bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel machine scheduling with batch deliveries to minimize total flow time and delivery cost
Authors: Gong Hua , Tang Lixin , Leung Joseph Y.T.
Published: November 2016

Motivated by the flow of products in the iron and steel industry, we study an identical and parallel machine scheduling problem with batch deliveries, where jobs finished on the parallel machines are delivered to customers in batches. Each delivery batch has a capacity and incurs a cost. The objective is to find a coordinated production and delivery schedule that minimizes the total flow time of jobs plus the total delivery cost. This problem is an extension of the problem considered by Hall and Potts, Ann Oper Res 135 (2005) 41–64, who studied a two‐machine problem with an unbounded number of transporters and unbounded delivery capacity. We first provide a dynamic programming algorithm to solve a special case with a given job assignment to the machines. A heuristic algorithm is then presented for the general problem, and its worst‐case performance ratio is analyzed. The computational results show that the heuristic algorithm can generate near‐optimal solutions. Finally, we offer a fully polynomial‐time approximation scheme for a fixed number of machines. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 492–502, 2016
Assessing prescription drug abuse using functional principal component analysis (FPCA) of wastewater data
Authors: Salvatore Stefania , Røislien Jo , Baz‐Lomba Jose A. , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: November 2016

Background

Wastewater‐based epidemiology is an alternative method for estimating the collective drug use in a community. We applied functional data analysis, a statistical framework developed for analysing curve data, to investigate weekly temporal patterns in wastewater measurements of three prescription drugs with known abuse potential: methadone, oxazepam and methylphenidate, comparing them to positive and negative control drugs.

Methods

Sewage samples were collected in February 2014 from a wastewater treatment plant in Oslo, Norway. The weekly pattern of each drug was extracted by fitting of generalized additive models, using trigonometric functions to model the cyclic behaviour. From the weekly component, the main temporal features were then extracted using functional principal component analysis. Results are presented through the functional principal components (FPCs) and corresponding FPC scores.

Results

Clinically, the most important weekly feature of the wastewater‐based epidemiology data was the second FPC, representing the difference between average midweek level and a peak during the weekend, representing possible recreational use of a drug in the weekend. Estimated scores on this FPC indicated recreational use of methylphenidate, with a high weekend peak, but not for methadone and oxazepam.

Conclusion

The functional principal component analysis uncovered clinically important temporal features of the weekly patterns of the use of prescription drugs detected from wastewater analysis. This may be used as a post‐marketing surveillance method to monitor prescription drugs with abuse potential. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Philosophical Framework for Integrating Systems Pharmacology Models Into Pharmacometrics
Authors: Duffull SB
Published: November 2016

The framework for systems pharmacology style models does not naturally sit with the usual scientific dogma of parsimony and falsifiability based on deductive reasoning. This does not invalidate the importance or need for overarching models based on pharmacology to describe and understand complicated biological systems. However, it does require some consideration on how systems pharmacology fits into the overall scientific approach.
Product variety, sourcing complexity, and the bottleneck of coordination
Authors: Zhou Yue M. , Wan Xiang
Published: November 2016

Research summary:This paper studies the coordination burden for firms that pursue variety as their main product strategy. We propose that product variety magnifies the tension between scale economies in production and scope economies in distribution, giving rise to complex sourcing relationships. Sourcing complexity worsens performance and poses a dilemma for organization design:Ahierarchical structure with intermediate coordinating units such as sourcing hubs reduces sourcing complexity for downstream distribution but creates bottlenecks at the hubs, hurting performance for both the hubs and downstream distribution. We empirically examine operations data for about 300 distribution centers within a major soft drink bottling company in 2010–2011. Results support our hypotheses, illuminating the source of complexity in multi‐product firms and the challenge for organization design in managing complexity.

Managerial summary:This paper uses data for about 300 distribution centers within a major soft drink bottling company to study how a large product variety creates complex sourcing networks. We find that, in addition to poor performance (e.g., increased stockouts), complex sourcing networks can cause challenges for organization design. In particular, the benefits of converting an existing distribution center into a sourcing hub (i.e., reduction in sourcing complexity for downstream distribution) and the costs of doing so (i.e., reduction in performance for both the hubs and downstream distribution) are both real and significant. The design of an efficient sourcing network despite its complexity involves important managerial decisions. Experiences in building and managing such networks can be the basis of a dynamic capability. © 2016 The Authors.Strategic Management Journalpublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collective climate action and networked climate governance
Authors: Tosun Jale , Schoenefeld Jonas J.
Published: November 2016

