bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 1‐minute full brain MR exam using a multicontrast EPI sequence
Authors: Skare Stefan , Sprenger Tim , Norbeck Ola , Rydén Henric , Blomberg Lars , Avventi Enrico , Engström Mathias
Published: November 2017

Purpose

A new multicontrast echo‐planar imaging (EPI)‐based sequence is proposed for brain MRI, which can directly generate six MR contrasts (T1‐FLAIR, T2‐w, diffusion‐weighted (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC),
‐w, T2‐FLAIR) in 1 min with full brain coverage. This could enable clinical MR clinical screening in similar time as a conventional CT exam but with more soft‐tissue information.

Methods

Eleven sequence modules were created as dynamic building blocks for the sequence. Two EPI readout modules were reused throughout the sequence and were prepended by other modules to form the desired MR contrasts. Two scan protocols were optimized with scan times of 55–75 s. Motion experiments were carried out on two volunteers to investigate the robustness against head motion. Scans on patients were carried out and compared to conventional clinical images.

Results

The pulse sequence is found to be robust against motion given its single‐shot nature of each contrast. For excessive out‐of‐plane head motion, the T1‐FLAIR and T2‐FLAIR contrasts suffer from incomplete inversion. Despite lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and resolution, the 1‐min multicontrast EPI data show promising correspondence with conventional diagnostic scans on patients.

Conclusion

A 1 min multicontrast brain MRI scan based on EPI readouts has been presented in this feasibility study. Preliminary data show potential for clinical brain MRI use with minimal bore time for the patient. Such short examination time could be useful (e.g., for screening and acute stroke). The sequence may also help planning conventional brain MRI scans if run at the beginning of an examination. Magn Reson Med 79:3045–3054, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Metall‐N‐C‐Katalysatoren in der Elektrokatalyse
Authors: Kramm Ulrike I. , Shahraei Ali , Martinaiou Ioanna
Published: November 2017

Bereits seit einigen Jahren gelten Metall‐N‐C‐Katalysatoren als vielversprechendste Alternative zu Pt/C, um Sauerstoff in Brennstoffzellen zu reduzieren. Diese Katalysatoren eignen sich jedoch auch für viele andere elektrokatalytische Prozesse wie die Wasserstoffentwicklung oder die CO2‐Reduktion.
Schneller und weniger aufwendig begutachten
Authors: Höfler Denis , List Benjamin
Published: November 2017

Das Peer‐Review‐Verfahren ist derzeit der Goldstandard, wenn es darum geht, die Qualität von Publikationen einzuschätzen. Dieser Prozess braucht aber viel Zeit und kostet Mühe. Eine Alternative könnte intelligentes Crowd‐Reviewing sein, bei dem eine große Gruppe Wissenschaftler gemeinsam und anonym ein Paper begutachtet.
Virtuelle Geräte fördern die Vorstellungskraft
Authors: Andyan Tresna I Putu Bagus , Bott Mario , Daxer Marc Andre
Published: November 2017

Beim Planen und Erweitern von Labors passieren schnell Fehler, die im Nachgang nur schwierig zu beheben sind. Die Software Labplanner soll helfen, solche Fehler zu vermeiden. Dazu projiziert eine App die neue Infrastruktur direkt in die bestehende Umgebung, sodass Nutzer sie über eine Datenbrille im Vorfeld ansehen können.
Timing of Maternal Depression and Sex‐Specific Child Growth, the Upstate KIDS Study
Authors: Park Hyojun , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Gilman Stephen E. , Bell Griffith , Louis Germaine M. Buck , Yeung Edwina H.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Equivocal findings have been reported on the association between maternal depression and children's growth, possibly because of the limited attention to its disproportionate impact by child sex. The relationship between the timing of maternal depression and children's growth was assessed in a population‐based prospective birth cohort, with particular attention to sex differences.

Methods

The Upstate KIDS Study comprised 4,394 children followed through 3 years of age from 2008 to 2010. Maternal depression was measured antenatally by linkage with hospital discharge records before delivery and postnatally by depressive symptoms reported from questionnaires. Children's growth was measured by sex‐ and age‐specific weight, height, weight for height, and BMI. Adjusted linear mixed effects models were used to estimate growth outcomes for the full sample and separately by plurality and sex.

Results

Antenatal depression was associated with lower weight for age (−0.24 z score units; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.43, −0.05) and height for age (−0.26 z score units; 95% CI: −0.51, −0.02) among singleton boys. Postnatal depressive symptoms were associated with higher weight for height (0.21 z score units; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.42) among singleton girls.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that antenatal depression was associated with lower weight and smaller height only for boys, whereas postnatal depressive symptoms were associated with higher weight for height only for girls. The timing of depression and the mechanisms of sex‐specific responses require further examination.
A pediatric brain tumor consortium phase II trial of capecitabine rapidly disintegrating tablets with concomitant radiation therapy in children with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas
Authors: Kilburn Lindsay B. , Kocak Mehmet , Baxter Patricia , Poussaint Tina Young , Paulino Arnold C. , McIntyre Christine , Lemenuel‐Diot Annabelle , Lopez‐Diaz Christine , Kun Larry , Chintagumpala Murali , Su Jack M. , Broniscer Alberto , Baker Justin N. , Hwang Eugene I. , Fouladi Maryam , Boyett James M. , Blaney Susan M.
Published: November 2017

Background

We conducted a phase II study of oral capecitabine rapidly disintegrating tablets given concurrently with radiation therapy (RT) to assess progression‐free survival (PFS) in children with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG).

