bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear interaction of intense left- and right-hand polarized laser pulse with hot magnetized plasma
Authors: Abedi-Varaki M. , Jafari S.
Published: July 2017

In this article, self-focusing of an intense circularly polarized laser pulse in the presence of an external oblique magnetic field in hot magnetized plasma, using Maxwell’s equations and the relativistic fluid momentum equation, is studied. An envelope equation governing the spot size of the laser beam for both of left- and right-hand polarizations has been derived and the effects of the plasma temperature and oblique magnetic field on the electron density distribution of hot plasma with respect to variation of the normalized laser spot size has been investigated. Numerical results depict that in right-hand polarization, self-focusing of the laser pulse along the propagation direction in hot magnetized plasma becomes better and more compressed with increasing $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}$. Inversely, in left-hand polarization, increase of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}$ in an oblique magnetic field leads to enhancement of the spot size and reduction self-focusing. Besides, in the plasma density profile, self-focusing of the laser pulse improves in comparison with no oblique magnetic field. Also it is shown that plasma temperature has a key role in the laser spot size, normalized laser output power and the variation of plasma density.
IMPLEMENTING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS IN FINLAND: MANAGED UPTAKE OF MEDICAL METHODS
Authors: Sihvo Sinikka , Ikonen Tuija , Mäkelä Marjukka
Published: July 2017

Objectives: The Managed Uptake of Medical Methods Program (MUMM) started 10 years ago as a joint venture of the Finnish Office for Health Technology Assessment (Finohta) and the twenty hospital districts in Finland. The aim is to offer information on the effectiveness, safety, organizational effects, and costs of new medical methods to support decisions concerning their uptake in secondary care. In this article, we discuss the successes and challenges of implementing the MUMM program.

Methods: A study of awareness and use of five MUMM recommendations for various medical specialties with short-form web-based surveys to hospitals.

Results: The recommendations were noticed and considered relevant. In overall assessment they received a mean rating of 8.4 (range: 4 to 10). Two thirds of the respondents thought MUMM recommendations were useful for practice, but only a third had actually used them in decision making.

Conclusions: HTA-based MUMM recommendations were well received by physicians but in practice they are less used than clinical practice guidelines. Short-form electronic surveys were a useful way of gathering information about awareness and implementation. The surveys also functioned as another method of informing key physicians about the recommendations.
The Don Banks Music Box to The Putney: The genesis and development of the VCS3 synthesiser
Authors: Gardner James
Published: July 2017

This article traces the development of the EMS VCS3 synthesiser from the inception of its precursor, the Don Banks Music Box, through its prototype to its commercial release. The nature of the design team and their technical and aesthetic choices are also discussed. The VCS3 is significant in that it was the first commercial European synthesiser and the team that created it – Tristram Cary, David Cockerell and Peter Zinovieff – were key figures in the development of British electronic music. This detailed study of the genesis of the VCS3 and some of the factors that influenced its design touches on many technical and historiographical strands that may be examined in more depth by future scholars.
BOUNDARIES: BOURGEOIS BELGIUM AND “TENTACULAR” MODERNISM
Authors: SILVERMAN DEBORA L.
Published: July 2017

The sweep, originality, and plenitude of Jerrold Seigel's work have transformed our field. His prolific and creative scholarship encompasses the history of ideas, the history of cultural forms, and the history of intellectuals, areas typically examined separately as coherent and discrete sections of intellectual history. I have been reading Seigel for many years now, assigned his texts in my classes, and watched students come alive as they encounter his Marx, his Bohemia, his Baudelaire, his Foucault, his Simmel. My own research and writing have been deeply influenced by key ideas generated in Seigel's body of work, testing and contesting, for example, his project of historicizing subjectivity and identity in modern Europe.
Discussion of Special Issue Articles “A Rorschach Case Study:	Multiple Psychoanalytic Models of Interpretation”
Authors: Yalof Jed
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Psychoanalytic theory offers multiple ways of organizing clinical data. In this paper, I comment on the preceding papers and offer an integrative discussion of Rorschach test analyses from the perspectives of object relations, ego psychology, interpersonal psychology, self psychology, and attachment theory. Each theory approaches the case somewhat differently, highlights different data points, and focuses on different inferences. In the end, however, each separate analysis reaches a similar endpoint with respect to the identification of core themes as manifested on the Rorschach test.
Intercultural Competence Development Among University Students From a Self-Regulated Learning Perspective
Authors: Strohmeier Dagmar , Gradinger Petra , Wagner Petra
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Intercultural competence is defined as a lifelong learning task that can be developed in any intergroup situation. A self-regulated learning model is applied to better understand the intercultural learning process that is initiated during the forethought phase, monitored during the performance phase, and evaluated during the self-reflection phase. In each phase, particular psychological constructs are important to initiate, monitor, and evaluate the learning process. The empirical goals of the present study were (1) to develop a self-report questionnaire capturing the three learning phases, (2) to test the theoretical structure of the proposed intercultural learning process, and (3) to examine two theoretically meaningful learning cycles. Data were collected from 188 women and 48 men aged 18–47 years (M = 26.41, SD = 6.19). Structural equation models (SEMs) demonstrated that intercultural learning goals, intercultural self-efficacy, and intercultural intrinsic interest form the latent factor forethought phase. In line with composite models of intercultural competence, the intercultural learning goals had a three-factor structure (knowledge domain, attitude domain, communication domain). Self-monitoring, self-recording, and self-experimentation form the latent factor performance phase. Mediation analyses provided initial evidence of the existence of two distinct learning cycles: (1) The forethought phase precedes the performance phase which precedes both self-evaluation and success attribution on intercultural competence (constructs of the self-reflection phase). (2) The performance phase precedes optimizing future learning (construct of the self-reflection phase) which precedes the forethought phase indicating the emergence of a future learning action. The theoretical and practical value of the newly developed self-assessment of intercultural competence is discussed.
Erratum: Genomic RNA folding mediates assembly of human parechovirus
Authors: Shakeel Shabih , Dykeman Eric C. , White Simon J. , Ora Ari , Cockburn Joseph J. B. , Butcher Sarah J. , Stockley Peter G. , Twarock Reidun
Published: July 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this article.
A Novel Role for RARα Agonists as Apolipoprotein CIII Inhibitors Identified from High Throughput Screening
Authors: Lee Sang Jun , Mahankali Madhupriya , Bitar Abdallah , Zou Huafei , Chao Elizabeth , Nguyen Hung , Gonzalez Jose , Caballero Dawna , Hull Mitch , Wang Danling , Schultz Peter G. , Shen Weijun
Published: July 2017

