bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic‐Assisted Surgery Improves the Quality of Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer Compared to Laparoscopy: Results of a Case–Controlled Analysis
Authors: Allemann Pierre , Duvoisin Céline , Di Mare Luca , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Hahnloser Dieter
Published: November 2015

Background

The use of a robotic surgical system is claimed to allow precise traction and counter‐traction, especially in a narrow pelvis. Whether this translates to improvement of the quality of the resected specimen is not yet clear. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of the TME and the short‐term oncological outcome between robotic and laparoscopic rectal cancer resections.

Methods

20 consecutive robotic TME performed in a single institution for rectal cancer (Rob group) were matched 1:2 to 40 laparoscopic resections (Lap group) for gender, body mass index (BMI), and distance from anal verge on rigid proctoscopy. The quality of TME was assessed by 2 blinded and independent pathologists and reported according to international standardized guidelines.

Results

Both samples were well matched for gender, BMI (median 25.9 vs. 24.2 kg/m2, p = 0.24), and level of the tumor (4.1 vs. 4.8 cm, p = 0.20). The quality of the TME was better in the Robotic group (complete TME: 95 vs. 55 %; p = 0.0003, nearly complete TME 5 vs. 37 %; p = 0.04, incomplete TME 0 vs. 8 %, p = 0.09). A trend for lower positive circumferential margin was observed in the Robotic group (10 vs. 25 %, p = 0.1).

Conclusions

These results suggest that robotic‐assisted surgery improves the quality of TME for rectal cancer. Whether this translates to better oncological outcome needs to be further investigated.
Evaluation of 64‐Channel Contrast‐Enhanced Multi‐detector Row Computed Tomography for Preoperative N Staging in cT2‐4 Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Ohashi Masaki , Morita Shinji , Fukagawa Takeo , Wada Takeyuki , Kushima Ryoji , Onaya Hiroaki , Katai Hitoshi
Published: November 2015

Background

Preoperative N staging is essential for the best treatment planning in patients with gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative N staging using contrast‐enhanced multi‐detector row computed tomography (CE‐MDCT) in patients with resectable cT2‐4 gastric carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 218 patients who underwent a gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for previously untreated cT2‐4 primary gastric carcinoma were studied. Preoperative N staging was performed according to the 7th (UICC) TNM Staging System using pre‐specified criteria on a 64‐channel CE‐MDCT and was compared with postoperative pathologic N staging.

Results

In all 218 patients, a distal or total gastrectomy was performed. The overall accuracy of the preoperative N staging was 46.3 % (101/218), with the proportion of over‐ and under‐staging being 26.6 % (58/218) and 27.1 % (59/218), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for lymph node metastasis (≥pN1) were 79.1 % (106/134), 50.0 % (42/84), and 67.9 % (148/218), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for multiple lymph node metastases (≥pN2) were 80.2 % (73/91), 68.5 % (87/127), and 73.4 % (160/218), respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that macroscopic type 2 and ≥6 cm‐sized tumors were associated with preoperative over‐N staging, while macroscopic type 1/3 tumors were associated with under‐N staging.

Conclusion

Preoperative N staging with pinpoint accuracy is difficult. However, CE‐MDCT offers a reasonably high sensitivity and specificity for ≥pN2 and may be useful for selecting candidates for neoadjuvant therapies. The macroscopic type and size of the primary tumor may affect the accuracy of preoperative N staging.
Parapharyngeal Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Moritani Sueyoshi
Published: November 2015

Background

Nodal involvement of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) commonly occurs in the paratracheal region and the internal jugular chain. Lymph node metastasis in the parapharyngeal space (PPS) is rare. In this report, we describe our experience and surgical outcomes of patients with PPS metastasis of PTC.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with PTC who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2006 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed, and 22 patients with PPS metastasis were enrolled.

Results

There were 2 primary and 20 secondary cases of PPS metastasis. Involvement of the jugular nodes was noted before or at the time of PPS metastasis detection in all cases. A transcervical surgical approach with partial resection of the mandibular angle was performed in 21 patients, while 1 patient underwent extirpation of the PPS metastasis via a transoral approach. Although curative resection was performed in 21 patients, the PPS metastasis was not removable in 1 patient owing to an invaded internal carotid artery at the skull base. Twelve and 6 patients had locoregional and distant recurrence, respectively. Of the 12 patients with locoregional recurrence, isolated locoregional recurrence in the PPS occurred in 1. Eight patients died of distant or locoregional recurrence, with a median survival time of 91.7 months.

