bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Website Interactivity on Political Involvement
Authors: Kruikemeier Sanne , Van Noort Guda , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: October 2016

Abstract. This study examines the extent to which interactive communication on political websites affects various forms of citizens’ involvement in politics, and the moderating role of political cynicism in this relationship. Based on the outcomes of a laboratory experiment with a single-factor (interactivity: low vs. medium vs. high interactivity) between-subjects design, we found that interactive political websites have a positive effect on citizen involvement, and this effect is particularly present for websites with high levels of interactivity. We also demonstrate that interactivity effects are, to some extent, contingent on citizens’ political cynicism. For higher levels of political cynicism, deviations in the level of interactivity make less of a difference in their impact on political involvement.
An Introduction to the Moral Agency Scale
Authors: Black Jessica E.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The purpose of this research was to develop a psychometric measure of moral agency and explore its relationship with related moral constructs. Although our legal system, daily interactions with others, and most theories about moral psychology assume moral agency, few researchers have studied it, and there is no instrument devised to specifically measure it. Here, we present the Moral Agency Scale (MAS), a self-report instrument designed to assess the extent to which participants feel control over their moral choices. In Study 1, the MAS demonstrated strict factorial invariance; validity is further supported by its relations to similar constructs and reported volunteering behavior. In Study 2, MAS scores were associated with free will beliefs, moral disengagement, and judgments of moral blame. Results are discussed with reference to theory and future directions for research.
Observation of pendular butterfly Rydberg molecules
Authors: Niederprüm Thomas , Thomas Oliver , Eichert Tanita , Lippe Carsten , Pérez-Ríos Jesús , Greene Chris H. , Ott Herwig
Published: October 2016

Engineering molecules with a tunable bond length and defined quantum states lies at the heart of quantum chemistry. The unconventional binding mechanism of Rydberg molecules makes them a promising candidate to implement such tunable molecules. A very peculiar type of Rydberg molecules are the so-called butterfly molecules, which are bound by a shape resonance in the electron–perturber scattering. Here we report the observation of these exotic molecules and employ their exceptional properties to engineer their bond length, vibrational state, angular momentum and orientation in a small electric field. Combining the variable bond length with their giant dipole moment of several hundred Debye, we observe counter-intuitive molecules which locate the average electron position beyond the internuclear distance.
Boosted output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator via electric double layer effect
Authors: Chun Jinsung , Ye Byeong Uk , Lee Jae Won , Choi Dukhyun , Kang Chong-Yun , Kim Sang-Woo , Wang Zhong Lin , Baik Jeong Min
Published: October 2016

For existing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), it is important to explore unique methods to further enhance the output power under realistic environments to speed up their commercialization. We report here a practical TENG composed of three layers, in which the key layer, an electric double layer, is inserted between a top layer, made of Al/polydimethylsiloxane, and a bottom layer, made of Al. The efficient charge separation in the middle layer, based on Volta’s electrophorus, results from sequential contact configuration of the TENG and direct electrical connection of the middle layer to the earth. A sustainable and enhanced output performance of 1.22 mA and 46.8 mW cm−2 under low frequency of 3 Hz is produced, giving over 16-fold enhancement in output power and corresponding to energy conversion efficiency of 22.4%. Finally, a portable power-supplying system, which provides enough d.c. power for charging a smart watch or phone battery, is also successfully developed.
Analogue modulation of back-propagating action potentials enables dendritic hybrid signalling
Authors: Brunner János , Szabadics János
Published: October 2016

We report that back-propagating action potentials (bAPs) are not simply digital feedback signals in dendrites but also carry analogue information about the overall state of neurons. Analogue information about the somatic membrane potential within a physiological range (from −78 to −64 mV) is retained by bAPs of dentate gyrus granule cells as different repolarization speeds in proximal dendrites and as different peak amplitudes in distal regions. These location-dependent waveform changes are reflected by local calcium influx, leading to proximal enhancement and distal attenuation during somatic hyperpolarization. The functional link between these retention and readout mechanisms of the analogue content of bAPs critically depends on high-voltage-activated, inactivating calcium channels. The hybrid bAP and calcium mechanisms report the phase of physiological somatic voltage fluctuations and modulate long-term synaptic plasticity in distal dendrites. Thus, bAPs are hybrid signals that relay somatic analogue information, which is detected by the dendrites in a location-dependent manner.
Photonic crystals possessing multiple Weyl points and the experimental observation of robust surface states
Authors: Chen Wen-Jie , Xiao Meng , Chan C. T.
Published: October 2016

Weyl points, as monopoles of Berry curvature in momentum space, have captured much attention recently in various branches of physics. Realizing topological materials that exhibit such nodal points is challenging and indeed, Weyl points have been found experimentally in transition metal arsenide and phosphide and gyroid photonic crystal whose structure is complex. If realizing even the simplest type of single Weyl nodes with a topological charge of 1 is difficult, then making a real crystal carrying higher topological charges may seem more challenging. Here we design, and fabricate using planar fabrication technology, a photonic crystal possessing single Weyl points (including type-II nodes) and multiple Weyl points with topological charges of 2 and 3. We characterize this photonic crystal and find nontrivial 2D bulk band gaps for a fixed kz and the associated surface modes. The robustness of these surface states against kz-preserving scattering is experimentally observed for the first time.
Structure sensitivity of Cu and CuZn catalysts relevant to industrial methanol synthesis
Authors: van den Berg Roy , Prieto Gonzalo , Korpershoek Gerda , van der Wal Lars I. , van Bunningen Arnoldus J. , Lægsgaard-Jørgensen Susanne , de Jongh Petra E. , de Jong Krijn P.
Published: October 2016

