bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between serum vitamin D, retinol and zinc status, and acute respiratory infections in underweight and normal-weight children aged 6–24 months living in an urban slum in Bangladesh
Authors: AHMED A. M. S. , AHMED T. , SOARES MAGALHAES R. J. , LONG K. Z. , ALAM M. A. , HOSSAIN M. I. , ISLAM M. M. , MAHFUZ M. , MONDAL D. , HAQUE R. , AL MAMUN A.
Published: August 2016

We conducted a longitudinal assessment in 466 underweight and 446 normal-weight children aged 6–24 months living in the urban slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh to determine the association between vitamin D and other micronutrient status with upper respiratory tract infection (URI) and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). Incidence rate ratios of URI and ALRI were estimated using multivariable generalized estimating equations. Our results indicate that underweight children with insufficient and deficient vitamin D status were associated with 20% and 23–25% reduced risk of URI, respectively, compared to children with sufficient status. Underweight children, those with serum retinol deficiency were at 1·8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·4–2·4] times higher risk of ALRI than those with retinol sufficiency. In normal-weight children there were no significant differences between different vitamin D status and the incidence of URI and ALRI. However, normal-weight children with zinc insufficiency and those that were serum retinol deficient had 1·2 (95% CI 1·0–1·5) times higher risk of URI and 1·9 (95% CI 1·4–2·6) times higher risk of ALRI, respectively. Thus, our results should encourage efforts to increase the intake of retinol-enriched food or supplementation in this population. However, the mechanisms through which vitamin D exerts beneficial effects on the incidence of childhood respiratory tract infection still needs further research.
Vibriosis, not cholera: toxigenicVibrio choleraenon-O1, non-O139 infections in the United States, 1984–2014
Authors: CROWE S. J. , NEWTON A. E. , GOULD L. H. , PARSONS M. B. , STROIKA S. , BOPP C. A. , FREEMAN M. , GREENE K. , MAHON B. E.
Published: August 2016

Toxigenic strains ofVibrio choleraeserogroups O1 and O139 have caused cholera epidemics, but other serogroups – such as O75 or O141 – can also produce cholera toxin and cause severe watery diarrhoea similar to cholera. We describe 31 years of surveillance for toxigenic non-O1, non-O139 infections in the United States and map these infections to the state where the exposure probably originated. While serogroups O75 and O141 are closely related pathogens, they differ in how and where they infect people. Oysters were the main vehicle for O75 infection. The vehicles for O141 infection include oysters, clams, and freshwater in lakes and rivers. The patients infected with serogroup O75 who had food traceback information available ate raw oysters from Florida. Patients infected with O141 ate oysters from Florida and clams from New Jersey, and those who only reported being exposed to freshwater were exposed in Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, and Texas. Improving the safety of oysters, specifically, should help prevent future illnesses from these toxigenic strains and similar pathogenicVibriospecies. Post-harvest processing of raw oysters, such as individual quick freezing, heat-cool pasteurization, and high hydrostatic pressurization, should be considered.
Impact of hepatitis B on mortality and specific causes of death in adults with and without HIV co-infection in NYC, 2000–2011
Authors: PINCHOFF J. , TRAN O. C. , CHEN L. , BORNSCHLEGEL K. , DROBNIK A. , KERSANSKE L. , FULD J.
Published: August 2016