Elevated triglyceride (TG) levels are well-correlated with the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Apolipoprotein CIII (ApoC-III) is a key regulator of plasma TG levels through regulation of lipolysis and lipid synthesis. To identify novel regulators of TG levels, we carried out a high throughput screen (HTS) using an ApoC-III homogenous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay. We identified several retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists that reduced secreted ApoC-III levels in human hepatic cell lines. The RARα specific agonist AM580 inhibited secreted ApoC-III by >80% in Hep3B cells with an EC50 ~2.9 nM. In high-fat diet induced fatty-liver mice, AM580 reduced ApoC-III levels in liver as well as in plasma (~60%). In addition, AM580 treatment effectively reduced body weight, hepatic and plasma TG, and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Mechanistically, AM580 suppresses ApoC-III synthesis by downregulation of HNF4α and upregulation of SHP1 expression. Collectively, these studies suggest that an RARα specific agonist may afford a new strategy for lipid-lowering and CVD risk reduction.
Handheld Co-Axial Bioprinting: Application to in situ surgical cartilage repair
Authors: Duchi Serena , Onofrillo Carmine , O’Connell Cathal D. , Blanchard Romane , Augustine Cheryl , Quigley Anita F. , Kapsa Robert M. I. , Pivonka Peter , Wallace Gordon , Di Bella Claudia , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: July 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is driving major innovations in the area of cartilage tissue engineering. Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting necessitates a phase change from a liquid bioink to a semi-solid crosslinked network achieved by a photo-initiated free radical polymerization reaction that is known to be cytotoxic. Therefore, the choice of the photocuring conditions has to be carefully addressed to generate a structure stiff enough to withstand the forces phisiologically applied on articular cartilage, while ensuring adequate cell survival for functional chondral repair. We recently developed a handheld 3D printer called “Biopen”. To progress towards translating this freeform biofabrication tool into clinical practice, we aimed to define the ideal bioprinting conditions that would deliver a scaffold with high cell viability and structural stiffness relevant for chondral repair. To fulfill those criteria, free radical cytotoxicity was confined by a co-axial Core/Shell separation. This system allowed the generation of Core/Shell GelMa/HAMa bioscaffolds with stiffness of 200KPa, achieved after only 10 seconds of exposure to 700 mW/cm2 of 365 nm UV-A, containing >90% viable stem cells that retained proliferative capacity. Overall, the Core/Shell handheld 3D bioprinting strategy enabled rapid generation of high modulus bioscaffolds with high cell viability, with potential for in situ surgical cartilage engineering.
Viral driven epigenetic events alter the expression of cancer-related genes in Epstein-Barr-virus naturally infected Burkitt lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Gruffat Henri , Cros Marie Pierre , Diederichs Audrey , Sirand Cécilia , Vargas-Ayala Romina C. , Jay Antonin , Durand Geoffroy , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence , Herceg Zdenko , Manet Evelyne , Wild Christopher P. , Tommasino Massimo , Accardi Rosita
Published: July 2017

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was identified as the first human virus to be associated with a human malignancy, Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL), a pediatric cancer endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The exact mechanism of how EBV contributes to the process of lymphomagenesis is not fully understood. Recent studies have highlighted a genetic difference between endemic (EBV+) and sporadic (EBV−) BL, with the endemic variant showing a lower somatic mutation load, which suggests the involvement of an alternative virally-driven process of transformation in the pathogenesis of endemic BL. We tested the hypothesis that a global change in DNA methylation may be induced by infection with EBV, possibly thereby accounting for the lower mutation load observed in endemic BL. Our comparative analysis of the methylation profiles of a panel of BL derived cell lines, naturally infected or not with EBV, revealed that the presence of the virus is associated with a specific pattern of DNA methylation resulting in altered expression of cellular genes with a known or potential role in lymphomagenesis. These included ID3, a gene often found to be mutated in sporadic BL. In summary this study provides evidence that EBV may contribute to the pathogenesis of BL through an epigenetic mechanism.
Bio-inspired interlocking random 3-D structures for tactile and thermal sensing
Authors: Pu Long , Saraf Rohit , Maheshwari Vivek
Published: July 2017

