bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tsc1 expression by dendritic cells is required to preserve T-cell homeostasis and response
Authors: Luo Yuechen , Li Wenwen , Yu Gang , Yu Juan , Han Ling , Xue Ting , Sun Zhina , Chen Song , Fang Chunming , Zhao Chunxiao , Niu Qing , Yang Fei , Han Zhongchao , Cheng Tao , Zeng Yun , Liao Fang , Xu Guogang , Feng Xiaoming
Published: January 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal to the induction of adaptive T-cell immune responses. Recent evidence highlights a critical role of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1), a primarily upstream negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), in DC development, but whether and how Tsc1 directly regulate mature DC function in vivo remains elusive. Here we show that selective disruption of Tsc1 in DCs results in a lymphoproliferative disorder with the spontaneous activation of T cells. Tsc1 deficiency results in the activation of mTORC1-PPARγ pathway, which leads to the upregulation of neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) expression on DCs to stimulate naive T-cell proliferation. However, Tsc1-deficient DCs have defects in the ability to induce antigen-specific T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo owing to impaired survival during antigen transportation and presentation. Indeed, Tsc1 promotes DC survival through restraining independent mTORC1 and ROS-Bim pathways. Our study identifies Tsc1 as a crucial signaling checkpoint in DCs essential for preserving T-cell homeostasis and response.
From the bench to exploration medicine: NASA life sciences translational research for human exploration and habitation missions
Authors: Alwood Joshua S. , Ronca April E. , Mains Richard C. , Shelhamer Mark J. , Smith Jeffrey D. , Goodwin Thomas J.
Published: January 2017

NASA’s Space Biology and Human Research Program entities have recently spearheaded communications both internally and externally to coordinate the agency’s translational research efforts. In this paper, we strongly advocate for translational research at NASA, provide recent examples of NASA sponsored early-stage translational research, and discuss options for a path forward. Our overall objective is to help in stimulating a collaborative research across multiple disciplines and entities that, working together, will more effectively and more rapidly achieve NASA’s goals for human spaceflight.
The effect of long-term exposure to microgravity on the perception of upright
Authors: Harris Laurence R. , Jenkin Michael , Jenkin Heather , Zacher James E. , Dyde Richard T.
Published: January 2017

Going into space is a disorienting experience. Many studies have looked at sensory functioning in space but the multisensory basis of orientation has not been systematically investigated. Here, we assess how prolonged exposure to microgravity affects the relative weighting of visual, gravity, and idiotropic cues to perceived orientation. We separated visual, body, and gravity (when present) cues to perceived orientation before, during, and after long-term exposure to microgravity during the missions of seven astronauts on the International Space Station (mean duration 168 days) and measuring perceived vertical using the subjective visual vertical and the perceptual upright. The relative influence of each cue and the variance of their judgments were measured. Fourteen ground-based control participants performed comparable measurements over a similar period. The variance of astronauts’ subjective visual vertical judgments in the absence of visual cues was significantly larger immediately upon return to earth than before flight. Astronauts’ perceptual upright demonstrated a reduced reliance on visual cues upon arrival on orbit that re-appeared long after returning to earth. For earth-bound controls, the contributions of body, gravity, and vision remained constant throughout the year-long testing period. This is the first multisensory study of orientation behavior in space and the first demonstration of long-term perceptual changes that persist after returning to earth. Astronauts showed a plasticity in the weighting of perceptual cues to orientation that could form the basis for future countermeasures.
Investigation of simulated microgravity effects on Streptococcus mutans physiology and global gene expression
Authors: Orsini Silvia S. , Lewis April M. , Rice Kelly C.
Published: January 2017

Astronauts have been previously shown to exhibit decreased salivary lysozyme and increased dental calculus and gingival inflammation in response to space flight, host factors that could contribute to oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis. However, the specific physiological response of caries-causing bacteria such asStreptococcus mutansto space flight and/or ground-based simulated microgravity has not been extensively investigated. In this study, high aspect ratio vesselS. mutanssimulated microgravity and normal gravity cultures were assessed for changes in metabolite and transcriptome profiles, H2O2resistance, and competence in sucrose-containing biofilm media. Stationary phaseS. mutanssimulated microgravity cultures displayed increased killing by H2O2compared to normal gravity control cultures, but competence was not affected. RNA-seq analysis revealed that expression of 153 genes was up-regulated ≥2-fold and 94 genes down-regulated ≥2-fold during simulated microgravity high aspect ratio vessel growth. These included a number of genes located on extrachromosomal elements, as well as genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, translation, and stress responses. Collectively, these results suggest that growth under microgravity analog conditions promotes changes inS. mutansgene expression and physiology that may translate to an altered cariogenic potential of this organism during space flight missions.
Suppression of photon shot noise dephasing in a tunable coupling superconducting qubit
Authors: Zhang Gengyan , Liu Yanbing , Raftery James J. , Houck Andrew A.
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate the suppression of photon shot noise dephasing in a superconducting qubit by eliminating its dispersive coupling to the readout cavity. This is achieved in a tunable coupling qubit, where the qubit frequency and coupling rate can be controlled independently. We observe that the coherence time approaches twice the relaxation time and becomes less sensitive to thermal photon noise when the dispersive coupling rate is tuned from several MHz to 22 kHz. This work provides a promising building block in circuit quantum electrodynamics that can hold high coherence and be integrated into larger systems.
Phenotyping for the dynamics of field wheat root system architecture
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Ding Qishuo , Błaszkiewicz Zbigniew , Sun Jiuai , Sun Qian , He Ruiyin , Li Yinian
Published: January 2017

