bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bewertung der Lebensdauer von dünnen HartstoffSchichten
Authors: Bethke Reinhold , Hipp Antje , Meyer Hannes , Nöcker Nadine
Published: September 2017

Der Impact‐Test ist eine ergänzende Prüfmethode von dünnen PVD‐ und CVD‐Hartstoffschichten, und wurde auch über die hier angegebenen Untersuchungen hinaus für industrierelevante Schichtsysteme wie z. B. CrN, TiAlN oder AlCrBN geprüft. Neben den herkömmlichen Kenngrößen, wie z. B. Schichtdicke, Härte und Haftung, die ein Schichtsystem beschreiben, gibt das Ergebnis des Impacts‐Tests eine Aussage über die Ermüdungsfestigkeit des Schichtsystems. Je nach Anwendungsgebiet kann der Impact‐Versuch im schwellenden Dauerkontakt oder im abhebenden Modus betrieben werden. Die Reproduzierbarkeit der Versuche ist gut, sodass 2–3 Impact‐Versuche eine aussagekräftige Bewertung zulassen. Sollen mehrere Versuche auf einem Bauteil durchgeführt werden, ist ein ausreichender Abstand zwischen den einzelnen Eindrücken erforderlich, um eine gegenseitige Beeinflussung zu vermeiden. Die Größe des Impact‐Eindrucks hängt von der Pressung und den Werkstoffeigenschaften des Schicht‐Substrat‐Verbunds ab, nicht aber von der Anzahl der Impacts. Die mit der Deformation einhergehenden mechanischen Spannungen innerhalb des Werkstoffs führen zu Schichtschädigungen im Randbereich und/oder zu Dehnungsrissen im Inneren des Impact‐Eindrucks. Das Schichtsystem wird entweder lichtoptisch oder mittels REM‐EDX hinsichtlich Schädigungen analysiert. Ein Querschliff des Impact‐Eindrucks ermöglicht zudem eine Aussage über Werkstoffschädigungen unterhalb des Schichtsystems. Je nach zu prüfendem Schichtwerkstoff sollte ein geeignetes Kugelmaterial gewählt werden. Eine Stahlkugel ist im Vergleich zu Hartmetall‐ oder Keramikkugeln weniger gut für höhere Prüfkräfte und lange Prüfdauern geeignet. Die Lebensdauer von Beschichtungen kann auf flachen als auch auf konvex gekrümmten Bauteilen ermittelt werden.
Alkyl Xylosides: Physico‐Chemical Properties and Influence on Environmental Bacteria Cells
Authors: Smułek Wojciech , Kaczorek Ewa , Hricovíniová Zuzana
Published: September 2017

A group of four selected non‐ionic surfactants based on carbohydrates, namely octyl d‐xyloside (C8X), nonyl d‐xyloside (C9X), decyl d‐xyloside (C10X) and dodecyl d‐xyloside (C12X), have been investigated to accomplish a better understanding of their physico‐chemical properties as well as biological activities. The surface‐active properties, such as critical micelle concentration (CMC), emulsion and foam stability, the impact of the compounds on cell surface hydrophobicity and cell membrane permeability together with their toxicity on the selected bacterial strains have been determined as well. The studied group of surfactants showed high surface‐active properties allowing a decrease in the surface tension to values below 25 mN m−1 for dodecyl d‐xyloside at the CMC. The investigated compounds did not have any toxic influence on two Pseudomonas bacterial strains at concentrations below 25 mg L−1. The studied long‐chain alkyl xylosides influenced both the cell inner membrane permeability and the cell surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the alkyl chain length, as well as the surfactant concentration, had a significant impact on the modifications of the cell surface properties. The tested non‐ionic surfactants exhibited strong surface‐active properties accompanied by the significant influence on growth and properties of Pseudomonas bacteria cells.
Petrology and Geochemistry of A-type granites from Khanak and Devsar Areas of Bhiwani District, Southwestern Haryana
Authors: Sharma Radhika , Kumar Naresh
Published: September 2017

Petrological and geochemical characteristics of the granites from the Khanak and Devsar areas have been discussed in this paper. Based on field, petrographical and geochemical observations, three types of granites (grey, green and pink granite) have been identified in these areas. Grey granites consist of quartz, plagioclase, biotite, hornblende as essential minerals and hematite, zircon, annite, monazite & rutile as accessory minerals. Petrographically, green granites are same as grey granites including perthite and zircon as accessory minerals. Pink granites consist of quartz, k-feldspar and biotite in Khanak whereas in Devsar granites alike as Khanak granites, but plagioclase is replaced by perthite and occurs as dominantly. Microscopically, granites of both areas show porphyritic, hypidiomorphic, granophyric, perthitic and micro granophyric textures. Geochemically, major oxide elements (except alkalies) and trace elements (Ba, Sr, Cr, Ni, V, Cu, Zn, Ga, Pb, Th and Zr) are more in green and grey granites of Khanak and Devsar areas than pink granites. Generally, they show enrichments in SiO2, Na2O+K2O, Fe/Mg, Rb, Zr, Y and and AI (Agpaitic Index) (ranges from 0.10 to 1.18) and depletion in MgO, CaO, P, Ti, Ni, Cr and V indicate their A-type affinity which is very similar to the A-type granites of MIS (Malani igneous suite) in northwestern peninsular India. Green and grey granites of Devsar area show high concentrations of Heat production (HP) 9.68 & 11.70 μWm−3 and total Heat Generation Unit (HGU) i.e 23.04 & 27.86 respectively. On the other hand, pink granites of Khanak area display a higher enrichment of HP (16.53 μWm−3) and HGU (39.37) than those granites of Devsar area. Overall, they have much a higher values of HP and HGU than the average value of continental crust (3.8 HGU), which imply a possible linear relationship with the surface heat flow and crustal heat generation in the rocks of MIS. From the petrography as well as the chemistry of Khanak and Devsar granites, it is suggested that they might have derived from the different degree of partial melting from the similar source of magma.
Diatoms, Spatial Distribution and Physicochemical Characteristics of the Wular Lake Sediments, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Shah Rayees Ahmad , Achyuthan Hema , Lone Aasif Mohmad , Ramanibai R.
Published: September 2017

