bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entwicklung elterlicher Verhaltensbeurteilung vom Kindergarten bis zum zweiten Schuljahr bei Kindern in Abhängigkeit ihrer Leseleistungen: Erste Ergebnisse einer Longitudinalstudie
Authors: Horbach Josefine , Günther Thomas
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Der Verlauf von Lesestörungen wird durch häufig auftretende komorbide Verhaltensstörungen negativ beeinflusst. Querschnittstudien belegen diesen überzufälligen Zusammenhang zwischen Verhaltensproblemen und Teilleistungsstörungen. Bisher befassten sich wenige Studien mit der Veränderung des Verhaltens in Abhängigkeit mit der Leseentwicklung. Die vorliegende Longitudinalstudie geht der Frage nach, ob und in welcher Weise sich die Verhaltensbeurteilung von Kindern im Elternurteil (CBCL) vom Vorschulalter bis zum Ende der zweiten Klasse abhängig von den Leseleistungen der Kinder verändert. Methodik: Die Leseleistungen von 241 Kindern wurden vom Vorschulalter bis zur zweiten Klasse jährlich untersucht. Parallel beurteilten die Eltern mittels CBCL das Verhalten der Kinder. Ergebnisse: Varianzanalysen mit Messwiederholung zeigten, dass schwache Leser besonders in der ersten Klasse im Gesamtproblemwert der CBCL sowie im externalisierenden Verhalten auffälliger bewertet wurden als im Kindergarten. Im Vorschulalter unterschieden sich die später schwachen von guten Leser in externalisierenden und internalisierenden Symptomen noch nicht, jedoch wiesen sie mehr Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme auf. In der ersten und zweiten Klasse zeigten schwache Leser insgesamt mehr Verhaltensauffälligkeiten als gute Leser. Auch der Anteil der Kinder mit klinisch bedeutsamen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten nahm in der Gruppe der schwachen Leser in der Schulzeit zu. Schlussfolgerung: Diese Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass die Konfrontation mit den Leistungsanforderungen in der Schule für die Kinder eine besondere Belastung darstellt.
The Dark Triad and Trait Versus Ability Emotional	Intelligence
Authors: Jauk Emanuel , Freudenthaler H. Harald , Neubauer Aljoscha C.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A growing body of studies investigates emotional intelligence (EI) in relation to the Dark Triad (DT) personality traits. DT traits seem to be generally associated with lower EI, but findings are still inconsistent, especially with respect to narcissism. The vast majority of studies investigating EI correlates of DT traits relied on self-report measures in terms of trait EI. Currently, there are only sparse reports of relationships between DT traits, trait EI, and performance measures of ability EI. Thus, we investigated the relationships between these constructs in a sample of N = 540 individuals. We performed analyses separately for both sexes as recent research indicates that correlations might differ between women and men. Results showed that in women, reduced trait and ability EI are linked to psychopathy, but not the other DT traits. In men, the pattern of results was more complex: Narcissism was primarily related to lower ability EI, whereas psychopathy was primarily associated with lower trait EI. Machiavellianism was related to higher levels of trait EI in men. These findings suggest that among the DT traits, psychopathy goes along with reduced EI in women, whereas in men narcissism is associated with lower ability EI.
Does Ego-Resilience Impact Friendship Outcomes?
Authors: Lozano Elizabeth B. , Hojjat Mahzad , Sims-Knight Judith
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The present study examined the relationship between resilience and positive outcomes in friendships of young adults. SEM and bootstrapping analyses were performed to test whether positive emotions mediate the relationship between ego-resilience and enhanced friendship outcomes. Findings revealed indirect effects for friendship closeness, maintenance behaviors, and received social support. Our findings demonstrate the importance of positive emotions and its connection with trait resilience in the realm of friendships.
AGU Talent Pool Programs Can Help Students with Next Career Steps
Authors: Asher Pranoti , Wilson Claire , Hankin Erik , Harwell David
Published: June 2016

The pathways to a geosciences career can be confusing and complex, but the American Geophysical Union has a suite of resources to help students and their mentors plan their strategy.
A luciferin analogue generating near-infrared bioluminescence achieves highly sensitive deep-tissue imaging
Authors: Kuchimaru Takahiro , Iwano Satoshi , Kiyama Masahiro , Mitsumata Shun , Kadonosono Tetsuya , Niwa Haruki , Maki Shojiro , Kizaka-Kondoh Shinae
Published: June 2016

In preclinical cancer research, bioluminescence imaging with firefly luciferase and D-luciferin has become a standard to monitor biological processes both in vitro and in vivo. However, the emission maximum (λmax) of bioluminescence produced by D-luciferin is 562 nm where light is not highly penetrable in biological tissues. This emphasizes a need for developing a red-shifted bioluminescence imaging system to improve detection sensitivity of targets in deep tissue. Here we characterize the bioluminescent properties of the newly synthesized luciferin analogue, AkaLumine-HCl. The bioluminescence produced by AkaLumine-HCl in reactions with native firefly luciferase is in the near-infrared wavelength ranges (λmax=677 nm), and yields significantly increased target-detection sensitivity from deep tissues with maximal signals attained at very low concentrations, as compared with D-luciferin and emerging synthetic luciferin CycLuc1. These characteristics offer a more sensitive and accurate method for non-invasive bioluminescence imaging with native firefly luciferase in various animal models.
Failure mechanisms of single-crystal silicon electrodes in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Feifei , Song Zhichao , Ross Philip N. , Somorjai Gabor A. , Ritchie Robert O. , Komvopoulos Kyriakos
Published: June 2016

