bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Selection and Classification of Infrared Excess Emission Stars Based on AKARI and 2MASS Data
Authors: Huang Ya-Fang , Li Jin-Zeng , Yuan Jing-hua , Liu Hong-Li
Published: March 2017

The selection of young stellar objects (YSOs) based on excess emission in the infrared is easily contaminated by post-main-sequence stars and various types of emission line stars with similar properties. We define in this paper stringent criteria for an efficient selection and classification of stellar sources with infrared excess emission based on combined Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) and AKARI colors.
Submillimeter View of Gas and Dust in the Forming Super Star Cluster in NGC 5253
Authors: Turner Jean L.
Published: March 2017

A giant molecular cloud has been detected surrounding the supernebula in NGC 5253, revealing details of the formation and feedback process in a very massive star cluster. “Cloud D” was recently mapped in CO J = 3–2 with the Submillimeter Array. The cloud surrounds a currently forming massive cluster of mass ~ 106 M⊙, and luminosity ~ 109 L⊙. Cloud D is hot, clearly associated with the cluster, yet kinematically relatively quiescent. The dust mass is ~ 15,000 M⊙, for a gas-to-dust ratio of ~ 50, nearly an order of magnitude lower than expected for this low metallicity galaxy. We posit that enrichment by the cluster, leading to a stalled cluster wind, has created the unusual conditions in Cloud D. The absence of current mechanical impact of the young cluster on the cloud, in spite of the presence of thousands of O stars, may permit future generations of stars to form near the massive cluster.
Westerlund 1: monolithic formation of a starburst cluster
Authors: Negueruela Ignacio , Clark J. Simon , Ritchie Ben W. , Goodwin Simon P.
Published: March 2017

Westerlund 1 is in all likelihood the most massive young cluster in the Milky Way, with a mass on the order of 105M⊙. To determine its bulk properties we have made multi-epoch radial velocity measurements for a substantial fraction of its OB stars and evolved supergiants and obtained multi-object spectroscopy of candidate cluster members in its locale. The results of these two studies show that Westerlund 1 is apparently subvirial and appears completely isolated, with hardly any massive star in its vicinity that could be associated with it in terms of distance modulus or radial velocity. The cluster halo does not extend much further than five parsec away from the centre. All these properties are very unusual among starburst clusters in the Local Universe, which tend to form in the context of large star-forming regions.
AGU Board Vacancy Filled, Council Leaders Chosen
Authors: Leinen Margaret , Bell Robin , Finn Carol
Published: March 2017

American Geophysical Union members elected Lisa Graumlich to the AGU Board of Directors. AGU's Council also selected its new leadership team, heeding diversity criteria.
Development of the macaque face-patch system
Authors: Livingstone Margaret S. , Vincent Justin L. , Arcaro Michael J. , Srihasam Krishna , Schade Peter F. , Savage Tristram
Published: March 2017

Face recognition is highly proficient in humans and other social primates; it emerges in infancy, but the development of the neural mechanisms supporting this behaviour is largely unknown. We use blood-volume functional MRI to monitor longitudinally the responsiveness to faces, scrambled faces, and objects in macaque inferotemporal cortex (IT) from 1 month to 2 years of age. During this time selective responsiveness to monkey faces emerges. Some functional organization is present at 1 month; face-selective patches emerge over the first year of development, and are remarkably stable once they emerge. Face selectivity is refined by a decreasing responsiveness to non-face stimuli.
Synthesizing topological structures containing RNA
Authors: Liu Di , Shao Yaming , Chen Gang , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching , Piccirilli Joseph A. , Weizmann Yossi
Published: March 2017

Though knotting and entanglement have been observed in DNA and proteins, their existence in RNA remains an enigma. Synthetic RNA topological structures are significant for understanding the physical and biological properties pertaining to RNA topology, and these properties in turn could facilitate identifying naturally occurring topologically nontrivial RNA molecules. Here we show that topological structures containing single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) free of strong base pairing interactions can be created either by configuring RNA–DNA hybrid four-way junctions or by template-directed synthesis with a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) topological structure. By using a constructed ssRNA knot as a highly sensitive topological probe, we find thatEscherichia coliDNA topoisomerase I has low RNA topoisomerase activity and that the R173A point mutation abolishes the unknotting activity for ssRNA, but not for ssDNA. Furthermore, we discover the topological inhibition of reverse transcription (RT) and obtain different RT–PCR patterns for an ssRNA knot and circle of the same sequence.
The histone H3K9 methyltransferase SUV39H links SIRT1 repression to myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Guang , Weng Xinyu , Zhao Yuhao , Zhang Xinjian , Hu Yuanping , Dai Xin , Liang Peng , Wang Peng , Ma LeiLei , Sun Xiaolei , Hou Lei , Xu Huihui , Fang Mingming , Li Yuehua , Jenuwein Thomas , Xu Yong , Sun Aijun
Published: March 2017

