bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered hippocampal volume and functional connectivity in males with Internet gaming disorder comparing to those with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Yoon Eun Jin , Choi Jung-Seok , Kim Heejung , Sohn Bo Kyung , Jung Hee Yeon , Lee Jun-Young , Kim Dai-Jin , Park Sun-Won , Kim Yu Kyeong
Published: July 2017

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been conceptualized as a behavioral addiction and shares clinical, neuropsychological, and personality characteristics with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but IGD dose not entail brain exposure to toxic agents, which renders it different from AUD. To achieve a clear understanding of the neurobiological features of IGD, we aimed to identify morphological and functional changes in IGD and compare them with those in AUD. Individuals with IGD showed larger volume in the hippocampus/amygdala and precuneus than healthy controls (HCs). The volume in the hippocampus positively correlated with the symptom severity of IGD. Moreover, functional connectivity analysis with the hippocampus/amygdala cluster revealed that the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex showed stronger functional connectivity in individuals with IGD compared to those with AUD. In contrast, individuals with AUD exhibited the smaller cerebellar volume and thinner medial frontal cortex than HCs. The volume in the cerebellum correlated with impaired working memory function as well as duration of illness in AUD group. Findings suggested that altered volume and functional connectivity in the hippocampus/amygdala in IGD might be associated with abnormally enhanced memory process of gaming-related cues, while abnormal cortical changes and cognitive impairments in AUD might be associated with neurotoxic effects of alcohol.
Physiological stress-induced corticosterone increases heme uptake via KLF4-HCP1 signaling pathway in hippocampus neurons
Authors: Li Hongxia , Zhang Caixia , Shen Hui , Shen Zhilei , Wu Lusha , Mo Fengfeng , Li Min
Published: July 2017

Iron overload has attracted much attention because of its adverse effect in increasing the risk of developing several neurodegenerative disorders. Under various pathologic conditions, a lot of heme are released. The aggregation of heme is more neurotoxic than that of iron released from the heme breakdown. Our previous studies demonstrated that psychological stress (PS) is a risk factor of cerebral iron metabolism disorders, thus causing iron accumulation in rat brains. In the present study, we found PS could increase heme uptake via heme carrier protein 1 (HCP1) in rat brains. We demonstrated that Glucocorticoid (GC), which is largely secreted under stress, could up-regulate HCP1 expression, thus promoting heme uptake in neurons. We also ascertained that HCP1 expression can be induced by GC through a transcription factor, Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). These results may gain new insights into the etiology of heme uptake and iron accumulation in PS rats, and find new therapeutic targets of iron accumulation in Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
Minimum Winfree loop determines self-sustained oscillations in excitable Erdös-Rényi random networks
Authors: Qian Yu , Cui Xiaohua , Zheng Zhigang
Published: July 2017

The investigation of self-sustained oscillations in excitable complex networks is very important in understanding various activities in brain systems, among which the exploration of the key determinants of oscillations is a challenging task. In this paper, by investigating the influence of system parameters on self-sustained oscillations in excitable Erdös-Rényi random networks (EERRNs), the minimum Winfree loop (MWL) is revealed to be the key factor in determining the emergence of collective oscillations. Specifically, the one-to-one correspondence between the optimal connection probability (OCP) and the MWL length is exposed. Moreover, many important quantities such as the lower critical connection probability (LCCP), the OCP, and the upper critical connection probability (UCCP) are determined by the MWL. Most importantly, they can be approximately predicted by the network structure analysis, which have been verified in numerical simulations. Our results will be of great importance to help us in understanding the key factors in determining persistent activities in biological systems.
Integrative analyses of translatome and transcriptome reveal important translational controls in brown and white adipose regulated by microRNAs
Authors: Reid David W. , Xu Dan , Chen Peng , Yang Hongyuan , Sun Lei
Published: July 2017

The epidemic of obesity and diabetes has markedly spurred the research interest in adipocyte biology. Brown adipocytes are specialized for energy expenditure and of therapeutic interest for treatment of metabolic diseases, but how brown adipocytes are distinguished from white adipocytes at the level of translational regulation remains poorly understood. To systemically determine the translational control of gene expression in adipose tissue, we performed ribosome profiling and RNA-seq in parallel to depict the translatome and transcriptome changes during primary brown and white adipogenesis, and between brown and white adipose tissue. The most prominent layer of translational regulation was the increased translation efficiency of genes encoding mitochondria components in brown adipocytes relative to white. Systemic analysis of the regulatory interactions between microRNAs and their targets revealed that microRNAs were more active in repressing targets’ mRNA abundance and translation in brown fat. Together, our data comprehensively delineated a landscape integrating transcriptome and translatome in adipose tissue.
Neural oscillations associated with auditory duration maintenance in working memory
Authors: Yu Xiaolin , Chen Youguo , Qiu Junjie , Li Xiang , Huang Xiting
Published: July 2017

The neural representation of auditory duration remains unknown. Here, we used electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings to investigate neural oscillations during the maintenance of auditory duration in working memory (WM). EEG analyses indicated that the auditory duration length was not associated with changes in the theta band amplitude, whereas the alpha band amplitudes during 3-s and 4-s auditory duration conditions were lower than during the 1-s and 2-s conditions. Moreover, the alpha band amplitude and accuracy were positively correlated in the 2-s duration condition. We also found that the neural representation of auditory duration is segmented, with a critical threshold point of approximately 2 s, which is shorter than that for visual duration (3 s). The results emphasised the involvement of the alpha band in auditory duration maintenance in WM. Our study’s findings indicate that different internal representations of auditory durations are maintained in WM below and above 2 s from the perspective of electrophysiology. Additionally, the critical threshold point is related to the sensory modality of duration.
Localization of damage in the human leg muscles induced by downhill running
Authors: Maeo Sumiaki , Ando Yukino , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: July 2017

