bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Effect of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Corneal Failure Due to Limbal Stem Cell Niche Damage
Authors: Galindo Sara , Herreras José M. , López-Paniagua Marina , Rey Esther , de la Mata Ana , Plata-Cordero María , Calonge Margarita , Nieto-Miguel Teresa
Published: July 2017

Limbal stem cells are responsible for the continuous renewal of the corneal epithelium. The destruction or dysfunction of these stem cells or their niche induces limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) leading to visual loss, chronic pain, and inflammation of the ocular surface. To restore the ocular surface in cases of bilateral LSCD, an extraocular source of stem cells is needed to avoid dependence on allogeneic limbal stem cells that are difficult to obtain, isolate, and culture. The aim of this work was to test the tolerance and the efficacy of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAT-MSCs) to regenerate the ocular surface in two experimental models of LSCD that closely resemble different severity grades of the human pathology. hAT-MSCs transplanted to the ocular surface of the partial and total LSCD models developed in rabbits were well tolerated, migrated to inflamed tissues, reduced inflammation, and restrained the evolution of corneal neovascularization and corneal opacity. The expression profile of the corneal epithelial cell markers CK3 and E-cadherin, and the limbal epithelial cell markers CK15 and p63 was lost in the LSCD models, but was partially recovered after hAT-MSC transplantation. For the first time, we demonstrated that hAT-MSCs improve corneal and limbal epithelial phenotypes in animal LSCD models. These results support the potential use of hAT-MSCs as a novel treatment of ocular surface failure due to LSCD. hAT-MSCs represent an available, non-immunogenic source of stem cells that may provide therapeutic benefits in addition to reduce health care expenses.
Axial compression ratio limit for self‐centering precast segmental hollow piers
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Jing‐Quan , Liu Tong‐Xu
Published: July 2017

Axial compression ratio limit was investigated for self‐centering precast segmental hollow piers based on post‐earthquake residual axial loading capacity. The analytical method of unbonded posttensioning tendons (PT) stress increment and the simplified method of compression zone height were developed and validated by the finite element model verified by experiments. An analytical formula was deduced to calculate the critical axial compression ratio, which was regarded as the limit and can be obtained when the capacity provided by the noncompression zone at the bottom is equal to the initial axial compression loading. Parameter analysis was conducted to study effects of eight common design parameters on the critical axial compression ratio. The conclusions are summarized that there is good accuracy between the proposed methods for both unbonded PT stress increment and compression zone height and the finite element analysis. The axial compression ratio limit is proposed to be 0.25 when the ratio of energy dissipation (ED) bars is <1.5%. It is an inadvisable solution that more ED bars are matched with higher initial tensioning force of unbonded PT to fulfill the precast segmental piers with good ED capacity and self‐centering capacity in practice.
Suicide in men: what is the problem?
Authors: Platt Stephen
Published: July 2017

In high‐income countries such as the UK, suicide incidence in males is three times higher than in females. Among men, the suicide rate is higher still for those who are in their middle years (35–54) and live in socio‐economically disadvantaged circumstances. Stephen Platt draws on insights from a range of social science perspectives to identify the non‐psychiatric factors that interact with psychiatric vulnerability to elevate suicide risk in this demographic group.
Perovskites as Precursors for Ni/La2O3 Catalysts in the Dry Reforming of Methane: Synthesis by Constant pH Co‐Precipitation, Reduction Mechanism and Effect of Ru‐Doping
Authors: Kühl Stefanie , Düdder Hendrik , Girgsdies Frank , Kähler Kevin , Muhler Martin , Behrens Malte
Published: July 2017

LaNiO3 perovskite is an interesting precursor for Ni/La2O3 catalysts for the dry reforming of methane at high temperatures. Precursors have been synthesized by co‐precipitation without, with 2.5 at %, and with 5 at % Ru doping. The presence of Ru leads to a stabilization of the perovskite structure and hinders the decomposition into NiO and Ruddlesden‐Popper mixed oxides Lan+1NinO3n+1, which was observed for the Ru‐free sample upon calcination at 1000 °C (n = 3). Upon reduction in hydrogen, a mechanism involving at least two steps was observed and the first major step was identified as the partial reduction of the precursor leading to a LaNiO2.5‐like intermediate. The second major step is the reduction to Ni metal supported on La2O3 independent of the Ru content of the catalyst. In the presence of Ru, indications for Ni‐Ru alloy formation and for a higher dispersion of the metallic phase were found. The catalytic activity in DRM of the catalyst containing 2.5 % Ru was superior to the catalysts with more or without Ru. Furthermore, the propensity of coke formation was reduced by the presence of Ru.
From great power politics to a strategic vacuum: Origins and consequences of the TPP and TTIP
Authors: Griffith Melissa K. , Steinberg Richard H. , Zysman John
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we place the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) into broader geo-political and economic context given the current Trump Administration's withdrawal from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the loss of momentum for TTIP. Both TPP and TTIP sought to provide key tactical solutions to the particular trade/investment problems participating states faced. For the U.S. government, these free trade agreements also represented a geo-political undertaking, an attempt to once again set trade rules in light of deadlock in the WTO. Ultimately, the inability of the Obama Administration to successfully complete negotiations for and ratification of these two deals does not alter the underlying motivations that led to them in the first place. The stagnation of these deals, however, has intensified geo-economic and geo-strategic concerns: opening the door to rival articulations of trade governance and undermining U.S. credibility with its partners.
Applying systems thinking to task shifting for mental health using lay providers: a review of the evidence
Authors: Javadi D. , Feldhaus I. , Mancuso A. , Ghaffar A.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

This paper seeks to review the available evidence to determine whether a systems approach is employed in the implementation and evaluation of task shifting for mental health using lay providers in low- and middle-income countries, and to highlight system-wide effects of task-shifting strategies in order to better inform efforts to strength community mental health systems.