Myocardial infarction (MI) dampens heart function and poses a great health risk. The class III deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is known to confer cardioprotection. SIRT1 expression is downregulated in the heart by a number of stress stimuli that collectively drive the pathogenesis of MI, although the underlying mechanism remains largely obscure. Here we show that in primary rat neonatal ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), ischaemic or oxidative stress leads to a rapid upregulation of SUV39H, the mammalian histone H3K9 methyltransferase, paralleling SIRT1 downregulation. Compared to wild-type littermates, SUV39H knockout mice are protected from MI. Likewise, suppression of SUV39H activity with chaetocin attenuates cardiac injury following MI. Mechanistically, SUV39H cooperates with heterochromatin protein 1 gamma (HP1γ) to catalyse H3K9 trimethylation on the SIRT1 promoter and represses SIRT1 transcription. SUV39H augments intracellular ROS levels in a SIRT1-dependent manner. Our data identify a previously unrecognized role for SUV39H linking SIRT1 trans-repression to myocardial infarction.
Integrated arrays of air-dielectric graphene transistors as transparent active-matrix pressure sensors for wide pressure ranges
Authors: Shin Sung-Ho , Ji Sangyoon , Choi Seiho , Pyo Kyoung-Hee , Wan An Byeong , Park Jihun , Kim Joohee , Kim Ju-Young , Lee Ki-Suk , Kwon Soon-Yong , Heo Jaeyeong , Park Byong-Guk , Park Jang-Ung
Published: March 2017

Integrated electronic circuitries with pressure sensors have been extensively researched as a key component for emerging electronics applications such as electronic skins and health-monitoring devices. Although existing pressure sensors display high sensitivities, they can only be used for specific purposes due to the narrow range of detectable pressure (under tens of kPa) and the difficulty of forming highly integrated arrays. However, it is essential to develop tactile pressure sensors with a wide pressure range in order to use them for diverse application areas including medical diagnosis, robotics or automotive electronics. Here we report an unconventional approach for fabricating fully integrated active-matrix arrays of pressure-sensitive graphene transistors with air-dielectric layers simply formed by folding two opposing panels. Furthermore, this realizes a wide tactile pressure sensing range from 250 Pa to ∼3 MPa. Additionally, fabrication of pressure sensor arrays and transparent pressure sensors are demonstrated, suggesting their substantial promise as next-generation electronics.
Tissue Harvesting Site and Culture Medium Affect Attachment, Growth, and Phenotype of Ex Vivo Expanded Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Islam Rakibul , Eidet Jon Roger , Badian Reza A. , Lippestad Marit , Messelt Edward , Griffith May , Dartt Darlene A. , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: March 2017

Transplantation of cultured oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) is a promising treatment strategy for limbal stem cell deficiency. In order to improve the culture method, we investigated the effects of four culture media and tissue harvesting sites on explant attachment, growth, and phenotype of OMECs cultured from Sprague-Dawley rats. Neither choice of media or harvesting site impacted the ability of the explants to attach to the culture well. Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium/Ham’s F12 (DMEM) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium (RPMI) supported the largest cellular outgrowth. Fold outgrowth was superior from LL explants compared to explants from the buccal mucosa (BM), HP, and transition zone of the lower lip (TZ) after six-day culture. Putative stem cell markers were detected in cultures grown in DMEM and RPMI. In DMEM, cells from TZ showed higher colony-forming efficiency than LL, BM, and HP. In contrast to RPMI, DMEM both expressed the putative stem cell marker Bmi-1 and yielded cell colonies. Our data suggest that OMECs from LL and TZ cultured in DMEM give rise to undifferentiated cells with high growth capacity, and hence are the most promising for treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency.
Delivery of ENaC siRNA to epithelial cells mediated by a targeted nanocomplex: a therapeutic strategy for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Manunta Maria D. I. , Tagalakis Aristides D. , Attwood Martin , Aldossary Ahmad M. , Barnes Josephine L. , Munye Mustafa M. , Weng Alexander , McAnulty Robin J , Hart Stephen L.
Published: March 2017

The inhibition of ENaC may have therapeutic potential in CF airways by reducing sodium hyperabsorption, restoring lung epithelial surface fluid levels, airway hydration and mucociliary function. The challenge has been to deliver siRNA to the lung with sufficient efficacy for a sustained therapeutic effect. We have developed a self-assembling nanocomplex formulation for siRNA delivery to the airways that consists of a liposome (DOTMA/DOPE; L), an epithelial targeting peptide (P) and siRNA (R). LPR formulations were assessed for their ability to silence expression of the transcript of the gene encoding the α-subunit of the sodium channel ENaC in cell lines and primary epithelial cells, in submerged cultures or grown in air-liquid interface conditions. LPRs, containing 50 nM or 100 nM siRNA, showed high levels of silencing, particularly in primary airway epithelial cells. When nebulised these nanocomplexes still retained their biophysical properties and transfection efficiencies. The silencing ability was determined at protein level by confocal microscopy and western blotting. In vivo data demonstrated that these nanoparticles had the ability to silence expression of the α-ENaC subunit gene. In conclusion, these findings show that LPRs can modulate the activity of ENaC and this approach might be promising as co-adjuvant therapy for cystic fibrosis.
Cartilage Tissue Engineering by the 3D Bioprinting of iPS Cells in a Nanocellulose/Alginate Bioink
Authors: Nguyen Duong , Hägg Daniel A. , Forsman Alma , Ekholm Josefine , Nimkingratana Puwapong , Brantsing Camilla , Kalogeropoulos Theodoros , Zaunz Samantha , Concaro Sebastian , Brittberg Mats , Lindahl Anders , Gatenholm Paul , Enejder Annika , Simonsson Stina
Published: March 2017

