bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prion-like characteristics of the bacterial protein Microcin E492
Authors: Shahnawaz Mohammad , Park Kyung-Won , Mukherjee Abhisek , Diaz-Espinoza Rodrigo , Soto Claudio
Published: March 2017

Microcin E492 (Mcc) is a pore-forming bacteriotoxin. Mcc activity is inhibited at the stationary phase by formation of amyloid-like aggregates in the culture. Here we report that, in a similar manner as prions, Mcc naturally exists as two conformers: a β-sheet-rich, protease-resistant, aggregated, inactive form (Mccia), and a soluble, protease-sensitive, active form (Mcca). The exogenous addition of culture medium containing Mccia or purified in vitro-generated Mccia into the culture induces the rapid and efficient conversion of Mcca into Mccia, which is maintained indefinitely after passaging, changing the bacterial phenotype. Mccia prion-like activity is conformation-dependent and could be reduced by immunodepleting Mccia. Interestingly, an internal region of Mcc shares sequence similarity with the central domain of the prion protein, which is key to the formation of mammalian prions. A synthetic peptide spanning this sequence forms amyloid-like fibrils in vitro and is capable of inducing the conversion of Mcca into Mcciain vivo, suggesting that this region corresponds to the prion domain of Mcc. Our findings suggest that Mcc is the first prokaryotic protein with prion properties which harnesses prion-like transmission to regulate protein function, suggesting that propagation of biological information using a prion-based conformational switch is an evolutionary conserved mechanism.
Inhibitory Potential of Constituents from Osmanthus fragrans and Structural Analogues Against Advanced Glycation End Products, α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Ji-Yeon , Park Jun-Hwan , Chung Namhyun , Lee Hoi-Seon
Published: March 2017

Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation, and oxidative stress by isolated active constituents of Osmanthus fragrans flowers (9,12-octadecadienoic acid and 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one) and their structural analogues were evaluated. 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid was 10.02 and 22.21 times more active against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively, than acarbose and ascorbic acid, followed by 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one, 1-heptadecanecarboxylic acid, and 1-pentadecanecarboxylic acid. Concerning the inhibition of AGEs formation, similar with data for 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl radical scavenging activities, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid was 3.54 times more active than aminoguanidine, followed by 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and 9-octadecenoic acid. These results indicate that 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and their analogues inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, AGEs formation, and oxidative stress have potential value in alleviating diabetic pathological conditions.
Hidden Markov models reveal complexity in the diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales
Authors: Quick Nicola J. , Isojunno Saana , Sadykova Dina , Bowers Matthew , Nowacek Douglas P. , Read Andrew J.
Published: March 2017

Diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales is often described by two states; deep foraging and shallow, non-foraging dives. However, this simple classification system ignores much of the variation that occurs during subsurface periods. We used multi-state hidden Markov models (HMM) to characterize states of diving behaviour and the transitions between states in short-finned pilot whales. We used three parameters (number of buzzes, maximum dive depth and duration) measured in 259 dives by digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) deployed on 20 individual whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA. The HMM identified a four-state model as the best descriptor of diving behaviour. The state-dependent distributions for the diving parameters showed variation between states, indicative of different diving behaviours. Transition probabilities were considerably higher for state persistence than state switching, indicating that dive types occurred in bouts. Our results indicate that subsurface behaviour in short-finned pilot whales is more complex than a simple dichotomy of deep and shallow diving states, and labelling all subsurface behaviour as deep dives or shallow dives discounts a significant amount of important variation. We discuss potential drivers of these patterns, including variation in foraging success, prey availability and selection, bathymetry, physiological constraints and socially mediated behaviour.
HEG1 is a novel mucin-like membrane protein that serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Tsuji Shoutaro , Washimi Kota , Kageyama Taihei , Yamashita Makiko , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Matsuura Rieko , Yokose Tomoyuki , Kameda Yoichi , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Morohoshi Takao , Tsuura Yukio , Yusa Toshikazu , Sato Takashi , Togayachi Akira , Narimatsu Hisashi , Nagasaki Toshinori , Nakamoto Kotaro , Moriwaki Yasuhiro , Misawa Hidemi , Hiroshima Kenzo , Miyagi Yohei , Imai Kohzoh
Published: March 2017