Scholarship in International Relations has witnessed that the traditional concept of hierarchically organized global climate governance is joined by a network model of decentralized governance, which involves multiple actors. New actors performing networked climate governance include national governments, subnational organizations like cities, international organizations, corporations, epistemic communities, and civil society organizations. An insightful literature on networked climate governance has advanced our conceptual understanding of this empirical phenomenon. In parallel, rapidly growing research in psychology, sociology, economics, and related disciplines sheds light on factors that contribute to individuals’ willingness to engage in collective climate action. This article reviews these seemingly disparate strands of literature and aims to build bridges between them. We focus on the factors underlying individuals’ decisions to participate in local‐level climate initiatives—or grassroots organizations—including, for example, renewable energy cooperatives. Such initiatives are increasingly important parts of networked climate governance. Thus, networked governance can be understood as an opportunity structure for collective climate action, which may in turn influence citizens’ decisions to participate. Given the urgency to address climate change, this approach adds a critical novel perspective to on‐going debates about effective governance arrangements.WIREs Clim Change2017, 8:e440. doi: 10.1002/wcc.440

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli W3110 for the production of l-methionine
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Bao Shi , Li You Ran , Zhang Liang , Ding Zhong Yang , Gu Zheng Hua , Shi Gui Yang
Published: November 2016

In this study, we constructed an l-methionine-producing recombinant strain from wild-type Escherichia coli W3110 by metabolic engineering. To enhance the carbon flux to methionine and derepression met regulon, thrBC, lysA, and metJ were deleted in turn. Methionine biosynthesis obstacles were overcome by overexpression of metAFbr (Fbr, Feedback resistance), metB, and malY under control of promoter pN25. Recombinant strain growth and methionine production were further improved by attenuation of metK gene expression through replacing native promoter by metK84p. Blocking the threonine pathway by deletion of thrBC or thrC was compared. Deletion of thrC showed faster growth rate and higher methionine production. Finally, metE, metF, and metH were overexpressed to enhance methylation efficiency. Compared with the original strain E. coli W3110, the finally obtained Me05 (pETMAFbr-B-Y/pKKmetH) improved methionine production from 0 to 0.65 and 5.62 g/L in a flask and a 15-L fermenter, respectively.
Bearings in Hip Arthroplasty: Joint Registries vs Precision Medicine
Authors: Pearson Mark J. , Grover Liam M. , Lord Janet M. , Jones Simon W. , Davis Edward T.
Published: November 2016

Background

Precision medicine has been adopted in a range of clinical settings where omics data have led to greater characterisation of disease and stratification of patients into subcategories of phenotypes and pathologies. However, in orthopaedics, precision medicine lags behind other disciplines such as cancer. Joint registries have now amassed a huge body of data pertaining to implant performance which can be broken down into performance statistics for different material types in different cohorts of patients. The National Joint Registry of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NJR) is now one of the largest datasets available. Other registries such as those from Sweden and Australia however contain longer follow-up. Together, these registries can provide a wealth of informative for the orthopaedics community when considering which implant to give to any particular patient.

Questions/Purposes

We aim to explore the benefits of combining multiple large data streams including joint registries, published data on osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis and pathology and data concerning performance of each implant material combination in terms of biocompatibility. We believe that this analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of implant performance hopefully aiding surgeons in making more informed choices about which implant should be used in which patient.

Methods

Data from three joint registries were combined with established literature to highlight the heterogeneity of OA disease and the different clinical outcomes following arthroplasty with a range of material types.

Results

This review confirms that joint registries are unable to consider differences in arthritis presentation or underlying drivers of pathology. OA is now recognised to present with varying pathology with differing morbidity in different patient populations. Equally, just as OA is a heterogeneous disease, there are disparate responses to wear debris from different material combinations used in joint replacement surgery. This has been highlighted by recent high-profile scrutiny of early failure of metal-on-metal total hip replacement (THR) implants.

Conclusions

Bringing together data from joint registries, biomarker analysis, phenotyping of OA patients and knowledge of how different patients respond to implant debris will lead to a truly personalised approach to treating OA patients, ensuring that the correct implant is given to the correct patient at the correct time.
BLACK–WHITE MARITAL MATCHING: RACE, ANTHROPOMETRICS, AND SOCIOECONOMICS
Authors: Chiappori Pierre-André , Oreffice Sonia , Quintana-Domeque Climent
Published: November 2016

We analyze the interaction of black–white race with physical and socioeconomic characteristics in the US marriage market, using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. We estimatewho inter-racially marries whomalong anthropometric and socioeconomic characteristics dimensions. The black women who inter-marry are the thinner and more educated in their group; instead, white women are the fatter and less educated; black or white men who inter-marry are poorer and thinner. While women in “mixed” couples find a spouse who is poorer but thinner than if they intra-married, black men match with a white woman who is more educated than if they intra-married, and a white man finds a thinner spouse in a black woman. Our general findings are consistent with the “social status exchange” hypothesis, but the finding that black men who marry white women tend to be poorer than black men who marry black women isnot.
Serologic Evaluation of MERS Screening Strategy for Healthcare Personnel During a Hospital-Associated Outbreak
Authors: Ko Jae-Hoon , Lee Ji Yeon , Baek Jin Yang , Seok Hyeri , Park Ga Eun , Lee Ji Yong , Cho Sun Young , Ha Young Eun , Kang Cheol-In , Kang Ji-Man , Kim Yae-Jean , Kang Eun-Suk , Kim So Hyun , Jo Ik Joon , Chung Chi Ryang , Hahn Myong-Joon , Müller Marcel A. , Drosten Christian , Chung Doo Ryeon , Song Jae-Hoon , Peck Kyong Ran
Published: November 2016

