bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Foundations and Value Boundaries in Social–Ecological Systems
Authors: Perkins Skyler
Published: August 2017

Second‐order cybernetics can be instructive for considering ‘foundations’ in emerging fields of study and has a visible role to play for action‐oriented, transdisciplinary sciences. This paper explores these insights in the emerging field of Ecological Economics. Second‐order cybernetics explores recursion, which can be defined as the substitution of a function for its own argument. This pattern opens the space for a cognitive domain and appears in efforts to regulate the relationship between a system and its environment. Given this, it is evident in efforts to cross disciplinary boundaries such as the boundary between Economics and Ecology and efforts to establish starting points for structured inquiry. In conclusion, it is suggested that the expansive terrain of systems theory and the single‐pointed abstractions of second‐order cybernetics complement each other in service towards emerging social‐ecological inquiries. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Les fonctions du masochisme dans l'aménagement somatopsychique du patient douloureux
Authors: Lionet B. , Tiberghien S.
Published: August 2017

Dans nos consultations douleur, la façon dont se manifeste le masochisme, tels un entretien ou une répétition de la plainte douloureuse, a du sens au regard de l'équilibre psychique. Au travers de cet article, nous verrons dans un premier temps comment le masochisme permet d'intégrer la douleur comme une partie de soi et ainsi garantir le lien du sujet avec sa douleur, comment le masochisme garantit le lien entre le sujet et sa souffrance pour que cette souffrance trouve sa place dans l'économie psychique. Dans certains troubles psychiques, la tentative de liaison du moi et de la douleur peut être mise en échec par l'épuisement du jeu des pulsions ou par une fragilité narcissique préexistants. Dans un second temps sont présentés les différents aménagements masochistes dans plusieurs troubles psychopathologiques : les états limites, les réactions post-traumatiques, chez l'obsessionnel, le mélancolique et l'hypocondriaque. Il convient alors de privilégier une lecture clinique et psychopathologique de ces conduites masochistes qui sont à haut risque de passage à l'acte en influençant la relation thérapeutique.
Le masochisme : douleur dans le corps et douleur dans le corps social
Authors: Lionet B. , Laterrade C.
Published: August 2017

Dans les rituels sociaux, la douleur est investie masochiquement comme une plus-value de l'expérience vécue. Au cœur du dolorisme chrétien et des rites d'initiation traditionnels, la douleur recherchée est valorisée culturellement. Dans les sociétés occidentales et avec le déclin des codes traditionnels, des conduites individuelles de douleur provoquée apparaissent comme de nouvelles expériences d'affirmation de soi : scarifications, automutilations, prise de risques, etc. Les conduites masochiques individuelles deviennent-elles de nouvelles valeurs codifiées socialement ? Confèrent-elles encore une aura supplémentaire au sujet qui les vit ? Comment les comprendre à une époque où la douleur est dorénavant perçue comme un facteur de vulnérabilité ? Nous tentons d'ébaucher quelques pistes de réponses à ces questions. À partir de la représentation populaire du masochisme, nous proposons d'aborder la dimension sociale et culturelle du masochisme. Nous faisons ensuite le lien entre son expression sociale et la manière dont y répond le sujet. Cela nous amène à interroger la place donnée à la douleur et aux douloureux chroniques dans l'imaginaire social contemporain en proposant la notion de masochisme social.
Growth and Movements of Mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) Along Armored and Vegetated Estuarine Shorelines
Authors: Crum Kevin P. , Balouskus Richard G. , Targett Timothy E.
Published: August 2017

Alteration of estuarine shorelines associated with increased urbanization can significantly impact biota and food webs. This study determined the impact of shoreline alteration on growth and movement of the estuarine fishFundulus heteroclitusin a tributary of the Delaware Coastal Bays.Fundulus heteroclitusis abundant along the east coast of the USA, and is an important trophic link between marsh and subtidal estuary. The restricted home range ofF. heteroclitusallowed discrete sampling, and fish growth comparisons, along 35–65-m long stretches of fringingSpartina alternifloraandPhragmites australismarsh, riprap, and bulkhead.Fundulus heteroclituswere tagged with decimal Coded Wire Tags. Of 725 taggedF. heteroclitus, 89 were recaptured 30–63 days later. Mean growth rate (0.06–0.15 mm day−1across all shoreline types) was greatest at riprap, lowest atSpartinaandPhragmites, and intermediate at bulkhead, where growth was not significantly different from any other shoreline. This suggests that discernible environments exist along different shoreline types, even at the scale of tens of meters. No difference in movement distance was detected at different shoreline types; most individuals displayed a high degree of site fidelity. Forty-seven percent were recaptured within 5 m of their tagging location, although alongshore movements up to 475 m were recorded. Estimates of relativeF. heteroclitusproductivity, using relative density data from a concurrent study, were highest alongSpartinaandPhragmites, intermediate at riprap, and lowest at bulkhead. Therefore, despite greater growth rates along riprap than at vegetated shores, armoring reduces abundance sufficiently to negatively impact localized productivity ofF. heteroclitus.
Cardiac troponin T as a predictor of cardiac death in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Nakamura Hironori , Niwano Shinichi , Fukaya Hidehira , Murakami Masami , Kishihara Jun , Satoh Akira , Yoshizawa Tomoharu , Oikawa Jun , Ishizue Naruya , Igarashi Tazuru , Fujiishi Tamami , Ako Junya
Published: September 2017

Background

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) has been reported to be associated with cardiac mortality.

