bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutical policy reform in Canada: lessons from history
Authors: Boothe Katherine
Published: February 2018

Canada is the only country with a broad public health system that does not include universal, nationwide coverage for pharmaceuticals. This omission causes real hardship to those Canadians who are not well-served by the existing patchwork of limited provincial plans and private insurance. It also represents significant forgone benefits in terms of governments’ ability to negotiate drug prices, make expensive new drugs available to patients on an equitable basis, and provide integrated health services regardless of therapy type or location. This paper examines Canada’s historical failure to adopt universal pharmaceutical insurance on a national basis, with particular emphasis on the role of public and elite ideas about its supposed lack of affordability. This legacy provides novel lessons about the barriers to reform and potential methods for overcoming them. The paper argues that reform is most likely to be successful if it explicitly addresses entrenched ideas about pharmacare’s affordability and its place in the health system. Reform is also more likely to achieve universal coverage if it is radical, addressing various components of an effective pharmaceutical program simultaneously. In this case, an incremental approach is likely to fail because it will not allow governments to contain costs and realize the social benefits that come along with a universal program, and because it means forgoing the current promising conditions for achieving real change.
Individual Differences in Transportation into Narrative Drama
Authors: Thompson Jacqueline M. , Teasdale Ben , Duncan Sophie , van Emde Boas Evert , Budelmann Felix , Maguire Laurie , Dunbar Robin I. M.
Published: February 2018

Transportation, the experience of feeling “transported” into a fictional world, differs widely across individuals. We examined transportation in 3 studies. Study 1 investigated links between individual differences in various measures of audience response, whereas the latter 2 studies examined links between trait measures (independent variables) and audience response (dependent variables). Study 1 found that individual differences in self-reported transportation to a film explained variation in virtually all other dependent measures, such as identification with characters, emotion, and attribution of blame for the protagonist's struggles. Group bonding after watching the film was nonlinearly related to endorphin response (as measured by pain threshold), and transportation related to these variables as well (although more weakly). Study 2 found that individual differences in celebrity worship predicted transportation, as well as tendency to identify with the characters and approve of their behavior. Study 3 demonstrated that individual differences in trait measures of sensation seeking and empathy independently predicted viewers’ transportation in 2 very different film genres. Transportation measures for both films were highly correlated, suggesting that tendency to be transported may be less genre-specific than other dependent measures. Altogether, these results illustrate the usefulness of individual differences approaches in the psychological study of fiction.
The Reciprocal Path from Possible Self to Core Self-Revision
Authors: Carroll Patrick J.
Published: February 2018

This article brings together work on the causes of possible-self revision with newer work on the consequences of these revisions for revisions in core selves. The first part reviews work on the causes of possible-self revisions. The second part articulates a new model of the interrelationships among core selves, possible selves, and motivated mental strategies to account for growing evidence that earlier revisions of possible selves can produce subsequent revisions in the integrity of core selves. This article closes by unpacking unique implications and future directions of this new account for the reciprocal pathway from revisions of possible selves to revisions in core selves.
Microbial parasites make cyanobacteria blooms less of a trophic dead end than commonly assumed
Authors: Haraldsson Matilda , Gerphagnon Mélanie , Bazin Pauline , Colombet Jonathan , Tecchio Samuele , Sime-Ngando Télesphore , Niquil Nathalie
Published: February 2018

Parasites exist in every ecosystem and can have large influence on food web structure and function, yet, we know little about parasites’ effect on food web dynamics. Here we investigate the role of microbial parasitism (viruses of bacteria, phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, and parasitic chytrids on cyanobacteria) on the dynamics of trophic pathways and food web functioning during a cyanobacteria bloom, using linear inverse food web modeling parameterized with a 2-month long data set (biomasses, infection parameters, etc.). We show the importance of grazing on heterotrophic bacteria (the microbial pathway: DOC → bacteria → consumer) and how consumers depended on bacteria during peak-cyanobacteria bloom, which abundance was partly driven by the viral activity. As bacteria become the main energy pathway to the consumers, the system takes a more web-like structure through increased omnivory, and may thereby facilitate the system’s persistence to the cyanobacteria outbreak. We also showed how the killing of cyanobacteria host cells by chytrids had important impact on the food web dynamics by facilitating grazing on the cyanobacteria, and by offering alternative pathways to the consumers. This seemed to increase the system’s ability to return to a mix of trophic pathways, which theoretically increases the stability of the system.
The meniscus-guided deposition of semiconducting polymers
Authors: Gu Xiaodan , Shaw Leo , Gu Kevin , Toney Michael F. , Bao Zhenan
Published: February 2018

The electronic devices that play a vital role in our daily life are primarily based on silicon and are thus rigid, opaque, and relatively heavy. However, new electronics relying on polymer semiconductors are opening up new application spaces like stretchable and self-healing sensors and devices, and these can facilitate the integration of such devices into our homes, our clothing, and even our bodies. While there has been tremendous interest in such technologies, the widespread adoption of these organic electronics requires low-cost manufacturing techniques. Fortunately, the realization of organic electronics can take inspiration from a technology developed since the beginning of the Common Era: printing. This review addresses the critical issues and considerations in the printing methods for organic electronics, outlines the fundamental fluid mechanics, polymer physics, and deposition parameters involved in the fabrication process, and provides future research directions for the next generation of printed polymer electronics.
A supramolecular lanthanide separation approach based on multivalent cooperative enhancement of metal ion selectivity
Authors: Li Xiao-Zhen , Zhou Li-Peng , Yan Liang-Liang , Dong Ya-Min , Bai Zhuan-Ling , Sun Xiao-Qi , Diwu Juan , Wang Shuao , Bünzli Jean-Claude , Sun Qing-Fu
Published: February 2018

