bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of elevated CO2on predator avoidance behaviour by reef fishes is not altered by experimental test water
Authors: Munday Philip L. , Welch Megan J. , Allan Bridie J.M. , Watson Sue-Ann , McMahon Shannon J. , McCormick Mark I.
Published: October 2016

Pioneering studies into the effects of elevated CO2on the behaviour of reef fishes often tested high-CO2reared fish using control water in the test arena. While subsequent studies using rearing treatment water (control or high CO2) in the test arena have confirmed the effects of high CO2on a range of reef fish behaviours, a further investigation into the use of different test water in the experimental arena is warranted. Here, we used a fully factorial design to test the effect of rearing treatment water (control or high CO2) and experimental test water (control or high CO2) on antipredator responses of larval reef fishes. We tested antipredator behaviour in larval clownfishAmphiprion perculaand ambon damselfishPomacentrus amboinensis, two species that have been used in previous high CO2 experiments. Specifically, we tested if: (1) using control or high CO2water in a two channel flume influenced the response of larval clownfish to predator odour; and (2) using control or high CO2water in the test arena influenced the escape response of larval damselfish to a startle stimulus. Finally, (3) because the effects of high CO2on fish behaviour appear to be caused by altered function of the GABA-A neurotransmitter we tested if antipredator behaviours were restored in clownfish treated with a GABA antagonist (gabazine) in high CO2water. Larval clownfish reared from hatching in control water (496 µatm) strongly avoided predator cue whereas larval clownfish reared from hatching in high CO2(1,022 µatm) were attracted to the predator cue, as has been reported in previous studies. There was no effect on fish responses of using either control or high CO2water in the flume. Larval damselfish reared for four days in high CO2(1,051 µatm) exhibited a slower response to a startle stimulus and slower escape speed compared with fish reared in control conditions (464 µatm). There was no effect of test water on escape responses. Treatment of high-CO2reared clownfish with 4 mg l−1gabazine in high CO2seawater restored the normal response to predator odour, as has been previously reported with fish tested in control water. Our results show that using control water in the experimental trials did not influence the results of previous studies on antipredator behaviour of reef fishes and also supports the results of novel experiments conducted in natural reef habitat at ambient CO2levels.
Associations between different components of fitness and fatness with academic performance in Chilean youths
Authors: Olivares Pedro R. , García-Rubio Javier
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To analyze the associations between different components of fitness and fatness with academic performance, adjusting the analysis by sex, age, socio-economic status, region and school type in a Chilean sample.

Methods

Data of fitness, fatness and academic performance was obtained from the Chilean System for the Assessment of Educational Quality test for eighth grade in 2011 and includes a sample of 18,746 subjects (49% females). Partial correlations adjusted by confounders were done to explore association between fitness and fatness components, and between the academic scores. Three unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were done in order to analyze the associations of variables.

Results

Fatness has a negative association with academic performance when Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Height Ratio (WHR) are assessed independently. When BMI and WHR are assessed jointly and adjusted by cofounders, WHR is more associated with academic performance than BMI, and only the association of WHR is positive. For fitness components, strength was the variable most associated with the academic performance. Cardiorespiratory capacity was not associated with academic performance if fatness and other fitness components are included in the model.

Conclusions

Fitness and fatness are associated with academic performance. WHR and strength are more related with academic performance than BMI and cardiorespiratory capacity.
Improving education and coping of scoliosis patients undergoing surgery, and their families, using e-health
Authors: Lysenko Magdalena , Law Peggy , Jarvis James , Wright James G.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Healthcare providers have limited time to spend with scoliosis patients who are considering surgery and their families. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an e-health strategy to increase knowledge and coping in patients with scoliosis who are surgical candidates and their families.

Methods

We enrolled patients with scoliosis who were candidates for surgery and their families. Patients and their families completed the scoliosis knowledge questionnaire, meaning of illness questionnaire, social support and coping questionnaires before and after access to a comprehensive evidence-based scoliosis website ( http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/scoliosis ).

Results

Seventy-four patients and 71 parents completed the evaluation. While both patients and parents improved their knowledge of scoliosis ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), the scores of patients were consistently lower than those of the parents both before and after website use ( p = 0.0001). Only parents demonstrated a change in the meaning of illness questionnaire, with a small increase in the negative attitude towards illness and a small decrease in the positive attitude towards illness ( p = 0002 and p = 0.01, respectively). Of the 12 coping methods examined on the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (A-COPE) instrument, patients were slightly more likely than parents to use relaxing and solving family problems as tools to cope following website access ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.09, respectively). Parents demonstrated no significant changes in the four methods of coping on the Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP) after website exposure. While the majority of patients and parents reported receiving sufficient support, over half of the patients indicated a need for more support in social participation.