Cartilage lesions can progress into secondary osteoarthritis and cause severe clinical problems in numerous patients. As a prospective treatment of such lesions, human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were shown to be 3D bioprinted into cartilage mimics using a nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) composite bioink when co-printed with irradiated human chondrocytes. Two bioinks were investigated: NFC with alginate (NFC/A) or hyaluronic acid (NFC/HA). Low proliferation and phenotypic changes away from pluripotency were seen in the case of NFC/HA. However, in the case of the 3D-bioprinted NFC/A (60/40, dry weight % ratio) constructs, pluripotency was initially maintained, and after five weeks, hyaline-like cartilaginous tissue with collagen type II expression and lacking tumorigenic Oct4 expression was observed in 3D -bioprinted NFC/A (60/40, dry weight % relation) constructs. Moreover, a marked increase in cell number within the cartilaginous tissue was detected by 2-photon fluorescence microscopy, indicating the importance of high cell densities in the pursuit of achieving good survival after printing. We conclude that NFC/A bioink is suitable for bioprinting iPSCs to support cartilage production in co-cultures with irradiated chondrocytes.
The Role of Heparanase in the Pathogenesis of Acute Pancreatitis: A Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Khamaysi Iyad , Singh Preeti , Nasser Susan , Awad Hoda , Chowers Yehuda , Sabo Edmond , Hammond Edward , Gralnek Ian , Minkov Irena , Noseda Alessandro , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel , Abassi Zaid
Published: March 2017

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common diseases in gastroenterology. However, neither the etiology nor the pathophysiology of the disease is fully understood and no specific or effective treatment has been developed. Heparanase is an endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate (HS) side chains of HS sulfate proteoglycans into shorter oligosaccharides, activity that is highly implicated in cellular invasion associated with cancer metastasis and inflammation. Given that AP involves a strong inflammatory aspect, we examined whether heparanase plays a role in AP. Here, we provide evidence that pancreatic heparanase expression and activity are significantly increased following cerulein treatment. Moreover, pancreas edema and inflammation, as well as the induction of cytokines and signaling molecules following cerulein treatment were attenuated markedly by heparanase inhibitors, implying that heparanase plays a significant role in AP. Notably, all the above features appear even more pronounced in transgenic mice over expressing heparanase, suggesting that these mice can be utilized as a sensitive model system to reveal the molecular mechanism by which heparanase functions in AP. Heparanase, therefore, emerges as a potential new target in AP, and heparanase inhibitors, now in phase I/II clinical trials in cancer patients, are hoped to prove beneficial also in AP.
Ultra-thin clay layers facilitate seismic slip in carbonate faults
Authors: Smeraglia Luca , Billi Andrea , Carminati Eugenio , Cavallo Andrea , Di Toro Giulio , Spagnuolo Elena , Zorzi Federico
Published: March 2017

Many earthquakes propagate up to the Earth’s surface producing surface ruptures. Seismic slip propagation is facilitated by along-fault low dynamic frictional resistance, which is controlled by a number of physico-chemical lubrication mechanisms. In particular, rotary shear experiments conducted at seismic slip rates (1 ms−1) show that phyllosilicates can facilitate co-seismic slip along faults during earthquakes. This evidence is crucial for hazard assessment along oceanic subduction zones, where pelagic clays participate in seismic slip propagation. Conversely, the reason why, in continental domains, co-seismic slip along faults can propagate up to the Earth’s surface is still poorly understood. We document the occurrence of micrometer-thick phyllosilicate-bearing layers along a carbonate-hosted seismogenic extensional fault in the central Apennines, Italy. Using friction experiments, we demonstrate that, at seismic slip rates (1 ms−1), similar calcite gouges with pre-existing phyllosilicate-bearing (clay content ≤3 wt.%) micro-layers weaken faster than calcite gouges or mixed calcite-phyllosilicate gouges. We thus propose that, within calcite gouge, ultra-low clay content (≤3 wt.%) localized along micrometer-thick layers can facilitate seismic slip propagation during earthquakes in continental domains, possibly enhancing surface displacement.
Lanthanum hexaboride for solar energy applications
Authors: Sani Elisa , Mercatelli Luca , Meucci Marco , Zoli Luca , Sciti Diletta
Published: March 2017

We investigate the optical properties of LaB6 – based materials, as possible candidates for solid absorbers in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems. Bulk LaB6 materials were thermally consolidated by hot pressing starting from commercial powders. To assess the solar absorbance and spectral selectivity properties, room-temperature hemispherical reflectance spectra were measured from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared, considering different compositions, porosities and surface roughnesses. Thermal emittance at around 1100 K has been measured. Experimental results showed that LaB6 can have a solar absorbance comparable to that of the most advanced solar absorber material in actual plants such as Silicon Carbide, with a higher spectral selectivity. Moreover, LaB6 has also the appealing characteristics to be a thermionic material, so that it could act at the same time both as direct high-temperature solar absorber and as electron source, significantly reducing system complexity in future concentrating solar thermionic systems and bringing a real innovation in this field.
Structural Insight into the Specific DNA Template Binding to DnaG primase in Bacteria
Authors: Zhou Yingqin , Luo Hao , Liu Zhongchuan , Yang Mu , Pang Xiaoyun , Sun Fei , Wang Ganggang
Published: March 2017