The absence of highly specific markers for malignant mesothelioma (MM) has served an obstacle for its diagnosis and development of molecular-targeting therapy against MM. Here, we show that a novel mucin-like membrane protein, sialylated protein HEG homolog 1 (HEG1), is a highly specific marker for MM. A monoclonal antibody against sialylated HEG1, SKM9-2, can detect even sarcomatoid and desmoplastic MM. The specificity and sensitivity of SKM9-2 to MM reached 99% and 92%, respectively; this antibody did not react with normal tissues. This accurate discrimination by SKM9-2 was due to the recognition of a sialylated O-linked glycan with HEG1 peptide. We also found that gene silencing of HEG1 significantly suppressed the survival and proliferation of mesothelioma cells; this result suggests that HEG1 may be a worthwhile target for function-inhibition drugs. Taken together, our results indicate that sialylated HEG1 may be useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for MM.
Identification of two p53 isoforms from Litopenaeus vannamei and their interaction with NF-κB to induce distinct immune response
Authors: Li Haoyang , Wang Sheng , Chen Yonggui , Lǚ Kai , Yin Bin , Li Sedong , He Jianguo , Li Chaozheng
Published: March 2017

p53 is a transcription factor with capability of regulating diverse NF-κB dependent biological progresses such as inflammation and host defense, but the actual mechanism remains unrevealed. Herein, we firstly identified two novel alternatively spliced isoforms of p53 from Litopenaeus vannamei (LvΔNp53 and the full-length of p53, LvFLp53). We then established that the two p53 isoforms exerted opposite effects on regulating NF-κB induced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) immediate-early (IE) genes expression, suggesting there could be a crosstalk between p53 and NF-κB pathways. Of note, both of the two p53 isoforms could interact directly with LvDorsal, a shrimp homolog of NF-κB. In addition, the activation of NF-κB mediated by LvDorsal was provoked by LvΔNp53 but suppressed by LvFLp53, and the increased NF-κB activity conferred by LvΔNp53 can be attenuated by LvFLp53. Furthermore, silencing of LvFLp53 in shrimp caused higher mortalities and virus loads under WSSV infection, whereas LvΔNp53-knockdown shrimps exhibited an opposed RNAi phenotype. Taken together, these findings present here provided some novel insight into different roles of shrimp p53 isoforms in immune response, and some information for us to understand the regulatory crosstalk between p53 pathway and NF-κB pathway in invertebrates.
Herbicidal properties of antimalarial drugs
Authors: Corral Maxime G. , Leroux Julie , Stubbs Keith A. , Mylne Joshua S.
Published: March 2017

The evolutionary relationship between plants and the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is well established and underscored by the P. falciparum apicoplast, an essential chloroplast-like organelle. As a result of this relationship, studies have demonstrated that herbicides active against plants are also active against P. falciparum and thus could act as antimalarial drug leads. Here we show the converse is also true; many antimalarial compounds developed for human use are highly herbicidal. We found that human antimalarial drugs (e.g. sulfadiazine, sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine, cycloguanil) were lethal to the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana at similar concentrations to market herbicides glufosinate and glyphosate. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of these herbicidal antimalarial compounds were similar to commercially used herbicides. The implications of this finding that many antimalarial compounds are herbicidal proffers two novel applications: (i) using the genetically tractable A. thaliana to reveal mode-of-action for understudied antimalarial drugs, and (ii) co-opting antimalarial compounds as a new source for much needed herbicide lead molecules.
Polymorphisms of RAD51B are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and erosion in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Zhi Liqiang , Yao Shuxin , Ma Wenlong , Zhang Weijie , Chen Honggan , Li Meng , Ma Jianbing
Published: March 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, chronic autoimmune disease affecting 0.5–1.0% of adults worldwide, including approximately 4.5–5.0 million patients in China. The genetic etiology and pathogenesis of RA have not yet been fully elucidated. Recently, one new RA susceptibility gene (RAD51B) has been identified in Korean and European populations. In this study, we designed a two-stage case-control study to further assess the relationship of common variants in the RAD51B gene with increased risk of RA in a total of 965 RA patients and 2,511 unrelated healthy controls of Han Chinese ancestry. We successfully identified a common variant, rs911263, as being significantly associated with the disease status of RA (P = 4.8 × 10−5, OR = 0.64). In addition, this SNP was shown to be related to erosion, a clinical assessment of disease severity in RA (P = 2.89 × 10−5, OR = 0.52). These findings shed light on the role of RAD51B in the onset and severity of RA. More research in the future is needed to clarify the underlying functional link between rs911263 and the disease.
Microarray profiling and co-expression network analysis of the lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with acute leukemia in adults
Authors: Cheng Hui , Huang Chong Mei , Wang Yang , Hu Xiao Xia , Xu Xiao Qian , Song Xian Min , Tang Gu Sheng , Chen Li , Yang Jian Min
Published: March 2017

This study is the first to explore genome-wide lncRNA expression and co-expression with mRNA patterns in AML and ALL using microarray technology.
Cooperative spin-crossover transition from three-dimensional purely π-stacking interactions in a neutral heteroleptic azobisphenolate FeIII complex with a N3O3 coordination sphere
Authors: Murata Suguru , Takahashi Kazuyuki , Mochida Tomoyuki , Sakurai Takahiro , Ohta Hitoshi , Yamamoto Takashi , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: March 2017

The first neutral spin-crossover FeIII complex with a N3O3 coordination sphere formed a purely π-stacking interaction network and exhibited the cooperative transition.
The characteristic landscape of lncRNAs classified by RBP–lncRNA interactions across 10 cancers
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wei Yunzhen , Yan Zichuang , Wu Cheng , Chang Zhiqiang , Zhu Yinling , Li Kun , Xu Yan
Published: March 2017

