bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of food consumption, serum vitamins and metabolic syndrome risk with physical activity level in middle-aged adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006
Authors: Choi Jihyun E , Ainsworth Barbara E
Published: February 2016

Objective

To examine the associations of food consumption, serum vitamins and metabolic syndrome risk with physical activity level in middle-aged adults.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006.

Subjects

Adults aged 40–70 years were divided into three groups by tertile of accelerometer-determined steps/d (in men and women, respectively): tertile 1 (sedentary), <6802, <5785; tertile 2 (intermediate), 6802–10698, 5785–9225; tertile 3 (active), ≥10699, ≥9226.

Results

The active men consumed more grain products, fruits and vegetables, whereas the active women consumed more legumes and vegetables, compared with the sedentary group. Serum vitamin concentrations were associated with daily steps in both men and women. Vitamin C, α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, cis-β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein+zeaxanthin, lycopene, γ-tocopherol and vitamin D were significantly associated with daily steps. OR (P<0·05) for the sedentary group were 1·52 and 1·61 for low HDL cholesterol, 1·66 and 3·97 for hypertriacylglycerolaemia, 1·02 and 2·73 for abdominal obesity, 1·79 and 1·77 for hyperglycaemia, 1·59 and 1·60 for hypertension, and 1·85 and 2·47 for metabolic syndrome in men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

Those with the highest steps taken showed a more healthful eating profile and a better serum vitamin profile compared with less active adults. Those with the lowest steps taken had greater odds of having metabolic syndrome and its risk components. Probably, daily walking is a marker of a healthful eating profile and increasing daily walking is one of the healthful ways to decrease the metabolic syndrome and its risk components.
Novel electromagnetic bandgap structure to mitigate simultaneous switching noise for mixed-signal system applications
Authors: Karuppiah Vasudevan , Srinivasan Raju
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a novel T-shape electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure to suppress simultaneous switching noise (SSN) in mixed-signal systems. Noise is generated due to simultaneous switching multiple drivers in the digital ICs. It is called as SSN. It could propagate between power and ground planes of underlying PCB platform and interfere with the functionality of nearby RF/Analog ICs. So, the RF modules are isolated from the digital module for proper functioning of entire mixed-signal system. A high-impedance surface, called T-shape EBG has been implemented between digital and RF modules. It will exhibit the characteristics of bandgap for a wide frequency range to suppress the propagation of switching noise. A single unit-cell of T-EBG is periodically patterned over one side of the PCB and the other side is kept continuous. In this paper different characteristics of T-EBG have been simulated and verified with the measurement results. A 3 × 3 T-EBG layout provides an isolation of −40 dB from 0.72 to 6.39 GHz. A scaled version of T-EBG is used to shift the bandgap towards higher frequency range from 2.22 to 7.19 GHz. Also, a novel layout methodology has been proposed to broaden the bandgap from 2.02 to 18.84 GHz without reducing the thickness of dielectric substrate.
Study on miniaturization of planar monopole antenna with parabolic edge shape with a notch slot
Authors: Chang Tae-Soon , Kang Sang-Won
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a planar monopole antenna with a parabolic edge shape. This antenna, which has notch characteristics in the wireless local area network (WLAN) band, can be miniaturized. To obtain the notch characteristics in the WLAN band, a slot with a parabolic edge shape identical to that of the monopole structure was implemented. Because the planar monopole antenna with a parabolic edge shape possesses characteristics similar to those in self-complementary structure conditions, it can be miniaturized by reducing the antenna components at the same proportion. For the antenna fabrication, an FR4 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.7 was used. The size of the miniaturized antenna that satisfies the ultra-wide band requirement was 15.6 × 18.6 mm2, and the 10-dB band was 3.013–12.515 GHz. At each frequency, the radiation pattern was similar to that of a dipole antenna.
Diagnostische Abklärung bei Verdacht auf interstitielle Pneumopathie
Authors: Geiser Thomas , Guler Sabina