Long-term durability is a major obstacle limiting the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in heavy-duty applications and others demanding extended lifetime. As one of the root causes of the degradation of battery performance, the electrode failure mechanisms are still unknown. In this paper, we reveal the fundamental fracture mechanisms of single-crystal silicon electrodes over extended lithiation/delithiation cycles, using electrochemical testing, microstructure characterization, fracture mechanics and finite element analysis. Anisotropic lithium invasion causes crack initiation perpendicular to the electrode surface, followed by growth through the electrode thickness. The low fracture energy of the lithiated/unlithiated silicon interface provides a weak microstructural path for crack deflection, accounting for the crack patterns and delamination observed after repeated cycling. On the basis of this physical understanding, we demonstrate how electrolyte additives can heal electrode cracks and provide strategies to enhance the fracture resistance in future lithium-ion batteries from surface chemical, electrochemical and material science perspectives.
Homeobox NKX2-3 promotes marginal-zone lymphomagenesis by activating B-cell receptor signalling and shaping lymphocyte dynamics
Authors: Robles Eloy F. , Mena-Varas Maria , Barrio Laura , Merino-Cortes Sara V. , Balogh Péter , Du Ming-Qing , Akasaka Takashi , Parker Anton , Roa Sergio , Panizo Carlos , Martin-Guerrero Idoia , Siebert Reiner , Segura Victor , Agirre Xabier , Macri-Pellizeri Laura , Aldaz Beatriz , Vilas-Zornoza Amaia , Zhang Shaowei , Moody Sarah , Calasanz Maria Jose , Tousseyn Thomas , Broccardo Cyril , Brousset Pierre , Campos-Sanchez Elena , Cobaleda Cesar , Sanchez-Garcia Isidro , Fernandez-Luna Jose Luis , Garcia-Muñoz Ricardo , Pena Esther , Bellosillo Beatriz , Salar Antonio , Baptista Maria Joao , Hernandez-Rivas Jesús Maria , Gonzalez Marcos , Terol Maria Jose , Climent Joan , Ferrandez Antonio , Sagaert Xavier , Melnick Ari M. , Prosper Felipe , Oscier David G. , Carrasco Yolanda R. , Dyer Martin J. S. , Martinez-Climent Jose A.
Published: June 2016

NKX2 homeobox family proteins have a role in cancer development. Here we show that NKX2-3 is overexpressed in tumour cells from a subset of patients with marginal-zone lymphomas, but not with other B-cell malignancies. While Nkx2-3-deficient mice exhibit the absence of marginal-zone B cells, transgenic mice with expression of NKX2-3 in B cells show marginal-zone expansion that leads to the development of tumours, faithfully recapitulating the principal clinical and biological features of human marginal-zone lymphomas. NKX2-3 induces B-cell receptor signalling by phosphorylating Lyn/Syk kinases, which in turn activate multiple integrins (LFA-1, VLA-4), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, MadCAM-1) and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. These molecules enhance migration, polarization and homing of B cells to splenic and extranodal tissues, eventually driving malignant transformation through triggering NF-κB and PI3K-AKT pathways. This study implicates oncogenic NKX2-3 in lymphomagenesis, and provides a valid experimental mouse model for studying the biology and therapy of human marginal-zone B-cell lymphomas.
A microchip platform for structural oncology applications
Authors: Winton Carly E , Gilmore Brian L , Demmert Andrew C , Karageorge Vasilea , Sheng Zhi , Kelly Deborah F
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in the development of functional materials offer new tools to dissect human health and disease mechanisms. The use of tunable surfaces is especially appealing as substrates can be tailored to fit applications involving specific cell types or tissues. Here we use tunable materials to facilitate the three-dimensional (3D) analysis of BRCA1 gene regulatory complexes derived from human cancer cells. We employed a recently developed microchip platform to isolate BRCA1 protein assemblies natively formed in breast cancer cells with and without BRCA1 mutations. The captured assemblies proved amenable to cryo-electron microscopy (EM) imaging and downstream computational analysis. Resulting 3D structures reveal the manner in which wild-type BRCA1 engages the RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) core complex that contained K63-linked ubiquitin moieties—a putative signal for DNA repair. Importantly, we also determined that molecular assemblies harboring the BRCA15382insC mutation exhibited altered protein interactions and ubiquitination patterns compared to wild-type complexes. Overall, our analyses proved optimal for developing new structural oncology applications involving patient-derived cancer cells, while expanding our knowledge of BRCA1’s role in gene regulatory events.
Novel high throughput pooled shRNA screening identifies NQO1 as a potential drug target for host directed therapy for tuberculosis
Authors: Li Qing , Karim Ahmad F. , Ding Xuedong , Das Biswajit , Dobrowolski Curtis , Gibson Richard M. , Quiñones-Mateu Miguel E. , Karn Jonathan , Rojas Roxana E.
Published: June 2016