Methods.

Pubmed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies. Two stages of screens were done to ensure sensitivity. Studies were analysed using the World Health Organization's building blocks framework with the addition of a community building block, and systems thinking characteristics to determine the extent to which system-wide effects had been considered.

Results.

Thirty studies were included. Almost all studies displayed positive findings on mental health using task shifting. One study showed no effect. No studies explicitly employed systems thinking tools, but some demonstrated systems thinking characteristics, such as exploring various stakeholder perspectives, capturing unintended consequences, and looking across sectors for system-wide impact. Twenty-five of the 30 studies captured elements other than the most directly relevant building blocks of service delivery and health workforce.

Conclusions.

There is a lack of systematic approaches to exploring complexity in the evaluation of task-shifting interventions. Systems thinking tools should support evidence-informed decision making for a more complete understanding of community-based systems strengthening interventions for mental health.
Iron Age Agriculture in the Negev Highlands? Methodological and Factual Comments on Bruins and van der Plicht 2017a (Radiocarbon Vol. 59, Nr. 1)
Authors: Shahack-Gross Ruth , Finkelstein Israel
Published: July 2017

This is a reply to a rejoinder to our work in the Negev Highlands (Shahack-Gross and Finkelstein 2015) recently published by Bruins and van der Plicht in this journal (2017a). It addresses archaeological method and practice related to the way evidence for the timing of dry farming in the arid Negev Highlands, Israel, has been obtained. We highlight issues related to phytolith assemblages and livestock dung found in Negev Highlands sites as an indicator for presence/absence of cereal crops, and briefly discuss methods with which terraced agricultural plots in the region have been dated. We touch upon issues at the core of the scientific method, especially the need for proper controls and the importance of reporting full sets of data. Based on the new data presented by Bruins and van der Plicht (2017a, 2017b) we propose an alternative interpretation for their dating of a single terrace at Horvat Haluqim.
IMPROVEMENT IN GRAIN YIELD AND LOW-NITROGEN TOLERANCE IN MAIZE CULTIVARS OF THREE ERAS
Authors: BADU-APRAKU B. , FAKOREDE M. A. B. , ANNOR B. , TALABI A. O.
Published: July 2017

Maize (Zea maysL.) is the most important staple crop in West and Central Africa (WCA), but its production is severely constrained by low soil nitrogen (low N). Fifty-six extra-early open-pollinated maize cultivars developed during three breeding eras, 1995–2000, 2001–2006 and 2007–2012, were evaluated under low N and high soil nitrogen (high N) at two locations in Nigeria in 2013 and 2014, to investigate the genetic gains in grain yield and identify outstanding cultivars. During the first breeding era, the emphasis of the programme was on breeding for resistance to the maize streak virus (MSV) and high yield potential, while the major breeding emphasis during the second era was on recurrent selection for improved grain yield andStrigaresistance in two extra-early-maturing source populations, TZEE-W Pop STR (white) and TZEE-Y Pop STR (yellow). Starting from the third era, the source populations were subjected to improvement for tolerance to drought, low N and resistance toStriga. A randomized incomplete block design with two replications was used for the field evaluations. Results revealed genetic gains in grain yield of 0.314 Mg ha−1(13.29%) and 0.493 Mg ha−1(16.84%) per era under low N and high N, respectively. The annual genetic gains in grain yield was 0.054 Mg ha–1(2.14%) under low N and 0.081 Mg ha–1(2.56%) under high N environments. The cultivar 2009 TZEE-OR2STR of era 3 was the most stable, with competitive yield across environments, while 2004 TZEE-W Pop STR C4from era 2, and TZEE-W STR 104, TZEE-W STR 108 and 2012 TZEE-W DT STR C5from era 3 were high yielding but less stable. These cultivars should be further tested on-farm and commercialized in WCA. Substantial progress has been made in breeding for high grain yield and low-N tolerance in the sub-region.
WHAT DETERMINE SMALLHOLDERS’ FERTILIZATION PRACTICES DURING THE MATURE PERIOD OF RUBBER PLANTATIONS IN THAILAND?
Authors: CHAMBON BÉNÉDICTE , DAO XUAN LAI , TONGKAEMKAEW URAIWAN , GAY FRÉDÉRIC
Published: July 2017