In the present study, we evaluated the role of routine assessment of cTnT as a predictor of future cardiac death in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Methods

Patients who were eligible for prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) were included from cardiac catheterization database. Inclusion criteria were patients with LV ejection fraction of ≤ 35% and with New York Heart Association (NYHA) ≥class II. Exclusion criteria were patients with acute coronary syndrome, ICD for secondary prevention, NYHA class IV, and lack of data. The final study patients were divided into the following three groups in accordance with two quartile points of serum cTnT levels: low cTnT, intermediate cTnT, and high cTnT groups. The primary endpoint of this study was cardiac death.

Results

A total of 70 patients were included (mean age, 62±13 years; male individuals, 56; ischemic, 36; and non‐ischemic, 34). During the observation period of 2.2 years, cardiac death was observed in 17 patients (fatal arrhythmic event, 9; heart failure, 7; myocardial infarction, 1). In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the high cTnT group showed the highest risk among all the groups (p<0.001). Even in sub‐analyses for ischemic and non‐ischemic patients, the results were the same, and the high cTnT group showed the highest event rate (p<0.05). In contrast, no cardiac death was observed in the low cTnT group.

Conclusion

The cTnT levels in a stable state were associated with cardiac death in patients with LV dysfunction, even in those with non‐ischemic diseases.
Nutrient profiling for front of pack labelling: how to align logical consumer choice with improvement of products?
Authors: Roodenburg Annet J. C.
Published: August 2017

The primary goal of front of pack (FOP) labelling is to help consumers make healthier choices through communication. A secondary goal is to encourage producers to improve the nutritional composition of their products. Evidence has shown that (FOP) labelling can help consumers to make healthier food choices and has been an incentive for producers to improve product composition. As FOP labelling is seen as an important tool to improve food environments for public health purposes, the WHO supports initiatives of governments to implement an FOP labelling system. Based on the experiences of a wide range of countries over many years, possible success factors for such an FOP system have been defined, six of which are discussed in the present paper and used to evaluate the Dutch Choices Programme that was started in 2006. In the course of time a large number of producers joined the programme and the logo was recognised by more than 90 % of the consumers, but by 2016 the Dutch consumer organisation argued on the basis of their own research that a quarter of the consumers did not understand the colour coding of the logo and as a result the Dutch government decided to no longer support this logo and to introduce a nutrition app. The challenge that remains is to find a system that consumers understand well and that still encourages manufacturers of food to improve product composition. New technology-based data collecting initiatives might provide the right tools to develop such a system.
Smart health and innovation: facilitating health-related behaviour change
Authors: Redfern J.
Published: August 2017

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of death globally. Smart health technology and innovation is a potential strategy for increasing reach and for facilitating health behaviour change. Despite rapid growth in the availability and affordability of technology there remains a paucity of published and robust research in the area as it relates to health. The objective of the present paper is to review and provide a snapshot of a variety of contemporary examples of smart health strategies with a focus on evidence and research as it relates to prevention with a CVD management lens. In the present analysis, five examples will be discussed and they include a physician-directed strategy, consumer directed strategies, a public health approach and a screening strategy that utilises external hardware that connects to a smartphone. In conclusion, NCD have common risk factors and all have an association with nutrition and health. Smart health and innovation is evolving rapidly and may help with diagnosis, treatment and management. While on-going research, development and knowledge is needed, the growth of technology development and utilisation offers opportunities to reach more people and achieve better health outcomes at local, national and international levels.
Redefining agency in late life: the concept of ‘disponibility’
Authors: ROMAIOLI DIEGO , CONTARELLO ALBERTA
Published: August 2017

In light of an increased ageing population, policy makers are faced with the urgent problem of planning programmes that reflect active ageing or, in other words, the promotion of activities that help individuals to remain active in a societal context. The construct of agency, defined as the capacity to make decisions and to address situations depending on the individual's future plans, reflects a specific normative criterion: individuals are expected to live in an active and productive way, while those who are unable to live up to this expectation are considered dependent, passive, unproductive, weak. From a social constructionist perspective, the current study proposes a critical reflection on the qualities usually attributed to the construct of agency that are liable to appear reductive and oppressive when applied to an elderly population. Once the basic premises underlying agency, as it is commonly defined in the Western tradition, have been deconstructed, a different conceptualisation, based on interviews with older individuals, will be presented. The current work aims to produce a different conceptual framework that will permit examination of experiences and organisational modalities of agency typifying later life. The comments made by the interviewees in many cases resonate with ideas contained in Taoist philosophy and, more specifically, with the concept ofdisponibilité(or disponibility) outlined by the French sinologist François Jullien, which we discuss here.
OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE IN DENTISTRY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Chruściel-Nogalska Małgorzata , Smektała Tomasz , Tutak Marcin , Sporniak-Tutak Katarzyna , Olszewski Raphael
Published: August 2017

Objectives:Technological development and the need for electronic health records management resulted in the need for a computer with dedicated, commercial software in daily dental practice. The alternative for commercial software may be open-source solutions. Therefore, this study reviewed the current literature on the availability and use of open-source software (OSS) in dentistry.