To evaluate the appropriateness of the screening strategy for healthcare personnel (HCP) during a hospital-associated Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, we performed a serologic investigation in 189 rRT-PCR–negative HCP exposed and assigned to MERS patients. Although 20%–25% of HCP experienced MERS-like symptoms, none of them showed seroconversion by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:234–238
Interrelation of phase-averaged volume force and capacitance of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators
Authors: Kuhnhenn M. , Simon B. , Maden I. , Kriegseis J.
Published: November 2016

Simultaneous measurements of the phase-averaged velocity distribution and the underlying discharge quantities of a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator (PA) are performed at $10~\text{k}\text{Hz}$ discharge frequency to investigate the interplay of the discharge and the surrounding flow. The underlying velocity information for the force estimation is obtained by means of phase-averaged particle image velocimetry; the discharge quantities are determined from a Lissajous-figure analysis. The results uncover a clear cause–effect relation between the phase-dependent effective discharge capacitance of the PA and the resulting spatiotemporal volume-force distributions. From this novel insight, it must be concluded that the instantaneous effective discharge intensity dominates the momentum-transfer rate rather than the formerly assumed operating voltage.
The Vulnerable giant anteaterMyrmecophaga tridactyla: new records from the Atlantic Forest highlands and an overview of its occurrence in protected areas in Brazil
Authors: Passos Fernando C. , Mello Michel C.H. , Isasi-Catalá Emiliana , Mello Raphael C. , Bernardi Itiberê P. , Varzinczak Luiz H. , Lima Camila S.
Published: November 2016

The giant anteaterMyrmecophaga tridactylais categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and is extinct in several locations as a result of environmental pressures. We present the first records of the giant anteater in the largest continuous expanse of the Atlantic Forest biome, in southern Brazil, highlighting its occurrence in the highlands of the Serra do Mar mountain range. During a camera-trapping survey of medium and large mammals we obtained two records of the species, one in 2013 and the other in 2014. These records from dense rainforest highlands indicate the importance of this environment for the giant anteater and highlight these areas as possible foci for future studies of the species. In addition, we present a review of the species’ occurrence in protected areas in Brazil, to provide a resource for the conservation of this species and for future re-evaluations.
Effects of flavonoids on intestinal inflammation, barrier integrity and changes in gut microbiota during diet-induced obesity
Authors: Gil-Cardoso Katherine , Ginés Iris , Pinent Montserrat , Ardévol Anna , Blay Mayte , Terra Ximena
Published: November 2016

Diet-induced obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation, which, in most cases, leads to the development of metabolic disorders, primarily insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Although prior studies have implicated the adipose tissue as being primarily responsible for obesity-associated inflammation, the latest discoveries have correlated impairments in intestinal immune homeostasis and the mucosal barrier with increased activation of the inflammatory pathways and the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, it is essential to define the mechanisms underlying the obesity-associated gut alterations to develop therapies to prevent and treat obesity and its associated diseases. Flavonoids appear to be promising candidates among the natural preventive treatments that have been identified to date. They have been shown to protect against several diseases, including CVD and various cancers. Furthermore, they have clear anti-inflammatory properties, which have primarily been evaluated in non-intestinal models. At present, a growing body of evidence suggests that flavonoids could exert a protective role against obesity-associated pathologies by modulating inflammatory-related cellular events in the intestine and/or the composition of the microbiota populations. The present paper will review the literature to date that has described the protective effects of flavonoids on intestinal inflammation, barrier integrity and gut microbiota in studies conducted using in vivo and in vitro models.
The importance of protected and unprotected areas for colony occupancy and colony size in White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus in and around Gola Rainforest National Park, Sierra Leone
Authors: BURGESS MALCOLM , HILLERS ANNIKA , BANNAH DENIS , MOHAMED SULLAY , SWARAY MOHAMED , TURAY BRIMA S. , VICKERY JULIET , LINDSELL JEREMY
Published: November 2016

