bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PL001: Derivation of a 2-hour high-sensitivity troponin T algorithm for rapid rule-out of acute myocardial infarction in emergency department chest pain patients
Authors: McRae A. , Ji Y. , Yang H. , Southern D. , Wang D. , Seiden-Long I. , DeKoning L. , Kavsak P. , Lang E. , Innes G. , Graham M. , Andruchow J.
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Chest pain and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome are responsible for a large proportion of ED visits and acute hospitalizations. However, only about 15% of patients presenting to the ED with high-risk symptoms do, in fact, have an acute coronary syndrome. The objective of this study is to derive a 2-hour high-sensitivity Troponin T (hsTnT) testing algorithm with outcome based-cutoffs to rapidly rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a large proportion of ED chest pain patients. Methods: Patients included consecutive ED patients with a chief complaint of cardiac chest pain who had an hsTnT assay performed at ED arrival and 2 hours after ED arrival. Administrative databases were queried to identify troponin results and major adverse cardiac outcomes (MACE) including death, MI, and revascularization. Test characteristics of iterative combinations of initial troponin level and absolute change in troponin level were quantified in order to identify the testing algorithm that identified the greatest proportion of patients eligible for early discharge while maintaining a target sensitivity of 98.5% for the primary outcome of 7-day AMI. Results: 755 eligible patients had hsTnT assays performed at ED arrival and at 2 hours. 91 patients (12.1%) had a 7-day AMI while 108 (14.0%) had 7-day MACE. An initial hsTnT level of less than 14 ng/L, in combination with a 2-hour absolute change of less than 10ng/L had a sensitivity of 98.9% (95% CI 94.0,99.8) and an NPV of 99.8% (95% CI 98.7, 100.0) for 7-day AMI. This identified 58.5% of all patients as being suitable for early discharge. Sensitivity and NPV for 7-day MACE were 90.0% (95% CI 83.3, 94.2) and 97.3% (95% CI 95.3,98.4) respectively. Sex-specific differences in test characteristics were not clinically important. Rule-in hsTnT cutoffs were also evaluated, with specificities ranging from 85-95%, although cutoffs with higher specificity had less ability to rapidly rule-in AMI, leaving more patients with indeterminate results after 2 hours. Conclusion: A hsTnT algorithm can safely and accurately rule out AMI in 58.5% of ED chest pain patients within 2 hours of ED arrival. The lower sensitivity of this algorithm for MACE compared to AMI speaks to the importance of clinical assessment and ECG findings in identifying patients at risk for acute coronary syndromes.
Eligibility Criteria for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease, Tremor, and Dystonia
Authors: Munhoz Renato P. , Picillo Marina , Fox Susan H. , Bruno Veronica , Panisset Michel , Honey Christopher R. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: May 2016

In this review, the available evidence to guide clinicians regarding eligibility for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the main conditions in which these forms of therapy are generally indicated—Parkinson’s disease (PD), tremor, and dystonia—is presented. In general, the literature shows that DBS is effective for PD, essential tremor, and idiopathic dystonia. In these cases, key points in patient selection must include the level of disability and inability to manage symptoms using the best available medical therapy. Results are, however, still not optimal when dealing with other aetiologies, such as secondary tremors and symptomatic dystonia. Also, in PD, issues such as age and neuropsychiatric profile are still debatable parameters. Overall, currently available literature is able to guide physicians on basic aspects of patient selection and indications for DBS; however, a few points are still debatable and controversial. These issues should be refined and clarified in future studies.
Drilling predation increased in response to changing environments in the Caribbean Neogene
Authors: Leonard-Pingel Jill S. , Jackson Jeremy B. C.
Published: May 2016

Changes in the physical environment are major drivers of evolutionary change, either through direct effects on the distribution and abundance of species or more subtle shifts in the outcome of biological interactions. To investigate this phenomenon, we built a fossil data set of drilling gastropod predation on bivalve prey for the last 11 Myr to determine how the regional collapse in Caribbean upwelling and planktonic productivity affected predator–prey interactions. Contrary to theoretical expectations, predation increased nearly twofold after productivity declined, while the ratio of drilling predators to prey remained unchanged. This increase reflects a gradual, several-fold increase in the extent of shallow-water coral reefs and seagrass meadows in response to the drop in productivity that extended over several million years. Drilling predation is uniformly higher in biogenic habitats than in soft sediments. Thus, changes in predation intensity were driven by a shift in dominant habitats rather than a direct effect of decreased productivity. Most previous analyses of predation through time have not accounted for variations in environmental conditions, raising questions about the patterns observed. More fundamentally, however, the consequences of large-scale environmental perturbations may not be instantaneous, especially when changes in habitat and other aspects of local environmental conditions cause cascading series of effects.
ESCAPING THE WILDERNESS: R. v BOLTON AND JUDICIAL REVIEW FOR ERROR OF LAW
Authors: Murray Philip
Published: May 2016