We investigated a method to quantify field-state wheat RSA in a phenotyping way, depicting the 3D topology of wheat RSA in 14d periods. The phenotyping procedure, proposed for understanding the spatio-temporal variations of root-soil interaction and the RSA dynamics in the field, is realized with a set of indices of mm scale precision, illustrating the gradients of both wheat root angle and elongation rate along soil depth, as well as the foraging potential along the side directions. The 70d was identified as the shifting point distinguishing the linear root length elongation from power-law development. Root vertical angle in the 40 mm surface soil layer was the largest, but steadily decreased along the soil depth. After 98d, larger root vertical angle appeared in the deep soil layers. PAC revealed a stable root foraging potential in the 0–70d period, which increased rapidly afterwards (70–112d). Root foraging potential, explained by MaxW/MaxD ratio, revealed an enhanced gravitropism in 14d period. No-till post-paddy wheat RLD decreased exponentially in both depth and circular directions, with 90% roots concentrated within the top 20 cm soil layer. RER along soil depth was either positive or negative, depending on specific soil layers and the sampling time.
Correction: Corrigendum: Knockout of Foxp2 disrupts vocal development in mice
Authors: Castellucci Gregg A. , McGinley Matthew J. , McCormick David A.
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23305; published online: 16 March 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 In this Article there is a plotting error in Figure 1b and c, due to the data sorting technique. The correct figure appears below as Figure 1. This error in no way affects other analyses, results, or the conclusions of this paper.
Intestinal microbiota as a tetrahydrobiopterin exogenous source in hph-1 mice
Authors: Belik Jaques , Shifrin Yulia , Arning Erland , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Pan Jingyi , Daigneault Michelle C. , Allen-Vercoe Emma
Published: January 2017

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a cofactor of a number of regulatory enzymes. Although there are no known BH4 exogenous sources, the tissue content of this biopterin increases with age in GTP cyclohydrolase 1-deficient hyperphenylalaninemia-1 (hph-1) mice. Since certain bacteria are known to generate BH4, we hypothesize that generation of this biopterin by the intestinal microbiota contributes to its tissue increase in hph-1 adult mice. The goal of this study was to comparatively evaluate hph-1 mice and wild-type C57Bl/6 controls for the presence of intestinal BH4-producing bacteria. Newborn and adult mice fecal material was screened for 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS-2) an enzyme only present in BH4-generating bacteria. Adult, but not newborn, wild-type control and hph-1 mouse fecal material contained PTPS-2 mRNA indicative of the presence of BH4-generating bacteria. Utilizing chemostat-cultured human fecal bacteria, we identified the PTPS-2-producing bacteria as belonging to the Actinobacteria phylum. We further confirmed that at least two PTPS-2-producing species, Adlercreutzia equolifaciens and Microbacterium schleiferi, generate BH4 and are present in hph-1 fecal material. In conclusion, intestinal Actinobacteria generate BH4. This finding has important translational significance, since manipulation of the intestinal flora in individuals with congenital biopterin deficiency may allow for an increase in total body BH4 content.
Correction: Corrigendum: Ultra–sensitive droplet digital PCR for detecting a low–prevalence somatic GNAQ mutation in Sturge–Weber syndrome
Authors: Uchiyama Yuri , Nakashima Mitsuko , Watanabe Satoshi , Miyajima Masakazu , Taguri Masataka , Miyatake Satoko , Miyake Noriko , Saitsu Hirotomo , Mishima Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Akira , Arai Hajime , Yoshiura Ko–ichiro , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22985; published online: 09 March 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 This Article contains a typographical error in the name of fluorescence dye for the mutant LNA probe in Table 3. The correct Table 3 appears below.
Katanin p80, NuMA and cytoplasmic dynein cooperate to control microtubule dynamics
Authors: Jin Mingyue , Pomp Oz , Shinoda Tomoyasu , Toba Shiori , Torisawa Takayuki , Furuta Ken’ya , Oiwa Kazuhiro , Yasunaga Takuo , Kitagawa Daiju , Matsumura Shigeru , Miyata Takaki , Tan Thong Teck , Reversade Bruno , Hirotsune Shinji
Published: January 2017

Human mutations in KATNB1 (p80) cause severe congenital cortical malformations, which encompass the clinical features of both microcephaly and lissencephaly. Although p80 plays critical roles during brain development, the underlying mechanisms remain predominately unknown. Here, we demonstrate that p80 regulates microtubule (MT) remodeling in combination with NuMA (nuclear mitotic apparatus protein) and cytoplasmic dynein. We show that p80 shuttles between the nucleus and spindle pole in synchrony with the cell cycle. Interestingly, this striking feature is shared with NuMA. Importantly, p80 is essential for aster formation and maintenance in vitro. siRNA-mediated depletion of p80 and/or NuMA induced abnormal mitotic phenotypes in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts and aberrant neurogenesis and neuronal migration in the mouse embryonic brain. Importantly, these results were confirmed in p80-mutant harboring patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids. Taken together, our findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of severe microlissencephaly, in which p80 and NuMA delineate a common pathway for neurogenesis and neuronal migration via MT organization at the centrosome/spindle pole.
Association of nsv823469 copy number loss with decreased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary function in Chinese
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Lu Xiaoxiao , Chen Jiansong , Wu Di , Qiu Fuman , Xiong Huali , Pan Zihua , Yang Lei , Yang Binyao , Xie Chenli , Zhou Yifeng , Huang Dongsheng , Zhou Yumin , Lu Jiachun
Published: January 2017