Fertilization of rubber plantations has been poorly documented despite the huge economic and ecological impact of this tropical perennial crop, especially in Southeast Asia. The main objective of this paper is to provide information on the fertilization practices of rubber smallholders in Thailand and to investigate the drivers of these practices. Data were sourced from individual interviews conducted with 414 rubber smallholders. The results showed that 99.4% of the mature rubber plantations were fertilized with either chemical or organic fertilizers, or both. The average dose of chemical fertilizers was 105/53/92 kg ha−1of N/P/K that is consistent with the national recommendations. We estimated that almost two-thirds of the plantations had intensive or very intensive fertilization practices. Geographical location, especially the distinction between historical and new rubber-producing areas, appeared as a major factor explaining differences in fertilization practices. Several drivers commonly found in the literature did not affect the fertilization practices of the rubber farmers, highlighting some specificity of perennial crops and a context where access to fertilizer was not an issue. The high economic and environmental costs of intensive fertilization practices, while their benefit to the yield of rubber plantations continues to be debated, show the need to conduct research on sustainable fertilization practices in rubber smallholdings.
Lateral neck dissection affects the voice in thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Nam I-C , Bae J-S , Lee S-H , Park J-O , Kim S-Y , Joo Y-H , Park Y-H , Sun D-I
Published: July 2017

Objective:

This study aimed to identify the effect of lateral neck dissection on voice change in thyroidectomised patients.

Methods:

Medical records from 264 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with (n= 65) or without (n= 199) lateral neck dissection were reviewed. Clinical and voice evaluation data were compared between the two groups.

Results:

Patients who underwent surgery that included lateral neck dissection had lower fundamental frequencies and speaking fundamental frequencies. They also had a higher incidence of asymmetric mucosal wave and vocal fold oedema on videostroboscopy during the first month after surgery, with the incidence of vocal fold oedema remaining significantly higher at three months. Self-assessed voice quality scores were significantly higher in lateral neck dissection patients at both one and three months after surgery.

Conclusion:

In thyroidectomised patients, lateral neck dissection lowers the vocal pitch in the initial period after surgery and induces vocal fold oedema that persists for several months. Although most objective parameters improved within a month, subjective symptoms lasted for longer.
Missionary Education and Musical Communities in Sub-Saharan Colonial Africa
Authors: Torp Claudius
Published: July 2017

This article explores the effects of music education carried out by Protestant missionaries on local forms of sociability in sub-Saharan Africa during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Based on a methodological framework of ideal types of musical communities, the examination focuses on examples of musical encounters between missionaries and the Yoruba in West Africa, the Lobedu in South Africa, and the Nyakyusa in East Africa. A closer look at the kinds of sociability facilitated by missionary music will reveal a colonial dialectic emerging from the contrasting forces of cultural hierarchy and belonging.
Cultural Brokers in Uniform: The Global Rise of Military Musicians and Their Music
Authors: Rempe Martin
Published: July 2017

The article assesses the role of the military in the global dissemination and exchange of music in the long nineteenth century. It shows that, first, Western military music and its instrumentation were influenced by cross-cultural encounters, primarily with the Ottoman Empire. Second, I argue that educational professionalization and instrumental standardization were important vehicles for the global rise of the military band beyond its original purpose. Third, tracing the transnational careers of some German military musicians will make evident that competition with respect to national prestige, rising imperialism, and the increasing commercialization of musical life were crucial features of the spread of military musicians all over the world, making them cultural brokers not only of military music.
Parent–child conversations about literacy: a longitudinal, observational study
Authors: TREIMAN REBECCA , DECKER KRISTINA , ROBINS SARAH , GHOSH DINA , ROSALES NICOLE
Published: July 2017

Conversations about literacy-related matters with parents can help prepare children for formal literacy instruction. We studied these conversations using data gathered from fifty-six US families as they engaged in daily activities at home. Analyzing conversations when children were aged 1;10, 2;6, 3;6, and 4;2, we found that explicit talk about the elements and processes of reading and writing occurred even when children were less than two years old and became more common as children grew older. The majority of literacy-related conversations included talk about alphabet letters. Literacy-related conversations occurred in a variety of contexts, not only book-reading. There were few differences as a function of family socioeconomic status in the proportion of utterances during the sessions that occurred in literacy-related conversations. At older ages, however, children in families of lower socioeconomic status bore more of the conversational burden than children in families of higher status.
Negative latent tuberculosis at time of incarceration: identifying a very high-risk group for infection
Authors: ARROYAVE L. , KEYNAN Y. , LÓPEZ L. , MARIN D. , ARBELÁEZ M. P. , RUEDA Z. V.
Published: July 2017

The main aim was to measure the incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and identify risk factors associated with infection. In addition, we determined the number needed to screen (NNS) to identify LTBI and active tuberculosis. We followed 129 prisoners for 2 years following a negative two-step tuberculin skin test (TST). The cumulative incidence of TST conversion over 2 years was 29·5% (38/129), among the new TST converters, nine developed active TB. Among persons with no evidence of LTBI, the NNS to identify a LTBI case was 3·4 and an active TB case was 14·3. The adjusted risk factors for LTBI conversion were incarceration in prison number 1, being formerly incarcerated, and overweight. In conclusion, prisoners have higher risk of LTBI acquisition compared with high-risk groups, such as HIV-infected individuals and children for whom LTBI testing should be performed according to World Health Organization guidance. The high conversion rate is associated with high incidence of active TB disease, and therefore we recommend mandatory LTBI screening at the time of prison entry. Individuals with a negative TST at the time of entry to prison are at high risk of acquiring infection, and should therefore be followed in order to detect convertors and offer LTBI treatment. This approach has a very low NNS for each identified case, and it can be utilized to decrease development of active TB disease and transmission.
Detection of the toxic substance dibutyl phthalate in Antarctic krill
Authors: Han Xiangning , Liu Daicheng
Published: July 2017