Bacterial primase initiates the repeated synthesis of short RNA primers that are extended by DNA polymerase to synthesize Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand at replication forks. It remains unclear how the enzyme recognizes specific initiation sites. In this study, the DnaG primase from Bacillus subtilis (BsuDnaG) was characterized and the crystal structure of the RNA polymerase domain (RPD) was determined. Structural comparisons revealed that the tethered zinc binding domain plays an important role in the interactions between primase and specific template sequence. Structural and biochemical data defined the ssDNA template binding surface as an L shape, and a model for the template ssDNA binding to primase is proposed. The flexibility of the DnaG primases from B. subtilis and G. stearothermophilus were compared, and the results implied that the intrinsic flexibility of the primase may facilitate the interactions between primase and various partners in the replisome. These results shed light on the mechanism by which DnaG recognizes the specific initiation site.
Intubation-free in vivo imaging of the tracheal mucosa using two-photon microscopy
Authors: Veres Tibor Z. , Kopcsányi Tamás , Tirri Marko , Braun Armin , Miyasaka Masayuki , Germain Ronald N. , Jalkanen Sirpa , Salmi Marko
Published: March 2017

The mucosal layer of conducting airways is the primary tissue exposed to inhaled microorganisms, allergens and pollutants. We developed an in vivo two-photon microscopic approach that allows performing dynamic imaging studies in the mouse trachea, which is a commonly used in vivo model of human small-diameter bronchi. By providing stabilized access to the tracheal mucosa without intubation, our setup uniquely allows dynamic in vivo imaging of mucociliary clearance and steady-state immune cell behavior within the complex airway mucosal tissue.
Amide hydrogens reveal a temperature-dependent structural transition that enhances site-II Ca2+-binding affinity in a C-domain mutant of cardiac troponin C
Authors: Veltri Tiago , de Oliveira Guilherme A. P. , Bienkiewicz Ewa A. , Palhano Fernando L. , Marques Mayra de A. , Moraes Adolfo H. , Silva Jerson L. , Sorenson Martha M. , Pinto Jose R.
Published: March 2017

The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-associated mutant D145E, in cardiac troponin C (cTnC) C-domain, causes generalised instability at multiple sites in the isolated protein. As a result, structure and function of the mutant are more susceptible to higher temperatures. Above 25 °C there are large, progressive increases in N-domain Ca2+-binding affinity for D145E but only small changes for the wild-type protein. NMR-derived backbone amide temperature coefficients for many residues show a sharp transition above 30–40 °C, indicating a temperature-dependent conformational change that is most prominent around the mutated EF-hand IV, as well as throughout the C-domain. Smaller, isolated changes occur in the N-domain. Cardiac skinned fibres reconstituted with D145E are more sensitive to Ca2+ than fibres reconstituted with wild-type, and this defect is amplified near body-temperature. We speculate that the D145E mutation destabilises the native conformation of EF-hand IV, leading to a transient unfolding and dissociation of helix H that becomes more prominent at higher temperatures. This creates exposed hydrophobic surfaces that may be capable of binding unnaturally to a variety of targets, possibly including the N-domain of cTnC when it is in its open Ca2+-saturated state. This would constitute a potential route for propagating signals from one end of TnC to the other.
An Assay System for Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Tuberculosis using Commercially Manufactured PCB Technology
Authors: Evans Daniel , Papadimitriou Konstantinos I. , Greathead Louise , Vasilakis Nikolaos , Pantelidis Panagiotis , Kelleher Peter , Morgan Hywel , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: March 2017

Rapid advances in clinical technologies, detection sensitivity and analytical throughput have delivered a significant expansion in our knowledge of prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in many common infectious diseases, such as Tuberculosis (TB). During the last decade, a significant number of approaches to TB diagnosis have been attempted at Point-of-Care (PoC), exploiting a large variation of techniques and materials. In this work, we describe an electronics-based Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (eELISA), using a Lab-on-a-Printed Circuit Board (LoPCB) approach, for TB diagnosis based on cytokine detection. The test relies upon an electrochemical (amperometric) assay, comprising a high-precision bioinstrumentation board and amperometric sensors, produced exclusively using standard PCB manufacturing processes. Electrochemical detection uses standard Au and Ag electrodes together with a bespoke, low-power, multichannel, portable data-acquisition system. We demonstrate high-performance assay chemistry performed at microfluidic volumes on Au pads directly at the PCB surface with improved limit of detection (~10 pg/mL) over standard colorimetric ELISA methods. The assay has also been implemented in plasma, showing the utility of the system for medical applications. This work is a significant step towards the development of a low-cost, portable, high-precision diagnostic and monitoring technology, which once combined with appropriate PCB-based microfluidic networks will provide complete LoPCB platforms.
Sodium fluoride induces nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress-regulated mitochondrial SIRT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Song Chao , Fu Beibei , Zhang Jingcheng , Zhao Jiamin , Yuan Mengke , Peng Wei , Zhang Yong , Wu Haibo
Published: March 2017

Accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fluorosis. As the main mitochondrial deacetylase, SIRT3 is closely associated with oxidative stress. To investigate the role of SIRT3 in response to sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced nephrotoxicity. Our results showed that NaF treatment impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure, decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in TCMK-1 cells. Oxidative stress, detected by mROS and 8-Hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were higher in NaF-treated cells, accompanied by decreased level of reduced glutathione (GSH). NaF reduces manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression through SIRT3-mediated DNA-binding activity of FoxO3a and decrease SOD2 activity by inhibiting SIRT3-mediated deacetylation. These effects were ameliorated by overexpression of SIRT3. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator 1a (PGC-1α) interacted with nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2) that bound to SIRT3 promoter to regulate SIRT3 expression. The study provides new insights into a critical NRF2/PGC-1α-SIRT3 pathway in response to NaF-induced nephritic oxidative injury. In vivo treatment of SIRT3-expressing adenovirus protects against NaF-induced nephritic injury in mice. Moreover, mechanistic study revealed that ERK1/2 activation was associated with increased apoptosis induced by NaF. In conclusion, these data shedding light on new approaches for treatment of NaF-induced nephrotoxicity.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the Bacillus cereus group bacteria from diverse marine environments
Authors: Liu Yang , Lai Qiliang , Du Juan , Shao Zongze
Published: March 2017

The phylogenetic diversity of marine bacteria belonged to the Bacillus cereus group has not been well investigated. Here, we present the genetic diversity and population structure of 71 bacteria from diverse marine environments, using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach and the analyses of digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on some representative genomic sequences. The MLST analysis demonstrated that these isolates were highly diverse and a wide distribution in marine environments and some of them showed niche specificity to some extent. They were assigned to 27 sequence types (STs) with 23 novel STs. Phylogenetic analysis of 82 bacteria containing 11 type strains based on MLST discriminated them as 20 clusters including 10 new ones. Both the dDDH and ANI results supported the proposition that each of 20 clusters represented one independent species, including 10 putative novel species. Values of 98.3% of MLST similarity and 96.2% of ANI were proposed as the standard for the species definition of this group. In summary, the first insight into the phylogenetic diversity of the group bacteria from marine environments will contribute to better understanding of their ecological role and evolution in contrast with terrestrial environments.
Engaging in a tone-detection task differentially modulates neural activity in the auditory cortex, amygdala, and striatum
Authors: Zhong Renjia , Ma Lanlan , Qin Ling
Published: March 2017

The relationship between attention and sensory coding is an area of active investigation. Previous studies have revealed that an animal’s behavioral state can play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics of neural responses in the auditory cortex (AC). However, behavioral modulation of auditory response in brain areas outside the AC is not well studied. In this study, we used the same experimental paradigm to examine the effects of attention on neural activity in multiple brain regions including the primary auditory cortex (A1), posterior auditory field (PAF), amygdala (AMY), and striatum (STR). Single-unit spike activity was recorded while cats were actively performing a tone-detection task or passively listening to the same tones. We found that tone-evoked neural responses in A1 were not significantly affected by task-engagement; however, those in PAF and AMY were enhanced, and those in STR were suppressed. The enhanced effect was associated with an improvement of accuracy of tone detection, which was estimated from the spike activity. Additionally, the firing rates of A1 and PAF neurons decreased upon motor response (licking) during the detection task. Our results suggest that attention may have different effects on auditory responsive brain areas depending on their physiological functions.
A recent deep earthquake doublet in light of long-term evolution of Nazca subduction
Authors: Zahradník J. , Čížková H. , Bina C. R. , Sokos E. , Janský J. , Tavera H. , Carvalho J.
Published: March 2017

Earthquake faulting at ~600 km depth remains puzzling. Here we present a new kinematic interpretation of two Mw7.6 earthquakes of November 24, 2015. In contrast to teleseismic analysis of this doublet, we use regional seismic data providing robust two-point source models, further validated by regional back-projection and rupture-stop analysis. The doublet represents segmented rupture of a ∼30-year gap in a narrow, deep fault zone, fully consistent with the stress field derived from neighbouring 1976–2015 earthquakes. Seismic observations are interpreted using a geodynamic model of regional subduction, incorporating realistic rheology and major phase transitions, yielding a model slab that is nearly vertical in the deep-earthquake zone but stagnant below 660 km, consistent with tomographic imaging. Geodynamically modelled stresses match the seismically inferred stress field, where the steeply down-dip orientation of compressive stress axes at ∼600 km arises from combined viscous and buoyant forces resisting slab penetration into the lower mantle and deformation associated with slab buckling and stagnation. Observed fault-rupture geometry, demonstrated likelihood of seismic triggering, and high model temperatures in young subducted lithosphere, together favour nanometric crystallisation (and associated grain-boundary sliding) attending high-pressure dehydration as a likely seismogenic mechanism, unless a segment of much older lithosphere is present at depth.
Structural mechanisms for α-conotoxin activity at the human α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Abraham Nikita , Healy Michael , Ragnarsson Lotten , Brust Andreas , Alewood Paul F. , Lewis Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are therapeutic targets for a range of human diseases. α-Conotoxins are naturally occurring peptide antagonists of nAChRs that have been used as pharmacological probes and investigated as drug leads for nAChR related disorders. However, α-conotoxin interactions have been mostly characterised at the α7 and α3β2 nAChRs, with interactions at other subtypes poorly understood. This study provides novel structural insights into the molecular basis for α-conotoxin activity at α3β4 nAChR, a therapeutic target where subtype specific antagonists have potential to treat nicotine addiction and lung cancer. A co-crystal structure of α-conotoxin LsIA with Lymnaea stagnalis acetylcholine binding protein guided the design and functional characterisations of LsIA analogues that identified the minimum pharmacophore regulating α3β4 antagonism. Interactions of the LsIA R10F with β4 K57 and the conserved –NN– α-conotoxin motif with β4 I77 and I109 conferred α3β4 activity to the otherwise inactive LsIA. Using these structural insights, we designed LsIA analogues with α3β4 activity. This new understanding of the structural basis of protein-protein interactions between α-conotoxins and α3β4 may help rationally guide the development of α3β4 selective antagonists with therapeutic potential.
Exposure to paternal tobacco smoking increased child hospitalization for lower respiratory infections but not for other diseases in Vietnam
Authors: Miyahara Reiko , Takahashi Kensuke , Anh Nguyen Thi Hien , Thiem Vu Dinh , Suzuki Motoi , Yoshino Hiroshi , Tho Le Huu , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Cox Sharon E. , Yoshida Lay Myint , Anh Dang Duc , Ariyoshi Koya , Yasunami Michio
Published: March 2017