It is highly possible that copy number variations (CNVs) in susceptible regions have effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development, while long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) have been shown to cause COPD. We hypothesized that the common CNV, named nsv823469 located on 6p22.1, and covering lncRNAs (major histocompatibility complex, class I, A (HLA-A) and HLA complex group 4B (HCG4B)) has an effect on COPD risk. This association was assessed through a two-stage case-control study, and was further confirmed with COPD and pulmonary function-based family analyses, respectively. The copy number loss (0-copy/1-copy) of nsv823469 significantly decreased risk of COPD compared with normal (2-copy) (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.69–0.85). The loss allele, inducing copy number loss of nsv823469, has a tendency to transmit to offspring or siblings (P = 0.010) and is associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (P = 0.030). Furthermore, the copy number loss of nsv823469 in normal pulmonary tissue decreases the expression levels of HCG4B (r = 0.315, P = 0.031) and HLA-A (r = 0.296, P = 0.044). Our data demonstrates that nsv823469 plays a role in COPD and pulmonary function inheritance by potentially altering expression of HCG4B.
A novel toolbox for the in vitro assay of hepatitis D virus infection
Authors: Zhao Jing-Hua , Zhang Ya-Li , Zhang Tian-Ying , Yuan Lun-Zhi , Cheng Tong , Chen Pei-Jer , Yuan Quan , Xia Ning-Shao
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its life cycle. The in vitro HDV infection system is widely used as a surrogate model to study cellular infection with both viruses owing to its practical feasibility. However, previous methods for running this system were less efficient for high-throughput screening and large-scale studies. Here, we developed a novel method for the production of infectious HDV by adenoviral vector (AdV)-mediated transduction. We demonstrated that the AdV-based method yields 10-fold higher viral titers than the transient-transfection approach. The HDV-containing supernatant derived from AdV-infected Huh7 cells can be used as the inoculum in infectivity assays without requiring further concentration prior to use. Furthermore, we devloped a chemiluminescent immunoassay (HDV-CLEIA) to quantitatively determine intracellular HDAg with a dynamic range of 5–11,000 pg/mL. HDV-CLEIA can be used as an alternative approach to assess HDV infection. The advantages of our updated methodology were demonstrated through in vitro HDV infection of HepaRG cells and by evaluating the neutralization activity using antibodies that target various regions of the HBV/HDV envelope proteins. Together, the methods presented here comprise a novel toolbox of in vitro assays for studying HDV infection.
Discovery and Mechanistic Characterization of Selective Inhibitors of H2S-producing Enzyme: 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase (3MST) Targeting Active-site Cysteine Persulfide
Authors: Hanaoka Kenjiro , Sasakura Kiyoshi , Suwanai Yusuke , Toma-Fukai Sachiko , Shimamoto Kazuhito , Takano Yoko , Shibuya Norihiro , Terai Takuya , Komatsu Toru , Ueno Tasuku , Ogasawara Yuki , Tsuchiya Yukihiro , Watanabe Yasuo , Kimura Hideo , Wang Chao , Uchiyama Masanobu , Kojima Hirotatsu , Okabe Takayoshi , Urano Yasuteru , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Nagano Tetsuo
Published: January 2017

Very recent studies indicate that sulfur atoms with oxidation state 0 or −1, called sulfane sulfurs, are the actual mediators of some physiological processes previously considered to be regulated by hydrogen sulfide (H2S). 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), one of three H2S-producing enzymes, was also recently shown to produce sulfane sulfur (H2Sn). Here, we report the discovery of several potent 3MST inhibitors by means of high-throughput screening (HTS) of a large chemical library (174,118 compounds) with our H2S-selective fluorescent probe, HSip-1. Most of the identified inhibitors had similar aromatic ring-carbonyl-S-pyrimidone structures. Among them, compound 3 showed very high selectivity for 3MST over other H2S/sulfane sulfur-producing enzymes and rhodanese. The X-ray crystal structures of 3MST complexes with two of the inhibitors revealed that their target is a persulfurated cysteine residue located in the active site of 3MST. Precise theoretical calculations indicated the presence of a strong long-range electrostatic interaction between the persulfur anion of the persulfurated cysteine residue and the positively charged carbonyl carbon of the pyrimidone moiety of the inhibitor. Our results also provide the experimental support for the idea that the 3MST-catalyzed reaction with 3-mercaptopyruvate proceeds via a ping-pong mechanism.
Species-dependent variation in sensitivity of Microcystis species to copper sulfate: implication in algal toxicity of copper and controls of blooms
Authors: Wu Haiming , Wei Gaojie , Tan Xiao , Li Lin , Li Ming
Published: January 2017

