various price ranges and serving different populations were identified. This field is changing rapidly and it deserves continued analysis as more apps are developed.

BachmannDJ, JamisonNK, MartinA, DelgadoJ, KmanNE. Emergency preparedness and disaster response: there’s an app for that. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):1–5.
Colonial Anthropology and the Decline of the Raj: Caste, Religion and Political Change in India in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: FULLER C. J.
Published: September 2015

In the colonial anthropology of India developed in connection with the decennial censuses in the late nineteenth century, caste and religion were major topics of enquiry, although caste was particularly important. Official anthropologists, mostly members of the Indian Civil Service, reified castes and religious communities as separate ‘things’ to be counted and classified. In the 1911 and later censuses, less attention was paid to caste, but three officials – E. A. Gait, E. A. H. Blunt and L. S. S. O'Malley – made significant progress in understanding the caste system by recognising and partly overcoming the problems of reification. In this period, however, there was less progress in understanding popular religion. The Morley-Minto reforms established separate Muslim electorates in 1909; communal representation was extended in 1921 by the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms and again by the 1935 Government of India Act, which also introduced reservations for the Untouchable Scheduled Castes. Gait and Blunt were involved in the Montagu-Chelmsford debates, and Blunt in those preceding the 1935 Act. In the twentieth century, the imperial government's most serious problems were the nationalist movement, mainly supported by the middle class, and religious communalism. But there were no ethnographic data on the middle class, while the data on popular religion showed that Hindus and Muslims generally did not belong to separate communities; anthropological enquiry also failed to identify the Untouchable castes satisfactorily. Thus, official anthropology became increasingly irrelevant to policy making and could no longer strengthen the colonial state.
Micronutrient powder distribution through Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Weeks in Nigeria: process evaluation of feasibility and use
Authors: Korenromp Eline L , Adeosun Opeyemi , Adegoke Femi , Akerele Adekunle , Anger Catherine , Ohajinwa Chimere , Hotz Christine , Umunna Larry , Aminu Francis
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition.

Design

We evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending health-service distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution, facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child.

Setting

Four Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria.

Subjects

Caregivers of children 6–59 months of age attending health-service distribution events.

Results

The 8 million MNP delivered in this pilot during three distribution events were estimated to reach about one-third of eligible children in the area at each event. Programme fidelity was limited by shortages of MNP, BCC materials and inadequate social mobilization, with some limitations in health worker training and engagement. MNP use was consistent with the recommended two or three sachets per week among 51–69 % of caregivers surveyed at home.

Conclusions

MNP coverage was low, but consistent with that typically achieved with other services delivered through MNCHW in Benue. Among caregivers who received MNP, acceptance and use among targeted children was high. While some weaknesses in knowledge and delivery of MNP by health workers were observed, health system strengthening and more extensive social mobilization would be key to achieving higher coverage with MNP and other health services provided through MNCHW.
Micula v. Romania
Authors: Chevry Jonathan
Published: September 2015

The award in the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) case Micula v. Romania was released to the parties at the very end of 2013. It is in 2014, however, that the case gained notoriety as the European Commission (EC) started actions to fight against the enforcement of the award.
Connectivity of Superior Temporal Sulcus During Target	Detection
Authors: Pail Martin , Dufková Petra , Mareček Radek , Zelinková Jana , Mikl Michal , Joel Shaw Daniel , Brázdil Milan
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The aim of the current research was to study functional connectivity (FC) of the right superior temporal sulcus (rSTS) during visual target stimulus processing. This structure is presumed to be crucial in social cognition, but evidently participates in target detection as well. Twenty subjects participated in functional magnetic resonance examination for studying FC. We used psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis of data acquired during the visual oddball task. During the visual oddball task rSTS had increased connectivity bilaterally with structures involved in memory operations (mesiotemporal cortices and basal ganglia) and evaluative processing related to decision making (left anterior cingulate cortex). Moreover, we revealed decreased connectivity of rSTS with structures involved in attentional processes (right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the posterior area with bilateral parietal cortex). Based on our results we hypothesize that in the detection of rare events, during visual information processing, rSTS is involved within neuronal networks related to attention, but also at later stages of stimuli processing.
Anderson Receives 2015 G. K. Gilbert Award in Surface Processes
Authors:   AGU
Published: September 2015