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key regulators of gene expression.
Copper-catalyzed tandem aryl–halogen hydroxylation and CH2Cl2-based N,O-acetalization toward the synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzoxazinones
Authors: Chen Xuwen , Hao Wenyan , Liu Yunyun
Published: March 2017

Copper-catalyzed tandem reactions consisting of Ar–halogen hydroxylation andN,O-acetalization are designed for the concise synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzoxazinones.
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived hydrogen peroxide effect in grafts used in human coronary bypass surgery
Authors: Endlich Patrick Wander , Aires Rosária Dias , Gonçalves Roberta Lins , Costa Eduardo Damasceno , de Paula Arantes Ângelo Janaína , Alves Lucas Ferreira , da Silva Rafaela Fernandes , Rezende Bruno Almeida , Cortes Steyner F. , Lemos Virgínia Soares
Published: March 2017

Recently, H2O2 has been identified as the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), which mediates flow-induced dilation in human coronary arteries. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is expressed in the cardiovascular system and, besides NO, generates H2O2. The role of nNOS-derived H2O2 in human vessels is so far unknown. The present study was aimed at investigating the relevance of nNOS/H2O2 signaling in the human internal mammary artery (IMA) and saphenous vein (SV), the major conduits used in coronary artery bypass grafting. In the IMA, but not in the SV, ACh (acetylcholine)-induced vasodilatation was decreased by selective nNOS inhibition with TRIM or Inhibitor 1, and by catalase, which specifically decomposes H2O2. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), which generates H2O2 from superoxide, decreased the vasodilator effect of ACh on SV. In the IMA, SOD diminished phenylephrine-induced contraction in endothelium-containing, but not in endothelium-denuded vessels. Importantly, while exogenous H2O2 produced vasodilatation in IMA, it constricted SV. ACh increased H2O2 production in both sets of vessels. In the IMA, the increase in H2O2 was inhibited by catalase and nNOS blockade. In SV, H2O2 production was abolished by catalase and reduced by nNOS inhibition. Immunofluorescence experiments showed the presence of nNOS in the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells of both the IMA and SV. Together, our results clearly show that H2O2 induced endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in the IMA, whereas, in the SV, H2O2 was a vasoconstrictor. Thus, H2O2 produced in the coronary circulation may contribute to the susceptibility to accelerated atherosclerosis and progressive failure of the SV used as autogenous graft in coronary bypass surgery.
Adaptive vector control based wave‐to‐wire model of wave energy converters
Authors: Cantarellas Antoni , Remon Daniel , Zhang Weiyi , Rodriguez Pedro
Published: March 2017

This study presents a complete wave‐to‐wire model in which a novel wave energy converter control approach based on adaptive vector control is introduced. The proposed control for maximum power absorption of the primary resource is included, as well as the grid interconnection topology and required controllers, needed for processing the power over the entire wave energy conversion chain. Thanks to the adaptive performance of the proposed controller, maximum energy extraction can be instantaneously achieved regardless of the current irregular wave characteristics of the resource. Finally, the proposed electrical configuration arises as a suitable grid interconnection solution, as it not only provides maximum power supply from the wave energy resource, but it also contributes towards further reducing its output power oscillations.
Hearing Loss in the Elderly: Is the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening Version Effective in Diagnosis When Compared to the Audiometric Test?
Authors: Servidoni Alexandre , Conterno Lucieni
Published: March 2017

Introduction Hearing losses inherent to the natural process of aging represent today a major public health issue, despite the little attention that their adequate care still receives. Early recognition and proper management of these shortcomings can significantly improve hearing, as well as the patient's general quality of life, reducing the overall impact of this important and prevalent condition of the aging process.

Objective The aim of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening Version (HHIE-S) in the diagnosis of hearing loss in the elderly when compared with the audiometric test.

Methods Through a cross-sectional study, our target population was composed of 138 individuals, aged over 60 and with any otorhinolaryngological complaints, recruited at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Speech Therapy of the Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), in the city of Marília, SP, Brazil. Patients already in the process of auditory rehabilitation were excluded, as well as those who did not demonstrate the minimum level of oral understanding necessary to allow the interview.

Results The prevalence of hearing loss according to the questionnaire was of 76.1%, while audiometry showed 79.7%. We found the diagnostic accuracy of the instrument to be of 86.2%, with a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 75.0%, regardless of gender.

Conclusion Thereby, we conclude that the standardized questionnaire under rating is suitable for the screening of hearing loss in the elderly, given its high accuracy and user-friendly quality.
The impact of diet liberalization on bowel preparation for colonoscopy
Authors: Walter James , Francis Gloria , Matro Rebecca , Kedika Ramalinga , Grosso Rachael , Keith Scott , Kastenberg David
Published: March 2017

Background and study aims Dietary restrictions are integral to colonoscopy preparation and impact patient satisfaction. Utilizing split-dose, lower-volume polyethylene glycol 3350-electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS), this study compared colon preparation adequacy of a low-residue diet to clear liquids using a validated grading scale.