Conclusions

For patients who experience recurrence after thyroid surgery, the possibility of PPS metastasis should be considered. In this series, all patients with PPS metastasis also had previous unilateral or bilateral cervical metastasis. Despite curative attempt, most patients experienced local or distant recurrence.
Performance and grain yield stability of maize populations developed using marker-assisted recurrent selection and pedigree selection procedures
Authors: Beyene Yoseph , Semagn Kassa , Mugo Stephen , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Tarekegne Amsal , Gakunga John , Sehabiague Pierre , Meisel Barbara , Oikeh Sylvester O. , Olsen Michael , Crossa Jose
Published: November 2015

A marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) program was undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa to improve grain yield under drought-stress in 10 biparental tropical maize populations. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the performance of C1S2-derived hybrids obtained after three MARS cycles (one cycle of recombination (C1), followed by two generations of selfing (S2), and to study yield stability under both drought-stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. For each of the 10 populations, we evaluated hybrids developed by crossing 47–74 C1S2 lines advanced through MARS, the best five S5 lines developed through pedigree selection, and the founder parents with a single-cross tester from a complementary heterotic group. The hybrids and five commercial checks were evaluated in Kenya under 1–3 DS and 3–5 WW conditions with two replications. Combined across DS locations, the top 10 C1S2-derived hybrids from each of the 10 biparental populations produced 0.5–46.3 and 11.1–55.1 % higher mean grain yields than hybrids developed using pedigree selection and the commercial checks, respectively. Across WW locations, the best 10 hybrids derived from C1S2 of each population produced 3.4–13.3 and 7.9–36.5 % higher grain yields than hybrids derived using conventional pedigree breeding and the commercial checks, respectively. Mean days to anthesis of the best 10 C1S2 hybrids were comparable to those of hybrids developed using the pedigree method, the founder parents and the commercial checks, with a maximum difference of 3.5 days among the different groups. However, plant height was significantly (P < 0.01) different in most pairwise comparisons. Our results showed the superiority of MARS over pedigree selection for improving diverse tropical maize populations as sources of improved lines for stress-prone environments and thus MARS can be effectively integrated into mainstream maize breeding programs.
Estimation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii biomass concentration from chord length distribution data
Authors: Lopez-Exposito Patricio , Suarez Angeles Blanco , Negro Carlos
Published: November 2015

A novel method to estimate the concentration of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii biomass was developed. The method employs the chord length distribution information gathered by means of a focused beam reflectance probe immersed in the culture sample and processes the data through a feedforward multilayer perceptron. The multilayer perceptron architecture was systematically optimised through the application of a simulated annealing algorithm. The method developed can predict the concentration of microalgae with acceptable accuracy and, with further development, it could be implemented online to monitor the aggregation status and biomass concentration of microalgal cultures.
Increased miR‐374b promotes cell proliferation and the production of aberrant glycosylated IgA1 in B cells of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Hu Shuai , Bao Hao , Xu Xiaodong , Zhou Xianguang , Qin Weisong , Zeng Caihong , Liu Zhihong
Published: November 2015

The number of B cells is increased and the O‐glycans of IgA1 are incompletely galactosylated in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here we report that expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and Cosmc is decreased in B cells, and correlates with B cell number and the aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 in IgAN. Patients with IgAN exhibit higher miR‐374b in B cells compared to controls. We show that miR‐374b targets PTEN and Cosmc by luciferase assays and western blot analysis. Inhibition of miR‐374b increased PTEN and Cosmc expression, and prevented cell proliferation and aberrant glycosylation of IgA1, thus representing a new therapeutic approach for IgAN.
Screw Dislocation Interacting with a Wedge Crack Penetrating a Fibrous Three-phase Magnetoelectroelastic Composite
Authors: Shen M.-H. , Hung S.-Y.
Published: November 2015

On the basis of the linear magnetoelectroelasticity, the interaction problem between a generalized screw dislocation and a fibrous three-phase magnetoelectroelastic composite penetrated by a semi-infinite wedge crack is investigated in this paper. The fibrous magnetoelectroelastic composite is composed of three dissimilar materials bonded along two concentric circular interfaces. The magnetoelectroelastic materials are assumed to be transversely isotropic and have the same poling direction. The analytical derivations are based on the complex variable, conformal mapping, analytical continuation and image singularity methods. Numerical calculations are given graphically for studying the effects of material combinations, geometric models, wedge angles and the load type on the generalized stress fields, the generalized stress intensity factors, and the forces on the dislocation.
Alumina Nanofluids As Electrolytes Comparisons to Various Neutral Aqueous Solutions Inside Battery
Authors: Wang R.-T. , Wang J.-C.
Published: November 2015

This study investigated four electrolytes (tap water, mineral water, seawater, and Al2O3 nanoparticles emulsified in deionized water) to prepare nanofluids for enhancing their microgeneration and heattransfer capabilities by conducting thermoelectric performance experiments on power generation facilities. This study first performed a two-step synthesis process by using emulsion-ultrasonic technology for fabricating an Al2O3 nanofluid to determine the optimal suspended stability for the alumina nanofluid used as an electrolyte according to the Zeta potential, pH value, thermal conductivity, and viscosity. The alumina nanofluid was then compared with the other aqueous solutions to determine the characteristics of the effects of the output currents, voltages, resistances, and temperature distributions at different operating temperatures, distances, and electrode areas. Finally, the emulsifying effect of the alumina nanofluid between 0 wt % and 2 wt % demonstrated the most favorable stability, particle fraction, thermal conductivity, and stable current output.
Application of dried blood spots to determine vitamin D status in a large nutritional study with unsupervised sampling: the Food4Me project
Authors: Hoeller Ulrich , Baur Manuela , Roos Franz F. , Brennan Lorraine , Daniel Hannelore , Fallaize Rosalind , Forster Hannah , Gibney Eileen R. , Gibney Mike , Godlewska Magdalena , Hartwig Kai , Kolossa Silvia , Lambrinou Christina P. , Livingstone Katherine M. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Macready Anna L. , Manios Yannis , Marsaux Cyril F. M. , Martinez J. Alfredo , Celis-Morales Carlos , Moschonis George , Navas-Carretero Santiago , O’Donovan Clare B. , San-Cristobal Rodrigo , Saris Wim H. M. , Surwiłło Agnieszka , Traczyk Iwona , Tsirigoti Lydia , Walsh Marianne C. , Woolhead Clara , Mathers John C. , Weber Peter
Published: November 2015