Hierarchical nanostructures are tailored and used routinely in nature to accomplish tasks with high performance. Their formation in nature is accomplished without the use of any patterning process. Inspired by the performance of such structures, we have combined 2-D nanosheets with 1-D nanorods for functioning as electronic skin. These structures made in high density without any patterning process can be easily assembled over large areas. They can sense pressures as low as 0.4 Pa, with a response time in milliseconds. Further, these structures can also detect temperature changes with a non-linear response in the 298–400 K range, which is similar to skins perception of thermal stimuli. We illustrate this effect by showing that the device can differentiate between two 10 µl water droplets which are at room temperature and 323 K respectively.
Taxanes and platinum derivatives impair Schwann cells via distinct mechanisms
Authors: Imai Satoshi , Koyanagi Madoka , Azimi Ziauddin , Nakazato Yui , Matsumoto Mayuna , Ogihara Takashi , Yonezawa Atsushi , Omura Tomohiro , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Wakatsuki Shuji , Araki Toshiyuki , Kaneko Shuji , Nakagawa Takayuki , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: July 2017

Impairment of peripheral neurons by anti-cancer agents, including taxanes and platinum derivatives, has been considered to be a major cause of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), however, the precise underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we examined the direct effects of anti-cancer agents on Schwann cells. Exposure of primary cultured rat Schwann cells to paclitaxel (0.01 μM), cisplatin (1 μM), or oxaliplatin (3 μM) for 48 h induced cytotoxicity and reduced myelin basic protein expression at concentrations lower than those required to induce neurotoxicity in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Similarly, these anti-cancer drugs disrupted myelin formation in Schwann cell/DRG neuron co-cultures without affecting nerve axons. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin, but not paclitaxel, caused mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured Schwann cells. By contrast, paclitaxel led to dedifferentiation of Schwann cells into an immature state, characterized by increased expression of p75 and galectin-3. Consistent within vitrofindings, repeated injection of paclitaxel increased expression of p75 and galectin-3 in Schwann cells within the mouse sciatic nerve. These results suggest that taxanes and platinum derivatives impair Schwan cells by inducing dedifferentiation and mitochondrial dysfunction, respectively, which may be important in the development of CIPN in conjunction with their direct impairment in peripheral neurons.
Global alterations in areas of suitability for maize production from climate change and using a mechanistic species distribution model (CLIMEX)
Authors: Ramirez-Cabral Nadiezhda Y. Z. , Kumar Lalit , Shabani Farzin
Published: July 2017

At the global level, maize is the third most important crop on the basis of harvested area. Given its importance, an assessment of the variation in regional climatic suitability under climate change is critical. CliMond 10′ data were used to model the potential current and future climate distribution of maize at the global level using the CLIMEX distribution model with climate data from two general circulation models, CSIRO-Mk3.0 and MIROC-H, assuming an A2 emissions scenario for 2050 and 2100. The change in area under future climate was analysed at continental level and for major maize-producing countries of the world. Regions between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn indicate the highest loss of climatic suitability, contrary to poleward regions that exhibit an increase of suitability. South America shows the highest loss of climatic suitability, followed by Africa and Oceania. Asia, Europe and North America exhibit an increase in climatic suitability. This study indicates that globally, large areas that are currently suitable for maize cultivation will suffer from heat and dry stresses that may constrain production. For the first time, a model was applied worldwide, allowing for a better understanding of areas that are suitable and that may remain suitable for maize.
Action video games improve reading abilities and visual-to-auditory attentional shifting in English-speaking children with dyslexia
Authors: Franceschini Sandro , Trevisan Piergiorgio , Ronconi Luca , Bertoni Sara , Colmar Susan , Double Kit , Facoetti Andrea , Gori Simone
Published: July 2017

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties in learning to read and there is some evidence that action video games (AVG), without any direct phonological or orthographic stimulation, improve reading efficiency in Italian children with dyslexia. However, the cognitive mechanism underlying this improvement and the extent to which the benefits of AVG training would generalize to deep English orthography, remain two critical questions. During reading acquisition, children have to integrate written letters with speech sounds, rapidly shifting their attention from visual to auditory modality. In our study, we tested reading skills and phonological working memory, visuo-spatial attention, auditory, visual and audio-visual stimuli localization, and cross-sensory attentional shifting in two matched groups of English-speaking children with dyslexia before and after they played AVG or non-action video games. The speed of words recognition and phonological decoding increased after playing AVG, but not non-action video games. Furthermore, focused visuo-spatial attention and visual-to-auditory attentional shifting also improved only after AVG training. This unconventional reading remediation program also increased phonological short-term memory and phoneme blending skills. Our report shows that an enhancement of visuo-spatial attention and phonological working memory, and an acceleration of visual-to-auditory attentional shifting can directly translate into better reading in English-speaking children with dyslexia.
An engineered protein antagonist of K-Ras/B-Raf interaction
Authors: Kauke Monique J. , Traxlmayr Michael W. , Parker Jillian A. , Kiefer Jonathan D. , Knihtila Ryan , McGee John , Verdine Greg , Mattos Carla , Wittrup K. Dane
Published: July 2017