For decades it has been debated whether the conversion of synthesis gas to methanol over copper catalysts is sensitive or insensitive to the structure of the copper surface. Here we have systematically investigated the effect of the copper particle size in the range where changes in surface structure occur, that is, below 10 nm, for catalysts with and without zinc promotor at industrially relevant conditions for methanol synthesis. Regardless of the presence or absence of a zinc promotor in the form of zinc oxide or zinc silicate, the surface-specific activity decreases significantly for copper particles smaller than 8 nm, thus revealing structure sensitivity. In view of recent theoretical studies we propose that the methanol synthesis reaction takes place at copper surface sites with a unique configuration of atoms such as step-edge sites, which smaller particles cannot accommodate.
The origin of efficient triplet state population in sulfur-substituted nucleobases
Authors: Mai Sebastian , Pollum Marvin , Martínez-Fernández Lara , Dunn Nicholas , Marquetand Philipp , Corral Inés , Crespo-Hernández Carlos E. , González Leticia
Published: October 2016

Elucidating the photophysical mechanisms in sulfur-substituted nucleobases (thiobases) is essential for designing prospective drugs for photo- and chemotherapeutic applications. Although it has long been established that the phototherapeutic activity of thiobases is intimately linked to efficient intersystem crossing into reactive triplet states, the molecular factors underlying this efficiency are poorly understood. Herein we combine femtosecond transient absorption experiments with quantum chemistry and nonadiabatic dynamics simulations to investigate 2-thiocytosine as a necessary step to unravel the electronic and structural elements that lead to ultrafast and near-unity triplet-state population in thiobases in general. We show that different parts of the potential energy surfaces are stabilized to different extents via thionation, quenching the intrinsic photostability of canonical DNA and RNA nucleobases. These findings satisfactorily explain why thiobases exhibit the fastest intersystem crossing lifetimes measured to date among bio-organic molecules and have near-unity triplet yields, whereas the triplet yields of canonical nucleobases are nearly zero.
Necrostatin-1 treatment inhibits osteocyte necroptosis and trabecular deterioration in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Cui Hongwang , Zhu Yongjun , Yang Qiming , Zhao Weikang , Zhang Shiyang , Zhou Ao , Jiang Dianming
Published: October 2016

Estrogen (E2) deficiency has been associated with accelerated osteocyte apoptosis. Our previous study showed necroptosis accelerated the loss of osteocytes in E2 deficiency-induced osteoporosis in rats in addition to apoptosis, but the mechanism involved remains. Necroptosis is a caspase-independent form of programmed cell death. In the necroptosis pathway, receptor interaction proteins 1 and 3 (RIP1/3) play vital roles. Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) has been confirmed to be a specific inhibitor of necroptosis. However, the effect of Nec-1 on postmenopausal osteoporosis remains ambiguous. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Nec-1 on osteocytes in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. We found that an increased number of necroptotic osteocytes was related to the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in OVX rats. Treatment with Nec-1 significantly decreased RIP1 and RIP3 expression in OVX rats and inhibited osteocyte necroptosis induced by TNF-α in vitro. Both E2 and Nec-1 treatment markedly ameliorated trabecular bone deterioration. Nec-1 also significantly elevated the levels of bone formation markers and decreased bone resorption markers. These data suggest that the role of Nec-1 on alleviating bone loss might be associated with Nec-1 restraining TNF-α-induced osteocyte necroptosis in rats with E2 deficiency-induced osteoporosis. This process may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Epigraph: A Vaccine Design Tool Applied to an HIV Therapeutic Vaccine and a Pan-Filovirus Vaccine
Authors: Theiler James , Yoon Hyejin , Yusim Karina , Picker Louis J. , Fruh Klaus , Korber Bette
Published: October 2016

Epigraph is an efficient graph-based algorithm for designing vaccine antigens to optimize potential T-cell epitope (PTE) coverage. Epigraph vaccine antigens are functionally similar to Mosaic vaccines, which have demonstrated effectiveness in preliminary HIV non-human primate studies. In contrast to the Mosaic algorithm, Epigraph is substantially faster and in restricted cases, provides a mathematically optimal solution. Epigraph furthermore has new features that enable enhanced vaccine design flexibility. These features include the ability to exclude rare epitopes from a design, to optimize population coverage based on inexact epitope matches and to apply the code to both aligned and unaligned input sequences. Epigraph was developed to provide practical design solutions for two outstanding vaccine problems. The first of these is a personalized approach to a therapeutic T-cell HIV vaccine that would provide antigens with an excellent match to an individual’s infecting strain, intended to contain or clear a chronic infection. The second is a pan-filovirus vaccine, with the potential to protect against all known viruses in the Filoviradae family, including ebolaviruses. A web-based interface to run the Epigraph tool suite is available (http://www.hiv.lanl.gov/content/sequence/EPIGRAPH/epigraph.html).
Silver Nanowire-IZO-Conducting Polymer Hybrids for Flexible and Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yun Ho Jun , Kim Se Jung , Hwang Ju Hyun , Shim Yong Sub , Jung Sun-Gyu , Park Young Wook , Ju Byeong-Kwon
Published: October 2016