Copper sulfate is a frequently used reagent for Microcystis blooms control but almost all the previous works have used Microcystis aeruginosa as the target organism to determine dosages. The aim of this study was to evaluate interspecific differences in the responses of various Microcystis species to varying Cu2+ concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 mg L−1). The half maximal effective concentration values for M. aeruginosa, M. wesenbergii, M. flos-aquae, and M. viridis were 0.16, 0.09, 0.49, and 0.45 mg L−1 Cu2+, respectively. This showed a species-dependent variation in the sensitivity of Microcystis species to copper sulfate. Malonaldehyde content did not decrease with increasing superoxide dismutase content induced by increasing Cu2+, suggesting that superoxide dismutase failed to reduce Cu2+ damage in Microcystis. Considering the risk of microcystin release when Microcystis membranes are destroyed as a result of Cu2+ treatment and the stimulation effects of a low level of Cu2+ on growth in various species, our results suggest that copper sulfate treatment for Microcystis control could be applied before midsummer when M. aeruginosa and M. viridis are not the dominant species and actual amount of Cu2+ used to control M. wesenbergii should be much greater than 0.10 mg L−1.
SOCS1 favors the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in melanoma, promotes tumor progression and prevents antitumor immunity by PD-L1 expression
Authors: Berzaghi R. , Maia V. S. C. , Pereira F. V. , Melo F. M. , Guedes M. S. , Origassa C. S. T. , Scutti J. B. , Matsuo A. L. , Câmara N. O. S. , Rodrigues E. G. , Travassos L. R.
Published: January 2017

Silencing of SOCS1 protein with shRNAi lentivirus (shR-SOCS1) led to partial reversion of the tumorigenic phenotype of B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells. SOCS1 silencing inhibited cell migration and invasion as well as in vitro growth by cell cycle arrest at S phase with increased cell size and nuclei. Down-regulation of SOCS1 decreased the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, Ins-Rα, and fibroblast growth factor receptors. The present work aimed at analyzing the SOCS1 cell signaling and expression of proteins relevant to tumor development. An RNA microarray analysis of B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells with SOCS1 silenced by shRNAi-SOCS1 was undertaken in comparison with cells transduced with the empty vector. Among 609 differentially expressed genes, c-Kit, Met and EphA3 cytokine/tyrosine-kinase (TK) receptors were down regulated. A significant decrease in the expression of TK receptors, the phosphorylation of mediators of ERK1/2 and p38 pathways and STAT3 (S727) were observed. Subcutaneous immunization with shR-SOCS1-transduced viable tumor cells rendered protection against melanoma in a syngeneic model, with decreased expression of PD-L1 and of matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) and CD-10 in those cells. The present work shows the role of SOCS1 in murine melanoma development and the potential of SOCS1-silenced tumor cells in raising an effective anti-melanoma immune response.
Adductor canal block versus femoral nerve block for total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Duan , Yang Yang , Li Qi , Tang Shen-Li , Zeng Wei-Nan , Xu Jin , Xie Tian-Hang , Pei Fu-Xing , Yang Liu , Li Ling-Li , Zhou Zong-Ke
Published: January 2017

Femoral nerve blocks (FNB) can provide effective pain relief but result in quadriceps weakness with increased risk of falls following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Adductor canal block (ACB) is a relatively new alternative providing pure sensory blockade with minimal effect on quadriceps strength. The meta-analysis was designed to evaluate whether ACB exhibited better outcomes with respect to quadriceps strength, pain control, ambulation ability, and complications. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wan Fang, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and the Cochrane Database were searched for RCTs comparing ACB with FNB after TKAs. Of 309 citations identified by our search strategy, 12 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Compared to FNB, quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was significantly higher for ACB, which was consistent with the results regarding quadriceps strength assessed with manual muscle strength scale. Moreover, ACB had significantly higher risk of falling versus FNB. At any follow-up time, ACB was not inferior to FNB regarding pain control or opioid consumption, and showed better range of motion in comparison with FNB. ACB is superior to the FNB regarding sparing of quadriceps strength and faster knee function recovery. It provides pain relief and opioid consumption comparable to FNB and is associated with decreased risk of falls.
High-efficiency tri-band quasi-continuous phase gradient metamaterials based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Ma Hua , Wang Jiafu , Pang Yongqiang , Zheng Qiqi , Chen Hongya , Han Yajuan , Zhang Jieqiu , Qu Shaobo
Published: January 2017

A high-efficiency tri-band quasi-continuous phase gradient metamaterial is designed and demonstrated based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). High-efficiency polarizaiton conversion transmission is firstly achieved via tailoring phase differece between the transmisive SSPP and the space wave in orthogonal directions. As an example, a tri-band circular-to-circular (CTC) polarization conversion metamateiral (PCM) was designed by a nonlinearly dispersive phase difference. Using such PCM unit cell, a tri-band quasi-continuous phase gradient metamaterial (PGM) was then realized by virtue of the Pancharatnam-Berry phase. The distribution of the cross-polarization transmission phase along the x-direction is continuous except for two infinitely small intervals near the phases 0° and 360°, and thus the phase gradient has definition at any point along the x-direction. The simulated normalized polarization conversion transmission spectrums together with the electric field distributions for circularly polarized wave and linearly polarized wave demonstrated the high-efficiency anomalous refraction of the quasi-continuous PGM. The experimental verification for the linearly polarized incidence was also provided.
Erratum: Condensed-matter equation of states covering a wide region of pressure studied experimentally
Authors: Gordon Elijah E. , Köhler Jürgen , Whangbo Myung-Hwan
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 39212; published online: 15 December 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 The original version of this Article contained typographical errors. In the Abstract, “Here we show that the simple empirical EOS, P = α1(PV) +α2(PV)2 + α3(PV)3, in which the pressure P is indirectly related to the volume V through a cubic polynomial of the energy term PV with three fitting parameters α1 − α3, provides accurate descriptions for the P-vs-V data of condensed matter in a wide region of pressure studied experimentally even in the presence of phase transitions”.
A highly reproducible and sensitive fiber SERS probe fabricated by direct synthesis of closely packed AgNPs on the silanized fiber taper
Authors: Cao Jie , Zhao Di , Mao Qinghe
Published: January 2017