High-performance thin layer chromatography was performed to investigate the potential presence of four phthalic acid esters, dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and dioctyl phthalate (DEHP), in Antarctic krill. The results revealed that in freeze-dried Antarctic krill levels of DBP (0.1043±0.0005 mg g-1 (104.3±0.05 mg kg-1)) were high. The structure of DBP in Antarctic krill was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Its existence is of concern based on demonstrated harmful effects to animals and plants as Antarctic krill is a key part of the food chain in Antarctic coastal marine ecosystems. The adverse effects of DBP on Antarctic krill and the source of DBP should be explored in further research.
Communities of Mortuary Practice: A Renewed Study of the Tianma-Qucun Western Zhou Cemetery
Authors: Jaffe Yitzchak , Cao Bin
Published: July 2017

Western Zhou archaeology (1046–771 bc) is dominated by cemetery- and mortuary-related data. To date most studies have relied on later historical narratives and focused on the investigation of elites and their mortuary practices. This paper sets out to provide a renewed approach to the study of Western Zhou cemeteries by looking at the graveyard as a whole and with it the relationship between the commoners and nobles who were buried in them. Its case study is the important site of Tianma-Qucun, located in modern-day Shanxi province, the residential site and burial ground of the Jin state during the Western Zhou period. We provide a community-focused study of mortuary practices aimed at uncovering local-specific shared ways of doings things. This approach not only affords a refined vision of Western Zhou mortuary ritual and practice, but also one where local variation and appropriations can be appreciated as well. Thus, while common Zhou mortuary traditions should be understood to have been of greater import to Zhou elites, their impact on the lower echelons of society remains less clear. By examining the mortuary practices of individual communities, we aim to uncover these site-specific manifestations in their larger contexts.
The European Budgetary Galaxy
Authors: Crowe Richard
Published: July 2017

EU budget – Founding vision of budgetary integration – Budget of citizens and not only of states – Corrections, rebates and national net balances – Convention on the Future of Europe – Comprehensible and transparent budget as a prerequisite for democratic legitimacy – Treaty of Lisbon reforms – Post-Lisbon fragmentation leading to a ‘budgetary galaxy’ – Differentiated budgetary integration likely to endure – Final Report of the Monti High Level Group on Own Resources – Necessity for future reforms to take account of the broader galaxy – Return to a citizen-oriented approach – The Union method
miR-151a induces partial EMT by regulating E-cadherin in NSCLC cells
Authors: Daugaard I , Sanders K J , Idica A , Vittayarukskul K , Hamdorf M , Krog J D , Chow R , Jury D , Hansen L L , Hager H , Lamy P , Choi C L , Agalliu D , Zisoulis D G , Pedersen I M
Published: July 2017

miR-151a and its host gene, focal adhesion kinase, FAK, are located in a region of chromosome 8q that is frequently amplified in solid tumors, including lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and metastasis remains the major challenge in battling lung cancer mortality. Here, we demonstrate that miR-151a is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient specimens, as compared to healthy lung. In addition, miR-151a overexpression promotes proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induces tumor cell migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Blocking miR-151a expression using anti-miR-151a approaches significantly reduced NCSLC cell proliferative and motility potential. Furthermore, we determined that miR-151a significantly regulates E-cadherin expression. Finally, functional rescue experiments determined that overexpression of E-cadherin in miR-151a NSCLC cell lines potently repressed miR-151a-induced partial EMT and cell migration of NSCLC cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that miR-151a functions as an oncomiR in NSCLC by targeting E-cadherin mRNA and inducing proliferation, migration and partial EMT.
Uncoupling conformational states from activity in an allosteric enzyme
Authors: Pisco João P. , de Chiara Cesira , Pacholarz Kamila J. , Garza-Garcia Acely , Ogrodowicz Roksana W. , Walker Philip A. , Barran Perdita E. , Smerdon Stephen J. , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S.
Published: July 2017

ATP-phosphoribosyltransferase (ATP-PRT) is a hexameric enzyme in conformational equilibrium between an open and seemingly active state and a closed and presumably inhibited form. The structure-function relationship of allosteric regulation in this system is still not fully understood. Here, we develop a screening strategy for modulators of ATP-PRT and identify 3-(2-thienyl)-l-alanine (TIH) as an allosteric activator of this enzyme. Kinetic analysis reveals co-occupancy of the allosteric sites by TIH and l-histidine. Crystallographic and native ion-mobility mass spectrometry data show that the TIH-bound activated form of the enzyme closely resembles the inhibited l-histidine-bound closed conformation, revealing the uncoupling between ATP-PRT open and closed conformations and its functional state. These findings suggest that dynamic processes are responsible for ATP-PRT allosteric regulation and that similar mechanisms might also be found in other enzymes bearing a ferredoxin-like allosteric domain.
Rare catastrophic events drive population dynamics in a bat species with negligible senescence
Authors: Fleischer Toni , Gampe Jutta , Scheuerlein Alexander , Kerth Gerald
Published: July 2017