Methods:A comprehensive database search was performed on February 1, 2017. Only articles published in peer-reviewed journals with a focus on the use or description of OSS were retrieved. The level of evidence, according to Oxford EBM Centre Levels of Evidence Scale was classified for all studies. Experimental studies underwent additional quality reporting assessment.

Results:The screening and evaluation process resulted in twenty-one studies from 1,940 articles found, with 10 of them being experimental studies. None of the articles provided level 1 evidence, and only one study was considered high quality following quality assessment.

Twenty-six different OSS programs were described in the included studies of which ten were used for image visualization, five were used for healthcare records management, four were used for educations processes, one was used for remote consultation and simulation, and six were used for general purposes.

Conclusions:Our analysis revealed that the dental literature on OSS consists of scarce, incomplete, and methodologically low quality information.
Balancing Dignity, Equality and Religious Freedom: A Transnational Topic
Authors: Pin Andrea
Published: August 2017

The concept of dignity has made its way into contemporary discourse on rights after having taken a winding road which intersected secular thinking with religious thinking. Its pervasive utilisation by courts shows its richness as well as its amorphousness. An enquiry into comparative law suggests that the concept of dignity, especially when it is associated with the idea of equality, creates tensions with claims to religious freedom. Such clashes cannot be reconciled on theoretical grounds, but only on practical ones, depending on context and according to proportionality scrutiny.
Preclinical studies for implementing flattening filter-free beams in hypofractionated volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for prostate cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Baochang , Darko Johnson , Osei Ernest
Published: September 2017

Background

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has emerged as one of the most favourable techniques for radiotherapy treatment in recent years because of its conformal dose distribution to the planning target volume (PTV), lower doses to adjacent normal organs at risk (OARs) and faster and easier dose delivery. A typical conventional VMAT protocol for low-intermediate risk prostate cancer uses a flattened 6 MV photon beam to deliver 78 Gy in 39 fractions, however, a recent Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study investigated prostate cancer radiotherapy with a hypofractionated dose scheme of 36·25 Gy in 5 fractions. One advantage of flattening filter-free (FFF) beams in radiotherapy is the higher doses in the central region on the dose profile and much higher dose delivery rates.

Methods and materials

This paper reports the investigation of preclinical studies for implementing FFF beams in hypofractionated VMAT for prostate cancer radiotherapy. All treatment planning were accomplished using Varian EclipseTM treatment planning system version 11 and delivered on Varian Truebeam linear accelerators. The studies compared the biological-effective dose–volume histograms and dose–volume histograms of PTV and OARs for 20 patients using conventional and hypofractionated dose schemes. The study also evaluated the 6 and 10 MV FFF by comparing 6 and 10 MV VMAT plans with the FFF beams. The treatment time was investigated using plans with 6 MV beams and doses of 2, 4, 5, 6, 7·25 Gy/fraction and plans with 10 MV FFF with a dose of 7·25 Gy/fraction. We also investigated an angular monitor unit (MU) quantity (MU/deg) and its threshold value for RapidArcTM plans, beyond which FFF beams can be considered superior to flattened beams in terms of treatment time increased caused by higher dose per fraction.

Results

The results show that the hypofractionated plans resulted in greater biological equivalent doses to PTV and lower doses to OARs. The 10 MV FFF plans have statistically lower mean doses to all the OARs, whereas PTV homogeneity index remains the same compared with other beam energies. The mean body integral dose for the 20 patients is 8·7% lower using 10 MV FFF compared with 6 MV FFF mainly because of the higher energy and less required MUs with the 10 MV FFF beam. The hypofractionated scheme with 10 MV FFF plan has the same treatment time as that of the 6 MV plan at 2 Gy/fraction, as the higher dose delivery rates at 10 MV FFF can compensate for the higher prescribed dose per fraction without the need of extra treatment time.

Conclusion

In this study, we observed that the 10 MV FFF beam is better for hypofractionated prostate cancer VMAT plan delivery. The threshold value of MU/deg is found to be 2·083 MU/deg based on our machine configurations.
Frequency of Gly-210 Deletion Mutation among Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Inhibitor–Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Populations
Authors: Salas-Perez Reiofeli A. , Burgos Nilda R. , Rangani Gulab , Singh Shilpa , Paulo Refatti Joao , Piveta Leonard , Tranel Patrick J. , Mauromoustakos Andy , Scott Robert C.
Published: August 2017