Chemical regulation of macrophage function is one key strategy for developing host-directed adjuvant therapies for tuberculosis (TB). A critical step to develop these therapies is the identification and characterization of specific macrophage molecules and pathways with a high potential to serve as drug targets. Using a barcoded lentivirus-based pooled short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) library combined with next generation sequencing, we identified 205 silenced host genes highly enriched in mycobacteria-resistant macrophages. Twenty-one of these “hits” belonged to the oxidoreductase functional category. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) was the top oxidoreductase “hit”. NQO1 expression was increased after mycobacterial infection, and NQO1 knockdown increased macrophage differentiation, NF-κB activation, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in response to infection. This suggests that mycobacteria hijacks NQO1 to down-regulate pro-inflammatory and anti-bacterial functions. The competitive inhibitor of NQO1 dicoumarol synergized with rifampin to promote intracellular killing of mycobacteria. Thus, NQO1 is a new host target in mycobacterial infection that could potentially be exploited to increase antibiotic efficacy in vivo. Our findings also suggest that pooled shRNA libraries could be valuable tools for genome-wide screening in the search for novel druggable host targets for adjunctive TB therapies.
Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Tear Function and Correlation between Conjunctival Goblet Cells and Tear MUC5AC Concentration in Office Workers
Authors: Uchino Yuichi , Uchino Miki , Yokoi Norihiko , Dogru Murat , Kawashima Motoko , Komuro Aoi , Sonomura Yukiko , Kato Hiroaki , Argüeso Pablo , Kinoshita Shigeru , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: June 2016

The first aim of this study was to clarify whether cigarette smoking affects tear secretion, goblet cell density, and tear MUC5AC concentration. The second purpose was to evaluate the correlations of conjunctival goblet cell density with tear MUC5AC concentration and other ocular surface evaluation factors. This cross-sectional study included 88 office workers. All subjects were required to fill in dry eye and smoking questionnaires, in addition to ocular surface evaluation. Tear wash fluid was collected from inferior fornix, and conjunctival epithelium was obtained by impression cytology. Tear MUC5AC concentration was quantified using enzyme-linked immunoassay, and conjunctival goblet cell density was counted after Periodic-acid Schiff staining. Tear MUC5AC concentration had significant positive correlation with conjunctival goblet cell density (r = 0.181, P = 0.03). In current smokers, Schirmer I test value, goblet cell density and tear MUC5AC concentration were significantly lower than non-smokers. Pack-years of smoking have significant negative correlation with goblet cell density (r = −0.174, P = 0.036) and tear MUC5AC concentration (r = −0.183, P = 0.028). We concluded that smoking might decrease tear secretion, goblet cell density and tear MUC5AC concentration. In addition, MUC5AC concentration in tears depends on goblet cell density in the conjunctiva among office workers.
Gender, Contraceptives and Individual Metabolic Predisposition Shape a Healthy Plasma Lipidome
Authors: Sales Susanne , Graessler Juergen , Ciucci Sara , Al-Atrib Rania , Vihervaara Terhi , Schuhmann Kai , Kauhanen Dimple , Sysi-Aho Marko , Bornstein Stefan R. , Bickle Marc , Cannistraci Carlo V. , Ekroos Kim , Shevchenko Andrej
Published: June 2016

Lipidomics of human blood plasma is an emerging biomarker discovery approach that compares lipid profiles under pathological and physiologically normal conditions, but how a healthy lipidome varies within the population is poorly understood. By quantifying 281 molecular species from 27 major lipid classes in the plasma of 71 healthy young Caucasians whose 35 clinical blood test and anthropometric indices matched the medical norm, we provided a comprehensive, expandable and clinically relevant resource of reference molar concentrations of individual lipids. We established that gender is a major lipidomic factor, whose impact is strongly enhanced by hormonal contraceptives and mediated by sex hormone-binding globulin. In lipidomics epidemiological studies should avoid mixed-gender cohorts and females taking hormonal contraceptives should be considered as a separate sub-cohort. Within a gender-restricted cohort lipidomics revealed a compositional signature that indicates the predisposition towards an early development of metabolic syndrome in ca. 25% of healthy male individuals suggesting a healthy plasma lipidome as resource for early biomarker discovery.
TLR2/4 deficiency prevents oxygen-induced vascular degeneration and promotes revascularization by downregulating IL-17 in the retina
Authors: He Chang , Lai Peilong , Wang Jing , Zhou Tian , Huang Zijing , Zhou Lingli , Liu Xialin
Published: June 2016

Vascular degeneration is a critical pathological process in many human degenerative diseases, which need efficient ways to revascularization. However, little is known about cellular and molecular mechanisms that are used during vascular degeneration and revascularization. Here, we show that Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) double deficiency suppressed hyperoxia induced retinal vessel regression in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Notably, the TLR2/4−/− mice experienced more revascularization after reduced vessel regression compared with wild-type mice, accompanied with less activation of glial cells. Mechanistically, TLR2/4 activation can tip the balance between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells towards Th17 cells, a critical source of the IL-17A. Less migration and infiltration of IL-17A-expressing proinflammatory cells but elevated regulatory T cells were observed in OIR-retinae from TLR2/4−/− mice. Coincidentally, TLR2/4 deficiency suppressed IL-17A production and increased expressions of anti-inflammatory genes. Furthermore, IL-17A promoted activation of glial cells. IL-17A blockade using a neutralizing antibody alleviated retinal cell apoptosis and glial activation in C57/B6-OIR mice, demonstrating the important role of IL-17A pathway in glial function during revascularization. Thus TLR2/4-mediated IL-17A inflammatory signaling is involved in vessel degeneration and revascularization, indicating that modulation of the TLR2/4-IL-17A pathway may be a novel therapeutic strategy for degenerative diseases.
Preserved neurogenesis in non-demented individuals with AD neuropathology
Authors: Briley David , Ghirardi Valeria , Woltjer Randy , Renck Alicia , Zolochevska Olga , Taglialatela Giulio , Micci Maria-Adelaide
Published: June 2016

Rare individuals remain cognitively intact despite the presence of neuropathology usually associated with fully symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which we refer to as Non-Demented with Alzheimer’s disease Neuropathology (NDAN). Understanding the involved mechanism(s) of their cognitive resistance may reveal novel strategies to treat AD-related dementia. In the pursuit of this goal, we determined the number of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) and investigated the expression of several miRNAs in NDAN and AD subjects. Laser-capture microdissection of autopsy human hippocampus DG and qRT-PCR miRNA analyses were combined with immunofluorescence in this study. The number of SOX2+ NSCs in the DG was significantly increased in NDAN individuals as compared to AD subjects. Further, the prevalence of SOX2+ NSCs was found to correlate with cognitive capacity. Neurogenesis-regulating miRNAs were decreased in NDAN individuals as compared to AD patients. An increased number of NSCs and new neurons in NDAN individuals is associated with a unique expression of regulating miRNAs and strongly support a role of neurogenesis in mediating, in part, the ability of these individuals to resist the pathological burden of AD.
Moral Bargain Hunters Purchase Moral Righteousness When it is Cheap: Within-Individual Effect of Stake Size in Economic Games
Authors: Yamagishi Toshio , Li Yang , Matsumoto Yoshie , Kiyonari Toko
Published: June 2016

Despite the repeatedly raised criticism that findings in economic games are specific to situations involving trivial incentives, most studies that have examined the stake-size effect have failed to find a strong effect. Using three prisoner’s dilemma experiments, involving 479 non-student residents of suburban Tokyo and 162 students, we show here that stake size strongly affects a player’s cooperation choices in prisoner’s dilemma games when stake size is manipulated within each individual such that each player faces different stake sizes. Participants cooperated at a higher rate when stakes were lower than when they were higher, regardless of the absolute stake size. These findings suggest that participants were ‘moral bargain hunters’ who purchased moral righteousness at a low price when they were provided with a ‘price list’ of prosocial behaviours. In addition, the moral bargain hunters who cooperated at a lower stake but not at a higher stake did not cooperate in a single-stake one-shot game.
Simulated warming shifts the flowering phenology and sexual reproduction of Cardamine hirsuta under different Planting densities
Authors: Cao YuSong , Xiao Yian , Huang Haiqun , Xu Jiancheng , Hu Wenhai , Wang Ning
Published: June 2016

Climate warming can shift the reproductive phenology of plant and hence dramatically reduced the reproductive capacity both of density-dependent and -independent plant species. But it is still unclear how climate warming affects flowering phenology and reproductive allocation of plant under different planting densities. Here, we assessed the impact of simulated warming on flowering phenology and sexual reproduction in the ephemeral herb Cardamine hirsuta under four densities. We found that simulated warming delayed the onset of flowering averagely for 3.6 days but preceded the end of flowering for about 1 day, which indicated climate warming shortened the duration of the flowering. And the flowering amplitude in the peak flowering day also dramatically increased in the simulated warming treatment, which caused a mass-flowering pattern. Climate warming significantly increased the weights of the fruits, seeds and seed, but reduced fruit length and sexual reproductive allocation under all the four densities. The duration of flowering was shortened and the weights of the fruits, seeds and seed and sexual reproductive allocation were reduced under The highest density.
A new bifunctional hybrid nanostructure as an active platform for photothermal therapy and MR imaging
Authors: Khafaji Mona , Vossoughi Manouchehr , Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza , Dinarvand Rassoul , Börrnert Felix , Irajizad Azam
Published: June 2016

As a bi-functional cancer treatment agent, a new hybrid nanostructure is presented which can be used for photothermal therapy by exposure to one order of magnitude lower laser powers compared to similar nanostructures in addition to substantial enhancment in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast. This gold-iron oxide hybrid nanostructure (GIHN) is synthesized by a cost-effective and high yield water-based approach. The GIHN is sheilded by PEG. Therefore, it shows high hemo and biocompatibility and more than six month stability. Alongside earlier nanostructures, the heat generation rate of GIHN is compareable with surfactnat-capped gold nanorods (GNRs). Two reasons are behind this enhancement: Firstly the distance between GNRs and SPIONs is adjusted in a way that the surface plasmon resonance of the new nanostructure is similar to bare GNRs and secondly the fraction of GNRs is raised in the hybrid nanostructure. GIHN is then applied as a photothermal agent using laser irradiation with power as low as 0.5 W.cm−2 and only 32% of human breast adenocarcinoma cells could survive. The GIHN also acts as a dose-dependent transvers relaxation time (T2) MRI contrast agent. The results show that the GINH can be considered as a good candidate for multimodal photothermal therapy and MRI.
Single-stranded DNA library preparation uncovers the origin and diversity of ultrashort cell-free DNA in plasma
Authors: Burnham Philip , Kim Min Seong , Agbor-Enoh Sean , Luikart Helen , Valantine Hannah A. , Khush Kiran K. , De Vlaminck Iwijn
Published: June 2016

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is emerging as a powerful monitoring tool in cancer, pregnancy and organ transplantation. Nucleosomal DNA, the predominant form of plasma cfDNA, can be adapted for sequencing via ligation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) adapters. dsDNA library preparations, however, are insensitive to ultrashort, degraded cfDNA. Drawing inspiration from advances in paleogenomics, we have applied a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) library preparation method to sequencing of cfDNA in the plasma of lung transplant recipients (40 samples, six patients). We found that ssDNA library preparation yields a greater portion of sub-100 bp nuclear genomic cfDNA (p"Equation missing"10−5, Mann-Whitney U Test), and an increased relative abundance of mitochondrial (10.7x,p"Equation missing"10−5) and microbial cfDNA (71.3x,p"Equation missing"10−5). The higher yield of microbial sequences from this method increases the sensitivity of cfDNA-based monitoring for infections following transplantation. We detail the fragmentation pattern of mitochondrial, nuclear genomic and microbial cfDNA over a broad fragment length range. We report the observation of donor-specific mitochondrial cfDNA in the circulation of lung transplant recipients. A ssDNA library preparation method provides a more informative window into understudied forms of cfDNA, including mitochondrial and microbial derived cfDNA and short nuclear genomic cfDNA, while retaining information provided by standard dsDNA library preparation methods.
Broad-spectrum resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins by western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)
Authors: Jakka Siva R. K. , Shrestha Ram B. , Gassmann Aaron J.
Published: June 2016

The evolution of resistance and cross-resistance threaten the sustainability of genetically engineered crops that produce insecticidal toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a serious pest of maize and has been managed with Bt maize since 2003. We conducted laboratory bioassays with maize hybrids producing Bt toxins Cry3Bb1, mCry3A, eCry3.1Ab, and Cry34/35Ab1, which represent all commercialized Bt toxins for management of western corn rootworm. We tested populations from fields where severe injury to Cry3Bb1 maize was observed, and populations that had never been exposed to Bt maize. Consistent with past studies, bioassays indicated that field populations were resistant to Cry3Bb1 maize and mCry3A maize, and that cross-resistance was present between these two types of Bt maize. Additionally, bioassays revealed resistance to eCry3.1Ab maize and cross-resistance among Cry3Bb1, mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab. However, no resistance or cross-resistance was detected for Cry34/35Ab1 maize. This broad-spectrum resistance illustrates the potential for insect pests to develop resistance rapidly to multiple Bt toxins when structural similarities are present among toxins, and raises concerns about the long-term durability of Bt crops for management of some insect pests.
The velocity of collateral filling predicts recanalization in acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhang Xiaocheng , Yan Shenqiang , Lai Yangxiao , Han Quan , Sun Jianzhong , Zhang Minming , Parsons Mark W. , Wang Shaoshi , Lou Min
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pretreatment quality of collaterals, involving velocity and extent of collateral filling, on recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). A retrospective analysis was performed of 66 patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment occlusion who underwent MR perfusion (MRP) imaging before IVT. The velocity of collateral filling was defined as arrival time delay (ATD) of contrast bolus to Sylvian fissure between the normal and the affected hemisphere. The extent of collateral filling was assessed according to the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score on temporally fused maximum intensity projections (tMIP). Arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) score was used to assess the degree of arterial recanalization. ATD (OR = 0.775, 95% CI = 0.626–0.960, p = 0.020), but not tMIP-ASPECT score (OR = 1.073, 95% CI = 0.820–1.405, p = 0.607), was independently associated with recanalization (AOL score of 2 and 3) at 24 hours after IVT. When recanalization was achieved, hemorrhagic transformation (HT) occurred more frequently in patients with slow collaterals (ATD ≥ 2.3 seconds) than those with rapid collaterals (ATD < 2.3 seconds) (88.9% vs 38.1%, p = 0.011). In conclusion, the velocity of collaterals related to recanalization, which may guide the decision-making of revascularization therapy in acute ischemic stroke.
Visible to near-infrared refractive properties of freshly-excised human-liver tissues: marking hepatic malignancies
Authors: Giannios Panagiotis , Toutouzas Konstantinos G. , Matiatou Maria , Stasinos Konstantinos , Konstadoulakis Manousos M. , Zografos George C. , Moutzouris Konstantinos
Published: June 2016

The refractive index is an optical constant that plays a significant role in the description of light-matter interactions. When it comes to biological media, refraction is understudied despite recent advances in the field of bio-optics. In the present article, we report on the measurement of the refractive properties of freshly excised healthy and cancerous human liver samples, by use of a prism-coupling technique covering the visible and near-infrared spectral range. Novel data on the wavelength-dependent complex refractive index of human liver tissues are presented. The magnitude of the real and imaginary part of the refractive index is correlated with hepatic pathology. Notably, the real index contrast is pointed out as a marker of discrimination between normal liver tissue and hepatic metastases. In view of the current progress in optical biosensor technologies, our findings may be exploited for the development of novel surgical and endoscopic tools.
miR-144 and targets, c-fos and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), modulate synthesis of PGE2 in the amnion during pregnancy and labor
Authors: Li Huanan , Zhou Jiawei , Wei Xiajie , Chen Ran , Geng Junnan , Zheng Rong , Chai Jin , Li Fenge , Jiang Siwen
Published: June 2016

Labor is initiated as a result of hormonal changes that are induced by the activation of the inflammatory response and a series of biochemical events. The amnion, which is the primary source of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), plays an important role in the process of labor. In the present study, we uncovered a pathway in which c-fos, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and miR-144 function as hormonal modulators in the amnions of pregnant mice and humans. miR-144 down-regulated the synthesis of PGE2 during pregnancy by directly and indirectly inhibiting COX2 expression and by directly inhibiting the expression of c-fos, a transcriptional activator of COX2 and miR-144. Estrogen (E2) activated c-fos, thus promoting the expression of miR-144 and COX2 during labor. However, the increase in COX2 resulted in the partial inhibition of COX2 expression by miR-144, thereby slightly reducing the secretion of PGE2. These observations suggest that miR-144 inhibits PGE2 secretion by section to prevent the initiation of premature labor. Up-regulated expression of miR-144, c-fos and COX2 was also observed both in preterm mice and in mice undergoing normal labor. In summary, miR-144, c-fos and COX2 play important roles in regulating PGE2 secretion in the amnion during pregnancy and labor.
Two distinct superconducting phases in LiFeAs
Authors: Nag P. K. , Schlegel R. , Baumann D. , Grafe H.-J. , Beck R. , Wurmehl S. , Büchner B. , Hess C.
Published: June 2016

A non-trivial temperature evolution of superconductivity including a temperature-induced phase transition between two superconducting phases or even a time-reversal symmetry breaking order parameter is in principle expected in multiband superconductors such as iron-pnictides. Here we present scanning tunnelling spectroscopy data of LiFeAs which reveal two distinct superconducting phases: at "Equation missing" = 18 K a partial superconducting gap opens, evidenced by subtle, yet clear features in the tunnelling spectra, i.e. particle-hole symmetric coherence peak and dip-hump structures. At Tc = 16 K, these features substantiate dramatically and become characteristic of full superconductivity. Remarkably, the distance between the dip-hump structures and the coherence peaks remains practically constant in the whole temperature regimeT ≤ "Equation missing". This rules out the connection of the dip-hump structures to an antiferromagnetic spin resonance.
Surfactant-activated lipase hybrid nanoflowers with enhanced enzymatic performance
Authors: Cui Jiandong , Zhao Yamin , Liu Ronglin , Zhong Cheng , Jia Shiru
Published: June 2016

Increasing numbers of materials have been extensively used as platforms for enzyme immobilization to improve catalytic performance. However, activity of the most of the enzymes was declined after immobilization. Here, we develop a surfactant-activated lipase-inorganic flowerlike hybrid nanomaterials with rational design based on interfacial activation and self-assembly. The resulting surfactant-activated lipase-inorganic hybird nanoflower (activated hNF-lipase) exhibited 460% and 200% higher activity than native lipase and conventional lipase-inorganic hybird nanoflower (hNF-lipase). Furthermore, the activated hNF-lipase displayed good reusability due to its monodispersity and mechanical properties, and had excellent long-time stability. The superior catalytic performances were attributed to both the conformational modulation of surfactants and hierarchical structure of nanoflowers, which not only anchored lipases in an active form, but also decreased the enzyme-support negative interaction and mass-transfer limitations. This new biocatalytic system is promising to find widespread use in applications related to biomedicine, biosensor, and biodiesel.
Morphological and physiological changes induced by contact-dependent interaction between Candida albicans and Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Bor Batbileg , Cen Lujia , Agnello Melissa , Shi Wenyuan , He Xuesong
Published: June 2016

Candida albicans and Fusobacterium nucleatum are well-studied oral commensal microbes with pathogenic potential that are involved in various oral polymicrobial infectious diseases. Recently, we demonstrated that F. nucleatum ATCC 23726 coaggregates with C. albicans SN152, a process mainly mediated by fusobacterial membrane protein RadD and Candida cell wall protein Flo9. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential biological impact of this inter-kingdom interaction. We found that F. nucleatum ATCC 23726 inhibits growth and hyphal morphogenesis of C. albicans SN152 in a contact-dependent manner. Further analysis revealed that the inhibition of Candida hyphal morphogenesis is mediated via RadD and Flo9 protein pair. Using a murine macrophage cell line, we showed that the F. nucleatum-induced inhibition of Candida hyphal morphogenesis promotes C. albicans survival and negatively impacts the macrophage-killing capability of C. albicans. Furthermore, the yeast form of C. albicans repressed F. nucleatum-induced MCP-1 and TNFα production in macrophages. Our study suggests that the interaction between C. albicans and F. nucleatum leads to a mutual attenuation of virulence, which may function to promote a long-term commensal lifestyle within the oral cavity. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of inter-kingdom interaction and may impact clinical treatment strategies.
Encapsulation of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles into N, S co-Doped Graphene Sheets with Greatly Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Yang Zunxian , Qian Kun , Lv Jun , Yan Wenhuan , Liu Jiahui , Ai Jingwei , Zhang Yuxiang , Guo Tailiang , Zhou Xiongtu , Xu Sheng , Guo Zaiping
Published: June 2016

Particular N, S co-doped graphene/Fe3O4 hybrids have been successfully synthesized by the combination of a simple hydrothermal process and a subsequent carbonization heat treatment. The nanostructures exhibit a unique composite architecture, with uniformly dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles and N, S co-doped graphene encapsulant. The particular porous characteristics with many meso/micro holes/pores, the highly conductive N, S co-doped graphene, as well as the encapsulating N, S co-doped graphene with the high-level nitrogen and sulfur doping, lead to excellent electrochemical performance of the electrode. The N-S-G/Fe3O4 composite electrode exhibits a high initial reversible capacity of 1362.2 mAhg−1, a high reversible specific capacity of 1055.20 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles, and excellent cycling stability and rate capability, with specific capacity of 556.69 mAhg−1 when cycled at the current density of 1000 mAg−1, indicating that the N-S-G/Fe3O4 composite is a promising anode candidate for Li-ion batteries.
The outcomes and prognostic factors of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Lai Chih-Cheng , Shieh Jiunn-Min , Chiang Shyh-Ren , Chiang Kuo-Hwa , Weng Shih-Feng , Ho Chung-Han , Tseng Kuei-Ling , Cheng Kuo-Chen
Published: June 2016

The aims of this study were to investigate the outcomes of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) and to identify risk factors associated with its mortality rate. All patients admitted to the respiratory care centre (RCC) who required PMV (the use of MV ≥21 days) between January 2006 and December 2014 were enrolled. A total of 1,821 patients were identified; their mean age was 69.8 ± 14.2 years and 521 patients (28.6%) were aged >80 years. Upon RCC admission, the APACHE II scores were 16.5 ± 6.3 and 1,311 (72.0%) patients had at least one comorbidity. Pulmonary infection was the most common diagnosis (n = 770, 42.3%). A total of 320 patients died during hospitalization and the in-hospital mortality rate was 17.6%. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that patients were more likely to die if they who were >80 years of age, had lower albumin levels (<2 g/dl) and higher APACHE II scores (≥15), required haemodialysis, or had a comorbidity. In conclusion, the in-hospital mortality for patients requiring PMV in our study was 17% and mortality was associated with disease severity, hypoalbuminaemia, haemodialysis and an older age.
nanoSQUID operation using kinetic rather than magnetic induction
Authors: McCaughan Adam N. , Zhao Qingyuan , Berggren Karl K.
Published: June 2016

We report on a method of nanoSQUID modulation which uses kinetic inductance rather than magnetic inductance to manip-ulate the internal fluxoid state. We produced modulation using injected current rather than an applied magnetic field. Using this injected current, we were able to observe the triangle-wave shaped modulation of the device critical current which was periodic according to the London fluxoid quantization condition. The measurement results also confirmed that the fluxoid state inside a superconducting loop can be manipulated using primarily kinetic inductance. By using primarily kinetic inductance rather than magnetic inductance, the size of the coupling inductor was reduced by a factor of 10. As a result, this approach may provide a means to reduce the size of SQUID-based superconducting electronics. Additionally, this method provides a convenient way to perform kinetic inductance characterizations of superconducting thin films.
Epigenetic differences in monozygotic twins discordant for major depressive disorder
Authors: Malki K , Koritskaya E , Harris F , Bryson K , Herbster M , Tosto M G
Published: June 2016

Although monozygotic (MZ) twins share the majority of their genetic makeup, they can be phenotypically discordant on several traits and diseases. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that can be influenced by genetic, environmental and stochastic events and may have an important impact on individual variability. In this study we explored epigenetic differences in peripheral blood samples in three MZ twin studies on major depressive disorder (MDD). Epigenetic data for twin pairs were collected as part of a previous study using 8.1-K-CpG microarrays tagging DNA modification in white blood cells from MZ twins discordant for MDD. Data originated from three geographical regions: UK, Australia and the Netherlands. Ninety-seven MZ pairs (194 individuals) discordant for MDD were included. Different methods to address non independently-and-identically distributed (non-i.i.d.) data were evaluated. Machine-learning methods with feature selection centered on support vector machine and random forest were used to build a classifier to predict cases and controls based on epivariations. The most informative variants were mapped to genes and carried forward for network analysis. A mixture approach using principal component analysis (PCA) and Bayes methods allowed to combine the three studies and to leverage the increased predictive power provided by the larger sample. A machine-learning algorithm with feature reduction classified affected from non-affected twins above chance levels in an independent training-testing design. Network analysis revealed gene networks centered on the PPAR−γ (NR1C3) and C-MYC gene hubs interacting through the AP-1 (c-Jun) transcription factor. PPAR−γ (NR1C3) is a drug target for pioglitazone, which has been shown to reduce depression symptoms in patients with MDD. Using a data-driven approach we were able to overcome challenges of non-i.i.d. data when combining epigenetic studies from MZ twins discordant for MDD. Individually, the studies yielded negative results but when combined classification of the disease state from blood epigenome alone was possible. Network analysis revealed genes and gene networks that support the inflammation hypothesis of MDD.
Elevated paternal glucocorticoid exposure alters the small noncoding RNA profile in sperm and modifies anxiety and depressive phenotypes in the offspring
Authors: Short A K , Fennell K A , Perreau V M , Fox A , O’Bryan M K , Kim J H , Bredy T W , Pang T Y , Hannan A J
Published: June 2016

Recent studies have suggested that physiological and behavioral traits may be transgenerationally inherited through the paternal lineage, possibly via non-genomic signals derived from the sperm. To investigate how paternal stress might influence offspring behavioral phenotypes, a model of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation was used. Male breeders were administered water supplemented with corticosterone (CORT) for 4 weeks before mating with untreated female mice. Female, but not male, F1 offspring of CORT-treated fathers displayed altered fear extinction at 2 weeks of age. Only male F1 offspring exhibited altered patterns of ultrasonic vocalization at postnatal day 3 and, as adults, showed decreased time in open on the elevated-plus maze and time in light on the light–dark apparatus, suggesting a hyperanxiety-like behavioral phenotype due to paternal CORT treatment. Interestingly, expression of the paternally imprinted gene Igf2 was increased in the hippocampus of F1 male offspring but downregulated in female offspring. Male and female F2 offspring displayed increased time spent in the open arm of the elevated-plus maze, suggesting lower levels of anxiety compared with control animals. Only male F2 offspring showed increased immobility time on the forced-swim test and increased latency to feed on the novelty-supressed feeding test, suggesting a depression-like phenotype in these animals. Collectively, these data provide evidence that paternal CORT treatment alters anxiety and depression-related behaviors across multiple generations. Analysis of the small RNA profile in sperm from CORT-treated males revealed marked effects on the expression of small noncoding RNAs. Sperm from CORT-treated males contained elevated levels of three microRNAs, miR-98, miR-144 and miR-190b, which are predicted to interact with multiple growth factors, including Igf2 and Bdnf. Sustained elevation of glucocorticoids is therefore involved in the transmission of paternal stress-induced traits across generations in a process involving small noncoding RNA signals transmitted by the male germline.
Ultrasensitive detection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone based on azo coupling and surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sui Huimin , Wang Yue , Zhang Xiaolei , Wang Xiaolei , Cheng Weina , Su Hongyang , Wang Xu , Sun Xiaoying , Han Xiao Xia , Zhao Bing , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: June 2016