Solution-processed silver nanowire (AgNW) has been considered as a promising material for next-generation flexible transparent conductive electrodes. However, despite the advantages of AgNWs, some of their intrinsic drawbacks, such as large surface roughness and poor interconnection between wires, limit their practical application in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, we report a high-performance AgNW-based hybrid electrode composed of indium-doped zinc oxide (IZO) and poly (3,4-ethylenediowythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) [PEDOT:PSS]. The IZO layer protects the underlying AgNWs from oxidation and corrosion and tightly fuses the wires together and to the substrate. The PEDOT:PSS effectively reduces surface roughness and increases the hybrid films’ transmittance. The fabricated electrodes exhibited a low sheet resistance of 5.9 Ωsq−1 with high transmittance of 86% at 550 nm. The optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the AgNW-based hybrid films were investigated in detail to determine the structure-property relations, and whether optical or electrical properties could be controlled with variation in each layer’s thickness to satisfy different requirements for different applications. Flexible OLEDs (f-OLEDs) were successfully fabricated on the hybrid electrodes to prove their applicability; their performance was even better than those on commercial indium doped tin oxide (ITO) electrodes.
Extracting quantitative information from single-molecule super-resolution imaging data with LAMA – LocAlization Microscopy Analyzer
Authors: Malkusch Sebastian , Heilemann Mike
Published: October 2016

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy revolutionizes cell biology research and provides novel insights on how proteins are organized at the nanoscale and in the cellular context. In order to extract a maximum of information, specialized tools for image analysis are necessary. Here, we introduce the LocAlization Microscopy Analyzer (LAMA), a comprehensive software tool that extracts quantitative information from single-molecule super-resolution imaging data. LAMA allows characterizing cellular structures by their size, shape, intensity, distribution, as well as the degree of colocalization with other structures. LAMA is freely available, platform-independent and designed to provide direct access to individual analysis of super-resolution data.
Rhein reversal of DNA hypermethylation-associated Klotho suppression ameliorates renal fibrosis in mice
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yin Shasha , Liu Lin , Liu Zhihong , Cao Wangsen
Published: October 2016

Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and its development and progression are significantly affected by epigenetic modifications. Rhein, a plant-derived anthraquinone, displays strong anti-fibrosis properties, but its protective mode of action remains incompletely understood. Here we explore the mechanism of Rhein anti-renal fibrosis by investigating its regulation of Klotho, a known renal anti-fibrotic protein whose suppression after renal injury reportedly involves aberrant DNA methylation. We report that Rhein is an impressive up-regulator of Klotho and it markedly reversed Klotho down-regulation in unilateral ureteral occlusion-induced fibrotic kidney. Further examinations revealed that Klotho loss in fibrotic kidney is associated with Klotho promoter hypermethylation due to aberrant methyltransferase 1 and 3a expressions. However, Rhein significantly corrected all these epigenetic alterations and subsequently alleviated pro-fibrotic protein expression and renal fibrosis, whereas Klotho knockdown via RNA interferences largely abrogated the anti-renal fibrotic effects of Rhein, suggesting that Rhein epigenetic reversal of Klotho loss represents a critical mode of action that confers Rhein’s anti- renal fibrotic functions. Altogether our studies uncover a novel hypomethylating character of Rhein in preventing Klotho loss and renal fibrosis, and demonstrate the efficacy of Klotho-targeted epigenetic intervention in potential treatment of renal fibrosis-associated kidney diseases.
Dietary resources shape the adaptive changes of cyanide detoxification function in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Huang He , Yie Shangmian , Liu Yuliang , Wang Chengdong , Cai Zhigang , Zhang Wenping , Lan Jingchao , Huang Xiangming , Luo Li , Cai Kailai , Hou Rong , Zhang Zhihe
Published: October 2016

The functional adaptive changes in cyanide detoxification in giant panda appear to be response to dietary transition from typical carnivore to herbivorous bear. We tested the absorption of cyanide contained in bamboo/bamboo shoots with a feeding trial in 20 adult giant pandas. We determined total cyanide content in bamboo shoots and giant panda’s feces, levels of urinary thiocyanate and tissue rhodanese activity using color reactions with a spectrophotometer. Rhodanese expression in liver and kidney at transcription and translation levels were measured using real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. We compared differences of rhodanese activity and gene expressions among giant panda, rabbit (herbivore) and cat (carnivore), and between newborn and adult giant pandas. Bamboo shoots contained 3.2 mg/kg of cyanide and giant pandas absorbed more than 65% of cyanide. However, approximately 80% of absorbed cyanide was metabolized to less toxic thiocyanate that was discharged in urine. Rhodanese expression and activity in liver and kidney of giant panda were significantly higher than in cat, but lower than in rabbit (all P < 0.05). Levels in adult pandas were higher than that in newborn cub. Phylogenetic analysis of both nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the rhodanese gene supported a closer relationship of giant panda with carnivores than with herbivores.
Effects of histone acetylation on superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression in the pathogenesis of senile cataract
Authors: Rong Xianfang , Qiu Xiaodi , Jiang Yongxiang , Li Dan , Xu Jie , Zhang Yinglei , Lu Yi
Published: October 2016