The widespread occurrence of Palmer amaranth resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors and/or glyphosate led to the increased use of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides. This research aimed to: (1) evaluate the efficacy of foliar-applied fomesafen to Palmer amaranth, (2) evaluate cross-resistance to foliar PPO inhibitors and efficacy of foliar herbicides with different mechanisms of action, (3) survey the occurrence of the PPO Gly-210 deletion mutation among PPO inhibitor–resistant Palmer amaranth, (4) identify other PPO target-site mutations in resistant individuals, and (5) determine the resistance level in resistant accessions with or without the PPO Gly-210 deletion. Seedlings were sprayed with fomesafen (263 gaiha−1), dicamba (280 gaiha−1), glyphosate (870 gaiha−1), glufosinate (549 g ai ha−1), and trifloxysulfuron (7.84 gaiha−1). Selected fomesafen-resistant accessions were sprayed with other foliar-applied PPO herbicides. Mortality and injury were evaluated 21 d after treatment (DAT). The PPX2L gene of resistant and susceptible plants from a selected accession was sequenced. The majority (70%) of samples from putative PPO-resistant populations in 2015 were confirmed resistant to foliar-applied fomesafen. The efficacy of other foliar PPO herbicides on fomesafen-resistant accessions was saflufenacil>acifluorfen=flumioxazin>carfentrazone=lactofen>pyraflufen-ethyl>fomesafen>fluthiacet-methyl. With small seedlings, cross-resistance occurred with all foliar-applied PPO herbicides except saflufenacil (i.e., 25% with acifluorfen, 42% with flumioxazin). Thirty-two percent of PPO-resistant accessions were multiple resistant to glyphosate and trifloxysulfuron. Resistance to PPO herbicides in Palmer amaranth occurred in at least 13 counties in Arkansas. Of 316 fomesafen survivors tested, 55% carried the PPO Gly-210 deletion reported previously in common waterhemp. The PPO gene (PPX2L) in one accession (15CRI-B), which did not encode the Gly-210 deletion, encoded an Arg-128-Gly substitution. The 50% growth reduction values for fomesafen in accessions with Gly-210 deletion were 8- to 15-fold higher than that of a susceptible population, and 3- to 10-fold higher in accessions without the Gly-210 deletion.
Evaluation eines migrationsspezifischen Angebots im Case Management von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Therapiebedarf nach Misshandlung, Missbrauch oder Vernachlässigung
Authors: Rosner Rita , Eberle-Sejari Rima , Ganser Helene G. , Goldbeck Lutz , Hagl Maria
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. Für Kinder und Jugendliche aus Familien mit Migrationshintergrund (MHG) ist der Zugang zu evidenzbasierter Psychotherapie möglicherweise erschwert. Im Rahmen einer randomisierten und kontrollierten Multicenter-Studie zur Evaluation eines Case Management-Ansatzes für Kinder und Jugendliche, die nach Misshandlung, sexuellem Missbrauch oder Vernachlässigung eine psychische Störung entwickelt haben, wurden zur Projektmitte die beteiligten Case Manager zusätzlich hinsichtlich kultur- und migrationsspezifischer Aspekte geschult und in ihrer Arbeit mit Migrantenfamilien durch übersetzte Materialen und die Finanzierung von Dolmetschern unterstützt. Obwohl mit einem Anteil von 30 % Fällen mit MHG in der Interventionsstudie die anvisierte Zielgruppe erreicht wurde, waren die Fallzahlen im Case Management-Arm mit n = 7 vor der migrationsspezifischen Schulung und n = 8 danach zu gering, um einen klinischen Nutzen der Maßnahmen im Sinne einer besseren Versorgung nachzuweisen.
UV Radiation Is Associated With Latitudinal Trends in Cognitive Ability of White Children in the USA
Authors: León Federico R. , Hassall Christopher
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Temperature, geo-residential pattern of subpopulations, prevalence of infectious diseases, and UV radiation have been proposed to explain the declining cognitive ability observed with proximity to the equator in the USA. This study tested the cognitive effects of the four variables. The results reveal that the latitudinal decline of cognitive ability is strongly correlated with the UV Index rather than with the other variables among White children. The decline in measured cognitive ability from north to south is absent among African American and Hispanic children, plausibly because the high levels of skin melanin among these ethnic groups, by absorbing and dissipating light, prevent the occurrence of radiation’s cognitive effects among these populations at USA latitudes. The possible physiological mediators (oxidative stress, folate degradation, sexual hormones) suggest diet, family planning, and educational methods as mitigating strategies; however, specific studies measuring the mediating variables are needed to confirm their role and further strengthen UV radiation as an explanatory concept.
Big Space Rock to Pass near Earth on Friday
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: September 2017

An asteroid named for Florence Nightingale will make its closest approach to our planet since 1890 but will remain a safe distance away.
Diagnostic accuracy of standardised qualitative sensory test in the detection of lumbar lateral stenosis involving the L5 nerve root
Authors: Lin Jiann-Her , Hsieh Yi-Chen , Chen Yi-Chen , Wang Yun , Chen Chih-Cheng , Chiang Yung-Hsiao
Published: August 2017

Misdiagnosis of symptomatic lumbar lateral stenosis (LS) may result in an unfavourable prognosis after surgical treatment. This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of a standardised qualitative sensory test (SQST) in the detection of symptomatic LS in patients who had degenerative spinal disorders involving the L5 spinal nerve. We prospectively identified 75 patients, of which 60 met the inclusion criteria. Lateral recess stenosis at the L5 level or foraminal stenosis at the L5/S1 level on MRI was identified and graded by a neurosurgeon blinded to any clinical information. The reference criteria for the diagnosis of symptomatic LS were grade III LS on MRI and relevant clinical symptoms. Cutaneous sensory functions of the L5 dermatome on the symptomatic side were evaluated using the SQST. Each item of the SQST showed a satisfactory performance in the diagnosis of LS (sensitivity = 0.455–0.727, specificity = 0.868–1.0). A stepwise selection model identified low-strength von-Frey, high-strength von-Frey, and vibration as the most accurate predictors of symptomatic LS with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.9563 (95% confidence interval = 0.9003–1.0). In combination with MRI, the SQST is a promising diagnostic tool for detecting symptomatic LS involving L5 nerve roots.
Holographic Writing of Ink-Based Phase Conjugate Nanostructures via Laser Ablation
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Waqas , Ahmed Rajib , Yetisen Ali K. , AlQattan Bader , Butt Haider
Published: August 2017