Ras is at the hub of signal transduction pathways controlling cell proliferation and survival. Its mutants, present in about 30% of human cancers, are major drivers of oncogenesis and render tumors unresponsive to standard therapies. Here we report the engineering of a protein scaffold for preferential binding to K-Ras G12D. This is the first reported inhibitor to achieve nanomolar affinity while exhibiting specificity for mutant over wild type (WT) K-Ras. Crystal structures of the protein R11.1.6 in complex with K-Ras WT and K-Ras G12D offer insight into the structural basis for specificity, highlighting differences in the switch I conformation as the major defining element in the higher affinity interaction. R11.1.6 directly blocks interaction with Raf and reduces signaling through the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Our results support greater consideration of the state of switch I and provide a novel tool to study Ras biology. Most importantly, this work makes an unprecedented contribution to Ras research in inhibitor development strategy by revealing details of a targetable binding surface. Unlike the polar interfaces found for Ras/effector interactions, the K-Ras/R11.1.6 complex reveals an extensive hydrophobic interface that can serve as a template to advance the development of high affinity, non-covalent inhibitors of K-Ras oncogenic mutants.
Gene expression reversal toward pre-adult levels in the aging human brain and age-related loss of cellular identity
Authors: Dönertaş Handan Melike , İzgi Hamit , Kamacıoğlu Altuğ , He Zhisong , Khaitovich Philipp , Somel Mehmet
Published: July 2017

It was previously reported that mRNA expression levels in the prefrontal cortex at old age start to resemble pre-adult levels. Such expression reversals could imply loss of cellular identity in the aging brain, and provide a link between aging-related molecular changes and functional decline. Here we analyzed 19 brain transcriptome age-series datasets, comprising 17 diverse brain regions, to investigate the ubiquity and functional properties of expression reversal in the human brain. Across all 19 datasets, 25 genes were consistently up-regulated during postnatal development and down-regulated in aging, displaying an “up-down” pattern that was significant as determined by random permutations. In addition, 113 biological processes, including neuronal and synaptic functions, were consistently associated with genes showing an up-down tendency among all datasets. Genes up-regulated duringin vitroneuronal differentiation also displayed a tendency for up-down reversal, although at levels comparable to other genes. We argue that reversals may not represent aging-related neuronal loss. Instead, expression reversals may be associated with aging-related accumulation of stochastic effects that lead to loss of functional and structural identity in neurons.
Exophagy of annexin A2 via RAB11, RAB8A and RAB27A in IFN-γ-stimulated lung epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Ying-Da , Fang Yi-Ting , Cheng Yi-Lin , Lin Chiou-Feng , Hsu Li-Jin , Wang Shu-Ying , Anderson Robert , Chang Chih-Peng , Lin Yee-Shin
Published: July 2017

Annexin A2 (ANXA2), a phospholipid-binding protein, has multiple biological functions depending on its cellular localization. We previously demonstrated that IFN-γ-triggered ANXA2 secretion is associated with exosomal release. Here, we show that IFN-γ-induced autophagy is essential for the extracellular secretion of ANXA2 in lung epithelial cells. We observed colocalization of ANXA2-containing autophagosomes with multivesicular bodies (MVBs) after IFN-γ stimulation, followed by exosomal release. IFN-γ-induced exophagic release of ANXA2 could not be observed in ATG5-silenced or mutant RAB11-expressing cells. Furthermore, knockdown of RAB8A and RAB27A, but not RAB27B, reduced IFN-γ-triggered ANXA2 secretion. Surface translocation of ANXA2 enhanced efferocytosis by epithelial cells, and inhibition of different exophagic steps, including autophagosome formation, fusion of autophagosomes with MVBs, and fusion of amphisomes with plasma membrane, reduced ANXA2-mediated efferocytosis. Our data reveal a novel route of IFN-γ-induced exophagy of ANXA2.
High dose sertraline monotherapy fails to protect rhesus macaques from lethal challenge with Ebola virus Makona
Authors: Honko Anna N. , Johnson Joshua C. , Marchand Jonathan S. , Huzella Louis , Adams Ricky D. , Oberlander Nicholas , Torzewski Lisa M. , Bennett Richard S. , Hensley Lisa E. , Jahrling Peter B. , Olinger Gene G.
Published: July 2017

The recent epidemic of Ebola virus disease in West Africa resulted in an unprecedented number of cases and deaths. Due to the scope of the outbreak combined with the lack of available approved treatment options, there was strong motivation to investigate any potential drug which had existing data reporting anti-Ebola activity. Drugs with demonstrated antiviral activity in the nonhuman primate models already approved for another indication or for which there was existing safety data were considered to be priorities for evaluation by the World Health Organization. Sertraline hydrochloride was reported to have anti-Ebola activity in vitro alone and in combination with other approved drugs. Although the efficacy was less than 100% in the murine model, the established safety profile of this product, the potential benefit alone and in combination, as well as the lack of other available options prioritized this compound for testing in the Ebola virus intramuscular rhesus macaque challenge model. Using a blinded dosing strategy, we demonstrated that high dose sertraline monotherapy provided no benefit for the prevention of Ebola virus disease in rhesus macaques with regards to reduction of viral load, morbidity, or survival highlighting the challenges of translating results between in vitro and in vivo models.
Saliva and tooth biofilm bacterial microbiota in adolescents in a low caries community
Authors: Eriksson Linda , Lif Holgerson Pernilla , Johansson Ingegerd
Published: July 2017