High rates of immigration from endemic countries contribute to the high chronic hepatitis B (HBV) prevalence in New York City (NYC) compared to the United States overall, i.e. about 1 million individuals. We describe the impact of HBV infection on mortality and specific causes of death in NYC. We matched surveillance and vital statistics mortality data collected from 2000 to 2011 by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and analysed demographics and premature deaths (i.e. whether death occurred at <65 years) in persons with and without chronic HBV or HIV infection (excluding those with hepatitis C). From 2000 to 2011, a total of 588 346 adults died in NYC. Of all decedents, 568 753 (97%) had no report of HIV or HBV, and 4346 (0·7%) had an HBV report. Of HBV-infected decedents, 1074 (25%) were HIV co-infected. Fifty-five percent of HBV mono-infected and 95% of HBV/HIV co-infected decedents died prematurely. HBV disproportionately impacts two subgroups: Chinese immigrants and HIV-infected individuals. These two subgroups are geographically clustered in different neighbourhoods of NYC. Tailoring prevention and treatment messages to each group is necessary to reduce the overall burden of HBV in NYC.
Alt und psychisch krank
Authors: von der Ahe Franziska
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Altersstruktur in Deutschland verändert sich und die Zahl pflegebedürftiger Menschen wird in den kommenden Jahren stark steigen. Von 2009 bis 2050 ist mit einem Anstieg von 95 Prozent, also fast einer Verdopplung, zu rechnen (Beske, 2013).
„Auf Augenhöhe mit den Bewohnern“
Authors: von der Ahe Franziska
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Das folgende Interview zur Versorgung von älteren psychisch kranken Menschen führte Franziska von der Ahe mit Frau Hardenberg-Ortmann, die die Einrichtung des Heinrich-Held-Hauses leitet
Perspektiven in der interprofessionellen Matrix
Authors: Dolci Bruno , Wolfensberger Peter
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Matrix ist nicht nur bekannt als virtuelles Konstrukt einer imaginären Welt aus dem gleichnamigen Film, sondern ist auch eine Organisationsform in Unternehmen. Konsequent umgesetzt bietet sie im Gesundheitswesen erstaunliche Chancen für die Positionierung und Entwicklungen der Berufsgruppe der Pflege, wie das Beispiel der Integrierten Psychiatrie Winterthur – Zürcher Unterland in der Schweiz zeigt.
Eine Idee setzt sich durch﻿
Authors: Hahn Sabine
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Vor zwei Jahren wurde sollievo.net – interdisziplinäres Zentrum für psychische Gesundheit, in welchem Klientinnen und Klienten ambulant betreut werden – in Bern eröffnet. Die ganzheitliche Zusammenarbeit der beteiligten Fachpersonen ist bisher einzigartig. Wohin sich das Zentrum nach der Startphase bewegt und wie die ersten Erfahrungen sind, wird im folgenden Interview beschrieben. Das Interview wurde mit Orsolina Bundi, Danièle Dell`Ava, Maya Furrer, Katrin Hartmann und Annina Sahli geführt.
Das Verstehen und die psychiatrische Pflege﻿
Authors: Dörflinger Rupert
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der Aufsatz definiert Verstehen und beschreibt seine Eigenschaften. Es ist eine Aufgabe psychiatrischer Pflege dazu beizutragen, dass der Patient in ein fragendes und verstehendes Verhältnis zu sich selbst kommt. Die Pflegenden sind dabei mit einer eigenen Kompetenz „am Werk“, in einem herausfordernden Prozess, der auch Sackgassen kennt. Es werden typische Phasen eines solchen Prozesses vorgestellt. Abschließend wird gefragt, wie sich angesichts dieser Befunde das Verstehen überhaupt besser verstehen lässt.
Sabine Hahn im Kamingespräch mit Ursina Zehnder
Authors: Hahn Sabine
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Ursina Zehnder, MScN, arbeitet als Pflegeexpertin APN im Zentrum für akute psychische Erkrankungen an der Psychiatrischen Universitätsklinik Zürich. Sie ist seit 15 Jahren in der Psychiatrie tätig – seit ihrem 17. Lebensjahr. Ihr Herz brennt beruflich für eine wirksame und selbstbewusste Pflege die sich direkt für das Wohl von Patientinnen und Patienten einsetzt. Im Kaminfeuer verbrennen soll für sie der Satz «Das haben wir schon immer so gemacht!», damit die psychiatrische Pflege sich davon befreien kann.
Mitteilungsseiten des Vereins Ambulante Psychiatrische Pflege
Authors: Woodtli Maria
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Ein Arbeitstag als freischaffende ambulante Psychiatriespitex
Ginsenoside compound K sensitizes human colon cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via autophagy-dependent and -independent DR5 upregulation
Authors: Chen Lei , Meng Yue , Sun Qi , Zhang Zhongyu , Guo Xiaoqing , Sheng Xiaotong , Tai Guihua , Cheng Hairong , Zhou Yifa
Published: August 2016

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potent cancer cell-specific apoptosis-inducing cytokine with little toxicity to most normal cells. However, acquired resistance of cancer cells to TRAIL is a roadblock. Agents that can either potentiate the effect of TRAIL or overcome resistance to TRAIL are urgently needed. This article reports that ginsenoside compound K (CK) potentiates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells and sensitizes TRAIL-resistant colon cancer HT-29 cells to TRAIL. On a cellular mechanistic level, CK downregulated cell survival proteins including Mcl-1, Bcl-2, surviving, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein, upregulated cell pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax, tBid and cytochrome c, and induced the cell surface expression of TRAIL death receptor DR5. Reduction of DR5 levels by siRNAs significantly decreases CK- and TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, our results indicate, for the first time, that DR5 upregulation is mediated by autophagy, as blockade of CK-induced autophagy by 3-MA, LY294002 or Atg7 siRNAs substantially decreases DR5 upregulation and reduces the synergistic effect. Furthermore, CK-stimulated autophagy is mediated by the reactive oxygen species–c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathway. Moreover, we found that p53 and the C/EBP homologous (CHOP) protein is also required for DR5 upregulation but not related with autophagy. Our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of the mechanism accounted for the synergistic anticancer activity of CK and TRAIL, and showed a novel mechanism related with DR5 upregulation.
Cell surface galectin-3 defines a subset of chemoresistant gastrointestinal tumor-initiating cancer cells with heightened stem cell characteristics
Authors: Ilmer Matthias , Mazurek Nachman , Byrd James C , Ramirez Karen , Hafley Margarete , Alt Eckhard , Vykoukal Jody , Bresalier Robert S
Published: August 2016

Recurrence of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas after surgery and chemotherapy may be attributed, in part, to the presence of a small population of tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (CSC). The expression of galectin-3 (Gal3), a multifunctional oncolectin, has been associated with biological behaviors associated with CSC. We examined the ability of Gal3 to characterize the CSC phenotype, and to identify a clinically important gastrointestinal cancer CSC population. Human colorectal and pancreatic cancer cell lines were sorted to identify subpopulations expressing commonly used CSC markers, and Gal3-positive CSC subpopulations. The association of Gal3 with the stem cell properties and alterations of these phenotypes by manipulation of Gal3 expression was examined. Gastrointestinal cancer cell lines contain both Gal3-positive and Gal3-negative subpopulations. Gal3-positive CSCs are characterized by high ALDH activity, enhanced self-renewal ability in vitro (sphere formation) and tumor forming ability in vivo, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and death-receptor-mediated apoptosis compared to Gal3-negative CSCs. Silencing Gal3 modifies this behavior. Cell surface Gal3 expression identifies a subset of CSCs in gastrointestinal cancers with high levels of stem cell characteristics, including chemoresistance. This may provide a platform for developing treatment strategies that target CSC.
Electrical coupling regulates layer 1 interneuron microcircuit formation in the neocortex
Authors: Yao Xing-Hua , Wang Min , He Xiang-Nan , He Fei , Zhang Shu-Qing , Lu Wenlian , Qiu Zi-Long , Yu Yong-Chun
Published: August 2016