Histone acetylation plays key roles in gene expression, but its effects on superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) expression in senile cataract remains unknown. To address this problem, the study was to investigate the influence of histone acetylation on SOD1 expression and its effects in the pathogenesis of senile cataract. Senile cataract was classified into three types—nuclear cataract (NC), cortical cataract (CC), and posterior subcapsular cataract (SC)—using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. In senile cataracts, SOD1 expression decreased significantly. Both H3 and H4 were deacetylated at −600 bp of the SOD1 promoter of cataract lenses, and hypoacetylated at −1500, −1200, and −900 bp. In hypoacetylated histones, the hypoacetylation pattern differed among the cataracts. In vitro, anacardic acid (AA) significantly reduced H3 and H4 acetylation at the SOD1 promoter, decreased protein expression, and induced cataract formation in rabbits. AA also inhibited HLEC viability and increased cell apoptosis. In contrast, trichostatin A (TSA) was able to efficaciously stop AA’s effects on both rabbit lenses and HLECs. Decreased histone acetylation at the SOD1 promoter is associated with declined SOD1 expression in senile cataracts. Histone acetylation plays an essential role in the regulation of SOD1 expression and in the pathogenesis of senile cataracts.
Pioglitazone Ameliorates Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Cuff-Induced Neointimal Formation by Both Adiponectin-Dependent and -Independent Pathways
Authors: Kubota Tetsuya , Kubota Naoto , Sato Hiroyuki , Inoue Mariko , Kumagai Hiroki , Iwamura Tomokatsu , Takamoto Iseki , Kobayashi Tsuneo , Moroi Masao , Terauchi Yasuo , Tobe Kazuyuki , Ueki Kohjiro , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study is to elucidate to what degree adiponectin is involved in TZD-mediated amelioration of neointimal formation. We investigated the effect of 3- or 8-weeks’ pioglitazone on cuff-induced neointimal formation in adiponectin-deficient (APN-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Pioglitazone for 3 weeks reduced neointimal formation in the WT mice with upregulation of the plasma adiponectin levels, but failed to reduce neointimal formation in the APN-KO mice, suggesting that pioglitazone suppressed neointimal formation by adiponectin-dependent mechanisms. Pioglitazone for 3 weeks suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and increased AdipoR2 expression in the WT mice. In vitro, globular adiponectin activated AMPK through both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, resulting in the inhibition of VSMC proliferation. Interestingly, 8-weeks’ pioglitazone was reduced neointimal formation in APN-KO mice to degree similar to that seen in the WT mice, suggesting that pioglitazone can also suppress neointimal formation via a mechanism independent of adiponectin. Pioglitazone for 8 weeks completely abrogated the increased VSMC proliferation, along with a reduction of cyclin B1 and cyclin D1 expressions and cardiovascular risk profile in the APN-KO mice. In vitro, pioglitazone suppressed these expressions, leading to inhibition of VSMC proliferation. Pioglitazone suppresses neointimal formation via both adiponectin-dependent and adiponectin-independent mechanisms.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate 2,5-hexanedione-induced neuronal apoptosis through a NGF/AKT-dependent pathway
Authors: Wang Qingshan , Sun Guohua , Gao Chenxue , Feng Lina , Zhang Yan , Hao Jie , Zuo Enjun , Zhang Cong , Li Shuangyue , Piao Fengyuan
Published: October 2016

Growing evidence suggests that the increased neuronal apoptosis is involved inn-hexane-induced neuropathy. We have recently reported that bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells-derived conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) attenuated 2,5-hexanedione (HD, the active metabolite ofn-hexane)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Here, we explored the anti-apoptotic efficacy of BMSCin vivo. HD-treated rats received BMSC by tail vein injection 5 weeks after HD intoxication. We found that in grafted rats, BMSC significantly attenuated HD-induced neuronal apoptosis in the spinal cord, which was associated with elevation of nerve growth factor (NGF). Neutralization of NGF in BMSC-CM blocked the protection against HD-induced apoptosis in VSC4.1 cells, suggesting that NGF is essential for BMSC-afforded anti-apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that the decreased activation of Akt induced by HD was significantly recovered in the spinal cord by BMSC and in VSC4.1 cells by BMSC-CM in a TrkA-dependent manner, leading to dissociation of Bad/Bcl-xL complex in mitochondria and release of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL. The importance of Akt was further corroborated by showing the reduced anti-apoptotic potency of BMSC in HD-intoxicated VSC4.1 cells in the presence of Akt inhibitor, MK-2206. Thus, our findings show that BMSC attenuated HD-induced neuronal apoptosisin vivothrough a NGF/Akt-dependent manner, providing a novel solution againstn-hexane-induced neurotoxicity.
A novel exopolysaccharide elicitor from endophytic fungus Gilmaniella sp. AL12 on volatile oils accumulation in Atractylodes lancea
Authors: Chen Fei , Ren Cheng-Gang , Zhou Tong , Wei Yu-Jia , Dai Chuan-Chao
Published: October 2016