Robert Anderson will receive the 2015 G. K. Gilbert Award at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes "a scientist who has either made a single significant advance or sustained significant contributions to the field of Earth and planetary surface processes, and who has in addition promoted an environment of unselfish cooperation in research and the inclusion of young scientists into the field."
Drone Squadron to Take Earth Monitoring to New Heights
Authors: Selker John , Tyler Scott , Higgins Chad , Wing Michael
Published: September 2015

Scientists will soon be able to call on a community fleet of unmanned aircraft systems to perform environmental studies.
Predicting microbial traits with phylogenies
Authors: Goberna Marta , Verdú Miguel
Published: September 2015

Phylogeny reflects genetic and phenotypic traits in Bacteria and Archaea. The phylogenetic conservatism of microbial traits has prompted the application of phylogeny-based algorithms to predict unknown trait values of extant taxa based on the traits of their evolutionary relatives to estimate, for instance, rRNA gene copy numbers, gene contents or tolerance to abiotic conditions. Unlike the ‘macrobial’ world, microbial ecologists face scenarios potentially compromising the accuracy of trait reconstruction methods, as, for example, extremely large phylogenies and limited information on the traits of interest. We review 990 bacterial and archaeal traits from the literature and support that phylogenetic trait conservatism is widespread through the tree of life, while revealing that it is generally weak for ecologically relevant phenotypic traits and high for genetically complex traits. We then perform a simulation exercise to assess the accuracy of phylogeny-based trait predictions in common scenarios faced by microbial ecologists. Our simulations show that ca. 60% of the variation in phylogeny-based trait predictions depends on the magnitude of the trait conservatism, the number of species in the tree, the proportion of species with unknown trait values and the mean distance in the tree to the nearest neighbour with a known trait value. Results are similar for both binary and continuous traits. We discuss these results under the light of the reviewed traits and provide recommendations for the use of phylogeny-based trait predictions for microbial ecologists.
Saccadic modulation of stimulus processing in primary visual cortex
Authors: McFarland James M. , Bondy Adrian G. , Saunders Richard C. , Cumming Bruce G. , Butts Daniel A.
Published: September 2015

Saccadic eye movements play a central role in primate vision. Yet, relatively little is known about their effects on the neural processing of visual inputs. Here we examine this question in primary visual cortex (V1) using receptive-field-based models, combined with an experimental design that leaves the retinal stimulus unaffected by saccades. This approach allows us to analyse V1 stimulus processing during saccades with unprecedented detail, revealing robust perisaccadic modulation. In particular, saccades produce biphasic firing rate changes that are composed of divisive gain suppression followed by an additive rate increase. Microsaccades produce similar, though smaller, modulations. We furthermore demonstrate that this modulation is likely inherited from the LGN, and is driven largely by extra-retinal signals. These results establish a foundation for integrating saccades into existing models of visual cortical stimulus processing, and highlight the importance of studying visual neuron function in the context of eye movements.
V1 neurons respond differently to object motion versus motion from eye movements
Authors: Troncoso Xoana G. , McCamy Michael B. , Jazi Ali Najafian , Cui Jie , Otero-Millan Jorge , Macknik Stephen L. , Costela Francisco M. , Martinez-Conde Susana
Published: September 2015

How does the visual system differentiate self-generated motion from motion in the external world? Humans can discern object motion from identical retinal image displacements induced by eye movements, but the brain mechanisms underlying this ability are unknown. Here we exploit the frequent production of microsaccades during ocular fixation in the primate to compare primary visual cortical responses to self-generated motion (real microsaccades) versus motion in the external world (object motion mimicking microsaccades). Real and simulated microsaccades were randomly interleaved in the same viewing condition, thereby producing equivalent oculomotor and behavioural engagement. Our results show that real microsaccades generate biphasic neural responses, consisting of a rapid increase in the firing rate followed by a slow and smaller-amplitude suppression that drops below baseline. Simulated microsaccades generate solely excitatory responses. These findings indicate that V1 neurons can respond differently to internally and externally generated motion, and expand V1’s potential role in information processing and visual stability during eye movements.
Allometric growth in the extant coelacanth lung during ontogenetic development
Authors: Cupello Camila , Brito Paulo M. , Herbin Marc , Meunier François J , Janvier Philippe , Dutel Hugo , Clément Gaël
Published: September 2015