We investigated localization of damage within the knee extensors (KEs) and plantar flexors (PFs) induced by downhill running (DR) by using transverse relaxation time (T2)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fourteen young adults performed 45-min DR (−15% slope) at their maximal tolerable velocity. At pre- and 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise, T2-MRI was scanned and T2values for each muscle composing KEs and PFs at proximal, middle, and distal sites were calculated. Maximal isometric torque and rate of torque development (RTD: 0–30, 0–50, 0–100, 0–200 ms) were also measured. Maximal torque significantly decreased in KEs (14–17%) and PFs (6–8%) at 24–48 h post-exercise, with greater reductions for KEs. RTD in all phases, except for 0–200 ms in PFs, significantly decreased in KEs (11–42%) and PFs (13–23%) at least at one time point post-exercise. T2significantly increased at several sites (3–5%) in both muscle groups at 24 and/or 48 h post-exercise. Among the T2-increased sites, the peak effect size (Cohen’sd) regarding T2change was pronounced at proximal (1.05) and middle (1.64) vastus intermedius compared to the other sites (0.72–0.77). These results suggest that DR induces damage in both KEs and PFs, and especially affects proximal–middle sites of the vastus intermedius.
Depleted tumor suppressor miR-107 in plasma relates to tumor progression and is a novel therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Komatsu Shuhei , Ichikawa Daisuke , Miyamae Mahito , Okajima Wataru , Ohashi Takuma , Kiuchi Jun , Nishibeppu Keiji , Konishi Hirotaka , Shiozaki Atsushi , Morimura Ryo , Ikoma Hisashi , Ochiai Toshiya , Okamoto Kazuma , Taniguchi Hiroki , Otsuji Eigo
Published: July 2017

This study explored decreased tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA) plasma levels in pancreatic cancer (PCa) patients to clarify their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We used the microRNA array-based approach to select candidates by comparing plasma levels between PCa patients and healthy volunteers. Six down-regulated miRNAs (miR-107, miR-126, miR-451, miR-145, miR-491-5p, and miR-146b-5p) were selected. Small- and large-scale analyses using samples from 100 PCa patients and 80 healthy volunteers revealed that miR-107 was the most down-regulated miRNA in PCa patients compared with healthy volunteers (P < 0.0001; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.851). A low miR-107 plasma level was significantly associated with advanced T stage, N stage, and liver metastasis and was an independent factor predicting poor prognosis in PCa patients (P = 0.0424; hazard ratio, 2.95). miR-107 overexpression in PCa cells induced G1/S arrest with the production of p21 and inhibited cell proliferation through the transcriptional regulation of Notch2. In vivo, the restoration and maintenance of the miR-107 plasma level significantly inhibited tumor progression in mice. Depletion of the tumor suppressor miR-107 in plasma relates to tumor progression and poor outcomes. The restoration of the plasma miR-107 level might be a novel anticancer treatment strategy for PCa.
Comparative genomic analysis of Paenibacillus sp. SSG-1 and its closely related strains reveals the effect of glycometabolism on environmental adaptation
Authors: Xu Hui , Qin Shishang , Lan Yanhong , Liu Mengjia , Cao Xiyue , Qiao Dairong , Cao Yu , Cao Yi
Published: July 2017

The extensive environmental adaptability of the genus Paenibacillus is related to the enormous diversity of its gene repertoires. Paenibacillus sp. SSG-1 has previously been reported, and its agar-degradation trait has attracted our attention. Here, the genome sequence of Paenibacillus sp. SSG-1, together with 76 previously sequenced strains, was comparatively studied. The results show that the pan-genome of Paenibacillus is open and indicate that the current taxonomy of this genus is incorrect. The incessant flux of gene repertoires resulting from the processes of gain and loss largely contributed to the difference in genomic content and genome size in Paenibacillus. Furthermore, a large number of genes gained are associated with carbohydrate transport and metabolism. It indicates that the evolution of glycometabolism is a key factor for the environmental adaptability of Paenibacillus species. Interestingly, through horizontal gene transfer, Paenibacillus sp. SSG-1 acquired an approximately 150 kb DNA fragment and shows an agar-degrading characteristic distinct from most other non-marine bacteria. This region may be transported in bacteria as a complete unit responsible for agar degradation. Taken together, these results provide insights into the evolutionary pattern of Paenibacillus and have implications for studies on the taxonomy and functional genomics of this genus.
Nanoscale Control of Amyloid Self-Assembly Using Protein Phase Transfer by Host-Guest Chemistry
Authors: Choi Tae Su , Lee Hong Hee , Ko Young Ho , Jeong Kwang Seob , Kim Kimoon , Kim Hugh I.
Published: July 2017