English administrative law treats almost all errors of law as reviewable. Concerns that this deprives administrators of their autonomy have led to calls for a distinction to be drawn between jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional errors of law. This was commonplace for much of administrative law's history. Such calls have fallen on deaf ears as courts and commentators express caution towards retreating to an approach which, it is said, led to a “wilderness of single instances”. This article examines the older law to see whether that was really the case, concentrating on the important decision of the Court of Queen's Bench in R. v Bolton (1841).
A Vessel's Mathematical Model and its Real Counterpart: A Comparative Methodology Based on a Real-world Study
Authors: Czaplewski Krzysztof , Zwolan Piotr
Published: May 2016

Navigation and manoeuvring simulators are increasingly being used in research centres to conduct complex navigation experiments and analyses. The structure and capabilities of simulation software make it possible to reproduce any conditions, including weather conditions. The complex mathematical models of marine environmental conditions that are being implemented nowadays take into account various sea wave models, which makes simulation tests more realistic. This paper deals with issues related to evaluating and verifying vessel simulation models based on real-world studies. As a result of the present research project, a methodology for comparing vessel simulation models with their real-life counterparts was developed. A measurement platform was created for the purpose of carrying out real-world studies; it is available at the Institute of Marine Navigation and Hydrography of the Polish Naval Academy. One important research step involved developing a procedural algorithm for making real-world measurements. This paper presents the results of using this platform in comparative tests of the manoeuvring elements of real and simulated vessels.
Zebrafish as a possible bioindicator of organic pollutants in drinking waters with effects on reproduction: are effects cumulative or reversible?
Authors: Martínez-Sales M. , García-Ximénez F. , Espinós F.J.
Published: May 2016

Organic pollutants are present in drinking waters due to inefficient detection and removal treatments. For this reason, zebrafish is proposed as a complementary indicator in conventional potabilization treatments. Based on the most sensitive parameters detected in our previous work, in this study we attempted to examine the possible cumulative effect between generations of environmental pollutants likely present in drinking waters, when specimens were cultured in the same water and/or the possible reversibility of these effects when cultured in control water. To this end, embryos with the chorion intact were cultured in three drinking waters from different sources and in one control water for up to 5 months in 20 l glass tanks. Four replicates were performed in all water groups. Results in water group C (tap water from a city also located in a region with intensive agricultural activity, but from the hydrological basin of the river Xúquer) revealed a non-reversible effect on fertility rate. Also in water C there was an alteration of sex ratio towards females, although in this case the alteration was reversible. A transgenerational alteration in the germ-line via an epigenetic mechanism from the previous generation is proposed as the most plausible explanation of this effect.
Effect of anisomycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor, on thein vitrodevelopmental potential, ploidy and embryo quality of bovine ICSI embryos
Authors: Arias María Elena , Sánchez Raúl , Felmer Ricardo
Published: May 2016

Increasing the efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in domestic animals has been attempted by many researchers, however embryonic development to the blastocyst stage remains low compared with that ofin vitrofertilization (IVF) embryos. One of the main problems observed in cattle is inadequate oocyte activation after ICSI. The present study compared the effect of cycloheximide (CHX), 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP), and anisomycin (ANY) on the fertilization rate, development, ploidy and quality of bovine embryos generated by ICSI. Although no differences were observed between treatments in terms of cleavage, higher blastocyst rates were observed for ANY (37.3%) compared with CHX (21.8%,P< 0.05) and DMAP (28.6%,P> 0.05) treatments. No differences were observed in the quality of embryos as assessed by the total number of cells, their distribution to the different embryo compartments [inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE)], the proportion of ICM cells to the total cell numbers and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Similarly, no differences were observed in the normal ploidy of embryos (56, 67, and 55%) for ANY, CHX and DMAP, respectively. However, higher fertilization rates were observed for ANY (75%) and CHX (87%) treatments compared with DMAP (35%). In conclusion, ANY showed a superior developmental rate compared with CHX treatment. Although no significant differences were observed compared with an improved protocol of DMAP (2Io-DMAP), the lower fertilization rate recorded with DMAP strongly suggests that ANY could be a better alternative for oocyte activation than traditional chemical compounds used currently in ICSI.
Nature and dementia: development of a person-centered approach
Authors: Hendriks Iris H. , van Vliet Deliane , Gerritsen Debby L. , Dröes Rose-Marie
Published: May 2016

Background:

The aim of this study is to develop and try out an approach for personalized nature activities for people with dementia.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews with people with dementia was conducted. Based on the results of the focus groups and the relevant literature, the approach was developed. In a qualitative descriptive pilot study with a one-group design, we tried out the approach regarding acceptability and experience of the intervention among people with dementia, and satisfaction with the approach among healthcare professionals. Additionally, we investigated the organizational feasibility.

Results:

From the focus groups, eight key aspects of experiencing nature were identified as being important for quality of life (e.g. relaxation, freedom), as well as six categories of preferred activities (e.g. active, passive, and social activities). Based on these themes and categories, an approach was developed to design nature activities according to the personal wishes, needs, and experiences of people with dementia. During the intervention, participants in the pilot study showed high levels of positive behaviors and low levels of negative behaviors. As regards, organizational feasibility, eight themes for successful implementation of nature activities were identified.