Bats are remarkably long-lived with lifespans exceeding even those of same-sized birds. Despite a recent interest in the extraordinary longevity of bats very little is known about the shape of mortality over age, and how mortality rates are affected by the environment. Using a large set of individual-based data collected over 19 years in four free-ranging colonies of Bechstein’s bats (Myotis bechsteinii), we found no increase in the rate of mortality and no decrease in fertility demonstrating no senescence until high ages. Our finding of negligible senescence is highly unusual for long-lived mammals, grouping Bechstein’s bats with long-lived seabirds. The most important determinant of adult mortality was one particular winter season, which affected all ages and sizes equally. Apart from this winter, mortality risk did not differ between the winter and the summer season. Colony membership, a proxy for local environmental conditions, also had no effect. In addition to their implications for understanding the extra-ordinary longevity in bats, our results have strong implications for the conservation of bats, since rare catastrophic mortality events can only be detected in individual based long-term field studies. With many bat species globally threatened, such data are crucial for the successful implementation of conservation programs.
Identification of a sex pheromone of the chrysanthemum lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Watanabe Kisaki , Shimizu Nobuhiro
Published: July 2017

Although the nymphs of Corythucha marmorata form clusters on the undersides of host plant leaves, as frequently observed for Hemiptera, the adults are scattered in the vicinity of the nymph population. By investigating the biological activities of volatile secretions from the adult, we found that the secretions activated male mounting behaviour. A chemical analysis revealed that borneol was a common component of the secretions from both sexes. The absolute configuration of the natural product was the (+)-enantiomer of borneol and the optical isomer was undetectable. Although (+)-borneol showed significant sex pheromone activity against males, the antipode (−)-borneol also induced sex pheromone activity, albeit only slightly. Males may not have a strict identification mechanism based on stereochemistry. To verify the origin of this sex pheromone, we analysed the components of the essential oil of the leaves of Solidago canadensis L. (Compositae: Asteraceae), a host plant; bornyl acetate was detected to be a major component. The plant-produced bornyl acetate had different stereochemistry from the sex pheromone. The results suggested that the adults do not utilise the secondary metabolites of plants but biosynthesise this sex pheromone themselves. This is the first report on sex pheromone identification in Tingidae.
The tumor suppressor LKB1 regulates starvation-induced autophagy under systemic metabolic stress
Authors: Mans Laurie A. , Querol Cano Laia , van Pelt Jason , Giardoglou Panagiota , Keune Willem-Jan , Haramis Anna-Pavlina G.
Published: July 2017

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that degrades cellular components to restore energy homeostasis under limited nutrient conditions. How this starvation-induced autophagy is regulated at the whole-body level is not fully understood. Here, we show that the tumor suppressor Lkb1, which activates the key energy sensor AMPK, also regulates starvation-induced autophagy at the organismal level. Lkb1-deficient zebrafish larvae fail to activate autophagy in response to nutrient restriction upon yolk termination, shown by reduced levels of the autophagy-activating proteins Atg5, Lc3-II and Becn1, and aberrant accumulation of the cargo receptor and autophagy substrate p62. We demonstrate that the autophagy defect in lkb1 mutants can be partially rescued by inhibiting mTOR signaling but not by inhibiting the PI3K pathway. Interestingly, mTOR-independent activation of autophagy restores degradation of the aberrantly accumulated p62 in lkb1 mutants and prolongs their survival. Our data uncover a novel critical role for Lkb1 in regulating starvation-induced autophagy at the organismal level, providing mechanistic insight into metabolic adaptation during development.
Dielectric properties of semi-insulating Fe-doped InP in the terahertz spectral region
Authors: Alyabyeva L. N. , Zhukova E. S. , Belkin M. A. , Gorshunov B. P.
Published: July 2017

We report the values and the spectral dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity of semi-insulating Fe-doped InP crystalline wafers in the 2–700 cm−1 (0.06–21 THz) spectral region at room temperature. The data shows a number of absorption bands that are assigned to one- and two-phonon and impurity-related absorption processes. Unlike the previous studies of undoped or low-doped InP material, our data unveil the dielectric properties of InP that are not screened by strong free-carrier absorption and will be useful for designing a wide variety of InP-based electronic and photonic devices operating in the terahertz spectral range.
Recognizing the Continuous Nature of Expression Heterogeneity and Clinical Outcomes in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Xiaona , Choudhury Yukti , Lim Weng Khong , Anema John , Kahnoski Richard J. , Lane Brian , Ludlow John , Takahashi Masayuki , Kanayama Hiro-omi , Belldegrun Arie , Kim Hyung L. , Rogers Craig , Nicol David , Teh Bin Tean , Tan Min-Han
Published: July 2017

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been previously classified into putative discrete prognostic subtypes by gene expression profiling. To investigate the robustness of these proposed subtype classifications, we evaluated 12 public datasets, together with a new dataset of 265 ccRCC gene expression profiles. Consensus clustering showed unstable subtype and principal component analysis (PCA) showed a continuous spectrum both within and between datasets. Considering the lack of discrete delineation and continuous spectrum observed, we developed a continuous quantitative prognosis score (Continuous Linear Enhanced Assessment of RCC, or CLEAR score). Prognostic performance was evaluated in independent cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 414) and EMBL-EBI (n = 53), CLEAR score demonstrated both superior prognostic estimates and inverse correlation with anti-angiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibition in comparison to previously proposed discrete subtyping classifications. Inverse correlation with high-dose interleukin-2 outcomes was also observed for the CLEAR score. Multiple somatic mutations (VHL, PBRM1, SETD2, KDM5C, TP53, BAP1, PTEN, MTOR) were associated with the CLEAR score. Application of the CLEAR score to independent expression profiling of intratumoral ccRCC regions demonstrated that average intertumoral heterogeneity exceeded intratumoral expression heterogeneity. Wider investigation of cancer biology using continuous approaches may yield insights into tumor heterogeneity; single cell analysis may provide a key foundation for this approach.
Exceptionally strong, stiff and hard hybrid material based on an elastomer and isotropically shaped ceramic nanoparticles
Authors: Georgopanos Prokopios , Schneider Gerold A. , Dreyer Axel , Handge Ulrich A. , Filiz Volkan , Feld Artur , Yilmaz Ezgi D. , Krekeler Tobias , Ritter Martin , Weller Horst , Abetz Volker
Published: July 2017