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die detaillierte Diagnose einer interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung (ILD) ist häufig komplex und anspruchsvoll. Mit den neuen Antifibrotika, welche uns nun für die Behandlung einer idiopathischen Lungenfibrose zur Verfügung stehen, ist eine detaillierte Differentialdiagnostik der ILD unabdingbar. Nur so kann sichergestellt werden, dass die neuen, kostspieligen Therapien richtig angewendet werden. Die MDD tragen nachgewiesenermassen dazu bei, die Diagnosesicherheit zu erhöhen. Es ist daher anzustreben, dass Patienten mit ILD fachgerecht abgeklärt und in MDD besprochen werden.
Histopathologische und radiologische Korrelationen
Authors: Berezowska Sabina , Pöllinger Alexander
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die interstitiellen Pneumonien stellen eine Gruppe von Lungenerkrankungen mit teils ähnlicher oder überlappender klinischer, radiologischer und pathologischer Präsentation dar. Da die klinischen Manifestationen oft ähnlich sind, kommt im diagnostischen Prozess der Pathologie und Radiologie sowie deren Korrelation eine wichtige Rolle zu. In der Diagnosefindung ist die multidisziplinäre Diskussion entscheidend. Diese wird auch in der aktuellen Klassifikation der idiopathischen interstitiellen Pneumonien 2002/2013 als diagnostischer Goldstandard aufgeführt. In der folgenden Übersicht werden die typischen radiologischen und histopathologischen Befunde der häufigen ­(idiopathischen) interstitiellen Pneumonien kurz erläutert und illustriert.
Lungentransplantation bei Patienten mit interstitieller Lungenerkrankung/idiopathisch pulmonaler Fibrose
Authors: Murer Christian , Benden Christian
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Lungentransplantation ist eine etablierte Therapieoption bei fortgeschrittenen Lungenerkrankungen. Interstitielle Lungenerkrankungen und insbesonders die idiopathisch pulmonale Fibrose (IPF) haben im Vergleich zu anderen Lungenerkrankungen mit Indikation zur Lungentransplantaton im Allgemeinen eine schlechtere Prognose. Eine frühzeitige Zuweisung an ein Lungentransplantationszentrum zur Evaluation einer möglichen Lungentransplantation sollte deshalb bei histologischem und/oder radiologischem Nachweis einer usual interstital pneumonitis (UIP) erfolgen, aufgrund der zu erwartenden rapiden Progredienz der Pneumopathie.
Wie zuverlässig ist Neuronavigation?
Authors: Stieglitz Lennart Henning
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. In der modernen Neurochirurgie spielen Navigationssysteme eine zentrale Rolle. Sie erlauben es, Instrumente und dreidimensionale Bilddaten während der Operation zu betrachten und sich anhand dieser Informationen im Gewebe zu orientieren. Dadurch besteht die Chance zur Senkung der operativen Risiken und Beschleunigung komplexer Eingriffe. Die zunehmende Verbreitung und Bedeutung der Navigation macht auch deutlich, wie wichtig es ist, sich über die Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit der Systeme jederzeit im Klaren zu sein. Verschiedene Einflüsse können die Abweichung des Systems während der Operation unbemerkt vergrössern und so den Operateur falsch anleiten. Neben der bestmöglichen Optimierung der Systeme ist daher die genaue Kenntnis ihrer Schwachstellen für jeden Neurochirurgen wichtig.
Hepatocyte TRAF3 promotes liver steatosis and systemic insulin resistance through targeting TAK1-dependent signalling
Authors: Wang Pi-Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Luo Pengcheng , Jiang Xi , Zhang Peng , Guo Junhong , Zhao Guang-Nian , Zhu Xueyong , Zhang Yan , Yang Sijun , Li Hongliang
Published: February 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance and a systemic pro-inflammatory response. Here we show that tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is upregulated in mouse and human livers with hepatic steatosis. After 24 weeks on a high-fat diet (HFD), obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and inflammatory responses are significantly ameliorated in liver-specific TRAF3-knockout mice, but exacerbated in transgenic mice overexpressing TRAF3 in hepatocytes. The detrimental effects of TRAF3 on hepatic steatosis and related pathologies are confirmed in ob/ob mice. We further show that in response to HFD, hepatocyte TRAF3 binds to TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) to induce TAK1 ubiquitination and subsequent autophosphorylation, thereby enhancing the activation of downstream IKKβ–NF-κB and MKK–JNK–IRS1307 signalling cascades, while disrupting AKT–GSK3β/FOXO1 signalling. The TRAF3–TAK1 interaction and TAK1 ubiquitination are indispensable for TRAF3-regulated hepatic steatosis. In conclusion, hepatocyte TRAF3 promotes HFD-induced or genetic hepatic steatosis in a TAK1-dependent manner.
Universality of slip avalanches in flowing granular matter
Authors: Denisov D. V. , Lörincz K. A. , Uhl J. T. , Dahmen K. A. , Schall P.
Published: February 2016