Patients and methods This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, single-center non-inferiority study evaluating diet the day prior to outpatient colonoscopy. Subjects were randomized to a Low-Residue diet for breakfast and lunch, or Clears only. All subjects received split dose PEG-ELS. The primary endpoint was preparation adequacy using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), with adequate defined as a score > 5. Secondary endpoints included mean BBPS scores for the entire colon and individual segments, satisfaction, adverse events, polyp and adenoma detection rates, and impact on sleep and daily activities.

Results Final analysis included 140 subjects, 72 assigned to Clears and 68 to Low-Residue. The Low-Residue diet was non-inferior to Clears (risk difference = – 5.08 %, P = 0.04) after adjusting for age. Mean colon cleansing scores were not significantly different overall and for individual colonic segments. Satisfaction with the Low-Residue diet was significantly greater (P = 0.01). The adenoma detection rate was not statistically significantly different between study groups, but the number of adenomas detected was significantly greater with Clears (P = 0.01). Adverse events and impact on sleep and activities did not differ significantly between diet arms.

Conclusions A low-residue diet for breakfast and lunch the day prior to colonoscopy was non-inferior to clear liquids alone for achieving adequate colon cleansing when using split dose PEG-ELS.
Microscopic origin of the fragile to strong crossover in supercooled water: The role of activated processes
Authors: De Marzio M. , Camisasca G. , Rovere M. , Gallo P.
Published: March 2017

We perform an accurate analysis of the density self-correlation functions of TIP4P/2005 supercooled water on approaching the region of the liquid-liquid critical point. In a previous work on this model, we provided evidence of a fragile to strong crossover of the dynamical behavior in the deep supercooled region. The structural relaxation follows the Mode Coupling theory in the fragile region and then deviates from Mode Coupling regime to a strong Arrhenius behavior. This crossover is particularly important in water because it is connected to the thermodynamics of the supercooled region. To better understand the origin of this crossover, we compute now the Van Hove self-correlation functions. In particular we aim at investigating the presence and the role of the hopping phenomena that are the cause of the fragile to strong crossover in simple liquids. In TIP4P/2005 water, we find hopping processes too and we analyze how they depend on temperature and density upon approaching the fragile to strong crossover and the Mode Coupling ideal crossover temperature. Our results show that water behaves like a simple glass former. After an initial ballistic regime, the cage effect dominates the mild supercooled region, with diffusion taking place at long time. At the fragile to strong crossover, we find that hopping (activated) processes start to play a role. This is evidenced by the appearance of peaks in the Van Hove correlation functions. In the deep supercooled regime, our analysis clearly indicates that activated processes dominate the dynamics. The comparison between the Van Hove functions and the radial distribution functions allows to better understand the mechanism of hopping phenomena in supercooled water and to connect their onset directly with the crossing of the Widom Line.
Complex nonequilibrium dynamics of stacked polystyrene films deep in the glassy state
Authors: Boucher Virginie M. , Cangialosi Daniele , Alegría Angel , Colmenero Juan
Published: March 2017

We investigate the kinetics of enthalpy recovery in stacked glassy polystyrene (PS) films with thickness from 30 to 95 nm over a wide temperature range below the glass transition temperature (Tg). We show that the time evolution toward equilibrium exhibits two mechanisms of recovery, in ways analogous to bulk PS. The fast mechanism, allowing partial enthalpy recovery toward equilibrium, displays Arrhenius temperature dependence with low activation energy, whereas the slow mechanism follows pronounced super-Arrhenius temperature dependence. In comparison to bulk PS, the time scales of the two mechanisms of recovery are considerably shorter and decreasing with the film thickness. Scaling of the equilibration times at various thicknesses indicates that the fast mechanism of recovery is compatible with the free volume holes diffusion model. Conversely, the slow mechanism of recovery appears to be accelerated with decreasing thickness more than predicted by the model and, therefore, its description requires additional ingredients. The implications, from both a fundamental and technological viewpoint, of the ability of thin polymer films to densify in relatively short time scales are discussed.
Viscoelastic relaxations of high alcohols and alkanes: Effects of heterogeneous structure and translation-orientation coupling
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2017

