bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal distribution of the electrical energy on an exploding wire
Authors: Prieto Gonzalo Rodríguez , Bilbao Luis , Milanese Malena
Published: February 2016

An exploding wire system has been experimentally studied by the observation of its plasma dynamics and the electrical energy delivered by the supporting circuit to the metallic wire. Plasma radial expansion has been obtained from visible light streak images, meanwhile electrical energy transfer dynamics was derived from the analysis of voltage and current traces of the exploding wire circuit. In these measurements, a significant portion of the electrical energy has been transferred to the exploding wire circuit during the plasma expansion, and lower limits for the resistivity during the plasma expansion confirm the existence of a central liquid or solid metallic core in addition to the expanding plasma.
9.—Circular Disc between Two Parallel Planes Close Together
Authors: Cooke J. C.
Published: February 2016

Synopsis

The two basic problems solved here are (1) a disc charged to a uniform potential placed between two earthed planes parallel to its plane, each a small distance h from the disc, (2) the space filled with viscous fluid and the disc slowly rotating uniformly about its axis with the planes held at rest. The total charge or turning moment are calculated as series in powers of h, giving four terms in each case. An approximate method devised by Maxwell [5] is shown to have three terms correct in both cases.
Revascularization for Complex Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Xu Bai-Nan , Sun Zheng-Hui , Wu Chen , Jiang Jin-Li , Zhou Ding-Biao , Yu Xin-Guang , Sutherland Garnette R. , Li Bao-Min
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose:

Complex cerebral aneurysms may require indirect treatment with revascularization. This manuscript describes various surgical revascularization techniques together with clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Thirty-two consecutive patients with complex cerebral aneurysm were managed from November 2005 to October 2008. Techniques used for revascularization were high-flow bypass, low-flow bypass, branch artery reimplantion, and primary reanastomosis. Physiologic and anatomic monitoring technologies, including electroencephalography, somatosensory evoked potential monitoring, microvascular doppler ultrasonography, and/or indocyanine green videoangiography were used intraoperatively to assess both brain physiology and vascular anatomy. Patient outcome was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at discharge and at a mean of 12 months post operation (range 6-25 months).

Results:

Two cervical carotid aneurysms (6%) were resected followed by primary reanastomosis, 21 aneurysms (66%) were trapped following saphenous vein high-flow bypasses, five (16%) were clipped after superficial temporal or occipital artery low-flow bypasses, and four (12%) middle cerebral branch arteries were reimplanted. Of the 32 patients at discharge, 29 (91%) had a Glasgow Outcome Scale of four or five, two (6%) had severe disability, and one (3%) died.

Conclusion:

Cerebral revascularization remains an effective and reliable procedure for treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms. Low morbidity and mortality rates reflect the maturity of patient selection and surgical technique in the management of these lesions.
Prevalence of Childhood Epilepsy in Canada
Authors: Prasad A.N. , Sang X. , Corbett B.A. , Burneo J.G.
Published: February 2016

Rationale:

Few data exist on the frequency and burden of childhood epilepsy in Canada and on the impact in the general population. We have assessed the point prevalence of childhood epilepsy in Canada.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (N=20 025 for Cycle 2, and N= 31 960 for cycle 3). Each cycle was collected over a two year period (2: 1996-1997, 3: 1998-1999). In the survey the following specific question was asked to the person most knowledgeable in the household: "Does the child have any of the following long-term conditions that have been diagnosed by a health professional?" The list of responses included Epilepsy and certain co-morbid conditions. In addition, a subsequent question identified whether the condition was treated by means of a specific anticonvulsant medication, (anticonvulsants or anti-epileptic pills?). Prevalence was based on the national standard population at the time of each survey.

Results:

In Cycle 2,80 of 20 025 subjects from 0 to 13 years old were described to have the diagnosis of epilepsy, yielding a weighted point prevalence of 4.03 per 1 000. In Cycle 3 161 of 31 960 children from 0 to 15 were described as having epilepsy, yielding a weighted point prevalence of 5.26 per 1 000. The rate of epilepsy was higher for males and increases with age.

Conclusion:

The overall rates for this age cohort are consistent with those obtained in other developed countries and seem to coincide with rates for youth and adults in Canada.
Depiction of Seizure First Aid Management in Medical Television Dramas
Authors: Moeller Andrew D. , Moeller Jeremy J. , Rahey Susan R. , Sadler R. Mark
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to investigate whether medical television dramas portray proper seizure first aid.

Methods:

Episodes of the four highest-rated US medical dramas (“Grey's Anatomy,” “House M.D.”, “Private Practice,” and “ER”) were screened for the presence of seizures. “Patient” age, sex, semiology, and etiology were recorded. The appropriateness of seizure first aid management was determined by comparison to the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) guidelines.