In this work the fabrication of hard, stiff and strong nanocomposites based on polybutadiene and iron oxide nanoparticles is presented. The nanocomposites are fabricated via a general concept for mechanically superior nanocomposites not based on the brick and mortar structure, thus on globular nanoparticles with nanosized organic shells. For the fabrication of the composites oleic acid functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles are decorated via ligand exchange with an α,ω-polybutadiene dicarboxylic acid. The functionalized particles were processed at 145 °C. Since polybutadiene contains double bonds the nanocomposites obtained a crosslinked structure which was enhanced by the presence of oxygen or sulfur. It was found that the crosslinking and filler percolation yields high elastic moduli of approximately 12–20 GPa and hardness of 15–18 GPa, although the polymer volume fraction is up to 40%. We attribute our results to a catalytically enhanced crosslinking reaction of the polymer chains induced by oxygen or sulfur and to the microstructure of the nanocomposite.
Association between alcohol consumption pattern and the incidence risk of type 2 diabetes in Korean men: A 12-years follow-up study
Authors: Lee Dae-Yeon , Yoo Min-Gyu , Kim Hyo-Jin , Jang Han Byul , Kim Jae-Hong , Lee Hye-Ja , Park Sang Ick
Published: July 2017

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. However, this beneficial effects of alcohol intake remains controversial due to inconsistent results across studies. The analysis was performed using data from the Ansung-Ansan cohort study. We categorized the participants into four groups—based on the baseline (one-point measure; non-drinking, <5 g/day, ≥5, <30 g/day, and ≥30 g/day) and follow-up (consumption pattern; never-drinking, light, moderate, and heavy drinking) measurement. At baseline, ≥30 g/day alcohol consumption increased the risk of incident diabetes (HR: 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10–1.85), but ≥5, <30 g/day alcohol consumption had no effects on the incident diabetes. Meanwhile, when using the alcohol consumption pattern, a heavy-drinking pattern increased the risk of incident diabetes (HR = 1.32, 1.01–1.73), but the light and moderate consumption pattern was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (HR: 0.66; 0.50–0.87 and HR: 0.74; 0.57–0.95, respectively). At the end point of follow-up, the insulinogenic index (IGI), but not the insulin sensitivity index (ISI), differed among the groups. Alcohol consumption pattern had a J-shaped association with the incident type 2 diabetes in Korean men. The IGI showed an inverted J-shaped association according to alcohol drinking pattern, but the ISI was not a J-shape.
Roles of TGFβ and FGF signals during growth and differentiation of mouse lens epithelial cell in vitro
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Eddie , Liu Kelsey , Xia Chun-hong , Li Song , Gong Xiaohua
Published: July 2017

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways play important roles in the proliferation and differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) during development. Low dosage bFGF promotes cell proliferation while high dosage induces differentiation. TGFβ signaling regulates LEC proliferation and differentiation as well, but also promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transitions that lead to cataracts. Thus far, it has been difficult to recapitulate the features of germinative LECs in vitro. Here, we have established a LEC culture protocol that uses SB431542 (SB) compound to inhibit TGFβ/Smad activation, and found that SB treatment promoted mouse LEC proliferation, maintained LECs’ morphology and distinct markers including N-cadherin, c-Maf, Prox1, and αA-, αB-, and β-crystallins. In contrast, low-dosage bFGF was unable to sustain those markers and, combined with SB, altered LECs’ morphology and β-crystallin expression. We further found that Matrigel substrate coatings greatly increased cell proliferation and uniquely affected β-crystallin expression. Cultured LECs retained the ability to differentiate into γ-crystallin-positive lentoids by high-dosage bFGF treatment. Thus, a suppression of TGFβ/Smad signaling in vitro is critical to maintaining characteristic features of mouse LECs, especially expression of the key transcription factors c-Maf and Prox1.
Unravelling Diurnal Asymmetry of Surface Temperature in Different Climate Zones
Authors: Vinnarasi R. , Dhanya C. T. , Chakravorty Aniket , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: July 2017