Lakes and wetlands are dynamic geomorphic units of a landscape that hold geochemical signatures of sediment provenance and paleo-environmental shifts and are major sinks for organic matter accumulation. The source of organic matter is diverse in lake sediments and varies widely with the type and size of the lake and hence it is important to understand the source of organic carbon (terrestrial or in situ) in lake systems in order to monitor the health of the lake. Wular lake, located in north Kashmir, is one of the largest fresh water lake in India, situated at an average elevation of 1580m ASL. The lake is fed by a number of watersheds that bring a diverse type of sediments and organic matter and thus deposit them into the Wular lake basin. In order to understand sediment distribution pattern, content and source of organic matter, sediment provenance and the persisting environment in the Wular lake, 32 lake floor sediment samples covering the entire lake were collected and analyzed for organic element analysis, CaCO3, organic matter, sediment texture and diatom analysis. The results indicated that sediments in the lake are dominated by silt and silty clay. The organic carbon in the lake ranged from 0.83%-4.52% and nitrogen varied from 0.06%-0.5%. The Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratios (9.04 to 22.03) indicate a mixed source of organic carbon but dominated by in situ lake sources from the vascular and lake biota accumulation. The diatom analysis revealed the occurrence of a diverse type of species along the sampling sites present within the lake. The wide distribution of the diatom species such as Cymbella, Cyclotella and Tabularia etc. in the lake indicate high organic pollution and alkaline fresh water environment prevailing in the lake.
Palaeochannel-controlled Depositional Features of the Cretaceous Lower Mahadek Uranium Mineralisation in Umthongkut Area, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Authors: Bhattacharjee Purnajit , Rengarajan M. , Srivastava S. K. , Hamilton S. , Mohanty R.
Published: September 2017

Sedimentological studies along Horin nala section of Umthongkut area in the lower Mahadek sediments have enabled the characterization of channel and resulting sandstone body. Nine lithofacies repeat to generate multistoried sandstone bodies deposited in channel belts. Lithofacies types identified were grouped into facies assemblages and into three different architectural elements. Based on the architectural elements the depositional palaeo-environment, resemble multichannel, low sinuosity braided system, considered as the product of the complex evolution of a fluvial fan segment. Palaeo-current data analysis indicates a low sinuosity river system with consistent current directions pointing toward south. The provenance for the sandstone type uranium mineralisation is primarily related to the basement crystalline rocks like granite and granite-gneisses, which apparently supplied the uranium. As the channel fills tend to have more porosity due to difference in the sizes of grains and clasts and with the tendency of concentration of more organic matter along these loci, the interaction of mineralizing fluids along with the reductants caused the precipitation of the uranium.
Recurring Emergence of the Mud Islands on Shelf of the Arabian Sea along the Makran Coast of Pakistan – Historical Perspective Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Kassi Akhtar M. , Bayraktar Huseyin , Khan Shuhab D. , Kasi Aimal K.
Published: September 2017

Recurring emergences of mud islands on shelf of the Arabian Sea, along the Makran coast of Pakistan are now known to be submarine mud volcanoes. They are expressions of enhanced extrusions of fluidized mud and gases coupled with compressional tectonics in convergent margin settings. Since 1945 the Malan island has emerged four times, and some other mud islands have also been emerging repeatedly, at their own positions.

The first known emergence, during November 1945, was concurrent with an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 (M8.0), the 2ndand 3rdemergences, in March 1999 and November 2010 respectively, were not related apparently with earthquakes. The 4themergence concurred with the Awaran earthquake (M7.7) of 24thSeptember 2013. Landsat images of March 1999 and November 2010 emergences indicate appearance of round-shaped island of 4.4 and 5.2 hectare area, followed by erosion and disappearance. The island was composed of mud breccias and circular vents spewing mud slurry and methane gas.