The optical phase conjugation (OPC) through photonic nanostructures in coherent optics involves the utilization of a nonlinear optical mechanism through real-time processing of electromagnetic fields. Their applications include spectroscopy, optical tomography, wavefront sensing, and imaging. The development of functional and personalized holographic devices in the visible and near-infrared spectrum can be improved by introducing cost-effective, rapid, and high-throughput fabrication techniques and low-cost recording media. Here, we develop flat and thin phase-conjugate nanostructures on low-cost ink coated glass substrates through a facile and flexible single pulsed nanosecond laser based reflection holography and a cornercube retroreflector (CCR). Fabricated one/two-dimensional (1D/2D) nanostructures exhibited far-field phase-conjugated patterns through wavefront reconstruction by means of diffraction. The optical phase conjugation property had correlation with the laser light (energy) and structural parameters (width, height and exposure angle) variation. The phase conjugated diffraction property from the recorded nanostructures was verified through spectral measurements, far-field diffraction experiments, and thermal imaging. Furthermore, a comparison between the conventional and phase-conjugated nanostructures showed two-fold increase in diffracted light intensity under monochromatic light illumination. It is anticipated that low-cost ink based holographic phase-conjugate nanostructures may have applications in flexible and printable displays, polarization-selective flat waveplates, and adaptive diffraction optics.
Surface reconstruction of InAs (001) depending on the pressure and temperature examined by density functional thermodynamics
Authors: Yeu In Won , Park Jaehong , Han Gyuseung , Hwang Cheol Seong , Choi Jung-Hae
Published: August 2017

A detailed understanding of the atomic configuration of the compound semiconductor surface, especially after reconstruction, is very important for the device fabrication and performance. While there have been numerous experimental studies using the scanning probe techniques, further theoretical studies on surface reconstruction are necessary to promote the clear understanding of the origins and development of such subtle surface structures. In this work, therefore, a pressure-temperature surface reconstruction diagram was constructed for the model case of the InAs (001) surface considering both the vibrational entropy and configurational entropy based on the density functional theory. Notably, the equilibrium fraction of various reconstructions was determined as a function of the pressure and temperature, not as a function of the chemical potential, which largely facilitated the direct comparison with the experiments. By taking into account the entropy effects, the coexistence of the multiple reconstructions and the fractional change of each reconstruction by the thermodynamic condition were predicted and were in agreement with the previous experimental observations. This work provides the community with a useful framework for such type of theoretical studies.
Interleukin-33 promotes inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis via ST2/TRAF6-mediated Akt/eNOS/NO signalling pathway
Authors: Han Longhui , Zhang Minglian , Liang Xu , Jia Xin , Jia Jinchen , Zhao Miying , Fan Yiming
Published: August 2017

The interplay between inflammation and lymphangiogenesis is mediated by various cytokines. However, most of these molecules and their associated mechanism are yet to be defined. Here, we explored the role of IL-33 in modulating inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis (ILA) and its underlying mechanisms using an ILA mouse model and a lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) line. Our results show that IL-33 promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of LECs and ILA in vivo. The pro-lymphangiogenic activity of IL-33 was abolished by ST2 blockage. In mechanisms, IL-33 induced the phosphorylation of Akt/eNOS to produce NO in LECs. The IL-33-induced Akt/eNOS activation was suppressed by the PI3K-specific-inhibitor wortmannin, and NO-production was inhibited by both wortmannin and the NO synthase-inhibitor NMA. Knock-down of ST2 or TRAF6 suppressed Akt/eNOS phosphorylation and NO production. The reduction of NO treated with wortmannin or NMA abolished the promoting effects of IL-33 on the chemotactic motility and tube formation of HDLECs. In vivo, IL-33-induced ILA was also impaired in eNOS−/− mice. In conclusion, our study is the first to show that IL-33 promotes inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis via a ST2/TRAF6-mediated Akt/eNOS/NO signalling pathway. This findings may provide us more opportunities to treat inflammation and lymphangiogenesis associated diseases.
Early X chromosome inactivation during human preimplantation development revealed by single-cell RNA-sequencing
Authors: Moreira de Mello Joana C. , Fernandes Gustavo R. , Vibranovski Maria D. , Pereira Lygia V.
Published: September 2017