Multivalent cooperativity plays an important role in the supramolecular self-assembly process. Herein, we report a remarkable cooperative enhancement of both structural integrity and metal ion selectivity on metal-organic M4L4 tetrahedral cages self-assembled from a tris-tridentate ligand (L1) with a variety of metal ions spanning across the periodic table, including alkaline earth (CaII), transition (CdII), and all the lanthanide (LnIII) metal ions. All these M4L14 cages are stable to excess metal ions and ligands, which is in sharp contrast with the tridentate (L2) ligand and bis-tridentate (L3) ligand bearing the same coordination motif as L1. Moreover, high-precision metal ion self-sorting is observed during the mixed-metal self-assembly of tetrahedral M4L4 cages, but not on the M2L3 counterparts. Based on the strong cooperative metal ion self-recognition behavior of M4L4 cages, a supramolecular approach to lanthanide separation is demonstrated, offering a new design principle of next-generation extractants for highly efficient lanthanide separation.
Author Correction: The F-box protein FKF1 inhibits dimerization of COP1 in the control of photoperiodic flowering
Authors: Lee Byoung-Doo , Kim Mi Ri , Kang Min-Young , Cha Joon-Yung , Han Su-Hyun , Nawkar Ganesh M. , Sakuraba Yasuhito , Lee Sang Yeol , Imaizumi Takato , McClung C. Robertson , Kim Woe-Yeon , Paek Nam-Chon
Published: February 2018

The previously published version of this Article contained errors in Figure 5. In panel c, the second and fourth blot images were incorrectly labeled ‘α-Myc’ and should have been labelled ‘α-HA’. These errors have been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
High contiguity Arabidopsis thaliana genome assembly with a single nanopore flow cell
Authors: Michael Todd P. , Jupe Florian , Bemm Felix , Motley S. Timothy , Sandoval Justin P. , Lanz Christa , Loudet Olivier , Weigel Detlef , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: February 2018

The handheld Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencer generates ultra-long reads with minimal cost and time requirements, which makes sequencing genomes at the bench feasible. Here, we sequence the gold standard Arabidopsis thaliana genome (KBS-Mac-74 accession) on the bench with the MinION sequencer, and assemble the genome using typical consumer computing hardware (4 Cores, 16 Gb RAM) into chromosome arms (62 contigs with an N50 length of 12.3 Mb). We validate the contiguity and quality of the assembly with two independent single-molecule technologies, Bionano optical genome maps and Pacific Biosciences Sequel sequencing. The new A. thaliana KBS-Mac-74 genome enables resolution of a quantitative trait locus that had previously been recalcitrant to a Sanger-based BAC sequencing approach. In summary, we demonstrate that even when the purpose is to understand complex structural variation at a single region of the genome, complete genome assembly is becoming the simplest way to achieve this goal.
Stratification of TAD boundaries reveals preferential insulation of super-enhancers by strong boundaries
Authors: Gong Yixiao , Lazaris Charalampos , Sakellaropoulos Theodore , Lozano Aurelie , Kambadur Prabhanjan , Ntziachristos Panagiotis , Aifantis Iannis , Tsirigos Aristotelis
Published: February 2018

The metazoan genome is compartmentalized in areas of highly interacting chromatin known as topologically associating domains (TADs). TADs are demarcated by boundaries mostly conserved across cell types and even across species. However, a genome-wide characterization of TAD boundary strength in mammals is still lacking. In this study, we first use fused two-dimensional lasso as a machine learning method to improve Hi-C contact matrix reproducibility, and, subsequently, we categorize TAD boundaries based on their insulation score. We demonstrate that higher TAD boundary insulation scores are associated with elevated CTCF levels and that they may differ across cell types. Intriguingly, we observe that super-enhancers are preferentially insulated by strong boundaries. Furthermore, we demonstrate that strong TAD boundaries and super-enhancer elements are frequently co-duplicated in cancer patients. Taken together, our findings suggest that super-enhancers insulated by strong TAD boundaries may be exploited, as a functional unit, by cancer cells to promote oncogenesis.
A small molecule inhibitor of Rheb selectively targets mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Mahoney Sarah J. , Narayan Sridhar , Molz Lisa , Berstler Lauren A. , Kang Seong A. , Vlasuk George P. , Saiah Eddine
Published: February 2018