The oral cavity harbours a complex microbiome that is linked to dental diseases and serves as a route to other parts of the body. Here, the aims were to characterize the oral microbiota by deep sequencing in a low-caries population with regular dental care since childhood and search for association with caries prevalence and incidence. Saliva and tooth biofilm from 17-year-olds and mock bacteria communities were analysed using 16S rDNA Illumina MiSeq (v3-v4) and PacBio SMRT (v1-v8) sequencing including validity and reliability estimates. Caries was scored at 17 and 19 years of age. Both sequencing platforms revealed that Firmicutes dominated in the saliva, whereas Firmicutes and Actinobacteria abundances were similar in tooth biofilm. Saliva microbiota discriminated caries-affected from caries-free adolescents, with enumeration of Scardovia wiggsiae, Streptococcus mutans, Bifidobacterium longum, Leptotrichia sp. HOT498, and Selenomonas spp. in caries-affected participants. Adolescents with B. longum in saliva had significantly higher 2-year caries increment. PacBio SMRT revealed Corynebacterium matruchotii as the most prevalent species in tooth biofilm. In conclusion, both sequencing methods were reliable and valid for oral samples, and saliva microbiota was associated with cross-sectional caries prevalence, especially S. wiggsiae, S. mutans, and B. longum; the latter also with the 2-year caries incidence.
Economic factors influencing zoonotic disease dynamics: demand for poultry meat and seasonal transmission of avian influenza in Vietnam
Authors: Delabouglise Alexis , Choisy Marc , Phan Thang D. , Antoine-Moussiaux Nicolas , Peyre Marisa , Vu Ton D. , Pfeiffer Dirk U. , Fournié Guillaume
Published: July 2017

While climate is often presented as a key factor influencing the seasonality of diseases, the importance of anthropogenic factors is less commonly evaluated. Using a combination of methods – wavelet analysis, economic analysis, statistical and disease transmission modelling – we aimed to explore the influence of climatic and economic factors on the seasonality of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the domestic poultry population of Vietnam. We found that while climatic variables are associated with seasonal variation in the incidence of avian influenza outbreaks in the North of the country, this is not the case in the Centre and the South. In contrast, temporal patterns of H5N1 incidence are similar across these 3 regions: periods of high H5N1 incidence coincide with Lunar New Year festival, occurring in January-February, in the 3 climatic regions for 5 out of the 8 study years. Yet, daily poultry meat consumption drastically increases during Lunar New Year festival throughout the country. To meet this rise in demand, poultry production and trade are expected to peak around the festival period, promoting viral spread, which we demonstrated using a stochastic disease transmission model. This study illustrates the way in which economic factors may influence the dynamics of livestock pathogens.
Quinolinate Phosphoribosyltransferase is an Antiviral Host Factor Against Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Wang Zhilong , Gao Yanhang , Zhang Chao , Hu Haiming , Guo Dongwei , Xu Yi , Xu Qiuping , Zhang Weihong , Deng Sisi , Lv Pingyun , Yang Yan , Ding Yanhua , Li Qingquan , Weng Changjiang , Chen Xinwen , Gong Sitang , Chen Hairong , Niu Junqi , Tang Hong
Published: July 2017

HCV infection can decrease NAD+/NADH ratio, which could convert lipid metabolism to favor HCV replication. In hepatocytes, quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRT) catabolizes quinolinic acid (QA) to nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NAMN) for de novo NAD synthesis. However, whether and how HCV modulates QPRT hence the lipogenesis is unknown. In this work, we found QPRT was reduced significantly in livers of patients or humanized C/OTg mice with persistent HCV infection. Mechanistic studies indicated that HCV NS3/4A promoted proteasomal degradation of QPRT through Smurf2, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, in Huh7.5.1 cells. Furthermore, QPRT enzymatic activity involved in suppression of HCV replication in cells. Activation of QPRT with clofibrate (CLO) or addition of QPRT catabolite NAD both inhibited HCV replication in cells, probably through NAD+-dependent Sirt1 inhibition of cellular lipogenesis. More importantly, administration of CLO, a hypolipidemic drug used in clinics, could significantly reduce the viral load in HCV infected C/OTg mice. Take together, these results suggested that HCV infection triggered proteasomal degradation of QPRT and consequently reduced de novo NAD synthesis and lipogenesis, in favor of HCV replication. Hepatic QPRT thus likely served as a cellular factor that dampened productive HCV replication.
Common shared genetic variation behind decreased risk of breast cancer in celiac disease
Authors: Ugalde-Morales Emilio , Li Jingmei , Humphreys Keith , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Yang Haomin , Hall Per , Czene Kamila
Published: July 2017

There is epidemiologic evidence showing that women with celiac disease have reduced risk of later developing breast cancer, however, the etiology of this association is unclear. Here, we assess the extent of genetic overlap between the two diseases. Through analyses of summary statistics on densely genotyped immunogenic regions, we show a significant genetic correlation (r = −0.17, s.e. 0.05, P < 0.001) and overlap (Ppermuted < 0.001) between celiac disease and breast cancer. Using individual-level genotype data from a Swedish cohort, we find higher genetic susceptibility to celiac disease summarized by polygenic risk scores to be associated with lower breast cancer risk (ORper-SD, 0.94, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). Common single nucleotide polymorphisms between the two diseases, with low P-values (PCD < 1.00E-05, PBC ≤ 0.05), mapped onto genes enriched for immunoregulatory and apoptotic processes. Our results suggest that the link between breast cancer and celiac disease is due to a shared polygenic variation of immune related regions, uncovering pathways which might be important for their development.
Computational design of a symmetrical β-trefoil lectin with cancer cell binding activity
Authors: Terada Daiki , Voet Arnout R. D. , Noguchi Hiroki , Kamata Kenichi , Ohki Mio , Addy Christine , Fujii Yuki , Yamamoto Daiki , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Tame Jeremy R. H. , Zhang Kam Y. J.
Published: July 2017