Results:

Among 364 television programs, 65 seizures (in 59 individuals) were identified (30 males; 29 females). Seizures were primary or secondarily generalized tonic-clonic in 53 (81.5%) cases. Other seizure types included complex partial (5, 7.7%), simple partial (1, 1.5%), myoclonic (1, 1.5%), absence (1,1.5%), and psychogenic (1, 1.5%). On 63 occasions (96.9%), first aid was performed by a health care professional. First aid management was judged appropriate in 21 (32.3%) seizures, inappropriate in 28 (43.1%), and indeterminate in 16 (24.6%). Inappropriate practices included holding the person down (17, 26.2%), trying to stop the involuntary movements (10, 15.4%) and putting something in the person's mouth (11, 16.9%).

Conclusions:

The first aid management of seizures performed by actors portraying health care professionals was inappropriate in nearly half of all cases. Inaccurate depiction of seizure first aid management may contribute to misinformation of the general public. The television industry could easily incorporate the simple first aid EFA seizure guidelines as a public service without sacrificing dramatic impact.
Epidemic activity of respiratory syncytial virus is related to temperature and rainfall in equatorial tropical countries
Authors: GAMBA-SANCHEZ N. , RODRIGUEZ-MARTINEZ C. E. , SOSSA-BRICEÑO M. P.
Published: February 2016

Although viral acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are a major public health problem in tropical low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and there is growing evidence showing their relationship with meteorological parameters, studies performed in these countries are scarce. In an analytical cross-sectional study, we determined which of the main meteorological parameters (temperature, absolute humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and solar radiation) predicted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in a population of hospitalized children with ALRI during a 5-year period, from January 2009 to December 2013. Out of a total of 4559 children included in the study (mean age 9·2 ± 8·5 months), 2953 (64·8%) presented RSV infection during the 3-month period from March to May. In the multivariate analysis, after controlling for absolute humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, temperature [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2·25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·11–4·53,P= 0·024], and rainfall (IRR 1·01, 95% CI 1·00–1·02,P= 0·044) were independently associated with the monthly number of RSV infections. In conclusion, in Bogota, the capital of a tropical LMIC lying slightly above the equator, RSV activity peaks in the 3-month period from March to May, the main rainy period of the year in the city. In addition, rainfall and temperature are the two most important meteorological parameters that are independently associated with RSV activity in hospitalized children with ALRI in the city.
Peer volunteer perspectives following a complex social cognitive intervention: a qualitative investigation
Authors: McHugh J. E. , Lee O. , Aspell N. , Connolly L. , Lawlor B. A. , Brennan S.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Peer volunteers can be key to delivering effective social cognitive interventions due to increased potential for social modeling. We consulted peer volunteers who had just taken part in an 8-week social and nutritional mealtime intervention with older adults living alone, to seek their evaluation of the intervention.

Methods:

Semi-structured focus groups were used with a total of 21 volunteers (17 female) and two facilitators. Thematic analysis was used to interrogate the data.

Results:

Six themes (16 sub-themes) are discussed. Peer volunteers described the importance of the socializing aspect of the intervention, of pairing considerations and compatibility in peer interventions, of considering the needs of the participant, of benefits to the volunteers, and of the practical considerations of conducting an intervention. Volunteers also discussed considerations for future research and services for older adults living alone.

Conclusions:

Volunteers found their involvement in the intervention to be personally beneficial, and revealed some valuable considerations for the researchers to take forward to future research. Results are pertinent to intervention design and could inform future social cognitive and other peer-oriented interventions for older adults living alone.
Transient severe isolated right ventricular hypertrophy in neonates
Authors: Tomar Munesh , Radhakrishnan Sitaraman , Shrivastava Savitri
Published: February 2016

We report two instances of transient isolated right-sided myocardial hypertrophy in patients with an intact ventricular septum, normal thickness of the posterior wall of the left ventricle, and normal ventricular function, diagnosed by echocardiography on the third day of life. The two neonates, born at 36 and 38 weeks gestation respectively, had perinatal distress. Both were diagnosed as having isolated right ventricular hypertrophy with mild pulmonary hypertension, which disappeared in both cases within 8 weeks without any specific therapy. Though the cause of the ventricular hypertrophy remains unclear, we believe that it is the consequence of remodeling of pulmonary vasculature secondary to acute perinatal distress, resulting in persistent pulmonary hypertension and producing pressure overload on the right ventricle, and hence right ventricular hypertrophy. The finding of early and transient right ventricular hypertrophy, with normal left-sided structures and normal ventricular function, has thus far failed to gain attention in the paediatric cardiologic literature.
Measuring Cortical Connectivity in Alzheimer’s Disease as a Brain Neural Network Pathology: Toward Clinical Applications
Authors: Teipel Stefan , Grothe Michel J. , Zhou Juan , Sepulcre Jorge , Dyrba Martin , Sorg Christian , Babiloni Claudio
Published: February 2016