Conclusions:

This exploratory study contributes to the knowledge regarding the development and implementation of person-centered nature activities for people with dementia. The implementation of the activities could be improved by training professionals in person-centered care. The effect of the person-centered nature activities approach should be investigated.
Range-based argumentation semantics as two-valued models
Authors: OSORIO MAURICIO , NIEVES JUAN CARLOS
Published: May 2016

Characterizations of semi-stable and stage extensions in terms of two-valued logical models are presented. To this end, the so-called GL-supported and GL-stage models are defined. These two classes of logical models are logic programming counterparts of the notion of range which is an established concept in argumentation semantics.
Evolution of Stage 1 Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khalil Asma , Cooper Emily , Townsend Rosemary , Thilaganathan Basky
Published: May 2016

Objectives:The natural history of stage 1 Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains unclear and its optimal management is yet to be established. The main aims of this meta-analysis were to quantify the incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS and to ascertain survival in these pregnancies.

Methods:MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched. Reference lists within each article were hand-searched for additional reports. The outcomes included incidence of progression and survival in stage 1 TTTS. Randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. Case reports, studies including three or fewer cases of stage 1 TTTS, and editorials were excluded. Proportion meta-analysis was used for analysis (Registration number: CRD42016036190).

Results:The search yielded 3,085 citations; 18 studies were included in the review (172 pregnancies to assess progression and 433 pregnancies to assess the survival). The pooled incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS was 27% [95% CI 16–39%]. The pooled overall survival, double survival and at least one survival in the pregnancies managed expectantly were 79% [95% CI 62–92%], 70% [95% CI 54–84%] and 87% [95% CI 69–98%], respectively. In those undergoing amnioreduction, the corresponding figures were 77% [95% CI 68–85%], 67% [95% CI 57–76%] and 86% [95% CI 76–94%], respectively. The survival rates were 68% [95% CI 54–81%], 54% [95% CI 36–72%], and 81% [95% CI 69–90%], when laser surgery was performed.

Conclusions:The optimal initial management of stage 1 TTTS remains in equipoise. The ongoing randomized trial comparing immediate laser surgery versus conservative management should provide a definitive answer.
Visiting the Volcano
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey , Andrews Benjamin , Escobar-Wolf Rudiger
Published: May 2016

Workshops on Volcanoes; Santiaguito, Guatemala, 4–12 January 2016
A conceptual framework for invasion in microbial communities
Authors: Kinnunen Marta , Dechesne Arnaud , Proctor Caitlin , Hammes Frederik , Johnson David , Quintela-Baluja Marcos , Graham David , Daffonchio Daniele , Fodelianakis Stilianos , Hahn Nicole , Boon Nico , Smets Barth F
Published: May 2016

There is a growing interest in controlling—promoting or avoiding—the invasion of microbial communities by new community members. Resource availability and community structure have been reported as determinants of invasion success. However, most invasion studies do not adhere to a coherent and consistent terminology nor always include rigorous interpretations of the processes behind invasion. Therefore, we suggest that a consistent set of definitions and a rigorous conceptual framework are needed. We define invasion in a microbial community as the establishment of an alien microbial type in a resident community and argue how simple criteria to define aliens, residents, and alien establishment can be applied for a wide variety of communities. In addition, we suggest an adoption of the community ecology framework advanced by Vellend (2010) to clarify potential determinants of invasion. This framework identifies four fundamental processes that control community dynamics: dispersal, selection, drift and diversification. While selection has received ample attention in microbial community invasion research, the three other processes are often overlooked. Here, we elaborate on the relevance of all four processes and conclude that invasion experiments should be designed to elucidate the role of dispersal, drift and diversification, in order to obtain a complete picture of invasion as a community process.
The Arabidopsis NPF3 protein is a GA transporter
Authors: Tal Iris , Zhang Yi , Jørgensen Morten Egevang , Pisanty Odelia , Barbosa Inês C. R. , Zourelidou Melina , Regnault Thomas , Crocoll Christoph , Erik Olsen Carl , Weinstain Roy , Schwechheimer Claus , Halkier Barbara Ann , Nour-Eldin Hussam Hassan , Estelle Mark , Shani Eilon
Published: May 2016

Gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones that promote a wide range of developmental processes. While GA signalling is well understood, little is known about how GA is transported or how GA distribution is regulated. Here we utilize fluorescently labelled GAs (GA-Fl) to screen for Arabidopsis mutants deficient in GA transport. We show that the NPF3 transporter efficiently transports GA across cell membranes in vitro and GA-Fl in vivo. NPF3 is expressed in root endodermis and repressed by GA. NPF3 is targeted to the plasma membrane and subject to rapid BFA-dependent recycling. We show that abscisic acid (ABA), an antagonist of GA, is also transported by NPF3 in vitro. ABA promotes NPF3 expression and GA-Fl uptake in plants. On the basis of these results, we propose that GA distribution and activity in Arabidopsis is partly regulated by NPF3 acting as an influx carrier and that GA–ABA interaction may occur at the level of transport.
Semi-metallic Be5C2 monolayer global minimum with quasi-planar pentacoordinate carbons and negative Poisson’s ratio
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Feng , Li Yafei , Chen Zhongfang
Published: May 2016