The search for scale-bridging relations in the deformation of amorphous materials presents a current challenge with tremendous applications in material science, engineering and geology. While generic features in the flow and microscopic dynamics support the idea of a universal scaling theory of deformation, direct microscopic evidence remains poor. Here, we provide the first measurement of internal scaling relations in the deformation of granular matter. By combining macroscopic force fluctuation measurements with internal strain imaging, we demonstrate the existence of robust scaling relations from particle-scale to macroscopic flow. We identify consistent power-law relations truncated by systematic pressure-dependent cutoff, in agreement with recent mean-field theory of slip avalanches in elasto-plastic materials, revealing the existence of a mechanical critical point. These results experimentally establish scale-bridging relations in the flow of matter, paving the way to a new universal theory of deformation.
The physico-chemical properties and structural characteristics of artificial soil for cut slope restoration in Southwestern China
Authors: Chen Shunan , Ai Xiaoyan , Dong Tengyun , Li Binbin , Luo Ruihong , Ai Yingwei , Chen Zhaoqiong , Li Chuanren
Published: February 2016

Cut slopes are frequently generated by construction work in hilly areas, and artificial soil is often sprayed onto them to promote ecological rehabilitation. The artificial soil properties are very important for effective management of the slopes. This paper uses fractal and moment methods to characterize soil particle size distribution (PSD) and aggregates composition. The fractal dimension (D) showed linear relationships between clay, silt, and sand contents, with coefficients of determination from 0.843 to 0.875, suggesting that using of D to evaluate the PSD of artificial soils is reasonable. The bias (CS) and peak convex (CE) coefficients showed significant correlations with structure failure rate, moisture content, and total porosity, which validated the moment method to quantitatively describe soil structure. Railway slope (RS) soil has lower organic carbon and soil moisture, and higher pH than natural slope soil. Overall, RS exhibited poor soil structure and physicochemical properties, increasing the risk of soil erosion. Hence, more effective management measures should be adopted to promote the restoration of cut slopes.
Light manipulation of nanoparticles in arrays of topological defects
Authors: Kasyanyuk D. , Pagliusi P. , Mazzulla A. , Reshetnyak V. , Reznikov Yu. , Provenzano C. , Giocondo M. , Vasnetsov M. , Yaroshchuk O. , Cipparrone G.
Published: February 2016

We report a strategy to assemble and manipulate nanoparticles arrays. The approach is based on the use of topological defects, namely disclination lines, created in chiral liquid crystals. The control of nanoparticle-loaded topological defects by low power light is demonstrated. Large-scale rotation, translation and deformation of quantum dots light-emitting chains is achieved by homogeneous LED illumination. Full reconfigurability and time stability make this approach attractive for future developments and applications.
Effects of TRP channel agonist ingestion on metabolism and autonomic nervous system in a randomized clinical trial of healthy subjects
Authors: Michlig Stéphanie , Merlini Jenny Meylan , Beaumont Maurice , Ledda Mirko , Tavenard Aude , Mukherjee Rajat , Camacho Susana , le Coutre Johannes
Published: February 2016

Various lines of published evidence have already demonstrated the impact of TRPV1 agonists on energetic metabolism through the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This study presents a trial investigating if stimulation of the two related sensory receptors TRPA1 and TRPM8 could also stimulate the SNS and impact the energetic metabolism of healthy subjects. The trial was designed to be double-blinded, randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled with healthy subjects and the impact on the energetic metabolism and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin and a cooling flavor was measured during the 90 min after ingestion. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry. An exploratory method to measure ANS activity was by facial thermography and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability using ECG was also used. Following cinnamaldehyde ingestion, energy expenditure was increased as compared to placebo. Furthermore, postprandial fat oxidation was maintained higher compared to placebo after cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin ingestion. Similar peripheral thermoregulation was observed after capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde ingestion. Unlike capsaicin, the dose of cinnamaldehyde was not judged to be sensorially ‘too intense’ by participants suggesting that Cinnamaldehyde would be a more tolerable solution to improve thermogenesis via spicy ingredients as compared to capsaicin.
Cryptococcus neoformans Thermotolerance to Avian Body Temperature Is Sufficient For Extracellular Growth But Not Intracellular Survival In Macrophages
Authors: Johnston Simon A. , Voelz Kerstin , May Robin C.
Published: February 2016

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fatal fungal pathogen of humans that efficiently parasitises macrophages. Birds can be colonised by cryptococci and can transmit cryptococcosis to humans via inhalation of inoculated bird excreta. However, colonisation of birds appears to occur in the absence of symptomatic infection. Here, using a pure population of primary bird macrophages, we demonstrate a mechanism for this relationship. We find that bird macrophages are able to suppress the growth of cryptococci seen in mammalian cells despite C. neoformans being able to grow at bird body temperature and are able to escape from bird macrophages by vomocytosis. A small subset of cryptococci are able to adapt to the inhibitory intracellular environment of bird macrophages, exhibiting a large cell phenotype that rescues growth suppression. Thus, restriction of intracellular growth combined with survival at bird body temperature explains the ability of birds to efficiently spread C. neoformans in the environment whilst avoiding systemic disease.
Critical dependence of magnetostructural coupling and magnetocaloric effect on particle size in Mn-Fe-Ni-Ge compounds
Authors: Wu Rongrong , Shen Feiran , Hu Fengxia , Wang Jing , Bao Lifu , Zhang Lei , Liu Yao , Zhao Yingying , Liang Feixiang , Zuo Wenliang , Sun Jirong , Shen Baogen
Published: February 2016

Magnetostructural coupling, which is the coincidence of crystallographic and magnetic transition, has obtained intense attention for its abundant magnetoresponse effects and promising technological applications, such as solid-state refrigeration, magnetic actuators and sensors. The hexagonal Ni2In-type compounds have attracted much attraction due to the strong magnetostructural coupling and the resulted giant negative thermal expansion and magnetocaloric effect. However, the as-prepared samples are quite brittle and naturally collapse into powders. Here, we report the effect of particle size on the magnetostructural coupling and magnetocaloric effect in the Ni2In-type Mn-Fe-Ni-Ge compound, which undergoes a large lattice change across the transformation from paramagnetic austenite to ferromagnetic martensite. The disappearance of martensitic transformation in a large amount of austenitic phase with reducing particle size, to our best knowledge, has not been reported up to now. The ratio can be as high as 40.6% when the MnNi0.8Fe0.2Ge bulk was broken into particles in the size range of 5~15 μm. Meanwhile, the remained magnetostructural transition gets wider and the magnetic hysteresis becomes smaller. As a result, the entropy change drops, but the effective cooling power RCeffe increases and attains to the maximum at particles in the range of 20~40 μm. These observations provide constructive information and highly benefit practical applications for this class of novel magnetoresponse materials.
Raman spectroscopy identifies radiation response in human non-small cell lung cancer xenografts
Authors: Harder Samantha J. , Isabelle Martin , DeVorkin Lindsay , Smazynski Julian , Beckham Wayne , Brolo Alexandre G. , Lum Julian J. , Jirasek Andrew
Published: February 2016