Patients and methods

Children 3–17 years with newly diagnosed DIPG were eligible. Capecitabine, 650 mg/m2/dose BID (maximum tolerated dose [MTD] in children with concurrent radiation), was administered for 9 weeks starting the first day of RT. Following a 2‐week break, three courses of capecitabine, 1,250 mg/m2/dose BID for 14 days followed by a 7‐day rest, were administered. As prospectively designed, 10 evaluable patients treated at the MTD on the phase I trial were included in the phase II analyses. The design was based on comparison of the PFS distribution to a contemporary historical control (n = 140) with 90% power to detect a 15% absolute improvement in the 1‐year PFS with a type‐1 error rate, α = 0.10.

Results

Forty‐four patients were evaluable for the phase II objectives. Capecitabine and RT was well tolerated with low‐grade palmar plantar erythrodyesthesia, increased alanine aminotransferase, cytopenias, and vomiting the most commonly reported toxicities. Findings were significant for earlier progression with 1‐year PFS of 7.21% (SE = 3.47%) in the capecitabine‐treated cohort versus 15.59% (SE = 3.05%) in the historical control (P = 0.007), but there was no difference for overall survival (OS) distributions (P = 0.30). Tumor enhancement at diagnosis was associated with shorter PFS and OS. Capecitabine was rapidly absorbed and converted to its metabolites.

Conclusion

Capecitabine did not improve the outcome for children with newly diagnosed DIPG.
Cover Image, Volume 73, Issue 12
Authors: Qin Jiang‐Lin , Yang Xiu‐Hao , Yang Zhong‐Wu , Luo Ji‐Tong , Lei Xiu‐Feng
Published: November 2017

The cover image, by Jiang‐Lin Qin et al., is based on the Research Article New Technology of Using Meteorological Information in Forest Insect Pest Forecast and Warning Systems, DOI: 10.1002/ps.4647. The insect is Loepa oberthuri (Leech, 1890).

image
Do Contracts Save Lives? The Relationship Between Contract Intensive Economies and Natural Disaster Fatalities
Authors: Enia Jason
Published: November 2017

Why are natural disasters so deadly in some places but not in others? Disaster scholars have grappled with this question for decades, but a relatively new line of comparative research looks at the effects of different disaster‐relevant institutions. This paper explores the effects of one institution—the contract. Specifically, it connects existing theories of contracts to theories of disaster and generates competing hypotheses about the relationship between contracts disaster related fatalities. Data on the contract intensity of economies (CIE) is used to explore this relationship using country‐level data on natural disaster deaths between 1960 and 2007. The paper provides evidence that a country's economy becomes more contract intensive, fatalities from natural disasters are likely to decrease.
Osteogenic Programming of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Highly Efficient Intracellular Delivery of RUNX2
Authors: Thiagarajan Lalitha , Abu-Awwad Hosam Al-Deen M. , Dixon James E.
Published: November 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being exploited in regenerative medicine due to their tri-lineage differentiation and immunomodulation activity. Currently, there are two major challenges when directing the differentiation of MSCs for therapeutic applications. First, chemical and growth factor strategies to direct osteogenesis in vivo lack specificity for targeted delivery with desired effects. Second, MSC differentiation by gene therapy is difficult as transfection with existing approaches is clinically impractical (viral transfection) or have low efficacy (lipid-mediated transfection). These challenges can be avoided by directly delivering nonvirally derived recombinant protein transcription factors with the glycosaminoglycan-binding enhanced transduction (GET) delivery system (P21 and 8R peptides). We used the osteogenic master regulator, RUNX2 as a programming factor due to its stage-specific role in osteochondral differentiation pathways. Herein, we engineered GET-fusion proteins and compared sequential osteogenic changes in MSCs, induced by exposure to GET fusion proteins or conventional stimulation methods (dexamethasone and Bone morphogenetic protein 2). By assessing loss of stem cell-surface markers, upregulation of osteogenic genes and matrix mineralization, we demonstrate that GET-RUNX2 efficiently transduces MSCs and triggers osteogenesis by enhancing target gene expression directly. The high transduction efficiency of GET system holds great promise for stem cell therapies by allowing reproducible transcriptional control in stem cells, potentially bypassing problems observed with high-concentration growth-factor or pleiotropic steroid therapies.
What are definitions of life good for? Transdisciplinary and other definitions in astrobiology
Authors: Knuuttila Tarja , Loettgers Andrea
Published: November 2017