The small G-protein Rheb activates the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in response to growth factor signals. mTORC1 is a master regulator of cellular growth and metabolism; aberrant mTORC1 signaling is associated with fibrotic, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and rare disorders. Point mutations in the Rheb switch II domain impair its ability to activate mTORC1. Here, we report the discovery of a small molecule (NR1) that binds Rheb in the switch II domain and selectively blocks mTORC1 signaling. NR1 potently inhibits mTORC1 driven phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) but does not inhibit phosphorylation of AKT or ERK. In contrast to rapamycin, NR1 does not cause inhibition of mTORC2 upon prolonged treatment. Furthermore, NR1 potently and selectively inhibits mTORC1 in mouse kidney and muscle in vivo. The data presented herein suggest that pharmacological inhibition of Rheb is an effective approach for selective inhibition of mTORC1 with therapeutic potential.
Silicon-Organic Hybrid (SOH) Mach-Zehnder Modulators for 100 Gbit/s on-off Keying
Authors: Wolf Stefan , Zwickel Heiner , Hartmann Wladislaw , Lauermann Matthias , Kutuvantavida Yasar , Kieninger Clemens , Altenhain Lars , Schmid Rolf , Luo Jingdong , Jen Alex K.-Y. , Randel Sebastian , Freude Wolfgang , Koos Christian
Published: February 2018

Electro-optic modulators for high-speed on-off keying (OOK) are key components of short- and medium-reach interconnects in data-center networks. Small footprint, cost-efficient large-scale production, small drive voltages and ultra-low power consumption are of paramount importance for such devices. Here we demonstrate that the concept of silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) integration perfectly meets these challenges. The approach combines the unique processing advantages of large-scale silicon photonics with unrivalled electro-optic (EO) coefficients obtained by molecular engineering of organic materials. Our proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate generation and transmission of OOK signals at line rates of up to 100 Gbit/s using a 1.1 mm-long SOH Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) featuring a π-voltage of only 0.9 V. The experiment represents the first demonstration of 100 Gbit/s OOK on the silicon photonic platform, featuring the lowest drive voltage and energy consumption ever demonstrated for a semiconductor-based device at this data rate. We support our results by a theoretical analysis showing that the nonlinear transfer characteristic of the MZM can help to overcome bandwidth limitations of the modulator and the electric driver circuitry. We expect that high-speed, power-efficient SOH modulators may have transformative impact on short-reach networks, enabling compact transceivers with unprecedented efficiency, thus building the base of future interfaces with Tbit/s data rates.
Evaluation of PD-L1 expression on vortex-isolated circulating tumor cells in metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Dhar Manjima , Wong Jessica , Che James , Matsumoto Melissa , Grogan Tristan , Elashoff David , Garon Edward B. , Goldman Jonathan W. , Sollier Christen Elodie , Di Carlo Dino , Kulkarni Rajan P.
Published: February 2018

Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly fatal and immunogenic malignancy. Although the immune system is known to recognize these tumor cells, one mechanism by which NSCLC can evade the immune system is via overexpression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Recent clinical trials of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors have returned promising clinical responses. Important for personalizing therapy, patients with higher intensity staining for PD-L1 on tumor biopsies responded better. Thus, there has been interest in using PD-L1 tumor expression as a criterion for patient selection. Currently available methods of screening involve invasive tumor biopsy, followed by histological grading of PD-L1 levels. Biopsies have a high risk of complications, and only allow sampling from limited tumor sections, which may not reflect overall tumor heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) PD-L1 levels could aid in screening patients, and could supplement tissue PD-L1 biopsy results by testing PD-L1 expression from disseminated tumor sites. Towards establishing CTCs as a screening tool, we developed a protocol to isolate CTCs at high purity and immunostain for PD-L1. Monitoring of PD-L1 expression on CTCs could be an additional biomarker for precision medicine that may help in determining response to immunotherapies.
Optical scheme for generating hyperentanglement having photonic qubit and time-bin via quantum dot and cross-Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Hong Chang Ho , Heo Jino , Kang Min Sung , Jang Jingak , Yang Hyung Jin
Published: February 2018

We design an optical scheme to generate hyperentanglement correlated with degrees of freedom (DOFs) via quantum dots (QDs), weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities (XKNLs), and linearly optical apparatuses (including time-bin encoders). For generating hyperentanglement having its own correlations for two DOFs (polarization and time-bin) on two photons, we employ the effects of optical nonlinearities using a QD (photon-electron), a parity gate (XKNLs), and time-bin encodings (linear optics). In our scheme, the first nonlinear multi-qubit gate utilizes the interactions between photons and an electron of QD confined in a single-sided cavity, and the parity gate (second gate) uses weak XKNLs, quantum bus, and photon-number-resolving measurement to entangle the polarizations of two photons. Finally, for efficiency in generating hyperentanglement and for the experimental implementation of this scheme, we discuss how the QD-cavity system can be performed reliably, and also discuss analysis of the immunity of the parity gate (XKNLs) against the decoherence effect.
Publisher Correction: Real-time Acute Stress Facilitates Allocentric Spatial Processing in a Virtual Fire Disaster
Authors: Cao Zhengcao , Wang Yamin , Zhang Liang
Published: February 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Support vector machines for explaining physiological stress response in Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus)
Authors: Sánchez-González Beatriz , Barja Isabel , Piñeiro Ana , Hernández-González M. Carmen , Silván Gema , Illera Juan Carlos , Latorre Roberto
Published: February 2018