The frequency-dependent shear viscosity of high alcohols and linear alkanes, including 1-butanol, 1-octanol, 1-dodecanol, n-hexane, n-decane, and n-tetradecane, was calculated using molecular dynamics simulation. The relaxation of all the liquids was bimodal. The correlation functions of the collective orientation were also evaluated. The analysis of these functions showed that the slower relaxation mode of alkanes is assigned to the translation-orientation coupling, while that of high alcohols is not. The X-ray structure factors of all the alcohols showed prepeaks, as have been reported in the literature, and the intermediate scattering functions were calculated at the prepeak. Comparing the intermediate scattering function with the frequency-dependent shear viscosity based on the mode-coupling theory, it was demonstrated that the slower viscoelastic relaxation of the alcohols is assigned to the relaxation of the heterogeneous structure described by the prepeak.
Toward a better understanding of dielectric responses of van der Waals liquids: The role of chemical structures
Authors: Jedrzejowska Agnieszka , Wojnarowska Zaneta , Adrjanowicz Karolina , Ngai K. L. , Paluch Marian
Published: March 2017

Exhaustive analysis of dielectric relaxation data of van der Waals glass-forming liquids revealed a strong correlation between the width of the frequency dispersion of the α-relaxation and the dielectric strength Δε, originating from the dipole-dipole interaction contribution to the intermolecular potential [M. Paluch et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 025702 (2016)]. The two van der Waals liquids, 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (VPC) and 4-ethyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (EPC), have chemical structures modified from that of propylene carbonate. All three glass-formers have very similar values of dipole moments, exactly the same dielectric strength, and hence identical frequency dispersion of the α-relaxation in all three glass-formers is expected if the correlation holds. Based on this expectation, we performed dielectric relaxation measurements of the VPC and EPC at ambient and elevated pressures. The results obtained show not only identical α-relaxation frequency dispersion for the three glass-formers but also the excess wing which is the unresolved Johari-Goldstein β-relaxation. On the other hand, the other thermodynamics related parameters of the α-relaxation dynamics, including the glass transition temperature Tg, the fragility index mP, and activation volume ΔVact, are not uniformly the same for all three glass-formers.
Standing spin wave resonant properties of spin-twist structure in exchange coupled composite films
Authors: Ya X. , Tanaka T. , Matsuyama K.
Published: March 2017

In the present study, a spin-twist structure embedded in an exchange coupled hard/soft/hard tri-layer system was proposed as a novel spin wave (SW) guide. Details of spin wave dynamics was comparatively analyzed for tri-layers with various layer thicknesses and the inter-layer exchange coupling. The practical performance as a wave guide was optimized in terms of SW resonance frequency and the expected inductive output, both of them were successfully improved by integrating the merit of individual layers through dual exchange bias effects.
Characterization and analysis of real-time capillary convective PCR toward commercialization
Authors: Qiu Xianbo , Zhang Shiyin , Mei Lanju , Wu Di , Guo Qi , Li Ke , Ge Shengxiang , Ye Xiangzhong , Xia Ningshao , Mauk Michael G.
Published: March 2017

Almost all the reported capillary convective polymerase chain reaction (CCPCR) systems to date are still limited to research use stemming from unresolved issues related to repeatability, reliability, convenience, and sensitivity. To move CCPCR technology forward toward commercialization, a couple of critical strategies and innovations are discussed here. First, single- and dual-end heating strategies are analyzed and compared between each other. Especially, different solutions for dual-end heating are proposed and discussed, and the heat transfer and fluid flow inside the capillary tube with an optimized dual-end heating strategy are analyzed and modeled. Second, real-time CCPCR is implemented with light-emitting diode and photodiode, and the real-time fluorescence detection method is compared with the post-amplification end-point detection method based on a dipstick assay. Thirdly, to reduce the system complexity, e.g., to simplify parameter tuning of the feedback control, an internal-model-control-based proportional-integral-derivative controller is adopted for accurate temperature control. Fourth, as a proof of concept, CCPCR with pre-loaded dry storage of reagent inside the capillary PCR tube is evaluated to better accommodate to point-of-care diagnosis. The critical performances of improved CCPCR, especially with sensitivity, repeatability, and reliability, have been thoroughly analyzed with different experiments using influenza A (H1N1) virus as the detection sample.
Prompt release of O 1D products upon UV excitation of CH2OO Criegee intermediates
Authors: Vansco Michael F. , Li Hongwei , Lester Marsha I.
Published: March 2017

Velocity map imaging has been used to characterize the angular and velocity distributions of O 1D photofragments arising from UV excitation of the simplest Criegee intermediate CH2OO in the long wavelength tail region (364 to 417 nm) of the B1A′–X1A′ spectrum. The O 1D images exhibit anisotropic angular distributions indicative of rapid dissociation to H2CO X1A1 + O 1D products, which occurs faster than the rotational period (ps) of CH2OO. As a result, the broad oscillatory structure reported previously in the long wavelength region of the UV absorption spectrum is attributed to short-lived resonances associated with the excited B1A′ state of CH2OO, which decay by nonadiabatic coupling to repulsive singlet states. The total kinetic energy distributions show that nearly half of the available energy, on average, is partitioned to product translation. The balance results in significant internal excitation of the H2CO co-fragments. The product anisotropy and energy partitioning are unchanged across the UV spectrum and consistent with previously reported experimental and theoretical findings of the CH2OO B-X transition moment and dissociation energy to H2CO X1A1 + O 1D products.
Human iPSC-derived myocardium-on-chip with capillary-like flow for personalized medicine
Authors: Ellis Bradley W. , Acun Aylin , Can U. Isik , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: March 2017