Endophytes and plants can establish specific long-term symbiosis through the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Previous studies have shown that the endophytic fungus Gilmaniella sp. AL12 can stimulate Atractylodes lancea to produce volatile oils. The purpose of this report is to investigate key factors involved in the stimulation of A. lancea by AL12 and reveal the mechanism. We identified the active component from AL12 as an extracellular mannan with a polymerization degree of 26–42. Differential membrane proteomics of A. lancea was performed by 2D electrophoresis. The results showed that there were significant differences in the expression of 83 proteins. Based on these results, we conclude that AL12 secreted mannan contributes to the antagonistic balance seen in interactions between AL12 and A. lancea. One portion of the mannan was degraded to mannose for hexokinase activation, promoting photosynthesis and energy metabolism, with a potential metabolic fluxes flowing towards terpenoid biosynthesis. The other portion of the mannan directly enhanced autoimmunity of A. lancea through G protein-mediated signal transduction and the mannan-binding lectin pathway. Volatile oil accumulation was ultimately promoted in subsequent defense reactions. This study provides a new perspective on the regulation of secondary metabolites by endophytic fungal elicitors in medicinal plants.
Erosion protection conferred by whole human saliva, dialysed saliva, and artificial saliva
Authors: Baumann T. , Kozik J. , Lussi A. , Carvalho T. S.
Published: October 2016

During dental erosion, tooth minerals are dissolved, leading to a softening of the surface and consequently to irreversible surface loss. Components from human saliva form a pellicle on the tooth surface, providing some protection against erosion. To assess the effect of different components and compositions of saliva on the protective potential of the pellicle against enamel erosion, we prepared four different kinds of saliva: human whole stimulated saliva (HS), artificial saliva containing only ions (AS), human saliva dialysed against artificial saliva, containing salivary proteins and ions (HS/AS), and human saliva dialysed against deionised water, containing only salivary proteins but no ions (HS/DW). Enamel specimens underwent four cycles of immersion in either HS, AS, HS/AS, HS/DW, or a humid chamber (Ctrl), followed by erosion with citric acid. During the cycling process, the surface hardness and the calcium released from the surface of the specimens were measured. The different kinds of saliva provided different levels of protection, HS/DW exhibiting significantly better protection than all the other groups (p < 0.0001). Different components of saliva, therefore, have different effects on the protective properties of the pellicle and the right proportions of these components in saliva are critical for the ability to form a protective pellicle.
The Prognostic Value of PLR in Lung Cancer, a Meta-analysis Based on Results from a Large Consecutive Cohort
Authors: Ding Nan , Pang ZhaoFei , Shen Hongchang , Ni Yang , Du Jiajun , Liu Qi
Published: October 2016

Recently, many studies have been conducted to explore prognostic value of platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for patients with lung cancer, while the results remain controversial. We collected pretreatment, clinicopathological and follow-up data of 1388 lung cancer patients receiving surgery between 2006 and 2011 in our hospital, and reviewed relevant articles from Embase, Pubmed, Web of science databases, then performed a meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between PLR and prognosis of lung cancer patients. Finally, 11 articles with our study were included, results indicated elevated PLR was negatively related to overall survival (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.10–1.62), but not related to progress-free survival (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.97–1.49). Subgroup analysis suggested high PLR was correlated with poor survival in non-small cell lung cancer (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14–1.78), but not in small cell lung cancer (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.76–1.58). Besides, for patients treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.15–2.38) and patients in late stage (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.19–1.68), PLR had significantly prognostic value. Additionally, the result was significant for patients when cut-off value of PLR was between 150 and 200 (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18–1.82). In Conclusion, this meta-analysis revealed that elevated PLR was associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer.
One-pot construction of Quenchbodies using antibody-binding proteins
Authors: Jeong Hee-Jin , Kojima Tomoki , Dong Jinhua , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

A novel method to construct a fluorescent biosensor Quenchbody in one pot is devised using an optimized fluorescence-labeled antibody binding protein and human/mouse antibody Fab fragment.
Substrate scope for trimethyllysine hydroxylase catalysis
Authors: Al Temimi Abbas H. K. , Pieters Bas J. G. E. , Reddy Y. Vijayendar , White Paul B. , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: October 2016

Human trimethyllysine hydroxylase (TMLH) catalyses hydroxylation of substrates other than naturall-trimethyllysine.
Exploring inhibitor structural features required to engage the 216-loop of human parainfluenza virus type-3 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase
Authors: El-Deeb Ibrahim M. , Guillon Patrice , Dirr Larissa , von Itzstein Mark
Published: October 2016

We explore the structural features at C-4 of unsaturated N-acetylneuraminic acid required to access the 216-cavity in human parainfluenza virus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase.
Enantioselective synthesis of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids via direct catalytic asymmetric addition of acetonitrile to α-iminoesters
Authors: Lin Shaoquan , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: October 2016

Chiral N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of [Ir(cod)(OMe)]2 in combination with Barton's base enabled direct enantioselective addition of acetonitrile to α-iminoesters.
Ni3S2-Decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays as effective photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Hou Libo , Bu Qijing , Li Shuo , Wang Dejun , Xie Tengfeng
Published: October 2016