Physiological stress response is a crucial adaptive mechanism for prey species survival. This paper aims to identify the main environmental and/or individual factors better explaining the stress response in Wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus. We analyzed alterations in fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FCM) concentration – extensively used as an accurate measure of the physiological stress response – of wild mice fecal samples seasonally collected during three years. Then, support vector machines were built to predict said concentration according to different stressors. These statistical tools appear to be particularly suitable for small datasets with substantial number of dimensions, corroborating that the stress response is an extremely complex process in which multiple factors can simultaneously partake in a context-dependent manner, i.e., the role of each potential stressor varies in time depending on other stressors. However, air-humidity, temperature and body-weight allowed us to explain the FCM fluctuation in 98% of our samples. The relevance of air-humidity and temperature altering FCM level could be linked to the presence of an abundant vegetation cover and, therefore, to food availability and predation risk perception. Body-weight might be related to the stress produced by reproduction and other intraspecific relationships such as social dominance or territorial behavior.
A novel gene of Kalanchoe daigremontiana confers plant drought resistance
Authors: Wang Li , Zhu Chen , Jin Lin , Xiao Aihua , Duan Jie , Ma Luyi
Published: February 2018

Kalanchoe (K.) daigremontiana is important for studying asexual reproduction under different environmental conditions. Here, we describe a novel KdNOVEL41 (KdN41) gene that may confer drought resistance and could thereby affect K. daigremontiana development. The detected subcellular localization of a KdN41/Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) fusion protein was in the nucleus and cell membrane. Drought, salt, and heat stress treatment in tobacco plants containing the KdN41 gene promoter driving β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene transcription revealed that only drought stress triggered strong GUS staining in the vascular tissues. Overexpression (OE) of the KdN41 gene conferred improved drought resistance in tobacco plants compared to wild-type and transformed with empty vector plants by inducing higher antioxidant enzyme activities, decreasing cell membrane damage, increasing abscisic acid (ABA) content, causing reinforced drought resistance related gene expression profiles. The 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) staining results also showed less relative oxygen species (ROS) content in KdN41-overexpressing tobacco leaf during drought stress. Surprisingly, by re-watering after drought stress, KdN41-overexpressing tobacco showed earlier flowering. Overall, the KdN41 gene plays roles in ROS scavenging and osmotic damage reduction to improve tobacco drought resistance, which may increase our understanding of the molecular network involved in developmental manipulation under drought stress in K. daigremontiana.
Compressive sensing for spatial and spectral flame diagnostics
Authors: Starling David J. , Ranalli Joseph
Published: February 2018

Combustion research requires the use of state of the art diagnostic tools, including high energy lasers and gated, cooled CCDs. However, these tools may present a cost barrier for laboratories with limited resources. While the cost of high energy lasers and low-noise cameras continues to decline, new imaging technologies are being developed to address both cost and complexity. In this paper, we analyze the use of compressive sensing for flame diagnostics by reconstructing Raman images and calculating mole fractions as a function of radial depth for a highly strained, N2-H2 diffusion flame. We find good agreement with previous results, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this technique.
Surface ocean metabarcoding confirms limited diversity in planktonic foraminifera but reveals unknown hyper-abundant lineages
Authors: Morard Raphaël , Garet-Delmas Marie-José , Mahé Frédéric , Romac Sarah , Poulain Julie , Kucera Michal , de Vargas Colomban
Published: February 2018

Since the advent of DNA metabarcoding surveys, the planktonic realm is considered a treasure trove of diversity, inhabited by a small number of abundant taxa, and a hugely diverse and taxonomically uncharacterized consortium of rare species. Here we assess if the apparent underestimation of plankton diversity applies universally. We target planktonic foraminifera, a group of protists whose known morphological diversity is limited, taxonomically resolved and linked to ribosomal DNA barcodes. We generated a pyrosequencing dataset of ~100,000 partial 18S rRNA foraminiferal sequences from 32 size fractioned photic-zone plankton samples collected at 8 stations in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans during the Tara Oceans expedition (2009–2012). We identified 69 genetic types belonging to 41 morphotaxa in our metabarcoding dataset. The diversity saturated at local and regional scale as well as in the three size fractions and the two depths sampled indicating that the diversity of foraminifera is modest and finite. The large majority of the newly discovered lineages occur in the small size fraction, neglected by classical taxonomy. These unknown lineages dominate the bulk [>0.8 µm] size fraction, implying that a considerable part of the planktonic foraminifera community biomass has its origin in unknown lineages.
Efficient non-cytotoxic fluorescent staining of halophiles
Authors: Maslov Ivan , Bogorodskiy Andrey , Mishin Alexey , Okhrimenko Ivan , Gushchin Ivan , Kalenov Sergei , Dencher Norbert A. , Fahlke Christoph , Büldt Georg , Gordeliy Valentin , Gensch Thomas , Borshchevskiy Valentin
Published: February 2018

Research on halophilic microorganisms is important due to their relation to fundamental questions of survival of living organisms in a hostile environment. Here we introduce a novel method to stain halophiles with MitoTracker fluorescent dyes in their growth medium. The method is based on membrane-potential sensitive dyes, which were originally used to label mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate that these fluorescent dyes provide high staining efficiency and are beneficial for multi-staining purposes due to the spectral range covered (from orange to deep red). In contrast with other fluorescent dyes used so far, MitoTracker does not affect growth rate, and remains in cells after several washing steps and several generations in cell culture. The suggested dyes were tested on three archaeal (Hbt. salinarum, Haloferax sp., Halorubrum sp.) and two bacterial (Salicola sp., Halomonas sp.) strains of halophilic microorganisms. The new staining approach provides new insights into biology of Hbt. salinarum. We demonstrated the interconversion of rod-shaped cells of Hbt. salinarium to spheroplasts and submicron-sized spheres, as well as the cytoplasmic integrity of giant rod Hbt. salinarum species. By expanding the variety of tools available for halophile detection, MitoTracker dyes overcome long-standing limitations in fluorescence microscopy studies of halophiles.
Mixing it up in the ocean carbon cycle and the removal of refractory dissolved organic carbon
Authors: Shen Yuan , Benner Ronald
Published: February 2018