The coexistence of electrical and chemical synapses among interneurons is essential for interneuron function in the neocortex. However, it remains largely unclear whether electrical coupling between interneurons influences chemical synapse formation and microcircuit assembly during development. Here, we show that electrical and GABAergic chemical connections robustly develop between interneurons in neocortical layer 1 over a similar time course. Electrical coupling promotes action potential generation and synchronous firing between layer 1 interneurons. Furthermore, electrically coupled interneurons exhibit strong GABA-A receptor-mediated synchronous synaptic activity. Disruption of electrical coupling leads to a loss of bidirectional, but not unidirectional, GABAergic connections. Moreover, a reduction in electrical coupling induces an increase in excitatory synaptic inputs to layer 1 interneurons. Together, these findings strongly suggest that electrical coupling between neocortical interneurons plays a critical role in regulating chemical synapse development and precise formation of circuits.
Adaptation to elevated CO2 in different biodiversity contexts
Authors: Kleynhans Elizabeth J. , Otto Sarah P. , Reich Peter B. , Vellend Mark
Published: August 2016

In the absence of migration, species persistence depends on adaption to a changing environment, but whether and how adaptation to global change is altered by community diversity is not understood. Community diversity may prevent, enhance or alter how species adapt to changing conditions by influencing population sizes, genetic diversity and/or the fitness landscape experienced by focal species. We tested the impact of community diversity on adaptation by performing a reciprocal transplant experiment on grasses that evolved for 14 years under ambient and elevated CO2, in communities of low or high species richness. Using biomass as a fitness proxy, we find evidence for local adaptation to elevated CO2, but only for plants assayed in a community of similar diversity to the one experienced during the period of selection. Our results indicate that the biological community shapes the very nature of the fitness landscape within which species evolve in response to elevated CO2.
Hyperphosphorylation amplifies UPF1 activity to resolve stalls in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Durand Sébastien , Franks Tobias M. , Lykke-Andersen Jens
Published: August 2016

Many gene expression factors contain repetitive phosphorylation sites for single kinases, but the functional significance is poorly understood. Here we present evidence for hyperphosphorylation as a mechanism allowing UPF1, the central factor in nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), to increasingly attract downstream machinery with time of residence on target mRNAs. Indeed, slowing NMD by inhibiting late-acting factors triggers UPF1 hyperphosphorylation, which in turn enhances affinity for factors linking UPF1 to decay machinery. Mutational analyses reveal multiple phosphorylation sites contributing to different extents to UPF1 activity with no single site being essential. Moreover, the ability of UPF1 to undergo hyperphosphorylation becomes increasingly important for NMD when downstream factors are depleted. This hyperphosphorylation-dependent feedback mechanism may serve as a molecular clock ensuring timely degradation of target mRNAs while preventing degradation of non-targets, which, given the prevalence of repetitive phosphorylation among central gene regulatory factors, may represent an important general principle in gene expression.
Blue-sky bifurcation of ion energies and the limits of neutral-gas sympathetic cooling of trapped ions
Authors: Schowalter Steven J. , Dunning Alexander J. , Chen Kuang , Puri Prateek , Schneider Christian , Hudson Eric R.
Published: August 2016

Sympathetic cooling of trapped ions through collisions with neutral buffer gases is critical to a variety of modern scientific fields, including fundamental chemistry, mass spectrometry, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic and molecular physics. Despite its widespread use over four decades, there remain open questions regarding its fundamental limitations. To probe these limits, here we examine the steady-state evolution of up to 10 barium ions immersed in a gas of three-million laser-cooled calcium atoms. We observe and explain the emergence of nonequilibrium behaviour as evidenced by bifurcations in the ion steady-state temperature, parameterized by ion number. We show that this behaviour leads to the limitations in creating and maintaining translationally cold samples of trapped ions using neutral-gas sympathetic cooling. These results may provide a route to studying non-equilibrium thermodynamics at the atomic level.
Experimental realization of stimulated Raman shortcut-to-adiabatic passage with cold atoms
Authors: Du Yan-Xiong , Liang Zhen-Tao , Li Yi-Chao , Yue Xian-Xian , Lv Qing-Xian , Huang Wei , Chen Xi , Yan Hui , Zhu Shi-Liang
Published: August 2016