Cocatalyst nickel sulfide (Ni3S2) was successfully loaded onto TiO2 nanotube array (TiO2 NTA) photoanodes for the first time by a simple two step hydrothermal process.
Discovery of cytochrome bc1 complex inhibitors inspired by the natural product karrikinolide
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wu Qiong-You , Shan Lian-Ying , Zhang Bei , Verpoort Francis , Yang Guang-Fu
Published: October 2016

Novel and potent inhibitors targeting the cytochrome bc1 complex were discovered from the natural product karrikinolide for the first time.
Hepatoprotective effect of orally applied water-soluble pristine C60 fullerene against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in rats
Authors: Halenova T. I. , Vareniuk I. M. , Roslova N. M. , Dzerzhynsky M. E. , Savchuk O. M. , Ostapchenko L. I. , Prylutskyy Yu. I. , Ritter U. , Scharff P.
Published: October 2016

Oral administration of water-soluble pristine C60 fullerene in small dose prevents acute liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride in rats.
Humidity sensing properties of transferable polyaniline thin films formed at the air–water interface
Authors: Wu Tong-Fei , Hong Jong-Dal
Published: October 2016

A humidity sensor made from a transferable PANI thin film exhibits relatively high sensitivity and short response/recovery times. The sensitive properties are tailorable by acid doping.
Ultrasound promoted facile one pot synthesis of highly substituted pyran derivatives catalyzed by silica-coated magnetic NiFe2O4nanoparticle-supported H14[NaP5W30O110] under mild conditions
Authors: Maleki Behrooz , Baghayeri Mehdi , Jannat Abadi Sedigheh Ayazi , Tayebee Reza , Khojastehnezhad Amir
Published: October 2016

Application of ultrasonic method as a green source of energy to reduce the reaction times compared to conventional processes. NiFe2O4@SiO2–H14[NaP5W30O110] was used as magnetically separable catalyst for synthesis of pyrans with minimum work up.
Amplifying undetectable NMR signals to study host–guest interactions and exchange
Authors: Avram Liat , Iron Mark A. , Bar-Shir Amnon
Published: October 2016

Undetectable NMR signals of host–guest assemblies can be amplified by two orders of magnitude using the proposed GEST methodology.
Nickel-titanium oxide as a novel anode material for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Kalubarme Ramchandra S. , Inamdar Akbar I. , Bhange D. S. , Im Hyunsik , Gosavi Suresh W. , Park Chan-Jin
Published: October 2016

This is the first report on the use of metal titanate (NiTiO3), in the form of ultrafine nanoparticles, as an anode material for Na-ion rechargeable batteries. NiTiO3 was prepared using a simple and economical hydrothermal process, and the ultrafine nanoparticles exhibited a high reversible capacity and an excellent cycling performance.
Voltage‐in‐current formulation for the latency insertion method for improved stability
Authors: Tan K.H. , Goh P. , Ain M.F.
Published: October 2016

A new formulation for the latency insertion method (LIM) by implicitly substituting the voltages in the currents is presented. LIM is a fast transient analysis technique for large networks. However, due to its explicit formulation, it has a limitation on the time step size to guarantee numerical stability, similar to the finite‐difference time‐domain technique. This limits the efficiency of the method particularly where small parasitic inductances and capacitances are present which necessitates the use of very small time steps. Using the new formulation, an improved LIM is presented, where accurate and stable results can be obtained without limitation on the time step size.
General optimal substation coverage algorithm for phasor measurement unit placement in practical systems
Authors: Pal Anamitra , Mishra Chetan , Vullikanti Anil Kumar S. , Ravi S.S.
Published: October 2016

The primary objective of the conventional optimal phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement problem is the minimisation of the number of PMU devices that, when placed in a power system, measure all bus voltages. However, due to advancements in the field of relay technology, digital relays can now act as PMUs. This has significantly reduced device costs. Moreover, although the goal is to observe all the buses, the devices themselves can only be placed in substations, whose upgrade costs are much higher than those of the devices. Considering these factors, the approach proposed here simultaneously optimises the number of substations where traditional PMUs and dual‐use line relay PMUs can be placed. The general optimal substation coverage (GOSC) algorithm presented in this study is also able to incorporate practical requirements such as redundancy in the measurement of critical elements of the system, and estimation of the tap ratios of the transformers present. Simulation results indicate that the GOSC algorithm provides significant techno‐economic benefits.
Kältetechnik: Cool bleiben
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: October 2016

Kälte ist im Krankenhaus längst mindestens genauso wichtig wie Wärme, und zwar nicht nur im Sommer. Medizinische Großgeräte, Serverräume und andere Bereiche, in denen viel Abwärme anfällt, müssen auch im Winter effizient und zuverlässig gekühlt werden.
Cosputtering crystal growth of zinc oxide-based composite films: From the effects of doping to phase on photoactivity and gas sensing properties
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Lee Chia-Min
Published: October 2016