The attempt to define life has gained new momentum in the wake of novel fields such as synthetic biology, astrobiology, and artificial life. In a series of articles, Cleland, Chyba, and Machery claim that definitions of life seek to provide necessary and sufficient conditions for applying the concept of life—something that such definitions cannot, and should not do. We argue that this criticism is largely unwarranted. Cleland, Chyba, and Machery approach definitions of life as classifying devices, thereby neglecting their other epistemic roles. We identify within the discussions of the nature and origin of life three other types of definitions: theoretical, transdisciplinary, and diagnostic definitions. The primary aim of these definitions is not to distinguish life from nonlife, although they can also be used for classificatory purposes. We focus on the definitions of life within the budding field of astrobiology, paying particular attention to transdisciplinary definitions, and diagnostic definitions in the search for biosignatures from other planets.
Cortical microstructural changes along the Alzheimer's disease continuum
Authors: Montal Victor , Vilaplana Eduard , Alcolea Daniel , Pegueroles Jordi , Pasternak Ofer , González‐Ortiz Sofia , Clarimón Jordi , Carmona‐Iragui María , Illán‐Gala Ignacio , Morenas‐Rodríguez Estrella , Ribosa‐Nogué Roser , Sala Isabel , Sánchez‐Saudinós María‐Belén , García‐Sebastian Maite , Villanúa Jorge , Izagirre Andrea , Estanga Ainara , Ecay‐Torres Mirian , Iriondo Ane , Clerigue Montserrat , Tainta Mikel , Pozueta Ana , González Andrea , Martínez‐Heras Eloy , Llufriu Sara , Blesa Rafael , Sanchez‐Juan Pascual , Martínez‐Lage Pablo , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Cortical mean diffusivity (MD) and free water fraction (FW) changes are proposed biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We included healthy control subjects (N = 254), mild cognitive impairment (N = 41), and AD dementia (N = 31) patients. Participants underwent a lumbar puncture and a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging. Healthy control subjects were classified following National Institute on Aging‐Alzheimer's Association stages (stage 0, N = 220; stage 1, N = 25; and stage 2/3, N = 9). We assessed the cortical MD, cortical FW, and cortical thickness (CTh) changes along the AD continuum.

Results

Microstructural and macrostructural changes show a biphasic trajectory. Stage 1 subjects showed increased CTh and decreased MD and FW with respect the stage 0 subjects. Stage 2/3 subjects showed decreased CTh and increased cortical MD and FW, changes that were more widespread in symptomatic stages.

Discussion

These results support a biphasic model of changes in AD, which could affect the selection of patients for clinical trials and the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a surrogate marker of disease modification.
Evaluation of tensile strength of tissue adhesives made of fibrin and cyanoacrylate used as reinforcement of colon suture in “ex vivo” swine
Authors: Sousa Alexandre Venâncio de , Carvalho Marcus Vinicius Henrique de , Paula Roberto Anania de , Marchi Evaldo , Teixeira Juliana Querino
Published: November 2017

Aim To evaluate rupture pressures of tissue adhesives of cyanoacrylate (Omnex®) and fibrin (Evicel®), used as reinforcement in colonic suture from “ex vivo” swine.

Methods Surgical procedures were performed in the Surgical Technique Laboratory. From a division in segments of 10 cm of descending colon and sigmoid colon from three “ex vivo” female swine, Landrace breed, which were resected in less than six hours after the slaughter time, 30 segments were selected, 10 of each animal. They were stored in saline solution 0.9% at 36 °C, being randomly allocated in three groups (Control, Evicel and Omnex), each one containing 10 segments.

Results The lower and higher pressure values found in the groups Control, Evicel and Omnex were 36 mmHg and 41 mmHg, 70 mmHg and 90 mmHg, 90 mmHg and 120 mmHg, respectively. Containing statistical significance (p-value <0.0001) concerning the 2 to 2 comparisons (Control, Evicel and Omnex) with 95% trusting rate based on the application of the Turkey Method.

Conclusion One concludes that the use of tissue adhesives in anastomoses colonic in an experimental animal model of “ex vivo” swine increased the anastomoses rupture pressures. Among the tested adhesives, cyanoacrylate presented higher rupture pressure in relation to fibrin adhesive.
Structural change and transition in the agricultural sector: Experience of Serbia
Authors: Bogdanov Natalija , Rodić Vesna , Vittuari Matteo
Published: November 2017

The economic and political crisis Serbia had to face during the nineties affected the competitive advantages its agricultural sector had in comparison with the other countries of the region. Despite a number of differences related to the specific economic, political and social settings and developments, the reform path Serbia started in 2000 showed a number of similarities, but also some differences in comparison with most of the Central and Eastern European Countries. In this paper the main features of structural changes in the Serbian agricultural sector are analyzed, also in comparison with other countries in the region, the basic factors that contributed to these changes are identified and explained, and the key consequences and implications of this process are examined.
Economic and Cultural Drivers of Immigrant Support Worldwide
Authors: Valentino Nicholas A. , Soroka Stuart N. , Iyengar Shanto , Aalberg Toril , Duch Raymond , Fraile Marta , Hahn Kyu S. , Hansen Kasper M. , Harell Allison , Helbling Marc , Jackman Simon D. , Kobayashi Tetsuro
Published: November 2017