External beam radiation therapy is a standard form of treatment for numerous cancers. Despite this, there are no approved methods to account for patient specific radiation sensitivity. In this report, Raman spectroscopy (RS) was used to identify radiation-induced biochemical changes in human non-small cell lung cancer xenografts. Chemometric analysis revealed unique radiation-related Raman signatures that were specific to nucleic acid, lipid, protein and carbohydrate spectral features. Among these changes was a dramatic shift in the accumulation of glycogen spectral bands for doses of 5 or 15 Gy when compared to unirradiated tumours. When spatial mapping was applied in this analysis there was considerable variability as we found substantial intra- and inter-tumour heterogeneity in the distribution of glycogen and other RS spectral features. Collectively, these data provide unique insight into the biochemical response of tumours, irradiated in vivo, and demonstrate the utility of RS for detecting distinct radiobiological responses in human tumour xenografts.
Spin noise explores local magnetic fields in a semiconductor
Authors: Ryzhov Ivan I. , Kozlov Gleb G. , Smirnov Dmitrii S. , Glazov Mikhail M. , Efimov Yurii P. , Eliseev Sergei A. , Lovtcius Viacheslav A. , Petrov Vladimir V. , Kavokin Kirill V. , Kavokin Alexey V. , Zapasskii Valerii S.
Published: February 2016

Rapid development of spin noise spectroscopy of the last decade has led to a number of remarkable achievements in the fields of both magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy. In this report, we demonstrate a new – magnetometric – potential of the spin noise spectroscopy and use it to study magnetic fields acting upon electron spin-system of an n-GaAs layer in a high-Q microcavity probed by elliptically polarized light. Along with the external magnetic field, applied to the sample, the spin noise spectrum revealed the Overhauser field created by optically oriented nuclei and an additional, previously unobserved, field arising in the presence of circularly polarized light. This “optical field” is directed along the light propagation axis, with its sign determined by sign of the light helicity. We show that this field results from the optical Stark effect in the field of the elliptically polarized light. This conclusion is supported by theoretical estimates.
Endogenous hydrogen peroxide increases biofilm formation by inducing exopolysaccharide production in Acinetobacter oleivorans DR1
Authors: Jang In-Ae , Kim Jisun , Park Woojun
Published: February 2016

In this study, we investigated differentially expressed proteins in Acinetobacter oleivorans cells during planktonic and biofilm growth by using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We focused on the role of oxidative stress resistance during biofilm formation using mutants defective in alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpC) because its production in aged biofilms was enhanced compared to that in planktonic cells. Results obtained using an ahpC promoter-gfp reporter vector showed that aged biofilms expressed higher ahpC levels than planktonic cells at 48 h. However, at 24 h, ahpC expression was higher in planktonic cells than in biofilms. Deletion of ahpC led to a severe growth defect in rich media that was not observed in minimal media and promoted early biofilm formation through increased production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) and EPS gene expression. Increased endogenous H2O2 production in the ahpC mutant in rich media enhanced biofilm formation, and this enhancement was not observed in the presence of antioxidants. Exogenous addition of H2O2 promoted biofilm formation in wild type cells, which suggested that biofilm development is linked to defense against H2O2. Collectively, our data showed that EPS production caused by H2O2 stress enhances biofilm formation in A. oleivorans.
PNA lectin for purifying mouse acinar cells from the inflamed pancreas
Authors: Xiao Xiangwei , Fischbach Shane , Fusco Joseph , Zimmerman Ray , Song Zewen , Nebres Philip , Ricks David Matthew , Prasadan Krishna , Shiota Chiyo , Husain Sohail Z. , Gittes George K.
Published: February 2016

Better methods for purifying human or mouse acinar cells without the need for genetic modification are needed. Such techniques would be advantageous for the specific study of certain mechanisms, such as acinar-to-beta-cell reprogramming and pancreatitis. Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA-I) lectin has been used to label and isolate acinar cells from the pancreas. However, the purity of the UEA-I-positive cell fraction has not been fully evaluated. Here, we screened 20 widely used lectins for their binding specificity for major pancreatic cell types and found that UEA-I and Peanut agglutinin (PNA) have a specific affinity for acinar cells in the mouse pancreas, with minimal affinity for other major pancreatic cell types including endocrine cells, duct cells and endothelial cells. Moreover, PNA-purified acinar cells were less contaminated with mesenchymal and inflammatory cells, compared to UEA-I purified acinar cells. Thus, UEA-I and PNA appear to be excellent lectins for pancreatic acinar cell purification. PNA may be a better choice in situations where mesenchymal cells or inflammatory cells are significantly increased in the pancreas, such as type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Surface Diffusion Directed Growth of Anisotropic Graphene Domains on Different Copper Lattices
Authors: Jung Da Hee , Kang Cheong , Nam Ji Eun , Jeong Heekyung , Lee Jin Seok
Published: February 2016