The emergence of Malan island, in March 1999 and November 2010 was compared with earthquake data before and after the emergences. The earthquakes data, two years before March 1999 and November 2010 emergences and two years afterwards, shows correlation with both small and large earthquakes, prior to the emergence, in the radius of over 400 km. It is proposed that mud islands develop in response to the episodes of enhanced mud extrusion, which inturn are related with the enhanced compressional and/or seismic events. These events are followed by periods of relative quiescence characterized by normal activity of mud extrusion and marine erosion.
Characterization of Fluid Inclusions Encaged in Quartz Veins of Parsoi Formation, Central India
Authors: Dubey R. K. , Shankar Ravi
Published: September 2017

The study focuses on analysis of primary and secondary fluid inclusions present in quartz veins hosted in the phyllites to explore the stress and temperature conditions at the time of formation of metasediment sequences of the of Parsoi Formation, central India. The results reveal the two-phase liquid-rich fluid inclusions that indicate that the intrusions of quartz veins in phyllite may have taken place between the temperature from 168.8°C to 256.3°C with an average of 205.55°C from a magmatic moderately saline fluid (3.7 to 18.29 wt. % NaCl equiv.). The final ice-melting temperatures ranges from -14.6°C to -2.2°C which indicate that the aqueous fluids are mainly H2O-NaCl. The density distribution of fluid inclusions rich in liquid H2O only are unimodel and low in natures and appears to be entrapped between pressure 1.666 to 2.125 kbar at depth of 200m. The study supports epithermal nature of fluid inclusions. The characteristic of fluid inclusions along with lithological and structural peculiarities, nature of structural features may be helpful in exploring the future potential zone of gold mineralization in similar types of area.
The Effect of Offloading Heels on Sacral Pressure
Authors: Al‐Majid Sadeeka , Vuncanon Barbara , Carlson Nika , Rakovski Cyril
Published: September 2017

Offloading a patient's heels during supine surgical procedures is a common practice to prevent heel pressure injuries. This practice may increase sacral pressure and jeopardize sacral skin integrity, but prophylactic dressings may help protect sacral skin. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of offloading the heels and of multilayered silicone foam dressings on sacral pressure. We measured the sacral pressure of 50 healthy volunteers using a pressure‐mapping system under four conditions: heels not offloaded and sacral dressing applied, heels offloaded and dressing applied, heels not offloaded and no dressing, and heels offloaded and no dressing. We used linear mixed‐effects modeling to compare the effects of these conditions on sacral pressure. Offloading the heels significantly increased sacral pressure (P < .001), whereas the dressing had no effect on sacral pressure (P = .49). Offloading a patient's heels may increase the risk of sacral pressure injuries.
Clinical Issues—September 2017
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: September 2017

This Month

Performing Staphylococcus aureus decolonization for urgent procedures

Key words: decolonization, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, MSSA, mupirocin.

Hand hygiene before donning gloves

Key words: hand hygiene, glove, personal protective equipment.

Hand hygiene before skin prep

Key words: hand hygiene, skin prep, sterile task, aseptic task.

Scrubbing by stroke versus timed method

Key words: surgical hand rub, surgical scrub, stroke method, timed method.
Guideline Implementation: Positioning the Patient
Authors: Burlingame Byron L.
Published: September 2017

Every surgical procedure requires positioning the patient; however, all surgical positions are associated with the potential for the patient to experience a positioning injury. The locations and types of potential injuries (eg, stretching, compression, pressure injury) depend on the position. Factors that may increase the patient's risk for an injury are the length of the procedure and risk factors inherent to the patient (eg, weight, age, frailty). AORN's updated “Guideline for positioning the patient” provides guidance on injury prevention practices for all surgical positions including supine, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, lateral, lithotomy, prone, and sitting positions and modifications of these positions. This article focuses on the key points of the guideline covering the use of prophylactic dressings, neurophysiological monitoring, and safely positioning the patient in the supine and prone positions. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.
Imaging of Ankle Impingement Syndromes
Authors: Al-Riyami Abeer Mohamed , Tan Hsien Khai , Peh Wilfred C.G.
Published: September 2017

Ankle impingement syndromes are a commonly encountered clinical entity seen in athletes, secondary to repetitive forceful microtrauma. Symptoms are related to impingement of osseous or soft tissue abnormalities in the ankle joint, in particular the tibiotalar joint, which may result in painful limitation of ankle movements. Imaging modalities, such as radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging, are very useful in diagnosing osseous and soft tissue abnormalities seen in different types of ankle impingement syndromes. This article reviews the classification of ankle impingement syndromes, their etiology, and clinical and radiological findings.
Quality of life in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: The impact of symptomatic remission and resilience
Authors: Hofer A. , Mizuno Y. , Wartelsteiner F. , Wolfgang Fleischhacker W. , Frajo-Apor B. , Kemmler G. , Mimura M. , Pardeller S. , Sondermann C. , Suzuki T. , Welte A. , Uchida H.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is significantly affected in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder (BD-I). The current study investigated whether symptomatic remission and resilience might differently impact HRQOL in these patients.

Methods:

Fifty-two patients with schizophrenia and 60 patients suffering from BD-I from outpatient mental health services as well as 77 healthy control subjects from the general community were included into a cross-sectional study. HRQOL and resilience were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF and the Resilience Scale. In patients, psychopathology was quantified by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale or the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale, respectively.