Computational protein design has advanced very rapidly over the last decade, but there remain few examples of artificial proteins with direct medical applications. This study describes a new artificialβ-trefoil lectin that recognises Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, and which was designed with the intention of finding a basis for novel cancer treatments or diagnostics. The new protein, called “Mitsuba”, is based on the structure of the natural shellfish lectin MytiLec-1, a member of a small lectin family that uses unique sequence motifs to bindα-D-galactose. The three subdomains of MytiLec-1 each carry one galactose binding site, and the 149-residue protein forms a tight dimer in solution. Mitsuba (meaning “three-leaf” in Japanese) was created by symmetry constraining the structure of a MytiLec-1 subunit, resulting in a 150-residue sequence that contains three identical tandem repeats. Mitsuba-1 was expressed and crystallised to confirm the X-ray structure matches the predicted model. Mitsuba-1 recognises cancer cells that express globotriose (Galα(1,4)Galβ(1,4)Glc) on the surface, but the cytotoxicity is abolished.
Surface Energy Driven Cubic-to-Hexagonal Grain Growth of Ge2Sb2Te5 Thin Film
Authors: Zheng Yonghui , Cheng Yan , Huang Rong , Qi Ruijuan , Rao Feng , Ding Keyuan , Yin Weijun , Song Sannian , Liu Weili , Song Zhitang , Feng Songlin
Published: July 2017

Phase change memory (PCM) is a promising nonvolatile memory to reform current commercial computing system. Inhibiting face-centered cubic (f-) to hexagonal (h-) phase transition of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) thin film is essential for realizing high-density, high-speed, and low-power PCM. Although the atomic configurations of f- and h-lattices of GST alloy and the transition mechanisms have been extensively studied, the real transition process should be more complex than previous explanations, e.g. vacancy-ordering model for f-to-h transition. In this study, dynamic crystallization procedure of GST thin film was directly characterized by in situ heating transmission electron microscopy. We reveal that the equilibrium to h-phase is more like an abnormal grain growth process driven by surface energy anisotropy. More specifically, [0001]-oriented h-grains with the lowest surface energy grow much faster by consuming surrounding small grains, no matter what the crystallographic reconfigurations would be on the frontier grain-growth boundaries. We argue the widely accepted vacancy-ordering mechanism may not be indispensable for the large-scale f-to-h grain growth procedure. The real-time observations in this work contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the crystallization behavior of GST thin film and can be essential for guiding its optimization to achieve high-performance PCM applications.
Identification of a Flavonoid Glucosyltransferase Involved in 7-OH Site Glycosylation in Tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Dai Xinlong , Zhuang Juhua , Wu Yingling , Wang Peiqiang , Zhao Guifu , Liu Yajun , Jiang Xiaolan , Gao Liping , Xia Tao
Published: July 2017

Flavonol glycosides, which are often converted from aglycones in a process catalyzed by UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), play an important role for the health of plants and animals. In the present study, a gene encoding a flavonoid 7-O-glycosyltransferase (CsUGT75L12) was identified in tea plants. Recombinant CsUGT75L12 protein displayed glycosyltransferase activity on the 7-OH position of multiple phenolic compounds. In relative comparison to wild-type seeds, the levels of flavonol-glucosides increased in Arabidopsis seeds overexpressing CsUGT75L12. In order to determine the key amino acid residues responsible for the catalytic activity of the protein, a series of site-directed mutagenesis and enzymatic assays were performed based on the 3D structural modeling and docking analyses. These results suggested that residue Q54 is a double binding site that functions as both a sugar receptor and donor. Residues H56 and T151, corresponding to the basic active residues H20 and D119 of VvGT1, were not irreplaceable for CsUGT75L12. In addition, residues Y182, S223, P238, T239, and F240 were demonstrated to be responsible for a ‘reversed’ sugar receptor binding model. The results of single and triple substitutions confirmed that the function of residues P238, T239, and F240 may substitute or compensate with each other for the flavonoid 7-O-glycosyltransferase activity.
Fundamental chemistry of binary S,N and ternary S,N,O anions: analogues of sulfur oxides and N,O anions
Authors: Chivers Tristram , Laitinen Risto S.
Published: July 2017

The fundamental chemistry and significance of S,N and S,N,O anions and their conjugate acids in a variety of settings are discussed.
Production of liquid fuel intermediates from furfural via aldol condensation over Lewis acid zeolite catalysts
Authors: Su Mingxue , Li Wenzhi , Zhang Tingwei , Xin HaoSheng , Li Song , Fan Wei , Ma Longlong
Published: July 2017

Aldol condensation reactions between furfural and acetone can be used to produce liquid fuel intermediates.
Fluoride-mediated alkoxylation and alkylthio-functionalization of halogenated perylenediimides
Authors: Zink-Lorre N. , Font-Sanchis E. , Sastre-Santos Á. , Fernández-Lázaro F.
Published: July 2017

The presence of fluoride ions in the reaction of chloro- or bromo-PDIs with alcohols and thiols leads to a spectacular increase in the yields of substituted compounds.
Simple synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles on N-doped reduced graphene oxide for the electrocatalytic sensing ofl-cysteine
Authors: Yang Suling , Li Gang , Qu Chen , Wang Guifang , Wang Dan
Published: July 2017

A new kind of ZnO nanoparticle/N-doped reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (ZnONPs/N-rGO) was synthesized through a low temperature, low-cost and one step hydrothermal process.
Solubility prediction of gases in polymers based on an artificial neural network: a review
Authors: Mengshan Li , Wei Wu , Bingsheng Chen , Yan Wu , Xingyuan Huang
Published: July 2017

Solubility prediction model based on a hybrid artificial neural network.
Platinum–copper doped poly(sulfonyldiphenol/cyclophosphazene/benzidine)–graphene oxide composite as an electrode material for single stack direct alcohol alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Dakshinamoorthy Prasanna , Vaithilingam Selvaraj
Published: July 2017