In female mammals, one X chromosome is transcriptionally inactivated (XCI), leading to dosage compensation between sexes, fundamental for embryo viability. A previous study using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data proposed that female human preimplantation embryos achieve dosage compensation by downregulating both Xs, a phenomenon named dampening of X expression. Using a novel pipeline on those data, we identified a decrease in the proportion of biallelically expressed X-linked genes during development, consistent with XCI. Moreover, we show that while the expression sum of biallelically expressed X-linked genes decreases with embryonic development, their median expression remains constant, rejecting the hypothesis of X dampening. In addition, analyses of a different dataset of scRNA-seq suggest the appearance of X-linked monoallelic expression by the late blastocyst stage in females, another hallmark of initiation of XCI. Finally, we addressed the issue of dosage compensation between the single active X and autosomes in males and females for the first time during human preimplantation development, showing emergence of X to autosome dosage compensation by the upregulation of the active X chromosome in both male and female embryonic stem cells. Our results show compelling evidence of an early process of X chromosome inactivation during human preimplantation development.
A Novel Statistical Method to Diagnose, Quantify and Correct Batch Effects in Genomic Studies
Authors: Nyamundanda Gift , Poudel Pawan , Patil Yatish , Sadanandam Anguraj
Published: September 2017

Genome projects now generate large-scale data often produced at various time points by different laboratories using multiple platforms. This increases the potential for batch effects. Currently there are several batch evaluation methods like principal component analysis (PCA; mostly based on visual inspection), and sometimes they fail to reveal all of the underlying batch effects. These methods can also lead to the risk of unintentionally correcting biologically interesting factors attributed to batch effects. Here we propose a novel statistical method, finding batch effect (findBATCH), to evaluate batch effect based on probabilistic principal component and covariates analysis (PPCCA). The same framework also provides a new approach to batch correction, correcting batch effect (correctBATCH), which we have shown to be a better approach to traditional PCA-based correction. We demonstrate the utility of these methods using two different examples (breast and colorectal cancers) by merging gene expression data from different studies after diagnosing and correcting for batch effects and retaining the biological effects. These methods, along with conventional visual inspection-based PCA, are available as a part of an R package exploring batch effect (exploBATCH; https://github.com/syspremed/exploBATCH).
Monolithic Chip for High-throughput Blood Cell Depletion to Sort Rare Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Fachin Fabio , Spuhler Philipp , Martel-Foley Joseph M. , Edd Jon F. , Barber Thomas A. , Walsh John , Karabacak Murat , Pai Vincent , Yu Melissa , Smith Kyle , Hwang Henry , Yang Jennifer , Shah Sahil , Yarmush Ruby , Sequist Lecia V. , Stott Shannon L. , Maheswaran Shyamala , Haber Daniel A. , Kapur Ravi , Toner Mehmet
Published: September 2017

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a treasure trove of information regarding the location, type and stage of cancer and are being pursued as both a diagnostic target and a means of guiding personalized treatment. Most isolation technologies utilize properties of the CTCs themselves such as surface antigens (e.g., epithelial cell adhesion molecule or EpCAM) or size to separate them from blood cell populations. We present an automated monolithic chip with 128 multiplexed deterministic lateral displacement devices containing ~1.5 million microfabricated features (12 µm–50 µm) used to first deplete red blood cells and platelets. The outputs from these devices are serially integrated with an inertial focusing system to line up all nucleated cells for multi-stage magnetophoresis to remove magnetically-labeled white blood cells. The monolithic CTC-iChip enables debulking of blood samples at 15–20 million cells per second while yielding an output of highly purified CTCs. We quantified the size and EpCAM expression of over 2,500 CTCs from 38 patient samples obtained from breast, prostate, lung cancers, and melanoma. The results show significant heterogeneity between and within single patients. Unbiased, rapid, and automated isolation of CTCs using monolithic CTC-iChip will enable the detailed measurement of their physicochemical and biological properties and their role in metastasis.
Seasonal and geographical impact on human resting periods
Authors: Monsivais Daniel , Bhattacharya Kunal , Ghosh Asim , Dunbar Robin I. M. , Kaski Kimmo
Published: August 2017

We study the influence of seasonally and geographically related daily dynamics of daylight and ambient temperature on human resting or sleeping patterns using mobile phone data of a large number of individuals. We observe two daily inactivity periods in the people’s aggregated mobile phone calling patterns and infer these to represent the resting times of the population. We find that the nocturnal resting period is strongly influenced by the length of daylight, and that its seasonal variation depends on the latitude, such that for people living in two different cities separated by eight latitudinal degrees, the difference in the resting periods of people between the summer and winter in southern cities is almost twice that in the northern cities. We also observe that the duration of the afternoon resting period is influenced by the temperature, and that there is a threshold from which this influence sets in. Finally, we observe that the yearly dynamics of the afternoon and nocturnal resting periods appear to be counterbalancing each other. This also lends support to the notion that the total daily resting time of people is more or less conserved across the year.
SERS-based Immunoassay in a Microfluidic System for the Multiplexed Recognition of Interleukins from Blood Plasma: Towards Picogram Detection
Authors: Kamińska Agnieszka , Winkler Katarzyna , Kowalska Aneta , Witkowska Evelin , Szymborski Tomasz , Janeczek Anna , Waluk Jacek
Published: August 2017