Coelacanths are lobe-finned fishes known from the Devonian to Recent that were long considered extinct, until the discovery of two living species in deep marine waters of the Mozambique Channel and Sulawesi. Despite extensive studies, the pulmonary system of extant coelacanths has not been fully investigated. Here we confirm the presence of a lung and discuss its allometric growth inLatimeria chalumnae, based on a unique ontogenetic series. Our results demonstrate the presence of a potentially functional, well-developed lung in the earliest known coelacanth embryo, and its arrested growth at later ontogenetic stages, when the lung is clearly vestigial. The parallel development of a fatty organ for buoyancy control suggests a unique adaptation to deep-water environments. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence for the presence of small, hard, flexible plates around the lung inL. chalumnae, and consider them homologous to the plates of the ‘calcified lung’ of fossil coelacanths.
Direct exfoliation and dispersion of two-dimensional materials in pure water via temperature control
Authors: Kim Jinseon , Kwon Sanghyuk , Cho Dae-Hyun , Kang Byunggil , Kwon Hyukjoon , Kim Youngchan , Park Sung O. , Jung Gwan Yeong , Shin Eunhye , Kim Wan-Gu , Lee Hyungdong , Ryu Gyeong Hee , Choi Minseok , Kim Tae Hyeong , Oh Junghoon , Park Sungjin , Kwak Sang Kyu , Yoon Suk Wang , Byun Doyoung , Lee Zonghoon , Lee Changgu
Published: September 2015

The high-volume synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) materials in the form of platelets is desirable for various applications. While water is considered an ideal dispersion medium, due to its abundance and low cost, the hydrophobicity of platelet surfaces has prohibited its widespread use. Here we exfoliate 2D materials directly in pure water without using any chemicals or surfactants. In order to exfoliate and disperse the materials in water, we elevate the temperature of the sonication bath, and introduce energy via the dissipation of sonic waves. Storage stability greater than one month is achieved through the maintenance of high temperatures, and through atomic and molecular level simulations, we further discover that good solubility in water is maintained due to the presence of platelet surface charges as a result of edge functionalization or intrinsic polarity. Finally, we demonstrate inkjet printing on hard and flexible substrates as a potential application of water-dispersed 2D materials.
AHR promoter variant modulates its transcription and downstream effectors by allele-specific AHR-SP1 interaction functioning as a genetic marker for vitiligo
Authors: Wang Xiaowen , Li Kai , Liu Ling , Shi Qiong , Song Pu , Jian Zhe , Guo Sen , Wang Gang , Li Chunying , Gao Tianwen
Published: September 2015

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder largely caused by defective melanocyte- or autoimmunity-induced melanocyte destruction. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is essential for melanocyte homeostasis and immune process and abnormal AHR was observed in vitiligo. We previously identified the T allele of AHR −129C > T variant as a protective factor against vitiligo. However, biological characterization underlying such effects is not fully certain, further validation by mechanistic research is warranted and was conducted in the present study. We showed that −129T allele promoted AHR transcriptional activity through facilitating its interaction with SP1 transcription factor (SP1) compared with −129C allele. We subsequently found reduced peripheral AHR and SP1 transcript expressions in vitiligo and a negative correlation of AHR level with disease duration. We also investigated AHR-related cytokines and observed increased serum TNF-α concentration and diminished serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in vitiligo. Further genetic analysis showed that -129T carriers possessed higher levels of AHR and IL-10 than −129C carriers. Therefore, our study indicates that the modulation of AHR transcription by a promoter variant has a profound influence on vitiligo, not only advancing our understanding on AHR function but also providing novel insight into the pathogenesis of degenerative or autoimmune diseases including vitiligo.
Structural and computational analysis of peptide recognition mechanism of class-C type penicillin binding protein, alkaline D-peptidase from Bacillus cereus DF4-B
Authors: Nakano Shogo , Okazaki Seiji , Ishitsubo Erika , Kawahara Nobuhiro , Komeda Hidenobu , Tokiwa Hiroaki , Asano Yasuhisa
Published: September 2015