A SERRS-based assay for thyrotropin-releasing hormone quantification coupled with the azo reaction was proposed with simplicity, rapidness, selectivity and ultrahigh sensitivity.
Photo-induced motion of azo dyes in organized media: from single and liquid crystals, to MOFs and machines
Authors: Bushuyev O. S. , Friščić T. , Barrett C. J.
Published: June 2016

Incorporation of photo-reversible azo dyes into molecular assemblies provides a new family of advanced optical and photo-mechanical materials that enable the direct transformation of light energy into mechanical motion.
Intrusion–extrusion spring performance of –COK-14 zeolite enhanced by structural changes
Authors: Kirschhock Christine E. A. , De Prins Michiel , Verheijen Elke , Ryzhikov Andrey , Jean Daou T. , Nouali Habiba , Taulelle Francis , Martens Johan A. , Patarin Joël
Published: June 2016

Unusual energetic behaviour of –COK-14 zeolite in high pressure intrusion–extrusion cycles of 20 M LiCl solution.
Bifurcate localization modes of excess electron in aqueous Ca2+⋯amide solution revealed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulation: towards hydrated electron versus hydrated amide anion
Authors: Zhang Ru , Bu Yuxiang
Published: June 2016

Ca2+⋯amide interaction governs bifurcate localization modes of an excess electron in aqueous Ca2+⋯amide solution towards a hydrated electron or a hydrated amide anion.
Theoretical investigations of non-noble metal single-atom catalysis: Ni1/FeOx for CO oxidation
Authors: Liang Jin-Xia , Yang Xiao-Feng , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao , Li Jun
Published: June 2016

The single-atom catalyst Ni1/FeOx has a high activity for CO oxidation and the oxygen vacancy on the surface of this catalyst can be created at room temperature.
Alkaline versatile peroxidase by directed evolution
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez David , Mateljak Ivan , Garcia-Ruiz Eva , Ruiz-Dueñas Francisco J. , Martinez Angel T. , Alcalde Miguel
Published: June 2016

A ligninolytic versatile peroxidase was engineered by directed evolution to be active and stable at alkaline pH.
Mechanistic and kinetic insights into the ligand-promoted depassivation of bimetallic zero-valent iron nanoparticles
Authors: He Di , Ma Xiaoming , Jones Adele M. , Ho Lam , Waite T. David
Published: June 2016

Little attention has been given to either the thermodynamics and kinetics of palladium-doped nanoscale zero-valent iron particles (Pd-nZVI) depassivation process or the effect of the presence of co-existent cations using ligand-assisted performance improvement strategies.
S-shooting: a Bennett–Chandler-like method for the computation of rate constants from committor trajectories
Authors: Menzl Georg , Singraber Andreas , Dellago Christoph
Published: June 2016

Mechanisms of rare transitions between long-lived stable states are often analyzed in terms of commitment probabilities, determined from swarms of short molecular dynamics trajectories. Here, we present a computer simulation method to determine rate constants from such short trajectories combined with free energy calculations. The method, akin to the Bennett–Chandler approach for the calculation of reaction rate constants, requires the definition of a valid reaction coordinate and can be applied to both under- and overdamped dynamics. We verify the correctness of the algorithm using a one-dimensional random walker in a double-well potential and demonstrate its applicability to complex transitions in condensed systems by calculating cavitation rates for water at negative pressures.
Systems level analysis of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii metabolic network reveals variability in evolutionary co-conservation
Authors: Chaiboonchoe Amphun , Ghamsari Lila , Dohai Bushra , Ng Patrick , Khraiwesh Basel , Jaiswal Ashish , Jijakli Kenan , Koussa Joseph , Nelson David R. , Cai Hong , Yang Xinping , Chang Roger L. , Papin Jason , Yu Haiyuan , Balaji Santhanam , Salehi-Ashtiani Kourosh
Published: June 2016

Topological and functional analyses of Chlamydomonas metabolic network offers insight into fluidity of gene-pair co-conservation dynamics.
Cell cytotoxicity and serum albumin binding capacity of the morin–Cu(ii) complex and its effect on deoxyribonucleic acid
Authors: Roy Atanu Singha , Samanta Sintu Kumar , Ghosh Pooja , Tripathy Debi Ranjan , Ghosh Sudip Kumar , Dasgupta Swagata
Published: June 2016

Oxidative DNA damage is confirmed by the morin–Cu(ii) complex and it is also able to inhibit the growth of human HeLa cells. The binding of the morin–Cu(ii) complex with HSA and BSA occurs mainly through hydrophobic forces.