An efficient and robust method to measure vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D3(25(OH)D3) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D2in dried blood spots (DBS) has been developed and applied in the pan-European multi-centre, internet-based, personalised nutrition intervention study Food4Me. The method includes calibration with blood containing endogenous 25(OH)D3, spotted as DBS and corrected for haematocrit content. The methodology was validated following international standards. The performance characteristics did not reach those of the current gold standard liquid chromatography-MS/MS in plasma for all parameters, but were found to be very suitable for status-level determination under field conditions. DBS sample quality was very high, and 3778 measurements of 25(OH)D3were obtained from 1465 participants. The study centre and the season within the study centre were very good predictors of 25(OH)D3levels (P<0·001 for each case). Seasonal effects were modelled by fitting a sine function with a minimum 25(OH)D3level on 20 January and a maximum on 21 July. The seasonal amplitude varied from centre to centre. The largest difference between winter and summer levels was found in Germany and the smallest in Poland. The model was cross-validated to determine the consistency of the predictions and the performance of the DBS method. The Pearson’s correlation between the measured values and the predicted values wasr0·65, and thesdof their differences was 21·2 nmol/l. This includes the analytical variation and the biological variation within subjects. Overall, DBS obtained by unsupervised sampling of the participants at home was a viable methodology for obtaining vitamin D status information in a large nutritional study.
Genetic and morphological studies ofTrichosirocalusspecies introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand for the biological control of thistles
Authors: De Biase A. , Colonnelli E. , Belvedere S. , La Marca A. , Cristofaro M. , Smith L.
Published: November 2015

Trichosirocalus horridussensu lato has been used as a biological control agent of several invasive thistles (Carduusspp.,Cirsiumspp. andOnopordumspp.) since 1974. It has been recognized as a single species until 2002, when it was split into three species based on morphological characters:T. horridus, Trichosirocalus brieseiandTrichosirocalus mortadelo, each purported to have different host plants. Because of this taxonomic change, uncertainty exists as to which species were released in various countries; furthermore, there appears to be some exceptions to the purported host plants of some of these species. To resolve these questions, we conducted an integrative taxonomic study of theT. horridusspecies complex using molecular genetic and morphological analyses of specimens from three continents. Both mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear elongation factor 1α markers clearly indicate that there are only two distinct species,T. horridusandT. briesei. Molecular evidence, morphological analysis and host plant associations support the synonymy ofT. horridus(Panzer, 1801) andT. mortadeloAlonso-Zarazaga & Sánchez-Ruiz, 2002. We determine thatT. horridushas been established in Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia and thatT. brieseiis established in Australia. The former species was collected fromCarduus, CirsiumandOnopordumspp. in the field, whereas the latter appears to be specific toOnopordum.
Relationship between hatchability and non-destructive physical measurements of chicken eggs
Authors: NARUSHIN V. G. , BOGATYR V. P. , ROMANOV M. N.
Published: November 2015

The current study was aimed at exploring the relationship between egg physical parameters that can be evaluated before incubation without egg breakage and hatchability of chick embryos. Eggs from laying hens of the White Leghorn (WL), Rhode Island White (RIW) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) lines were examined using a ranking system for analysing influence of egg parameters on hatchability. Specifically, eggs were subdivided into three groups whose non-destructive measurement values were: (i) within the mean ± standard deviation (σ), (ii) < mean minus σ and (iii) > mean plus σ. As a result, the smaller WL and RIW eggs, where values of weight, volume, surface area, length and maximum breadth were < mean minus σ, appeared to be more successful at hatching than the bigger ones. Hatchability of the more ‘round-shaped’ WL and RIW eggs, whose shape index was 0·76−0·80, tended to be higher. Effect of egg-specific gravity on hatchability varied in different layer strains, and genetic background seemed to be an essential factor determining relationship between hatchability and other egg characteristics. The RIW eggs of larger weight with a relatively small surface area appeared to have decreased hatchability, supposedly due to insufficient gas exchange of embryos.
The reproductive effort ofLepeophtheirus pectoralis(Copepoda: Caligidae): insights into the egg production strategy of parasitic copepods
Authors: FRADE D. G. , SANTOS M. J. , CAVALEIRO F. I.
Published: November 2015