Amyloid fibrils have recently been highlighted for their diverse applications as functional nanomaterials in modern chemistry. However, tight control to obtain a targeted fibril length with low heterogeneity has not been achieved because of the complicated nature of amyloid fibrillation. Herein, we demonstrate that fibril assemblies can be homogeneously manipulated with desired lengths from ~40 nm to ~10 μm by a phase transfer of amyloid proteins based on host-guest chemistry. We suggest that host-guest interactions with cucurbit[6]uril induce a phase transfer of amyloid proteins (human insulin, human islet amyloid polypeptide, hen egg lysozyme, and amyloid-β 1–40 & 1–42) from the soluble state to insoluble state when the amount of cucurbit[6]uril exceeds its solubility limit in solution. The phase transfer of the proteins kinetically delays the nucleation of amyloid proteins, while the nuclei formed in the early stage are homogeneously assembled to fibrils. Consequently, supramolecular assemblies of amyloid proteins with heterogeneous kinetics can be controlled by protein phase transfer based on host-guest interactions.
Monocyte adhesion to atherosclerotic matrix proteins is enhanced by Asn-Gly-Arg deamidation
Authors: Dutta Bamaprasad , Park Jung Eun , Kumar Subodh , Hao Piliang , Gallart-Palau Xavier , Serra Aida , Ren Yan , Sorokin Vitaly , Lee Chuen Neng , Ho Hee Hwa , de Kleijn Dominique , Sze Siu Kwan
Published: July 2017

Atherosclerosis arises from leukocyte infiltration and thickening of the artery walls and constitutes a major component of vascular disease pathology, but the molecular events underpinning this process are not fully understood. Proteins containing an Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif readily undergo deamidation of asparagine to generate isoDGR structures that bind to integrin αvβ3 on circulating leukocytes. Here we report the identification of isoDGR motifs in human atherosclerotic plaque components including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins fibronectin and tenascin C, which have been strongly implicated in human atherosclerosis. We further demonstrate that deamidation of NGR motifs in fibronectin and tenascin C leads to increased adhesion of the monocytic cell line U937 and enhanced binding of primary human monocytes, except in the presence of a αvβ3-blocking antibody or the αv-selective inhibitor cilengitide. In contrast, under the same deamidating conditions monocyte-macrophages displayed only weak binding to the alternative ECM component vitronectin which lacks NGR motifs. Together, these findings confirm a critical role for isoDGR motifs in mediating leukocyte adhesion to the ECM via integrin αvβ3 and suggest that protein deamidation may promote the pathological progression of human atherosclerosis by enhancing monocyte recruitment to developing plaques.
Knowledge-transfer learning for prediction of matrix metalloprotease substrate-cleavage sites
Authors: Wang Yanan , Song Jiangning , Marquez-Lago Tatiana T. , Leier André , Li Chen , Lithgow Trevor , Webb Geoffrey I. , Shen Hong-Bin
Published: July 2017

Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) are an important family of proteases that play crucial roles in key cellular and disease processes. Therefore, MMPs constitute important targets for drug design, development and delivery. Advanced proteomic technologies have identified type-specific target substrates; however, the complete repertoire of MMP substrates remains uncharacterized. Indeed, computational prediction of substrate-cleavage sites associated with MMPs is a challenging problem. This holds especially true when considering MMPs with few experimentally verified cleavage sites, such as for MMP-2, -3, -7, and -8. To fill this gap, we propose a new knowledge-transfer computational framework which effectively utilizes the hidden shared knowledge from some MMP types to enhance predictions of other, distinct target substrate-cleavage sites. Our computational framework uses support vector machines combined with transfer machine learning and feature selection. To demonstrate the value of the model, we extracted a variety of substrate sequence-derived features and compared the performance of our method using both 5-fold cross-validation and independent tests. The results show that our transfer-learning-based method provides a robust performance, which is at least comparable to traditional feature-selection methods for prediction of MMP-2, -3, -7, -8, -9 and -12 substrate-cleavage sites on independent tests. The results also demonstrate that our proposed computational framework provides a useful alternative for the characterization of sequence-level determinants of MMP-substrate specificity.
Magnetic nanoparticle-supported DABCO tribromide: a versatile nanocatalyst for the synthesis of quinazolinones and benzimidazoles and protection/deprotection of hydroxyl groups
Authors: Rostami Amin , Pourshiani Omid , Navasi Yahya , Darvishi Neda , Saadati Shaghayegh
Published: July 2017

MNPs-DABCO tribromide as a magnetically reusable tribromide type nanocatalyst couples the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous tribromide-based systems.
A series of novel cadmium(ii) coordination polymers with photoluminescence and ferroelectric properties based on zwitterionic ligands
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhao Meng , Xie Wenjie , Jin Jie , Xie Fazhi , Song Xiaojie , Zhang Shengyi , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: July 2017

Herein, a series of Cd(ii) compounds were obtained by using a zwitterionic ligand (H3LBr3) and an aromatic secondary ligand (H4BTC).
Integration of oxidative arylation with sulfonyl migration: one-pot tandem synthesis of densely functionalized (NH)-pyrroles
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Sharma Shubhra , Bhimpuria Rohan A. , Dayal Neetu , Dubey Gurudutt , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: July 2017

A one-pot synthesis of 2-aryl-3-alkyl/aryl-sulfonyl-(NH)-pyrroles from N-sulfonylpyrroles, developed for the first time, via palladium-catalyzed oxidative C-2 arylation followed by sulfonyl migration is described.
p-TsOH-Catalyzed one-pot transformation of di- and trihydroxy steroids towards diverse A/B-ring oxo-functionalization
Authors: Sarkar Antara , Das Jayanta , Ghosh Pranab
Published: July 2017