Employing a comparative experimental design drawing on over 18,000 interviews across eleven countries on four continents, this article revisits the discussion about the economic and cultural drivers of attitudes towards immigrants in advanced democracies. Experiments manipulate the occupational status, skin tone and national origin of immigrants in short vignettes. The results are most consistent with a Sociotropic Economic Threat thesis: In all countries, higher-skilled immigrants are preferred to their lower-skilled counterparts at all levels of native socio-economic status (SES). There is little support for the Labor Market Competition hypothesis, since respondents are not more opposed to immigrants in their own SES stratum. While skin tone itself has little effect in any country, immigrants from Muslim-majority countries do elicit significantly lower levels of support, and racial animus remains a powerful force.
Verbal classes in Somali: Allomorphy has no classificatory function
Authors: BARILLOT XAVIER , BENDJABALLAH SABRINA , LAMPITELLI NICOLA
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on the complex derivational and inflectional morphology of Somali (East Cushitic) verbs. Somali verbs are traditionally cast in three major classes, depending on specific lexical suffixes (Saeed 1993). It is assumed that these classes must be distinguished because the relevant suffixes trigger a morphologically conditioned allomorphy. We argue against this view and claim that the allomorphic patterns targeting each class are epiphenomenal. Our analysis, couched within the theoretical framework of Government Phonology (Kaye, Lowenstamm & Vergnaud 1985, 1990) and the CV-model (Lowenstamm 1996), shows that the allomorphy in question is in fact phonologically conditioned. In particular, we establish unified representations of the two major lexical suffixes – the causative and the autobenefactive – and claim that all surface realizations of these markers result from the application of regular phonological rules. Thus, contrary to what appears at first sight, Somali displays a single verbal class whose three subclasses are phonologically (not morphologically) defined.
Evolution of circuits regulating pleasure and happiness with the habenula in control
Authors: Loonen Anton J. M. , Ivanova Svetlana A.
Published: November 2017

The habenula, which in humans is a small nuclear complex within the epithalamus, plays an essential role in regulating the intensity of reward-seeking and adversity-avoiding behavior in all vertebrate ancestors by regulating the activity of ascending midbrain monoaminergic tracts. In lampreys, considered to possess a brain comparable to humans’ earliest evolutionary vertebrate ancestor, the activity of the lateral habenula is controlled by a subset of glutamatergic neurons of the animal’s pallidum (habenula-projecting globus pallidus) that inhibit reward-seeking behavior when this conduct is not successful enough. The pathophysiological roles of the habenula and habenula-projecting globus pallidus in humans have hardly been studied, which is probably due to insufficient resolution of common neuroimaging techniques. Their dysregulation may, however, play an essential role in the pathogenesis of mood and stress disorders and addiction.
Pelagic barite precipitation at micromolar ambient sulfate
Authors: Horner Tristan J. , Pryer Helena V. , Nielsen Sune G. , Crockford Peter W. , Gauglitz Julia M. , Wing Boswell A. , Ricketts Richard D.
Published: November 2017

Geochemical analyses of sedimentary barites (barium sulfates) in the geological record have yielded fundamental insights into the chemistry of the Archean environment and evolutionary origin of microbial metabolisms. However, the question of how barites were able to precipitate from a contemporary ocean that contained only trace amounts of sulfate remains controversial. Here we report dissolved and particulate multi-element and barium-isotopic data from Lake Superior that evidence pelagic barite precipitation at micromolar ambient sulfate. These pelagic barites likely precipitate within particle-associated microenvironments supplied with additional barium and sulfate ions derived from heterotrophic remineralization of organic matter. If active during the Archean, pelagic precipitation and subsequent sedimentation may account for the genesis of enigmatic barite deposits. Indeed, barium-isotopic analyses of barites from the Paleoarchean Dresser Formation are consistent with a pelagic mechanism of precipitation, which altogether offers a new paradigm for interpreting the temporal occurrence of barites in the geological record.
A method for measuring the distribution of the shortest telomeres in cells and tissues
Authors: Lai Tsung-Po , Zhang Ning , Noh Jungsik , Mender Ilgen , Tedone Enzo , Huang Ejun , Wright Woodring E. , Danuser Gaudenz , Shay Jerry W.
Published: November 2017

Improved methods to measure the shortest (not just average) telomere lengths (TLs) are needed. We developed Telomere Shortest Length Assay (TeSLA), a technique that detects telomeres from all chromosome ends from <1 kb to 18 kb using small amounts of input DNA. TeSLA improves the specificity and efficiency of TL measurements that is facilitated by user friendly image-processing software to automatically detect and annotate band sizes, calculate average TL, as well as the percent of the shortest telomeres. Compared with other TL measurement methods, TeSLA provides more information about the shortest telomeres. The length of telomeres was measured longitudinally in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during human aging, in tissues during colon cancer progression, in telomere-related diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as in mice and other organisms. The results indicate that TeSLA is a robust method that provides a better understanding of the shortest length of telomeres.
Magnetic actuation and feedback cooling of a cavity optomechanical torque sensor
Authors: Kim P. H. , Hauer B. D. , Clark T. J. , Fani Sani F. , Freeman M. R. , Davis J. P.
Published: November 2017

Cavity optomechanics has demonstrated remarkable capabilities, such as measurement and control of mechanical motion at the quantum level. Yet many compelling applications of optomechanics—such as microwave-to-telecom wavelength conversion, quantum memories, materials studies, and sensing applications—require hybrid devices, where the optomechanical system is coupled to a separate, typically condensed matter, system. Here, we demonstrate such a hybrid optomechanical system, in which a mesoscopic ferromagnetic needle is integrated with an optomechanical torsional resonator. Using this system we quantitatively extract the magnetization of the needle, not known a priori, demonstrating the potential of this system for studies of nanomagnetism. Furthermore, we show that we can magnetically dampen its torsional mode from room-temperature to 11.6 K—improving its mechanical response time without sacrificing torque sensitivity. Future extensions will enable studies of high-frequency spin dynamics and broadband wavelength conversion via torque mixing.
Planar Hall effect from the surface of topological insulators
Authors: Taskin A. A. , Legg Henry F. , Yang Fan , Sasaki Satoshi , Kanai Yasushi , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Rosch Achim , Ando Yoichi
Published: November 2017