Conclusion

An evidence-based website increased the knowledge of patients and parents but simply providing access to the website had minimal impact on their coping and perceptions of social support. The website, however, provides users with the opportunity to absorb vital information about scoliosis across several media.
The sense of relational entitlement among adolescents toward their parents (SREap) – Testing an adaptation of the SRE
Authors: Tolmacz Rami , Efrati Yaniv , Ben‐David Boaz M.
Published: October 2016

The quality of the adolescent–parent relationship is closely related to the adolescent's sense of entitlement. Study 1 (458 central‐Israel adolescents, 69% girls, ages: 11–16) developed the sense of relational entitlement among adolescents toward their parents (SREap, adapted from the original SRE on adults' romantic relationships) and provided initial validity evidence of its three‐factor structure: exaggerated, restricted and assertive – replicating the SRE's factor structure. Studies 2–5 (1237 adolescents, 56% girls) examined the link between the SREap factors and relevant psychological measures. Exaggerated and restricted SREap factors were associated with attachment insecurities. Restricted and exaggerated entitlement factors were related to higher levels of emotional problems, and lower levels of: wellbeing, positive mood and life satisfaction. Conversely, assertive entitlement was related to higher life satisfaction and self‐efficacy and lower levels of emotional problems. The findings also indicate that SREap is not merely a form of narcissism. The implications of SREap are discussed.
Influence of myopotential interference on the Wavelet discrimination algorithm in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: Mizukami Kazuya , Yokoshiki Hisashi , Mitsuyama Hirofumi , Watanabe Masaya , Tenma Taro , Kamada Rui , Takahashi Masayuki , Sasaki Ryo , Maeno Motoki , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: October 2016

Background

Wavelet is a morphology‐based algorithm for detecting ventricular tachycardia. The electrogram (EGM) source of the Wavelet algorithm is nominally programmed with the Can‐RV coil configuration, which records a far‐field ventricular potential. Therefore, it may be influenced by myopotential interference.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 40 outpatients who had an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) with the Wavelet algorithm. The percent‐match score of the Wavelet algorithm was measured during the isometric chest press by pressing the palms together. We classified patients with percent‐match scores below 70% due to myopotential interference as positive morphology change, and those with 70% or more as negative morphology change. Stored episodes of tachycardia were evaluated during the follow‐up.

Results

The number of patients in the positive morphology change group was 22 (55%). Amplitude of the Can‐RV coil EGM was lower in the positive morphology change group compared to that in the negative group (3.9±1.3 mV vs. 7.4±1.6 mV, P=0.0015). The cut‐off value of the Can‐RV coil EGM was 5 mV (area under curve, 0.89). Inappropriate detections caused by myopotential interference occurred in two patients (5%) during a mean follow‐up period of 49 months, and one of them received an inappropriate ICD shock. These patients had exhibited positive morphology change.

Conclusions

The Wavelet algorithm is influenced by myopotential interference when the Can‐RV coil EGM is less than 5 mV.
The Comparative Political Economy of Basel III in Europe
Authors: Howarth David , Quaglia Lucia
Published: October 2016

The Basel III Accord was the centrepiece of the international regulatory response to the global financial crisis, setting new capital requirements for internationally active banks. This paper explains the divergent preferences on Basel III of national regulators in three countries that approximate what are frequently presented as distinct varieties of capitalism in Europe — Germany, the United Kingdom and France. It is argued that national regulators setting post crisis capital requirements had to reconcile three inter-related and potentially conflicting objectives: banking sector stability, the competitiveness of national banks and short to medium term economic growth. The different national preferences on Basel III reflected how different national regulators defined and pursued these objectives, which in turn reflected the structure of national banking systems — specifically, systemic patterns of bank capital and bank-industry ties.
Current demand of paediatric otolaryngology input for children with Down's syndrome in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Khalid-Raja M , Tzifa K
Published: October 2016

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of paediatric otolaryngology services required for children with Down's syndrome in a tertiary referral centre.

Methods:

A review of the paediatric otolaryngology input for children with Down's syndrome was performed; data were obtained from the coding department for a two-year period and compared with other surgical specialties.

Results:

Between June 2011 and May 2013, 106 otolaryngology procedures were performed on children with Down's syndrome. This compared to 87 cardiac and 81 general paediatrics cases. The most common pathologies in children with Down's syndrome were obstructive sleep apnoea, otitis media, hearing loss and cardiac disease. The most common otolaryngology procedures performed were adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, grommet insertion and bone-anchored hearing aid implant surgery.

Conclusion:

ENT manifestations of Down's syndrome are common. Greater provisions need to be made to streamline the otolaryngology services for children and improve transition of care to adult services.
Narrow band imaging versus autofluorescence imaging for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma detection: a prospective study
Authors: Ni X-G , Zhang Q-Q , Wang G-Q
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of narrow band imaging and autofluorescence imaging for malignant laryngopharyngeal tumours.

Methods:

Between May 2010 and October 2010, 50 consecutive patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal tumour underwent endoscopic laryngopharynx examination. The morphological characteristics of laryngopharyngeal lesions were analysed using high performance endoscopic systems equipped with narrow band imaging and autofluorescence imaging modes. The diagnostic effectiveness of white light image, narrow band imaging and autofluorescence imaging endoscopy for benign and malignant laryngopharyngeal lesions was evaluated.