Most attention on tropical biodiversity conservation has focussed on protected areas. Recognising and enhancing the value of biodiversity outside, as well as inside, protected areas is increasingly important given recognition that biodiversity targets will not be met through protected areas alone. We investigated the extent to which protection influences colony occupancy and colony size of a species of conservation concern, the rock-nesting White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus. We used mixed models to compare long term trends at 42 colonies located both inside and outside a protected area of forest, Gola Rainforest National Park, and considered colonies further inside the boundary as being better protected. Colony occupation was primarily predicted by the level of protection, with occupation highest within protected areas, but was not different between colonies situated close to or far from the boundary. Mean colony occupation was consistently high in protected areas, and lower in unprotected areas. The surface area of colony rocks was also an important predictor with larger rock faces having a higher probability of occupancy. Our best models also included distance to forested habitat, presence of cleared forest and evidence of hunting as less important predictors. Over the eight-year study, after controlling for rock surface area, active colony size declined significantly. However, declines were only significant in colonies in unprotected forest, whilst colonies located within protected areas were buffered from significant decline. Together this suggests colony occupancy and the number of active nests are influenced by protection and human disturbance. Although a lack of demographic and population dynamic work on picathartes prevents identifying mechanisms, we show that despite unprotected colonies having lower occupancy and fewer active nests they can persist in human altered and disturbed areas, partly because larger traditionally used rocks remain important nesting sites.
Democratic transitions, health institutions, and financial protection in the emerging economies: insights from Asia
Authors: Gómez Eduardo J.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, several emerging economies have introduced national health insurance programs ensuring access to health care while offering financial protection from out-of-pocket and catastrophic expenses. Nevertheless, in several nations these expenses continue to increase. While recent research has emphasized the lack of funding, poor policy design and corruption as the main culprits, little is known about the politics of establishing federal regulatory agencies ensuring that state governments adhere to national insurance reimbursement and coverage procedures. This article fills in this lacuna by providing an alternative perspective, one that accounts for differences between nations in the creation of regulatory institutions, with an emphasis instead on governing elite strategies to campaign on access to health care during transitions to democracy, civil societal mobilization, constitutional constraints and the national electoral incentives to overcome ineffective decentralization processes. The cases of Indonesia and China are introduced as examples of how and why their differences in this political process accounted for Indonesia’s success and China’s failure to ensure financial protection.
Epigenetic engineering reveals a balance between histone modifications and transcription in kinetochore maintenance
Authors: Molina Oscar , Vargiu Giulia , Abad Maria Alba , Zhiteneva Alisa , Jeyaprakash A. Arockia , Masumoto Hiroshi , Kouprina Natalay , Larionov Vladimir , Earnshaw William C.
Published: November 2016

Centromeres consist of specialized centrochromatin containing CENP-A nucleosomes intermingled with H3 nucleosomes carrying transcription-associated modifications. We have designed a novel synthetic biology ‘in situ epistasis’ analysis in which H3 dimethylated on lysine 4 (H3K4me2) demethylase LSD2 plus synthetic modules with competing activities are simultaneously targeted to a synthetic alphoidtetO HAC centromere. This allows us to uncouple transcription from histone modifications at the centromere. Here, we report that H3K4me2 loss decreases centromeric transcription, CENP-A assembly and stability and causes spreading of H3K9me3 across the HAC, ultimately inactivating the centromere. Surprisingly, CENP-28/Eaf6-induced transcription of the alphoidtetO array associated with H4K12 acetylation does not rescue the phenotype, whereas p65-induced transcription associated with H3K9 acetylation does rescue. Thus mitotic transcription plus histone modifications including H3K9ac constitute the ‘epigenetic landscape’ allowing CENP-A assembly and centrochromatin maintenance. H3K4me2 is required for the transcription and H3K9ac may form a barrier to prevent heterochromatin spreading and kinetochore inactivation at human centromeres.
The reversibility and first-order nature of liquid–liquid transition in a molecular liquid
Authors: Kobayashi Mika , Tanaka Hajime
Published: November 2016

Liquid–liquid transition is an intriguing phenomenon in which a liquid transforms into another liquid via the first-order transition. For molecular liquids, however, it always takes place in a supercooled liquid state metastable against crystallization, which has led to a number of serious debates concerning its origin: liquid–liquid transition versus unusual nano-crystal formation. Thus, there have so far been no single example free from such debates, to the best of our knowledge. Here we show experimental evidence that the transition is truly liquid–liquid transition and not nano-crystallization for a molecular liquid, triphenyl phosphite. We kinetically isolate the reverse liquid-liquid transition from glass transition and crystallization with a high heating rate of flash differential scanning calorimetry, and prove the reversibility and first-order nature of liquid–liquid transition. Our finding not only deepens our physical understanding of liquid–liquid transition but may also initiate a phase of its research from both fundamental and applications viewpoints.
Quantum criticality in an organic spin-liquid insulator κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3
Authors: Isono Takayuki , Terashima Taichi , Miyagawa Kazuya , Kanoda Kazushi , Uji Shinya
Published: November 2016

A quantum spin-liquid state, an exotic state of matter, appears when strong quantum fluctuations enhanced by competing exchange interactions suppress a magnetically ordered state. Generally, when an ordered state is continuously suppressed to 0 K by an external parameter, a quantum phase transition occurs. It exhibits critical scaling behaviour, characterized only by a few basic properties such as dimensions and symmetry. Here we report the low-temperature magnetic torque measurements in an organic triangular-lattice antiferromagnet, κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3, where BEDT-TTF stands for bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene. It is found that the magnetic susceptibilities derived from the torque data exhibit a universal critical scaling, indicating the quantum critical point at zero magnetic field, and the critical exponents, γ=0.83(6) and νz=1.0(1). These exponents greatly constrain the theoretical models for the quantum spin liquid, and at present, there is no theory to explain the values, to the best of our knowledge.
Experimental realization of entanglement in multiple degrees of freedom between two quantum memories
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ding Dong-Sheng , Dong Ming-Xin , Shi Shuai , Wang Kai , Liu Shi-Long , Li Yan , Zhou Zhi-Yuan , Shi Bao-Sen , Guo Guang-Can
Published: November 2016