SERS-active nanostructures incorporated into a microfluidic device have been developed for rapid and multiplex monitoring of selected Type 1 cytokine (interleukins: IL-6, IL-8, IL-18) levels in blood plasma. Multiple analyses have been performed by using nanoparticles, each coated with different Raman reporter molecules: 5,5′-dithio-bis(2-nitro-benzoic acid) (DTNB), fuchsin (FC), and p-mercatpobenzoic acid (p-MBA) and with specific antibodies. The multivariate statistical method, principal component analysis (PCA), was applied for segregation of three different antigen-antibody complexes encoded by three Raman reporters (FC, p-MBA, and DTNB) during simultaneous multiplexed detection approach. To the best of our knowledge, we have also presented, for the first time, a possibility for multiplexed quantification of three interleukins: IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 in blood plasma samples using SERS technique. Our method improves the detection limit in comparison to standard ELISA methods. The low detection limits were estimated to be 2.3 pg·ml−1, 6.5 pg·ml−1, and 4.2 pg·ml−1 in a parallel approach, and 3.8 pg·ml−1, 7.5 pg·ml−1, and 5.2 pg·ml−1 in a simultaneous multiplexed method for IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18, respectively. This demonstrated the sensitivity and reproducibility desirable for analytical examinations.
Dissection of iron signaling and iron accumulation by overexpression of subgroup Ib bHLH039 protein
Authors: Naranjo-Arcos Maria Augusta , Maurer Felix , Meiser Johannes , Pateyron Stephanie , Fink-Straube Claudia , Bauer Petra
Published: September 2017

Iron is an essential growth determinant for plants, and plants acquire this micronutrient in amounts they need in their environment. Plants can increase iron uptake in response to a regulatory transcription factor cascade. Arabidopsis thaliana serves as model plant to identify and characterize iron regulation genes. Here, we show that overexpression of subgroup Ib bHLH transcription factor bHLH039 (39Ox) caused constitutive iron acquisition responses, which resulted in enhanced iron contents in leaves and seeds. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that 39Ox plants displayed simultaneously gene expression patterns characteristic of iron deficiency and iron stress signaling. Thereby, we could dissect iron deficiency response regulation. The transcription factor FIT, which is required to regulate iron uptake, was essential for the 39Ox phenotype. We provide evidence that subgroup Ib transcription factors are involved in FIT transcriptional regulation. Our findings pose interesting questions to the feedback control of iron homeostasis.
An improved statistical iterative algorithm for sparse-view and limited-angle CT image reconstruction
Authors: Hu Zhanli , Gao Juan , Zhang Na , Yang Yongfeng , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong
Published: August 2017

Because radiation is harmful to patients, it is important to reduce X-ray exposure in the clinic. For CT, reconstructions from sparse views or limited angle tomography are being used more frequently for low dose imaging. However, insufficient sampling data causes severe streak artifacts in images reconstructed using conventional methods. To solve this issue, various methods have recently been developed. In this paper, we improve a statistical iterative algorithm based on the minimization of the image total variation (TV) for sparse or limited projection views during CT image reconstruction. Considering the statistical nature of the projection data, the TV is performed under a penalized weighted least-squares (PWLS-TV) criterion. During implementation of the proposed method, the image reconstructed using the filtered back-projection (FBP) method is used as the initial value of the first iteration. Next, the feature refinement (FR) step is performed after each PWLS-TV iteration to extract the fine features lost in the TV minimization, which we refer to as ‘PWLS-TV-FR’.
Excellent thermoelectric properties induced by different contact geometries in phenalenyl-based single-molecule devices
Authors: Cao Xuan-Hao , Zhou Wu-Xing , Chen Chang-Yong , Tang Li-Ming , Long Mengqiu , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: September 2017

We investigated the thermoelectric properties of phenalenyl-based molecular devices by using the non-equilibrium Green’s function method combined with density function theory. The results show that the thermoelectric performance of molecular device can be significantly improved by different contact geometries. The ZT value of the device can reach 1.2 at room temperature, which is two orders of magnitude higher than that of graphene. Moreover, the change of the coupling between molecule and electrodes can also enhance the ZT value. The ZT value can be further optimized to 1.4 at 300 K and 5.9 at 100 K owing to the decrease of electronic thermal conductance and almost unchanged power factor.
Study on dose-dependent, frequency-dependent, and accumulative effects of 1.5 GHz and 2.856 GHz microwave on cognitive functions in Wistar rats
Authors: Tan Shengzhi , Wang Hui , Xu Xinping , Zhao Li , Zhang Jing , Dong Ji , Yao Binwei , Wang Haoyu , Zhou Hongmei , Gao Yabing , Peng Ruiyun
Published: September 2017

Many studies have revealed the cognitive decline induced by microwave radiation. However, the systematic study on dose-dependent, frequency-dependent and accumulative effects of microwave exposure at different frequencies was lacking. Here, we studied the relationship between the effects and the power and frequency of microwave and analyzed the accumulative effects of two different frequency microwaves with the same average power density. After microwave radiation, declines in spatial learning and memory and fluctuations of brain electric activities were found in the 10 mW/cm2 single frequency exposure groups and accumulative exposure groups. Meanwhile, morphological evidences in hippocampus also supported the cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, the decrease of Nissl contents in neurons indicated protein-based metabolic disorders in neurons. By detecting the key functional proteins of cholinergic transmitter metabolism, cytokines, energy metabolism and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, we found that microwave could lead to multiple metabolic disorders. Our results showed that microwave-induced cognitive decline was largely determined by its power rather than frequency. Injury effects were also found in accumulative exposure groups. We particularly concerned about the safety dose, injury effects and accumulative effects of microwaves, which might be very valuable in the future.
Duration of farming is an indicator of natural restoration potential of sedge meadows
Authors: Wang Guodong , Wang Ming , Lu Xianguo , Jiang Ming
Published: August 2017