Results:

Under narrow band imaging endoscopy, the superficial microvessels of squamous cell carcinomas appeared as dark brown spots or twisted cords. Under autofluorescence imaging endoscopy, malignant lesions appeared as bright purple. The sensitivity of malignant lesion diagnosis was not significantly different between narrow band imaging and autofluorescence imaging modes, but was better than for white light image endoscopy (χ2 = 12.676, p = 0.002). The diagnostic specificity was significantly better in narrow band imaging mode than in both autofluorescence imaging and white light imaging mode (χ2 = 8.333, p = 0.016).

Conclusion:

Narrow band imaging endoscopy is the best option for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal tumours.
Attenuated DNA damage repair delays therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in a mouse model
Authors: Tong Kit I , Ota Kazushige , Komuro Akiyoshi , Ueda Takeshi , Ito Akihiko , Anne Koch C , Okada Hitoshi
Published: October 2016

Therapy-related cancers are potentially fatal late life complications for patients who received radio- or chemotherapy. So far, the mouse model showing reduction or delay of these diseases has not been described. We found that the disruption of Aplf in mice moderately attenuated DNA damage repair and, unexpectedly, impeded myeloid neoplasms after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Irradiated mutant mice showed higher rates of p53-dependent cell death, fewer chromosomal translocations, and a delay in malignancy-induced mortality. Simultaneous deficiency of p53 abrogated IR-induced apoptosis and the benefit of impaired DNA repair on mortality in irradiated Aplf–/– mice. Depletion of APLF in non-tumorigenic human cells also markedly reduced the risk of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations. We therefore conclude that proficient DNA damage repair may promote chromosomal aberrations in normal tissues after irradiation and induce malignant evolution, thus illustrating the potential benefit in sensitizing p53 function by manipulating DNA repair efficiency in cancer patients undergoing genotoxic therapies.
Adeno-associated virus-mediated CASQ2 delivery rescues phenotypic alterations in a patient-specific model of recessive catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Lodola Francesco , Morone Diego , Denegri Marco , Bongianino Rossana , Nakahama Hiroko , Rutigliano Lucia , Gosetti Rosanna , Rizzo Giulia , Vollero Alessandra , Buonocore Michelangelo , Napolitano Carlo , Condorelli Gianluigi , Priori Silvia G , Di Pasquale Elisa
Published: October 2016

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia type 2 (CPVT2) is a highly lethal recessive arrhythmogenic disease caused by mutations in the calsequestrin-2 (CASQ2) gene. We have previously demonstrated that viral transfer of the wild-type (WT) CASQ2 gene prevents the development of CPVT2 in a genetically induced mouse model of the disease homozygous carrier of the R33Q mutation. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of the virally mediated gene therapy in cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) obtained from a patient carrying the homozygous CASQ2-G112+5X mutation. To this end, we infected cells with an Adeno-Associated Viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9) encoding the human CASQ2 gene (AAV9-hCASQ2). Administration of the human WT CASQ2 gene was capable and sufficient to restore the physiological expression of calsequestrin-2 protein and to rescue functional defects of the patient-specific iPSC-derived CMs. Indeed, after viral gene transfer, we observed a remarkable decrease in the percentage of delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) developed by the diseased CMs upon adrenergic stimulation, the calcium transient amplitude was re-established and the density and duration of calcium sparks were normalized. We therefore demonstrate the efficacy of the AAV9-mediated gene replacement therapy for CPVT2 in a human cardiac-specific model system, supporting the view that the gene-therapy tested is curative in models with different human mutations of CPVT.
Hypoxia-induced expression of cellular prion protein improves the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Han Yong-Seok , Lee Jun Hee , Yoon Yeo Min , Yun Chul Won , Noh Hyunjin , Lee Sang Hun
Published: October 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ‘adult’ multipotent cells that promote regeneration of injured tissues in vivo. However, differences in oxygenation levels between normoxic culture conditions (21% oxygen) and both the MSC niche (2–8% oxygen) and ischemic injury-induced oxidative stress conditions in vivo have resulted in low efficacy of MSC therapies in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. To address this issue, we examined the effectiveness of hypoxia preconditioning (2% oxygen) for enhancing the bioactivity and tissue-regenerative potential of adipose-derived MSCs. Hypoxia preconditioning enhanced the proliferative potential of MSCs by promoting the expression of normal cellular prion protein (PrPC). In particular, hypoxia preconditioning-mediated MSC proliferation was regulated by PrPC-dependent JAK2 and STAT3 activation. In addition, hypoxia preconditioning-induced PrPC regulated superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and inhibited oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via inactivation of cleaved caspase-3. In a murine hindlimb ischemia model, hypoxia preconditioning enhanced the survival and proliferation of transplanted MSCs, ultimately resulting in improved functional recovery of the ischemic tissue, including the ratio of blood flow perfusion, limb salvage, and neovascularization. These results suggest that Hypo-MSC offer a therapeutic strategy for accelerated neovasculogenesis in ischemic diseases, and that PrPC comprises a potential target for MSC-based therapies.
Crystal structures of the human elongation factor eEFSec suggest a non-canonical mechanism for selenocysteine incorporation
Authors: Dobosz-Bartoszek Malgorzata , Pinkerton Mark H. , Otwinowski Zbyszek , Chakravarthy Srinivas , Söll Dieter , Copeland Paul R. , Simonović Miljan
Published: October 2016