The reproductive effort ofLepeophtheirus pectoralis(Müller O. F., 1776), a caligid copepod, which is commonly found infecting the European flounder,Platichthys flesus(Linnaeus, 1758), is studied in detail for the first time. Seasonal variation in body dimensions and reproductive effort are analysed. Data for 120 ovigerous females, 30 from each season of the year, were considered in the analyses. Females were larger and produced a larger number of smaller eggs in winter, than during the summer. The relationship between egg number and egg size is similar to that recorded for other copepods exploiting fish hosts. Much of the recorded variation was also similar to that reported for a copepod parasitic on an invertebrate host, which suggests the possibility of a general trend in copepod reproduction. Overall, our results provide further support for the hypothesis that there is an alternation of summer and winter generations.
Deaths from necrotizing fasciitis in the United States, 2003–2013
Authors: ARIF N. , YOUSFI S. , VINNARD C.
Published: November 2015

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection requiring urgent surgical and medical therapy. Our objective was to estimate the mortality burden of NF in the United States, and to identify time trends in the incidence rate of NF-related mortality. We obtained data from the National Center for Health Statistics, which receives information from death certificates from all states, including demographic information and cause of death. The U.S. Multiple Cause of Death Files were searched from 2003 to 2013 for a listing of NF (ICD-10 code M72.6) as either the underlying or contributing cause of death. We identified a total of 9871 NF-related deaths in the United States between 2003 and 2013, corresponding to a crude mortality rate of 4·8 deaths/1 000 000 person-years, without a significant time trend. Compared to white individuals, the incidence rate of NF-associated death was greater in black, Hispanic, and American Indian individuals, and lower in Asian individuals. Streptococcal infection was most commonly identified in cases where a pathogen was reported. Diabetes mellitus and obesity were more commonly observed in NF-related deaths compared to deaths due to other causes. Racial differences in the incidence of NF-related deaths merits further investigation.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Injuries in the Northeast Region of Haiti: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aluisio Adam R. , De Wulf Annelies , Louis Ambert , Bloem Christina
Published: November 2015

Introduction

More than 90% of traumatic morbidity and mortality occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and lacks contemporary statistics on the epidemiology of traumatic injuries. This study aimed to characterize the burden of traumatic injuries among emergency department patients in the Northeast region of Haiti.

Methods

Data were collected from the emergency departments of all public hospitals in the Northeast region of Haiti, which included the Fort Liberté, Ouanaminthe, and Trou du Nord sites. All patients presenting for emergent care of traumatic injuries were included. Data were obtained via review of emergency department registries and patient records from October 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013. Data on demographics, mechanisms of trauma, and anatomical regions of injury were gathered using a standardized tool and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Temporal analysis of injury frequency was explored using regression modeling.

Results

Data from 383 patient encounters were accrued. Ouanaminthe Hospital treated the majority of emergent injuries (59.3%), followed by Fort Liberté (30.3%) and Trou du Nord (10.4%). The median age in years was 23 with 23.1% of patients being less than 15 years of age. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) and interpersonal violence accounted for 65.8% and 30.1% of all traumatic mechanisms, respectively. Extremity trauma was the most frequently observed anatomical region of injury (38.9%), followed by head and neck (30.3%) and facial (19.1%) injuries. Trauma due to RTA resulted in a single injury (83.8%) to either an extremity or the head and neck regions most frequently. A minority of patients had medical record documentation (37.9%). Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and mental status were documented in 19.3%, 4.1%, and 0.0% of records, respectively. There were 6.3 injuries/day during the data collection period with no correlation between the frequency of emergent trauma cases and day of the week (R^2=0.01).

Conclusions

Traumatic injuries are a common emergent presentation in the Northeast region of Haiti with characteristics similar to other LMIC. Documentation and associated data to adequately characterize the burden of disease in this region are lacking. Road traffic accidents are the predominate mechanism of injury, suggesting that interventions addressing prevention and treatment of this common occurrence may provide public health benefits in this setting.

AluisioAR,De WulfA,LouisA,BloemC.Epidemiology of traumatic injuries in the Northeast region of Haiti: a cross-sectional study.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(6):599–605.
DEMAZURE MODULES OF LEVEL TWO AND PRIME REPRESENTATIONS OF QUANTUM AFFINE
Authors: Brito Matheus , Chari Vyjayanthi , Moura Adriano
Published: November 2015

We study the classical limit of a family of irreducible representations of the quantum affine algebra associated to $\mathfrak{sl}_{n+1}$. After a suitable twist, the limit is a module for $\mathfrak{sl}_{n+1}[t]$, i.e., for the maximal standard parabolic subalgebra of the affine Lie algebra. Our first result is about the family of prime representations introduced in Hernandez and Leclerc (Duke Math. J.154 (2010), 265–341; Symmetries, Integrable Systems and Representations, Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statitics, Volume 40, pp. 175–193 (2013)), in the context of a monoidal categorification of cluster algebras. We show that these representations specialize (after twisting) to $\mathfrak{sl}_{n+1}[t]$-stable prime Demazure modules in level-two integrable highest-weight representations of the classical affine Lie algebra. It was proved in Chari et al. (arXiv:1408.4090) that a stable Demazure module is isomorphic to the fusion product of stable prime Demazure modules. Our next result proves that such a fusion product is the limit of the tensor product of the corresponding irreducible prime representations of quantum affine $\mathfrak{sl}_{n+1}$.
Current questions and possible controversies in autophagy
Authors: Lindqvist L M , Simon A K , Baehrecke E H
Published: November 2015