Objectives:The objective was to review the literature on diffusion tensor imaging as well as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography (EEG) to unveil neuroanatomical and neurophysiological substrates of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as a brain neural network pathology affecting structural and functional cortical connectivity underlying human cognition.Methods:We reviewed papers registered in PubMed and other scientific repositories on the use of these techniques in amnesic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and clinically mild AD dementia patients compared to cognitively intact elderly individuals (Controls).Results:Hundreds of peer-reviewed (cross-sectional and longitudinal) papers have shown in patients with MCI and mild AD compared to Controls (1) impairment of callosal (splenium), thalamic, and anterior–posterior white matter bundles; (2) reduced correlation of resting state blood oxygen level-dependent activity across several intrinsic brain circuits including default mode and attention-related networks; and (3) abnormal power and functional coupling of resting state cortical EEG rhythms. Clinical applications of these measures are still limited.Conclusions:Structural and functional (in vivo) cortical connectivity measures represent a reliable marker of cerebral reserve capacity and should be used to predict and monitor the evolution of AD and its relative impact on cognitive domains in pre-clinical, prodromal, and dementia stages of AD. (JINS, 2016,22, 138–163)
Altered Effective Connectivity during a Processing Speed Task in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dobryakova E. , Costa S.L. , Wylie G.R. , DeLuca J. , Genova H.M.
Published: February 2016

Objectives: Processing speed impairment is the most prevalent cognitive deficit in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the neural mechanisms associated with processing speed remain under debate. The current investigation provides a dynamic representation of the functioning of the brain network involved in processing speed by examining effective connectivity pattern during a processing speed task in healthy adults and in MS individuals with and without processing speed impairment. Methods: Group assignment (processing speed impaired vs. intact) was based on participants’ performance on the Symbol Digit Modalities test (Parmenter, Testa, Schretlen, Weinstock-Guttman, & Benedict, 2010). First, brain regions involved in the processing speed task were determined in healthy participants. Time series from these functional regions of interest of each group of participants were then subjected to the effective connectivity analysis (Independent Multiple-Sample Greedy Equivalence Search and Linear, Non-Gaussian Orientation, Fixed Structure algorithms) that showed causal influences of one region on another during task performance. Results: The connectivity pattern of the processing speed impaired group was significantly different from the connectivity pattern of the processing speed intact group and of the healthy control group. Differences in the strength of common connections were also observed. Conclusions: Effective connectivity results reveal that MS individuals with processing speed impairment not only have connections that differ from healthy participants and MS individuals without processing speed impairment, but also have increased strengths of connections. (JINS, 2016, 22, 216–224)
Disrupted Intrinsic Connectivity among Default, Dorsal Attention, and Frontoparietal Control Networks in Individuals with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Han Kihwan , Chapman Sandra B. , Krawczyk Daniel C.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:Individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) often show detrimental deficits in higher order cognitive functions requiring coordination of multiple brain networks. Although assessing TBI-related deficits in higher order cognition in the context of network dysfunction is promising, few studies have systematically investigated altered interactions among multiple networks in chronic TBI.Method:We characterized disrupted resting-state functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), dorsal attention network (DAN), and frontoparietal control network (FPCN) whose interactions are required for internally and externally focused goal-directed cognition in chronic TBI. Specifically, we compared the network interactions of 40 chronic TBI individuals (8 years post-injury on average) with those of 17 healthy individuals matched for gender, age, and years of education.Results:The network-based statistic (NBS) on DMN-DAN-FPCN connectivity of these groups revealed statistically significant (pNBS<.05; |Z|>2.58) reductions in within-DMN, within-FPCN, DMN-DAN, and DMN-FPCN connectivity of the TBI group over healthy controls. Importantly, such disruptions occurred prominently in between-network connectivity. Subsequent analyses further exhibited the disrupted connectivity patterns of the chronic TBI group occurring preferentially in long-range and inter-hemispheric connectivity of DMN-DAN-FPCN. Most importantly, graph-theoretic analysis demonstrated relative reductions in global, local and cost efficiency (p<.05) as a consequence of the network disruption patterns in the TBI group.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that assessing multiple networks-of-interest simultaneously will allow us to better understand deficits in goal-directed cognition and other higher order cognitive phenomena in chronic TBI. Future research will be needed to better understand the behavioral consequences related to these network disruptions. (JINS, 2016,22, 263–279)
Cognitive Deficits Correlate with White Matter Deterioration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Hernandez-Castillo Carlos R. , Vaca-Palomares Israel , Galvez Víctor , Campos-Romo Aurelio , Diaz Rosalinda , Fernandez-Ruiz Juan
Published: February 2016

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cognitive and white matter deterioration in a group of participants with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Methods: Fourteen genetically confirmed participants with SCA2 and 14 aged-matched controls participated in the study. Diffusion tensor imaging tract-based spatial statistics were performed to analyze structural white matter integrity. Significant group differences in the mean diffusivity were correlated with SCA2 cognitive deficits. Results: Our analysis revealed higher mean diffusivity in the SCA2 group in cerebellar white matter, medial lemniscus, and middle cerebellar peduncle, among other regions. Cognitive scores correlated with white matter mean diffusivity in the parahippocampal area, inferior frontal and supramarginal gyri and the stria terminalis. Conclusions: Our findings show significant correlations between white matter microstructural damage in key areas affected in SCA2 and cognitive deficits. These findings result in a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of the neurodegenerative process in people with SCA2. (JINS, 2016, 22, 486–491)
Preposition stranding and ellipsis alternation
Authors: NYKIEL JOANNA
Published: February 2016