A large quantity of reduced carbon is sequestered in the ocean as refractory dissolved molecules that persist through several circuits of global overturning circulation. Key aspects of the cycling of refractory dissolved organic carbon (DOC) remain unknown, making it challenging to predict how this large carbon reservoir will respond to climate change. Herein we investigate mechanisms that remove refractory DOC using bioassay experiments with DOC isolated from surface, mesopelagic and deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The isolated DOC was refractory to degradation by native microbial communities, even at elevated concentrations. However, when the refractory DOC was introduced to a series of novel environmental conditions, including addition of a labile substrate, a microbial community from coastal waters and exposure to solar radiation, a substantial fraction (7–13%) was removed within 1.5 years. Our results suggest that while refractory molecules can persist in the ocean for millennia, removal is rapid when they encounter their fate. The observed and projected climate-induced slowdown of global overturning circulation could reduce the exposure of refractory molecules to disparate removal processes. Assuming a constant rate of production, the reservoir size of refractory DOC could increase as overturning circulation slows, providing a negative feedback to rising atmospheric CO2.
Prefrontal cortex modulates the correlations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, serotonin, and the autonomic nervous system
Authors: Chang Wei Hung , Lee I Hui , Chi Mei Hung , Lin Shih-Hsien , Chen Kao Chin , Chen Po See , Chiu Nan Tsing , Yao Wei Jen , Yang Yen Kuang
Published: February 2018

Top-down regulation in the human brain and anatomical connections between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and specific catecholamine-related regions have been well-studied. However, the way in which the PFC modulates downstream neuro-networks in terms of serotonin and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by variation in the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is still unclear. We recruited sixty-seven healthy subjects. Serotonin transporter (SERT) availability was examined by SPECT with [123I]ADAM analysis; heart rate variability (HRV) testing was performed, and the BDNF level was measured. The Wisconsin card-sorting test (WCST), which assesses PFC activation, was also conducted. The interactions of BDNF level and SERT availability were significant in relation to the HRV indexes of low frequency, high frequency, total power, and mean heart rate range. Moderate to significant positive correlations between SERT availability and the above-mentioned HRV indexes existed only in subjects with a low BDNF level. Furthermore, in the low BDNF level group, only those with high WCST perseveration errors or low category completions exhibited significant positive correlations between SERT availability and HRV indexes. A lower BDNF level and poorer PFC function might modulate the synergistic effects of serotonergic and ANS systems in order to maintain brain physiological and psychological homeostasis.
Nuclear FAK and its kinase activity regulate VEGFR2 transcription in angiogenesis of adult mice
Authors: Sun Shaogang , Wu Hsin-Jung , Guan Jun-Lin
Published: February 2018

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential in embryonic angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell (EC) survival and barrier functions through its kinase-independent and –dependent activities. Here, we generated EC-specific tamoxifen-inducible FAK knockout and FAK kinase-defective (KD) mutant knockin mice to investigate the role of FAK and its kinase activity in angiogenesis of adult animals. Unlike previous observations of their differential defects in embryonic vascular development, both FAK ablation and inactivation of its kinase activity resulted in deficient angiogenesis in wound-healing as well as retinal angiogenesis models. Consistent with these phenotypes, loss of FAK or its kinase activity decreased EC proliferation and migration to similar extents, suggesting FAK primarily acts as a kinase for the regulation of adult EC-mediated angiogenesis. Further mechanistic analyses were carried out using an established mouse EC line MS1 cells. Interestingly, we found that FAK regulated the expression of VEGFR2, a central mediator of various EC functions and angiogenesis, which requires both FAK kinase activity and its translocation into the nucleus. Moreover, nuclear FAK was detected in the RNA polymerase II complex associated with VEGFR2 promoter, suggesting its direct participation in the transcriptional regulation of VEGFR2. Together, our results provide significant insights into the signaling mechanisms of FAK in angiogenesis that may contribute to future design of more effective angiogenesis related therapy.
Enhanced proton acceleration from an ultrathin target irradiated by laser pulses with plateau ASE
Authors: Wang Dahui , Shou Yinren , Wang Pengjie , Liu Jianbo , Li Chengcai , Gong Zheng , Hu Ronghao , Ma Wenjun , Yan Xueqing
Published: February 2018

We report a simulation study on proton acceleration driven by ultraintense laser pulses with normal contrast (107–109) containing nanosecond plateau amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). It’s found in hydrodynamic simulations that if the thickness of the targets lies in the range of hundreds nanometer matching the intensity and duration of ASE, the ablation pressure would push the whole target in the forward direction with speed exceeding the expansion velocity of plasma, resulting in a plasma density profile with a long extension at the target front and a sharp gradient at the target rear. When the main pulse irradiates the plasma, self-focusing happens at the target front, producing highly energetic electrons through direct laser acceleration(DLA) building the sheath field. The sharp plasma gradient at target rear ensures a strong sheath field. 2D particle-in-cell(PIC) simulations reveal that the proton energy can be enhanced by a factor of 2 compared to the case of using micrometer-thick targets.
IRE1α siRNA relieves endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Yao Weijie , Yang Xinwei , Zhu Jiayue , Gao Biane , Shi Haotian , Xu Liping
Published: February 2018

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is mainly characterized by demyelination resulted from the apoptosis of the Schwann cell (SCs). Although the exact mechanisms underlying DPN remain unclear, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is strongly implicated in the apoptosis. Under ER stress, activated inositol-requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α) unregulated CHOP, phosphorylated JNK and Caspase-12 to aggravate apoptosis-mediated damage of DPN. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of IRE1α could reduce the ER stress-related apoptosis to relieve DPN. Here, we show that IRE1α siRNA improved the neurological morphology and function of DPN rats and rescued ER stress-related apoptosis in the sciatic nerve. Additionally, RSC96 cells transfected with IRE1α siRNA were used as in vitro model of DPN. It was found that IRE1α siRNA also decreased high glucose-induced apoptosis and inhibited ER stress-related apoptosis in the cells. Altogether, our results suggest that IRE1α should be considered a potential therapeutic agent for DPN.
Pyrazines from bacteria and ants: convergent chemistry within an ecological niche
Authors: Silva-Junior Eduardo A. , Ruzzini Antonio C. , Paludo Camila R. , Nascimento Fabio S. , Currie Cameron R. , Clardy Jon , Pupo Mônica T.
Published: February 2018

Ants use pheromones to coordinate their communal activity. Volatile pyrazines, for instance, mediate food resource gathering and alarm behaviors in different ant species. Here we report that leaf-cutter ant-associated bacteria produce a family of pyrazines that includes members previously identified as ant trail and alarm pheromones. We found that L-threonine induces the bacterial production of the trail pheromone pyrazines, which are common for the host leaf-cutter ants. Isotope feeding experiments revealed that L-threonine along with sodium acetate were the biosynthetic precursors of these natural products and a biosynthetic pathway was proposed.
SJP-L-5 inhibits HIV-1 polypurine tract primed plus-strand DNA elongation, indicating viral DNA synthesis initiation at multiple sites under drug pressure
Authors: Zhang Xing-Jie , Wang Rui-Rui , Chen Huan , Luo Rong-Hua , Yang Liu-Meng , Liu Jing-Ping , Sun Han-Dong , Zhang Hong-Bin , Xiao Wei-Lie , Zheng Yong-Tang
Published: February 2018

In a previous study the small molecule SJP-L-5 that inhibits HIV replication, has been shown to block uncoating of the viral capsid. Continued study showed that SJP-L-5 might hinder HIV capsid uncoating by blocking the completion of reverse transcription. However, to date, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, the effects of SJP-L-5 for reverse transcription were explored via quantitative PCR, DIG-labelled ELISA, fluorescent resonance energy transfer, and Southern blot assays. We also analyzed the resistance profile of this compound against reverse transcriptase. Our results show that SJP-L-5 preferentially inhibits PPT primed plus-strand DNA synthesis (EC50 = 13.4 ± 3.0 μM) over RNA primed minus-strand DNA synthesis (EC50 > 3,646 μM), resulting in formation of five segmented plus-strand DNA and loss of HIV DNA flap, suggesting failure of both nuclear import and integration. Moreover, resistance study evidenced that SJP-L-5 requires the amino acid residues Val108 and Tyr181 to exert an inhibitory effect. These results indicate SJP-L-5 as a new non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that inhibits HIV-1 polypurine tract primed plus-strand DNA synthesis, initiating HIV-1 down-stream plus-strand DNA synthesis at multiple sites under drug pressure.
Traumatic Cataract in Children in Eastern China: Shanghai Pediatric Cataract Study
Authors: Du Yu , He Wenwen , Sun Xinghuai , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia
Published: February 2018

Traumatic cataract is a main cause of visual impairment in pediatric populations and is preventable. Awareness of the causes and consequences of pediatric eye trauma play roles in health education and prevention of blindness. We conducted a retrospective chart review based on 5-year clinical data of pediatric traumatic cataract cases treated at the Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Clinical features including demographic data, injury mechanism, and causative agents were analyzed. A total of 321 eyes of 321 children (male, 74.1%) were included. Penetrating injury accounted for 76.6% of all injuries; 65% of children with such injuries underwent their first surgery on the day of injury. The average age at injury was 6.3 ± 3.7 years, while the peak age was from two to eight years. The main causes of ocular injury were sharp metal objects, toys, and wooden sticks. The causative agent changed with increasing age; however, scissors were the leading cause within almost all age groups. Cataract surgery significantly improved visual acuity in children with traumatic cataract. These findings add information regarding the characterization of pediatric traumatic cataract in China and can help guide safety education and preventative measures.
Speciation determination of iron and its spatial and seasonal distribution in coastal river
Authors: Zhu Yun , Hu Xueping , Pan Dawei , Han Haitao , Lin Mingyue , Lu Yan , Wang Chenchen , Zhu Rilong
Published: February 2018

In this study, the speciation of iron (Fe), including total Fe (TFe) and acidified dissolved Fe (ADFe), was assessed by fast cathodic absorption stripping voltammetry, using a gold electrode and 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (5-Br-PADAP) as a novel complexing agent for Fe. The validity and accuracy of this method were compared with the standard spectrophotometry and tested by the standard samples. Under optimized conditions, the Fe response was linear within the range of 0.01 to 1 μM with a detection limit of 1.2 nM. To further validate this method, the variation in concentrations of TFe and ADFe were investigated at twelve sampling stations in a local coastal river, in both the dry and wet season. Additionally, to further understand the interaction between Fe and environmental factors, the relationships between the concentration of Fe species and dissolved oxygen (DO) and salinity were also discussed.
Quantum dots for a high-throughput Pfu polymerase based multi-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Authors: Sang Fuming , Zhang Zhizhou , Yuan Lin , Liu Deli
Published: February 2018

We developed a Pfu polymerase based multi-round PCR technique assisted by quantum dots (QDs).
Directed self-assembly of dual metal ions with ligands: towards the synthesis of noble metal/metal oxide composites with controlled facets
Authors: Cui Fang , Zhang Jiajia , Shao Qing , Xu Linxu , Pan Xinzi , Wang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiao , Cui Tieyu
Published: February 2018

Despite numerous reports on noble metal/metal oxide composites, the control of the exposed facet is still a great challenge. Here, the large-scale synthesis of noble metal/metal oxide spheres with controlled facets is enabled by making use of a bottom-up self-assembly strategy.
Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy of limonene chiral liquids due to the nonadiabatic effect
Authors: Zheng Ren-hui , Wei Wen-mei , Xu Meng , Shi Qiang
Published: February 2018

Bulk sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy may become a powerful method for investigating the nonadiabatic effect for chiral molecules.
Asymmetric triphenylamine–phenothiazine based small molecules with varying terminal acceptors for solution processed bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells
Authors: Revoju Srikanth , Biswas Subhayan , Eliasson Bertil , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: February 2018

A change of electron-withdrawing end group in organic donor compounds in blends with PC71BM results in enhancement of solar cell PCE from 4.79 to 7.25%.
Promising bulk production of a potentially benign bisphenol A replacement from a hardwood lignin platform
Authors: Koelewijn S.-F. , Cooreman C. , Renders T. , Andecochea Saiz C. , Van den Bosch S. , Schutyser W. , De Leger W. , Smet M. , Van Puyvelde P. , Witters H. , Van der Bruggen B. , Sels B. F.
Published: February 2018

A unique, bulk-scale lignin-to-chemicals valorisation chain converts economically feasible 4-n-propylsyringol into low-oestrogenic bisphenols suitable for aromatic polyesters.
Structure-guided design of a potent peptide inhibitor targeting the interaction between CRK and ABL kinase
Authors: Shen Qingliang , Bhatt Veer S. , Krieger Inna , Sacchettini James C. , Cho Jae-Hyun
Published: February 2018

CT-10 regulator of kinase (CRK) proteins play important roles in human cancer metastasis and invasion.
Novel MgO/hollow carbon sphere composites for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Jiao Chengli , Lu Jingting , Gu Xinxin , Majeed Zeeshan , Jiang Heqing
Published: February 2018

MgO/hollow carbon sphere composites with enhanced CO2 uptake capacity and recyclability have been synthesized through a one-pot self-assembly approach.
Pyrolysis of cyano-bridged hetero-metallic aerogels: a general route to immobilize Sn–M (M = Fe, Ni) alloys within a carbon matrix for stable and fast lithium storage
Authors: Shi Hongxia , Zhang Anping , Zhang Xiukui , Yin Hemiao , Wang Siqi , Tang Yawen , Zhou Yiming , Wu Ping
Published: February 2018

A facile and general aerogel-derived pyrolysis route has been proposed to realize homogeneous immobilization of Sn–M alloys within a nanoporous carbon matrix for boosting the lithium storage of tin-based anodes.
Direct C3-arylations of 2-indolylmethanols with tryptamines and tryptophols via an umpolung strategy
Authors: Wan Ying , Wang Hai-Qing , Xu Meng-Meng , Mei Guang-Jian , Shi Feng
Published: February 2018

A Brønsted acid-catalyzed direct C3-arylation of 2-indolylmethanols with tryptamines and tryptophols has been established, leading to a series of potentially bioactive 2,3′-biindole derivatives with a broad substrate scope and generally good yields (38 examples, up to 96% yield).
Optochemical properties of gas-phase protonated tetraphenylporphyrin investigated using an optical waveguide NH3 sensor
Authors: Tuerdi Gulimire , Nizamidin Patima , Kari Nuerguli , Yimit Abliz , Wang Fu
Published: February 2018

5,10,15,20-Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) was synthesized, and a glass optical waveguide (OWG) was coated with a gas-phase protonated TPP thin film to develop a sensor for NH3 gas detection.
Effect of interlayer design on friction and wear behaviors of CrAlSiN coating under high load in seawater
Authors: Ye Yuwei , Liu Zhiyong , Liu Wei , Zhang Dawei , Wang Yongxin , Zhao Haichao , Li Xiaogang
Published: February 2018

In this paper, CrAlSiN coatings with different interlayers (without interlayer, Cr interlayer, CrN interlayer and Cr/CrN interlayer) were successfully obtained on 316L stainless steel and single crystal silicon by multi-arc ion plating technique.
d-Glucosamine production from chitosan hydrolyzation over a glucose-derived solid acid catalyst
Authors: Zhang Hongkui , Lu Yuting , Wang Yuanhao , Zhang Xingrong , Wang Tingyu
Published: February 2018