ZnO-In2O3 (InO) composite thin films were grown by radio frequency cosputtering ZnO and InO ceramic targets in this study. The indium content of the composite films was varied from 1.7 at. % to 8.2 at. % by varying the InO sputtering power during cosputtering thin-film growth. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis results show that the high indium content leads to the formation of a separated InO phase in the ZnO matrix. The surface crystallite size and roughness of the ZnO-InO composite films grown here increased with an increasing indium content. Furthermore, under the conditions of a higher indium content and InO sputtering power, the number of crystal defects in the composite films increased, and the optical absorbance edge of the composite films broadened. The photoactivity and ethanol gas sensing response of the ZnO-InO composite films increased as their indium content increased; this finding is highly correlated with the microstructural evolution of ZnO-InO composite films of various indium contents, which is achieved by varying the InO sputtering power during cosputtering.
Deep sequencing of 10,000 human genomes
Authors: Telenti Amalio , Pierce Levi C. T. , Biggs William H. , di Iulio Julia , Wong Emily H. M. , Fabani Martin M. , Kirkness Ewen F. , Moustafa Ahmed , Shah Naisha , Xie Chao , Brewerton Suzanne C. , Bulsara Nadeem , Garner Chad , Metzker Gary , Sandoval Efren , Perkins Brad A. , Och Franz J. , Turpaz Yaron , Venter J. Craig
Published: October 2016

Significance

Large-scale initiatives toward personalized medicine are driving a massive expansion in the number of human genomes being sequenced. Therefore, there is an urgent need to define quality standards for clinical use. This includes deep coverage and sequencing accuracy of an individual’s genome. Our work represents the largest effort to date in sequencing human genomes at deep coverage with these new standards. This study identifies over 150 million human variants, a majority of them rare and unknown. Moreover, these data identify sites in the genome that are highly intolerant to variation—possibly essential for life or health. We conclude that high-coverage genome sequencing provides accurate detail on human variation for discovery and clinical applications.
Addressing the challenges of phenotyping pediatric pulmonary vascular disease
Authors: Goss Kara N. , Everett Allen D. , Mourani Peter M. , Baker Christopher D. , Abman Steven H.
Published: October 2016

Pediatric pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) represent phenotypically and pathophysiologically diverse disease categories, contributing substantial morbidity and mortality to a complex array of pediatric conditions. Here, we review the multifactorial nature of pediatric PVD, with an emphasis on improved recognition, phenotyping, and endotyping strategies for pediatric PH. Novel tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric PVD, as well as the implications for long‐term outcomes, are highlighted.
Indecomposable Soergel bimodules for universal Coxeter groups
Authors: Elias Ben , Libedinsky Nicolas
Published: October 2016

We produce an explicit recursive formula which computes the idempotent projecting to any indecomposable Soergel bimodule for a universal Coxeter system. This gives the exact set of primes for which the positive characteristic analogue of Soergel’s conjecture holds. Along the way, we introduce the multicolored Temperley-Lieb algebra.
Estimating stellar wind parameters from low-resolution magnetograms
Authors: Jardine M. , Vidotto A. A. , See V.
Published: October 2016

Stellar winds govern the angular momentum evolution of solar-like stars throughout their main-sequence lifetime. The efficiency of this process depends on the geometry of the star's magnetic field. There has been a rapid increase recently in the number of stars for which this geometry can be determined through spectropolarimetry. We present a computationally efficient method to determine the 3D geometry of the stellar wind and to estimate the mass-loss rate and angular momentum loss rate based on these observations. Using solar magnetograms as examples, we quantify the extent to which the values obtained are affected by the limited spatial resolution of stellar observations. We find that for a typical stellar surface resolution of 20o–30o, predicted wind speeds are within 5 per cent of the value at full resolution. Mass-loss rates and angular momentum loss rates are within 5–20 per cent. In contrast, the predicted X-ray emission measures can be underestimated by one-to-two orders of magnitude, and their rotational modulations by 10–20 per cent.
Impact of Solid‐State Fermentation (Aspergillus oryzae) on Functional Properties and Mineral Bioavailability of Black‐Eyed Pea (Vigna unguiculata) Seed Flour
Authors: Chawla Prince , Bhandari Latika , Sadh Pardeep Kumar , Kaushik Ravinder
Published: October 2016

Solid‐state fermentation (SSF) represents a technological alternative feature for a great variety of legumes and cereals to improve their functional and nutritional properties. Iron and zinc deficiencies are major health concerns as a public health problem. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to assess the consequences of SSF on functional properties and in vitro bioavailability of minerals through Caco‐2 cells. Fungal strain Aspergillus oryzae (generally recognized as safe) was used for SSF. The effect of SSF on the functional properties (bulk density, water‐ and oil‐binding capacities, emulsion activity and stability, and foaming capacity and stability) of a black‐eyed pea flour sample was evaluated. SSF significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the bulk density of black‐eyed pea flour; however, significant (P < 0.05) improvement was observed in other functional properties. An unfermented flour sample showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased iron and zinc bioavailability and digestibility compared with that of the SSF flour sample. SSF significantly increased iron and zinc transport and retention through Caco‐2 cells. Significantly increased ferritin content was also observed in the fermented flour sample compared with that of unfermented flour samples.
Flavor Aspects of Pulse Ingredients
Authors: Roland Wibke S. U. , Pouvreau Laurice , Curran Julianne , van de Velde Fred , de Kok Peter M. T.
Published: October 2016