Ellipsis alternation refers here to the alternation between two kinds of ellipsis remnants whose correlates are prepositional phrases. One kind of remnant includes the preposition hosted by its correlate and the other doesn't. This alternation is now known to be cross-linguistically widespread although it was originally assumed to be banned in languages without preposition stranding under wh-movement. I argue that there is a nonsyntactic relationship between ellipsis alternation and preposition stranding that helps explain the availability and distribution of both types of remnants in terms of general performance preferences. Two pieces of corpus evidence from English are offered in support of this argument. The first piece of evidence reveals that the content of a remnant and its correlate affects ellipsis alternation both in languages without preposition stranding and in English. The second piece of evidence shows that the availability of preposition stranding in English nonelliptical clauses supports the use of prepositionless remnants via structural persistence, that is, reuse of syntactic structure found in antecedent clauses. These data lead me to conclude that ellipsis alternation is subject to a stronger processing constraint in English than in languages without preposition stranding.
Understanding and improving low bystander CPR rates: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Vaillancourt Christian , Stiell Ian G. , Wells George A.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial yet weak link in the chain of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We sought to understand the determinants of bystander CPR and the factors associated with successful training.

Methods:

For this systematic review, we searched 11 electronic databases, 1 trial registry and 9 scientific websites. We performed hand searches and contacted 6 content experts. We reviewed without restriction all communications pertaining to who should learn CPR, what should be taught, when to repeat training, where to give CPR instructions and why people lack the motivation to learn and perform CPR. We used standardized forms to review papers for inclusion, quality and data extraction. We grouped publications by category and classified recommendations using a standardized classification system that was based on level of evidence.

Results:

We reviewed 2409 articles and selected 411 for complete evaluation. We included 252 of the 411 papers in this systematic review. Differences in their study design precluded a meta-analysis. We classified 22 recommendations; those with the highest scores were 1) 9-1-1 dispatch-assisted CPR instructions, 2) teaching CPR to family members of cardiac patients, 3) Braslow's self-training video, 4) maximizing time spent using manikins and 5) teaching the concepts of ambiguity and diffusion of responsibility. Recommendations not supported by evidence include mass training events, pulse taking prior to CPR by laymen and CPR using chest compressions alone.

Conclusion:

We evaluated and classified the potential impact of interventions that have been proposed to improve bystander CPR rates. Our results may help communities design interventions to improve their bystander CPR rates.
Psychometric Properties of Farsi Version of the Revised Fear Survey Schedule for Children
Authors: Abdekhodaie Ehsan , Arghabaei Mohammad , Bahrami Ehsan Hadi
Published: February 2016

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the Revised Fear Survey Schedule for Children (Ollendick, 1983), namely the FSSC-FA, in a sample of Iranian children and adolescents (N = 394, 206 girls) aged 9–11:11 years. The internal consistency coefficient was found to range from .79 to .96 for total and subscale scores. The authors used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to determine the factor structure of the FSSC-FA. The results showed that a 71-item, six-factor model provided a satisfactory fit for the structure of the FSSC-FA (RMSEA = .07, 90% CIs [.068, .072], CFI = .94, NNFI = .94, χ2/df = 2.94). With regard to gender and age differences in fears of the present sample, girls typically reported more fears than boys (Cohen’s d = .28, 95% CIs [.08, .48], p < .001), but differences between older and younger participants were modest. The study also reported most common fears in the sample which were very similar to those reported by other studies except one item being specific to the Iranian population. Bearing in mind the limitations discussed, the results generally show that the FSSC-FA scores are valid and reliable to assess fears in Iranian youth.
New Paths in Geoengineering
Authors: Kravitz Ben , Robock Alan , Tilmes Simone
Published: February 2016

National Center for Atmospheric Research Fifth Annual Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Workshop and Early Career Summer School; Boulder, Colorado, 20–24 July 2015
Seeing the Gravitational Waves, Despite the Seismic Waves
Authors: O'Hanlon Larry
Published: February 2016

For detectors to sense the minute jolt of a gravitational wave announced last week, savvy geophysicists and engineers had to keep Earth's tiniest jiggles from reaching ultrasensitive instruments.
Spectral phase measurement of a Fano resonance using tunable attosecond pulses
Authors: Kotur M. , Guénot D. , Jiménez-Galán Á , Kroon D. , Larsen E. W. , Louisy M. , Bengtsson S. , Miranda M. , Mauritsson J. , Arnold C. L. , Canton S. E. , Gisselbrecht M. , Carette T. , Dahlström J. M. , Lindroth E. , Maquet A. , Argenti L. , Martín F. , L’Huillier A.
Published: February 2016