Schematic representation of the preparation of a metal nanoparticle (Pt and Pt–Cu)-decorated poly(SDP/CP/BZ)–GO composite.
Synthesis and properties of mesoporous Zn-doped Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 as cathode materials by a MOFs-assisted solvothermal method
Authors: Wei Xin , Yang Puheng , Li Honglei , Wang Shengbin , Xing Yalan , Liu Xin , Zhang Shichao
Published: July 2017

Mesoporous nano-microparticles lithium-rich Zn-doped Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 cathode materials have been synthesized by utilizing the structural characteristics of metal–organic frameworks.
Slipdisc: a versatile sample preparation platform for point of care diagnostics
Authors: Banerjee I. , Salih T. , Ramachandraiah H. , Erlandsson J. , Pettersson T. , Araújo A. C. , Karlsson M. , Russom A.
Published: July 2017

A novel POC sample preparation technology, “Slipdisc”, based rotational slipchip technology is presented. In operation, the hand-winded slipdisc platform uses a unique clockwork mechanism to manipulate minute amount of liquids.
Two new photochromic coordination compounds with nonphotochromic ligands and different metal centers
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Pei-Xin , Zeng Hui-Yi , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: July 2017

Two new photochromic compounds were obtained by the different metal joint dots coordinated with nonphotochromic ligands. Compound 2 shows better photosensitivity for the short Φ…Φ distance appeared in 2 with only binuclear Zn as metal joint points.
Selenoprotein SelK increases the secretion of insulin from MIN6 β cells
Authors: Meng Xue-Lian , Zhang Hui-Ling , Feng Lin-Lin , Chen Man-Ling , Liu Ying-Ying , Yu Xia , Huan Feng-Ning , Lu Jing , Wang Dan , Liu Hong-Sheng , Chen Chang-Lan
Published: July 2017

The expression of selenoprotein SelK triggers the secretion of insulin from MIN6 β cells by increasing the cytosolic free Ca2+level, resulting from the up-regulated IP3R3 expression.
Green synthesis of multi-metallic nanocubes
Authors: Patra Nabanita , Taviti Ashoka Chary , Sahoo Anupam , Pal Abhisek , Beuria Tushar Kant , Behera Anindita , Patra Srikanta
Published: July 2017

A facile synthetic route and growth mechanism of heterobimetallic cubical nanoparticles Au@AgCl and Ag@AgCl@Au have been developed using Muntingia calabura flower extract.
Surfactant-driven direct synthesis of a hierarchical hollow MgO nanofiber–nanoparticle composite by electrospinning
Authors: Sainudeen Shijina S. , Asok Lakshmi B. , Varghese Anitta , Nair A. Sreekumaran , Krishnan Gopi
Published: July 2017

A single step synthesis of hierarchical MgO nanoparticle–nanofiber composite using surfactant driven electrospinning.
Lead-free and stable antimony–silver-halide double perovskite (CH3NH3)2AgSbI6
Authors: Li Ya-Juan , Wu Tao , Sun Lei , Yang Rui-Xia , Jiang Lei , Cheng Peng-Fei , Hao Qun-Qing , Wang Tian-Jun , Lu Rui-Feng , Deng Wei-Qiao
Published: July 2017

A new lead-free mixed-metal perovskite (CH3NH3)2AgSbI6 for light absorber was demonstrated both from theoretical prediction and experimental verification. This material remained stable in air for 370 days.
A direct strategy to synthesize hybrid benzothiazole–carbamate moieties via O-acylation of phenols under metal–organic framework catalysis
Authors: Nguyen Chung K. , Nguyen Nguyen B. , Chu Oanh N. , Dang Ha V. , Nguyen Tung T. , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: July 2017

Cu-CPO-27 was used as an efficient recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of benzothiazole–carbamate structures.
Correction: Nonlinear rheology of entangled polymers at turning point
Authors: Wang Shi-Qing
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘Nonlinear rheology of entangled polymers at turning point’ by Shi-Qing Wang et al., Soft Matter, 2015, 11, 1454–1458.
Facile synthesis of a reduced graphene oxide wrapped porous NiCo2O4 composite with superior performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Al-Rubaye Shaymaa , Rajagopalan Ranjusha , Dou Shi Xue , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: July 2017

The electrode preparation technique employed in the present study utilizes NiCo2O4/reduced graphene oxide composites to fabricate high performing supercapacitors for energy storage applications.
Study of the electrooxidation of borohydride on a directly formed CoB/Ni-foam electrode and its application in membraneless direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Guo Siqi , Sun Jie , Zhang Zhengyan , Sheng Aokai , Gao Ming , Wang Zhibin , Zhao Bin , Ding Weiping
Published: July 2017

CoB/Ni-foam was directly formed on a Ni-foam substrate using the electroless plating method. A membraneless DBFC with CoB/Ni-foam (7EP) as an anode showed a maximum power density of 230 mW cm−2.
Antimicrobial hydroxyapatite–gelatin–silica composite pastes with tunable setting properties
Authors: Uskoković Vuk , Ghosh Shreya , Wu Victoria M.
Published: July 2017

Bone grafting is one of the commonest surgical procedures, yet all bone substitutes developed so far suffer from specific weaknesses and the search for a bone graft material with ideal physical and biological properties is still ongoing.
A highly dense structure boosts energy harvesting and cycling reliabilities of a high-performance lead-free energy harvester
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong , Yan Xiaodong , Zhang Lina , Zhu Mankang
Published: July 2017