Understanding the evolution of Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR), which has contradicting global and regional trends, is crucial because it influences environmental and human health. Here, we analyse the regional evolution of DTR trend over different climatic zones in India using a non-stationary approach known as the Multidimensional Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (MEEMD) method, to explore the generalized influence of regional climate on DTR, if any. We report a 0.36 °C increase in overall mean of DTR till 1980, however, the rate has declined since then. Further, arid deserts and warm-temperate grasslands exhibit negative DTR trends, while the west coast and sub-tropical forest in the north-east show positive trends. This transition predominantly begins with a 0.5 °C increase from the west coast and spreads with an increase of 0.25 °C per decade. These changes are more pronounced during winter and post-monsoon, especially in the arid desert and warm-temperate grasslands, the DTR decreased up to 2 °C, where the rate of increase in minimum temperature is higher than the maximum temperature. We conclude that both maximum and minimum temperature increase in response to the global climate change, however, their rates of increase are highly local and depend on the underlying climatic zone.
Red fluorescent protein-based cAMP indicator applicable to optogenetics and in vivo imaging
Authors: Harada Kazuki , Ito Motoki , Wang Xiaowen , Tanaka Mika , Wongso Devina , Konno Ayumu , Hirai Hirokazu , Hirase Hajime , Tsuboi Takashi , Kitaguchi Tetsuya
Published: July 2017

cAMP is a common second messenger that is involved in various physiological processes. To expand the colour palette of available cAMP indicators, we developed a red cAMP indicator named “Pink Flamindo” (Pink Fluorescent cAMP indicator). The fluorescence intensity of Pink Flamindo increases 4.2-fold in the presence of a saturating dose of cAMP, with excitation and emission peaks at 567 nm and 590 nm, respectively. Live-cell imaging revealed that Pink Flamindo is effective for monitoring the spatio-temporal dynamics of intracellular cAMP generated by photoactivated adenylyl cyclase in response to blue light, and in dual-colour imaging studies using a green Ca2+ indicator (G-GECO). Furthermore, we successfully monitored the elevation of cAMP levels in vivo in cerebral cortical astrocytes by two-photon imaging. We propose that Pink Flamindo will facilitate future in vivo, optogenetic studies of cell signalling and cAMP dynamics.
Relationships of circular RNA with diabetes and depression
Authors: Jiang Guangjian , Ma Yue , An Tian , Pan Yanyun , Mo Fangfang , Zhao Dandan , Liu Yufei , Miao Jia-Nan , Gu Yu-Jie , Wang Yangang , Gao Si-Hua
Published: July 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely related to depression; however, the exact molecular mechnisms of this association are unknown. Here, we investigated whether circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the blood are related to the occurrence of depression in patients with T2DM. Fourteen patients with T2DM and depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Self-Rating Depression Scale, were included in this study. Cutoff points of 44 (total coarse points) and 55 (standard score) were used to define depression. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 was used for common mental disorders, and a score of 5 or more the cutoff for depression. Microarray assays and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that 183 hsa-circRNAs were significantly upregulated, whereas 64 were downregulated in the T2DM with depression group (p < 0.05) compared with that in the T2DM group. Differentially expressed hsa-circRNAs could interact with microRNAs to target mRNA expression. KEGG pathway analysis predicted that upregulation of hsa-circRNA_003251, hsa-circRNA_015115, hsa-circRNA_100918, and hsa_circRNA_001520 may participate in the thyroid hormone, Wnt, ErbB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways. We speculate that differentially expressed hsa-circRNAs could help us to clarify the pathogenesis of depression in patients with T2DM and could represent novel molecular targets for clinical diagnosis and therapy.
Influence of anions and solvent molecules on the packing and emission spectra of coordination polymers based on silver ions and an anthracene derivative
Authors: Chen Jing , Voutier Noémie , Rajabi Jamshid , Crochet Aurélien , Bassani Dario M. , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: July 2017

The structure-property relationships in Ag-coordination polymers with an anthracene-derived ligand are studied.
Elucidating the impact of A-site cation change on photocatalytic H2 and O2 evolution activities of perovskite-type LnTaON2 (Ln = La and Pr)
Authors: Hojamberdiev Mirabbos , Bekheet Maged F. , Hart Judy N. , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Yamakata Akira , Yubuta Kunio , Gurlo Aleksander , Hasegawa Masashi , Domen Kazunari , Teshima Katsuya
Published: July 2017

Impact of A-site cation change on photocatalytic H2 and O2 evolution of LnTaON2 (Ln = La and Pr) was studied.
Reactivity of the parent amido complexes of iridium with olefins: C–NH2 bond formation versus C–H activation
Authors: Mena Inmaculada , García-Orduña Pilar , Polo Víctor , Lahoz Fernando J. , Casado Miguel A. , Oro Luis A.
Published: July 2017

Amido-bridged iridium diolefin complexes are split into terminal amido species in the presence of bis(phosphanes), which evolve by forming a C–NH2 bond or by extrusion of ammonia depending on the nature of the diene.
Coordination polymer-derived nano-sized zinc ferrite with excellent performance in nitro-explosive detection
Authors: Singha Debal Kanti , Mahata Partha
Published: July 2017

Synthesis of nano-sized zinc ferrite using coordination polymer as a single source precursor through thermal decomposition is reported and its luminescence based selective detections have been achieved for the phenolic nitroaromatics.
In situ synthesized 3D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from transition metal cations and tetrazole derivatives: a family of insensitive energetic materials
Authors: Xu Yuangang , Liu Wei , Li Dongxue , Chen Houhe , Lu Ming
Published: July 2017

A family of tetrazole-based insensitive EMOFs have been synthesized via in situ cycloaddition reaction of azide anions and nitrile groups.
Joint tuning of nanostructured Cu-oxide morphology and local electrolyte programs high-rate CO2 reduction to C2H4
Authors: Pang Yuanjie , Burdyny Thomas , Dinh Cao-Thang , Kibria Md Golam , Fan James Zhangming , Liu Min , Sargent Edward H. , Sinton David
Published: July 2017