Alkaline D-peptidase from Bacillus cereus DF4-B, called ADP, is a D-stereospecific endopeptidase reacting with oligopeptides containing D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) at N-terminal penultimate residue. ADP has attracted increasing attention because it is useful as a catalyst for synthesis of D-Phe oligopeptides or, with the help of substrate mimetics, L-amino acid peptides and proteins. Structure and functional analysis of ADP is expected to elucidate molecular mechanism of ADP. In this study, the crystal structure of ADP (apo) form was determined at 2.1 Å resolution. The fold of ADP is similar to that of the class C penicillin-binding proteins of type-AmpH. Docking simulations and fragment molecular orbital analyses of two peptides, (D-Phe)4 and (D-Phe)2-(L-Phe)2, with the putative substrate binding sites of ADP indicated that the P1 residue of the peptide interacts with hydrophobic residues at the S1 site of ADP. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation of ADP for 50 nsec suggested that the ADP forms large cavity at the active site. Formation of the cavity suggested that the ADP has open state in the solution. For the ADP, having the open state is convenient to bind the peptides having bulky side chain, such as (D-Phe)4. Taken together, we predicted peptide recognition mechanism of ADP.
Punicalagin, an active component in pomegranate, ameliorates cardiac mitochondrial impairment in obese rats via AMPK activation
Authors: Cao Ke , Xu Jie , Pu Wenjun , Dong Zhizhong , Sun Lei , Zang Weijin , Gao Feng , Zhang Yong , Feng Zhihui , Liu Jiankang
Published: September 2015

Obesity is associated with an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. It is of paramount importance to reduce obesity-associated cardiac dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism. In this study, the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway by punicalagin (PU), a major ellagitannin in pomegranate was investigated in the heart of a rat obesity model. In male SD rats, eight-week administration of 150 mg/kg pomegranate extract (PE) containing 40% punicalagin sufficiently prevented high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity associated accumulation of cardiac triglyceride and cholesterol as well as myocardial damage. Concomitantly, the AMPK pathway was activated, which may account for prevention of mitochondrial loss via upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis and amelioration of oxidative stress via enhancing phase II enzymes in the hearts of HFD rats. Together with the normalized expression of uncoupling proteins and mitochondrial dynamic regulators, PE significantly prevented HFD-induced cardiac ATP loss. Through in vitro cultures, we showed that punicalagin was the predominant component that activated AMPK by quickly decreasing the cellular ATP/ADP ratio specifically in cardiomyocytes. Our findings demonstrated that punicalagin, the major active component in PE, could modulate mitochondria and phase II enzymes through AMPK pathway to prevent HFD-induced cardiac metabolic disorders.
Identification of bolting-related microRNAs and their targets reveals complex miRNA-mediated flowering-time regulatory networks in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Nie Shanshan , Xu Liang , Wang Yan , Huang Danqiong , Muleke Everlyne M. , Sun Xiaochuan , Wang Ronghua , Xie Yang , Gong Yiqin , Liu Liwang
Published: September 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in plant growth and development. The phase transition from vegetative growth to flowering is crucial in the life cycle of plants. To date, miRNA-mediated flowering regulatory networks remain largely unexplored in radish. In this study, two small RNA libraries from radish leaves at vegetative and reproductive stages were constructed and sequenced by Solexa sequencing. A total of 94 known miRNAs representing 21 conserved and 13 non-conserved miRNA families and 44 potential novel miRNAs, were identified from the two libraries. In addition, 42 known and 17 novel miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed and identified as bolting-related miRNAs. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that some miRNAs exhibited tissue- or developmental stage-specific expression patterns. Moreover, 154 target transcripts were identified for 50 bolting-related miRNAs, which were predominately involved in plant development, signal transduction and transcriptional regulation. Based on the characterization of bolting-related miRNAs and their target genes, a putative schematic model of miRNA-mediated bolting and flowering regulatory network was proposed. These results could provide insights into bolting and flowering regulatory networks in radish and facilitate dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying bolting and flowering time regulation in vegetable crops.
Constant light enhances synchrony among circadian clock cells and promotes behavioral rhythms in VPAC2-signaling deficient mice
Authors: Hughes Alun T.L. , Croft Cara. L. , Samuels Rayna E. , Myung Jihwan , Takumi Toru , Piggins Hugh D.
Published: September 2015