A milder, facile, and greener transformative protocol, specifically on solid supports, to yield A-ring and/or B-ring oxo-functionalized steroids has been accomplished.
Carbohydrate-binding architecture of the multi-modular α-1,6-glucosyltransferase from Paenibacillus sp. 598K, which produces α-1,6-glucosyl-α-glucosaccharides from starch
Authors: Fujimoto Zui , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Kishine Naomi , Ichinose Hitomi , Momma Mitsuru , Kimura Atsuo , Funane Kazumi
Published: July 2017

Paenibacillus sp. 598K α-1,6-glucosyltransferase (Ps6TG31A), a member of glycoside hydrolase family 31, catalyzes exo-α-glucohydrolysis and transglucosylation and produces α-1,6-glucosyl-α-glucosaccharides from α-glucan via its disproportionation activity. The crystal structure of Ps6TG31A was determined by an anomalous dispersion method using a terbium derivative. The monomeric Ps6TG31A consisted of one catalytic (β/α)8-barrel domain and six small domains, one on the N-terminal and five on the C-terminal side. The structures of the enzyme complexed with maltohexaose, isomaltohexaose, and acarbose demonstrated that the ligands were observed in the catalytic cleft and the sugar-binding sites of four β-domains. The catalytic site was structured by a glucose-binding pocket and an aglycon-binding cleft built by two sidewalls. The bound acarbose was located with its non-reducing end pseudosugar docked in the pocket, and the other moieties along one sidewall serving three subsites for the α-1,4-glucan. The bound isomaltooligosaccharide was found on the opposite sidewall, which provided the space for the acceptor molecule to be positioned for attack of the catalytic intermediate covalent complex during transglucosylation. The N-terminal domain recognized the α-1,4-glucan in a surface-binding mode. Two of the five C-terminal domains belong to the carbohydrate-binding modules family 35 and one to family 61. The sugar complex structures indicated that the first family 35 module preferred α-1,6-glucan, whereas the second family 35 module and family 61 module preferred α-1,4-glucan. Ps6TG31A appears to have enhanced transglucosylation activity facilitated by its carbohydrate-binding modules and substrate-binding cleft that positions the substrate and acceptor sugar for the transglucosylation.
Shortened Nonword Repetition Task (NWR-S): A Simple, Quick, and Less Expensive Outcome to Identify Children With Combined Specific Language and Reading Impairment
Authors: le Clercq Carlijn M. P. , van der Schroeff Marc P. , Rispens Judith E. , Ruytjens Liesbet , Goedegebure André , van Ingen Gijs , Franken Marie-Christine
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research note was to validate a simplified version of the Dutch nonword repetition task (NWR; Rispens & Baker, 2012). The NWR was shortened and scoring was transformed to correct/incorrect nonwords, resulting in the shortened NWR (NWR-S).

Method

NWR-S and NWR performance were compared in the previously published data set of Rispens and Baker (2012;
N
= 88), who compared NWR performance in 5 participant groups: specific language impairment (SLI), reading impairment (RI), both SLI and RI, one control group matched on chronological age, and one control group matched on language age.

Results

Analyses of variance showed that children with SLI + RI performed significantly worse than other participant groups in NWR-S, just as in NWR. Logistic regression analyses showed that both tasks can predict an SLI + RI outcome. NWR-S holds a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 95.4% in identifying children with SLI + RI. The sensitivity of the original NWR is 87.0% with a specificity of 87.7%.

Conclusions

As the original NWR, the NWR-S comprising a subset of 22 nonwords scored with a simplified scoring system can identify children with combined SLI and RI while saving a significant amount of the needed assessment time.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5150116
Tracking and length estimation of underwater acoustic target
Authors: Yu Liang , Cheng Yongmei , Li Song , Liang Yan , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: July 2017

Underwater acoustic multi‐target tracking using bearing, Doppler and a conventional filtering method to determine the target location has problems such as low precision and inaccurate identification. Target echo time broadening is used first for the tracking process. The length of the target can be derived from the echo broadening, and the target length is obtained as a parameter by expectation–maximisation derivation, thereby increasing the dimension of the measurement for the estimation. Simulation results show that this method has higher tracking accuracy and target recognition accuracy than do other feature‐aided tracking methods.
Biochemical complexity drives log‐normal variation in genetic expression
Authors: Beal Jacob
Published: July 2017

Cells exhibit a high degree of variation in levels of gene expression, even within otherwise homogeneous populations. The standard model to describe this variation centres on a gamma distribution driven by stochastic bursts of translation. Stochastic bursting, however, cannot account for the well‐established behaviour of strong transcriptional repressors. Instead, it can be shown that the very complexity of the biochemical processes involved in gene expression drives an emergent log‐normal distribution of expression levels. Emergent log‐normal distributions can account for the observed behaviour of transcriptional repressors, are still compatible with stochastically constrained distributions, and have important implications for both analysis of gene expression data and the engineering of biological organisms.
Mechanistic modelling of a recombinase‐based two‐input temporal logic gate
Authors: Bowyer Jack E. , Hsiao Victoria , Wong Wilson W. , Bates Declan G.
Published: July 2017