Selenocysteine is the only proteinogenic amino acid encoded by a recoded in-frame UGA codon that does not operate as the canonical opal stop codon. A specialized translation elongation factor, eEFSec in eukaryotes and SelB in prokaryotes, promotes selenocysteine incorporation into selenoproteins by a still poorly understood mechanism. Our structural and biochemical results reveal that four domains of human eEFSec fold into a chalice-like structure that has similar binding affinities for GDP, GTP and other guanine nucleotides. Surprisingly, unlike in eEF1A and EF-Tu, the guanine nucleotide exchange does not cause a major conformational change in domain 1 of eEFSec, but instead induces a swing of domain 4. We propose that eEFSec employs a non-canonical mechanism involving the distinct C-terminal domain 4 for the release of the selenocysteinyl-tRNA during decoding on the ribosome.
Evolutionary trajectories of snake genes and genomes revealed by comparative analyses of five-pacer viper
Authors: Yin Wei , Wang Zong-ji , Li Qi-ye , Lian Jin-ming , Zhou Yang , Lu Bing-zheng , Jin Li-jun , Qiu Peng-xin , Zhang Pei , Zhu Wen-bo , Wen Bo , Huang Yi-jun , Lin Zhi-long , Qiu Bi-tao , Su Xing-wen , Yang Huan-ming , Zhang Guo-jie , Yan Guang-mei , Zhou Qi
Published: October 2016

Snakes have numerous features distinctive from other tetrapods and a rich history of genome evolution that is still obscure. Here, we report the high-quality genome of the five-pacer viper, Deinagkistrodon acutus, and comparative analyses with other representative snake and lizard genomes. We map the evolutionary trajectories of transposable elements (TEs), developmental genes and sex chromosomes onto the snake phylogeny. TEs exhibit dynamic lineage-specific expansion, and many viper TEs show brain-specific gene expression along with their nearby genes. We detect signatures of adaptive evolution in olfactory, venom and thermal-sensing genes and also functional degeneration of genes associated with vision and hearing. Lineage-specific relaxation of functional constraints on respective Hox and Tbx limb-patterning genes supports fossil evidence for a successive loss of forelimbs then hindlimbs during snake evolution. Finally, we infer that the ZW sex chromosome pair had undergone at least three recombination suppression events in the ancestor of advanced snakes. These results altogether forge a framework for our deep understanding into snakes’ history of molecular evolution.
Monolithic-Structured Single-Layered Textile-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yun Min Ju , Cha Seung I. , Kim Han Seong , Seo Seon Hee , Lee Dong Y.
Published: October 2016

Textile-structured solar cells are frequently discussed in the literature due to their prospective applications in wearable devices and in building integrated solar cells that utilize their flexibility, mechanical robustness, and aesthetic appearance, but the current approaches for textile-based solar cells—including the preparation of fibre-type solar cells woven into textiles—face several difficulties from high friction and tension during the weaving process. This study proposes a new structural concept and fabrication process for monolithic-structured textile-based dye-sensitized solar cells that are fabricated by a process similar to the cloth-making process, including the preparation of wires and yarns that are woven for use in textiles, printed, dyed, and packaged. The fabricated single-layered textile-based dye-sensitized solar cells successfully act as solar cells in our study, even under bending conditions. By controlling the inter-weft spacing and the number of Ti wires for the photoelectrode conductor, we have found that the performance of this type of dye-sensitized solar cell was notably affected by the spacing between photoelectrodes and counter-electrodes, the exposed areas of Ti wires to photoelectrodes, and photoelectrodes’ surface morphology. We believe that this study provides a process and concept for improved textile-based solar cells that can form the basis for further research.
Increased Duodenal Eosinophil Degranulation in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Du Lijun , Shen Jinhua , Kim John J. , Yu Yunxian , Ma Liqin , Dai Ning
Published: October 2016