The heart wall tissue, or the myocardium, is one of the main targets in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Animal models have not been sufficient in mimicking the human myocardium as evident by the very low clinical translation rates of cardiovascular drugs. Additionally, current in vitro models of the human myocardium possess several shortcomings such as lack of physiologically relevant co-culture of myocardial cells, lack of a 3D biomimetic environment, and the use of non-human cells. In this study, we address these shortcomings through the design and manufacture of a myocardium-on-chip (MOC) using 3D cell-laden hydrogel constructs and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived myocardial cells. The MOC utilizes 3D spatially controlled co-culture of hiPSC derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) and hiPSC derived endothelial cells (iECs) integrated among iCMs as well as in capillary-like side channels, to better mimic the microvasculature seen in native myocardium. We first fully characterized iCMs using immunostaining, genetic, and electrochemical analysis and iECs through immunostaining and alignment analysis to ensure their functionality, and then seeded these cells sequentially into the MOC device. We showed that iECs could be cultured within the microfluidic device without losing their phenotypic lineage commitment, and align with the flow upon physiological level shear stresses. We were able to incorporate iCMs within the device in a spatially controlled manner with the help of photocrosslinkable polymers. The iCMs were shown to be viable and functional within the device up to 7 days, and were integrated with the iECs. The iCMs and iECs in this study were derived from the same hiPSC cell line, essentially mimicking the myocardium of an individual human patient. Such devices are essential for personalized medicine studies where the individual drug response of patients with different genetic backgrounds can be tested in a physiologically relevant manner.
Properties of hydrogen, helium, and silicon dioxide mixtures in giant planet interiors
Authors: Soubiran François , Militzer Burkhard , Driver Kevin P. , Zhang Shuai
Published: March 2017

Recent observations of Jupiter and Saturn provided by spacecraft missions, such as Juno and Cassini, compel us to revise and improve our models of giant planet interiors. Even though hydrogen and helium are by far the dominant species in these planets, heavy elements can play a significant role in the structure and evolution of the planet. For instance, giant-planet cores may be eroded by their surrounding fluid, which would result in a significantly increased concentration of heavy elements in the hydrogen-helium envelope. Furthermore, the heavy elements could inhibit convection by creating a stabilizing gradient of composition. In order to explore the effects of core erosion, we performed ab initio simulations to study structural, diffusion, and viscosity properties of dense multicomponent mixtures of hydrogen, helium, and silicon dioxide at relevant pressure-temperature conditions. We computed radial distribution functions to identify changes in the chemical behavior of the mixture and to reveal dissociation trends with pressure and temperature. The computed diffusion coefficients of the different species as well as the viscosity provide constraints for the time scale of the dynamics of the core erosion and the mixing of its constituents into the envelope, which will help improve planetary models.
Nonlinear simulations of beam-driven compressional Alfvén eigenmodes in NSTX
Authors: Belova E. V. , Gorelenkov N. N. , Crocker N. A. , Lestz J. B. , Fredrickson E. D. , Tang S. , Tritz K.
Published: March 2017

Results of 3D nonlinear simulations of neutral-beam-driven compressional Alfvén eigenmodes (CAEs) in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) are presented. Hybrid MHD-particle simulations for the H-mode NSTX discharge (shot 141398) using the HYM code show unstable CAE modes for a range of toroidal mode numbers, n=4−9, and frequencies below the ion cyclotron frequency. It is found that the essential feature of CAEs is their coupling to kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) that occurs on the high-field side at the Alfvén resonance location. High-frequency Alfvén eigenmodes are frequently observed in beam-heated NSTX plasmas, and have been linked to flattening of the electron temperature profiles at high beam power. Coupling between CAE and KAW suggests an energy channeling mechanism to explain these observations, in which beam-driven CAEs dissipate their energy at the resonance location, therefore significantly modifying the energy deposition profile. Nonlinear simulations demonstrate that CAEs can channel the energy of the beam ions from the injection region near the magnetic axis to the location of the resonant mode conversion at the edge of the beam density profile. A set of nonlinear simulations show that the CAE instability saturates due to nonlinear particle trapping, and a large fraction of beam energy can be transferred to several unstable CAEs of relatively large amplitudes and absorbed at the resonant location. Absorption rate shows a strong scaling with the beam power.
Multilayer motif analysis of brain networks
Authors: Battiston Federico , Nicosia Vincenzo , Chavez Mario , Latora Vito
Published: March 2017