Accurate control of a quantum system is a fundamental requirement in many areas of modern science ranging from quantum information processing to high-precision measurements. A significantly important goal in quantum control is preparing a desired state as fast as possible, with sufficiently high fidelity allowed by available resources and experimental constraints. Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) is a robust way to realize high-fidelity state transfer but it requires a sufficiently long operation time to satisfy the adiabatic criteria. Here we theoretically propose and then experimentally demonstrate a shortcut-to-adiabatic protocol to speed-up the STIRAP. By modifying the shapes of the Raman pulses, we experimentally realize a fast and high-fidelity stimulated Raman shortcut-to-adiabatic passage that is robust against control parameter variations. The all-optical, robust and fast protocol demonstrated here provides an efficient and practical way to control quantum systems.
A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of Ganoderma lucidum for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Klupp Nerida L. , Kiat Hosen , Bensoussan Alan , Steiner Genevieve Z. , Chang Dennis H.
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ganoderma lucidum for the treatment of hyperglycaemia and other cardiovascular risk components of metabolic syndrome using a prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty-four participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome were randomised to one of three intervention groups: Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma lucidum with Cordyceps sinensis, or placebo. The dosage was 3 g/day of Ganoderma lucidum, with or without Cordyceps sinensis, for 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was blood glucose (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c] and fasting plasma glucose [FPG]); a number of secondary outcome measures were also tested. Data from the two intervention groups were combined. The combined intervention had no effect on any of the primary (baseline-adjusted difference in means: HbA1c = 0.13%, 95% CI [−0.35, 0.60], p = 0.60; FPG = 0.03 mmol/L, 95% CI [−0.90, 0.96], p = 0.95) or secondary outcome measures over the course of the 16-week trial, and no overall increased risk of adverse events with either active treatment. Evidence from this randomised clinical trial does not support the use of Ganoderma lucidum for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome. This Clinical Trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on November 23, 2006. Trial ID: ACTRN12606000485538 and can be accessed here: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=81705.
Clustered marginalization of minorities during social transitions induced by co-evolution of behaviour and network structure
Authors: Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Donges Jonathan F. , Engemann Denis A. , Levermann Anders
Published: August 2016

Large-scale transitions in societies are associated with both individual behavioural change and restructuring of the social network. These two factors have often been considered independently, yet recent advances in social network research challenge this view. Here we show that common features of societal marginalization and clustering emerge naturally during transitions in a co-evolutionary adaptive network model. This is achieved by explicitly considering the interplay between individual interaction and a dynamic network structure in behavioural selection. We exemplify this mechanism by simulating how smoking behaviour and the network structure get reconfigured by changing social norms. Our results are consistent with empirical findings: The prevalence of smoking was reduced, remaining smokers were preferentially connected among each other and formed increasingly marginalized clusters. We propose that self-amplifying feedbacks between individual behaviour and dynamic restructuring of the network are main drivers of the transition. This generative mechanism for co-evolution of individual behaviour and social network structure may apply to a wide range of examples beyond smoking.
Overexpression of transport proteins improves the production of 5-aminovalerate from l-lysine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Zhong , Xu Jing , Jiang Tongtong , Ge Yongsheng , Liu Pan , Zhang Manman , Su Zhiguo , Gao Chao , Ma Cuiqing , Xu Ping
Published: August 2016

Bacterial transporters mediate the exchanges between intracellular and extracellular environments. Modification of transport route could be applied to speed up the metabolic reactions and promote the production of aimed compounds. Herein, lysine 2-monooxygenase (DavB) and δ-aminovaleramidase (DavA) were co-expressed inEscherichia coliBL21(DE3) to produce nylon-5 monomer 5-aminovalerate froml-lysine. Then, PP2911 (4-aminobutyrate transporter inPseudomonas putida) and LysP (the lysine specific permease inE. coli) were overexpressed to promote 5-aminovalerate production using whole cells of recombinantE. coli. The constructedE. colistrain overexpressing transport proteins exhibited good 5-aminovalerate production performance and might serve as a promising biocatalyst for 5-aminovalerate production froml-lysine. This strategy not only shows an efficient process for the production of nylon monomers but also might be used in production of other chemicals.
Selective recognition and stabilization of new ligands targeting the potassium form of the human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Lin Yi-Hwa , Chuang Show-Mei , Wu Pei-Ching , Chen Chun-Liang , Jeyachandran Sivakamavalli , Lo Shou-Chen , Huang Hsu-Shan , Hou Ming-Hon
Published: August 2016

The development of a ligand that is capable of distinguishing among the wide variety of G-quadruplex structures and targeting telomeres to treat cancer is particularly challenging. In this study, the ability of two anthraquinone telomerase inhibitors (NSC749235 and NSC764638) to target telomeric G-quadruplex DNA was probed. We found that these ligands specifically target the potassium form of telomeric G-quadruplex DNA over the DNA counterpart. The characteristic interaction with the telomeric G-quadruplex DNA and the anticancer activities of these ligands were also explored. The results of this present work emphasize our understanding of the binding selectivity of anthraquinone derivatives to G-quadruplex DNA and assists in future drug development for G-quadruplex-specific ligands.
Predicting bee community responses to land-use changes: Effects of geographic and taxonomic biases
Authors: De Palma Adriana , Abrahamczyk Stefan , Aizen Marcelo A. , Albrecht Matthias , Basset Yves , Bates Adam , Blake Robin J. , Boutin Céline , Bugter Rob , Connop Stuart , Cruz-López Leopoldo , Cunningham Saul A. , Darvill Ben , Diekötter Tim , Dorn Silvia , Downing Nicola , Entling Martin H. , Farwig Nina , Felicioli Antonio , Fonte Steven J. , Fowler Robert , Franzén Markus , Goulson Dave , Grass Ingo , Hanley Mick E. , Hendrix Stephen D. , Herrmann Farina , Herzog Felix , Holzschuh Andrea , Jauker Birgit , Kessler Michael , Knight M. E. , Kruess Andreas , Lavelle Patrick , Le Féon Violette , Lentini Pia , Malone Louise A. , Marshall Jon , Pachón Eliana Martínez , McFrederick Quinn S. , Morales Carolina L. , Mudri-Stojnic Sonja , Nates-Parra Guiomar , Nilsson Sven G. , Öckinger Erik , Osgathorpe Lynne , Parra-H Alejandro , Peres Carlos A. , Persson Anna S. , Petanidou Theodora , Poveda Katja , Power Eileen F. , Quaranta Marino , Quintero Carolina , Rader Romina , Richards Miriam H. , Roulston T’ai , Rousseau Laurent , Sadler Jonathan P. , Samnegård Ulrika , Schellhorn Nancy A. , Schüepp Christof , Schweiger Oliver , Smith-Pardo Allan H. , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Stout Jane C. , Tonietto Rebecca K. , Tscharntke Teja , Tylianakis Jason M. , Verboven Hans A. F. , Vergara Carlos H. , Verhulst Jort , Westphal Catrin , Yoon Hyung Joo , Purvis Andy
Published: August 2016