Interest in autophagy has exploded over the last decade, with publications highlighting crosstalk with several other cellular processes including secretion, endocytosis, and cell suicide pathways including apoptosis. Autophagy proteins have also been implicated in other cellular processes independently of their roles in autophagy, creating complexities in the interpretation of autophagy (Atg) mutant gene data. Interestingly, this self-eating process is a survival mechanism that can also promote cell death, but when and how autophagy may ‘switch’ its function is still under debate. Indeed, there are currently many models of how autophagy actually influences cell death. In this review, we highlight some outstanding questions and possible controversies in the autophagy field.
Recombinant Bcl-xL attenuates vascular hyperpermeability in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Tharakan B , McNeal SI , Hunter FA , Sawant DA , Smythe WR , Childs EW
Published: November 2015

Following hemorrhagic shock (HS), vascular hyperpermeability, that is, the leakage of fluid, nutrients and proteins into the extravascular space occurs primarily due to the disruption of the endothelial cell–cell adherens junctional complex. Studies from our laboratory demonstrate that activation of the mitochondria-mediated ‘intrinsic’ apoptotic signaling cascade has a significant role in modulating HS-induced hyperpermeability. Here we report the novel use of recombinant Bcl-xL, an anti-apoptotic protein, to control HS-induced vascular hyperpermeability. Our results corroborate involvement of vascular hyperpermeability and apoptotic signaling. HS (the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was reduced to 40 mm Hg for 60 min followed by resuscitation to 90 mm Hg for 60 min) in rats resulted in vascular hyperpermeability as determined by intravital microscopy. Treatment of Bcl-xL (2.5 µg/ml of rat blood in non-lipid cationic polymer, i.v.) before, during and even after HS attenuated or reversed HS-induced vascular hyperpermeability significantly (P<0.05). Conversely, treatment using Bcl-xL inhibitors, 2-methoxy antimycin (2-OMeAA) and ABT 737, significantly increased vascular hyperpermeability compared with sham (P<0.05). Bcl-xL treatment also decreased the amount of fluid volume required to maintain a MAP of 90 mm Hg during resuscitation (P<0.05). HS resulted in an increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation, reduction of ΔΨm, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and significant activation of caspase-3 (P<0.05). All of these effects were significantly inhibited by Bcl-xL pre-treatment (P<0.05). Our results show that recombinant Bcl-xL is effective against HS-induced vascular hyperpermeability that appears to be mediated through the preservation of ΔΨm and subsequent prevention of caspase-3 activation.
Local 3D matrix microenvironment regulates cell migration through spatiotemporal dynamics of contractility-dependent adhesions
Authors: Doyle Andrew D. , Carvajal Nicole , Jin Albert , Matsumoto Kazue , Yamada Kenneth M.
Published: November 2015

The physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) extracellular matrices (ECMs) modulate cell adhesion dynamics and motility, but little is known about the roles of local microenvironmental differences in three-dimensional (3D) ECMs. Here we generate 3D collagen gels of varying matrix microarchitectures to characterize their regulation of 3D adhesion dynamics and cell migration. ECMs containing bundled fibrils demonstrate enhanced local adhesion-scale stiffness and increased adhesion stability through balanced ECM/adhesion coupling, whereas highly pliable reticular matrices promote adhesion retraction. 3D adhesion dynamics are locally regulated by ECM rigidity together with integrin/ECM association and myosin II contractility. Unlike 2D migration, abrogating contractility stalls 3D migration regardless of ECM pore size. We find force is not required for clustering of activated integrins on 3D native collagen fibrils. We propose that efficient 3D migration requires local balancing of contractility with ECM stiffness to stabilize adhesions, which facilitates the detachment of activated integrins from ECM fibrils.
X-ray structure and activities of an essential Mononegavirales L-protein domain
Authors: Paesen Guido C. , Collet Axelle , Sallamand Corinne , Debart Françoise , Vasseur Jean-Jacques , Canard Bruno , Decroly Etienne , Grimes Jonathan M.
Published: November 2015

The L protein of mononegaviruses harbours all catalytic activities for genome replication and transcription. It contains six conserved domains (CR-I to -VI; Fig. 1a). CR-III has been linked to polymerase and polyadenylation activity, CR-V to mRNA capping and CR-VI to cap methylation. However, how these activities are choreographed is poorly understood. Here we present the 2.2-Å X-ray structure and activities of CR-VI+, a portion of human Metapneumovirus L consisting of CR-VI and the poorly conserved region at its C terminus, the +domain. The CR-VI domain has a methyltransferase fold, which besides the typical S-adenosylmethionine-binding site (SAMP) also contains a novel pocket (NSP) that can accommodate a nucleoside. CR-VI lacks an obvious cap-binding site, and the SAMP-adjoining site holding the nucleotides undergoing methylation (SUBP) is unusually narrow because of the overhanging +domain. CR-VI+ sequentially methylates caps at their 2′O and N7 positions, and also displays nucleotide triphosphatase activity.
Reversible gating of smart plasmonic molecular traps using thermoresponsive polymers for single-molecule detection
Authors: Zheng Yuanhui , Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Rosa Lorenzo , Ng Soon Hock , Bach Udo , Justin Gooding J.
Published: November 2015