Results:

Notably, both patient groups showed lower HRQOL and resilience compared to control subjects, non-remitted patients indicated lower HRQOL than remitted ones. The effect of remission on HRQOL was significantly larger in patients with BD-I than in those with schizophrenia but did not explain the difference in HRQOL between groups. Resilience predicted HRQOL in all three groups. When accounting for the effect of resilience among remitted patients, only the difference in HRQOL between schizophrenia patients and control subjects was significant.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate the impact of symptomatic remission and resilience on HRQOL of both patients suffering from schizophrenia and BD-I and indicate that these factors are especially relevant for HRQOL of patients with BD-I.
‘In the name of justice and compassion’: animal protection in Italy during the Liberal Age (1861-1914)
Authors: Guazzaloca Giulia
Published: September 2017

This essay reconstructs the emergence of a growing sensitivity towards animal welfare in Italy during the so-called ‘liberal’ years. An examination of the origins and activities of animal protection societies, the debate on use of animals for scientific experimentation, and the earliest provisions for animal protection, reveals a growing concern for animal welfare in Italy too during the course of the twentieth century. This was channelled by the liberal-bourgeois values of the time: public decency, moderation, and goodwill towards animals as well as humans were all seen as signs of ‘civilisation’ and ‘progress’. It was claimed that foreign influence, particularly British, was of vital importance in such developments in Italy, including both the thoughts of the anti-vivisectionists and the work and propaganda of the societies for animal protection. This essay also examines the 1913 Law, which was the first important Italian legislation governing animal welfare and protection.
Scandal, Motherhood and Mina in 1960s Italy
Authors: Haworth Rachel
Published: September 2017

Celebrity scandals are a useful tool to reveal the pervasiveness of expected ways of behaving within a particular culture or society. Italy of the early 1960s was particularly marked by these kinds of scandals, including that of singer Mina’s pregnancy by Corrado Pani in 1963. This article takes this scandal as a case study to explore how star image in this period in Italy was influenced by the established ideologies that governed social convention, morality, and traditional gender roles. It examines in detail the ways in which the popular press reported on this scandal, using the reports that covered the announcement of the pregnancy and then the birth to cast light on the extent to which the mainstream social values and ideas regarding the status quo and expected ways of behaving for women in Italy during the early 1960s were destabilised and/or reasserted through the star persona of Mina.
A thiol probe for measuring unfolded protein load and proteostasis in cells
Authors: Chen Moore Z. , Moily Nagaraj S. , Bridgford Jessica L. , Wood Rebecca J. , Radwan Mona , Smith Trevor A. , Song Zhegang , Tang Ben Zhong , Tilley Leann , Xu Xiaohong , Reid Gavin E. , Pouladi Mahmoud A. , Hong Yuning , Hatters Danny M.
Published: September 2017

When proteostasis becomes unbalanced, unfolded proteins can accumulate and aggregate. Here we report that the dye, tetraphenylethene maleimide (TPE-MI) can be used to measure cellular unfolded protein load. TPE-MI fluorescence is activated upon labelling free cysteine thiols, normally buried in the core of globular proteins that are exposed upon unfolding. Crucially TPE-MI does not become fluorescent when conjugated to soluble glutathione. We find that TPE-MI fluorescence is enhanced upon reaction with cellular proteomes under conditions promoting accumulation of unfolded proteins. TPE-MI reactivity can be used to track which proteins expose more cysteine residues under stress through proteomic analysis. We show that TPE-MI can report imbalances in proteostasis in induced pluripotent stem cell models of Huntington disease, as well as cells transfected with mutant Huntington exon 1 before the formation of visible aggregates. TPE-MI also detects protein damage following dihydroartemisinin treatment of the malaria parasites Plasmodium falciparum. TPE-MI therefore holds promise as a tool to probe proteostasis mechanisms in disease.
Multiscale cytometry and regulation of 3D cell cultures on a chip
Authors: Sart Sébastien , Tomasi Raphaël F.-X. , Amselem Gabriel , Baroud Charles N.
Published: September 2017

Three-dimensional cell culture is emerging as a more relevant alternative to the traditional two-dimensional format. Yet the ability to perform cytometry at the single cell level on intact three-dimensional spheroids or together with temporal regulation of the cell microenvironment remains limited. Here we describe a microfluidic platform to perform high-density three-dimensional culture, controlled stimulation, and observation in a single chip. The method extends the capabilities of droplet microfluidics for performing long-term culture of adherent cells. Using arrays of 500 spheroids per chip, in situ immunocytochemistry and image analysis provide multiscale cytometry that we demonstrate at the population scale, on 104 single spheroids, and over 105 single cells, correlating functionality with cellular location within the spheroids. Also, an individual spheroid can be extracted for further analysis or culturing. This will enable a shift towards quantitative studies on three-dimensional cultures, under dynamic conditions, with implications for stem cells, organs-on-chips, or cancer research.
Engineered proteins with sensing and activating modules for automated reprogramming of cellular functions
Authors: Sun Jie , Lei Lei , Tsai Chih-Ming , Wang Yi , Shi Yiwen , Ouyang Mingxing , Lu Shaoying , Seong Jihye , Kim Tae-Jin , Wang Pengzhi , Huang Min , Xu Xiangdong , Nizet Victor , Chien Shu , Wang Yingxiao
Published: September 2017