A tapered fiber probe with good SERS performance is presented by silanization of the optical fiber and subsequent hydrothermal growth process.
Differential effects of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles on IAPP amyloid aggregation
Authors: Wang Miaoyi , Kakinen Aleksandr , Pilkington Emily H. , Davis Thomas P. , Ke Pu Chun
Published: January 2017

Recent studies have shown promise on the use of small molecules and nanoparticles (NPs) for the inhibition of protein aggregation, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Light-driven reversible surface functionalization with anthracenes: visible light writing and mild UV erasing
Authors: Claus Tanja K. , Telitel Siham , Welle Alexander , Bastmeyer Martin , Vogt Andrew P. , Delaittre Guillaume , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: January 2017

We introduce a methodology to reversibly pattern planar surfaces via the light-induced dimerization of anthracenes, particularly involving a 9-triazolylanthracene motif.
Simultaneous CO2 and SO2 capture by using ionic liquids: a theoretical approach
Authors: García Gregorio , Atilhan Mert , Aparicio Santiago
Published: January 2017

Density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to analyze the mechanism of interaction between acidic gases and ionic liquids based on the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation coupled with five different anions.
Molecular interactions between Geobacter sulfurreducens triheme cytochromes and the electron acceptor Fe(iii) citrate studied by NMR
Authors: Ferreira Marisa R. , Dantas Joana M. , Salgueiro Carlos A.
Published: January 2017

Molecular interactions betweenGeobacter sulfurreducenstriheme cytochromes and Fe(iii) citrate.
Multifunctional Fe3O4/Au core/satellite nanocubes: an efficient chemical synthesis, characterization and functionalization of streptavidin protein
Authors: Abbas Mohamed , RamuluTorati Sri , Kim CheolGi
Published: January 2017

A novel and efficient chemical approach for the synthesis of Fe3O4/Au core/satellite nanocubes is reported.
Actinide ion extraction using room temperature ionic liquids: opportunities and challenges for nuclear fuel cycle applications
Authors: Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: January 2017

Studies on the extraction of actinide ions from radioactive wastes have great relevance in nuclear fuel cycle activities, mainly in the back end processes focused on reprocessing and waste management.
Determination of chlorophenoxy acid herbicides by using a zirconium-based metal–organic framework as special sorbent for dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Xia Lian , Liu Lijie , Xu Xianli , Zhu Fenfen , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Keyun , Yang Xuncheng , You Jinmao
Published: January 2017

This study reports a Zr-based MOF with 2-amino-benzenedicarboxylic acid ligand as an adsorbent for chlorophenoxy acid herbicides from biosamples.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: January 2017

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as hitorin A from Chloranthus japonicus.
Studies on cyclization reactions of 3-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid derivatives
Authors: Esgulian Mathieu , Belot Vincent , Guillot Régis , Deloisy Sandrine , Aitken David J.
Published: January 2017

Linear derivatives of the title compound are convenient precursors for regioselective cyclizations leading to highly-functionalized γ-lactones, oxazolidinones, oxazolines and aziridines.
Lanthanide complexes involving multichelating TTF-based ligands
Authors: Speed S. , Feng M. , Fernandez Garcia G. , Pointillart F. , Lefeuvre B. , Riobé F. , Golhen S. , Le Guennic B. , Totti F. , Guyot Y. , Cador O. , Maury O. , Ouahab L.
Published: January 2017

The TTF-based skeleton could be alkylated with either the di(pyrazol-1-yl)-4-pyridyl (L1) or dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (L2) to design multichelating ligands. The ([Yb2(hfac)6(L1)]·2(CH2Cl2)·C6H14 (1) and [Ln2(hfac)6(L2)]·CH2Cl2 (Ln = Yb (2) and Dy (3)) complexes which display either SMM behaviour with the hysteresis loop at 0.5 K or multi-NIR emissions.
Biowaste chicken eggshell powder as a potential cure modifier for epoxy/anhydride systems: competitiveness with terpolymer-modified calcium carbonate at low loading levels
Authors: Saeb Mohammad Reza , Ghaffari Mehdi , Rastin Hadi , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Simon Frank , Najafi Farhood , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Vijayan P. Poornima , Puglia Debora , Asl Farzaneh Hassanpour , Formela Krzysztof
Published: January 2017

Biowaste chicken eggshell (ES) powder was applied as a potential cure modifier for epoxy/anhydride systems.
Electrochemical detection of serotonin based on a poly(bromocresol green) film and Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a chitosan matrix
Authors: Ran Gu , Chen Xing , Xia Ying
Published: January 2017

A composite film containing poly(bromocresol green), magnetic nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes was fabricated for the sensitive determination of serotonin.
Facile synthesis of Bi2MoO6–MIL-100(Fe) metal–organic framework composites with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Yang Jia , Niu Xiaojun , An Shaorong , Chen Weiyi , Wang Jie , Liu Wei
Published: January 2017