Single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has attracted increasing interest for chemical and biochemical sensing. Many conventional substrates have a broad distribution of SERS enhancements, which compromise reproducibility and result in slow response times for single-molecule detection. Here we report a smart plasmonic sensor that can reversibly trap a single molecule at hotspots for rapid single-molecule detection. The sensor was fabricated through electrostatic self-assembly of gold nanoparticles onto a gold/silica-coated silicon substrate, producing a high yield of uniformly distributed hotspots on the surface. The hotspots were isolated with a monolayer of a thermoresponsive polymer (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)), which act as gates for molecular trapping at the hotspots. The sensor shows not only a good SERS reproducibility but also a capability to repetitively trap and release molecules for single-molecular sensing. The single-molecule sensitivity is experimentally verified using SERS spectral blinking and bianalyte methods.
An in situ self-assembly template strategy for the preparation of hierarchical-pore metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Huang Hongliang , Li Jian-Rong , Wang Keke , Han Tongtong , Tong Minman , Li Liangsha , Xie Yabo , Yang Qingyuan , Liu Dahuan , Zhong Chongli
Published: November 2015

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as a new type of nanoporous materials with tailorable structures and functions. Usually, MOFs have uniform pores smaller than 2 nm in size, limiting their practical applications in some cases. Although a few approaches have been adopted to prepare MOFs with larger pores, it is still challenging to synthesize hierarchical-pore MOFs (H-MOFs) with high structural controllability and good stability. Here we demonstrate a facile and versatile method, an in situ self-assembly template strategy for fabricating stable H-MOFs, in which multi-scale soluble and/or acid-sensitive metal-organic assembly (MOA) fragments form during the reactions between metal ions and organic ligands (to construct MOFs), and act as removable dynamic chemical templates. This general strategy was successfully used to prepare various H-MOFs that show rich porous properties and potential applications, such as in large molecule adsorption. Notably, the mesopore sizes of the H-MOFs can be tuned by varying the amount of templates.
Radio frequency measurements of tunnel couplings and singlet–triplet spin states in Si:P quantum dots
Authors: House M. G. , Kobayashi T. , Weber B. , Hile S. J. , Watson T. F. , van der Heijden J. , Rogge S. , Simmons M. Y.
Published: November 2015

Spin states of the electrons and nuclei of phosphorus donors in silicon are strong candidates for quantum information processing applications given their excellent coherence times. Designing a scalable donor-based quantum computer will require both knowledge of the relationship between device geometry and electron tunnel couplings, and a spin readout strategy that uses minimal physical space in the device. Here we use radio frequency reflectometry to measure singlet–triplet states of a few-donor Si:P double quantum dot and demonstrate that the exchange energy can be tuned by at least two orders of magnitude, from 20 μeV to 8 meV. We measure dot–lead tunnel rates by analysis of the reflected signal and show that they change from 100 MHz to 22 GHz as the number of electrons on a quantum dot is increased from 1 to 4. These techniques present an approach for characterizing, operating and engineering scalable qubit devices based on donors in silicon.
Direct evidence for a pressure-induced nodal superconducting gap in the Ba0.65Rb0.35Fe2As2 superconductor
Authors: Guguchia Z. , Amato A. , Kang J. , Luetkens H. , Biswas P. K. , Prando G. , von Rohr F. , Bukowski Z. , Shengelaya A. , Keller H. , Morenzoni E. , Fernandes Rafael M. , Khasanov R.
Published: November 2015

The superconducting gap structure in iron-based high-temperature superconductors (Fe-HTSs) is non-universal. In contrast to other unconventional superconductors, in the Fe-HTSs both d-wave and extended s-wave pairing symmetries are close in energy. Probing the proximity between these very different superconducting states and identifying experimental parameters that can tune them is of central interest. Here we report high-pressure muon spin rotation experiments on the temperature-dependent magnetic penetration depth in the optimally doped nodeless s-wave Fe-HTS Ba0.65Rb0.35Fe2As2. Upon pressure, a strong decrease of the penetration depth in the zero-temperature limit is observed, while the superconducting transition temperature remains nearly constant. More importantly, the low-temperature behaviour of the inverse-squared magnetic penetration depth, which is a direct measure of the superfluid density, changes qualitatively from an exponential saturation at zero pressure to a linear-in-temperature behaviour at higher pressures, indicating that hydrostatic pressure promotes the appearance of nodes in the superconducting gap.
A novel BRD4-NUT fusion in an undifferentiated sinonasal tumor highlights alternative splicing as a contributing oncogenic factor in NUT midline carcinoma
Authors: Stirnweiss A , McCarthy K , Oommen J , Crook M L , Hardy K , Kees U R , Wilton S D , Anazodo A , Beesley A H
Published: November 2015

NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a fatal cancer that arises in various tissues along the upper midline of the body. The defining molecular feature of NMC is a chromosomal translocation that joins (in the majority of cases) the nuclear testis gene NUT (NUTM1) to the bromodomain protein family member 4 (BRD4) and thereby creating a fusion oncogene that disrupts cellular differentiation and drives the disease. In this study, we report the case of an adolescent NMC patient presenting with severe facial pain, proptosis and visual impairment due to a mass arising from the ethmoid sinus that invaded the right orbit and frontal lobe. Treatment involved radical resection, including exenteration of the affected eye with the view to consolidate treatment with radiation therapy; however, the patient experienced rapid tumor progression and passed away 79 days post resection. Molecular analysis of the tumor tissue identified a novel in-frame BRD4-NUT transcript, with BRD4 exon 15 fused to the last 124 nucleotides of NUT exon 2 (BRD4-NUT ex15:ex2Δnt1–585). The partial deletion of NUT exon 2 was attributed to a mid-exonic genomic breakpoint and the subsequent activation of a cryptic splice site further downstream within the exon. Inhibition of the canonical 3′ acceptor splice site of NUT intron 1 in cell lines expressing the most common NMC fusion transcripts (PER-403, BRD4-NUT ex11:ex2; PER-624, BRD4-NUT ex15:ex2) induced alternative splicing from the same cryptic splice site as identified in the patient. Detection of low levels of an in-frame BRD4-NUT ex11:ex2Δnt1–585 transcript in PER-403 confirmed endogenous splicing from this alternative exon 2 splice site. Although further studies are necessary to assess the clinical relevance of the increasing number of variant fusions described in NMC, the findings presented in this case identify alternative splicing as a mechanism that contributes to this pathogenic complexity.
The comparative risk of developing postoperative complications in patients with distal radius fractures following different treatment modalities
Authors: Qiu Wen-Jun , Li Yi-Fan , Ji Yun-Han , Xu Wei , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Tang Xian-Zhong , Zhao Huan-Li , Wang Gui-Bin , Jia Yue-Qing , Zhu Shi-Cai , Zhang Feng-Fang , Liu Hong-Mei
Published: November 2015

In this study, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of seven most common surgical procedures to fix DRF, including bridging external fixation, non-bridging external fixation, K-wire fixation, plaster fixation, dorsal plating, volar plating and dorsal and volar plating. Published studies were retrieved through PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The database search terms used were the following keywords and MeSH terms: DRF, bridging external fixation, non-bridging external fixation, K-wire fixation, plaster fixation, dorsal plating, volar plating and dorsal and volar plating. The network meta-analysis was performed to rank the probabilities of postoperative complication risks for the seven surgical modalities in DRF patients. This network meta-analysis included data obtained from a total of 19 RCTs. Our results revealed that compared to DRF patients treated with bridging external fixation, marked differences in pin-track infection (PTI) rate were found in patients treated with plaster fixation, volar plating and dorsal and volar plating. Cluster analysis showed that plaster fixation is associated with the lowest probability of postoperative complication in DRF patients. Plaster fixation is associated with the lowest risk for postoperative complications in DRF patients, when compared to six other common DRF surgical methods examined.
Plasma biomarker for detection of early stage pancreatic cancer and risk factors for pancreatic malignancy using antibodies for apolipoprotein-AII isoforms
Authors: Honda Kazufumi , Kobayashi Michimoto , Okusaka Takuji , Rinaudo Jo Ann , Huang Ying , Marsh Tracey , Sanada Mitsuaki , Sasajima Yoshiyuki , Nakamori Shoji , Shimahara Masashi , Ueno Takaaki , Tsuchida Akihiko , Sata Naohiro , Ioka Tatsuya , Yasunami Yohichi , Kosuge Tomoo , Miura Nami , Kamita Masahiro , Sakamoto Takako , Shoji Hirokazu , Jung Giman , Srivastava Sudhir , Yamada Tesshi
Published: November 2015

We recently reported that circulating apolipoprotein AII (apoAII) isoforms apoAII-ATQ/AT (C-terminal truncations of the apoAII homo-dimer) decline significantly in pancreatic cancer and thus might serve as plasma biomarkers for the early detection of this disease. We report here the development of novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for measurement of apoAII-ATQ/AT and their clinical applicability for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Plasma and serum concentrations of apoAII-ATQ/AT were measured in three independent cohorts, which comprised healthy control subjects and patients with pancreatic cancer and gastroenterologic diseases (n = 1156). These cohorts included 151 cases of stage I/II pancreatic cancer. ApoAII-ATQ/AT not only distinguished the early stages of pancreatic cancer from healthy controls but also identified patients at high risk for pancreatic malignancy. AUC values of apoAII-ATQ/AT to detect early stage pancreatic cancer were higher than those of CA19–9 in all independent cohorts. ApoAII-ATQ/AT is a potential biomarker for screening patients for the early stage of pancreatic cancer and identifying patients at risk for pancreatic malignancy (161 words).
Cultural traditions across a migratory network shape the genetic structure of southern right whales around Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Carroll E. L. , Baker C. S. , Watson M. , Alderman R. , Bannister J. , Gaggiotti O. E. , Gröcke D. R. , Patenaude N. , Harcourt R.
Published: November 2015