Designing new materials with novel topological properties and reduced dimensionality is always desirable for material innovation. Here we report the design of a two-dimensional material, namely Be5C2 monolayer on the basis of density functional theory computations. In Be5C2 monolayer, each carbon atom binds with five beryllium atoms in almost the same plane, forming a quasi-planar pentacoordinate carbon moiety. Be5C2 monolayer appears to have good stability as revealed by its moderate cohesive energy, positive phonon modes and high melting point. It is the lowest-energy structure with the Be5C2 stoichiometry in two-dimensional space and therefore holds some promise to be realized experimentally. Be5C2 monolayer is a gapless semiconductor with a Dirac-like point in the band structure and also has an unusual negative Poisson’s ratio. If synthesized, Be5C2 monolayer may find applications in electronics and mechanics.
Microglia protect against brain injury and their selective elimination dysregulates neuronal network activity after stroke
Authors: Szalay Gergely , Martinecz Bernadett , Lénárt Nikolett , Környei Zsuzsanna , Orsolits Barbara , Judák Linda , Császár Eszter , Fekete Rebeka , West Brian L. , Katona Gergely , Rózsa Balázs , Dénes Ádám
Published: May 2016

Microglia are the main immune cells of the brain and contribute to common brain diseases. However, it is unclear how microglia influence neuronal activity and survival in the injured brain in vivo. Here we develop a precisely controlled model of brain injury induced by cerebral ischaemia combined with fast in vivo two-photon calcium imaging and selective microglial manipulation. We show that selective elimination of microglia leads to a striking, 60% increase in infarct size, which is reversed by microglial repopulation. Microglia-mediated protection includes reduction of excitotoxic injury, since an absence of microglia leads to dysregulated neuronal calcium responses, calcium overload and increased neuronal death. Furthermore, the incidence of spreading depolarization (SD) is markedly reduced in the absence of microglia. Thus, microglia are involved in changes in neuronal network activity and SD after brain injury in vivo that could have important implications for common brain diseases.
Evidence of structural invariance across three groups of Meehlian schizotypes
Authors: Chan Raymond CK , Gooding Diane C , Shi Hai-song , Geng Fu-lei , Xie Dong-jie , Yang Zhuo-Ya , Liu Wen-hua , Wang Yi , Yan Chao , Shi Chuan , Lui Simon SY , Cheung Eric FC
Published: May 2016

According to Meehl’s model of schizotypy, there is a latent personality organization associated with the diathesis for schizophrenia that can be identified in several ways. We sought to examine the structural invariance of four Chapman psychosis–proneness scales (CPPS) across three groups of putative schizotypes, namely, clinically-, biologically-, and psychometrically-identified schizotypes. We examined the factor structure of the Perceptual Aberration (PER), Magical Ideation (MIS), Revised Social Anhedonia (RSAS), and Revised Physical Anhedonia (RPAS) scales in 196 schizophrenia patients, 197 non-psychotic first-degree relatives, and 1,724 non-clinical young adults. The confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the best-fitting model was one in which there is a two-factor model with negative schizotypy (RSAS and RPAS) and positive schizotypy (PER and MIS). All three samples fit the model well, with Comparative Fit Indices>0.95 and Tucker Lewis Indices>0.90. The root mean square error of approximations were all small (P values⩽0.01). We also observed that for both anhedonia scales, the groups’ mean scale scores varied in the hypothesized direction, as predicted by Meehl’s model of schizotypy. All three Chinese samples, namely, the patients (clinical schizotypes), relatives (biologically-identified schizotypes), and non-clinical young adults (containing psychometrically-identified schizotypes) showed the same factorial structure. This finding supports the suitability of the CPPS for cross-cultural and/or genetic investigations of schizotypy.
Kinetic inductance driven nanoscale 2D and 3D THz transmission lines
Authors: Mousavi S. Hossein , Williamson Ian A. D. , Wang Zheng
Published: May 2016

We examine the unusual dispersion and attenuation of transverse electromagnetic waves in the few-THz regime on nanoscale graphene and copper transmission lines. Conventionally, such propagation has been considered to be highly dispersive, due to the RC time constant-driven voltage diffusion below 1 THz and plasmonic effects at higher optical frequencies. Our numerical modeling across the microwave, THz and optical frequency ranges reveals that the conductor kinetic inductance creates an ultra-broadband linear-dispersion and constant-attenuation region in the THz regime. This so-called LC region is an ideal characteristic that is known to be absent in macro-scale transmission lines. The kinetic-LC frequency range is dictated by the structural dimensionality and the free-carrier scattering rate of the conductor material. Moreover, up to 40x wavelength reduction is observed in graphene transmission lines.
In vivo 3D measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin distributions in the mouse cornea using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Lee Seunghun , Lee Jun Ho , Park Jin Hyoung , Yoon Yeoreum , Chung Wan Kyun , Tchah Hungwon , Kim Myoung Joon , Kim Ki Hean
Published: May 2016

Moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin are fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotics used in the clinic to prevent or treat ocular infections. Their pharmacokinetics in the cornea is usually measured from extracted ocular fluids or tissues, and in vivo direct measurement is difficult. In this study multiphoton microscopy (MPM), which is a 3D optical microscopic technique based on multiphoton fluorescence, was applied to the measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin distribution in the cornea. Intrinsic multiphoton fluorescence properties of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin were characterized, and their distributions in mouse cornea in vivo were measured by 3D MPM imaging. Both moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin had similar multiphoton spectra, while moxifloxacin had stronger fluorescence than gatifloxacin. MPM imaging of mouse cornea in vivo showed (1) moxifloxacin had good penetration through the superficial corneal epithelium, while gatifloxacin had relatively poor penetration, (2) both ophthalmic solutions had high intracellular distribution. In vivo MPM results were consistent with previous studies. This study demonstrates the feasibility of MPM as a method for in vivo direct measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin in the cornea.
Protein crystal screening and characterization for serial femtosecond nanocrystallography
Authors: Darmanin Connie , Strachan Jamie , Adda Christopher G. , Ve Thomas , Kobe Bostjan , Abbey Brian
Published: May 2016

The recent development of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) has spurred the development of serial femtosecond nanocrystallography (SFX) which, for the first time, is enabling structure retrieval from sub-micron protein crystals. Although there are already a growing number of structures published using SFX, the technology is still very new and presents a number of unique challenges as well as opportunities for structural biologists. One of the biggest barriers to the success of SFX experiments is the preparation and selection of suitable protein crystal samples. Here we outline a protocol for preparing and screening for suitable XFEL targets.
Side-chain Engineering of Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene Core-structured Small Molecules for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Xinxing , An Qiaoshi , Yu Jiangsheng , Guo Fengning , Geng Yongliang , Bian Linyi , Xu Zhongsheng , Zhou Baojing , Xie Linghai , Zhang Fujun , Tang Weihua
Published: May 2016

Three novel small molecules have been developed by side-chain engineering on benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene (BDT) core. The typical acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) structure is adopted with 4,8-functionalized BDT moieties as core, dioctylterthiophene as π bridge and 3-ethylrhodanine as electron-withdrawing end group. Side-chain engineering on BDT core exhibits small but measurable effect on the optoelectronic properties of small molecules. Theoretical simulation and X-ray diffraction study reveal the subtle tuning of interchain distance between conjugated backbones has large effect on the charge transport and thus the photovoltaic performance of these molecules. Bulk-heterojunction solar cells fabricated with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/SM:PC71BM/PFN/Al exhibit a highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.99% after solvent vapor annealing.
Enzymatically Regulated Peptide Pairing and Catalysis for the Bioanalysis of Extracellular Prometastatic Activities of Functionally Linked Enzymes
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Yue , Yu Yue , Li Tianqi , Li Genxi , Anzai Jun-ichi
Published: May 2016

Diseases such as cancer arise from systematical reconfiguration of interactions of exceedingly large numbers of proteins in cell signaling. The study of such complicated molecular mechanisms requires multiplexed detection of the inter-connected activities of several proteins in a disease-associated context. However, the existing methods are generally not well-equipped for this kind of application. Here a method for analyzing functionally linked protein activities is developed based on enzyme controlled pairing between complementary peptide helix strands, which simultaneously enables elaborate regulation of catalytic activity of the paired peptides. This method has been used to detect three different types of protein modification enzymes that participate in the modification of extracellular matrix and the formation of invasion front in tumour. In detecting breast cancer tissue samples using this method, up-regulated activity can be observed for two of the assessed enzymes, while the third enzyme is found to have a subtle fluctuation of activity. These results may point to the application of this method in evaluating prometastatic activities of proteins in tumour.
Growth and characteristics of self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayers for enhanced tribological performance
Authors: Xu Jiao , He TengFei , Chai LiQiang , Qiao Li , Wang Peng , Liu WeiMin
Published: May 2016

Highly ordered MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayers are synthesized by a novel self-assembling mechanism in simultaneous sputtering of MoS2 and graphite targets. The sequential formation of MoS2-riched domain layers and Mo-S-C compositional mixed capping layers reveals no correspondence to the sample stage rotation but is caused by the low energy ion bombardment enhanced interdiffusion. The HRTEM observation shows that the phase segregation normal to the film surface is initiated from substrate-film interlayer with clear contrasts in the first few bi-layers and then diffuses mutually in a quasiperiodic pattern between two altered sub-layers. Compared with sputtered MoS2 film, the bulk film of multilayers exhibit largely improved toughness under a normal load and the preferential orientation of sputtered MoS2 in (002) basal planes is significantly enhanced, both of which render the film excellent loads-bearing capacity and lubricant properties. The nano-scratching tests performed on a nanoindentation system suggest that the nano-tribological performance of multilayers is directly determined by the altered structure and properties of neighboring sub-layers until stable tribofilms are formed. Meanwhile, the pin-on-disk tribotests in ambient air, low vacuum and high vacuum provide comparably low friction coefficient yet distinct wear lives in different atmospheres due to the partially restricted humid-sensitivity of sputtered MoS2 phase.
Cation Tuning toward the Inference of the Gelation Behavior of Supramolecular Gels
Authors: Xue Peng , Wu Huiqiong , Wang Xiaojuan , He Ting , Shen Rujuan , Yue Fan , Wang Jide , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2016