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is an important modifiable risk factor for child hospitalization, although its contribution is not well documented in countries where ETS due to maternal tobacco smoking is negligible. We conducted a birth cohort study of 1999 neonates between May 2009 and May 2010 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, to evaluate paternal tobacco smoking as a risk factor for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Hospitalizations during a 24-month observation period were identified using hospital records. The effect of paternal exposure during pregnancy and infancy on infectious disease incidence was evaluated using Poisson regression models. In total, 35.6% of 1624 children who attended follow-up visits required at least one hospitalization by 2 years of age, and the most common reason for hospitalization was lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Paternal tobacco smoking independently increased the risk of LRTI 1.76-fold (95% CI: 1.24–2.51) after adjusting for possible confounders but was not associated with any other cause of hospitalization. The population attributable fraction indicated that effective interventions to prevent paternal smoking in the presence of children would reduce LRTI-related hospitalizations by 14.8% in this epidemiological setting.
Wide-Range Probing of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya Interaction
Authors: Kim Duck-Ho , Yoo Sang-Cheol , Kim Dae-Yun , Min Byoung-Chul , Choe Sug-Bong
Published: March 2017

The Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) in magnetic objects is of enormous interest, because it generates built-in chirality of magnetic domain walls (DWs) and topologically protected skyrmions, leading to efficient motion driven by spin–orbit torques. Because of its importance for both potential applications and fundamental research, many experimental efforts have been devoted to DMI investigation. However, current experimental probing techniques cover only limited ranges of the DMI strength and have specific sample requirements. Thus, there are no versatile methods to quantify DMI over a wide range of values. Here, we present such an experimental scheme, which is based on the angular dependence of asymmetric DW motion. This method can be used to determine values of DMI much larger than the maximum strength of the external magnetic field strength, which demonstrates that various DMI strengths can be quantified with a single measurement setup. This scheme may thus prove essential to DMI-related emerging fields in nanotechnology.
Genomic structure of the horse major histocompatibility complex class II region resolved using PacBio long-read sequencing technology
Authors: Viļuma Agnese , Mikko Sofia , Hahn Daniela , Skow Loren , Andersson Göran , Bergström Tomas F.
Published: March 2017

The mammalian Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region contains several gene families characterized by highly polymorphic loci with extensive nucleotide diversity, copy number variation of paralogous genes, and long repetitive sequences. This structural complexity has made it difficult to construct a reliable reference sequence of the horse MHC region. In this study, we used long-read single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology from Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) to sequence eight Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clones spanning the horse MHC class II region. The final assembly resulted in a 1,165,328 bp continuous gap free sequence with 35 manually curated genomic loci of which 23 were considered to be functional and 12 to be pseudogenes. In comparison to the MHC class II region in other mammals, the corresponding region in horse shows extraordinary copy number variation and different relative location and directionality of the Eqca-DRB, -DQA, -DQB and –DOB loci. This is the first long-read sequence assembly of the horse MHC class II region with rigorous manual gene annotation, and it will serve as an important resource for association studies of immune-mediated equine diseases and for evolutionary analysis of genetic diversity in this region.
Passive smoking and stroke in men and women: a national population-based case-control study in China
Authors: Hou Lei , Han Wei , Jiang Jingmei , Liu Boqi , Wu Yanping , Zou Xiaonong , Xue Fang , Chen Yuanli , Zhang Biao , Pang Haiyu , Wang Yuyan , Wang Zixing , Hu Yaoda , Li Junyao
Published: March 2017

An association between passive smoking and stroke is unclear in China, particularly the association with hemorrhagic stroke. This study included 16205 deaths due to stroke aged ≥30 years and 16205 non-stroke controls randomly selected and frequency-matched to cases on gender and age. Smoking of spouses, defined as ≥1 cigarette per day for up to 1 year, was taken as a measure of exposure to passive smoking of subjects that was retrospectively ascertained by interviewing surviving spouses. After adjustment for variables, passive smoking increased the risk of death by 10% (odds ratio (OR), 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.16) for all strokes, by 10% (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16) for hemorrhagic stroke, and by 12% (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03–1.23) for ischemic stroke, compared with non-exposure. This finding was highly consistent in men or women and in smokers or non-smokers, and was generally consistent among zones of China despite geographic diversity. The risk significantly increased with exposure-years and quantity of cigarettes smoked daily by spouses. This study indicated that passive smoking is associated with deaths from all-type strokes. It is highly advisable for the government to promote strong tobacco prevention and cessation programs and smoke-free environments.
Emergence and Evolution of Cooperation Under Resource Pressure
Authors: Pereda María , Zurro Débora , Santos José I. , Briz i Godino Ivan , Álvarez Myrian , Caro Jorge , Galán José M.
Published: March 2017

We study the influence that resource availability has on cooperation in the context of hunter-gatherer societies. This paper proposes a model based on archaeological and ethnographic research on resource stress episodes, which exposes three different cooperative regimes according to the relationship between resource availability in the environment and population size. The most interesting regime represents moderate survival stress in which individuals coordinate in an evolutionary way to increase the probabilities of survival and reduce the risk of failing to meet the minimum needs for survival. Populations self-organise in an indirect reciprocity system in which the norm that emerges is to share the part of the resource that is not strictly necessary for survival, thereby collectively lowering the chances of starving. Our findings shed further light on the emergence and evolution of cooperation in hunter-gatherer societies.
Fractal and multifractal analyses of bipartite networks
Authors: Liu Jin-Long , Wang Jian , Yu Zu-Guo , Xie Xian-Hua
Published: March 2017

Bipartite networks have attracted considerable interest in various fields. Fractality and multifractality of unipartite (classical) networks have been studied in recent years, but there is no work to study these properties of bipartite networks. In this paper, we try to unfold the self-similarity structure of bipartite networks by performing the fractal and multifractal analyses for a variety of real-world bipartite network data sets and models. First, we find the fractality in some bipartite networks, including the CiteULike, Netflix, MovieLens (ml-20m), Delicious data sets and (u, v)-flower model. Meanwhile, we observe the shifted power-law or exponential behavior in other several networks. We then focus on the multifractal properties of bipartite networks. Our results indicate that the multifractality exists in those bipartite networks possessing fractality. To capture the inherent attribute of bipartite network with two types different nodes, we give the different weights for the nodes of different classes, and show the existence of multifractality in these node-weighted bipartite networks. In addition, for the data sets with ratings, we modify the two existing algorithms for fractal and multifractal analyses of edge-weighted unipartite networks to study the self-similarity of the corresponding edge-weighted bipartite networks. The results show that our modified algorithms are feasible and can effectively uncover the self-similarity structure of these edge-weighted bipartite networks and their corresponding node-weighted versions.
Integrated Design and Simulation of Tunable, Multi-State Structures Fabricated Monolithically with Multi-Material 3D Printing
Authors: Chen Tian , Mueller Jochen , Shea Kristina
Published: March 2017

Multi-material 3D printing has created new opportunities for fabricating deployable structures. We design reversible, deployable structures that are fabricated flat, have defined load bearing capacity, and multiple, predictable activated geometries. These structures are designed with a hierarchical framework where the proposed bistable actuator serves as the base building block. The actuator is designed to maximise its stroke length, with the expansion ratio approaching one when serially connected. The activation force of the actuator is parameterised through its joint material and joint length. Simulation and experimental results show that the bistability triggering force can be tuned between 0.5 and 5.0 N. Incorporating this bistable actuator, the first group of hierarchical designs demonstrate the deployment of space frame structures with a tetrahedron module consisting of three active edges, each containing four serially connected actuators. The second group shows the design of flat structures that assume either positive or negative Gaussian curvature once activated. By flipping the initial configuration of the unit actuators, structures such as a dome and an enclosure are demonstrated. A modified Dynamic Relaxation method is used to simulate all possible geometries of the hierarchical structures. Measured geometries differ by less than 5% compared to simulation results.
Association Study of Reported Significant Loci at 5q35.3, 7p14.3, 13q14.1 and 16p12.3 with Urolithiasis in Chinese Han Ethnicity
Authors: Wang Lujia , Feng Chenchen , Ding Guanxiong , Lin Xiaoling , Gao Peng , Jiang Haowen , Xu Jianfeng , Ding Qiang , Wu Zhong
Published: March 2017

In this study, we aimed to validate the association of 8 reported significant loci at 5q35.3, 7p14.3, 13q14.1 and 16p12.3 with urolithiasis in Chinese Han population. We performed case-control association analysis using 624 patients with nephrolithiasis and 1008 control subjects. We selected single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) including rs12654812 and rs11746443 from 5q32.3; rs12669187 and rs1000597 from 7q14.3; rs7981733, rs4142110 and rs17646069 from 13q14.1 and rs4293393 from 16p12.3 which were previously reported to be associated with nephrolithiasis. We found none of these eight reported SNPs were significant associated with urolithiasis risk in Chinese Han population, which suggested that differences could exist in the mechanisms of calcium urolithiasis between Chinese and Japanese Ethnics. The A allele of rs12669187 was significantly correlated with increased level of serum magnesium. The C allele of rs1000597 was associated with higher levels of serum creatinine, uric acid, calcium and lower urine pH level. The T allele of rs4142110 was correlated with higher levels of serum magnesium, phosphorus, and lower AKP level. The G alleles of rs4293393 was associated with higher serum CO2 level. The risk alleles of these SNPs were proved to be associated with the electrolytes metabolism that may result in the formation of urolithiasis.
Modeling of coupled motion and growth interaction of equiaxed dendritic crystals in a binary alloy during solidification
Authors: Qi Xin Bo , Chen Yun , Kang Xiu Hong , Li Dian Zhong , Gong Tong Zhao
Published: March 2017