The highly dense Mn-KNN ceramics present an excellent energy harvesting performance.
Highly responsive ethylenediamine vapor sensor based on a perylenediimide–camphorsulfonic acid complex via ionic self-assembly
Authors: Huang Yongwei , Liu Xiaotian , Wang Qing , Fu Jiya , Zhao Lili , Liu Zhonghua , Jin Dongzhu
Published: July 2017

Two perylene conductometric sensors with excellent selectivity and low detection limit towards ethylenediamine vapor have been developed by ionic self-assembly.
Patients' Perception of Bone and Tissue Excision, and the Size and Weight of Prostheses at Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Rossi Benjamin , Jayasekera Narlaka , Kelly Fionnuala , Eyres Keith
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to ascertain patients' perception of the amount of bone and tissue excision and size and weight of their implanted prostheses at total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To our knowledge, no prior study in the English orthopaedic literature has analyzed these parameters against patient perception of TKA. In a prospective study of eight consecutive TKA (six primary and two single-stage revision TKA procedures) by a single surgeon, patients estimated the weight of their implanted knee. We assessed actual weights of their implants and bone cement. Patients estimated the size of their prostheses by sketching the tibial and femoral bone cuts upon a printout of an anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of their preoperative knee. We utilized an articulated plastic model knee for patient reference. Our study shows almost half a kilogram of weight is added postoperatively to the surgical site as a result of tissue excision, explanted material, and implanted prosthesis and cement. All patients overestimated the weight of their implanted prostheses and extent of bone excision. Thus, even ‘well-informed’ patients overestimate their bone resection and weight of implanted prosthesis at TKA. We postulate such misconceptions among TKA patients are common, and may impact negatively upon patient perception of TKA, their postoperative recovery and outcome.
Comparison of HbA1c Measurements using 3 Methods in 75 Patients Referred to One Outpatient Department
Authors: Roth Johannes , Müller Nicolle , Lehmann Thomas , Böer Klas , Löbel Sven , Pum Joachim , Müller Ulrich
Published: July 2017

Objective HbA1c is the most important surrogate parameter to assess the quality of diabetes care and is also used for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) since 2010. We investigated the comparability of 3 HbA1c methods in the city of Jena (Germany).

Methods The HbA1c determination was carried out in 50 healthy subjects and 24 people with DM (age 51.2±16.3 years, HbA1c 6.8±2.2%) with 3 different hemoglobin A1c testing methods at 4 locations in one city. Our laboratory (HPLC method) served as a reference for comparing the results. All methods are IFCC standardized and all devices are certified by the interlaboratory test.

Results The mean HbA1c of people without diabetes was: laboratory A (TOSOH G8, HPLC) 5.7±0.3%; laboratory B (TOSOH G8, HPLC) 5.5±0.3%, laboratory C (VARIANT II) 5.2±0.3%; laboratory D (COBAS INT.) 5.6±0.3%. All differences are significant (p=0.001).

The mean HbA1c of patients with mild to moderate elevated HbA1c was: Laboratory A 7.5±0.9%; B 7.3±1.0%; C 7.0±0.9%; D 7.5±1.1%. Differences are significant (p=0.001) except between laboratory A and D (p=0.8).

The mean HbA1c of patients with massively increased HbA1c was: laboratory A 11.5±1.8%; laboratory B 11.4±1.8%; laboratory C 10.8±1.6%; laboratory D 11.5±1.5%. Differences between laboratory A and C, as well as between C and D were significant (p=0.001).

Conclusion The mean IFCC standardized HbA1c from 75 people differs by up to 0.5% absolute between 4 laboratories. This difference is clinically significant and may lead to misdiagnosis and wrong treatment decisions, while HbA1c value from one patient were analyzed in different laboratories within a short time.
100-jährige Tradition – Die Dermatologische Klinik USZ steter Fokus: Innovative Klinik und translationale Foschung
Authors: Geiges M.
Published: July 2017

Seit das Fach „Dermatologie und Venerologie“ von der Universität in Zürich 1916 den ersten Lehrstuhl erhielt, prägten hervorragende Kliniker, welche in der Forschung Pionierarbeit leisteten, die Geschichte der Dermatologischen Klinik des UniversitätsSpitals in Zürich.

Mit dem ersten Ordinarius Bruno Bloch nahm die beeindruckende Entwicklung der Klinik ihren Lauf. Von Beginn an stand eine umfassende und innovative Patientenversorgung im Zentrum – dies gepaart mit hoch professioneller, intensiver und international ausgerichteter Forschung. Über mittlerweile mehr als 100 Jahre steht diese unter dem Credo der translationalen Forschung, damit die Patienten so rasch als möglich von neuesten Forschungserkenntnissen in der klinischen Behandlung profitieren können. Die heutige breite und gleichzeitig hochspezialisierte Ausrichtung der Klinik ist historisch durch die Schwerpunkte der Klinikdirektoren gewachsen, welche von den jeweiligen Nachfolgern weitergeführt und ergänzt wurden: funktionelle Immunbiologie unter Bloch, Radiotherapie unter Guido Miescher, Allergologie unter Hans Storck, Genetik und Ekzemforschung unter Urs Walter Schnyder und Onkologie (Melanom, Lymphome) unter Günter Burg. Unter der Leitung von Lars French liegen die heutigen Schwerpunkte der Klinik bei den „schweren entzündlichen Hautkrankheiten“ und der „Dermatoonkologie“.