Pulses (Fabaceae) have regained interest for their high protein level. However, food application of pulses and pulse ingredients is hampered by several issues around their off‐flavor. Off‐flavors in pulses are partially inherent and partially produced during harvesting, processing, and storage. Generally, volatile off‐flavor compounds in pulses belong to the categories of aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, acids, pyrazines, sulfur compounds, and others, and off‐taste is strongly correlated to the presence of saponins, phenolic compounds, and sometimes alkaloids. No systematic studies have been performed on the identification of the off‐flavor compounds present in pulses in relation to their contribution to the overall perception of the pulses. This review article aims to provide a concise overview highlighting the most important aspects of the knowledge available on the off‐flavor compounds present in various pulses, their possible origins, and the technologies available to prevent, reduce, or mask these off‐flavor compounds. Rather than attempting to make a full inventory of the literature in the field, this paper addresses the most relevant topics referring to a selected set of relevant papers on each topic to substantiate the observations and conclusions that may guide the reader toward additional literature.
Isoflurane Anesthesia Has Long-term Consequences on Motor and Behavioral Development in Infant Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Coleman Kristine , Robertson Nicola D. , Dissen Gregory A. , Neuringer Martha D. , Martin L. Drew , Cuzon Carlson Verginia C. , Kroenke Christopher , Fair Damien , Brambrink Ansgar M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Experimental evidence correlates anesthetic exposure during early development with neuronal and glial injury and death, as well as behavioral and cognitive impairments, in young animals. Several, although not all, retrospective human studies of neurocognitive and behavioral disorders after childhood exposure to anesthesia suggest a similar association. Few studies have specifically investigated the effects of infant anesthesia exposure on subsequent neurobehavioral development. Using a highly translational nonhuman primate model, the authors investigated the potential dose-dependent effects of anesthesia across the first year of development.

Methods

The authors examined the effects of single or multiple early postnatal isoflurane exposures on subsequent behavioral development in 24 socially reared rhesus macaques. Infants were exposed to 5 h of isoflurane anesthesia once, three times (ISO-3), or not at all (control). The authors assessed reflex development and anxiety using standardized tests. At approximately 1 yr, infants (n = 23) were weaned and housed indoors with 5 to 6 other subjects. The authors recorded their response to this move and reassessed anxiety.

Results

Compared to controls, animals exposed to repeated isoflurane (ISO-3) presented with motor reflex deficits at 1 month (median [range]: ISO-3 = 2 [1 to 5] vs. control = 5 [3 to 7]; P < 0.005) and responded to their new social environment with increased anxiety (median [range]: ISO-3 = 0.4 bouts/min [0.2 to 0.6]; control = 0.25 bouts/min [0.1 to 0.3]; P = 0.05) and affiliative/appeasement behavior (median [range]: ISO-3 = 0.1 [0 to 0.2]; control = 0 bouts/min [0 to 0.1]; P < 0.01) at 12 months. There were no statistically significant behavioral alterations after single isoflurane exposure.

Conclusions

Neonatal exposure to isoflurane, particularly when repeated, has long-term behavioral consequences affecting both motor and socioemotional aspects of behavior.
The role of epigenetics in osteoarthritis: current perspective
Authors: Ramos Yolande F.M. , Meulenbelt Ingrid
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide an update of recent advances in the established role of different layers of epigenetic control mechanism that are used by joint cells to ensure tissue homeostasis and cope with changing microenvironment (e.g. ageing or disease).

Recent findings

New studies have further strengthened the evidence that joint tissue cells highly dependent on epigenetic control mechanisms, such as methylation at CpG-sites, noncoding RNAs and histone modifications to assure phenotypic plasticity and respective tissue homeostasis. Advancements towards high-dimensional molecular profiles and functional follow-up studies have started to uncover the complexity of these interacting networks of control. These studies highlight that in time loosening of epigenetic control increase the propensity of joint tissues to engage an osteoarthritis disease phenotype.

Identification of changes in epigenetically regulated control mechanisms in joint tissues has provided novel insight into underlying mechanism of ongoing osteoarthritis disease pathophysiology. Such insight is crucial to enable development of evidence-based therapeutic options.
Daily Use of a Facial Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Over One-Year Significantly Improves Clinical Evaluation of Photoaging
Authors: Randhawa Manpreet , Wang Steven , Leyden James J. , Cula Gabriela O. , Pagnoni Alessandra , Southall Michael D.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Sunscreens are known to protect from sun damage; however, their effects on the reversal of photodamage have been minimally investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of a facial sun protection factor (SPF) 30 formulation for the improvement of photodamage during a 1-year use.

METHODS

Thirty-two subjects applied a broad spectrum photostable sunscreen (SPF 30) for 52 weeks to the entire face. Assessments were conducted through dermatologist evaluations and subjects' self-assessment at baseline and then at Weeks 12, 24, 36, and 52.

RESULTS

Clinical evaluations showed that all photoaging parameters improved significantly from baseline as early as Week 12 and the amelioration continued until Week 52. Skin texture, clarity, and mottled and discrete pigmentation were the most improved parameters by the end of the study (40% to 52% improvement from baseline), with 100% of subjects showing improvement in skin clarity and texture.

CONCLUSION

The daily use of a facial broad-spectrum photostable sunscreen may visibly reverse the signs of existing photodamage, in addition to preventing additional sun damage.