Protein-based biosensors or activators have been engineered to visualize molecular signals or manipulate cellular functions. Here we integrate these two functionalities into one protein molecule, an integrated sensing and activating protein (iSNAP). A prototype that can detect tyrosine phosphorylation and immediately activate auto-inhibited Shp2 phosphatase, Shp2-iSNAP, is designed through modular assembly. When Shp2-iSNAP is fused to the SIRPα receptor which typically transduces anti-phagocytic signals from the ‘don’t eat me’ CD47 ligand through negative Shp1 signaling, the engineered macrophages not only allow visualization of SIRPα phosphorylation upon CD47 engagement but also rewire the CD47-SIRPα axis into the positive Shp2 signaling, which enhances phagocytosis of opsonized tumor cells. A second SIRPα Syk-iSNAP with redesigned sensor and activator modules can likewise rewire the CD47-SIRPα axis to the pro-phagocytic Syk kinase activation. Thus, our approach can be extended to execute a broad range of sensing and automated reprogramming actions for directed therapeutics.
Global fibroblast activation throughout the left ventricle but localized fibrosis after myocardial infarction
Authors: Nagaraju Chandan K. , Dries Eef , Popovic Natasa , Singh Abhishek A. , Haemers Peter , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Claus Piet , Sipido Karin R. , Driesen Ronald B.
Published: September 2017

Fibroblast (Fb) differentiation and interstitial fibrosis contribute to cardiac remodeling and loss of function after myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated regional presence and regulation of fibrosis in a pig MI model. In vivo analysis of regional function and perfusion defined three regions: the scar, the myocardium adjacent to the scar (MIadjacent, reduced function, reduced perfusion reserve), and the remote myocardium (MIremote, minimal functional deficit, maintained perfusion). Interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and increase of collagen type I, was only observed in the MIadjacent. Fb activated protein-alpha (FAP-α) was enriched in MIadjacent compared to MIremote. TGF-β1, which triggers Fb differentiation, was upregulated in both MIadjacent and MIremote, whereas lysyl oxidase, a regulator of collagen cross-linking, and the proteoglycans decorin and biglycan were only increased in the MIadjacent. Fb isolated and cultured for 4 days had myoFb characteristics with little difference between MIremote and MIadjacent, although RNA sequencing revealed differences in gene expression profiles. Fbs from all regions maintained proliferative capacity, and induced contraction of 3-D collagen matrices but scar myoFb was more effective. These data suggest that after MI, signaling through TGF-β1, possibly related to increased mechanical load, drives Fb activation throughout the left ventricle while regional signaling determines further maturation and extracellular matrix remodeling after MI.
Robustness and mode selectivity in parity-time (PT) symmetric lasers
Authors: Teimourpour M. H. , Khajavikhan M. , Christodoulides D. N. , El-Ganainy R.
Published: September 2017

We investigate two important aspects of PT symmetric photonic molecule lasers, namely the robustness of their single longitudinal mode operation against instabilities triggered by spectral hole burning effects, and the possibility of more versatile mode selectivity. Our results, supported by numerically integrating the nonlinear rate equations and performing linear stability analysis, reveals the following: (1) In principle a second threshold exists after which single mode operation becomes unstable, signaling multimode oscillatory dynamics, (2) For a wide range of design parameters, single mode operation of PT lasers having relatively large free spectral range (FSR) can be robust even at higher gain values, (3) PT symmetric photonic molecule lasers are more robust than their counterpart structures made of single microresonators; and (4) Extending the concept of single longitudinal mode operation based on PT symmetry in millimeter long edge emitting lasers having smaller FSR can be challenging due to instabilities induced by nonlinear modal interactions. Finally we also present a possible strategy based on loss engineering to achieve more control over the mode selectivity by suppressing the mode that has the highest gain (i.e. lies under the peak of the gain spectrum curve) and switch the lasing action to another mode.
Shape-based separation of microalga Euglena gracilis using inertial microfluidics
Authors: Li Ming , Muñoz Hector Enrique , Goda Keisuke , Di Carlo Dino
Published: September 2017

Euglena gracilis(E. gracilis) has been proposed as one of the most attractive microalgae species for biodiesel and biomass production, which exhibits a number of shapes, such as spherical, spindle-shaped, and elongated. Shape is an important biomarker forE. gracilis, serving as an indicator of biological clock status, photosynthetic and respiratory capacity, cell-cycle phase, and environmental condition. The ability to prepareE. gracilisof uniform shape at high purities has significant implications for various applications in biological research and industrial processes. Here, we adopt a label-free, high-throughput, and continuous technique utilizing inertial microfluidics to separateE. gracilisby a key shape parameter-cell aspect ratio (AR). The microfluidic device consists of a straight rectangular microchannel, a gradually expanding region, and five outlets with fluidic resistors, allowing for inertial focusing and ordering, enhancement of the differences in cell lateral positions, and accurate separation, respectively. By making use of the shape-activated differences in lateral inertial focusing dynamic equilibrium positions,E. graciliswith different ARs ranging from 1 to 7 are directed to different outlets.
Graphene Quantum Dot Solid Sheets: Strong blue-light-emitting & photocurrent-producing band-gap-opened nanostructures
Authors: Bharathi Ganapathi , Nataraj Devaraj , Premkumar Sellan , Sowmiya Murugaiyan , Senthilkumar Kittusamy , Thangadurai T. Daniel , Khyzhun Oleg Yu , Gupta Mukul , Phase Deodatta , Patra Nirmalendu , Jha Shambhu Nath , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu
Published: September 2017