Entanglement in multiple degrees of freedom has many benefits over entanglement in a single one. The former enables quantum communication with higher channel capacity and more efficient quantum information processing and is compatible with diverse quantum networks. Establishing multi-degree-of-freedom entangled memories is not only vital for high-capacity quantum communication and computing, but also promising for enhanced violations of nonlocality in quantum systems. However, there have been yet no reports of the experimental realization of multi-degree-of-freedom entangled memories. Here we experimentally established hyper- and hybrid entanglement in multiple degrees of freedom, including path (K-vector) and orbital angular momentum, between two separated atomic ensembles by using quantum storage. The results are promising for achieving quantum communication and computing with many degrees of freedom.
Correction: Corrigendum: IL-13Rα2 uses TMEM219 in chitinase 3-like-1-induced signalling and effector responses
Authors: Lee Chang-Min , He Chuan Hua , Nour Adel M. , Zhou Yang , Ma Bing , Park Jin Wook , Kim Kyung Hee , Cruz Charles Dela , Sharma Lokesh , Nasr Mahmoud L. , Modis Yorgo , Lee Chun Geun , Elias Jack A.
Published: November 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12752 (2016); Published 15 September 2016; Updated 14 November 2016 The financial support for this Article was not fully acknowledged. The acknowledgements should have included the following: Yorgo Modis, PhD was supported by a senior research fellowship fromthe Wellcome Trust, grant no.
Correction: Corrigendum: Synergy of endothelial and neural progenitor cells from adipose-derived stem cells to preserve neurovascular structures in rat hypoxic-ischemic brain injury
Authors: Hsueh Yuan-Yu , Chang Ya-Ju , Huang Chia-Wei , Handayani Fitri , Chiang Yi-Lun , Fan Shih-Chen , Ho Chien-Jung , Kuo Yu-Min , Yang Shang-Hsun , Chen Yuh-Ling , Lin Sheng-Che , Huang Chao-Ching , Wu Chia-Ching
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 14985; published online: 08 October 2015; updated: 14 November 2016 The original version of this Article contained errors in the affiliations. ‘Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan’ was incomplete, and now reads:
Correction: Corrigendum: Role of Excessive Autophagy Induced by Mechanical Overload in Vein Graft Neointima Formation: Prediction and Prevention
Authors: Chang Ya-Ju , Huang Hui-Chun , Hsueh Yuan-Yu , Wang Shao-Wei , Su Fong-Chin , Chang Chih-Han , Tang Ming-Jer , Li Yi-Shuan , Wang Shyh-Hau , Shung Kirk K. , Chien Shu , Wu Chia-Ching
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22147; published online: 26 February 2016; updated: 14 November 2016 The original version of this Article contained errors in the affiliations. ‘Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan’ was incomplete, and now reads: ‘Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan’
Correction: Corrigendum: Assembling Composite Dermal Papilla Spheres with Adipose-derived Stem Cells to Enhance Hair Follicle Induction
Authors: Huang Chin-Fu , Chang Ya-Ju , Hsueh Yuan-Yu , Huang Chia-Wei , Wang Duo-Hsiang , Huang Tzu-Chieh , Wu Yi-Ting , Su Fong-Chin , Hughes Michael , Chuong Cheng-Ming , Wu Chia-Ching
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26436; published online: 23 May 2016; updated: 14 November 2016 The original version of this Article contained errors in the affiliations. “Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan” was incomplete, and now reads:
Correction: Corrigendum: MoS2 memristor with photoresistive switching
Authors: Wang Wei , Panin Gennady N. , Fu Xiao , Zhang Lei , Ilanchezhiyan P. , Pelenovich Vasiliy O. , Fu Dejun , Kang Tae Won
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 31224; published online: 05 August 2016; updated: 14 November 2016
Hallucinations and conscious access to visual inputs in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lefebvre Stéphanie , Baille Guillaume , Jardri Renaud , Plomhause Lucie , Szaffarczyk Sébastien , Defebvre Luc , Thomas Pierre , Delmaire Christine , Pins Delphine , Dujardin Kathy
Published: November 2016

The pathophysiology of visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease has yet to be characterized. Although stimulus-driven (“bottom-up”) processes are known to be impaired, the role of “top-down” processes remains to be determined. Distinguishing between conscious and non-conscious detections (i.e. access to consciousness) may be a valuable way of monitoring top-down processes. Conscious access to visual inputs was investigated to identify the neural substrates underlying susceptibility to hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease. Seventeen healthy controls, 18 Parkinson’s disease patients with minor visual hallucinations and 16 without were enrolled in the study. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, the participants performed a visual detection task. The detection threshold was significantly higher in each patient group than in healthy controls while the two groups of patients did not differ significantly. Compared with hallucination-free patients, patients with minor hallucinations displayed hyperactivation of prefrontal and right occipital cortices, and hypoactivation of the left cingulate, temporal and occipital cortices. During conscious access to visual inputs, the functional network in patients with visual hallucinations differed from that seen in patients without visual hallucinations. This suggests that the supremacy of top-down processes in visual information processing may enhance susceptibility to hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease.
Oxidative costs of reproduction in mouse strains selected for different levels of food intake and which differ in reproductive performance
Authors: Jothery Aqeel H. Al , Vaanholt Lobke M. , Mody Nimesh , Arnous Anis , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Bünger Lutz , Hill William G. , Mitchell Sharon E. , Allison David B. , Speakman John R.
Published: November 2016

Oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species has been hypothesised to underpin the trade-off between reproduction and somatic maintenance, i.e., the life-history-oxidative stress theory. Previous tests of this hypothesis have proved equivocal, and it has been suggested that the variation in responses may be related to the tissues measured. Here, we measured oxidative damage (protein carbonyls, 8-OHdG) and antioxidant protection (enzymatic antioxidant activity and serum antioxidant capacity) in multiple tissues of reproductive (R) and non-reproductive (N) mice from two mouse strains selectively bred for high (H) or low (L) food intake, which differ in their reproductive performance, i.e., H mice have increased milk energy output (MEO) and wean larger pups. Levels of oxidative damage were unchanged (liver) or reduced (brain and serum) in R versus N mice, and no differences in multiple measures of oxidative protection were found between H and L mice in liver (except for Glutathione Peroxidase), brain or mammary glands. Also, there were no associations between an individual’s energetic investment (e.g., MEO) and most of the oxidative stress measures detected in various tissues. These data are inconsistent with the oxidative stress theory, but were more supportive of, but not completely consistent, with the ‘oxidative shielding’ hypothesis.
Overlooked habitat of a vulnerable gorgonian revealed in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic by ecological niche modelling
Authors: Boavida Joana , Assis Jorge , Silva Inga , Serrão Ester A.
Published: November 2016

Factors shaping the distribution of mesophotic octocorals (30–200 m depth) remain poorly understood, potentially leaving overlooked coral areas, particularly near their bathymetric and geographic distributional limits. Yet, detailed knowledge about habitat requirements is crucial for conservation of sensitive gorgonians. Here we use Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) relating thirteen environmental predictors and a highly comprehensive presence dataset, enhanced by SCUBA diving surveys, to investigate the suitable habitat of an important structuring species,Paramuricea clavata, throughout its distribution (Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic). Models showed that temperature (11.5–25.5 °C) and slope are the most important predictors carving the niche ofP. clavata. Prediction throughout the full distribution (TSS 0.9) included known locations ofP. clavataalongside with previously unknown or unreported sites along the coast of Portugal and Africa, including seamounts. These predictions increase the understanding of the potential distribution for the northern Mediterranean and indicate suitable hard bottom areas down to >150 m depth. Poorly sampled habitats with predicted presence along Algeria, Alboran Sea and adjacent Atlantic coasts encourage further investigation. We propose that surveys of target areas from the predicted distribution map, together with local expert knowledge, may lead to discoveries of newP. clavatasites and identify priority conservation areas.
Facile Growth of High-Yield Gold Nanobipyramids Induced by Chloroplatinic Acid for High Refractive Index Sensing Properties
Authors: Fang Caihong , Zhao Guili , Xiao Yanling , Zhao Jun , Zhang Zijun , Geng Baoyou
Published: November 2016

Au nanobipyramids (NBPs) have attracted great attention because of their unique localized surface plasmon resonance properties. However, the current growth methods always have low yield or suffer tedious process. Developing new ways to direct synthesis of high-yield Au NBPs using common agents is therefore desirable. Here, we employed chloroplatinic acid as the key shape-directing agent for the first time to grow Au NBPs using a modified seed-mediated method at room temperature. H2PtCl6 was added both during the seed preparation and in growth solution. Metallic Pt, reduced from chloroplatinic acid, will deposit on the surface of the seed nanoparticles and the Au nanocrystals and thus plays a critical role for the formation of Au NBPs. Additionally, the reductant, precursor, and surfactant are all cheap and commonly used. Furthermore, the Au NBPs offer narrow size distribution, two sharp tips, and a shared basis. Au NBPs therefore show much higher refractive index sensitivities than that of the Au nanorods. The refractive index sensitivities and lager figure of merit values of Au NBPs exhibit an increase of 63% and 321% respectively compared to the corresponding values of Au nanorod sample.
Hyponatremia is Associated with Fluid Imbalance and Adverse Renal Outcome in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Treated with Diuretics
Authors: Lim Lee Moay , Tsai Ni-Chin , Lin Ming-Yen , Hwang Daw-Yang , Lin Hugo You-Hsien , Lee Jia-Jung , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Hung Chi-Chih , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: November 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently complicated with hyponatremia, probably because of fluid overload or diuretic usage. Hyponatremia in CKD population is associated with increased mortality, but the effect on renal outcome was unknown. We investigated whether hyponatremia is associated with fluid status and is a prognostic indicator for adverse outcomes in a CKD cohort of 4,766 patients with 1,009 diuretic users. We found that diuretic users had worse clinical outcomes compared with diuretic non-users. Hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L) was associated with excessive volume and volume depletion, measured as total body water by bioimpedance analysis, in diuretic users, but not in diuretic non-users. Furthermore, in Cox survival analysis, hyponatremia was associated with an increased risk for renal replacement therapy (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.85, P < 0.05) in diuretic users, but not in diuretic non-users (P for interaction <0.05); restricted cubic spline model also showed a similar result. Hyponatremia was not associated with all-cause mortality or cardiovascular event whereas hypernatremia (serum sodium >141 mEq/L) was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality. Thus, hyponatremia is an indicator of fluid imbalance and also a prognostic factor for renal replacement therapy in CKD patients treated with diuretics.
Emergence of human G2P[4] rotaviruses containing animal derived gene segments in the post-vaccine era
Authors: Zeller Mark , Nuyts Valerie , Heylen Elisabeth , De Coster Sarah , Conceição-Neto Nádia , Van Ranst Marc , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: November 2016