Anisotropic graphene domains are of significant interest since the electronic properties of pristine graphene strongly depend on its size, shape, and edge structures. In this work, considering that the growth of graphene domains is governable by the dynamics of the graphene-substrate interface during growth, we investigated the shape and defects of graphene domains grown on copper lattices with different indices by chemical vapor deposition of methane at either low pressure or atmospheric pressure. Computational modeling identified that the crystallographic orientation of copper strongly influences the shape of the graphene at low pressure, yet does not play a critical role at atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the defects that have been previously observed in the center of four-lobed graphene domains grown under low pressure conditions were demonstrated for the first time to be caused by a lattice mismatch between graphene and the copper substrate.
Systematic microRNAome profiling reveals the roles of microRNAs in milk protein metabolism and quality: insights on low-quality forage utilization
Authors: Wang Diming , Liang Guanxiang , Wang Bing , Sun Huizeng , Liu Jianxin , Guan Le Luo
Published: February 2016

In this study, we investigated the molecular regulatory mechanisms of milk protein production in dairy cows by studying the miRNAomes of five key metabolic tissues involved in protein synthesis and metabolism from dairy cows fed high- and low-quality diets. In total, 340, 338, 337, 330, and 328 miRNAs were expressed in the rumen, duodenum, jejunum, liver, and mammary gland tissues, respectively. Some miRNAs were highly correlated with feed and nitrogen efficiency, with target genes involved in transportation and phosphorylation of amino acid (AA). Additionally, low-quality forage diets (corn stover and rice straw) influenced the expression of feed and nitrogen efficiency-associated miRNAs such as miR-99b in rumen, miR-2336 in duodenum, miR-652 in jejunum, miR-1 in liver, and miR-181a in mammary gland. Ruminal miR-21-3p and liver miR-2285f were predicted to regulate AA transportation by targeting ATP1A2 and SLC7A8, respectively. Furthermore, bovine-specific miRNAs regulated the proliferation and morphology of rumen epithelium, as well as the metabolism of liver lipids and branched-chain AAs, revealing bovine-specific mechanisms. Our results suggest that miRNAs expressed in these five tissues play roles in regulating transportation of AA for downstream milk production, which is an important mechanism that may be associated with low milk protein under low-quality forage feed.
Light intensity affects the uptake and metabolism of glycine by pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.)
Authors: Ma Qingxu , Cao Xiaochuang , Wu Lianghuan , Mi Wenhai , Feng Ying
Published: February 2016

The uptake of glycine by pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.), when supplied as single N-source or in a mixture of glycine and inorganic N, was studied at different light intensities under sterile conditions. At the optimal intensity (414 μmol m−2 s−1) for plant growth, glycine, nitrate and ammonium contributed 29.4%, 39.5% and 31.1% shoot N, respectively and light intensity altered the preferential absorption of N sources. The lower 15N-nitrate in root but higher in shoot and the higher 15N-glycine in root but lower in shoot suggested that most 15N-nitrate uptake by root transported to shoot rapidly, with the shoot being important for nitrate assimilation and the N contribution of glycine was limited by post-uptake metabolism. The amount of glycine that was taken up by the plant was likely limited by root uptake at low light intensities and by the metabolism of ammonium produced by glycine at high light intensities. These results indicate that pakchoi has the ability to uptake a large quantity of glycine, but that uptake is strongly regulated by light intensity, with metabolism in the root inhibiting its N contribution.
Reconstructing the plinian and co-ignimbrite sources of large volcanic eruptions: A novel approach for the Campanian Ignimbrite
Authors: Marti Alejandro , Folch Arnau , Costa Antonio , Engwell Samantha
Published: February 2016

The 39 ka Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) super-eruption was the largest volcanic eruption of the past 200 ka in Europe. Tephra deposits indicate two distinct plume forming phases, Plinian and co-ignimbrite, characteristic of many caldera-forming eruptions. Previous numerical studies have characterized the eruption as a single-phase event, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment of eruption dynamics. To reconstruct the volume, intensity, and duration of the tephra dispersal, we applied a computational inversion method that explicitly accounts for the Plinian and co-ignimbrite phases and for gravitational spreading of the umbrella cloud. To verify the consistency of our results, we performed an additional single-phase inversion using an independent thickness dataset. Our better-fitting two-phase model suggests a higher mass eruption rate than previous studies, and estimates that 3/4 of the total fallout volume is co-ignimbrite in origin. Gravitational spreading of the umbrella cloud dominates tephra transport only within the first hundred kilometres due to strong stratospheric winds in our best-fit wind model. Finally, tephra fallout impacts would have interrupted the westward migration of modern hominid groups in Europe, possibly supporting the hypothesis of prolonged Neanderthal survival in South-Western Europe during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition.
In Situ Characterization of the Local Work Function along Individual Free Standing Nanowire by Electrostatic Deflection
Authors: Chen Yicong , Zhao Chengchun , Huang Feng , Zhan Runze , Deng Shaozhi , Xu Ningsheng , Chen Jun
Published: February 2016