Land-use change and intensification threaten bee populations worldwide, imperilling pollination services. Global models are needed to better characterise, project, and mitigate bees' responses to these human impacts. The available data are, however, geographically and taxonomically unrepresentative; most data are from North America and Western Europe, overrepresenting bumblebees and raising concerns that model results may not be generalizable to other regions and taxa. To assess whether the geographic and taxonomic biases of data could undermine effectiveness of models for conservation policy, we have collated from the published literature a global dataset of bee diversity at sites facing land-use change and intensification, and assess whether bee responses to these pressures vary across 11 regions (Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern Europe; North, Central and South America; Australia and New Zealand; South East Asia; Middle and Southern Africa) and between bumblebees and other bees. Our analyses highlight strong regionally-based responses of total abundance, species richness and Simpson's diversity to land use, caused by variation in the sensitivity of species and potentially in the nature of threats. These results suggest that global extrapolation of models based on geographically and taxonomically restricted data may underestimate the true uncertainty, increasing the risk of ecological surprises.
Reinstating the Novelty P3
Authors: Barry Robert J. , Steiner Genevieve Z. , De Blasio Frances M.
Published: August 2016

P300 (or P3) is a major positive complex in the human event-related potential, occurring some 300 ms after stimulus onset and long thought to be the cortical correlate of the Orienting Reflex, our automatic attention-grabbing response to a novel stimulus. The Novelty P3 was the third P3 subcomponent discovered (after P3a and P3b) and appeared promising in its sensitivity to stimulus novelty, the defining characteristic of the Orienting Reflex. But some 15 years later it was claimed to be indistinguishable from the previously-discovered P3a. This led to a decline in interest in the field and confused nomenclature, with some studies using “P3a” and “Novelty P3” interchangeably. However, recent similar studies have again reported three subcomponents of the P3. Further, using single-stimulus habituation paradigms, in addition to P3a and P3b, a later decrementing P3 subcomponent has been reported and recently labelled “HabP3” to avoid contention. We report three studies to resolve this chaotic situation, arguing for identification of the late subcomponent following the P3a and P3b as the Novelty P3. Reinstatement of the Novelty P3 as the central index of the Orienting Reflex will have widespread impact in a range of theoretical, practical and clinical areas involving novelty processing and attention.
Controllably Alloyed, Low Density, Free-standing Ni-Co and Ni-Graphene Sponges for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Vineesh Thazhe Veettil , Mubarak Suhail , Hahm Myung Gwan , Prabu V. , Alwarappan Subbiah , Narayanan Tharangattu N.
Published: August 2016

Synthesis of low cost, durable and efficient electrocatalysts that support oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are the bottlenecks in water electrolysis. Here we propose a strategy for the development of controllably alloyed, porous, and low density nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) based alloys - whose electrocatalytic properties can be tuned to make them multifunctional. Ni and Co based alloy with the chemical structure of Ni1Co2is identified as an efficient OER catalyst among other stoichiometric structures in terms of over potential @ 10 mAcm−2(1.629 V), stability, low tafel slope (87.3 mV/dec), and high Faradaic efficiency (92%), and its OER performance is also found to be on par with the benchmarked IrO2. Tunability in the porous metal synthesis strategy allowed the incorporation of graphene during the Ni sponge formation, and the Ni- incorporated nitrogen doped graphene sponge (Ni-NG) is found to have very high HER activity. A water electrolysis cell fabricated and demonstrated with these freestanding electrodes is found to have high stability (>10 hours) and large current density (10 mAcm−2@ 1.6 V), opening new avenues in the design and development of cost effective and light weight energy devices.
Enzyme overexpression – an exercise toward understanding regulation of heparan sulfate biosynthesis
Authors: Fang Jianping , Song Tianyi , Lindahl Ulf , Li Jin-Ping
Published: August 2016

Biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) involves conversion of D-glucuronic acid (GlcA) to L-iduronic acid (IdoA) units catalyzed by glucuronyl C5-epimerase (Hsepi). IdoA units are the favored substrate for 2-O-sulfotransferase (2OST). We used HEK293 cells as a model to investigate the effects of overexpression of these enzymes on HS structure. Overexpression of Hsepi alone resulted in an unexpected increase in HS chain length. A Hsepi point-mutant (Y168A), devoid of catalytic activity, failed to affect chain length. Moreover, the effect of Hsepi overexpression on HS chain length was abolished by simultaneous overexpression of 2OST. These findings raise novel aspects on regulation of HS biosynthesis. We propose a hypothetical enzyme-binding protein (EBP) with distinct, specific and partly overlapping binding sites, the interactions of which will determine levels of enzymes available to the biosynthetic process.
Porous V2O5/RGO/CNT hierarchical architecture as a cathode material: Emphasis on the contribution of surface lithium storage
Authors: Palanisamy Kowsalya , Um Ji Hyun , Jeong Mihee , Yoon Won-Sub
Published: August 2016