Individual neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) contain an intracellular molecular clock and use intercellular signaling to synchronize their timekeeping activities so that the SCN can coordinate brain physiology and behavior. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and its VPAC2 receptor form a key component of intercellular signaling systems in the SCN and critically control cellular coupling. Targeted mutations in either the intracellular clock or intercellular neuropeptide signaling mechanisms, such as VIP-VPAC2 signaling, can lead to desynchronization of SCN neuronal clocks and loss of behavioral rhythms. An important goal in chronobiology is to develop interventions to correct deficiencies in circadian timekeeping. Here we show that extended exposure to constant light promotes synchrony among SCN clock cells and the expression of ~24 h rhythms in behavior in mice in which intercellular signaling is disrupted through loss of VIP-VPAC2 signaling. This study highlights the importance of SCN synchrony for the expression of rhythms in behavior and reveals how non-invasive manipulations in the external environment can be used to overcome neurochemical communication deficits in this important brain system.
Photoelectron diffraction from laser-aligned molecules with X-ray free-electron laser pulses
Authors: Nakajima Kyo , Teramoto Takahiro , Akagi Hiroshi , Fujikawa Takashi , Majima Takuya , Minemoto Shinichirou , Ogawa Kanade , Sakai Hirofumi , Togashi Tadashi , Tono Kensuke , Tsuru Shota , Wada Ken , Yabashi Makina , Yagishita Akira
Published: September 2015

We report on the measurement of deep inner-shell 2p X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) patterns from laser-aligned I2 molecules using X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) pulses. The XPD patterns of the I2 molecules, aligned parallel to the polarization vector of the XFEL, were well matched with our theoretical calculations. Further, we propose a criterion for applying our molecular-structure-determination methodology to the experimental XPD data. In turn, we have demonstrated that this approach is a significant step toward the time-resolved imaging of molecular structures.
Imbalance between the expression dosages of X-chromosome and autosomal genes in mammalian oocytes
Authors: Fukuda Atsushi , Tanino Motohiko , Matoba Ryo , Umezawa Akihiro , Akutsu Hidenori
Published: September 2015

Oocytes have unique characteristics compared with other cell types. In mouse and human oocytes, two X chromosomes are maintained in the active state. Previous microarray studies have shown that the balance of the expression state is maintained in haploid oocytes. Here, we investigated transcripts using RNA-sequence technology in mouse and human oocytes. The median expression ratio between X chromosome and autosomal genes (X:A) in immature mouse oocytes increased as the gene expression levels increased, reaching a value of 1. However, the ratio in mature oocytes was under 1 for all expression categories. Moreover, we observed a markedly low ratio resulting from the bimodal expression patterns of X–linked genes. The low X:A expression ratio in mature oocyte was independent of DNA methylation. While mature human oocytes exhibited a slightly low X:A expression ratio, this was the result of the skewed high frequency of lowly expressed X-linked genes rather than the bimodal state. We propose that this imbalance between the expression dosages of X-chromosome and autosomal genes is a feature of transcripts in mammalian oocytes lacking X-chromosome inactivation.
Comparative genome-based identification of a cell wall-anchored protein from Lactobacillus plantarum increases adhesion of Lactococcus lactis to human epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zuo Fanglei , Yu Rui , Zeng Zhu , Ma Huiqin , Chen Shangwu
Published: September 2015