Electron dynamics induced by resonant absorption of light is of fundamental importance in nature and has been the subject of countless studies in many scientific areas. Above the ionization threshold of atomic or molecular systems, the presence of discrete states leads to autoionization, which is an interference between two quantum paths: direct ionization and excitation of the discrete state coupled to the continuum. Traditionally studied with synchrotron radiation, the probability for autoionization exhibits a universal Fano intensity profile as a function of excitation energy. However, without additional phase information, the full temporal dynamics cannot be recovered. Here we use tunable attosecond pulses combined with weak infrared radiation in an interferometric setup to measure not only the intensity but also the phase variation of the photoionization amplitude across an autoionization resonance in argon. The phase variation can be used as a fingerprint of the interactions between the discrete state and the ionization continua, indicating a new route towards monitoring electron correlations in time.
Cryo-EM structures of the eukaryotic replicative helicase bound to a translocation substrate
Authors: Abid Ali Ferdos , Renault Ludovic , Gannon Julian , Gahlon Hailey L. , Kotecha Abhay , Zhou Jin Chuan , Rueda David , Costa Alessandro
Published: February 2016

The Cdc45-MCM-GINS (CMG) helicase unwinds DNA during the elongation step of eukaryotic genome duplication and this process depends on the MCM ATPase function. Whether CMG translocation occurs on single- or double-stranded DNA and how ATP hydrolysis drives DNA unwinding remain open questions. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to describe two subnanometre resolution structures of the CMG helicase trapped on a DNA fork. In the predominant state, the ring-shaped C-terminal ATPase of MCM is compact and contacts single-stranded DNA, via a set of pre-sensor 1 hairpins that spiral around the translocation substrate. In the second state, the ATPase module is relaxed and apparently substrate free, while DNA intimately contacts the downstream amino-terminal tier of the MCM motor ring. These results, supported by single-molecule FRET measurements, lead us to suggest a replication fork unwinding mechanism whereby the N-terminal and AAA+ tiers of the MCM work in concert to translocate on single-stranded DNA.
Thermodynamics of deposition flux-dependent intrinsic film stress
Authors: Saedi Amirmehdi , Rost Marcel J.
Published: February 2016

Vapour deposition on polycrystalline films can lead to extremely high levels of compressive stress, exceeding even the yield strength of the films. A significant part of this stress has a reversible nature: it disappears when the deposition is stopped and re-emerges on resumption. Although the debate on the underlying mechanism still continues, insertion of atoms into grain boundaries seems to be the most likely one. However, the required driving force has not been identified. To address the problem we analyse, here, the entire film system using thermodynamic arguments. We find that the observed, tremendous stress levels can be explained by the flux-induced entropic effects in the extremely dilute adatom gas on the surface. Our analysis justifies any adatom incorporation model, as it delivers the underlying thermodynamic driving force. Counterintuitively, we also show that the stress levels decrease, if the barrier(s) for adatoms to reach the grain boundaries are decreased.
Emerging role of lipid droplets in Aedes aegypti immune response against bacteria and Dengue virus
Authors: Barletta Ana Beatriz Ferreira , Alves Liliane Rosa , Nascimento Silva Maria Clara L. , Sim Shuzhen , Dimopoulos George , Liechocki Sally , Maya-Monteiro Clarissa M. , Sorgine Marcos H. Ferreira
Published: February 2016

In mammals, lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous organelles that modulate immune and inflammatory responses through the production of lipid mediators. In insects, it is unknown whether LDs play any role during the development of immune responses. We show thatAedes aegyptiAag2 cells – an immune responsive cell lineage – accumulates LDs when challenged withEnterobacter cloacae, Sindbis and Dengue viruses. Microarray analysis of Aag2 challenged withE.cloacaeor infected with Dengue virus revealed high transcripts levels of genes associated with lipid storage and LDs biogenesis, correlating with the increased LDs numbers in those conditions. Similarly, in mosquitoes, LDs accumulate in midgut cells in response toSerratia marcescensand Sindbis virus or when the native microbiota proliferates, following a blood meal. Also, constitutive activation of Toll and IMD pathways by knocking-down their respective negative modulators (Cactus and Caspar) increases LDs numbers in the midgut. Our results show for the first time an infection-induced LDs accumulation in response to both bacterial and viral infections inAe. Aegypti,and we propose a role for LDs in mosquito immunity. These findings open new venues for further studies in insect immune responses associated with lipid metabolism.
Building the Leviathan – Voluntary centralisation of punishment power sustains cooperation in humans
Authors: Gross Jörg , Méder Zsombor Z. , Okamoto-Barth Sanae , Riedl Arno
Published: February 2016

The prevalence of cooperation among humans is puzzling because cooperators can be exploited by free riders. Peer punishment has been suggested as a solution to this puzzle, but cumulating evidence questions its robustness in sustaining cooperation. Amongst others, punishment fails when it is not powerful enough, or when it elicits counter-punishment. Existing research, however, has ignored that the distribution of punishment power can be the result of social interactions. We introduce a novel experiment in which individuals can transfer punishment power to others. We find that while decentralised peer punishment fails to overcome free riding, the voluntary transfer of punishment power enables groups to sustain cooperation. This is achieved by non-punishing cooperators empowering those who are willing to punish in the interest of the group. Our results show how voluntary power centralisation can efficiently sustain cooperation, which could explain why hierarchical power structures are widespread among animals and humans.
How Tissue Mechanical Properties Affect Enteric Neural Crest Cell Migration
Authors: Chevalier N.R. , Gazquez E. , Bidault L. , Guilbert T. , Vias C. , Vian E. , Watanabe Y. , Muller L. , Germain S. , Bondurand N. , Dufour S. , Fleury V.
Published: February 2016

Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a population of multipotent cells that migrate extensively during vertebrate development. Alterations to neural crest ontogenesis cause several diseases, including cancers and congenital defects, such as Hirschprung disease, which results from incomplete colonization of the colon by enteric NCCs (ENCCs). We investigated the influence of the stiffness and structure of the environment on ENCC migration in vitro and during colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in chicken and mouse embryos. We showed using tensile stretching and atomic force microscopy (AFM) that the mesenchyme of the gut was initially soft but gradually stiffened during the period of ENCC colonization. Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy revealed that this stiffening was associated with a gradual organization and enrichment of collagen fibers in the developing gut. Ex-vivo 2D cell migration assays showed that ENCCs migrated on substrates with very low levels of stiffness. In 3D collagen gels, the speed of the ENCC migratory front decreased with increasing gel stiffness, whereas no correlation was found between porosity and ENCC migration behavior. Metalloprotease inhibition experiments showed that ENCCs actively degraded collagen in order to progress. These results shed light on the role of the mechanical properties of tissues in ENCC migration during development.
Pollinator-prey conflicts in carnivorous plants: When flower and trap properties mean life or death
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf M. , Byers John A. , Suckling David M.
Published: February 2016

Insect-pollinated carnivorous plants are expected to have higher fitness if they resolve pollinator-prey conflicts by sparing insects pollinating their flowers while trapping prey insects. We examined whether separation between flowers and traps of the carnivorous sundew species or pollinator preferences for colours of flowers enable these plants to spare pollinators. In addition, we collected odours from flowers and traps of each carnivorous species in order to identify volatile chemicals that are attractive or repellent to pollinators and prey insects. In Drosera spatulata and D. arcturi, no volatiles were detected from either their flowers or traps that could serve as kairomone attractants for insects. However, behavioural experiments indicated white colour and spatial separation between flowers and traps aid in reducing pollinator entrapment while capturing prey. In contrast, D. auriculata have flowers that are adjacent to their traps. In this species we identified chemical signals emanating from flowers that comprised an eight-component blend, while the plant’s traps emitted a unique four-component blend. The floral odour attracted both pollinator and prey insects, while trap odour only attracted prey. This is the first scientific report to demonstrate that carnivorous plants utilize visual, spatial and chemical signals to spare flower visitors while trapping prey insects.
Dynamics and plasticity of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition induced by miR-200 family inhibition
Authors: Haraguchi Takeshi , Kondo Masayuki , Uchikawa Ryo , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Hiramatsu Hiroaki , Kobayashi Kyousuke , Chit Ung Weng , Shimizu Takanobu , Iba Hideo
Published: February 2016

Whereas miR-200 family is known to be involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial biological process observed in normal and pathological contexts, it has been largely unclear how far the functional levels of these tiny RNAs alone can propagate the molecular events to accomplish this process within several days. By developing a potent inhibitor of miR-200 family members (TuD-141/200c), the expression of which is strictly regulatable by the Tet (tetracycline)-On system, we found using a human colorectal cell line, HCT116, that several direct gene target mRNAs (Zeb1/Zeb2, ESRP1, FN1and FHOD1) of miR-200 family were elevated with distinct kinetics. Prompt induction of the transcriptional suppressors, Zeb1/Zeb2 in turn reduced the expression levels of miR-200c/-141 locus, EpCAM, ESRP1 and E-Cad. The loss of ESRP1 subsequently switched the splicing isoforms of CD44 and p120 catenin mRNAs to mesenchymal type. Importantly, within 9 days after the release from the inhibition of miR-200 family, all of the expression changes in the 14 genes observed in this study returned to their original levels in the epithelial cells. This suggests that the inherent epithelial plasticity is supported by a weak retention of key regulatory gene expression in either the epithelial or mesenchymal states through epigenetic regulation.
How to be a dioecious fig: Chemical mimicry between sexes matters only when both sexes flower synchronously
Authors: Hossaert-McKey M. , Proffit M. , Soler C. C. L. , Chen C. , Bessière J.-M. , Schatz B. , Borges R. M.
Published: February 2016