The introduction of Rotarix into the Belgian immunization program in June 2006 coincided with an increase of the relative prevalence of G2P[4] strains. However, the genetic composition of these persistent G2P[4] strains has not been investigated. Therefore, we have investigated the NSP4 gene of 89 Belgian G2P[4] strains detected between 1999 and 2013, covering both pre- and post-vaccination periods. The NSP4 genes were divided over seven separate clusters of which six were more closely related to animal than to human strains. The NSP4 genes that clustered more closely to animal DS-1-like strains were isolated after 2004–2005 and were found throughout multiple seasons. Complete genome sequencing of 28 strains identified several other gene segments that clustered more closely to animal than to human DS-1-like strains. These findings suggest that frequent interspecies reassortments may have played a role in the spread of G2P[4] rotaviruses in the post-vaccination period in Belgium.
Energy-dense diets increase FGF23, lead to phosphorus retention and promote vascular calcifications in rats
Authors: Raya Ana I. , Rios Rafael , Pineda Carmen , Rodriguez-Ortiz Maria E. , Diez Elisa , Almaden Yolanda , Muñoz-Castañeda Juan R. , Rodriguez Mariano , Aguilera-Tejero Escolastico , Lopez Ignacio
Published: November 2016

Rats with normal renal function (Experiment 1, n = 12) and uninephrectomized (1/2Nx) rats (Experiment 2, n = 12) were fed diets with normal P (NP) and either normal (NF) or high fat (HF). Rats with intact renal function (Experiment 3, n = 12) were also fed NF or HF diets with high P (HP). Additionally, uremic (5/6Nx) rats (n = 16) were fed HP diets with NF or HF. Feeding the HF diets resulted in significant elevation of plasma FGF23 vs rats fed NF diets: Experiment 1, 593 ± 126 vs 157 ± 28 pg/ml (p < 0.01); Experiment 2, 538 ± 105 vs 250 ± 18 pg/ml (p < 0.05); Experiment 3, 971 ± 118 vs 534 ± 40 pg/ml (p < 0.01). Rats fed HF diets showed P retention and decreased renal klotho (ratio klotho/actin) vs rats fed NF diets: Experiment 1, 0.75 ± 0.06 vs 0.97 ± 0.02 (p < 0.01); Experiment 2, 0.69 ± 0.07 vs 1.12 ± 0.08 (p < 0.01); Experiment 3, 0.57 ± 0.19 vs 1.16 ± 0.15 (p < 0.05). Uremic rats fed HF diet showed more severe vascular calcification (VC) than rats fed NF diet (aortic Ca = 6.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.4 ± 0.1 mg/g tissue, p < 0.001). In conclusion, energy-rich diets increased plasma levels of FGF23, a known risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Even though FGF23 has major phosphaturic actions, feeding HF diets resulted in P retention, likely secondary to decreased renal klotho, and aggravated uremic VC.
Interpersonal violence and the prediction of short-term risk of repeat suicide attempt
Authors: Haglund Axel , Lindh Åsa U. , Lysell Henrik , Renberg Ellinor Salander , Jokinen Jussi , Waern Margda , Runeson Bo
Published: November 2016

In this multi-center cohort study, suicide attempters presenting to hospital (N = 355, 63% women) were interviewed using the Karolinska Interpersonal Violence Scale (KIVS) and followed-up by medical record review. Main outcome was non-fatal or fatal repeat suicide attempt within six months. Also, repeat attempt using a violent method was used as an additional outcome in separate analyses. Data were analyzed for the total group and for men and women separately. Repeat attempts were observed within six months in 78 persons (22%) and 21 (6%) of these used a violent method. KIVS total score of 6 or more was associated with repeat suicide attempt within six months (OR = 1.81, CI 1.08–3.02) and predicted new attempts with a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 53%. A three-fold increase in odds ratio was observed for repeat attempt using a violent method (OR = 3.40, CI 1.22–9.49). An association between exposure to violence in adulthood and violent reattempt was seen in women (OR = 1.38, CI 1.06–1.82). The overall conclusions are that information about interpersonal violence may help predict short-term risk for repeat suicide attempt, and that structured assessment of interpersonal violence may be of value in risk assessment after attempted suicide.
Revealing the core-shell interactions of a giant strain relaxor ferroelectric 0.75Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-0.25SrTiO3
Authors: Liu Na , Acosta Matias , Wang Shuai , Xu Bai-Xiang , Stark Robert W. , Dietz Christian
Published: November 2016

Lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics that feature a core-shell microstructure provide an excellent electromechanical response. They even have the potential to replace the environmentally hazardous lead-zirconia-titanate (PZT) in large strain actuation applications. Although the dielectric properties of core-shell ceramics have been extensively investigated, their piezoelectric properties are not yet well understood. To unravel the interfacial core-shell interaction, we studied the relaxation behaviour of field-induced ferroelectric domains in 0.75Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-0.25SrTiO3 (BNT-25ST), as a typical core-shell bulk material, using a piezoresponse force microscope. We found that after poling, lateral domains emerged at the core-shell interface and propagated to the shell region. Phase field simulations showed that the increased electrical potential beneath the core is responsible for the in-plane domain evolution. Our results imply that the field-induced domains act as pivotal points at the coherent heterophase core-shell interface, reinforcing the phase transition in the non-polar shell and thus promoting the giant strain.
Detection-dependent six-photon Holland-Burnett state interference
Authors: Jin Rui-Bo , Fujiwara Mikio , Shimizu Ryosuke , Collins Robert J. , Buller Gerald S. , Yamashita Taro , Miki Shigehito , Terai Hirotaka , Takeoka Masahiro , Sasaki Masahide
Published: November 2016

The NOON state, and its experimental approximation the Holland-Burnett state, have important applications in phase sensing measurement with enhanced sensitivity. However, most of the previous Holland-Burnett state interference (HBSI) experiments only investigated the area of the interference pattern in the region immediately around zero optical path length difference, while the full HBSI pattern over a wide range of optical path length differences has not yet been well explored. In this work, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate up to six-photon HBSI and study the properties of the interference patterns over a wide range of optical path length differences. It was found that the shape, the coherence time and the visibility of the interference patterns were strongly dependent on the detection schemes. This work paves the way for applications which are based on the envelope of the HBSI pattern, such as quantum spectroscopy and quantum metrology.
SAV742, a Novel AraC-Family Regulator from Streptomyces avermitilis, Controls Avermectin Biosynthesis, Cell Growth and Development
Authors: Sun Di , Zhu Jianya , Chen Zhi , Li Jilun , Wen Ying
Published: November 2016

Avermectins are useful anthelmintic antibiotics produced by Streptomyces avermitilis. We demonstrated that a novel AraC-family transcriptional regulator in this species, SAV742, is a global regulator that negatively controls avermectin biosynthesis and cell growth, but positively controls morphological differentiation. Deletion of its gene, sav_742, increased avermectin production and dry cell weight, but caused delayed formation of aerial hyphae and spores. SAV742 directly inhibited avermectin production by repressing transcription of ave structural genes, and also directly regulated its own gene (sav_742) and adjacent gene sig8 (sav_741). The precise SAV742-binding site on its own promoter region was determined by DNase I footprinting assay coupled with site-directed DNA mutagenesis, and 5-nt inverted repeats (GCCGA-n10/n12-TCGGC) were found to be essential for SAV742 binding. Similar 5-nt inverted repeats separated by 3, 10 or 15 nt were found in the promoter regions of target ave genes and sig8. The SAV742 regulon was predicted based on bioinformatic analysis. Twenty-six new SAV742 targets were identified and experimentally confirmed, including genes involved in primary metabolism, secondary metabolism and development. Our findings indicate that SAV742 plays crucial roles in not only avermectin biosynthesis but also coordination of complex physiological processes in S. avermitilis.
A high throughput approach for analysis of cell nuclear deformability at single cell level
Authors: Ermis Menekse , Akkaynak Derya , Chen Pu , Demirci Utkan , Hasirci Vasif
Published: November 2016

Various physiological and pathological processes, such as cell differentiation, migration, attachment, and metastasis are highly dependent on nuclear elasticity. Nuclear morphology directly reflects the elasticity of the nucleus. We propose that quantification of changes in nuclear morphology on surfaces with defined topography will enable us to assess nuclear elasticity and deformability. Here, we used soft lithography techniques to produce 3 dimensional (3-D) cell culture substrates decorated with micron sized pillar structures of variable aspect ratios and dimensions to induce changes in cellular and nuclear morphology. We developed a high content image analysis algorithm to quantify changes in nuclear morphology at the single-cell level in response to physical cues from the 3-D culture substrate. We present that nuclear stiffness can be used as a physical parameter to evaluate cancer cells based on their lineage and in comparison to non-cancerous cells originating from the same tissue type. This methodology can be exploited for systematic study of mechanical characteristics of large cell populations complementing conventional tools such as atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation.