bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Berättelser som redskap för att föra och följa resonemang
Authors: Björklund Camilla , Nilsen Malin , Pramling Samuelsson Ingrid
Published: October 2016

Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify different ways of reasoning when preschool children create stories based on a given theme and with both a traditional and an unfamiliar framework for stories. 17 children participated in the study and the analysis shows three different ways to create stories: 1) stories with a fairy tale structure; 2) expressionist and fragmented accounts; 3) stories focusing on weather and seasonal changes. The cultural tools that children are offered (structure of a story) are used by some children to create traditional stories, but not as a tool for creating new forms of stories. The results show that children’s knowledge of the content within the stories and their conceptual understanding seem to play an important role for the ways in which the structure of stories are used as tools for reasoning.Sammadrag: Syftet med denna studie är att klargöra olika sätt att resonera när förskolebarn själva konstruerar berättelser utifrån ett givet tema och inför en traditionell och en mer kontroversiell form för berättelser. 17 barn deltog i studien och analysen visar på tre olika sätt att konstruera berättelser: 1) Berättelser med sagostruktur; 2) Expressionistiska och fragmentariska redogörelser; 3) Berättelser med fokus på väder- och årstidsväxlingar. Det kulturella redskap som barnen erbjuds (berättelsestrukturen) används av en del av barnen för att skapa traditionella berättelser, men inte som stöd för nyskapade former av berättelser. Resultaten visar att barn kunnande om innehållet i berättelserna och begreppsförståelse tycks spela en betydelsefull roll för hur barns berättelser används som redskap för resonemang.
Did the 1918 influenza cause the twentieth century cardiovascular mortality epidemic in the United States?
Authors: Tate Steven , Namkung Jamie J. , Noymer Andrew
Published: October 2016

During most of the twentieth century, cardiovascular mortality increased in the United States while other causes of death declined. By 1958, the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) for cardiovascular causes for females was 1.84 times that for all other causes,combined(and, for males, 1.79×). Although contemporary observers believed that cardiovascular mortality would remain high, the late 1950s and early 1960s turned out to be the peak of a roughly 70-year epidemic. By 1988 for females (1986 for males), a spectacular decline had occurred, wherein the ASDR for cardiovascular causes was less than that for other causes combined. We discuss this phenomenon from a demographic point of view. We also test a hypothesis from the literature, that the 1918 influenza pandemic caused the cardiovascular mortality epidemic; we fail to find support.
Volatilidade de formulações de clomazone em condições de campo
Authors: Schreiber Fabio , De Avila Luis Antonio , Scherner Ananda , Moura Diogo Da Silva , Martini Alfran Tellechea
Published: October 2016

A volatilização representa um processo importante no deslocamento de agrotóxicos para o ambiente. As características físico-químicas da molécula do clomazone indicam potencial de volatilidade. O presente estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a volatilização de três formulações de clomazone em condições de campo por meio de plantas bioindicadoras com o uso de tuneis de vento. Túneis de polietileno transparente foram alocados sobre a cultura do sorgo (Sorghum bicolor), onde as formulações do herbicida foram aplicadas no centro destes. O experimento foi arranjado em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. As parcelas foram representadas pelas diferentes formulações do herbicida: Gamit 360 CS®, Gamit 500 EC® e Gamit Star®, além da testemunha sem aplicação de herbicida. As subparcelas foram caracterizadas pelas distâncias em relação ao local de aplicação: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 metros a favor e contra a direção predominante do vento. Foi então realizada avaliação de toxicidade em diferentes dias nas plantas de sorgo após a aplicação dos herbicidas. Os sintomas de todas as formulações foram mais intensos nas plantas próximas do local da aplicação, sendo esses ainda mais acentuados ao longo da linha onde a direção do vento foi predominante. No geral, independente da distância, o Gamit 360 CS® causou menor toxicidade a bioindicadora. Conclui-se que dentre as formulações avaliadas, Gamit 360 CS® apresenta menor volatilização e consequentemente menor é o risco de contaminações de culturas vizinhas e do ambiente. As outras duas formulações possuem maior potencial de volatilização.
Completion and Sensitivity of the Second‐Trimester Fetal Anatomic Survey in Obese Gravidas
Authors: Pasko Daniel N. , Wood S. Lindsay , Jenkins Sheri M. , Owen John , Harper Lorie M.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To estimate the effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) on the completion of fetal anatomic surveys before 20 weeks' estimated gestational age (GA).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singletons undergoing standard or detailed anatomic sonographic examinations from 2006 to 2014. Patients were categorized by ranges of BMI. The primary outcomes were completion of standard and detailed anatomic surveys before 20 weeks' estimated GA. The effect of the BMI category was assessed by the χ2 test for trends and analysis of variance.

Results

Of 15,313 patients, 5917 (38%) were obese, and 1581 (10%) had a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher. Standard (P < .01) and detailed (P < .01) surveys were less likely to be completed as the BMI category increased. Suboptimal visualization of the fetal chest (P < .01), abdomen (P < .01), and extremities (P < .01) significantly contributed to the decreased standard survey completion rates. Suboptimal visualization of the fetal head (P < .01) and chest (P < .01) significantly contributed to the decreased detailed survey completion rates. There was no statistically significant difference in the sensitivity of a completed standard or detailed anatomic survey for the detection of fetal anomalies.

Conclusions

An increasing BMI category was associated with decreased completion of standard and detailed anatomic surveys by 20 weeks' estimated GA. Strategies to improve early visualization of the fetal head, chest, and abdomen in obese women should be investigated to promote anomaly detection and appropriate counseling.
Annealing Induced Mechanical Reinforcement of Injection Molded iPP Parts
Authors: Pan Yamin , Liu Xianhu , Shi Suyu , Liu Chuntai , Dai Kun , Yin Rui , Schubert Dirk W. , Zheng Guoqiang , Shen Changyu
Published: October 2016

The mechanical properties and microstructure of injection molded isotactic polypropylene parts with high orientation before and after annealing are analyzed. The mechanical properties of the annealed samples are improved effectively. Through thorough analysis of various structural characterizations, a microstructural model based on the fact that the total length of long period kept constant to analyze the variation of mechanical properties is proposed. It is suggested that the increase of overall crystallinity, the recombination of crystalline phase, and the increase of amorphous phase, respectively, are beneficial for the improvements of the strength, stiffness, and toughness of annealed samples.

image
Mechanistic Investigation into Olefin Epoxidation with H2O2 Catalyzed by Aqua‐Coordinated Sandwich‐Type Polyoxometalates: Role of the Noble Metal and Active Oxygen Position
Authors: Ci Chenggang , Liu Hongsheng , Yan Likai , Su Zhongmin
Published: October 2016

Aqua‐coordinated sandwich‐type polyoxometalates (POMs), {[WZnTM2(H2O)2](ZnW9O34)2}n− (TM=RhIII, PdII, and PtII), catalyze olefin epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide and have been well established, and they present an advance toward the utilization of olefins. To elucidate the epoxidation mechanism, we systematically performed density functional calculations. The reaction proceeds through a two‐step mechanism: activation of H2O2 and oxygen transfer. The aqua‐coordinated complexes show two distinct H2O2 activation pathways: “two‐step” and “concerted”. The concerted processes are more facile and proceed with similar and rate‐determining energy barriers at the Rh‐, Pd‐, and Pt‐containing transition states, which agrees well with the experimental results. Next, the resulting TM−OH−(μ‐OOH) intermediate transfers an O atom to olefin to form an epoxide. The higher reactivity of the Rh‐containing POM is attributed to more interactions between the Rh and hydroperoxo unit. We also calculated all active oxygen positions to locate the most favorable pathway. The higher reactivity of the two‐metal‐bonded oxygen position is predominantly ascribed to its lower stereoscopic hindrance. Furthermore, the presence of one and two explicit water solvent molecules significantly reduces the energy barriers, making these sandwich POMs very efficient for the olefin epoxidation with H2O2.
Comparison of Helical and Helicon Antennas as Sources of Plasma Excitation Using a Full Wave 3D Electromagnetic Analysis in Vacuum
Authors: Stratakos Yorgos , Zeniou Angelos , Gogolides Evangelos
Published: October 2016

Helical and Helicon antennas are routinely used to generate inductively coupled plasmas, but there are only a few simulations or experimental data with comparisons among them. Thus, selection of the appropriate number of turns, or the type of helical or helicon antenna to use is empirical. In this paper, a comparison via simulation of various helixes and helicon antennas is presented. Full wave 3D electromagnetic analysis is performed in vacuum using a commercial software, and the electric/magnetic field component is calculated and compared for four cases of helixes, namely N = 1–4 where N is the number of turns that each helix has, as well as two helicon antennas (half and full Nagoya type). In order to reduce the capacitive coupling of these antennas an electromagnetic shield is also applied. Simulation and comparison of the shielded and unshielded antennas is given. We show that via such simulations electric and magnetic field components can be compared in order to select the appropriate antenna type for a plasma source.
Ancestry Testing and the Practice of Genetic Counseling
Authors: Kirkpatrick Brianne E. , Rashkin Misha D.
Published: October 2016

Ancestry testing is a home DNA test with many dimensions; in some cases, the implications and outcomes of testing cross over into the health sphere. Common reasons for seeking ancestry testing include determining an estimate of customer's ethnic background, identifying genetic relatives, and securing a raw DNA data file that can be used for other purposes. As the ancestry test marketplace continues to grow, and third‐party vendors empower the general public to analyze their own genetic material, the role of the genetic counselor is likely to evolve dramatically. Roles of the genetic counselor may include assisting clients with the interpretation of and adaptation to these results, as well as advising the companies involved in this sector on the ethical, legal, and social issues associated with testing. This paper reviews the history, fundamentals, intended uses, and unintended consequences of ancestry genetic testing. It also discusses the types of information in an ancestry testing result, situations that might involve a clinical genetic counselor, and the benefits, limitations, and functions that ancestry genetic testing can play in a clinical genetics setting.
Temperature measurement of a dust particle in a RF plasma GEC reference cell
Authors: Kong Jie , Qiao Ke , Matthews Lorin S. , Hyde Truell W.
Published: October 2016

The thermal motion of a dust particle levitated in a plasma chamber is similar to that described by Brownian motion in many ways. The primary difference between a dust particle in a plasma system and a free Brownian particle is that in addition to the random collisions between the dust particle and the neutral gas atoms, there are electric field fluctuations, dust charge fluctuations, and correlated motions from the unwanted continuous signals originating within the plasma system itself. This last contribution does not include random motion and is therefore separable from the random motion in a ‘normal’ temperature measurement. In this paper, we discuss how to separate random and coherent motions of a dust particle confined in a glass box in a Gaseous Electronic Conference (GEC) radio-frequency (RF) reference cell employing experimentally determined dust particle fluctuation data analysed using the mean square displacement technique.
The effect of anthropogenic disturbance on non-native plant species in Madagascar
Authors: Gudiel A. Andrea , Nieves Shane C. , Reuter Kim E. , Sewall Brent J.
Published: October 2016

Non-native species impact tropical ecosystems, but the role of different anthropogenic disturbances on the success of non-natives remains unclear, especially in island tropical forests. We sought to understand the influence of anthropogenic habitat degradation and disturbance on non-native plant species in Madagascar. Specifically, we evaluated how densities of non-native species of woody shrub (Lantana camara), climber (Mucuna pruriens) and tree (Mangifera indica,Albizia lebbeck,Tamarindus indica) varied with forest habitat degradation and by disturbance type. We surveyed 60400 m2, recording 482 instances of disturbance and 903 non-native plants in and around the Ankarana National Park. Non-native plant densities were higher in degraded than primary forest. Within degraded forest, densities of non-native trees increased with disturbance. Tree densities correlated with extent of tree damage only inTamarindus indica, never correlated with extent of tree removal, and always correlated with proximity to roads and trails. Our results suggest roads and trails have relatively greater importance in facilitating the success of non-native tree species than structural changes to habitat. In contrast, densities ofLantana camaraandTamarindus indicadid not correlate with any measured type of disturbance; other unmeasured or historical factors may be more important drivers of these smaller, faster-reproducing species.
Impact of sedimentary processes on white-sand vegetation in an Amazonian megafan
Authors: Cordeiro Carlos L. O. , Rossetti Dilce F. , Gribel Rogério , Tuomisto Hanna , Zani Hiran , Ferreira Carlos A. C. , Coelho Luiz
Published: October 2016

Amazonian white-sand vegetation has unique tree communities tolerant to nutrient-poor soils of interest for interpreting processes of adaptation in neotropical forests. Part of this phytophysionomy is confined to Late Quaternary megafan palaeo-landforms, thus we posit that sedimentary disturbance is the main ecological factor controlling tree distribution and structuring in this environment. In this study, we characterize the topographic trend of one megafan palaeo-landform using a digital elevation model and verify its relationship to the forest by modelling the canopy height with remote sensing data. We also compare the composition and structure (i.e. canopy height and diameter at breast height) of tree groups from the outer and inner megafan environments based on the integration of remote sensing and floristic data. The latter consist of field inventories of trees ≥ 10 cm dbh using six (500 × 20 m) plots in várzea, terra firme and igapó from the outer megafan and 20 (50 × 20 m) plots in woodlands and forests from the inner megafan. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were applied for clustering and dissimilarity analyses, respectively. The megafan is a sand-dominated triangular wetland with a topographic gradient of < 15 cm km−1, being more elevated along its axis. The outer megafan has a higher number of tree species (367), taller canopy height (mean of 14.1 m) and higher diameter at breast height (mean of 18.2 cm) than the white-sand forest. The latter records 89 tree species, mean canopy height of 8.4 cm and mean diameter at breast height of 15.3 cm. Trees increase in frequency closer to channels and toward the megafan's axis. The flooded and nutrient-poor sandy megafan substrate favoured the establishment of white-sand vegetation according to the overall megafan topography and morphological heterogeneities inherent to megafan sub-environments.
A formal functional representation methodology for conceptual design of material-flow processing devices
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhao Meng , Liu Ying , Xie Youbai
Published: October 2016

Although there has been considerable computer-aided conceptual design research, most of the proposed approaches are domain specific and can merely achieve conceptual design of energy flows-processing systems. Therefore, this research is devoted to the development of a general (i.e., domain-independent) and knowledge-based methodology that can search in a wide multidisciplinary solution space for suitable solution principles for desired material-flow processing functions without designers' biases toward familiar solution principles. It first proposes an ontology-based approach for representing desired material-flow processing functions in a formal and unambiguous manner. Then a rule-based approach is proposed to represent the functional knowledge of a known solution principle in a general and flexible manner. Thereafter, a simulation-based retrieval approach is developed, which can search for suitable solution principles for desired material-flow processing functions. The proposed approaches have been implemented as a computer-aided conceptual design system for test. The conceptual design of a coin-sorting device demonstrates that our functional representation methodology can make the proposed computer-aided conceptual design system to effectively and precisely retrieve suitable solution principles for a desired material-flow processing function.
Discourse analysis based segregation of relevant document segments for knowledge acquisition
Authors: Madhusudanan N. , Chakrabarti Amaresh , Gurumoorthy B.
Published: October 2016

Documents are a useful source of expert knowledge in organizations and can be used to foresee, in an earlier stage of a product's life cycle, potential issues and solutions that might occur in later stages of its life cycle. In this research, these stages are, respectively, design and assembly. Even if these documents are available online, it is rather difficult for users to access the knowledge contained in these documents. It is therefore desirable to automatically extract the knowledge contained in these documents and store them in a computer accessible or manipulable form. This paper describes an approach for the first step in this acquisition process: automatically identifying segments of documents that are relevant to aircraft assembly, so that they can be further processed for acquiring expert knowledge. Such identification of relevant segments is necessary for avoiding processing of unrelated information that is costly and possibly distracting for domain relevance. The approach to extracting relevant segments has two steps. The first step is the identification of sentences that form a coherent segment of text, within which the topic does not shift. The second step is to classify segments that are within the topics of interest for knowledge acquisition, that is, aircraft assembly in this instance. These steps filter out segments that are unrelated, and therefore need not be processed for subsequent knowledge acquisition. The steps are implemented by understanding the contents of documents. Using methods of discourse analysis, in particular, discourse representation theory, a list of discourse entities is obtained. The difference in discourse entities between sentences is used to distinguish between segments. The list of discourse entities in a segment is compared against a domain ontology for classification. The implementation and results of validation on sample texts for these steps are described.
Prevalence, risk factors, and the desire for help of distressed newly diagnosed cancer patients: A large-sample study
Authors: Wang Ging-Long , Cheng Chih-Tao , Feng An-Chen , Hsu Sheng-Hui , Hou Yi-Chen , Chiu Chiu-Yuan
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Beginning in 2007, all newly diagnosed cancer patients at the Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center (KF–SYSCC) were screened for psychosocial distress. Our social workers, as part of the psychosocial care team (PCT), have engaged in proactive outreach with patients identified as distressed. The goal of the present study was to assess the prevalence of psychosocial distress and the extent of contact between the PCT and distressed patients.

Method:

Newly diagnosed patients who were treated at KF–SYSCC between 2007 and 2010 for cancer were eligible if there were at least 100 patients with the same type of cancer. Before treatment began, they were screened with the Pain Scale and the Distress Thermometer (DT) and had the option to specify a desire for help. The rates of distress were analyzed by cancer type and by probable related factors. Information regarding contact with the PCT was retrieved from computerized databases.

Results:

Overall, some 5,335 cancer patients representing 12 major cancer types were included in our study. Of these, 1,771 (33.20%) were significantly distressed. By multivariate logistic regression, younger age, female gender, higher pain score, and disease stage, but not cancer type, were found to be associated with higher rates of distress. Among these distressed patients, 628 (36%) had some contact with the PCT.

Significance of results:

This Taiwanese study with a large sample size revealed a prevalence rate of psychosocial distress similar to rates found in Western countries. Contact with the PCT was established in only 36% of significantly distressed patients, despite a proactive outreach program. It is very important to have screening results made available in a timely fashion to the psycho-oncology team so that appropriate care can be offered promptly.
The Effects of Gender on Winnowing in the U.S. House of Representatives
Authors: Rickard Victoria A.
Published: October 2016

Notwithstanding the importance of winnowing, scholars have devoted little attention to deciphering and systematically explaining the effects that gender may have on determining which small proportion of bills ultimately receive committee attention from the thousands that are introduced every legislative session. Building on past research evincing gendered differences in legislative behavior and effectiveness, this study analyzes the 111th and 112th Congresses in order to ascertain the extent to which gender affects winnowing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The findings suggest that female lawmakers are working hard to achieve legislative success by sponsoring a greater number of bills than their male colleagues, but that their efforts are not being similarly rewarded. Female sponsored bills fail to progress past the winnowing stage at rates comparable to male sponsored bills. Thus, policymaking may be skewed toward the preferences of male lawmakers despite the numeric and positional gains of women in the U.S. Congress.
Self-assembled fibre optoelectronics with discrete translational symmetry
Authors: Rein Michael , Levy Etgar , Gumennik Alexander , Abouraddy Ayman F. , Joannopoulos John , Fink Yoel
Published: October 2016

Fibres with electronic and photonic properties are essential building blocks for functional fabrics with system level attributes. The scalability of thermal fibre drawing approach offers access to large device quantities, while constraining the devices to be translational symmetric. Lifting this symmetry to create discrete devices in fibres will increase their utility. Here, we draw, from a macroscopic preform, fibres that have three parallel internal non-contacting continuous domains; a semiconducting glass between two conductors. We then heat the fibre and generate a capillary fluid instability, resulting in the selective transformation of the cylindrical semiconducting domain into discrete spheres while keeping the conductive domains unchanged. The cylindrical-to-spherical expansion bridges the continuous conducting domains to create ∼104 self-assembled, electrically contacted and entirely packaged discrete spherical devices per metre of fibre. The photodetection and Mie resonance dependent response are measured by illuminating the fibre while connecting its ends to an electrical readout.
Structure of ubiquitylated-Rpn10 provides insight into its autoregulation mechanism
Authors: Keren-Kaplan Tal , Zeev Peters Lee , Levin-Kravets Olga , Attali Ilan , Kleifeld Oded , Shohat Noa , Artzi Shay , Zucker Ori , Pilzer Inbar , Reis Noa , Glickman Michael H. , Ben-Aroya Shay , Prag Gali
Published: October 2016

Ubiquitin receptors decode ubiquitin signals into many cellular responses. Ubiquitin receptors also undergo coupled monoubiquitylation, and rapid deubiquitylation has hampered the characterization of the ubiquitylated state. Using bacteria that express a ubiquitylation apparatus, we purified and determined the crystal structure of the proteasomal ubiquitin-receptor Rpn10 in its ubiquitylated state. The structure shows a novel ubiquitin-binding patch that directs K84 ubiquitylation. Superimposition of ubiquitylated-Rpn10 onto electron-microscopy models of proteasomes indicates that the Rpn10-conjugated ubiquitin clashes with Rpn9, suggesting that ubiquitylation might be involved in releasing Rpn10 from the proteasome. Indeed, ubiquitylation on immobilized proteasomes dissociates the modified Rpn10 from the complex, while unmodified Rpn10 mainly remains associated. In vivo experiments indicate that contrary to wild type, Rpn10-K84R is stably associated with the proteasomal subunit Rpn9. Similarly Rpn10, but not ubiquitylated-Rpn10, binds Rpn9 in vitro. Thus we suggest that ubiquitylation functions to dissociate modified ubiquitin receptors from their targets, a function that promotes cyclic activity of ubiquitin receptors.
Novel near-infrared emission from crystal defects in MoS2 multilayer flakes
Authors: Fabbri F. , Rotunno E. , Cinquanta E. , Campi D. , Bonnini E. , Kaplan D. , Lazzarini L. , Bernasconi M. , Ferrari C. , Longo M. , Nicotra G. , Molle A. , Swaminathan V. , Salviati G.
Published: October 2016

The structural defects in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, including point defects, dislocations and grain boundaries, are scarcely considered regarding their potential to manipulate the electrical and optical properties of this class of materials, notwithstanding the significant advances already made. Indeed, impurities and vacancies may influence the exciton population, create disorder-induced localization, as well as modify the electrical behaviour of the material. Here we report on the experimental evidence, confirmed by ab initio calculations, that sulfur vacancies give rise to a novel near-infrared emission peak around 0.75 eV in exfoliated MoS2 flakes. In addition, we demonstrate an excess of sulfur vacancies at the flake’s edges by means of cathodoluminescence mapping, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy imaging and electron energy loss analyses. Moreover, we show that ripplocations, extended line defects peculiar to this material, broaden and redshift the MoS2 indirect bandgap emission.
Vitamin D Supplementation for Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome Refractory to Conventional Treatment
Authors: Bae Seok Hyun , Shin Young Joo , Kim Ha Kyoung , Hyon Joon Young , Wee Won Ryang , Park Shin Goo
Published: October 2016

This study investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES) refractory to conventional treatment with vitamin D deficiency. A total of 105 patients with DES refractory to conventional treatment and vitamin D deficiency that was treated with an intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol (200,000 IU). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured. Eye discomfort was assessed using ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and visual analogue pain score (VAS). Tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining score (FSS), eyelid margin hyperemia, and tear secretion test were measured before treatment, and 2, 6, and 10 weeks after vitamin D supplementation. Mean serum 25(OH)D level was 10.52 ± 4.61 ng/mL. TBUT, and tear secretion test showed an improvement at 2 and 6 weeks after vitamin D supplementation compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05 for all, paired t-test). Eyelid margin hyperemia and the severity of symptoms showed improvement at 2, 6, and 10 weeks after vitamin D supplementation (p < 0.05 for all). Compared to pre-treatment values, FSS, OSDI and VAS were decreased at 2 weeks (p < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation is effective and useful in the treatment of patients with DES refractory to conventional treatment and with vitamin D deficiency.
Cascaded plasmon-plasmon coupling mediated energy transfer across stratified metal-dielectric nanostructures
Authors: Golmakaniyoon Sepideh , Hernandez-Martinez Pedro Ludwig , Demir Hilmi Volkan , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: October 2016

Surface plasmon (SP) coupling has been successfully applied to nonradiative energy transfer via exciton-plasmon-exciton coupling in conventionally sandwiched donor-metal film-acceptor configurations. However, these structures lack the desired efficiency and suffer poor photoemission due to the high energy loss. Here, we show that the cascaded exciton-plasmon-plasmon-exciton coupling in stratified architecture enables an efficient energy transfer mechanism. The overlaps of the surface plasmon modes at the metal-dielectric and dielectric-metal interfaces allow for strong cross-coupling in comparison with the single metal film configuration. The proposed architecture has been demonstrated through the analytical modeling and numerical simulation of an oscillating dipole near the stratified nanostructure of metal-dielectric-metal-acceptor. Consistent with theoretical and numerical results, experimental measurements confirm at least 50% plasmon resonance energy transfer enhancement in the donor-metal-dielectric-metal-acceptor compared to the donor-metal-acceptor structure. Cascaded plasmon-plasmon coupling enables record high efficiency for exciton transfer through metallic structures.
Applying high-resolution melting (HRM) technology to identify five commonly used Artemisia species
Authors: Song Ming , Li Jingjian , Xiong Chao , Liu Hexia , Liang Junsong
Published: October 2016

Many members of the genus Artemisia are important for medicinal purposes with multiple pharmacological properties. Often, these herbal plants sold on the markets are in processed forms so it is difficult to authenticate. Routine testing and identification of these herbal materials should be performed to ensure that the raw materials used in pharmaceutical products are suitable for their intended use. In this study, five commonly used Artemisia species included Artemisia argyi, Artemisia annua, Artemisia lavandulaefolia, Artemisia indica and Artemisia atrovirens were analyzed using high resolution melting (HRM) analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. The melting profiles of the ITS2 amplicons of the five closely related herbal species are clearly separated so that they can be differentiated by HRM method. The method was further applied to authenticate commercial products in powdered. HRM curves of all the commercial samples tested are similar to the botanical species as labeled. These congeneric medicinal products were also clearly separated using the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. Therefore, HRM method could provide an efficient and reliable authentication system to distinguish these commonly used Artemisia herbal products on the markets and offer a technical reference for medicines quality control in the drug supply chain.
Impact of high fat diet on long non-coding RNAs and messenger RNAs expression in the aortas of ApoE(−/−) mice
Authors: Bao Mei-hua , Luo Huai-qing , Chen Li-hua , Tang Liang , Ma Kui-fen , Xiang Ju , Dong Li-ping , Zeng Jie , Li Guang-yi , Li Jian-ming
Published: October 2016

Atherosclerosis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease with high prevalence worldwide, and has become the leading cause of death. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of high-fat diet on ApoE(−/−) mice exhibiting atherosclerosis by detecting the genome-wide expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 354 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified (≥2.0 folds). Simultaneously, 357 differentially expressed mRNAs from the same chip were found. The expression differences of lncRNAs and mRNAs were consistent in both qPCR and microarray detection. Annotation results of the mRNAs which correlated with lncRNAs showed that the commonly related pathways were metabolism and inflammation. Hypergeometric distribution analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs had been mostly regulated by transcription factors (TFs) such as Myod1, Rxra, Pparg, Tcf3, etc. Additional lncRNA-target-TFs network analysis was conducted for the top 20 differentially expressed lncRNAs. The results indicated Hnf4a, Ppara, Vdr, and Runx3 as the TFs most likely to regulate the production of these lncRNAs, and might play roles in inflammatory and metabolic processes in atherosclerosis. In a nutshell, the present study identified a panel of dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs that may be potential biomarkers or drug targets relevant to the high-fat diet related atherogenesis.
GPR30 regulates diet-induced adiposity in female mice and adipogenesis in vitro
Authors: Wang Aihua , Luo Jing , Moore William , Alkhalidy Hana , Wu Ling , Zhang Jinhua , Zhen Wei , Wang Yao , Clegg Deborah J. , Bin Xu  , Cheng Zhiyong , McMillan Ryan P. , Hulver Matthew W. , Liu Dongmin
Published: October 2016

Recent studies showed that GPR30, a seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor, is a novel estrogen receptor (ER) that mediates some biological events elicited by estrogen in several types of cancer cells. However, its physiological or pathological role in vivo is unclear. Here, we show that GPR30 knockout (GPRKO) female mice were protected from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, blood glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. The decreased body weight gain in GPRKO female mice is due to the reduction in body fat mass. These effects occurred in the absence of significant changes in food intake, intestinal fat absorption, triglyceride metabolism, or energy expenditure. However, GPR30 had no significant metabolic effects in male mice fed the HFD and both sexes of mice fed a chow diet. Further, GPR30 expression levels in fat tissues of WT obese female mice were greatly increased, whereas ERα and β expression was not altered. Deletion of GPR30 reduced adipogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells. Conversely, activation of GPR30 enhanced adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These findings provide evidence for the first time that GPR30 promotes adipogenesis and therefore the development of obesity in female mice exposed to excess fat energy.
Haptic adaptation to slant: No transfer between exploration modes
Authors: van Dam Loes C. J. , Plaisier Myrthe A. , Glowania Catharina , Ernst Marc O.
Published: October 2016

Human touch is an inherently active sense: to estimate an object’s shape humans often move their hand across its surface. This way the object is sampled both in a serial (sampling different parts of the object across time) and parallel fashion (sampling using different parts of the hand simultaneously). Both the serial (moving a single finger) and parallel (static contact with the entire hand) exploration modes provide reliable and similar global shape information, suggesting the possibility that this information is shared early in the sensory cortex. In contrast, we here show the opposite. Using an adaptation-and-transfer paradigm, a change in haptic perception was induced by slant-adaptation using either the serial or parallel exploration mode. A unified shape-based coding would predict that this would equally affect perception using other exploration modes. However, we found that adaptation-induced perceptual changes did not transfer between exploration modes. Instead, serial and parallel exploration components adapted simultaneously, but to different kinaesthetic aspects of exploration behaviour rather than object-shape per se. These results indicate that a potential combination of information from different exploration modes can only occur at down-stream cortical processing stages, at which adaptation is no longer effective.
1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment alters the granulomatous response in M. tuberculosis infected mice
Authors: Bhatt Kamlesh , Rafi Wasiulla , Shah Neel , Christakos Sylvia , Salgame Padmini
Published: October 2016

Induction of cathelicidin-mediated antimicrobial pathway against intracellular M. tuberculosis by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active form of vitamin D, has been documented in vitro. However, in in vivo studies related to inflammatory disorders, 1,25(OH)2D3 has been demonstrated to induce an anti-inflammatory response. We therefore examined whether in the murine model of tuberculosis, the anti-inflammatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 would affect the outcome of M. tuberculosis infection. We show here that administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 to M. tuberculosis infected mice led to a change in lung granuloma architecture, characterized by a marked decrease in B cell lymphocytic aggregates. Consistent with the altered granulomas, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated mice also exhibited significantly higher bacterial burden in the lungs compared to the control group. These findings highlight the need to further investigate the effect of vitamin D on host immunity to M. tuberculosis in the context of the granulomatous response.
MiR-125a-3p timely inhibits oligodendroglial maturation and is pathologically up-regulated in human multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lecca Davide , Marangon Davide , Coppolino Giusy T. , Méndez Aida Menéndez , Finardi Annamaria , Costa Gloria Dalla , Martinelli Vittorio , Furlan Roberto , Abbracchio Maria P.
Published: October 2016

In the mature central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes provide support and insulation to axons thanks to the production of a myelin sheath. During their maturation to myelinating cells, oligodendroglial precursors (OPCs) follow a very precise differentiation program, which is finely orchestrated by transcription factors, epigenetic factors and microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation. Any alterations in this program can potentially contribute to dysregulated myelination, impaired remyelination and neurodegenerative conditions, as it happens in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we identify miR-125a-3p, a developmentally regulated miRNA, as a new actor of oligodendroglial maturation, that, in the mammalian CNS regulates the expression of myelin genes by simultaneously acting on several of its already validated targets. In cultured OPCs, over-expression of miR-125a-3p by mimic treatment impairs while its inhibition with an antago-miR stimulates oligodendroglial maturation. Moreover, we show that miR-125a-3p levels are abnormally high in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients bearing active demyelinating lesions, suggesting that its pathological upregulation may contribute to MS development, at least in part by blockade of OPC differentiation leading to impaired repair of demyelinated lesions.
Similar contrast sensitivity functions measured using psychophysics and optokinetic nystagmus
Authors: Dakin Steven C. , Turnbull Philip R. K.
Published: October 2016

Although the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) is a particularly useful way of characterising functional vision, its measurement relies on observers making reliable perceptual reports. Such procedures can be challenging when testing children. Here we describe a system for measuring the CSF using an automated analysis of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN); an involuntary oscillatory eye movement made in response to drifting stimuli, here spatial-frequency (SF) band-pass noise. Quantifying the strength of OKN in the stimulus direction allows us to estimate contrast sensitivity across a range of SFs. We compared the CSFs of 30 observers with normal vision measured using both OKN and perceptual report. The approaches yield near-identical CSFs (mean R = 0.95) that capture subtle intra-observer variations in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (both R = 0.84, p < 0.0001). Trial-by-trial analysis reveals high correlation between OKN and perceptual report, a signature of a common neural mechanism for determining stimulus direction. We also observe conditions where OKN and report are significantly decorrelated as a result of a minority of observers experiencing direction-reversals that are not reflected by OKN. We conclude that there are a wide range of stimulus conditions for which OKN can provide a valid alternative means of measuring of the CSF.
Microwave birefringent metamaterials for polarization conversion based on spoof surface plasmon polariton modes
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Zhang Jieqiu , Ma Hua , Wang Jiafu , Pang Yongqiang , Feng Dayi , Xu Zhuo , Qu Shaobo
Published: October 2016

We propose the design of wideband birefringent metamaterials based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). Spatial k-dispersion design of SSPP modes in metamaterials is adopted to achieve high-efficiency transmission of electromagnetic waves through the metamaterial layer. By anisotropic design, the transmission phase accumulation in metamaterials can be independently modulated for x- and y-polarized components of incident waves. Since the dispersion curve of SSPPs is nonlinear, frequency-dependent phase differences can be obtained between the two orthogonal components of transmitted waves. As an example, we demonstrate a microwave birefringent metamaterials composed of fishbone structures. The full-polarization-state conversions on the zero-longitude line of Poincaré sphere can be fulfilled twice in 6–20 GHz for both linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) waves incidence. Besides, at a given frequency, the full-polarization-state conversion can be achieved by changing the polarization angle of the incident LP waves. Both the simulation and experiment results verify the high-efficiency polarization conversion functions of the birefringent metamaterial, including circular-to-circular, circular-to-linear(linear-to-circular), linear-to-linear polarization conversions.
ALB3 Insertase Mediates Cytochrome b6 Co-translational Import into the Thylakoid Membrane
Authors: Króliczewski Jarosław , Piskozub Małgorzata , Bartoszewski Rafał , Króliczewska Bożena
Published: October 2016

The cytochrome b6 f complex occupies an electrochemically central position in the electron-transport chain bridging the photosynthetic reaction center of PS I and PS II. In plants, the subunits of these thylakoid membrane protein complexes are both chloroplast and nuclear encoded. How the chloroplast-encoded subunits of multi-spanning cytochrome b6 are targeted and inserted into the thylakoid membrane is not fully understood. Experimental approaches to evaluate the cytochrome b6 import mechanism in vivo have been limited to bacterial membranes and were not a part of the chloroplast environment. To evaluate the mechanism governing cytochrome b6 integration in vivo, we performed a comparative analysis of both native and synthetic cytochrome b6 insertion into purified thylakoids. Using biophysical and biochemical methods, we show that cytochrome b6 insertion into the thylakoid membrane is a non-spontaneous co-translational process that involves ALB3 insertase. Furthermore, we provided evidence that CSP41 (chloroplast stem–loop-binding protein of 41 kDa) interacts with RNC-cytochrome b6 complexes and may be involved in cytochrome b6(petB) transcript stabilization or processing.
Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein is required for normal mouse liver development
Authors: Szunyogova Eva , Zhou Haiyan , Maxwell Gillian K. , Powis Rachael A. , Muntoni Francesco , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Parson Simon H.
Published: October 2016

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Decreased levels of, cell-ubiquitous, SMN protein is associated with a range of systemic pathologies reported in severe patients. Despite high levels of SMN protein in normal liver, there is no comprehensive study of liver pathology in SMA. We describe failed liver development in response to reduced SMN levels, in a mouse model of severe SMA. The SMA liver is dark red, small and has: iron deposition; immature sinusoids congested with blood; persistent erythropoietic elements and increased immature red blood cells; increased and persistent megakaryocytes which release high levels of platelets found as clot-like accumulations in the heart. Myelopoiesis in contrast, was unaffected. Further analysis revealed significant molecular changes in SMA liver, consistent with the morphological findings. Antisense treatment from birth with PMO25, increased lifespan and ameliorated all morphological defects in liver by postnatal day 21. Defects in the liver are evident at birth, prior to motor system pathology, and impair essential liver function in SMA. Liver is a key recipient of SMA therapies, and systemically delivered antisense treatment, completely rescued liver pathology. Liver therefore, represents an important therapeutic target in SMA.
Escherichia coli Braun Lipoprotein (BLP) exhibits endotoxemia – like pathology in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Lakshmikanth Chikkamenahalli Lakshminarayana , Jacob Shancy Petsel , Kudva Avinash Kundadka , Latchoumycandane Calivarathan , Yashaswini Puttaraju Srikanta Murthy , Sumanth Mosale Seetharam , Goncalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano F. , Silva Adriana R. , Singh Sridevi Annapurna , Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo C. , Prabhu Sandeep Kumble , McIntyre Thomas M. , Marathe Gopal Kedihithlu
Published: October 2016

The endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes sepsis, but bacterial peptides also promote inflammation leading to sepsis. We found, intraperitoneal administration of live or heat inactivatedE. coliJE5505 lacking the abundant outer membrane protein, Braun lipoprotein (BLP), was less toxic thanE. coliDH5α possessing BLP in Swiss albino mice. Injection of BLP free of LPS purified fromE. coliDH5α induced massive infiltration of leukocytes in lungs and liver. BLP activated human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)ex vivoto adhere to denatured collagen in serum and polymyxin B independent fashion, a property distinct from LPS. Both LPS and BLP stimulated the synthesis of platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent lipid mediator, in human PMNs. In mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, while both BLP and LPS similarly upregulated TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA; BLP was more potent in inducing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression. Peritoneal macrophages from TLR2−/−mice significantly reduced the production of TNF-α in response to BLP in contrast to macrophages from wild type mice. We conclude, BLP acting through TLR2, is a potent inducer of inflammation with a response profile both common and distinct from LPS. Hence, BLP mediated pathway may also be considered as an effective target against sepsis.