In the last decade, network science has shed new light both on the structural (anatomical) and on the functional (correlations in the activity) connectivity among the different areas of the human brain. The analysis of brain networks has made possible to detect the central areas of a neural system and to identify its building blocks by looking at overabundant small subgraphs, known as motifs. However, network analysis of the brain has so far mainly focused on anatomical and functional networks as separate entities. The recently developed mathematical framework of multi-layer networks allows us to perform an analysis of the human brain where the structural and functional layers are considered together. In this work, we describe how to classify the subgraphs of a multiplex network, and we extend the motif analysis to networks with an arbitrary number of layers. We then extract multi-layer motifs in brain networks of healthy subjects by considering networks with two layers, anatomical and functional, respectively, obtained from diffusion and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results indicate that subgraphs in which the presence of a physical connection between brain areas (links at the structural layer) coexists with a non-trivial positive correlation in their activities are statistically overabundant. Finally, we investigate the existence of a reinforcement mechanism between the two layers by looking at how the probability to find a link in one layer depends on the intensity of the connection in the other one. Showing that functional connectivity is non-trivially constrained by the underlying anatomical network, our work contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between the structure and function in the human brain.
The effect of velocity spread of pseudospark-sourced electron beam to Y-band extended interaction oscillator
Authors: Zhang Z. , Yin Y. , Bi L. J. , Chang Z. W. , Xu C. P. , Wang B. , Meng L.
Published: March 2017

Extended interaction oscillator (EIO) operation in the terahertz range puts greater demand on the current density and brightness of an electron beam. The pseudospark (PS)-sourced electron beam is a good candidate for driving such high frequency EIOs as it has a very high combined beam current density and brightness. However, the PS-sourced electron beam can have an inherent velocity spread unless some form of post acceleration is used. Before a new EIO device in the Y-band (220 GHz–325 GHz) based on a PS-sourced electron beam can be realized, it is first necessary to analyze the influence of the beam velocity spread on performance. This paper presents the numerical studies of the EIO performance with the inclusion of the beam velocity spread. It was found that the Y-band EIO circuit can operate in a relatively wide velocity spread range when a high beam current density is used. For an electron beam current density of 1 kA/cm2, the output power is not less than 0.9 times of the power obtained with an electron beam with no velocity spread when the velocity spread is within the range of 0%–15%. We also present our latest results that demonstrate the successful design and optimization of a Y-band EIO driven by a 36 kV, 255 mA (800 A/cm2) PS-sourced electron beam. A peak power over 1.67 kW at 283.7 GHz was achieved using an electron beam, which can be generated by PS discharge, with a velocity spread of 12.5%.
Unified nonlinear theory of spontaneous and forced helical resonant MHD states
Authors: Loizu J. , Helander P.
Published: March 2017

It is shown that the theory of the nonlinearly saturated ideal internal kink mode by Rosenbluth et al. [Phys Fluids 16(11), 1894 (1973)] can be used to find the fully nonlinear ideal plasma response to an externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation. It is also demonstrated that the solution leads to a jump in the rotational transform across the resonant surface caused by a zonal current sheet. Its amplitude scales linearly with the plasma perturbation despite the nonlinearity of the solution. This confirms a recent conjecture that three-dimensional MHD equilibria with nested magnetic surfaces generally contain discontinuities in the rotational transform [J. Loizu et al., Phys Plasmas 22(9), 090704 (2015)]. It also lends support to Parker's long-standing suggestion that “almost all” MHD equilibria possess current sheets.
The role of the argument by example in legislative debates of the European Parliament
Authors: Garssen Bart
Published: March 2017

This paper focuses on the role of the argument by example in the argumentation put forward by Members of the European Parliament. The argumentative patterns that come into being in legislative debates in the European Parliament depend for the most part on the problem-solving argumentation that is put forward in the opening speech by the rapporteur of the parliamentary committee report. Complex problem-solving argumentation consists of a premise stating that there is a problem (the problem statement) and a premise stating that the proposed legislation will solve the problem (the causal statement). In their contributions, MEPs who are in favor of the proposal will either defend the problem statement or the causal statement. This paper examines how an argument by example is used in order to defend the problem statement. The argument by example can be used to defend the existential presupposition as well as the normative presupposition in the problem-statement.
Argumentative patterns in the European Union’s directives
Authors: Andone Corina , Coman-Kund Florin
Published: March 2017

This paper provides an account of the arguments advanced by the European Union (EU) legislator in the preamble of directives adopted for harmonization in the internal market, and assesses them as to their potential at convincing the Member States to implement the directive at issue. We show what directives should argue for and how they do so in practice, by focussing in particular on Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights. Furthermore, this contribution moves beyond a purely academic discussion by linking the theoretical-normative framework advanced to the Court of Justice of the European Union’s approach to assessing the preambles of EU directives in the context of the ‘check’ on the duty to state reasons under Article 296 Treaty for the of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Our analysis unveils a legislative practice in which the obligation to give reasons is not discharged adequately from an argumentative perspective, and which remains generally unsanctioned due to the rather light and flexible test used by CJEU under Article 296 TFEU.
Some clarification of the impacts of grassland intensification on food production, nitrogen release, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration: using the example of New Zealand.
Authors: Parsons A. J. , Thornley J. H. M. , Rasmussen S. , Rowarth J. S.
Published: March 2017