Site‐specific recombinases (SSRs) mediate efficient manipulation of DNA sequences in vitro and in vivo. In particular, serine integrases have been identified as highly effective tools for facilitating DNA inversion, enabling the design of genetic switches that are capable of turning the expression of a gene of interest on or off in the presence of a SSR protein. The functional scope of such circuitry can be extended to biological Boolean logic operations by incorporating two or more distinct integrase inputs. To date, mathematical modelling investigations have captured the dynamical properties of integrase logic gate systems in a purely qualitative manner, and thus such models are of limited utility as tools in the design of novel circuitry. Here, the authors develop a detailed mechanistic model of a two‐input temporal logic gate circuit that can detect and encode sequences of input events. Their model demonstrates quantitative agreement with time‐course data on the dynamics of the temporal logic gate, and is shown to subsequently predict dynamical responses relating to a series of induction separation intervals. The model can also be used to infer functional variations between distinct integrase inputs, and to examine the effect of reversing the roles of each integrase on logic gate output.
Nine‐switch ac/ac current source converter for microgrid application with model predictive control
Authors: Gao Hang , Wu Bin , Xu David(Dewei)
Published: July 2017

In this study, a current source nine‐switch ac/ac converter for microgrid application is presented. In contrast to traditional back‐to‐back configuration, the number of switching devices in the proposed converter decreases from 12 to 9 with three insulated gate bipolar transistors and three diodes reduced, which achieves simpler structure and lower cost on switching devices. In addition, in comparison with its voltage source counterparts, the proposed converter inherits the advantages of sinusoidal output voltage and current waveform and no use of dc‐link electrolytic capacitor. Moreover, a model predictive control (MPC) without weighting factor selection issue is designed for the proposed converter to realise both sides’ power flow regulation. Simulation and experiments have been conducted, which validate the effectiveness of the proposed converter and MPC scheme.
The disappearance and reformation of the accretion disc during a low state of FO Aquarii
Authors: Hameury J.-M. , Lasota J.-P.
Published: July 2017

Context. FO Aquarii, an asynchronous magnetic cataclysmic variable (intermediate polar) went into a low state in 2016, from which it slowly and steadily recovered without showing dwarf nova outbursts. This requires explanation since in a low state, the mass-transfer rate is in principle too low for the disc to be fully ionised and the disc should be subject to the standard thermal and viscous instability observed in dwarf novae.

Aims. We investigate the conditions under which an accretion disc in an intermediate polar could exhibit a luminosity drop of two magnitudes in the optical band without showing outbursts.

Methods. We use our numerical code for the time evolution of accretion discs, including other light sources from the system (primary, secondary, hot spot).

Results. We show that although it is marginally possible for the accretion disc in the low state to stay on the hot stable branch, the required mass-transfer rate in the normal state would then have to be extremely high, of the order of 1019 g s-1 or even larger. This would make the system so intrinsically bright that its distance should be much larger than allowed by all estimates. We show that observations of FO Aqr are well accounted for by the same mechanism that we have suggested as explaining the absence of outbursts during low states of VY Scl stars: during the decay, the magnetospheric radius exceeds the circularisation radius, so that the disc disappears before it enters the instability strip for dwarf nova outbursts.

Conclusions. Our results are unaffected, and even reinforced, if accretion proceeds both via the accretion disc and directly via the stream during some intermediate stages; the detailed process through which the disc disappears still requires investigation.
A Highly Efficient Gold(I)-Catalyzed Mukaiyama–Mannich Reaction of α-Amino Sulfones with Fluorinated Silyl Enol Ethers To Give β-Amino α-Fluorinated Ketones
Authors: Yu Jin-Sheng , Zhou Jian , Hu Xiao-Si , Du Yi , Liao Fu-Min , Ding Pei-Gang
Published: July 2017

Ph3PAuOTf was identified as a powerful catalyst for the ­Mukaiyama–Mannich reaction of fluorinated silyl enol ethers with α-amino sulfones. This provides ready access to β-amino α-fluorinated ketones in good to excellent yields.
Synthesis of 2-Substituted Aziridine-2-Carboxylic Esters via Michael-Induced Ring-Closure Strategy
Authors: Beaudegnies Renaud , Pietrasiak Ewa , Schade Grit , Baalouch Myriam , Emery Daniel
Published: July 2017

A Michael-induced ring-closure (MIRC) strategy allowing the synthesis of 2-substituted aziridine-2-carboxylic esters is presented. A broad spectrum of nucleophiles can be applied, leading to large diversity of products which can be subjected to further structural modifications. Diastereoselective ring closure is observed in the case of chiral substrates.
Decreased Expression of Integrin Subunits α3, α6, and α8 in the Branching Airway Mesenchyme of Nitrofen-Induced Hypoplastic Lungs
Authors: Takahashi Toshiaki , Friedmacher Florian , Zimmer Julia , Puri Prem
Published: July 2017

Introduction Pulmonary hypoplasia (PH), characterized by smaller lung size and reduced airway branching, remains a major cause of neonatal mortality in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Integrin-mediated cell–matrix interactions play an essential role in the fetal lung mesenchyme by stimulating branching morphogenesis. Mice lacking integrin subunits α3 (Itga3) and α6 (Itga6) exhibit severe PH. Furthermore, Itga8-knockout mice show defective airway branching, suggesting that Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 are crucial for fetal lung development. We hypothesized that expression of Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 is decreased in the branching airway mesenchyme of hypoplastic rat lungs in the nitrofen-induced CDH model.