Electrochemical ethylene production rates are enhanced by pushing favourable local electrolyte conditions to occur at higher current densities and lower relative overpotentials.
Downregulation of hepatic multi-drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) after copper exposure
Authors: Groba Sara Reinartz , Guttmann Sarah , Niemietz Christoph , Bernick Friedrich , Sauer Vanessa , Hachmöller Oliver , Karst Uwe , Zischka Hans , Zibert Andree , Schmidt Hartmut H.
Published: July 2017

MDR1 is implicated in the modulation of hepatocyte copper transport following long-term exposure possibly by direct import or indirectly by reducing toxicity at subcellular localizations, including organelles like mitochondria.
Diterpenoids from Isodon species: an update
Authors: Liu Miao , Wang Wei-Guang , Sun Han-Dong , Pu Jian-Xin
Published: July 2017

This review focuses on new diterpenoids from theIsodonspecies, including their structures, classifications, biogenetic pathways, bioactivities, and chemical synthesis (from December 2005 to June 2016).
Inkjet fabrication of highly efficient luminescent Eu-doped ZrO2 nanostructures
Authors: Furasova Alexandra D. , Ivanovski Vladimir , Yakovlev Alexandr V. , Milichko Valentine A. , Vinogradov Vladimir V. , Vinogradov Alexandr V.
Published: July 2017

We have demonstrated for the first time an inkjet fabrication of highly efficient luminescent structures based on Eu-doped ZrO2 nanocrystals (3.4 ± 0.3 nm), with a refractive index close to the one of the bulk materials.
Few-layered MoS2/C with expanding d-spacing as a high-performance anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Peng , Qin Furong , Zou Lei , Wang Mengran , Zhang Kai , Lai Yanqing , Li Jie
Published: July 2017

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) show great potential as alternative energy storage devices for next generation energy storage systems due to the deficiency of lithium resources.
A self-defensive bilayer hydrogel coating with bacteria triggered switching from cell adhesion to antibacterial adhesion
Authors: He Min , Wang Qian , Zhao Weifeng , Li Jianshu , Zhao Changsheng
Published: July 2017

(1) A self-defensive bacterial infection responsive bilayer hydrogel coating was designed; (2) the bilayer coating could promote cell adhesion and proliferation; and (3) the surface showed bacterial infection sensitive switching from a cell adhesion surface to an antibacterial adhesion surface by detaching the upper layer.
Multicarbazolyl substituted TTM radicals: red-shift of fluorescence emission with enhanced luminescence efficiency
Authors: Dong Shengzhi , Obolda Ablikim , Peng Qiming , Zhang Yadong , Marder Seth , Li Feng
Published: July 2017

Rotation restricted multicarbazolyl substituted TTM radicals: red-shift of fluorescence emission with enhanced luminescence efficiency.
Synergetic regulation of CO2 and light for controllable inversion of Pickering emulsions
Authors: Cao Yuanyuan , Wang Zhen , Zhang Shiming , Wang Yapei
Published: July 2017

A controllable Pickering emulsion was constructed via erasable synergetic regulation of CO2 and NIR light.
Structure-property relationships for Eu doped TiO2 thin films grown by a laser assisted technique from colloidal sols
Authors: Camps I. , Borlaf M. , Colomer M. T. , Moreno R. , Duta L. , Nita C. , Perez del Pino A. , Logofatu C. , Serna R. , György E.
Published: July 2017

Highly photoluminescent Eu doped TiO2 layers prepared by laser-based technique from colloidal sols.
A novel and environmentally friendly bioprocess for separation and partial purification of polysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis mycelia by an aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Li Zhigang , Chen Ailin , Li Zhencheng , Qu Man , Chen Huayong , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: July 2017

An aqueous two-phase system comprising ethanol and salt not only could purify CS polysaccharides with high efficiency, but also simultaneously separated multiple active substances through coupling with ultrafiltration.
Efficient photocatalytic oxidation of methane over β-Ga2O3/activated carbon composites
Authors: Wei Jianping , Yang Juan , Wen Zhihui , Dai Jun , Li Yao , Yao Banghao
Published: July 2017

Efficient photocatalytic oxidation of CH4 can be implemented over Ga2O3/AC composites, owing to the enhanced separation of photoinduced e−/h+ pairs and generation of active species.
Catalytic effect of MoS2 on hydrogen storage thermodynamics and kinetics of an as-milled YMg11Ni alloy
Authors: Zhang Yanghuan , Ji Meng , Yuan Zeming , Bu Wengang , Qi Yan , Guo Shihai
Published: July 2017

MoS2 nanoparticles embedded into alloys markedly enhance the dehydrogenation performance, such as lowering dehydrogenation temperature and enhancing dehydrogenation rate.
Formation and ligand-based reductive chemistry of bridged bis-alkylidene scandium(iii) complexes
Authors: Ma Wangyang , Yu Chao , Chi Yue , Chen Tianyang , Wang Lianjun , Yin Jianhao , Wei Baosheng , Xu Ling , Zhang Wen-Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: July 2017

Bridged bis-alkylidene Sc(iii) complexes featuring a 2-butene-1,1,4,4-tetraanion are synthesized and show unexpected ligand-based two-electron or four-electron reduction reactivity towards different oxidants.