In situ characterization of the work function of quasi one dimensional nanomaterials is essential for exploring their applications. Here we proposed to use the electrostatic deflection induced by work function difference between nanoprobe and nanowire for in situ measuring the local work function along a free standing nanowire. The physical mechanism for the measurement was discussed in details and a parabolic relationship between the deflection and the potential difference was derived. As a demonstration, measurement of the local work functions on the tip and the sidewall of a ZnO nanowire with Au catalyst at its end and a LaB6 nanowire have been achieved with good accuracy.
Gas Sensing with Bare and Graphene-covered Optical Nano-Antenna Structures
Authors: Mehta Bhaven , Benkstein Kurt D. , Semancik Steve , Zaghloul Mona E.
Published: February 2016

The motivation behind this work is to study the gas phase chemical sensing characteristics of optical (plasmonic) nano-antennas (ONA) and graphene/graphene oxide-covered versions of these structures. ONA are devices that have their resonating frequency in the visible range. The basic principle governing the detection mechanism for ONA is refractive index sensing. The change in the concentration of the analyte results in a differing amount of adsorbate and correlated shifts in the resonance wavelength of the device. In this work, bare and graphene or graphene oxide covered ONA have been evaluated for gas sensing performance. Four different analytes (ethanol, acetone, nitrogen dioxide and toluene) were used in testing. ONA response behavior to different analytes was modified by adsorption within the graphene and graphene oxide overlayers. This work is a preliminary study to understand resonance wavelength shift caused by different analytes. Results imply that the combination of well-structured ONA functionalized by graphene-based adsorbers can give sensitive and selective sensors but baseline drift effects identified in this work must be addressed for applied measurements.
Early Failures Benefit Subsequent Task Performance
Authors: Igata Hideyoshi , Sasaki Takuya , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: February 2016

Animals navigate using cognitive maps. However, how they adaptively exploit these maps in changing environments is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the problem-solving behaviors of mice in a complicated maze in which multiple routes with different intersections were available (Test 1). Although all mice eventually settled on the shortest route, mice that initially exhibited more trial-and-error exploration solved the maze more rapidly. We then introduced one or two barriers that obstructed learned routes such that mice had to establish novel roundabout detours (Tests 2/3). Solutions varied among mice but were predictable based on individual early trial-and-error patterns observed in Test 1: mice that had initially explored more extensively found better solutions. Finally, when the barriers were removed (Test 4), all mice reverted to the best solution after active exploration. Thus, early active exploration helps mice to develop optimal strategies.
In-plane Isotropic Microwave Performance of CoZr Trilayer in GHz Range
Authors: Pan Lulu , Wang Fenglong , Wang Wenfeng , Chai Guozhi , Xue Desheng
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we investigate the high frequency performance of Co90Zr10/SiO2/Co90Zr10 trilayers. It is demonstrated that the in-plane isotropic microwave performance is theoretically derived from the solution of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation and experimentally achieved in that sandwich structured film. The valuable isotropic behavior comes from the superposition of two uncouple ferromagnetic layers in which the uniaxial magnetic anisotropic fields are equivalent but mutually orthogonal. Moreover, the isotropic microwave performance can be tuned to higher resonance frequency up to 5.3 GHz by employing the oblique deposition technique. It offers a convenient and effective way to achieve an unusual in-plane isotropic microwave performance with high permeability in GHz, holding promising applications for the magnetic devices in the high frequency information technology.
Rapid multiplex detection of 10 foodborne pathogens with an up-converting phosphor technology-based 10-channel lateral flow assay
Authors: Zhao Yong , Wang Haoran , Zhang Pingping , Sun Chongyun , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Xinrui , Yang Ruifu , Wang Chengbin , Zhou Lei
Published: February 2016

The rapid high-throughput detection of foodborne pathogens is essential in controlling food safety. In this study, a 10-channel up-converting phosphor technology-based lateral flow (TC-UPT-LF) assay was established for the rapid and simultaneous detection of 10 epidemic foodborne pathogens. Ten different single-target UPT-LF strips were developed and integrated into one TC-UPT-LF disc with optimization. Without enrichment the TC-UPT-LF assay had a detection sensitivity of 104 CFU mL−1 or 105 CFU mL−1 for each pathogen, and after sample enrichment it was 10 CFU/0.6 mg. The assay also showed good linearity, allowing quantitative detection, with a linear fitting coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.916–0.998. The 10 detection channels did not cross-react, so multiple targets could be specifically detected. When 279 real food samples were tested, the assay was highly consistent (100%) with culture-based methods. The results for 110 food samples artificially contaminated with single or multiple targets showed a high detection rate (≥80%) for most target bacteria. Overall, the TC-UPT-LF assay allows the rapid, quantitative, and simultaneous detection of 10 kinds of foodborne pathogens within 20 min, and is especially suitable for the rapid detection and surveillance of foodborne pathogens in food and water.
Impact of Angiotensin I-converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor Blockers on Survival of Patients with NSCLC
Authors: Miao Lili , Chen Wei , Zhou Ling , Wan Huanying , Gao Beili , Feng Yun
Published: February 2016