A three dimensional vanadium pentoxide/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (3D V2O5/RGO/CNT) composite is synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The combination of 2D RGO and 1D CNT establishes continuous 3D conductive network and most notably, the 1D CNT is designed to form hierarchically porous structure by penetrating into V2O5 microsphere assembly constituted of numerous V2O5 nanoparticles. The highly porous V2O5 microsphere enhances electrolyte contact and shortens Li+ diffusion path as a consequence of its developed surface area and mesoporosity. The successive phase transformations of 3D V2O5/RGO/CNT from α-phase to ε-, δ-, γ- and ω-phase and its structural reversibility upon Li+ intercalation/de-intercalation are investigated by in situ XRD analysis and the electronic and local structure reversibility around vanadium atom in 3D V2O5/RGO/CNT is observed by in situ XANES analysis. The 3D V2O5/RGO/CNT achieves a high capacity of 220 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 80 cycles and an excellent rate capability of 100 mAh g−1 even at a considerably high rate of 20 C. The porous 3D V2O5/RGO/CNT structure not only provides facile Li+ diffusion into bulk but contributes to surface Li+ storage as well, which enables the design of 3D V2O5/RGO/CNT composite to become a promising cathode architecture for high performance LIBs.
CircRNA-protein complexes: IMP3 protein component defines subfamily of circRNPs
Authors: Schneider Tim , Hung Lee-Hsueh , Schreiner Silke , Starke Stefan , Eckhof Heinrich , Rossbach Oliver , Reich Stefan , Medenbach Jan , Bindereif Albrecht
Published: August 2016

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a new class of noncoding RNAs in higher eukaryotes generated from pre-mRNAs by alternative splicing. Here we investigated in mammalian cells the association of circRNAs with proteins. Using glycerol gradient centrifugation, we characterized in cell lysates circRNA-protein complexes (circRNPs) of distinct sizes. By polysome-gradient fractionation we found no evidence for efficient translation of a set of abundant circRNAs in HeLa cells. To identify circRNPs with a specific protein component, we focused on IMP3 (IGF2BP3, insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 3), a known tumor marker and RNA-binding protein. Combining RNA-seq analysis of IMP3-co-immunoprecipitated RNA and filtering for circular-junction reads identified a set of IMP3-associated circRNAs, which were validated and characterized. In sum, our data suggest that specific circRNP families exist defined by a common protein component. In addition, this provides a general approach to identify circRNPs with a given protein component.
Electrical Identification and Selective Microstimulation of Neuronal Compartments Based on Features of Extracellular Action Potentials
Authors: Radivojevic Milos , Jäckel David , Altermatt Michael , Müller Jan , Viswam Vijay , Hierlemann Andreas , Bakkum Douglas J.
Published: August 2016

A detailed, high-spatiotemporal-resolution characterization of neuronal responses to local electrical fields and the capability of precise extracellular microstimulation of selected neurons are pivotal for studying and manipulating neuronal activity and circuits in networks and for developing neural prosthetics. Here, we studied cultured neocortical neurons by using high-density microelectrode arrays and optical imaging, complemented by the patch-clamp technique and with the aim to correlate morphological and electrical features of neuronal compartments with their responsiveness to extracellular stimulation. We developed strategies to electrically identify any neuron in the network, while subcellular spatial resolution recording of extracellular action potential (AP) traces enabled their assignment to the axon initial segment (AIS), axonal arbor and proximal somatodendritic compartments. Stimulation at the AIS required low voltages and provided immediate, selective and reliable neuronal activation, whereas stimulation at the soma required high voltages and produced delayed and unreliable responses. Subthreshold stimulation at the soma depolarized the somatic membrane potential without eliciting APs.
Copy number variation of genes involved in the hepatitis C virus-human interactome
Authors: Budzko Lucyna , Marcinkowska-Swojak Malgorzata , Jackowiak Paulina , Kozlowski Piotr , Figlerowicz Marek
Published: August 2016

Copy number variation (CNV) is a newly discovered form of intra-species genetic polymorphism that is defined as deletions or duplications of genome segments ranging from 1 kbp to several Mbp. CNV accounts for the majority of the genetic variation observed in humans (CNV regions cover more than 10% of the human genome); therefore, it may significantly influence both the phenotype and susceptibility to various diseases. Unfortunately, the impact of CNV on a number of diseases, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, remains largely unexplored. Here, we analyzed 421 human genes encoding proteins that have been shown to interact with HCV proteins or genomic RNA (proteins from the HCV-human interactome). We found that 19 of the 421 candidate genes are located in putative CNV regions. For all of these genes, copy numbers were determined for European, Asiatic and African populations using the multiplex ligation-dependent amplification (MLPA) method. As a result, we identified 4 genes, IGLL1, MLLT4, PDPK1, PPP1R13L, for which the CN-genotype ranged from 1 to 6. All of these genes are involved in host-virus interaction; thus, their polymorphism has a potential impact on the development of HCV infection and/or therapy outcome.
A point mutation in AgrC determines cytotoxic or colonizing properties associated with phenotypic variants of ST22 MRSA strains
Authors: Mairpady Shambat Srikanth , Siemens Nikolai , Monk Ian R. , Mohan Disha B. , Mukundan Santhosh , Krishnan Karthickeyan Chella , Prabhakara Sushma , Snäll Johanna , Kearns Angela , Vandenesch Francois , Svensson Mattias , Kotb Malak , Gopal Balasubramanian , Arakere Gayathri , Norrby-Teglund Anna
Published: August 2016