A novel Bi2MoO6–MIL-100(Fe) photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile solvothermal method for the first time, and characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, UV-vis, TEM, and PL. The Bi2MoO6–MIL-100(Fe) exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and stability.
Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) affects the systemic exposure of oral drugs based on multiple mechanisms: taking berberine as an example
Authors: Ma Bing-Liang , Yang Yan , Dai Yan , Li Qiao , Lin Ge , Ma Yue-Ming
Published: January 2017

High concentrations of PEG400 increase in vivo exposure to berberine (D) by increasing its solubility (A), permeability (B), and lymphatic transport (C).
The Impact of Contrastive Stress on Vowel Acoustics and Intelligibility in Dysarthria
Authors: Connaghan Kathryn P. , Patel Rupal
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To compare vowel acoustics and intelligibility in words produced with and without contrastive stress by speakers with spastic (mixed-spastic) dysarthria secondary to cerebral palsy (DYS
CP
) and healthy controls (HCs).

Method

Fifteen participants (9 men, 6 women; age
M
= 42 years) with DYS
CP
and 15 HCs (9 men, 6 women; age
M
= 36 years) produced sentences containing target words with and without contrastive stress. Forty-five healthy listeners (age
M
= 25 years) completed a vowel identification task of DYS
CP
productions. Vowel acoustics were compared across stress conditions and groups using 1st (F1) and 2nd (F2) formant measures. Perceptual intelligibility was compared across stress conditions and dysarthria severity.

Results

F1 and F2 significantly increased in stressed words for both groups, although the degree of change differed. Mean Euclidian distance between vowels also increased with stress. The relative probability of vowels falling within the target F1 × F2 space was greater for HCs but did not differ with stress. Stress production resulted in greater listener vowel identification accuracy for speakers with mild dysarthria.

Conclusions

Contrastive stress affected vowel formants for both groups. Perceptual results suggest that some speakers with dysarthria may benefit from a contrastive stress strategy to improve vowel intelligibility.
Krankenkhäuser: Catering-Nachfrage wächst
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: January 2017

Essen auf Rädern für Senioren, Bordmenüs für den Langstreckenflug oder Großküchen für Kantinen und Mensen – der Markt für Essenszulieferer ist riesig. Dabei werden die Caterer auch für Krankenhäuser immer wichtiger.
ASR A2.2 „Maßnahmen gegen Brände“: Pulver – im Krankenhaus immer noch ein geeignetes Löschmittel
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: January 2017

„Pulverlöscher sind wegen möglicher Sachschäden, die sie verursachen können, zwar auf dem Rückzug. Es gibt jedoch Situationen, da kommen Sie an Pulver als Löschmittel gar nicht vorbei“, betont Gerhard Sprenger von der Berufsgenossenschaft Nahrungsmittel und Gastgewerbe (BGN) und Sachgebietsleiter bei der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung e.V. (DGUV).
WGKT-Innovationspreis 2016: Arbeit über Datenbrille
Authors: Brüning Cord
Published: January 2017

Eines der Ziele der WGKT ist die Förderung von Wissenschaft und Forschung in der Krankenhaustechnik. Außerdem sollen Studierende zur Mitwirkung motiviert werden. Dazu lobt der Verein alljährlich den „Innovationspreis“ aus, mit dem herausragende Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten auf dem Gebiet der Krankenhaustechnik prämiert werden.
Optimization of nanoparticle focusing by coupling thermophoresis and engineered vortex in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Zhao Chao , Cao Zhibo , Fraser John , Oztekin Alparslan , Cheng Xuanhong
Published: January 2017

Enriching nanoparticles in an aqueous solution is commonly practiced for various applications. Despite recent advances in microfluidic technologies, a general method to concentrate nanoparticles in a microfluidic channel in a label free and continuous flow fashion is not yet available, due to strong Brownian motion on the nanoscale. Recent research of thermophoresis indicates that thermophoretic force can overcome the Brownian force to direct nanoparticle movement. Coupling thermophoresis with natural convection on the microscale has been shown to induce significant enrichment of biomolecules in a thermal diffusion column. However, the column operates in a batch process, and the concentrated samples are inconvenient to retrieve. We have recently designed a microfluidic device that combines a helical fluid motion and simple one-dimensional temperature gradient to achieve effective nanoparticle focusing in a continuous flow. The helical convection is introduced by microgrooves patterned on the channel floor, which directly controls the focusing speed and power. Here, COMSOL simulations are conducted to study how the device geometry and flow rate influence transport and subsequent nanoparticle focusing, with a constant temperature gradient. The results demonstrate a complex dependence of nanoparticle accumulation on the microgroove tilting angle, depth, and spacing, as well as channel width and flow rate. Further dimensional analyses reveal that the ratio between particle velocities induced by thermophoretic and fluid inertial forces governs the particle concentration factor, with a maximum concentration at a ratio of approximately one. This simple relationship provides fundamental insights about nanoparticle transport in coupled flow and thermal fields. The study also offers a useful guideline to the design and operation of nanoparticle concentrators based on combining engineered helical fluid motion subject to phoretic fields.
Coherent Fe-rich nano-scale perovskite oxide phase in epitaxial Sr2FeMoO6 films grown on cubic and scandate substrates
Authors: Deniz Hakan , Preziosi Daniele , Alexe Marin , Hesse Dietrich
Published: January 2017