It has been shown that angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II type-1 receptor blockers (ARBs) can decrease tumor growth and tumor-associated angiogenesis and inhibit metastasis. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are found in approximately 30% of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in East Asia and in 10–15% of such patients in Western countries. We retrospectively identified 228 patients with histologically confirmed advanced NSCLC and 73 patients with early stage disease; 103 of these patients took antihypertensive drugs and 112 received treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). There was a significant difference in progression-free survival after first-line therapy (PFS1) between the ACEI/ARB group and the non-ACEI/ARB group. For the patients treated with TKIs, there was a significant difference in PFS but not in overall survival (OS) between the ACEI/ARB group and the non-ACEI/ARB group. For the patients with advanced NSCLC, there was a significant difference in PFS1 between the ACEI/ARB group and the non-ACEI/ARB group. ACEI/ARB in combination with standard chemotherapy or TKIs had a positive effect on PFS1 or OS, regardless of whether the lung cancer was in the early or advanced stage.
Self-organization of network dynamics into local quantized states
Authors: Nicolaides Christos , Juanes Ruben , Cueto-Felgueroso Luis
Published: February 2016

Self-organization and pattern formation in network-organized systems emerges from the collective activation and interaction of many interconnected units. A striking feature of these non-equilibrium structures is that they are often localized and robust: only a small subset of the nodes, or cell assembly, is activated. Understanding the role of cell assemblies as basic functional units in neural networks and socio-technical systems emerges as a fundamental challenge in network theory. A key open question is how these elementary building blocks emerge and how they operate, linking structure and function in complex networks. Here we show that a network analogue of the Swift-Hohenberg continuum model—a minimal-ingredients model of nodal activation and interaction within a complex network—is able to produce a complex suite of localized patterns. Hence, the spontaneous formation of robust operational cell assemblies in complex networks can be explained as the result of self-organization, even in the absence of synaptic reinforcements.
Molecular phylogeny, pathogenicity and toxigenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
Authors: Nirmaladevi D. , Venkataramana M. , Srivastava Rakesh K. , Uppalapati S. R. , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Yli-Mattila T. , Clement Tsui K. M. , Srinivas C. , Niranjana S. R. , Chandra Nayaka S.
Published: February 2016

The present study aimed at the molecular characterization of pathogenic and non pathogenicF. oxysporumf. sp.lycopersicistrains isolated from tomato. The causal agent isolated from symptomatic plants and soil samples was identified based on morphological and molecular analyses. Pathogenicity testing of 69 strains on five susceptible tomato varieties showed 45% of the strains were highly virulent and 30% were moderately virulent. Molecular analysis based on the fingerprints obtained through ISSR indicated the presence of wide genetic diversity among the strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences showed the presence of at least four evolutionary lineages of the pathogen. The clustering ofF. oxysporumwith non pathogenic isolates and with the members of other formae speciales indicated polyphyletic origin ofF. oxysporumf. sp.lycopersici. Further analysis revealed intraspecies variability and nucleotide insertions or deletions in the ITS region among the strains in the study and the observed variations were found to be clade specific. The high genetic diversity in the pathogen population demands for development of effective resistance breeding programs in tomato. Among the pathogenic strains tested, toxigenic strains harbored theFum1gene clearly indicating that the strains infecting tomato crops have the potential to produce Fumonisin.
A human β-III-spectrin spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 mutation causes high-affinity F-actin binding
Authors: Avery Adam W. , Crain Jonathan , Thomas David D. , Hays Thomas S.
Published: February 2016

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5) is a human neurodegenerative disease that stems from mutations in the SPTBN2 gene encoding the protein β-III-spectrin. Here we investigated the molecular consequence of a SCA5 missense mutation that results in a L253P substitution in the actin-binding domain (ABD) of β-III-spectrin. We report that the L253P substitution in the isolated β-III-spectrin ABD causes strikingly high F-actin binding affinity (Kd = 75.5 nM) compared to the weak F-actin binding affinity of the wild-type ABD (Kd = 75.8 μM). The mutation also causes decreased thermal stability (Tm = 44.6 °C vs 59.5 °C). Structural analyses indicate that leucine 253 is in a loop at the interface of the tandem calponin homology (CH) domains comprising the ABD. Leucine 253 is predicted to form hydrophobic contacts that bridge the CH domains. The decreased stability of the mutant indicates that these bridging interactions are probably disrupted, suggesting that the high F-actin binding affinity of the mutant is due to opening of the CH domain interface. These results support a fundamental role for leucine 253 in regulating opening of the CH domain interface and binding of the ABD to F-actin. This study indicates that high-affinity actin binding of L253P β-III-spectrin is a likely driver of neurodegeneration.
Prediction of ground motion and dynamic stress change in Baekdusan (Changbaishan) volcano caused by a North Korean nuclear explosion
Authors: Hong Tae-Kyung , Choi Eunseo , Park Seongjun , Shin Jin Soo
Published: February 2016