Materials and Methods Time-mated rats received nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day 9 (D9). Fetuses were sacrificed on D15, D18, and D21, and dissected lungs were divided into control and nitrofen-exposed specimens (n = 12 per time-point and group, respectively). Pulmonary gene expression of Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunofluorescence double-staining for Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 was combined with the mesenchymal marker Fgf10 to evaluate protein expression and localization in branching airway tissue.

Results Relative mRNA expression of Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 was significantly decreased in lungs of nitrofen-exposed fetuses on D15, D18, and D21 compared with controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed markedly diminished immunofluorescence of Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 mainly in mesenchymal cells surrounding branching airways of nitrofen-exposed fetuses on D15, D18, and D21 compared with controls.

Conclusion Decreased expression of Itga3, Itga6, and Itga8 in the pulmonary mesenchyme may lead to disruptions in airway branching morphogenesis, thus contributing to PH in the nitrofen-induced CDH model.
Management of Axillary Web Syndrome after Breast Cancer: Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Luz Clarissa Medeiros da , Deitos Julia , Siqueira Thais Cristina , Palú Marina , Heck Ailime Perito Feiber
Published: July 2017

Axillary web syndrome is characterized as a physical-functional complication that impacts the quality of life of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. The present study aims to verify the physiotherapy treatment available for axillary web syndrome after surgery for breast cancer in the context of evidence-based practice. The selection criteria included papers discussing treatment protocols used for axillary web syndrome after treatment for breast cancer. The search was performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, PEDro and LILACS databases using the terms axillary web syndrome, lymphadenectomy and breast cancer, focusing on women with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer who underwent surgery with lymphadenectomy as part of their treatment. From the 262 studies found, 4 articles that used physiotherapy treatment were selected. The physiotherapy treatment was based on lymphatic drainage, tissue mobilization, stretching and strengthening. The four selected articles had the same outcome: improvement in arm pain and shoulder function and/or dissipation of the axillary cord. Although axillary web syndrome seems to be as frequent and detrimental as other morbidities after cancer treatment, there are few studies on this subject. The publications are even scarcer when considering studies with an interventional approach. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to support the rehabilitation resources for axillary web syndrome.
Induction of Labor using Misoprostol in a Tertiary Hospital in the Southeast of Brazil
Authors: Silva Tácito Augusto Godoy , Borges Júnior Luciano Eliziário , Tahan Luisa Almeida , Costa Taynná Ferreira Arantes , Magalhães Fernanda Oliveira , Peixoto Alberto Borges , Martins Wellington de Paula , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: July 2017

Purpose To assess cases of labor induction with vaginal 25-µg tablets of misoprostol and maternal outcomes in a tertiary hospital in southeastern Brazil.

Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 412 pregnant women with indication for labor induction. Labor induction was performed with vaginal 25-µg tablets of misoprostol in pregnant women with Bishop scores < 6. Stepwise regression analysis was used to identify the factors present at the beginning of induction that could be used as predictors of successful labor induction.

Results A total of 69% of the pregnant women who underwent labor induction progressed to vaginal delivery, and 31% of the women progressed to cesarean section. One or two misoprostol tablets were used in 244 patients (59.2%). Of the 412 patients, 197 (47.8%) required oxytocin later on in the labor process, after induction with misoprostol. The stepwise regression analysis showed that only Bishop scores of 4 and 5 and previous vaginal delivery were independent factors with statistical significance in the prediction of successful vaginal labor induction (β = 0.23, p < 0.001, for a Bishop score of 4 and 5, and β = 0.22, p < 0.001, for previous vaginal delivery).

Conclusion Higher Bishop scores and previous vaginal delivery were the best predictors of successful labor induction with vaginal 25-µg tablets of misoprostol.
Diagnostik der periprothetischen Gelenkinfektion bei Schulterendoprothesen
Authors: Fink Bernd , Sevelda Florian
Published: July 2017

Periprothetische Gelenkinfektionen sind eine der häufigsten Ursachen für Schmerzen und Revisionsoperationen bei Schulterendprothesen. Propionibacterium acnes ist einer der am häufigsten nachgewiesenen Keime und ist aufgrund des sehr langsamen Wachstums schwer zu identifizieren. Die verschiedenen Verfahren zur Verifizierung einer periprothetischen Schulterinfektion werden in dieser Arbeit dargestellt. Hierbei ist eine Kombination von unspezifischen und spezifischen (Keimisolation mit Antibiogramm) Testverfahren hilfreich, um eine periprothetische Infektion bestmöglich zu diagnostizieren. Ein Punktat des Gelenks erlaubt, verschiedene unspezifische und spezifische Testverfahren zu kombinieren. Bei einer Punctio sicca und Infektverdacht empfehlen wir die Biopsie des Gelenks.
High Level of Progesteron Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC 1) in Tissue of Breast Cancer Patients is Associated with Worse Response to Anthracycline-Based Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Willibald Marina , Wurster Isabel , Meisner Christoph , Vogel Ulrich , Seeger Harald , Mueck Alfred , Fehm Tanja , Neubauer Hans
Published: July 2017