We report the growth of high-quality epitaxial Sr2FeMoO6 (SFMO) thin films on various unconventional oxide substrates, such as TbScO3, DyScO3, and Sr2Al0.3Ga0.7TaO6 (SAGT) as well as on the most commonly used one, SrTiO3 (STO), by pulsed laser deposition. The films were found to contain a foreign nano-scale phase coherently embedded inside the SFMO film matrix. Through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, we identified the foreign phase to be Sr2−xFe1+yMo1−yO6, an off-stoichiometric derivative of the SFMO compound with Fe rich content (y ≈ 0.6) and a fairly identical crystal structure to SFMO. The films on STO and SAGT exhibited very good magnetic properties with high Curie temperature values. All the samples have fairly good conducting behavior albeit the presence of a foreign phase. Despite the relatively large number of items of the foreign phase, there is no significant deterioration in the properties of the SFMO films. We discuss in detail how magneto-transport properties are affected by the foreign phase.
Numerical simulation on the flux avalanche behaviors of microstructured superconducting thin films
Authors: Jing Ze , Yong Huadong , Zhou Youhe
Published: January 2017

Controlling and suppressing the propagation of magnetic flux avalanches is an important issue for the application of type-II superconductors. The effects of engineered pinning centers (antidots) on the guidance of flux avalanche propagation paths in type-II superconducting thin films are numerically investigated by solving the coupled nonlinear Maxwell's equations and the thermal diffusion equations. The field dependence of critical current density is considered in the simulation in this paper. Dynamic propagations of the thermomagnetic avalanches within the superconducting films patterned with different arrangements of antidots (like random, periodic square, and conformal mapping arrays) are presented. We reveal that presence of the antidots significantly modifies the propagation paths of the avalanches. The flux avalanche patterns of the superconducting films change with the variation of the arrangements of antidots. The patterned antidots in the form of conformal mapping arrays within the superconducting film exhibit strong guidance to the thermomagnetic avalanches. In addition, introducing the antidots in the form of conformal mapping arrays into the superconducting film can effectively lower the magnetic flux jump sizes.
Filamentation and supercontinuum generation in lanthanum glass
Authors: Yang Yuxia , Liao Meisong , Li Xia , Bi Wanjun , Ohishi Yasutake , Cheng Tonglei , Fang Yongzheng , Zhao Guoying , Gao Weiqing
Published: January 2017

A broadband supercontinuum (SC) covering 400–2800 nm in a 20 dB dynamic range is reported in a piece of highly nonlinear, low-dispersion bulk lanthanum glass without employing any lens to focus the pump pulse. The spectrum width obtained in this study is broader than the maximum spectrum width obtained in silica photonic crystal fibers. The filaments and bright conical visible emission patterns of the SC are analyzed. Under optimum pump conditions, an SC conversion efficiency of 75% is obtained. The SC conversion efficiency is confirmed to be stable. Additionally, the relationship between the input peak intensity and the output beam radius is elucidated by simulating the propagation of a Gaussian beam in the bulk lanthanum glass. A 0.20 mm stable laser beam radius at the end of the propagation domain is demonstrated in a certain input peak intensity range. This small value of the beam radius indicates that most of the output power is localized over a small region because of the Kerr focusing effect despite the existence of conical emission in the SC generation by filamentation. The findings of this study are of significance for the development of ultra-broadband SC sources based on bulk glasses and high peak power lasers.
All-dielectric structure development for electromagnetic wave shielding using a systematic design approach
Authors: Shin H. , Heo N. , Park J. , Seo I. , Yoo J.
Published: January 2017

Common dielectric metamaterials for electromagnetic (EM) interference shielding, stealth applications, and EM cloaking generally require larger thicknesses than the wavelength of incidence light. We propose an all-dielectric metamaterial inspired structure using a systematic approach based on the phase field design method. The structure is composed of periodically arranged unit structures that have a 2D configuration, which is sub-wavelength thick over its entire structure. The proposed structure provides anomalous reflections to prevent reflections back toward the wave source and is anti-penetrative over the microwave band with no conductive materials. We digitally fabricated the designed structure using 3D printing and verified the design specifications by experiments.
Are low-to-middle-income households experiencing food insecurity in Victoria, Australia? An examination of the Victorian Population Health Survey, 2006–2009
Authors: Kleve Sue , Davidson Zoe E. , Gearon Emma , Booth Sue , Palermo Claire
Published: January 2017

Food insecurity affects health and wellbeing. Little is known about the relationship between food insecurity across income levels. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and frequency of food insecurity in low-to-middle-income Victorian households over time and identify factors associated with food insecurity in these households. Prevalence and frequency of food insecurity was analysed across household income levels using data from the cross-sectional 2006–09 Victorian Population Health Surveys (VPHS). Respondents were categorised as food insecure, if in the last 12 months they had run out of food and were unable to afford to buy more. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe factors associated with food insecurity in low-to-middle-income households (A$40000–$80000 in 2008). Between 4.9 and 5.5% for total survey populations and 3.9–4.8% in low-to-middle-income respondents were food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with limited help from friends, home ownership status, inability to raise money in an emergency and cost of some foods. Food insecurity exists in households beyond those on a very low income. Understanding the extent and implications of household food insecurity across all income groups in Australia will inform effective and appropriate public health responses.
Variation as a testing ground for grammatical theory
Authors: Burnett Heather
Published: January 2017