A prominent feature of topological insulators (TIs) is the surface states comprising of spin-nondegenerate massless Dirac fermions. Recent technical advances have made it possible to address the surface transport properties of TI thin films by tuning the Fermi levels of both top and bottom surfaces. Here we report our discovery of a novel planar Hall effect (PHE) from the TI surface, which results from a hitherto-unknown resistivity anisotropy induced by an in-plane magnetic field. This effect is observed in dual-gated devices of bulk-insulating Bi2−x
Sb
x
Te3 thin films, where the field-induced anisotropy presents a strong dependence on the gate voltage with a characteristic two-peak structure near the Dirac point. The origin of PHE is the peculiar time-reversal-breaking effect of an in-plane magnetic field, which anisotropically lifts the protection of surface Dirac fermions from backscattering. The observed PHE provides a useful tool to analyze and manipulate the topological protection of the TI surface.
The full magnon spectrum of yttrium iron garnet
Authors: Princep Andrew J. , Ewings Russell A. , Ward Simon , Tóth Sandor , Dubs Carsten , Prabhakaran Dharmalingam , Boothroyd Andrew T.
Published: November 2017

The magnetic insulator yttrium iron garnet can be grown with exceptional quality, has a ferrimagnetic transition temperature of nearly 600 K, and is used in microwave and spintronic devices that can operate at room temperature. The most accurate prior measurements of the magnon spectrum date back nearly 40 years, but cover only 3 of the lowest energy modes out of 20 distinct magnon branches. Here we have used time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering to measure the full magnon spectrum throughout the Brillouin zone. We find that the existing models of the excitation spectrum fail to describe the optical magnon modes. Using a very general spin Hamiltonian, we show that the magnetic interactions are both longer-ranged and more complex than was previously understood. The results provide the basis for accurate microscopic models of the finite temperature magnetic properties of yttrium iron garnet, necessary for next-generation electronic devices.
Circulating MicroRNA-92b-3p as a Novel Biomarker for Monitoring of Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Uotani Koji , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Yoshida Aki , Iwata Shintaro , Morita Takuya , Kiyono Masahiro , Yokoo Suguru , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Takeda Ken , Hasei Joe , Numoto Kunihiko , Nezu Yutaka , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Ishii Takeshi , Kawai Akira , Ochiya Takahiro , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: November 2017

The lack of useful biomarkers is a crucial problem for patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). Emerging evidence has suggested that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in body fluids have novel impact as biomarkers for patients with malignant diseases, but their significance in synovial sarcoma (SS) patients remains unknown. Initial global miRNA screening using SS patient serum and SS cell culture media identified a signature of four upregulated miRNAs. Among these candidates, miR-92b-3p secretion from SS cells was confirmed, which was embedded within tumour-derived exosomes rather than argonaute-2. Animal experiments revealed a close correlation between serum miR-92b-3p levels and tumour dynamics. Clinical relevance was validated in two independent clinical cohorts, and we subsequently identified that serum miR-92b-3p levels were significantly higher in SS patients in comparison to that in healthy individuals. Moreover, serum miR-92b-3p was robust in discriminating patients with SS from the other STS patients and reflected tumour burden in SS patients. Overall, liquid biopsy using serum miR-92b-3p expression levels may represent a novel approach for monitoring tumour dynamics of SS.
Differential Expression of miR-93 and miR-21 in Granulosa Cells and Follicular Fluid of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Associating with Different Phenotypes
Authors: Naji Mohammad , Aleyasin Ashraf , Nekoonam Saeid , Arefian Ehsan , Mahdian Reza , Amidi Fardin
Published: November 2017

The heterogeneous and multifactorial essence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) renders a remarkable significance to microRNAs (miRNAs). Normo-androgenic (NA) and hyperandrogenic (HA) PCOS patients were compared with matched healthy women. Expression of miRNAs and TGFβ signaling genes was studied by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Effect of androgen on expression of miR-93 and miR-21 and involvement of androgen receptor were appraised. In granulosa cells (GCs), miR-93 and miR-21 showed significantly increased levels in HA patients compared to NA patients. On the contrary, follicular fluid (FF) levels of both miRNAs were significantly decreased in HA group compared to control women. No significant change in the expression of miRNAs in serum samples was detected. Furthermore, mRNA levels of SMAD7 and TGFBR2 were significantly downregulated in GCs of HA group compared to NA and control subjects. TGFBR2 protein level was significantly decreased in HA patients compared to controls. Free testosterone and free androgen index were positively correlated with expression of miR-93 and miR-21 in GCs of PCOS group. Our findings show distinct molecular signature of different subtypes of PCOS. Intermediary position of miRNAs as androgen responsive factors may play critical role in the pathogenesis of PCOS in hyperandrogenic condition.
Lossless quantum data compression with exponential penalization: an operational interpretation of the quantum Rényi entropy
Authors: Bellomo Guido , Bosyk Gustavo M. , Holik Federico , Zozor Steeve
Published: November 2017