We serendipitously discovered that the tripeptide Asp–Phe–Phe trifluoroacetic acid salt (hereafter abbreviated as β-AspFF) formed a reversible thermotropic gel in chloroform solution (at temperatures higher than the boiling point of chloroform) and a stable gel in toluene solution (at equal to or lower than the room temperature). Experimental results indicate that doping metal ions into β-AspFF toluene gels can trigger morphological variations in the gel skeleton, thereby increasing gel volume and inducing the collapse of organogels. Investigation on the cation-tuned gelation behavior of β-AspFF can be used to elucidate heating-induced gel collapse (of normal gel) or reverse thermotropic gelation as well as select carbamide and acetamide as activators of β-AspFF gels in chloroform solution at room temperature.
Blood pressure reverse dipping may associate with stable coronary artery disease in patients with essential hypertension: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yan Bin , Sun Lu , Gao Ya , Guo Qi , Guo Litao , Wang Xue , Wang Gang
Published: May 2016

The dipping variations of circadian blood pressure (BP) correlate closely with target-organ damages and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between BP reverse dipping and the prevalence of stable coronary artery disease (sCAD) in hypertensive patients. Clinical data and the results of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were obtained from 718 hypertensive patients (390 males, mean age 59.6 ± 13.8 years) in a single centre in Northern China. Reverse dipping pattern was defined as nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) was higher than daytime SBP. A logistic regression model was applied to explore the independent risk factors of sCAD. The patients with BP reverse dipping accounted for 31.5% in sCAD group and 19.5% in control group (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, BP reverse dipping remained significantly associated with the prevalence of sCAD (Odds ratio [OR], 1.772; p = 0.027). Furthermore, the circadian decline rate of SBP was independently associated with sCAD (OR, 0.975; p = 0.043). The hypertensive patients with reverse BP dipping were found to be more frequently suffering from sCAD. BP reverse dipping examined with 24-hour ABPM may indicate sCAD.
Charactering the ZFAND3 gene mapped in the sex-determining locus in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
Authors: Ma Keyi , Liao Minghui , Liu Feng , Ye Baoqing , Sun Fei , Yue Gen Hua
Published: May 2016

Zinc finger AN1-type domain 3 (ZFAND3) is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. However, its function in teleosts remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the ZFAND3 gene (termed as OsZFAND3) in an important food fish, tilapia. The OsZFAND3 cDNA sequence is 1,050 bp in length, containing an ORF of 615 bp, which encodes a putative peptide of 204 amino acid residues. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the OsZFAND3 transcripts were exclusively expressed in the testis and ovary. In situ hybridization showed that the high expression of OsZFAND3 transcripts was predominantly localized in the spermatocyte and spermatid. These results suggest that OsZFAND3 is involved in male germ cell maturation. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the introns of OsZFAND3. The OsZFAND3 gene was mapped in the sex-determining locus on linkage group 1 (LG1). The three SNPs in the OsZFAND3 gene were strictly associated with sex phenotype, suggesting that the OsZFAND3 gene is tightly linked to the sex-determining locus. Our study provides new insights into the functions of the OsZFAND3 gene in tilapia and a foundation for further detailed analysis of the OsZFAND3 gene in sex determination and differentiation.
Association of CYP2C19 Polymorphisms with the Clinical Efficacy of Clopidogrel Therapy in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting in Asia
Authors: Zhu Wen-Yao , Zhao Ting , Xiong Xiao-Yi , Li Jie , Wang Li , Zhou Yu , Gong Zi-Li , Cheng Sai-Yu , Liu Yong , Shuai Jie , Yang Qing-Wu
Published: May 2016

The CYP2C19 gene plays a detrimental role in the metabolism of clopidogrel. This study aimed to investigate the association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and the clinical efficacy of clopidogrel therapy in patients who have undergone carotid artery stenting (CAS). CYP2C19 genotype screening was performed on 959 ischemic stroke patients. Of these patients, 241 who had undergone CAS were enrolled in the study. They were all followed up for 1 year after stent surgery, and the primary clinical end-points were ischemic events. The frequencies of the CYP2C19*2 and *3 alleles among the 959 patients were 31.80% and 5.06%, respectively. Regarding the 241 participants who had undergone CAS, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles (*2 and *3) were risk factors for post-CAS prognosis. Within 1 year of follow-up, the patients carrying the CYP2C19 LOF alleles were more likely to experience ischemic events than those carrying none. The occurrence of ischemic events did not significantly differ between the *2 and *3 allele carriers. Our results suggest that CYP2C19 LOF alleles (*2 and *3) significantly impact the prognosis of patients on clopidogrel therapy after CAS and that the CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles have the same effects on prognosis.
Giant and reversible room-temperature elastocaloric effect in a single-crystalline Ni-Fe-Ga magnetic shape memory alloy
Authors: Li Yang , Zhao Dewei , Liu Jian
Published: May 2016