Graphene has been studied intensively in opto-electronics, and its transport properties are well established. However, efforts to induce intrinsic optical properties are still in progress. Herein, we report the production of micron-sized sheets by interconnecting graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which are termed ‘GQD solid sheets’, with intrinsic absorption and emission properties. Since a GQD solid sheet is an interconnected QD system, it possesses the optical properties of GQDs. Metal atoms that interconnect the GQDs in the bottom-up hydrothermal growth process, induce the semiconducting behaviour in the GQD solid sheets. X-ray absorption measurements and quantum chemical calculations provide clear evidence for the metal-mediated growth process. The as-grown graphene quantum dot solids undergo a Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) interaction with GQDs to exhibit an unconventional 36% photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield in the blue region at 440 nm. A high-magnitude photocurrent was also induced in graphene quantum dot solid sheets by the energy transfer process.
Snapshot 3D Electron Imaging of Structural Dynamics
Authors: Chen Liu-Gu , Warner Jamie , Kirkland Angus I. , Chen Fu-Rong , Van Dyck Dirk
Published: September 2017

In order to understand the physical properties of materials it is necessary to determine the 3D positions of all atoms. There has been significant progress towards this goal using electron tomography. However, this method requires a relatively high electron dose and often extended acquisition times which precludes the study of structural dynamics such as defect formation and evolution. In this work we describe a method that enables the determination of 3D atomic positions with high precision from single high resolution electron microscopic images of graphene that show dynamic processes. We have applied this to the study of electron beam induced defect coalescence and to long range rippling in graphene. The latter strongly influences the mechanical and electronic properties of this material that are important for possible future applications.
Quantitative Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals Key Mechanisms of Cellular Proliferation in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhu Bo , He Quanze , Xiang Jingjing , Qi Fang , Cai Hao , Mao Jun , Zhang Chunhua , Zhang Qin , Li Haibo , Lu Lu , Wang Ting , Yu Wenbo
Published: September 2017

Understanding the mechanisms of uncontrolled proliferation in cancer cells provides valuable insights into tumor development and is benefit for discovering efficient methods in cancer treatment. In this study, we identified and quantified 2,057 phosphoproteins and 9,824 unique phosphosites in three liver cell lines with high (QGY, Hep3B) and low (L02) proliferative potentials and disclosed the wide variations in phosphorylation sites and levels among them. We found that the number of identified phosphoproteins and phosphosites in these cells were negatively correlated with their proliferative abilities. The function analysis suggested that the aberrant phosphorylation of SR proteins and activation of MAPK pathway might be two critical factors to promote cancer cell proliferation. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation status of mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) and nuclear pore (NPC) complexes are significantly different between cell lines with high and low proliferative potentials. Furthermore, the phosphosites targeted by kinase families of CDK, STE and HIPK in the proteins coded by cancer driver genes showed distinct profiles between caner and normal cell lines. These results present key phosphorylation networks involving in abnormal proliferation of cancer cells and uncovered potential molecular markers for estimating the proliferation ability of liver cancer cells.
Quantitative proteomics of Sf21 cells during Baculovirus infection reveals progressive host proteome changes and its regulation by viral miRNA
Authors: Nayyar Nishtha , Kaur Inderjeet , Malhotra Pawan , Bhatnagar Raj K.
Published: September 2017

System level knowledge of alterations in host is crucial to elucidate the molecular events of viral pathogenesis and to develop strategies to block viral establishment and amplification. Here, we applied quantitative proteomics approach to study global proteome changes in the host; Spodoptera frugiperda upon infection by a baculovirus, Spodoptera litura NPV at two stages i.e. 12 h and 72 h post infection. At 12 hpi, >95% of host proteins remained stable, however at 72 hpi, 52% host proteins exhibited downregulation of 2-fold or more. Functional analysis revealed significant upregulation of transposition and proteasomal machinery while translation, transcription, protein export and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were adversely affected. An assessment of perturbed proteome after viral infection and viral miRNA expression led to the identification of 117 genes that are potential targets of 10 viral miRNAs. Using miRNA mimics, we confirmed the down regulation of 9 host genes. The results comprehensively show dynamics of host responses after viral infection.
Tracking the tumor invasion front using long-term fluidic tumoroid culture
Authors: Aw Yong Koh Meng , Li Zida , Merajver Sofia D. , Fu Jianping
Published: September 2017

The analysis of invading leader cells at the tumor invasion front is of significant interest as these cells may possess a coordinated functional and molecular phenotype which can be targeted for therapy. However, such analyses are currently limited by available technologies. Here, we report a fluidic device for long-term three-dimensional tumoroid culture which recapitulated the tumor invasion front, allowing for both quantification of invasive potential and molecular characterization of invasive leader cells. Preliminary analysis of the invasion front indicated an association with cell proliferation and higher expression of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). This device makes real-time tracking of invading leader cell phenotypes possible and has potential for use with patient material for clinical risk stratification and personalized medicine.
Mapping a Type-specific Epitope by Monoclonal Antibody against VP3 Protein of Duck Hepatitis A Type 1 Virus
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Zhang Tingting , Meng Fanyi , Guo Dongchun , Yin Xiuchen , Wulin Shaozhou , Li Chenxi , Zhang Qingshan , Liu Ming , Zhang Yun
Published: September 2017