In nursery pollination mutualisms, which are usually obligate interactions, olfactory attraction of pollinators by floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is the main step in guaranteeing partner encounter. However, mechanisms ensuring the evolutionary stability of dioecious fig–pollinator mutualisms, in which female fig trees engage in pollination by deceit resulting in zero reproductive success of pollinators that visit them, are poorly understood. In dioecious figs, individuals of each sex should be selected to produce odours that their pollinating wasps cannot distinguish, especially since pollinators have usually only one choice of a nursery during their lifetime. To test the hypothesis of intersexual chemical mimicry, VOCs emitted by pollen-receptive figs of seven dioecious species were compared using headspace collection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. First, fig-flower scents varied significantly among species, allowing host-species recognition. Second, in species in which male and female figs are synchronous, intersexual VOC variation was not significant. However, in species where figs of both sexes flower asynchronously, intersexual variation of VOCs was detectable. Finally, with one exception, there was no sexual dimorphism in scent quantity. We show that there are two ways to use scent to be a dioecious fig based on differences in flowering synchrony between the sexes.
R6G molecule induced modulation of the optical properties of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for use in ultrasensitive SPR sensing
Authors: Xue Tianyu , Yu Shansheng , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Xinzheng , Wang Lei , Bao Qiaoliang , Chen Caiyun , Zheng Weitao , Cui Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2016

A proper understanding of the role that molecular doping plays is essential to research on the modulation of the optical and electronic properties of graphene. The adsorption of R6G molecules onto defect-rich reduced graphene oxide nanosheets results in a shift of the Fermi energy and, consequently, a variation in the optical constants. This optical variation in the graphene nanosheets is used to develop an ultrasensitive surface plasmon resonance biosensor with a detection limit of 10−17 M (0.01 fM) at the molecular level. A density functional theory calculation shows that covalent bonds were formed between the R6G molecules and the defect sites on the graphene nanosheets. Our study reveals the important role that defects play in tailoring the properties and sensor device applications of graphene materials.
Fabrication of Triple-parted Stomata-inspired Membrane with Stimulus-responsive Functions
Authors: Kim Hyejeong , Lee Sang-Joon
Published: February 2016

Hydrogels with controllable morphologies and functional movements present a wide range of practical applications. In this work, a triple-parted stomata-inspired membrane (SIM) was fabricated using a UV light cured hydrogel by polymerization-induced diffusion of reactants. A single UV light illumination yielded the SIM that has completely-penetrating pores and semi-penetrated parts. Membranes of various shapes can be easily fabricated within a few minutes by changing the photomask design and composition of the pre-gel solution. Similar to stomatal movement, pores in the fabricated SIM open and close their aperture in response to thermal stimuli. The deformability and transparency of the SIM can be easily controlled for a given application. This SIM exhibits stimulus-response and therefore has numerous practical applications, such as filter membranes with self-adjustable pores, membrane-based sensors and functional smart membranes.
α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) expression in chordomas differentiates them from chondrosarcomas
Authors: Aviel-Ronen Sarit , Zadok Oranit , Vituri Aya , Nass Dvora , Schwartz Ignat , Avivi Camila , Barshack Iris
Published: February 2016

Aims: Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumours with overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics. Our aim was to evaluate the IHC expression of α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR/P504S), β-catenin and E-cadherin in chordomas relative to chondrosarcomas and assess the utility of these markers for differential diagnosis. Methods: Archival sections of 18 chordomas, 19 chondrosarcomas and 10 mature cartilage samples were immunostained and scored for AMACR, β-catenin and E-cadherin and the relative differential capacity of each marker was calculated. In addition, AMACR mRNA level was assessed in 5 chordomas by RT-PCR and evaluated by comparative CT method. Results: AMACR and β-catenin stained 88.9% and 94.1% of the chordomas respectively, 21.1% and 10.5% of the chondrosarcomas correspondingly and none of the mature cartilage samples. E-cadherin stained positively 82.4% of the chordomas, 36.8% of the chondrosarcomas and 42.9% of the mature cartilage cases. Both AMACR and β-catenin showed statistically significant difference between chordomas and chondrosarcomas (p < 0.001 for both), unlike E-cadherin. AMACR was detected at the mRNA level. Conclusions: AMACR is expressed in most of the chordomas but only in a minority of chondrosarcomas. AMACR may serve as IHC marker of chordoma with differentiating ability comparable to that of β-catenin.
Chiral tunneling in gated inversion symmetric Weyl semimetal
Authors: Bai Chunxu , Yang Yanling , Chang Kai
Published: February 2016

Based on the chirality-resolved transfer-matrix method, we evaluate the chiral transport tunneling through Weyl semimetal multi-barrier structures created by periodic gates. It is shown that, in sharp contrast to the cases of three dimensional normal semimetals, the tunneling coefficient as a function of incident angle shows a strong anisotropic behavior. Importantly, the tunneling coefficients display an interesting "Equation missing" periodic oscillation as a function of the crystallographic angle of the structures. With the increasement of the barriers, the tunneling current shows a Fabry-Perot type interferences. For superlattice structures, the fancy miniband effect has been revealed. Our results show that the angular dependence of the first bandgap can be reduced into a Lorentz formula. The disorder suppresses the oscillation of the tunneling conductance, but would not affect its average amplitude. This is in sharp contrast to that in multi-barrier conventional semiconductor structures. Moreover, numerical results for the dependence of the angularly averaged conductance on the incident energy and the structure parameters are presented and contrasted with those in two dimensional relativistic materials. Our work suggests that the gated Weyl semimetal opens a possible new route to access to new type nanoelectronic device.
A generic selection system for improved expression and thermostability of G protein-coupled receptors by directed evolution
Authors: Klenk Christoph , Ehrenmann Janosch , Schütz Marco , Plückthun Andreas
Published: February 2016