Motion of growing dendrites is a common phenomenon during solidification but often neglected in numerical simulations because of the complicate underlying multiphysics. Here a phase-field model incorporating dendrite-melt two-phase flow is proposed for simulating the dynamically interacted process. The proposed model circumvents complexity to resolve dendritic growth, natural convection and solid motion simultaneously. Simulations are performed for single and multiple dendritic growth of an Al-based alloy in a gravity environment. Computing results of an isolated dendrite settling down in the convective supersaturated melt shows that solid motion is able to overwhelm solutal convection and causes a rather different growth morphology from the stationary dendrite that considers natural convection alone. The simulated tip growth dynamics are correlated with a modified boundary layer model in the presence of melt flow, which well accounts for the variation of tip velocity with flow direction. Polycrystalline simulations reveal that the motion of dendrites accelerates the occurrence of growth impingement which causes the behaviors of multiple dendrites are distinct from that of single dendrite, including growth dynamics, morphology evolution and movement path. These polycrystalline simulations provide a primary understanding of the sedimentation of crystals and resulting chemical homogeneity in industrial ingots.
Nonlinear responses of soil respiration to precipitation changes in a semiarid temperate steppe
Authors: Miao Yuan , Han Hongyan , Du Yue , Zhang Qian , Jiang Lin , Hui Dafeng , Wan Shiqiang
Published: March 2017

Extreme precipitation events are predicted to occur more frequently and will have significant influences on terrestrial ecosystem carbon (C) cycling in the future. However, response patterns of soil respiration to precipitation changes remain uncertain in terrestrial ecosystems. A field experiment with seven precipitation treatments (i.e. from −60% to +60% of ambient precipitation to form a drought to wet precipitation gradient) was conducted over three growing seasons (2010–2012) in a semiarid temperate steppe of Northern China. Results showed a nonlinear response pattern of soil respiration along the experimental precipitation gradient, with soil respiration suppressed by decreased precipitation and enhanced by increased precipitation. Over the three growing seasons, soil respiration was reduced more under the three drought treatments (by 45.8, 32.8, and 15.9% under the −60, −40, and −20% treatments, respectively) than stimulated under the three wet treatments (by 8.9, 14.3, and 18.5% under the +20, +40, and +60% treatments, respectively). Our results indicate that soil respiration was more sensitive to decreased than increased precipitation treatments. The nonlinear and asymmetric responses of soil respiration to precipitation changes should be built into ecosystem models to project ecosystem C cycling associated with climate change.
Synchrotron FTIR mapping of mineralization in a microfluidic device
Authors: Li Shunbo , Ihli Johannes , Marchant William J. , Zeng Muling , Chen Li , Wehbe Katia , Cinque Gianfelice , Cespedes Oscar , Kapur Nik , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: March 2017

Synchrotron FTIR using a calcium fluoride microfluidic chip provides new tools for investigating mineralization process in solution in a spatial and temporal resolved manner.
WAT-on-a-chip: a physiologically relevant microfluidic system incorporating white adipose tissue
Authors: Loskill Peter , Sezhian Thiagarajan , Tharp Kevin M. , Lee-Montiel Felipe T. , Jeeawoody Shaheen , Reese Willie Mae , Zushin Peter-James H. , Stahl Andreas , Healy Kevin E.
Published: March 2017

Organs-on-a-chip possess a promising future as drug screening assays and testbeds for disease modeling in the context of both single-organ systems and multi-organ-chips.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative functionalized graphene for high performance visible-light photodetectors
Authors: Lin Hongtao , Xu Zichen , Zhang Lina , Yang Xinchun , Ju Qing , Xue Li , Zhou Jin , Zhuo Shuping , Wu Yishi
Published: March 2017

Although graphene has unique electronic and optical properties, its application in photodetectors is still limited due to its low optical absorption.
Synthesis, photophysics and electronic structure of oxobacteriochlorins
Authors: Liu Mengran , Chen Chih-Yuan , Hood Don , Taniguchi Masahiko , Diers James R. , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: March 2017

Synthetic oxobacteriochlorins exhibit strong absorption in the deep-red window flanked by chlorins to the red and bacteriochlorins to the near-infrared.
Bio ionic liquids and water mixtures: a structural study
Authors: Gontrani Lorenzo , Scarpellini Eleonora , Caminiti Ruggero , Campetella Marco
Published: March 2017

In this study we have explored, by means of ab initio molecular dynamics, a subset of three different water/cho+–phe− mixtures.
Phospholipid-mimic oxaliplatin prodrug liposome for treatment of the metastatic triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Feng Bing , Zhou Fangyuan , Lu Wenchao , Wang Dangge , Wang Tingting , Luo Cheng , Wang Hao , Li Yaping , Yu Haijun
Published: March 2017

An oxaliplatin prodrug liposome with an extremely high drug loading ratio (>27%) was reported for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.