Duck hepatitis A subtype 1 virus (DHAV-1) infection causes high mortality in ducklings, resulting in significant losses to duck industries. VP3 is a structural protein of DHAV-1. However, B-cell epitopes on VP3 have not been investigated. To stimulate VP3 antibody response, eukaryotic expression plasmid pCI-neo-VP3 was constructed and used as DNA immunogen to prepare mAbs. Western blot showed that 25.5 kDa VP3 could be detected by mAbs in duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) cells transfected with pCI-neo-VP3. Immunofluorescence assay showed that mAbs could specifically bind to DEF cells infected with DHAV-1. DAPI staining indicated that VP3 localizes to the cytoplasm and nucleus of DHAV-1 infected DEF. With neutralizing mAb 3B7, minimal epitope PSNI was mapped. Sequence alignment indicated that 205PSNI208 is highly conserved among DHAV-1, but different from those of DHAV-2 and DHAV-3. Epitope peptide reacted specifically with DHAV-1-positive duck sera by dot blotting, revealing PSNI is DHAV-1 type-specific epitope and the importance of these amino acids in antibody-epitope binding reactivity. These findings provided useful information for understanding the antigenicity of VP3 and might be valuable in the development of epitope-based vaccine or diagnostic kit for DHAV-1 infection and provide insights for understanding the pathogenesis of DHAV-1.
SOCS2 Binds to and Regulates EphA2 through Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Pilling Carissa , Cooper Jonathan A.
Published: September 2017

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins inhibit signaling by serving as substrate receptors for the Cullin5-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL5) and through a variety of CRL5-independent mechanisms. CRL5, SOCS2 and SOCS6 are implicated in suppressing transformation of epithelial cells. We identified cell proteins that interact with SOCS2 and SOCS6 using two parallel proteomics techniques: BioID and Flag affinity purification mass spectrometry. The receptor tyrosine kinase ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) was identified as a SOCS2-interacting protein. SOCS2-EphA2 binding requires the SOCS2 SH2 domain and EphA2 activation loop autophosphorylation, which is stimulated by Ephrin A1 (EfnA1) or by phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibition. Surprisingly, EfnA1-stimulated EphA2-SOCS2 binding is delayed until EphA2 has been internalized into endosomes. This suggests that SOCS2 binds to EphA2 in the context of endosomal membranes. We also found that SOCS2 overexpression decreases steady state levels of EphA2, consistent with increased EphA2 degradation. This effect is indirect: SOCS2 induces EfnA1 expression, and EfnA1 induces EphA2 down-regulation. Other RTKs have been reported to bind, and be regulated by, over-expressed SOCS proteins. Our data suggest that SOCS protein over-expression may regulate receptor tyrosine kinases through indirect and direct mechanisms.
Cytotoxic response against Epstein Barr virus coexists with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tolerogenic microenvironment: clinical features and survival impact
Authors: Cohen Melina , Vistarop Aldana G. , Huaman Fuad , Narbaitz Marina , Metrebian Fernanda , De Matteo Elena , Preciado María V. , Chabay Paola A.
Published: September 2017

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is present in neoplastic cells of 15% of Asian and Latin-American diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Even though a tolerogenic microenvironment was recently described in DLBCL, little is known concerning immunomodulatory features induced by EBV. As suggested in Hodgkin lymphoma, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells are increased but showing immune exhaustion features. Hence, host immunity suppression may play a critical role in tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate, whether an association between tumor microenvironment features and EBV presence is taking place, and its clinical correlate. The incidence of EBV+DLBCL NOS was 12.6% in this cohort. Cytokine and chemokine transcripts expression and immunophenotype analysis showed that EBV infection was associated with increased gene expression of immunosuppressive cytokine (IL-10) together with increased CD8+ T-cells and granzyme B+ cytotoxic effector cells. However, this specific response coexists with a tolerogenic milieu, by PD-1 expression, in EBV+ and EBV−DLBCL cases. High PD-1+ cell counts, EBV presence and low CCL22 expression were associated with worse survival, supporting our hypothesis that EBV-specific response is mounted locally and its inhibition by, for example PD-1+ cells, may negatively affect outcome. The better understanding of the interplay between lymphoma cells and microenvironment in a viral framework could thereby facilitate the discovery of new targets for innovative anti-lymphoma treatment strategies.
Gender-based differences in host behavior and gut microbiota composition in response to high fat diet and stress in a mouse model
Authors: Bridgewater Laura C. , Zhang Chenhong , Wu Yanqiu , Hu Weiwei , Zhang Qianpeng , Wang Jing , Li Shengtian , Zhao Liping
Published: September 2017

Obesity is associated with a high prevalence of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Both stress and high fat diet can alter the gut microbiota and contribute to obesity. To examine the interrelationships between obesity, stress, gut microbiota and mood disorders, obesity was induced in mice using a high fat diet, and the mice were subsequently stressed using a chronic unpredictable mild stress protocol. During the experiment, the composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed by 16 S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, and anxiety-like behaviors were measured. The results revealed distinct gender differences in the impacts of obesity and stress on anxiety-like behaviors, activity levels, and composition of the gut microbiota. Male mice were more vulnerable to the anxiogenic effects of the high fat diet, and obese male mice showed decreased locomotion activity in response to stress whereas obese female mice did not. In females, stress caused the gut microbiota of lean mice to more closely resemble that of obese mice. Taken together, these results suggest the importance of considering gender as a biological variable in studies on the role of gut microbiota in obesity-related mood disorders.
The Deposition and Accumulation of Microplastics in Marine Sediments and Bottom Water from the Irish Continental Shelf
Authors: Martin Jake , Lusher Amy , Thompson Richard C. , Morley Audrey
Published: September 2017