Based on the problem of quantum data compression in a lossless way, we present here an operational interpretation for the family of quantum Rényi entropies. In order to do this, we appeal to a very general quantum encoding scheme that satisfies a quantum version of the Kraft-McMillan inequality. Then, in the standard situation, where one is intended to minimize the usual average length of the quantum codewords, we recover the known results, namely that the von Neumann entropy of the source bounds the average length of the optimal codes. Otherwise, we show that by invoking an exponential average length, related to an exponential penalization over large codewords, the quantum Rényi entropies arise as the natural quantities relating the optimal encoding schemes with the source description, playing an analogous role to that of von Neumann entropy.
CO2 production, dissolution and pressure dynamics during silage production: multi-sensor-based insight into parameter interactions
Authors: Li Menghua , Shan Guilin , Zhou Haiyang , Buescher Wolfgang , Maack Christian , Jungbluth Kerstin H. , Lipski André , Grantz David A. , Fan Youheng , Ma Daokun , Wang Zhongyi , Cheng Qiang , Sun Yurui
Published: November 2017

Silage is a critical global feedstock, but is prone to aerobic deterioration. The dominant mechanism of O2 transport into silage remains unresolved. Here, multiple sensors tracked O2 and CO2, gas pressure (ΔP) between internal silage and ambient air, pH and silage temperature (Tsi) during the ensilage of maize and ryegrass. We report the first observation that CO2 produced from microbial respiration was partially dissolved in silage water, with evidence of negative or positive ΔP depending on the changing balance between CO2 production and dissolution. The ΔP < 0 reflected an apparent respiratory quotient (RQ) < 1. Net CO2 production was much greater in anaerobic fermentation stage than in initial aerobic phase or later aerobic feed-out phase. O2 transport into silage is intimately linked to the dynamics of net CO2, ΔP, microbial activity, pH and Tsi. These results suggested that both gas diffusion (based on Fick’s law) and advective transfer (Darcy’s law) play equally important roles in governing the complex temporal progression of inward and outward gas fluxes to and from the silage interior. Even though low pH suppressed microbial activity and supported aerobic stability, the negative ΔP increased the risk of O2 entry and aerobic deterioration during feed-out phase.
The Value of CBCT-based Tumor Density and Volume Variations in Prediction of Early Response to Chemoradiation Therapy in Advanced NSCLC
Authors: Wen Qiang , Zhu Jian , Meng Xue , Ma Changsheng , Bai Tong , Sun Xindong , Yu Jinming
Published: November 2017

The correlations between early responses and the variations in physical density and primary tumor volume (TV) according to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) during chemoradiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were investigated. 54 patients with inoperable and locally advanced NSCLC were included in this study. The CT numbers (CTN) and TV were measured on each of the seven observation points. The changes in the mean CTN values and the variation ratios of TV during the treatment course were analysed and correlated with the clinical outcomes, as evaluated by the RECIST criteria. For patients who responded to treatment, the CTN and TV change ratio decreased by 28.44 ± 13.12 HU and 32.01% (range, 8.46–61.67%); these values were significantly higher than those in the non-responding patients, with 19.63 ± 8.67 HU and 23.20% (range, −15.57–38%) (p = 0.016, p = 0.048), respectively. The area under curve for the combination of CTN and TV was larger than either alone (AUC = 0.751, p = 0.002). The differences between response and non-response were most significant between Fraction 10 and Fraction 15 for CTN changes and between Fraction 5 and Fraction 10 for the TV regression ratio. The changes in CTN and TV obtained from CBCT images have the potential capability to predict an early response of NSCLC.
Precision Targeting of Tumor Macrophages with a CD206 Binding Peptide
Authors: Scodeller Pablo , Simón-Gracia Lorena , Kopanchuk Sergei , Tobi Allan , Kilk Kalle , Säälik Pille , Kurm Kaarel , Squadrito Mario Leonardo , Kotamraju Venkata Ramana , Rinken Ago , De Palma Michele , Ruoslahti Erkki , Teesalu Tambet
Published: November 2017

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressing the multi-ligand endocytic receptor mannose receptor (CD206/MRC1) contribute to tumor immunosuppression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and relapse. Here, we describe a peptide that selectively targets MRC1-expressing TAMs (MEMs). We performed in vivo peptide phage display screens in mice bearing 4T1 metastatic breast tumors to identify peptides that target peritoneal macrophages. Deep sequencing of the peptide-encoding inserts in the selected phage pool revealed enrichment of the peptide CSPGAKVRC (codenamed “UNO”). Intravenously injected FAM-labeled UNO (FAM-UNO) homed to tumor and sentinel lymph node MEMs in different cancer models: 4T1 and MCF-7 breast carcinoma, B16F10 melanoma, WT-GBM glioma and MKN45-P gastric carcinoma. Fluorescence anisotropy assay showed that FAM-UNO interacts with recombinant CD206 when subjected to reducing conditions. Interestingly, the GSPGAK motif is present in all CD206-binding collagens. FAM-UNO was able to transport drug-loaded nanoparticles into MEMs, whereas particles without the peptide were not taken up by MEMs. In ex vivo organ imaging, FAM-UNO showed significantly higher accumulation in sentinel lymph nodes than a control peptide. This study suggests applications for UNO peptide in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic targeting of MEMs in solid tumors.
Zinc enhances the cellular energy supply to improve cell motility and restore impaired energetic metabolism in a toxic environment induced by OTA
Authors: Yang Xuan , Wang Haomiao , Huang Chuchu , He Xiaoyun , Xu Wentao , Luo Yunbo , Huang Kunlun
Published: November 2017