Adhesion to host cells is considered important for Lactobacillus plantarum as well as other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to persist in human gut and thus exert probiotic effects. Here, we sequenced the genome of Lt. plantarum strain NL42 originating from a traditional Chinese dairy product, performed comparative genomic analysis and characterized a novel adhesion factor. The genome of NL42 was highly divergent from its closest neighbors, especially in six large genomic regions. NL42 harbors a total of 42 genes encoding adhesion-associated proteins; among them, cwaA encodes a protein containing multiple domains, including five cell wall surface anchor repeat domains and an LPxTG-like cell wall anchor motif. Expression of cwaA in Lactococcus lactis significantly increased its autoaggregation and hydrophobicity and conferred the new ability to adhere to human colonic epithelial HT-29 cells by targeting cellular surface proteins and not carbohydrate moieties, for CwaA adhesion. In addition, the recombinant Lc. lactis inhibited adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to HT-29 cells, mainly by exclusion. We conclude that CwaA is a novel adhesion factor in Lt. plantarum and a potential candidate for improving the adhesion ability of probiotics or other bacteria of interest.
Determination of magnetic anisotropy constants and domain wall pinning energy of Fe/MgO(001) ultrathin film by anisotropic magnetoresistance
Authors: Hu Bo , He Wei , Ye Jun , Tang Jin , Zhang Yong-Sheng , Ahmad Syed Sheraz , Zhang Xiang-Qun , Cheng Zhao-Hua
Published: September 2015

It is challenging to determine domain wall pinning energy and magnetic anisotropy since both coherent rotation and domain wall displacement coexist during magnetization switching process. Here, angular dependence anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) measurements at different magnetic fields were employed to determine magnetic anisotropy constants and domain wall pinning energy of Fe/MgO(001) ultrathin film. The AMR curves at magnetic fields which are high enough to ensure the coherent rotation of magnetization indicate a smooth behavior without hysteresis between clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) rotations. By analyzing magnetic torque, the magnetic anisotropy constants can be obtained. On the other hand, the AMR curves at low fields show abrupt transitions with hysteresis between CW and CCW rotations, suggesting the presence of multi-domain structures. The domain wall pinning energy can be obtained by analyzing different behaviors of AMR. Our work suggests that AMR measurements can be employed to figure out precisely the contributions of magnetic anisotropy and domain wall pinning energy, which is still a critical issue for spintronics.
Bioaccumulation and biological effects of cigarette litter in marine worms
Authors: Wright Stephanie L. , Rowe Darren , Reid Malcolm J. , Thomas Kevin V. , Galloway Tamara S.
Published: September 2015

Marine debris is a global environmental issue. Smoked cigarette filters are the predominant coastal litter item; 4.5 trillion are littered annually, presenting a source of bioplastic microfibres (cellulose acetate) and harmful toxicants to marine environments. Despite the human health risks associated with smoking, little is known of the hazards cigarette filters present to marine life. Here we studied the impacts of smoked cigarette filter toxicants and microfibres on the polychaete worm Hediste diversicolor (ragworm), a widespread inhabitant of coastal sediments. Ragworms exposed to smoked cigarette filter toxicants in seawater at concentrations 60 fold lower than those reported for urban run-off exhibited significantly longer burrowing times, >30% weight loss and >2-fold increase in DNA damage compared to ragworms maintained in control conditions. In contrast, ragworms exposed to smoked cigarette filter microfibres in marine sediment showed no significant effects. Bioconcentration factors for nicotine were 500 fold higher from seawater than from sediment. Our results illustrate the vulnerability of organisms in the water column to smoking debris and associated toxicants and highlight the risks posed by smoked cigarette filter debris to aquatic life.
Activation of acid-sensing ion channels by localized proton transient reveals their role in proton signaling
Authors: Zeng Wei-Zheng , Liu Di-Shi , Liu Lu , She Liang , Wu Long-Jun , Xu Tian-Le
Published: September 2015

Extracellular transients of pH alterations likely mediate signal transduction in the nervous system. Neuronal acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) act as sensors for extracellular protons, but the mechanism underlying ASIC activation remains largely unknown. Here, we show that, following activation of a light-activated proton pump, Archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch), proton transients induced ASIC currents in both neurons and HEK293T cells co-expressing ASIC1a channels. Using chimera proteins that bridge Arch and ASIC1a by a glycine/serine linker, we found that successful coupling occurred within 15 nm distance. Furthermore, two-cell sniffer patch recording revealed that regulated release of protons through either Arch or voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 activated neighbouring cells expressing ASIC1a channels. Finally, computational modelling predicted the peak proton concentration at the intercellular interface to be at pH 6.7, which is acidic enough to activate ASICs in vivo. Our results highlight the pathophysiological role of proton signalling in the nervous system.