Microplastics are widely dispersed throughout the marine environment. An understanding of the distribution and accumulation of this form of pollution is crucial for gauging environmental risk. Presented here is the first record of plastic contamination, in the 5 mm–250 μm size range, of Irish continental shelf sediments. Sixty-two microplastics were recovered from 10 of 11 stations using box cores. 97% of recovered microplastics were found to reside shallower than 2.5 cm sediment depth, with the area of highest microplastic concentration being the water-sediment interface and top 0.5 cm of sediments (66%). Microplastics were not found deeper than 3.5 ± 0.5 cm. These findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination is ubiquitous within superficial sediments and bottom water along the western Irish continental shelf. Results highlight that cores need to be at least 4–5 cm deep to quantify the standing stock of microplastics within marine sediments. All recovered microplastics were classified as secondary microplastics as they appear to be remnants of larger items; fibres being the principal form of microplastic pollution (85%), followed by broken fragments (15%). The range of polymer types, colours and physical forms recovered suggests a variety of sources. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms influencing microplastic transport, deposition, resuspension and subsequent interactions with biota.
Effects of low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone microarchitecture, mechanical strength and bone turnover in type 2 diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Li Jianjun , Zeng Zhaobin , Zhao Yantao , Jing Da , Tang Chuhua , Ding Yin , Feng Xue
Published: September 2017

Type 2 diabetic patients have impaired bone quality, leading to increased fracture risk. Substantial evidence demonstrates that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) could resist osteopenia/osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency and disuse. However, the effects of PEMF on osteopenia/osteoporosis associated with diabetes, especially for more prevalent type 2 diabetes, remain poorly understood. We herein investigated the skeletal effects and mechanisms of PEMF (15 Hz, 20 Gs) on leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice with typical type 2 diabetic symptoms. Our µCT results showed that 12-week PEMF exposure significantly improved both cancellous and cortical bone microarchitecture in db/db mice. Three-point bending and biomechanical indentation testing demonstrated that PEMF improved whole-bone structural properties and tissue-level material properties in db/db mice. PEMF significantly promoted bone formation in db/db mice evidenced by increased serum osteocalcin and bone mineral apposition rate, whereas PEMF exerted no observable alteration in bone resorption. Real-time PCR showed that PEMF upregulated tibial gene expression of osteoblastogenesis-related of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling but not osteoclastogenesis-related RANKL-RANK signaling in db/db mice. Our findings demonstrate that PEMF improved bone quantity and quality with obvious anabolic activities in db/db mice, and imply that PEMF might become a clinically applicable treatment modality for improving bone quality in type 2 diabetic patients.
Changes in specific leaf area of dominant plants in temperate grasslands along a 2500-km transect in northern China
Authors: Liu Mengzhou , Wang Zhengwen , Li Shanshan , Lü Xiaotao , Wang Xiaobo , Han Xingguo
Published: September 2017

Specific leaf area (SLA) is a key trait with great ecological importance as it correlates with whole plant growth. We aimed to investigate how SLA varies with environmental factors at a geographical scale in temperate grasslands. We measured SLA and mass-based leaf nitrogen content (Nmass) of four dominant plant genera along a 2500 km climatic gradient in northern China grassland, and correlated SLA with mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT), soil nitrogen concentration (soil N), soil C:N and Nmass. Climate accounts much more for SLA variation than soil variables for Stipa, Cleistogens and Carex. SLA of Stipa is negatively associated with MAP and soil N, while positively with MAT, but Cleistogenes and Carex show the opposite. For Leymus, soil N promotes SLA and accounts for largest fraction of SLA variation. Overall, SLA was positively correlated with Nmass in semi-arid regions, but not significant in arid regions. The genus-dependent responses of SLA may have consequences on ecosystem functioning, thus may help to predict the community composition and ecosystem functions under future climate scenario. The finding of SLA-Nmass trade-off and its susceptibility to precipitation will advance our understanding on plant resource use strategies.
Moral judgment modulation by disgust priming via altered fronto-temporal functional connectivity
Authors: Lim Julian , Kurnianingsih Yoanna A. , Ong How Hwee , Mullette-Gillman O’Dhaniel A.
Published: September 2017

Moral judgments are not just the product of conscious reasoning, but also involve the integration of social and emotional information. Irrelevant disgust stimuli modulate moral judgments, with individual sensitivity determining the direction and size of effects across both hypothetical and incentive-compatible experimental designs. We investigated the neural circuitry underlying this modulation using fMRI in 19 individuals performing a moral judgment task with subliminal priming of disgust facial expressions. Our results indicate that individual changes in moral acceptability due to priming covaried with individual differences in activation within the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Further, whole-brain analyses identified changes in functional connectivity between the dmPFC and the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ). High sensitivity individuals showed enhanced functional connectivity between the TPJ and dmPFC, corresponding with deactivation in the dmPFC, and rating the moral dilemmas as more acceptable. Low sensitivity individuals showed the opposite pattern of results. Post-hoc, these findings replicated in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (daMCC), an adjacent region implicated in converting between objective and subjective valuation. This suggests a specific computational mechanism – that disgust stimuli modulate moral judgments by altering the integration of social information to determine the subjective valuation of the considered moral actions.