This paper addresses the contribution that corpus-based studies of syntactic variation can make to the construction, elaboration and testing of formal syntactic theories, with a particular focus on the testing dimension. In particular, I present a new empirical study of obligatory and optional asymmetric negative concord phenomena, and I show how an influential analysis for obligatory concord patterns (de Swart, 2010) can be tested using variation data through looking at the predictions that its natural probabilistic extension makes for the forms, interpretations and frequency distributions of expressions in languages in which asymmetric concord is optional. In obligatory negative concord languages like Spanish, negative indefinites, such asnadie‘no one’, appear bare in preverbal position (i.e. in an expression like Nadieha venido‘No one came’), but they co-occur with the negative markernoin postverbal negative concord structures such as Nohe visto anadie ‘I did not see anyone.’ (lit. ‘I did not see no one.’). Furthermore, in this language, co-occurrence between a negative marker and an n-word is either prohibited (*Nadie noha venido), or it is obligatory (*He visto anadie). Québec French shows a variable version of the Spanish pattern in which the negation marker optionally co-occurs with postverbal negative indefinites (J’ai (pas) vupersonne ‘I saw no one’) but is prohibited with preverbal negative indefinites*Personneestpasvenu(Ok: Personneest venu.‘No one came’). I show how the predictions for Montréal French of de Swart’s analysis of Spanish can be tested (and, in this case, mostly verified) using a quantitative study of the distribution of bare and concord structures in theMontréal 84corpus of spoken Montréal French (Thibault & Vincent, 1990) through looking at its natural extension within Boersma (1998)’s stochastic generalization of the Optimality Theory framework, which is the framework in which de Swart’s proposal is set.
Overexpression of TIFY genes promotes plant growth in rice through jasmonate signaling
Authors: Hakata Makoto , Muramatsu Masayuki , Nakamura Hidemitsu , Hara Naho , Kishimoto Miho , Iida-Okada Keiko , Kajikawa Mariko , Imai-Toki Naoko , Toki Seiichi , Nagamura Yoshiaki , Yamakawa Hiromoto , Ichikawa Hiroaki
Published: January 2017

Because environmental stress can reduce crop growth and yield, the identification of genes that enhance agronomic traits is increasingly important. Previous screening of full-length cDNA overexpressing (FOX) rice lines revealed that OsTIFY11b, one of 20 TIFY proteins in rice, affects plant size, grain weight, and grain size. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of OsTIFY11b and nine other TIFY genes on the growth and yield of corresponding TIFY-FOX lines. Regardless of temperature, grain weight and culm length were enhanced in lines overexpressing TIFY11 subfamily genes, except OsTIFY11e. The TIFY-FOX plants exhibited increased floret number and reduced days to flowering, as well as reduced spikelet fertility, and OsTIFY10b, in particular, enhanced grain yield by minimizing decreases in fertility. We suggest that the enhanced growth of TIFY-transgenic rice is related to regulation of the jasmonate signaling pathway, as in Arabidopsis. Moreover, we discuss the potential application of TIFY overexpression for improving crop yield.
Microstructural characterisation of double pulse resistance spot welded advanced high strength steel
Authors: Eftekharimilani P. , van der Aa E.M. , Hermans M.J.M. , Richardson I.M.
Published: January 2017

The effects of single and double pulse resistance spot welding on the microstructures of an advanced high strength automotive steel are presented in this work. The double pulse welding schemes partially remelt the primary weld nugget and anneal the area at the fusion boundary of the nugget. The effects of the annealing treatment on the segregation and the microstructure have been studied by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) in combination with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Results show that phosphorus has been redistributed at the primary weld nugget edge of the double pulse welds, while the mean block width and ellipticity of the prior austenite grains were smaller in welds subjected to double pulsing compared with single pulse weld. A favourable failure mode was obtained for the double pulse welds although behaviour did not correlate with the measured grain size.
IKKα controls ATG16L1 degradation to prevent ER stress during inflammation
Authors: Diamanti Michaela A. , Gupta Jalaj , Bennecke Moritz , De Oliveira Tiago , Ramakrishnan Mallika , Braczynski Anne K. , Richter Benjamin , Beli Petra , Hu Yinling , Saleh Maya , Mittelbronn Michel , Dikic Ivan , Greten Florian R.
Published: January 2017

Inhibition of the IκB kinase complex (IKK) has been implicated in the therapy of several chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases. In this study, using mice with an inactivatable IKKα kinase (IkkαAA/AA), we show that loss of IKKα function markedly impairs epithelial regeneration in a model of acute colitis. Mechanistically, this is caused by compromised secretion of cytoprotective IL-18 from IKKα-mutant intestinal epithelial cells because of elevated caspase 12 activation during an enhanced unfolded protein response (UPR). Induction of the UPR is linked to decreased ATG16L1 stabilization in IkkαAA/AA mice. We demonstrate that both TNF-R and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain stimulation promote ATG16L1 stabilization via IKKα-dependent phosphorylation of ATG16L1 at Ser278. Thus, we propose IKKα as a central mediator sensing both cytokine and microbial stimulation to suppress endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby assuring antiinflammatory function during acute intestinal inflammation.