Strong ground motions induce large dynamic stress changes that may disturb the magma chamber of a volcano, thus accelerating the volcanic activity. An underground nuclear explosion test near an active volcano constitutes a direct treat to the volcano. This study examined the dynamic stress changes of the magma chamber of Baekdusan (Changbaishan) that can be induced by hypothetical North Korean nuclear explosions. Seismic waveforms for hypothetical underground nuclear explosions at North Korean test site were calculated by using an empirical Green’s function approach based on a source-spectral model of a nuclear explosion; such a technique is efficient for regions containing poorly constrained velocity structures. The peak ground motions around the volcano were estimated from empirical strong-motion attenuation curves. A hypothetical M7.0 North Korean underground nuclear explosion may produce peak ground accelerations of 0.1684 m/s2 in the horizontal direction and 0.0917 m/s2 in the vertical direction around the volcano, inducing peak dynamic stress change of 67 kPa on the volcano surface and ~120 kPa in the spherical magma chamber. North Korean underground nuclear explosions with magnitudes of 5.0–7.6 may induce overpressure in the magma chamber of several tens to hundreds of kilopascals.
Structural analysis of disease-related TDP-43 D169G mutation: linking enhanced stability and caspase cleavage efficiency to protein accumulation
Authors: Chiang Chien-Hao , Grauffel Cédric , Wu Lien-Szu , Kuo Pan-Hsien , Doudeva Lyudmila G. , Lim Carmay , Shen Che-Kun James , Yuan Hanna S.
Published: February 2016

The RNA-binding protein TDP-43 forms intracellular inclusions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While TDP-43 mutations have been identified in ALS patients, how these mutations are linked to ALS remains unclear. Here we examined the biophysical properties of six ALS-linked TDP-43 mutants and found that one of the mutants, D169G, had higher thermal stability than wild-type TDP-43 and that it was cleaved by caspase 3 more efficiently, producing increased levels of the C-terminal 35 kD fragments (TDP-35) in vitro and in neuroblastoma cells. The crystal structure of the TDP-43 RRM1 domain containing the D169G mutation in complex with DNA along with molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the D169G mutation induces a local conformational change in a β turn and increases the hydrophobic interactions in the RRM1 core, thus enhancing the thermal stability of the RRM1 domain. Our results provide the first crystal structure of TDP-43 containing a disease-linked D169G mutation and a disease-related mechanism showing that D169G mutant is more susceptible to proteolytic cleavage by caspase 3 into the pathogenic C-terminal 35-kD fragments due to its increased stability in the RRM1 domain. Modulation of TDP-43 stability and caspase cleavage efficiency could present an avenue for prevention and treatment of TDP-43-linked neurodegeneration.
Ubiquitin-specific protease 4 controls metastatic potential through β-catenin stabilization in brain metastatic lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hwang Su Jin , Lee Hye Won , Kim Hye Ree , Lee Hong , Shin Chang Hoon , Yun Sun-Il , Lee Dong Heon , Kim Duk-Hwan , Kim Kyeong Kyu , Joo Kyeung Min , Kim Hyeon Ho
Published: February 2016

Brain metastasis is the most common type of intracranial cancer and is the main cause of cancer-associated mortality. Brain metastasis mainly originates from lung cancer. Using a previously established in vitro brain metastatic model, we found that brain metastatic PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells exhibited higher expression of β-catenin and increased migratory activity than parental PC14PE6 cells. Knockdown of β-catenin dramatically suppressed the motility and invasiveness of PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells, indicating β-catenin is involved in controlling metastatic potential. Since β-catenin protein was increased without a significant change in its mRNA levels, the mechanism underlying increased β-catenin stability was investigated. We found that ubiquitin-specific protease 4 (USP4), recently identified as a β-catenin-specific deubiquitinylating enzyme, was highly expressed in PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells and involved in the increased stability of β-catenin protein. Similar to β-catenin knockdown, USP4-silenced PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells showed decreased migratory and invasive abilities. Moreover, knockdown of both USP4 and β-catenin inhibited clonogenicity and induced mesenchymal-epithelial transition by downregulating ZEB1 in PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells. Using bioluminescence imaging, we found that knockdown of USP4 suppressed brain metastasis in vivo and significantly increased overall survival and brain metastasis-free survival. Taken together, our results indicate that USP4 is a promising therapeutic target for brain metastasis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Controlled Immobilization Strategies to Probe Short Hyaluronan-Protein Interactions
Authors: Minsky Burcu Baykal , Antoni Christiane H. , Boehm Heike
Published: February 2016

Well-controlled grafting of small hyaluronan oligosaccharides (sHA) enables novel approaches to investigate biological processes such as angiogenesis, immune reactions and cancer metastasis. We develop two strategies for covalent attachment of sHA, a fast high-density adsorption and a two-layer system that allows tuning the density and mode of immobilization. We monitored the sHA adlayer formation and subsequent macromolecular interactions by label-free quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The modified surfaces are inert to unspecific protein adsorption and yet retain the specific binding capacity of sHA. Thus they are an ideal tool to study the interactions of hyaluronan-binding proteins and short hyaluronan molecules as demonstrated by the specific recognition of LYVE-1 and aggrecan. Both hyaladherins recognize sHA and the binding is independent to the presence of the reducing end.