Fidelity to migratory destinations is an important driver of connectivity in marine and avian species. Here we assess the role of maternally directed learning of migratory habitats, or migratory culture, on the population structure of the endangered Australian and New Zealand southern right whale. Using DNA profiles, comprising mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes (500 bp), microsatellite genotypes (17 loci) and sex from 128 individually-identified whales, we find significant differentiation among winter calving grounds based on both mtDNA haplotype (FST = 0.048, ΦST = 0.109, p < 0.01) and microsatellite allele frequencies (FST = 0.008, p < 0.01), consistent with long-term fidelity to calving areas. However, most genetic comparisons of calving grounds and migratory corridors were not significant, supporting the idea that whales from different calving grounds mix in migratory corridors. Furthermore, we find a significant relationship between δ13C stable isotope profiles of 66 Australian southern right whales, a proxy for feeding ground location and both mtDNA haplotypes and kinship inferred from microsatellite-based estimators of relatedness. This indicates migratory culture may influence genetic structure on feeding grounds. This fidelity to migratory destinations is likely to influence population recovery, as long-term estimates of historical abundance derived from estimates of genetic diversity indicate the South Pacific calving grounds remain at <10% of pre-whaling abundance.
Mitochondria-related miR-141-3p contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in HFD-induced obesity by inhibiting PTEN
Authors: Ji Juan , Qin Yufeng , Ren Jing , Lu Chuncheng , Wang Rong , Dai Xiuliang , Zhou Ran , Huang Zhenyao , Xu Miaofei , Chen Minjian , Wu Wei , Song Ling , Shen Hongbing , Hu Zhibin , Miao Dengshun , Xia Yankai , Wang Xinru
Published: November 2015

Mitochondria-related microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as key regulators of cell metabolism and can modulate mitochondrial fusion and division. In order to investigate the roles of mitochondria-related miRNAs played in obesity, we conducted comprehensive molecular analysis in vitro and in vivo. Based on high-fat-diet (HFD) induced obese mice, we found that hepatic mitochondrial function was markedly altered. Subsequently, we evaluated the expression levels of selected mitochondria-related miRNAs and found that miR-141-3p was up-regulated strikingly in HFD mice. To further verify the role of miR-141-3p in obesity, we carried out gain-and-loss-of-function study in human HepG2 cells. We found that miR-141-3p could modulate ATP production and induce oxidative stress. Through luciferase report gene assay, we identified that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was a target of miR-141-3p. Inhibiting PTEN could alter the mitochondrial function, too. Our study suggested that mitochondria-related miR-141-3p induced mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting PTEN.
Urinary neopterin, a non-invasive marker of mammalian cellular immune activation, is highly stable under field conditions
Authors: Heistermann Michael , Higham James P.
Published: November 2015

Studying immunity and immune function in ecology and evolution requires field studies, but there has been a dearth of non-invasive markers of immune activation available for studying large wild mammals. Recently, we analytically and biologically validated the measurement of urinary neopterin (NEO), a biomarker of cellular immune activation, in captive macaques. However, applying this to free-ranging settings is complicated by issues involving sample collection, processing, storage and transport. Here, we collected urine samples from captive macaques and undertook experiments simulating common field issues. We tested the effects on urinary NEO sample measurements following: dirt and faecal contamination; storage at room temperature; differences in processing and long-term storage methods (freezing, lyophilising, blotting onto filter paper); and freeze-thaw cycles. Our results show that concentrations of urinary NEO are highly stable – they are not affected by soil or faecal contamination, can be collected on filter paper and stored for many months frozen or lyophilised with minimal effect and are resistant to multiple 24 hr freeze-thaws. With the addition of a biocidal preservative, concentrations are even stable at room temperature for long periods. Urinary NEO is remarkably resilient and is highly suitable for non-invasive field studies of cellular immune responses in wild large mammals.
Quantum Metrology: Surpassing the shot-noise limit with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
Authors: Ozaydin Fatih , Altintas Azmi Ali
Published: November 2015

Entanglement is at the heart of quantum technologies such as quantum information and quantum metrology. Providing larger quantum Fisher information (QFI), entangled systems can be better resources than separable systems in quantum metrology. However the effects on the entanglement dynamics such as decoherence usually decrease the QFI considerably. On the other hand, Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction has been shown to excite entanglement. Since an increase in entanglement does not imply an increase in QFI and also there are cases where QFI decreases as entanglement increases, it is interesting to study the influence of DM interaction on quantum metrology. In this work, we study the QFI of thermal entanglement of two-qubit and three-qubit Heisenberg models with respect to SU(2) rotations. We show that even at high temperatures, DM interaction excites QFI of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic models. We also show that QFI of the ferromagnetic model of two qubits can surpass the shot-noise limit of the separable states, while QFI of the antiferromagnetic model in consideration can only approach to the shot-noise limit. Our results open new insights in quantum metrology with Heisenberg models.
Accelerated CO2 transport on surface of AgO nanoparticles in ionic liquid BMIMBF4
Authors: Ji Dahye , Kang Yong Soo , Kang Sang Wook
Published: November 2015

The AgO nanoparticles were utilized for a CO2 separation membrane. The AgO nanoparticles were successfully generated in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) by favorable interaction between the surface of particles and the counteranion of BMIMBF4. The generated AgO nanoparticles were confirmed by TEM and the average size was 20 nm. Coordinative interactions of dissociated AgO particles with BMIM+BF4− were investigated by FT-Raman spectroscopy. When the ionic liquid BMIMBF4 containing AgO nanoparticles was utilized as a CO2 separation membrane, the separation performance was largely enhanced.