Good mechanical properties and large adiabatic temperature change render Heusler-type Ni2FeGa-based magnetic shape memory alloys as a promising candidate material for solid-state mechanical cooling application at ambient conditions. Superelastic behavior and associated elastocaloric effect strongly reply on deformation conditions (e.g. applied strain rate and strain level) of stress-induced martensitic transformations. With the aim of developing high-performance elastic cooling materials, in this work, we have carried out a systematic study on a Ni54Fe19Ga27 [420]-oriented single crystal by exploring the interaction between dynamic deformation parameters and thermal response. A giant and reversible adiabatic temperature change of ±7.5 K triggered by a low stress of 30 MPa was achieved. Such a high specific cooling performance thus offers the great advantage for the small scale solid-state mechanical cooling applications. Besides, a significant temporary residual strain effect has been observed at high strain rate, which is unfavorable for reversible elastocaloric effect but can be overcome by reducing stress hysteresis, and/or by elevating initial environmental temperature. The established criterion for the desirable reversible elastocaloric properties goes beyond the present system and can be applicable for other shape memory alloys used for elastic cooling techniques.
Construction of Nontoxic Polymeric UV-Absorber with Great Resistance to UV-Photoaging
Authors: Huang Zhong , Ding Aishun , Guo Hao , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: May 2016

In this article, we developed a series of new nontoxic polymeric UV-absorbers through covalently attaching a benzophenone derivative onto the main chain of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) via mild and quantitative click chemistry. Azide groups were firstly introduced into the backbone of PVC via a nucleophilic reaction without affecting polymeric skeleton. Copper-catalyzed Husigen-Click cycloaddition reaction was performed between the pendant azide groups of PVC and alkynyl of (2-hydroxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenyl)(phenyl)methanone at ambient temperature for affording the desired PVC-based UV-absorbers (PVC-UV) with different amounts of benzophenone moieties, which displayed great resistance to photoaging without degradation while exposed to UV irradiation. These polymeric UV-absorbers also showed good solubilities in common organic solvents and no cytotoxicity vs. HaCat cell. Small amounts of PVC-UV were homogeneously mixed with PVC as additive for stabilizing PVC against UV-photoaging without degradation and releasing small molecule even after 200 h while keeping thermal stability. This route of polymeric additive clearly paved an efficient way for solving the puzzle of separation of small molecule additive.
Brachypodium distachyon T-DNA insertion lines: a model pathosystem to study nonhost resistance to wheat stripe rust
Authors: An Tianyue , Cai Yanli , Zhao Suzhen , Zhou Jianghong , Song Bo , Bux Hadi , Qi Xiaoquan
Published: May 2016

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST), is one of the most destructive diseases and can cause severe yield losses in many regions of the world. Because of the large size and complexity of wheat genome, it is difficult to study the molecular mechanism of interaction between wheat and PST. Brachypodium distachyon has become a model system for temperate grasses’ functional genomics research. The phenotypic evaluation showed that the response of Brachypodium distachyon to PST was nonhost resistance (NHR), which allowed us to present this plant-pathogen system as a model to explore the immune response and the molecular mechanism underlying wheat and PST. Here we reported the generation of about 7,000 T-DNA insertion lines based on a highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. Hundreds of mutants either more susceptible or more resistant to PST than that of the wild type Bd21 were obtained. The three putative target genes, Bradi5g17540, BdMYB102 and Bradi5g11590, of three T-DNA insertion mutants could be involved in NHR of Brachypodium distachyon to wheat stripe rust. The systemic pathologic study of this T-DNA mutants would broaden our knowledge of NHR, and assist in breeding wheat cultivars with durable resistance.
Adjunctive selective estrogen receptor modulator increases neural activity in the hippocampus and inferior frontal gyrus during emotional face recognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Ji E , Weickert C S , Lenroot R , Kindler J , Skilleter A J , Vercammen A , White C , Gur R E , Weickert T W
Published: May 2016

Estrogen has been implicated in the development and course of schizophrenia with most evidence suggesting a neuroprotective effect. Treatment with raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, can reduce symptom severity, improve cognition and normalize brain activity during learning in schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia are especially impaired in the identification of negative facial emotions. The present study was designed to determine the extent to which adjunctive raloxifene treatment would alter abnormal neural activity during angry facial emotion recognition in schizophrenia. Twenty people with schizophrenia (12 men, 8 women) participated in a 13-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of adjunctive raloxifene treatment (120 mg per day orally) and performed a facial emotion recognition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging after each treatment phase. Two-sample t-tests in regions of interest selected a priori were performed to assess activation differences between raloxifene and placebo conditions during the recognition of angry faces. Adjunctive raloxifene significantly increased activation in the right hippocampus and left inferior frontal gyrus compared with the placebo condition (family-wise error, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in performance accuracy or reaction time between active and placebo conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence suggesting that adjunctive raloxifene treatment changes neural activity in brain regions associated with facial emotion recognition in schizophrenia. These findings support the hypothesis that estrogen plays a modifying role in schizophrenia and shows that adjunctive raloxifene treatment may reverse abnormal neural activity during facial emotion recognition, which is relevant to impaired social functioning in men and women with schizophrenia.
Childhood trauma predicts antidepressant response in adults with major depression: data from the randomized international study to predict optimized treatment for depression
Authors: Williams L M , Debattista C , Duchemin A-M , Schatzberg A F , Nemeroff C B
Published: May 2016