We used an established, process-based model of the dynamics of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling between plants, soils and animals in grazed temperate pastures to clarify expectations of how some major components of intensification affect the outcomes (short-term and long-term) of alternative systems for food production and environmental impact We use the example of New Zealand, due to its clear recent history of intensification, the level of concern and hence nature of research undertaken there. A transition from low-input drystock, to dairy (lactation) systems with higher N inputs in fertilizer, and/or C and N inputs in supplements, reveals how at the same intermediate N input, food yield (per ha) can be doubled, while environmental N release halved, with minimal impact on C sequestration. We stress the sources of sustained changes in N release (e.g. nitrate/nitrous oxide) are altered inputs (fertilizer/supplements) and less so animal numbers in response to these. Much of the increased efficiency is due to 'improved' N partitioning in lactating (cf. dry) animals. A reversion to dry-stock (or 'de-stocking') therefore offers greater environmental challenge, unless N inputs decline accordingly. Responses to supplements (being a source of C) re-inforce how the driving limitation to the grazed ecosystem is C capture per ha, and we highlight the need for a renewed focus on fundamental research on plant C uptake per ha per unit of N input We offer a graphical method for visualizing the outcomes of options, and their trade-offs, with implications for policy and future research direction.
Animal agriculture as a contributor to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Authors: Littier H. M. , Chambers L. R. , Knowlton K. F.
Published: March 2017

Antimicrobial resistance is an issue of global concern and the quantity of antibiotics used in animal agriculture make it an obvious potential contributor. Subtherapeutic use of antibiotics has likely been the largest contributor to this phenomenon, due to the selection pressure exerted over extended periods of time in the livestock microbiome. The observation of antibiotic resistance in the microbiome (gut, faeces, meat, milk, etc.) of food-producing animals is becoming increasingly common. This paper reviews the literature regarding the contribution of animal agriculture to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance with a focus on manure, soil and water as reservoirs of resistance. The question of whether reducing or eliminating the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture would be sufficient, effective, or appropriate is addressed, and research priorities are identified.
Plastic deformation and fracture behaviour of high-nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Sun Guixun , Yu Anwei , Sun Shicheng , Ji Changtao , Jiang Zhonghao , Lian Jianshe
Published: March 2017

The plastic deformation and fracture behaviour of a high-nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steel were examined by performing tensile testing at room temperature and at a wide strain rate range. The tensile testing demonstrated that this steel shows a significant strain rate dependence of the strength and ductility. With increasing strain rate from 10−4 to 1 s−1, the yield strength increases from 673 to 801 MPa and the ultimate tensile strength increases from 958 to 1003 MPa; the uniform elongation decreases from 75 to 44% and the total elongation decreases from 86 to 58%. The analysis of the stress–strain curve by using the Ludwigson equation showed that this steel exhibits a two-stage strain hardening behaviour, the strain hardening exponents at low and high strain regions ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) and the transition strain ([Formula: see text]) decrease with increasing strain rate. Based on the analysis results of the stress–strain curve, the transmission electron microscopy characterisation of the microstructure and the scanning electron microscopy observation of the deformation and fracture surfaces, the significant strain rate dependence of the strength and ductility of this steel was discussed and connected with the variation in the dislocation activity with strain rate.
Improving Catch Utilization in the U.S. West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Fishery: an Evaluation of T90-Mesh and Diamond-Mesh Cod Ends
Authors: Lomeli Mark J. M. , Hamel Owen S. , Wakefield W. Waldo , Erickson Daniel L.
Published: March 2017

The limited-entry bottom trawl fishery for groundfish along the U.S. West Coast operates under a catch share program, which is implemented with the intention of improving the economic efficiency of the fishery, maximizing fishing opportunities, and minimizing bycatch. However, stocks with low harvest guidelines have limited the ability of fishermen to maximize their catch of more abundant stocks. Size-selection characteristics of 114-mm and 140-mm T90-mesh cod ends and the traditional 114-mm diamond-mesh cod end were examined by using the covered cod end method. Selection curves and mean L50 values (length at which fish had a 50% probability of being retained) were estimated for two flatfish species (Rex Sole Glyptocephalus zachirus and Dover Sole Microstomus pacificus) and two roundfish species (Shortspine Thornyhead Sebastolobus alascanus and Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria). Mean L50 values were smaller for flatfishes but larger for roundfishes in the 114-mm T90 cod end compared to the diamond-mesh cod end. For Rex Sole, Dover Sole, and Shortspine Thornyheads, selectivities of the 140-mm T90 cod end were significantly different from those of the other cod ends; the 140-mm T90 cod end was most effective at reducing the catch of smaller-sized fishes but with a considerable loss of larger-sized marketable fishes. Findings suggest that T90 cod ends have potential to improve catch utilization in this multispecies fishery.