Exogenous nutrient elements modulate the energetic metabolism responses that are prerequisites for cellular homeostasis and metabolic physiology. Although zinc is important in oxidative stress and cytoprotection processes, its role in the regulation of energetic metabolism remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that zinc stimulated aspect in cell motility and was essential in restoring the Ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced energetic metabolism damage in HEK293 cells. Moreover, using zinc supplementation and zinc deficiency models, we observed that zinc is conducive to mitochondrial pyruvate transport, oxidative phosphorylation, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and ultimate energy metabolism in both normal and toxic-induced oxidative stress conditions in vitro, and it plays an important role in restoring impaired energetic metabolism. This zinc-mediated energetic metabolism regulation could also be helpful for DNA maintenance, cytoprotection and hereditary cancer traceability. Therefore, zinc can widely adjust energetic metabolism and is essential in restoring the impaired energetic metabolism of cellular physiology.
A Comparison of mRNA Sequencing with Random Primed and 3′-Directed Libraries
Authors: Xiong Yuguang , Soumillon Magali , Wu Jie , Hansen Jens , Hu Bin , van Hasselt Johan G. C. , Jayaraman Gomathi , Lim Ryan , Bouhaddou Mehdi , Ornelas Loren , Bochicchio Jim , Lenaeus Lindsay , Stocksdale Jennifer , Shim Jaehee , Gomez Emilda , Sareen Dhruv , Svendsen Clive , Thompson Leslie M. , Mahajan Milind , Iyengar Ravi , Sobie Eric A. , Azeloglu Evren U. , Birtwistle Marc R.
Published: November 2017

Creating a cDNA library for deep mRNA sequencing (mRNAseq) is generally done by random priming, creating multiple sequencing fragments along each transcript. A 3′-end-focused library approach cannot detect differential splicing, but has potentially higher throughput at a lower cost, along with the ability to improve quantification by using transcript molecule counting with unique molecular identifiers (UMI) that correct PCR bias. Here, we compare an implementation of such a 3′-digital gene expression (3′-DGE) approach with “conventional” random primed mRNAseq. Given our particular datasets on cultured human cardiomyocyte cell lines, we find that, while conventional mRNAseq detects ~15% more genes and needs ~500,000 fewer reads per sample for equivalent statistical power, the resulting differentially expressed genes, biological conclusions, and gene signatures are highly concordant between two techniques. We also find good quantitative agreement at the level of individual genes between two techniques for both read counts and fold changes between given conditions. We conclude that, for high-throughput applications, the potential cost savings associated with 3′-DGE approach are likely a reasonable tradeoff for modest reduction in sensitivity and inability to observe alternative splicing, and should enable many larger scale studies focusing on not only differential expression analysis, but also quantitative transcriptome profiling.
Monitoring the long term vegetation phenology change in Northeast China from 1982 to 2015
Authors: Yu Lingxue , Liu Tingxiang , Bu Kun , Yan Fengqin , Yang Jiuchun , Chang Liping , Zhang Shuwen
Published: November 2017

Global warming has contributed to the extension of the growing season in North Hemisphere. In this paper, we investigated the spatial characteristics of the date of the start of the season (SOS), the date of the end of the season (EOS) and the length of the season (LOS) and their change trends from 1982 to 2015 in Northeast China. Our results showed that there was a significant advance of SOS and a significant delay of EOS, especially in the north part of Northeast China. For the average change slope of EOS in the study area, the delay trend was 0.25 d/y, which was more obvious than the advance trend of −0.13 d/y from the SOS. In particular, the LOS of deciduous needleleaf forest (DNF) and grassland increased with a trend of 0.63 d/y and 0.66 d/y from 1982 to 2015, indicating the growth season increased 21.42 and 22.44 days in a 34-year period, respectively. However, few negative signals were detected nearby Hulun Lake, suggesting that the continuous climate warming in the future may bring no longer growing periods for the grass in the semiarid areas as the drought caused by climate warming may limit the vegetation growth.
Adhesion and Self-Healing between Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide and Silicon Oxide
Authors: Na Seung Ryul , Kim Youngchan , Lee Changgu , Liechti Kenneth M. , Suk Ji Won
Published: November 2017

The adhesion interactions of two-dimensional (2D) materials are of importance in developing flexible electronic devices due to relatively large surface forces. Here, we investigated the adhesion properties of large-area monolayer MoS2 grown on silicon oxide by using chemical vapor deposition. Fracture mechanics concepts using double cantilever beam configuration were used to characterize the adhesion interaction between MoS2 and silicon oxide. While the interface between MoS2 and silicon oxide was fractured under displacement control, force-displacement response was recorded. The separation energy, adhesion strength and range of the interactions between MoS2 and silicon oxide were characterized by analytical and numerical analyses. In addition to the fundamental adhesion properties of MoS2, we found that MoS2 monolayers on silicon oxide had self-healing properties, meaning that when the separated MoS2 and silicon oxide were brought into contact, the interface healed. The self-healing property of MoS2 is potentially applicable to the development of new composites or devices using 2D materials.
Monocytes from patients with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia show enhanced inflammatory properties and produce higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Cockx M. , Gouwy M. , Ruytinx P. , Lodewijckx I. , Van Hout A. , Knoops S. , Pörtner N. , Ronsse I. , Vanbrabant L. , Godding V. , De Boeck K. , Van Damme J. , Boon M. , Struyf S.
Published: November 2017