PGRMC1 is known to be highly expressed in breast cancer tissue and is associated with chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. However, its role in breast cancer signaling is not fully understood yet. In the present study, the expression status of PGRMC1 and its phosphorylated version (pPGRMC1) in breast cancer tissue and surrounding stroma before and after neoadjuvant therapy was examined to find a possible association to therapy response. Tissue biopsies of 69 breast cancer patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression levels of PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1. Expression status of PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 in tumor tissue was compared with expression status of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), total estrogen receptor β (ERβ), ERβ1, ERβ2, the proliferation marker Ki-67, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu). Correlations were calculated for expression of PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 before and after neoadjuvant-therapy. PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 were highly abundant in every breast cancer tissue sample. Considerably lower signals were detected in surrounding tissue. Further, PGRMC1 and pPGRMC1 abundance was found to correlate with ERβ expression. A lower level of pPGRMC1 could be found in post-therapy surgical specimens compared to specimens before treatment. Interestingly, patients with high PGRMC1 tumor levels showed worse response to anthracycline-based therapy as patients with lower PGRMC1 levels. These new findings demonstrate that PGRMC1 might play an important role in progression and therapy resistance of human breast tumors and could offer an interesting target for anticancer therapy.
Bioactive Triterpenoids from the Leaves and Twigs of Lithocarpus litseifolius and L. corneus
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Bin , Liu Fan-Jin , Wang Chih-Hsin , Hwang Tsong-Long , Tsai Yung-Fong , Yen Chia-Hung , Wang Hui-Chun , Tseng Yen-Hsueh , Chien Ching-Te , Chen Yi-Ming , Chang Fang-Rong , Wu Yang-Chang
Published: July 2017

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves and twigs of Lithocarpus litseifolius and Lithocarpus corneus resulted in the isolation of four new triterpenoids (1–4), three triterpenoids (5–7) isolated from a natural source for the first time, and six known compounds (8–13). In addition, four known triterpenoids (14–17) were isolated from L. corneus. Compound 1 is a 3,4-seco-lupane-type triterpenoid, and compounds 2–4 are lupane-type triterpenoids in different oxidation states. The structures of all isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods, especially NMR and mass spectrometry data. The absolute configuration of 2 and 3 was confirmed by X-ray single crystallographic analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of 1–17 and anti-HIV activities of 2–17 were evaluated. Among them, 3-epi-betulinic acid (8) showed a strong anti-HIV activity comparable to abacavir, a drug used for treating HIV/AIDS. 3,4-seco-4(23),20(29)-lupadiene-3,28-dioic acid (5) exhibited potent inhibition of superoxide-anion generation with 86.9 ± 2.8% inhibition at 1 µM.
Hardening of electromechanical properties in piezoceramics using a composite approach
Authors: K.V. Lalitha , Riemer Lukas M. , Koruza Jurij , Rödel Jürgen
Published: July 2017

Piezoelectric applications such as ultrasonic motors, transformers and therapeutic ultrasonics demand high power generation with low losses, which is facilitated by “hard” ferroelectrics. Hardening of piezoelectric properties, characterized by high mechanical quality factor (Qm), is usually achieved by doping with lower valence elements, thereby tailoring the domain wall dynamics. In the present study, we demonstrate a hardening mechanism by developing composites of 0.94(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (NBT-6BT) with ZnO inclusions, as an alternative to chemical modifications. A decrease in the saturation polarization and total strain, higher internal bias fields, lower hysteretic losses and a two-fold increase in Qm are observed in comparison to NBT-6BT. The composite with 0.1 mole ratio of ZnO exhibits the highest Qm of 320 with d33 = 125 pC/N and Kp = 0.29. A one-to-one correspondence between the increase in Qm and the decrease in the domain wall mobility is established from the ac field dependence of permittivity, in the framework of the Rayleigh law. A further increase in ZnO content beyond a mole ratio of 0.1 reduces Qm, but retains it at a higher level, as compared to NBT-6BT. The results are explained based on the poling-induced strain incompatibility between the matrix and the hard ZnO phase. This composite approach is therefore considered a generic hardening concept and can be extended to other ferroelectric systems.
Representations in neural network based empirical potentials
Authors: Cubuk Ekin D. , Malone Brad D. , Onat Berk , Waterland Amos , Kaxiras Efthimios
Published: July 2017

Many structural and mechanical properties of crystals, glasses, and biological macromolecules can be modeled from the local interactions between atoms. These interactions ultimately derive from the quantum nature of electrons, which can be prohibitively expensive to simulate. Machine learning has the potential to revolutionize materials modeling due to its ability to efficiently approximate complex functions. For example, neural networks can be trained to reproduce results of density functional theory calculations at a much lower cost. However, how neural networks reach their predictions is not well understood, which has led to them being used as a “black box” tool. This lack of understanding is not desirable especially for applications of neural networks in scientific inquiry. We argue that machine learning models trained on physical systems can be used as more than just approximations since they had to “learn” physical concepts in order to reproduce the labels they were trained on. We use dimensionality reduction techniques to study in detail the representation of silicon atoms at different stages in a neural network, which provides insight into how a neural network learns to model atomic interactions.
Luminescent tunable polydots: Charge effects in confined geometry
Authors: Wijesinghe Sidath , Maskey Sabina , Perahia Dvora , Grest Gary S.
Published: July 2017

Long-lived soft nanoparticles, formed by conjugated polymers, constitute a new class of far-from-equilibrium responsive structures for nano-medicine. Tethering ionizable groups to the polymers enables functionality. However concurrently, the ionic groups perturb the delicate balance of interactions that governs these particles. Using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, this study probed the effects of charged groups tethered to poly para phenylene ethynylene substituted by alkyl groups on the polymer conformation and dynamics in confined geometry. We find that the ionizable groups affect the entire shape of the polydots and impact the conformation and dynamics of the polymer.
KP hierarchy for the cyclic quiver
Authors: Chalykh Oleg , Silantyev Alexey
Published: July 2017