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed by symptom-based criteria. It has been said that duodenal immune activation plays a role in the pathogenesis of FD. The primary aims of the study were to compare the total number of duodenal eosinophil and evaluate the eosinophil degranulation rate, number of duodenal degranulated eosinophil and mast cell between patients with FD and healthy subjects. We enrolled 96 patients with FD and 24 healthy controls at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. The total number of eosinophil was comparable in the second portion of duodenum (D2) and duodenal bulb (D1) between patients with FD and healthy controls (all P > 0.05). Significant higher eosinophil degranulation positive rate in D2 (P = 0.003) and a trend towards higher in D1 (P = 0.084) were observed in patients with FD compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the number of duodenal degranulated eosinophil in patients with FD were significantly increased than healthy controls in D1(9.8 ± 6.3 vs 2.9 ± 2.1 per HPF, P = 0.0002) and a trend towards increase in D2 (10.7 ± 7.7 vs 5.3 ± 0.9 per HPF, P = 0.077), respectively. However, degranulated mast cells in patients with FD were almost same with healthy controls. Increased eosinophils degranulation in duodenum play an important role in pathogenesis of FD.
Sorting cells by their dynamical properties
Authors: Henry Ewan , Holm Stefan H. , Zhang Zunmin , Beech Jason P. , Tegenfeldt Jonas O. , Fedosov Dmitry A. , Gompper Gerhard
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in cell sorting aim at the development of novel methods that are sensitive to various mechanical properties of cells. Microfluidic technologies have a great potential for cell sorting; however, the design of many micro-devices is based on theories developed for rigid spherical particles with size as a separation parameter. Clearly, most bioparticles are non-spherical and deformable and therefore exhibit a much more intricate behavior in fluid flow than rigid spheres. Here, we demonstrate the use of cells’ mechanical and dynamical properties as biomarkers for separation by employing a combination of mesoscale hydrodynamic simulations and microfluidic experiments. The dynamic behavior of red blood cells (RBCs) within deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) devices is investigated for different device geometries and viscosity contrasts between the intra-cellular fluid and suspending medium. We find that the viscosity contrast and associated cell dynamics clearly determine the RBC trajectory through a DLD device. Simulation results compare well to experiments and provide new insights into the physical mechanisms which govern the sorting of non-spherical and deformable cells in DLD devices. Finally, we discuss the implications of cell dynamics for sorting schemes based on properties other than cell size, such as mechanics and morphology.
DNA annealing by Redβ is insufficient for homologous recombination and the additional requirements involve intra- and inter-molecular interactions
Authors: Subramaniam Sivaraman , Erler Axel , Fu Jun , Kranz Andrea , Tang Jing , Gopalswamy Mohanraj , Ramakrishnan Saminathan , Keller Adrian , Grundmeier Guido , Müller Daniel , Sattler Michael , Stewart A. Francis
Published: October 2016

Single strand annealing proteins (SSAPs) like Redβ initiate homologous recombination by annealing complementary DNA strands. We show that C-terminally truncated Redβ, whilst still able to promote annealing and nucleoprotein filament formation, is unable to mediate homologous recombination. Mutations of the C-terminal domain were evaluated using both single- and double stranded (ss and ds) substrates in recombination assays. Mutations of critical amino acids affected either dsDNA recombination or both ssDNA and dsDNA recombination indicating two separable functions, one of which is critical for dsDNA recombination and the second for recombination per se. As evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, the dsDNA recombination function relates to the Redα-Redβ protein-protein interaction, which requires not only contacts in the C-terminal domain but also a region near the N-terminus. Because the nucleoprotein filament formed with C-terminally truncated Redβ has altered properties, the second C-terminal function could be due to an interaction required for functional filaments. Alternatively the second C-terminal function could indicate a requirement for a Redβ-host factor interaction. These data further advance the model for Red recombination and the proposition that Redβ and RAD52 SSAPs share ancestral and mechanistic roots.
A hybrid tunable THz metadevice using a high birefringence liquid crystal
Authors: Chikhi Nassim , Lisitskiy Mikhail , Papari Gianpaolo , Tkachenko Volodymyr , Andreone Antonello
Published: October 2016

We investigate a hybrid re-configurable three dimensional metamaterial based on liquid crystal as tuning element in order to build novel devices operating in the terahertz range. The proposed metadevice is an array of meta-atoms consisting of split ring resonators having suspended conducting cantilevers in the gap region. Adding a “third dimension” to a standard planar device plays a dual role: (i) enhance the tunability of the overall structure, exploiting the birefringence of the liquid crystal at its best, and (ii) improve the field confinement and therefore the ability of the metadevice to efficiently steer the THz signal. We describe the design, electromagnetic simulation, fabrication and experimental characterization of this new class of tunable metamaterials under an externally applied small voltage. By infiltrating tiny quantities of a nematic liquid crystal in the structure, we induce a frequency shift in the resonant response of the order of 7–8% in terms of bandwidth and about two orders of magnitude change in the signal absorption. We discuss how such a hybrid structure can be exploited for the development of a THz spatial light modulator.
ERK/c-Jun Recruits Tet1 to Induce Zta Expression and Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation through DNA Demethylation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Han Dongjie , Wan Pin , Pan Pan , Cao Yanhua , Liu Yingle , Wu Kailang , Wu Jianguo
Published: October 2016

DNA demethylation plays an essential role in the reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) from latency infection. However, it is unclear how epigenetic modification is initiated in responding to stimuli. Here, we demonstrate that ERK/c-Jun signaling is involved in DNA demethylation of EBV immediate early (IE) gene Zta in response to 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulation. Remarkably, Ser73 phosphorylation of c-Jun facilitates Zta promoter demethylation and EBV reactivation, whereas knockdown of c-Jun attenuates Zta demethylation and viral reactivation. More importantly, we reveal for the first time that c-Jun interacts with DNA dioxygenase Tet1 and facilitates Tet1 to bind to Zta promoter. The binding of c-Jun and Tet1 to Zta enhances promoter demethylation, resulting in the activation of Zta, the stimulation of BHRF1 (a lytic early gene) and gp350/220 (a lytic late gene) and ultimately the reactivation of EBV. Knockdown of Tet1 attenuates TPA-induced Zta demethylation and EBV reactivation. Thus, TPA activates ERK/c-Jun signaling, which subsequently facilitates Tet1 to bind to Zta promoter, leading to DNA demethylation, gene expression and EBV reactivation. This study reveals important roles of ERK/c-Jun signaling and Tet1 dioxygenase in epigenetic modification and provides new insights into the mechanism underlying the regulation of virus latent and lytic infection.
GlycoMinestruct: a new bioinformatics tool for highly accurate mapping of the human N-linked and O-linked glycoproteomes by incorporating structural features
Authors: Li Fuyi , Li Chen , Revote Jerico , Zhang Yang , Webb Geoffrey I. , Li Jian , Song Jiangning , Lithgow Trevor
Published: October 2016