Few reliable predictors indicate which depressed individuals respond to antidepressants. Several studies suggest that a history of early-life trauma predicts poorer response to antidepressant therapy but results are variable and limited in adults. The major goal of the present study was to evaluate the role of early-life trauma in predicting acute response outcomes to antidepressants in a large sample of well-characterized patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment for Depression (iSPOT-D) is a randomized clinical trial with enrollment from December 2008 to January 2012 at eight academic and nine private clinical settings in five countries. Patients (n=1008) meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD and 336 matched healthy controls comprised the study sample. Six participants withdrew due to serious adverse events. Randomization was to 8 weeks of treatment with escitalopram, sertraline or venlafaxine with dosage adjusted by the participant’s treating clinician per routine clinical practice. Exposure to 18 types of traumatic events before the age of 18 was assessed using the Early-Life Stress Questionnaire. Impact of early-life stressors—overall trauma ‘load’ and specific type of abuse—on treatment outcomes measures: response: (⩾50% improvement on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, HRSD17 or on the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self-Rated, QIDS_SR16) and remission (score ⩽7 on the HRSD17 and ⩽5 on the QIDS_SR16). Trauma prevalence in MDD was compared with controls. Depressed participants were significantly more likely to report early-life stress than controls; 62.5% of MDD participants reported more than two traumatic events compared with 28.4% of controls. The higher rate of early-life trauma was most apparent for experiences of interpersonal violation (emotional, sexual and physical abuses). Abuse and notably abuse occurring at ⩽7 years of age predicted poorer outcomes after 8 weeks of antidepressants, across the three treatment arms. In addition, the abuses occurring between ages 4 and 7 years differentially predicted the poorest outcome following the treatment with sertraline. Specific types of early-life trauma, particularly physical, emotional and sexual abuse, especially when occurring at ⩽7 years of age are important moderators of subsequent response to antidepressant therapy for MDD.
Thermal reorganization of alkyl-substituted thienothiophene semiconductors
Authors: Pozdin Vladimir A. , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Fong Hon Hang , Sorensen Michael , He Mingqian
Published: May 2016

Controlling the structure of polymer thin films under thermal annealing is vital to realize reproducible transport properties and acceptable device lifetimes needed to fabricate electronic circuits.
Evaluation of gas chromatography mass spectrometry and pattern recognition for the identification of bladder cancer from urine headspace
Authors: Cauchi M. , Weber C. M. , Bolt B. J. , Spratt P. B. , Bessant C. , Turner D. C. , Willis C. M. , Britton L. E. , Turner C. , Morgan G.
Published: May 2016

Previous studies have indicated that volatile organic compounds specific to bladder cancer may exist in urine headspace.
Determination of trace silver by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) after separation/preconcentration on Rhodococcus ruber bacterial biomass
Authors: Kariptas Ergin , Er Cigdem , Kiray Esin , Ciftci Harun
Published: May 2016

In the present study, a preconcentration method was developed by using Rhodococcus ruber bacterial biomass (RrBB) for the determination of silver in various water samples by HR-CS FAAS.
NiII tetrahydronorcorroles: antiaromatic porphyrinoids with saturated pyrrole units
Authors: Nozawa Ryo , Yamamoto Keitaro , Hisaki Ichiro , Shin Ji-Young , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: May 2016

While hydrogenated porphyrins are abundant in natural and synthetic compounds, antiaromatic hydrogenated porphyrinoids have not been synthesized to date. Here, we report bacteriochlorin-like NiII tetrahydronorcorrole complexes as the first examples of antiaromatic porphyrinoids that contain saturated pyrrole units.
A saccharide-based crystalline sponge for hydrophilic guests
Authors: Ning Guo-Hong , Matsumura Kazuki , Inokuma Yasuhide , Fujita Makoto
Published: May 2016

A mannose-based crystalline sponge was designed and synthesized for the crystalline sponge analysis of rather hydrophilic guests.
Unprecedented selectivity in molecular recognition of carbohydrates by a metal–organic framework
Authors: Yabushita Mizuho , Li Peng , Bernales Varinia , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Fukuoka Atsushi , Gagliardi Laura , Farha Omar K. , Katz Alexander
Published: May 2016

Metal–organic framework material NU-1000 exhibits an unprecedented molecular recognition for simple carbohydrates.
Dimension-controlled assemblies of modified bipyrroles stabilized by electron-withdrawing moieties
Authors: Nakamura Kazuto , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: May 2016

Benzoyl-substituted bipyrroles possessing aliphatic chains were synthesized and formed a variety of dimension-controlled assembled structures as mesophases using various intermolecular interactions.
Investigation of the potassium fluoride post deposition treatment on the CIGSe/CdS interface using hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy – a comparative study
Authors: Ümsür Bünyamin , Calvet Wolfram , Steigert Alexander , Lauermann Iver , Gorgoi Mihaela , Prietzel Karsten , Greiner Dieter , Kaufmann Christian A. , Unold Thomas , Lux-Steiner Martha Ch.
Published: May 2016

Modifications at the CIGSe/CdS interface due to KF-PDT are studied using synchrotron radiation.