We introduce a generalisation of the KP hierarchy, closely related to the cyclic quiver and the Cherednik algebra Hk(Zm). This hierarchy depends on m parameters (one of which can be eliminated), with the usual KP hierarchy corresponding to the m = 1 case. Generalising the result of Wilson [Invent. Math. 133(1), 1–41 (1998)], we show that our hierarchy admits solutions parameterised by suitable quiver varieties. The pole dynamics for these solutions is shown to be governed by the classical Calogero–Moser system for the wreath-product Zm≀Sn and its new spin version. These results are further extended to the case of the multi-component hierarchy.
Fock representations of Q-deformed commutation relations
Authors: Bożejko Marek , Lytvynov Eugene , Wysoczański Janusz
Published: July 2017

We consider Fock representations of the Q-deformed commutation relations ∂s∂t†=Q(s,t)∂t†∂s+δ(s,t) for s,t∈T. Here T:=Rd (or more generally T is a locally compact Polish space), the function Q:T2→C satisfies |Q(s,t)|≤1 and Q(s,t)=Q(t,s)¯, and ∫T2h(s)g(t)δ(s,t) σ(ds)σ(dt):=∫Th(t)g(t) σ(dt), σ being a fixed reference measure on T. In the case, where |Q(s,t)|≡1, the Q-deformed commutation relations describe a generalized statistics studied by Liguori and Mintchev. These generalized statistics contain anyon statistics as a special case (with T=R2 and a special choice of the function Q). The related Q-deformed Fock space F(H) over H:=L2(T→C,σ) is constructed. An explicit form of the orthogonal projection of H⊗n onto the n-particle space Fn(H) is derived. A scalar product in Fn(H) is given by an operator Pn≥0 in H⊗n which is strictly positive on Fn(H). We realize the smeared operators ∂t† and ∂t as creation and annihilation operators in F(H), respectively. Additional Q-commutation relations are obtained between the creation operators and between the annihilation operators. They are of the form ∂s†∂t†=Q(t,s)∂t†∂s†, ∂s∂t=Q(t,s)∂t∂s, valid for those s,t∈T for which |Q(s, t)| = 1.
Electronic structure, excitation properties, and chemical transformations of extreme ultra-violet resist materials
Authors: Rangan Sylvie , Bartynski Robert A. , Narasimhan Amrit , Brainard Robert L.
Published: July 2017

The electronic structure of extreme ultra violet resist materials and of their individual components, two polymers and two photoacid generators (PAGs), is studied using a combination of x-ray and UV photoemission spectroscopies, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and ab-initio techniques. It is shown that simple molecular models can be used to understand the electronic structure of each sample and describe the experimental data. Additionally, effects directly relevant to the photochemical processes are observed: low energy loss processes are observed for the phenolic polymer containing samples that should favor thermalization of electrons; PAG segregation is measured at the surface of the resist films that could lead to surface inhomogeneities; both PAGs are found to be stable upon irradiation in the absence of the polymer, contrasting with a high reactivity that can be followed upon x-ray irradiation of the full resist.
Acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized degenerate quantum plasma
Authors: Hasan M. M. , Hossen M. A. , Mamun A. A.
Published: July 2017

The obliquely propagating electron-ion (EI) acoustic solitary waves in a degenerate quantum plasma (containing relativistic magnetized quantum electrons and light ions in the presence of stationary heavy ions) have been theoretically investigated. The Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV) and modified K-dV (mK-dV) equations are derived by adopting the reductive perturbation method. Their stationary solutions are derived and analyzed analytically as well as numerically to study some new basic features of the EI acoustic solitary structures that are commonly found to exist in degenerate quantum plasmas. It is found that the basic properties (viz., amplitude, width, and phase speed) of the EI acoustic waves are significantly modified by the effects of relativistically degenerate electrons and light ions, quantum pressure, number densities of plasma particles, and external magnetic field. The results of this theoretical investigation may be useful for understanding the formation and features of the solitary structures in astrophysical compact objects such as white dwarfs and neutron stars.
Using magnetic structure of Co40Pd60/Cu for the sensing of hydrogen
Authors: Liang Jaw-Yeu , Pai Yun-Chieh , Lam Tu-Ngoc , Lin Wen-Chin , Chan Ting-Shan , Lai Chih-Huang , Tseng Yuan-Chieh
Published: July 2017

This paper reports on a magnetic device with a [Co40Pd60/Cu]10/Fe structure for use in the detection of H2. In a magneto-optical, transport, and gas-detection system, the proposed device presented sharp, reproducible H2-dependent magnetic/electrical properties. The device's saturation magnetization (induced resistance change) dropped (increased) by a factor of ∼5 when a H2 pressure of 75 kPa is given. Besides, the electrical signal-to-noise ratio of the device can be restored ∼50% by exposing it to a magnetic field of 1000 Oe, even when the sensitivity of the device dropped at a low H2 pressure (0.7 KPa). This demonstrates the applicability of the device for use as a low-pressure H2 detector. Operando x-ray spectroscopy revealed that changes in H2-induced magnetism arose from a Co-Pd charge transfer effect coupled to changes in the local-structure symmetry.