Glycosylation plays an important role in cell-cell adhesion, ligand-binding and subcellular recognition. Current approaches for predicting protein glycosylation are primarily based on sequence-derived features, while little work has been done to systematically assess the importance of structural features to glycosylation prediction. Here, we propose a novel bioinformatics method called GlycoMinestruct(http://glycomine.erc.monash.edu/Lab/GlycoMine_Struct/) for improved prediction of human N- and O-linked glycosylation sites by combining sequence and structural features in an integrated computational framework with a two-step feature-selection strategy. Experiments indicated that GlycoMinestruct outperformed NGlycPred, the only predictor that incorporated both sequence and structure features, achieving AUC values of 0.941 and 0.922 for N- and O-linked glycosylation, respectively, on an independent test dataset. We applied GlycoMinestruct to screen the human structural proteome and obtained high-confidence predictions for N- and O-linked glycosylation sites. GlycoMinestruct can be used as a powerful tool to expedite the discovery of glycosylation events and substrates to facilitate hypothesis-driven experimental studies.
Orthotropic Piezoelectricity in 2D Nanocellulose
Authors: García Y. , Ruiz-Blanco Yasser B. , Marrero-Ponce Yovani , Sotomayor-Torres C. M.
Published: October 2016

The control of electromechanical responses within bonding regions is essential to face frontier challenges in nanotechnologies, such as molecular electronics and biotechnology. Here, we present Iβ-nanocellulose as a potentially new orthotropic 2D piezoelectric crystal. The predicted in-layer piezoelectricity is originated on a sui-generis hydrogen bonds pattern. Upon this fact and by using a combination of ab-initio and ad-hoc models, we introduce a description of electrical profiles along chemical bonds. Such developments lead to obtain a rationale for modelling the extended piezoelectric effect originated within bond scales. The order of magnitude estimated for the 2D Iβ-nanocellulose piezoelectric response, ~pm V−1, ranks this material at the level of currently used piezoelectric energy generators and new artificial 2D designs. Such finding would be crucial for developing alternative materials to drive emerging nanotechnologies.
PTEN ameliorates autoimmune arthritis through down-regulating STAT3 activation with reciprocal balance of Th17 and Tregs
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Park Jin-Sil , Byun Jae-Kyung , Jhun JooYeon , Jung KyungAh , Seo Hyeon-Beom , Moon Young-Mee , Kim Ho-Youn , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: October 2016

PTEN is a tyrosine phosphatase with significant function in inhibiting STAT3 activation. Recently, inactivation of STAT3 has been demonstrated as a therapeutic candidate for autoimmune arthritis. The expression of PTEN controlled by p53 regulates autoimmune arthritis through modulating the balance between Th17 and Treg. We hypothesized that PTEN regulated by p53 might reduce CIA severity and inflammatory response via inhibiting STAT3 activation. Our results revealed that PTEN could ameliorate experimental autoimmune arthritis by reducing STAT3 activity and Th17 differentiation. Systemic infusion of PTEN overexpression downregulated CIA severity. In addition, PTEN overexpression decreased the activation of T cells and modulated reciprocal differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells. We observed that PTEN expression downregulated by p53 deficiency induced the activation of STAT3. Loss of p53 exacerbated autoimmune arthritis and dysregulated the population of Th17 and Treg. These data suggest that induction of STAT3-modulatory activity of PTEN may be a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
An rs4705342 T>C polymorphism in the promoter of miR-143/145 is associated with a decreased risk of ischemic stroke
Authors: Wei Ye-Sheng , Xiang Yang , Liao Pin-Hu , Wang Jun-Li , Peng You-Fan
Published: October 2016

The expression of miR-143/miR-145 was up-regulated in ischemic stroke (IS), which may be used as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for IS. We aimed to investigate the association of rs4705342 and rs4705343 polymorphisms in the promoter of miR-143/145 with risk of IS. The study population comprised 445 patients with IS and 518 controls. The rs4705342 genotype was analyzed by using a TaqMan Assay and the rs4705343 genotype was determined by using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Relative expression of miR-143/miR-145 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. We found that the rs4705342 was associated with a decreased risk of IS (TC vs. TT: adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI, 0.57–0.97; CC vs. TT: adjusted OR = 0.53, 95% CI, 0.34–0.83). Haplotype analysis showed that the TC haplotype was associated with an increased risk of IS risk (OR = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.01–1.75), whereas the CT haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of IS risk (OR = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.50–0.92). Importantly, patients carrying the rs4705342TC/CC genotypes had a lower level of miR-145 (P = 0.03). We found for the first time that the rs4705342 CC was a protective factor for IS, probably by reducing the level of miR-145.
Developing a genetic manipulation system for the Antarctic archaeon, Halorubrum lacusprofundi: investigating acetamidase gene function
Authors: Liao Y. , Williams T. J. , Walsh J. C. , Ji M. , Poljak A. , Curmi P. M. G. , Duggin I. G. , Cavicchioli R.
Published: October 2016

No systems have been reported for genetic manipulation of cold-adapted Archaea. Halorubrum lacusprofundi is an important member of Deep Lake, Antarctica (~10% of the population), and is amendable to laboratory cultivation. Here we report the development of a shuttle-vector and targeted gene-knockout system for this species. To investigate the function of acetamidase/formamidase genes, a class of genes not experimentally studied in Archaea, the acetamidase gene, amd3, was disrupted. The wild-type grew on acetamide as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, but the mutant did not. Acetamidase/formamidase genes were found to form three distinct clades within a broad distribution of Archaea and Bacteria. Genes were present within lineages characterized by aerobic growth in low nutrient environments (e.g. haloarchaea, Starkeya) but absent from lineages containing anaerobes or facultative anaerobes (e.g. methanogens, Epsilonproteobacteria) or parasites of animals and plants (e.g. Chlamydiae). While acetamide is not a well characterized natural substrate, the build-up of plastic pollutants in the environment provides a potential source of introduced acetamide. In view of the extent and pattern of distribution of acetamidase/formamidase sequences within Archaea and Bacteria, we speculate that acetamide from plastics may promote the selection of amd/fmd genes in an increasing number of environmental microorganisms.
Increasing The Genetic Admixture of Available Lines of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Tofoli Fabiano A. , Dasso Maximiliano , Morato-Marques Mariana , Nunes Kelly , Pereira Lucas Assis , da Silva Giselle Siqueira , Fonseca Simone A. S. , Costas Roberta Montero , Santos Hadassa Campos , da Costa Pereira Alexandre , Lotufo Paulo A. , Bensenor Isabela M. , Meyer Diogo , Pereira Lygia Veiga
Published: October 2016

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) may significantly improve drug development pipeline, serving as anin vitrosystem for the identification of novel leads, and for testing drug toxicity. Furthermore, these cells may be used to address the issue of differential drug response, a phenomenon greatly influenced by genetic factors. This application depends on the availability of hPSC lines from populations with diverse ancestries. So far, it has been reported that most lines of hPSCs derived worldwide are of European or East Asian ancestries. We have established 23 lines of hPSCs from Brazilian individuals, and we report the analysis of their genomic ancestry. We show that embryo-derived PSCs are mostly of European descent, while induced PSCs derived from participants of a national-wide Brazilian cohort study present high levels of admixed European, African and Native American genomic ancestry. Additionally, we use high density SNP data and estimate local ancestries, particularly those of CYP genes loci. Such information will be of key importance when interpreting variation among cell lines with respect to cellular phenotypes of interest. The availability of genetically admixed lines of hPSCs will be of relevance when setting up futurein vitrostudies of drug response.
Design and fabrication of high-performance diamond triple-gate field-effect transistors
Authors: Liu Jiangwei , Ohsato Hirotaka , Wang Xi , Liao Meiyong , Koide Yasuo
Published: October 2016

The lack of large-area single-crystal diamond wafers has led us to downscale diamond electronic devices. Here, we design and fabricate a hydrogenated diamond (H-diamond) triple-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) to extend device downscaling and increase device output current. The device’s electrical properties are compared with those of planar-type MOSFETs, which are fabricated simultaneously on the same substrate. The triple-gate MOSFET’s output current (174.2 mA mm−1) is much higher than that of the planar-type device (45.2 mA mm−1), and the on/off ratio and subthreshold swing are more than 108 and as low as 110 mV dec−1, respectively. The fabrication of these H-diamond triple-gate MOSFETs will drive diamond electronic device development forward towards practical applications.
Evidence for nuclear interaction of a cytoskeleton protein (OsIFL) with metallothionein and its role in salinity stress tolerance
Authors: Soda Neelam , Sharan Ashutosh , Gupta Brijesh K. , Singla-Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani
Published: October 2016