Patients with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) suffer from recurrent upper and lower airway infections due to defects in the cilia present on the respiratory epithelium. Since chronic inflammatory conditions can cause changes in innate immune responses, we investigated whether monocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of pediatric PCD patients respond differently to inflammatory stimuli, compared to monocytes from healthy children and adults. The receptor for C5a (C5aR) was upregulated in PCD, whereas expression levels of the leukocyte chemoattractant receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, BLT1 and FPR1 on PCD monocytes were similar to those on monocytes from healthy individuals. Alsoin vitromigration of PCD monocytes towards the ligands of those receptors (CCL2, fMLP, C5a and LTB4) was normal. Compared to healthy children, PCD patients had a higher percentage of the non-classic monocyte subset (CD14+CD16++) in circulation. Finally, PCD monocytes produced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL5, CCL18 and CCL22) in response to LPS, peptidoglycan and/or dsRNA stimulation. These data suggest that monocytes might exacerbate inflammatory reactions in PCD patients and might maintain a positive feedback-loop feeding the inflammatory process.
Building on Sub-Arctic Soil: Geopolymerization of Muskeg to a Densified Load-Bearing Composite
Authors: Waetzig Gregory R. , Cho Junsang , Lacroix Max , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: November 2017

The marshy water-saturated soil typical of the sub-Arctic represents a considerable impediment to the construction of roads, thereby greatly hindering human habitation and geological excavation. Muskeg, the native water-laden topsoil characteristic of the North American sub-Arctic, represents a particularly vexing challenge for road construction. Muskeg must either be entirely excavated, or for direct construction on muskeg, a mix of partial excavation and gradual compaction with the strategic placement of filling materials must be performed. Here, we demonstrate a novel and entirely reversible geopolymerization method for reinforcing muskeg with wood fibers derived from native vegetation with the addition of inorganic silicate precursors and without the addition of extraneous metal precursors. A continuous siloxane network is formed that links together the muskeg, wood fibers, and added silicates yielding a load-bearing and low-subsidence composite. The geopolymerization approach developed here, based on catalyzed formation of a siloxane network with further incorporation of cellulose, allows for an increase of density as well as compressive strength while reducing the compressibility of the composite.
Self-jumping Mechanism of Melting Frost on Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Chen Huawei , Zhao Zehui , Wang Yamei , Liu Hong , Zhang Deyuan
Published: November 2017

Frost accretion on surfaces may cause severe problems and the high-efficiency defrosting methods are still urgently needed in many application fields like heat transfer, optical and electric power system, etc. In this study, a nano-needle superhydrophobic surface is prepared and the frosting/defrosting experiments are conducted on it. Three steps are found in the defrosting process: melting frost shrinking and splitting, instantaneous self-triggered deforming followed by deformation-induced movements (namely, in-situ shaking, rotating, rolling, and self-jumping). The self-jumping performance of the melting frost is extremely fascinating and worth studying due to its capability of evidently shortening the defrosting process and reducing (even avoiding) residual droplets after defrosting. The study on the melting frost self-jumping phenomena demonstrates that the kinetic energy transformed from instantaneous superficial area change in self-triggered deforming step is the intrinsic reason for various melting frost self-propelled movements, and when the transformed energy reaches a certain amount, the self-jumping phenomena occur. And some facilitating conditions for melting frost self-jumping phenomena are also discussed. This work will provide an efficient way for defrosting or an inspiration for further research on defrosting.
Spexin Suppress Food Intake in Zebrafish: Evidence from Gene Knockout Study
Authors: Zheng Binbin , Li Shuisheng , Liu Yun , Li Yu , Chen Huapu , Tang Haipei , Liu Xiaochun , Lin Haoran , Zhang Yong , Cheng Christopher H. K.
Published: November 2017

Spexin1 (SPX1) is a newly discovered neuropeptide in vertebrates. Its biological function remains to be elucidated. In this study, we have generated the zebrafish spx1
−/−
mutant lines using transcription activator-like effector nucleases. Phenotypes of the spx1
−/−
mutant zebrafish were analyzed in order to understand the effects on reproduction and food intake. The reproductive capability is not impaired in spx1 mutant zebrafish. However, we found that the spx1
−/−
mutant fish had a higher food intake than the wild type (WT) fish. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression level of agouti-relate protein 1 (AgRP1), a significant appetite stimulant, was significantly higher in spx1
−/−
mutant fish after feeding. Intracranial administration of SPX1 could also reduce the mRNA expression of the AgRP1. These data suggest that SPX1 might decrease the food intake by down regulating the expression level of agrp1. Furthermore, spx1
−/−
mutant fish exhibited higher glucose, triacylglycerol and cholesterol in the serum than WT fish. However, the hyperphagia did not lead to a higher growth rate or body fat percentage. Taken together, our study suggests that SPX1 may serve as a satiety signal molecular by suppressing the AgRP1 in the brain.