Structural and biophysical studies as well as drug screening approaches on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been largely hampered by the poor biophysical properties and low expression yields of this largest class of integral membrane proteins. Thermostabilisation of GPCRs by introduction of stabilising mutations has been a key factor to overcome these limitations. However, labelled ligands with sufficient affinity, which are required for selective binding to the correctly folded receptor, are often not available. Here we describe a novel procedure to improve receptor expression and stability in a generic way, independent of specific ligands, by means of directed evolution in E. coli. We have engineered a homogenous fluorescent reporter assay that only detects receptors which are correctly integrated into the inner cell membrane and, thus, discriminates functional from non-functional receptor species. When we combined this method with a directed evolution procedure we obtained highly expressing mutants of the neurotensin receptor 1 with greatly improved thermostability. By this procedure receptors with poor expression and/or low stability, for which no ligands or only ones with poor binding properties are available, can now be generated in quantities allowing detailed structural and biophysical analysis.
Assessing Cell-to-Cell DNA Methylation Variability on Individual Long Reads
Authors: Qu Wei , Tsukahara Tatsuya , Nakamura Ryohei , Yurino Hideaki , Hashimoto Shin-ichi , Tsuji Shoji , Takeda Hiroyuki , Morishita Shinichi
Published: February 2016

Understanding cell-to-cell variability in cytosine methylation is essential for understanding cellular perturbation and its molecular machinery. However, conventional methylation studies have focused on the differences in the average levels between cell types while overlooking methylation heterogeneity within cell types. Little information has been uncovered using recent single-cell methods because of either technical limitations or the great labor required to process many single cells. Here, we report the highly efficient detection of cell-to-cell DNA methylation variability in liver tissue, based on comparing the methylation status of adjacent CpG sites on long sequencing reads. This method provides abundant methylation linkage information and enables genome-wide estimation of cell-to-cell variability. We observed repressed methylation variability in hypomethylated regions compared with the variability in hypomethylated regions across the genome, which we confirmed using public human sperm data. A gradual change in methylation status at the boundaries of hypomethylated regions was observed for the first time. This approach allows the concise, comprehensive assessment of cell-to-cell DNA methylation variability.
Thermally robust perpendicular Co/Pd-based synthetic antiferromagnetic coupling enabled by a W capping or buffer layer
Authors: Lee Ja-Bin , An Gwang-Guk , Yang Seung-Mo , Park Hae-Soo , Chung Woo-Seong , Hong Jin-Pyo
Published: February 2016

Perpendicularly magnetized tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) that contain synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) frames show promise as reliable building blocks to meet the demands of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA)-based spintronic devices. In particular, Co/Pd multilayer-based SAFs have been widely employed due to their outstanding PMA features. However, the widespread utilization of Co/Pd multilayer SAFs coupled with an adjacent CoFeB reference layer (RL) is still a challenge due to the structural discontinuity or intermixing that occurs during high temperature annealing. Thus, we address the thermally robust characteristics of Co/Pd multilayer SAFs by controlling a W layer as a potential buffer or capping layer. The W-capped Co/Pd multilayer SAF, which acts as a pinning layer, exhibited a wide-range plateau with sharp spin-flip and near-zero remanence at the zero field. Structural analysis of the W-capped multilayer SAF exhibited single-crystal-like c-axis oriented crystalline features after annealing at 400 °C, thereby demonstrating the applicability of these frames. In addition, when the W layer serving as a buffer layer in the Co/Pd multilayer SAF was coupled with a conventional CoFeB RL, higher annealing stability up to 425 °C and prominent antiferromagnetic coupling behavior were obtained.
Prognostic role of urinary collecting system invasion in renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Luyao , Li Hongzhao , Gu Liangyou , Ma Xin , Li Xintao , Zhang Fan , Gao Yu , Fan Yang , Zhang Yu , Xie Yongpeng , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2016

The relationship between urinary collecting system invasion (UCSI) and oncological outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients has attracted extensive attention recent years. However, the reports were inconsistent and remain controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies up to June 2015 and conducted a standard meta-analysis of survival outcomes. 17 studies containing 9012 RCC patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Pooled HRs for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 1.45 (95% CI, 1.26–1.66, P < 0.001) and 2.27 (95% CI, 1.54–3.34, P < 0.001), respectively. Further subgroup analysis suggested that UCSI was significant associated with poor cancer-specific survival (CSS) in stage T1–T2 RCC (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.43–2.96, P < 0.001) but not in stage T3–T4 tumors (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.63–1.85, P = 0.771). Current evidence revealed that UCSI has a significant negative impact on OS and RFS in RCC patients and could be used to predict CSS especially in localized RCC. Thus, RCC patients with UCSI should be paid more attention by clinician and pathologist and require close follow up for their poor prognosis.