Soil salinity is being perceived as a major threat to agriculture. Plant breeders and molecular biologist are putting their best efforts to raise salt-tolerant crops. The discovery of the Saltol QTL, a major QTL localized on chromosome I, responsible for salt tolerance at seedling stage in rice has given new hopes for raising salinity tolerant rice genotypes. In the present study, we have functionally characterized a Saltol QTL localized cytoskeletal protein, intermediate filament like protein (OsIFL), of rice. Studies related to intermediate filaments are emerging in plants, especially with respect to their involvement in abiotic stress response. Our investigations clearly establish that the heterologous expression of OsIFL in three diverse organisms (bacteria, yeast and tobacco) provides survival advantage towards diverse abiotic stresses. Screening of rice cDNA library revealed OsIFL to be strongly interacting with metallothionein protein. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay further confirmed this interaction to be occurring inside the nucleus. Overexpression of OsIFL in transgenic tobacco plants conferred salinity stress tolerance by maintaining favourable K+/Na+ ratio and thus showed protection from salinity stress induced ion toxicity. This study provides the first evidence for the involvement of a cytoskeletal protein in salinity stress tolerance in diverse organisms.
Unravelling the Efficient Photocatalytic Activity of Boron-induced Ti3+ Species in the Surface Layer of TiO2
Authors: Feng Ningdong , Liu Fen , Huang Min , Zheng Anmin , Wang Qiang , Chen Tiehong , Cao Gengyu , Xu Jun , Fan Jie , Deng Feng
Published: October 2016

Ti3+species are highly unstable in air owing to their facile oxidation into Ti4+species, and thus they cannot concentrate in the surface layer of TiO2but are mainly present in its bulk. We report generation of abundant and stable Ti3+species in the surface layer of TiO2by boron doping for efficient utilization of solar irradiation. The resultant photocatalysts (denoted as B-TiO2−x) exhibit extremely high and stable solar-driven photocatalytic activity toward hydrogen production. The origin of the solar-light activity enhancement in the B-TiO2−xphotocatalysts has been thoroughly investigated by various experimental techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The unique structure invoked by presence of sufficient interstitial boron atoms can lead to substantial variations in density of states of B-TiO2−x, which not only significantly narrow the band gap of TiO2to improve its visible-light absorption, but also promote the photogenerated electron mobility to enhance its solar-light photocatalytic activity.
Unidirectional superscattering by multilayered cavities of effective radial anisotropy
Authors: Liu Wei , Lei Bing , Shi Jianhua , Hu Haojun
Published: October 2016

We achieve unidirectional forward superscattering by multilayered spherical cavities which are effectively radially anisotropic. It is demonstrated that, relying on the large effective anisotropy, the electric and magnetic dipoles can be tuned to spectrally overlap in such cavities, which satisfies the Kerker’s condition of simultaneous backward scattering suppression and forward scattering enhancement. We show that such scattering pattern shaping can be obtained in both all-dielectric and plasmonic multilayered cavities at different spectral positions, and believe that the mechanism we have revealed provides extra freedom for scattering shaping, which may play a significant role in many scattering related applications and also in optoelectronic devices made up of intrinsically anisotropic two dimensional materials.
Aptamer-conjugated live human immune cell based biosensors for the accurate detection of C-reactive protein
Authors: Hwang Jangsun , Seo Youngmin , Jo Yeonho , Son Jaewoo , Choi Jonghoon
Published: October 2016

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric protein that is present in the bloodstream during inflammatory events, e.g., liver failure, leukemia, and/or bacterial infection. The level of CRP indicates the progress and prognosis of certain diseases; it is therefore necessary to measure CRP levels in the blood accurately. The normal concentration of CRP is reported to be 1–3 mg/L. Inflammatory events increase the level of CRP by up to 500 times; accordingly, CRP is a biomarker of acute inflammatory disease. In this study, we demonstrated the preparation of DNA aptamer-conjugated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Apt-PBMCs) that specifically capture human CRP. Live PBMCs functionalized with aptamers could detect different levels of human CRP by producing immune complexes with reporter antibody. The binding behavior of Apt-PBMCs toward highly concentrated CRP sites was also investigated. The immune responses of Apt-PBMCs were evaluated by measuring TNF-alpha secretion after stimulating the PBMCs with lipopolysaccharides. In summary, engineered Apt-PBMCs have potential applications as live cell based biosensors and for in vitro tracing of CRP secretion sites.
Suppression of the CD8 T cell response by human papillomavirus type 16 E7 occurs in Langerhans cell-depleted mice
Authors: Jemon K. , Leong C.-M. , Ly K. , Young S. L. , McLellan A. D. , Hibma M. H.
Published: October 2016

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an epitheliotropic virus that is the primary causal agent for cervical cancer. Langerhans cells (LC) are skin antigen presenting cells that are reduced in number in HPV-infected skin. The aim of this study was to understand the immune-modulatory effects of HPV16 E7 on LC and on the CD8 T cell response to a skin-expressed antigen. To test this, HPV16 E7 was expressed in mouse skin keratinocytes with the model antigen ovalbumin (Ova). Similar to what is observed in HPV-infected human skin, LC numbers were significantly reduced in E7-expressing mouse skin. This shows that expression of the E7 protein alone is sufficient to mediate LC depletion. Expression of E7 with Ova in keratinocytes strongly suppressed the Ova-specific CD8+ T cell response in the skin draining lymph node. When tested in LC-ablated mice, the CD8 T cell response to skin-expressed Ova in control mice was not affected, nor was the T cell response to Ova restored in E7-expressing skin. These data indicate a role for E7 in regulation of LC homeostasis in the skin and in suppression of antigen specific CD8 T cell expansion, but suggest that these two effects occur independent of each other.