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections. One of the highly successful and rapidly disseminating clones is MRSA ST22 commonly associated with skin tropism. Here we show that a naturally occurring single amino acid substitution (tyrosine to cysteine) at position 223 of AgrC determines starkly different ST22 S. aureus virulence phenotypes, e.g. cytotoxic or colonizing, as evident in both in vitro and in vivo skin infections. Y223C amino acid substitution destabilizes AgrC-AgrA interaction leading to a colonizing phenotype characterized by upregulation of bacterial surface proteins. The colonizing phenotype strains cause less severe skin tissue damage, show decreased susceptibility towards the antimicrobial LL-37 and induce autophagy. In contrast, cytotoxic strains with tyrosine at position 223 of AgrC cause infections characterized by inflammasome activation and severe skin tissue pathology. Taken together, the study demonstrates how a single amino acid substitution in the histidine kinase receptor AgrC of ST22 strains determines virulence properties and infection outcome.
U6atac snRNA stem-loop interacts with U12 p65 RNA binding protein and is functionally interchangeable with the U12 apical stem-loop III
Authors: Singh Jagjit , Sikand Kavleen , Conrad Heike , Will Cindy L. , Komar Anton A. , Shukla Girish C.
Published: August 2016

Formation of catalytic core of the U12-dependent spliceosome involves U6atac and U12 interaction with the 5′ splice site and branch site regions of a U12-dependent intron, respectively. Beyond the formation of intermolecular helix I region between U6atac and U12 snRNAs, several other regions within these RNA molecules are predicted to form stem-loop structures. Our previous work demonstrated that the 3′ stem-loop region of U6atac snRNA contains a U12-dependent spliceosome-specific targeting activity. Here, we show a detailed structure-function analysis and requirement of a substructure of U6atac 3′ stem-loop in U12-dependent in vivo splicing. We show that the C-terminal RNA recognition motif of p65, a U12 snRNA binding protein, also binds to the distal 3′ stem-loop of U6atac. By using a binary splice site mutation suppressor assay we demonstrate that p65 protein-binding apical stem-loop of U12 snRNA can be replaced by this U6atac distal 3′ stem-loop. Furthermore, we tested the compatibility of the U6atac 3′ end from phylogenetically distant species in a human U6atac background, to establish the evolutionary relatedness of these structures and in vivo function. In summary, we demonstrate that RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions in the minor spliceosome are highly plastic as compared to the major spliceosome.
Pinch-off of microfluidic droplets with oscillatory velocity of inner phase flow
Authors: Zhu Pingan , Tang Xin , Tian Ye , Wang Liqiu
Published: August 2016

When one liquid is introduced into another immiscible one, it ultimately fragments due to hydrodynamic instability. In contrast to neck pinch-off without external actuation, the viscous two-fluid system subjected to an oscillatory flow demonstrates higher efficiency in breaking fluid threads. However, the underlying dynamics of this process is less well understood. Here we show that the neck-thinning rate is accelerated by the amplitude of oscillation. By simply evaluating the momentum transfer from external actuation, we derive a dimensionless pre-factor to quantify the accelerated pinch-off. Our data ascribes the acceleration to the non-negligible inner fluid inertia, which neutralizes the inner phase viscous stress that retards the pinch-off. Moreover, we characterize an equivalent neck-thinning behavior between an actuated system and its unactuated counterpart with decreased viscosity ratio. Finally, we demonstrate that oscillation is capable of modulating satellite droplet formation by shifting the pinch-off location. Our study would be useful for manipulating fluids at microscale by external forcing.
The initial break-up of Pangæa elicited by Late Palæozoic deglaciation
Authors: Yeh Meng-Wan , Shellnutt J. Gregory
Published: August 2016

The break-up of Pangæa was principally facilitated by tensional plate stress acting on pre-existing suture zones. The rifting of Pangæa began during the Early Permian along the southern Tethys margin and produced the lenticular-shaped continent known as Cimmeria. A mantle-plume model is ascribed to explain the rift-related volcanism but the NW-SE oriented Cimmerian rifts do not correlate well with pre-existing suture zones or ‘structural heterogeneities’ but appear to have a pertinent spatial and temporal association with Late Palæozoic glacial-interglacial cycles. Mantle potential temperature estimates of Cimmerian rift-related basalts (1410 °C ± 50 °C) are similar to ambient mantle conditions rather than an active mantle-plume rift as previously suggested. Moreover, we find that the distribution of glacial deposits shows significant temporal and spatial concurrence between the glacial retreat margins and rifting sites. We conclude that the location and timing of Cimmerian rifting resulted from the exploitation of structural heterogeneities within the crust that formed due to repeated glacial-interglacial cycles during the Late Palæozoic. Such effects of continental deglaciation helped to create the lenticular shape of Cimmeria and Neotethys Ocean suggesting that, in some instances, climate change may directly influence the location of rifting.
Efficient liver repopulation of transplanted hepatocyte prevents cirrhosis in a rat model of hereditary tyrosinemia type I
Authors: Zhang Ludi , Shao Yanjiao , Li Lu , Tian Feng , Cen Jin , Chen Xiaotao , Hu Dan , Zhou Yan , Xie Weifen , Zheng Yunwen , Ji Yuan , Liu Mingyao , Li Dali , Hui Lijian
Published: August 2016

Hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT1) is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah). Fah-deficient mice and pigs are phenotypically analogous to human HT1, but do not recapitulate all the chronic features of the human disorder, especially liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Rats as an important model organism for biomedical research have many advantages over other animal models. Genome engineering in rats is limited till the availability of new gene editing technologies. Using the recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 technique, we generated Fah−/− rats. The Fah−/− rats faithfully represented major phenotypic and biochemical manifestations of human HT1, including hypertyrosinemia, liver failure and renal tubular damage. More importantly, the Fah−/− rats developed remarkable liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which have not been observed in Fah mutant mice or pigs. Transplantation of wild-type hepatocytes rescued the Fah−/− rats from impending death. Moreover, the highly efficient repopulation of hepatocytes in Fah−/− livers prevented the progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and in turn restored liver architecture. These results indicate that Fah−/− rats may be used as an animal model of HT1 with liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, Fah−/− rats may be used as a tool in studying hepatocyte transplantation and a bioreactor for the expansion of hepatocytes.
Primary female breast sarcoma: clinicopathological features, treatment and prognosis
Authors: Yin Ming , Mackley Heath B. , Drabick Joseph J. , Harvey Harold A.
Published: August 2016

Primary breast sarcoma (PBS) is a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies with limited publications. We obtained data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and performed analysis to determine clinicopathological characteristics of PBS and estimate their associations with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Median age of PBS was 55–59 years and median OS was 108 months. Age, overlap or entire breast involvement, tumor histology, and tumor spread were associated with poor survival outcomes. In the multivariable analysis, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and histologic grade were correlated with survival outcomes (P < 0.001). In M0 patients, mastectomy was associated with worse survival outcomes compared with breast conservative surgery (BCS) (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 1.80; 95% CI, 1.31–2.47), regardless of tumor size, tumor grade, tumor histology or radiation history. Adjuvant radiation improved survival outcomes in patients with tumor size >5 cm (adjHR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43–0.91), but not in patients with tumor size ≤ 5 cm. Our study demonstrated clinicopathological characteristics of PBS in the US population and supports performing BCS if R0 resection can be achieved, with radiation if tumor size is over 5 cm.
Bile acid receptor TGR5, NADPH Oxidase NOX5-S and CREB Mediate Bile Acid-Induced DNA Damage In Barrett’s Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Li Dan , Cao Weibiao
Published: August 2016

The mechanisms whereby bile acid reflux may accelerate the progression from Barrett’s esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) are not fully understood. In this study we found that bile acid taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) significantly increased the tail moment (TM) and histone H2AX phosphorylation in FLO-1 EA cells, an increase which was significantly decreased by knockdown of TGR5. Overexpression of TGR5 significantly increased TDCA-induced TM increase and H2AX phosphorylation. In addition, NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium significantly inhibited the TDCA-induced increase in TM and H2AX phosphorylation. TDCA-induced increase in TM and H2AX phosphorylation was significantly decreased by knockdown of NOX5-S and overexpression of NOX5-S significantly increased TDCA-induced increase in the tail moment and H2AX phosphorylation. Furthermore, TDCA significantly increased cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in FLO-1 cells. Knockdown of CREB significantly decreased TDCA-induced increase in NOX5-S mRNA and the tail moment. Conversely, overexpression of CREB significantly increased TDCA-induced TM increase. We conclude that TDCA-induced DNA damage may depend on the activation of TGR5, CREB and NOX5-S. It is possible that in Barrett’s patients bile acids may activate NOX5-S and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via activation of TGR5 and CREB. NOX5-S-derived ROS may cause DNA damage, thereby contributing to the progression from BE to EA.
Trophic transfer of metal-based nanoparticles in aquatic environments: a review and recommendations for future research focus
Authors: Tangaa Stine Rosendal , Selck Henriette , Winther-Nielsen Margrethe , Khan Farhan R.
Published: August 2016

We review trophic transfer of metal-based nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems, present key factors affecting this transfer and highlight knowledge gaps.
Solid-phase test reagent for determination of nitrite and nitrate
Authors: Nesterenko Ekaterina P. , Murphy Brian , Murray Eoin , Moore Breda , Diamond Dermot
Published: August 2016

A non-toxic solid-phase test-reagent for rapid determination of nitrite/nitrate, consisting of azo-/diazo-components, solid organic acid acidifier, and zinc dust (for nitrate test), was developed and validated.
A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for thiols based on a benzothiazole derivative
Authors: Feng Suxiang , li Xian , Ma Qiujuan , Liang Beibei , Ma Zhuoyi
Published: August 2016

In this work, a selective turn-on fluorescent probe1for detecting biological thiols was designed and synthesized based on modulation of the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process of 2-(2′-hydroxy-4′-diethylaminophenyl)benzothiazole.
Plasma-induced highly efficient synthesis of boron doped reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Shaobo , Wang Zhaofeng , Jiang Hanmei , Zhang Limei , Ren Jingzheng , Zheng Mingtao , Dong Lichun , Sun Luyi
Published: August 2016

In this work, we presented a novel route to synthesize boron doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by using the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology under ambient conditions.