Soil seed banks can be important components of ecological restoration, particularly if the species remain viable in the soil for long periods of time. A germination experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to determine seed bank viability based on length of time farmed. Soils from sedge meadows farmed between 0 and 50 years were collected in Sanjiang Plain, China. Most dominant sedges (e.g., Carex schmidtii, C. lasiocarpa) and grasses (e.g. Calamagrostis angustifolia) survived as seeds if farmed for less than 5 years, therefore fields farmed for short periods of time are the best candidates for wetland restoration. Certain important structural components (tussock-forming Carex spp.) are not retained in seed banks when farmed for 6–15 years, but the seed banks still contained viable seeds of other important sedge meadow species, which could contribute to the restoration of wetland communities. However, most sedge meadow species were missing in fields farmed for more than 16 years, which make these fields difficult to restore via natural recolonization. We conclude that the duration of farming can be used as a general indicator of the potential of natural restoration for sedge meadows. This information could be used to determine which wetlands might be targeted for restoration.
The Strong Cell-based Hydrogen Peroxide Generation Triggered by Cold Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Yan Dayun , Cui Haitao , Zhu Wei , Talbot Annie , Zhang Lijie Grace , Sherman Jonathan H. , Keidar Michael
Published: September 2017

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important signaling molecule in cancer cells. However, the significant secretion of H2O2 by cancer cells have been rarely observed. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a near room temperature ionized gas composed of neutral particles, charged particles, reactive species, and electrons. Here, we first demonstrated that breast cancer cells and pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells generated micromolar level H2O2 during just 1 min of direct CAP treatment on these cells. The cell-based H2O2 generation is affected by the medium volume, the cell confluence, as well as the discharge voltage. The application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in cancer treatment has been intensively investigated over the past decade. Several cellular responses to CAP treatment have been observed including the consumption of the CAP-originated reactive species, the rise of intracellular reactive oxygen species, the damage on DNA and mitochondria, as well as the activation of apoptotic events. This is a new previously unknown cellular response to CAP, which provides a new prospective to understand the interaction between CAP and cells in vitro and in vivo. The short-lived reactive species in CAP may activate cells in vivo to generate long-lived reactive species such as H2O2, which may trigger immune attack on tumorous tissues via the H2O2-mediated lymphocyte activation.
Fe2O3, a cost effective and environmentally friendly catalyst for the generation of NH3– a future fuel – using a new Al2O3-looping based technology
Authors: Wu Ye , Jiang Guodong , Zhang Hongbo , Sun Zhao , Gao Yuan , Chen Xiaoping , Liu Huazhang , Tian Hanjing , Lai Qinghua , Fan Maohong , Liu Dong
Published: September 2017

Fe2O3is found to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly catalyst for chemical looping generation of NH3– a future fuel.
Hetero-metallic, functionalizable polyoxomolybdate clusters via a “top-down” synthetic method
Authors: Healy Colm , Twamley Brendan , Venkatesan Munuswamy , Schmidt Sebastian , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: September 2017

Two bi-metallic, organophosphonate-stabilised sandwich-type polyoxomolybdate clusters, [Mo6Cu4O16(OH)2(C4H9PO3)4(C5H5N)2(CH3O)4(H2O)]2−and [Mo7Cu7O19(OH)(CH3O)7(C4H9PO3)6(C5H5N)2]2−, are reported.
Polyoxometalates as sialidase mimics: selective and non-destructive removal of sialic acid from a glycoprotein promoted by phosphotungstic acid
Authors: Van Rompuy Laura Sofia , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: September 2017

The selective hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond between the terminal sialic acid and the penultimate sugar has been achieved in the alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (Fetuin-A) in the presence of H3PW12O40, a Keggin type polyoxometalate.
Two fluorescein-based chemosensors for the fast detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in water
Authors: Fu Zhen-Hai , Wang Ya-Wen , Peng Yu
Published: September 2017

Two fluorescein-based chemosensors have been developed for the rapid and selective fluorescence detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) under excitation by visible light.
Rational design of a fast and selective near-infrared fluorescent probe for targeted monitoring of endogenous nitric oxide
Authors: Tang Junma , Guo Zhiqian , Zhang Yutao , Bai Bing , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: August 2017

We developed a fast and selective near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe for the targeted tracing of endogenous NO which possesses vital features including a significant turn-on NIR response, high specificity, and a fast response.
A nickel-phyllosilicate core–echinus catalyst via a green and base additive free hydrothermal approach for hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Ma Bing , Cui Huimei , Zhao Chen
Published: August 2017

We report a new hydrothermal and basic-additive free process for synthesizing a core(single-crystalline HBEA zeolite)–echinus(nickel phyllosilicate) catalyst, which exhibits excellent reactivity and stability for hydrogenation reactions.