A method for preparing d-glucosamine in aqueous phase by chitosan degradation by a solid acid, which resulted in high yields.
Effect of Ti-doping on the electrochemical performance of sodium vanadium(iii) phosphate
Authors: Zhang Bao , Zeng Tao , Liu Yi , Zhang Jia-feng
Published: February 2018

Na3V2−xTix(PO4)3 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) was synthesized by a conventional solid-state route. Ti doping can effectively enhance the electrochemical performance of this tetragonal compound, especially under high charge–discharge rates.
A highly sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of manganese at nanotrace levels in some real, environmental, biological, soil, food and pharmaceutical samples using 2-(α-pyridyl)-thioquinaldinamide
Authors: Ahmed M. Jamaluddin , Islam M. Tazul , Hossain Faisal
Published: February 2018

A very simple, ultra-sensitive and highly selective non-extractive spectrofluorimetric method is presented for the determination of manganese at nano-trace levels using 2-(α-pyridyl)-thioquinaldinamide (PTQA).
C2H5OH and NO2 sensing properties of ZnO nanostructures: correlation between crystal size, defect level and sensing performance
Authors: Quy Chu Thi , Thai Nguyen Xuan , Hoa Nguyen Duc , Thanh Le Dang Thi , Hung Chu Manh , Van Duy Nguyen , Van Hieu Nguyen
Published: February 2018

ZnO nanostructures were synthesized for ethanol and nitrogen dioxide gas-sensing applications. Results pointed out that the defect levels dominating the gas-sensing performance but not the morphology, specific surface area or crystal size.
Water structure and dynamics in the hydration layer of a type III anti-freeze protein
Authors: Brotzakis Z. Faidon , Voets Ilja K. , Bakker Huib J. , Bolhuis Peter G.
Published: February 2018

The tetrahedral structure of hydration water (S) and its reorientation decay time (τ) correlates negatively for selected amino-acids in the vicinity of the ice binding site (left and right panels) of the antifreeze protein, but positively for the ice binding site central amino-acid (middle panel).
Error Consistency in Acquired Apraxia of Speech With Aphasia: Effects of the Analysis Unit
Authors: Haley Katarina L. , Cunningham Kevin T. , Eaton Catherine Torrington , Jacks Adam
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Diagnostic recommendations for acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) have been contradictory concerning whether speech sound errors are consistent or variable. Studies have reported divergent findings that, on face value, could argue either for or against error consistency as a diagnostic criterion. The purpose of this study was to explain discrepancies in error consistency results based on the unit of analysis (segment, syllable, or word) to help determine which diagnostic recommendation is most appropriate.

Method

We analyzed speech samples from 14 left-hemisphere stroke survivors with clinical diagnoses of AOS and aphasia. Each participant produced 3 multisyllabic words 5 times in succession. Broad phonetic transcriptions of these productions were coded for consistency of error location and type using the word and its constituent syllables and sound segments as units of analysis.

Results

Consistency of error type varied systematically with the unit of analysis, showing progressively greater consistency as the analysis unit changed from the word to the syllable and then to the sound segment. Consistency of error location varied considerably across participants and correlated positively with error frequency.

Conclusions

Low to moderate consistency of error type at the word level confirms original diagnostic accounts of speech output and sound errors in AOS as variable in form. Moderate to high error type consistency at the syllable and sound levels indicate that phonetic error patterns are present. The results are complementary and logically compatible with each other and with the literature.
K‐band frequency‐selective limiter using an injection locked oscillator for blocker cancellation
Authors: Choi K. , Jung J. , Park H. , Seo T. , Jeong J. , Kwon Y.
Published: February 2018

A frequency‐selective limiter (FSL) using an injection locked oscillator (ILO) is proposed for a blocker cancellation, which employs an ILO in the feedforward path as a high‐Q notch filter to select and amplify the blocker from the input signal. The ILO also functions as a phase shifter providing a proper phase delay so that two blockers in the feedforward and thru paths cancel each other out in the combining node. The proposed FSL is fabricated in a commercial 0.15 μm GaAs pHEMT process with a maximum blocker suppression of 27 dB in the 50 MHz spacing two‐tone measurement at the K‐band. Thus, it provides a blocker suppression higher than 20 dB over the 250 MHz blocker bandwidth.
Two‐stream neural networks to detect manipulation of JPEG compressed images
Authors: Kim H.‐G. , Park J.‐S. , Kim D.‐G. , Lee H.‐K.
Published: February 2018

With the rapid spread of image editing software, anyone can easily create, distribute, and forge images. Although techniques to detect image forgery have been widely studied, current techniques have significant limitations, such as specific file formats, manipulations, or compression qualities. Although deep learning techniques have been introduced to detect various manipulations, such as blurring, median filtering, and Gaussian noise, these techniques are only suitable to detect forgeries of uncompressed images, and are difficult to apply in practice because most images are compressed for distribution. Therefore, a two‐stream neural network approach for image forensics that is robust to compression is proposed. The two‐stream neural network is based on constrained convolutional neural network and Markov characteristics to consider compression. Experimental results show that the proposed method overcomes current technique limitations.