bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotenoid profiling of the leaves of selected African eggplant accessions subjected to drought stress
Authors: Mibei Elias K. , Ambuko Jane , Giovannoni James J. , Onyango Arnold N. , Owino Willis O.
Published: April 2016

African eggplants (Solanum aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon) are among the most economically important and valuable vegetable and fruit crops. They are a major source of biologically active nutritional substances and metabolites which are essential for plant growth, development, stress adaptation and defense. Among these metabolites are the carotenoids which act as accessory pigments for photosynthesis and precursor to plant hormones. Though African eggplants are known to be resistant to various abiotic stresses, the effect of these stresses on secondary metabolites has not been well defined. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of drought stress on carotenoid profiles of nineteen African eggplant accessions selected based on leaf and fruit morphological traits. Stress was achieved by limiting irrigation and maintaining the wilting state of the crops. Fresh leaves were sampled at different maturity stages; before stress, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after stress for carotenoid analysis. The fresh harvested leaf tissues were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and ground. Analysis was carried out using a Dionex HPLC machine coupled to Photo Array Detector and Chromeleon software package (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Major carotenoids viz;. Xanthophylls (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein) and carotenes (β–carotene and α–carotene), phytofluene, lycopene, phytoene as well as chlorophylls (chlorophyll‐b and Chlorophyll‐a) were targeted. The carotenoids increased with maturity stage of the crop. Although the stressed crops reported significantly decreased amount of carotenes, chlorophylls, neoxanthin and violaxanthin, the concentration of zeaxanthin increased with stress whereas lutein had no significant change. Chlorophyll‐a was significantly high in all the control accessions. Two accessions reported significantly higher contents of carotenoids as compared to the other accessions. The results of this study indicate that water stress has significant impact on the concentration of some carotenoids and photosynthetic pigments. This will definitely add value to the study of stress tolerance in crops.
Cautionary note on multicomponent flood distributions for annual maxima
Authors: Bardsley William Earl
Published: April 2016

Multicomponent probability distributions such as the two‐component Gumbel distribution are sometimes applied to annual flood maxima when individual floods are seen as belonging to different classes, depending on physical processes or time of year. However, hydrological inconsistencies may arise if only nonclassified annual maxima are available to estimate the component distribution parameters. In particular, an unconstrained best fit to annual flood maxima may yield some component distributions with a high probability of simulating floods with negative discharge. In such situations, multicomponent distributions cannot be justified as an improved approximation to a local physical reality of mixed flood types, even though a good data fit is achieved. This effect usefully illustrates that a good match to data is no guarantee against degeneracy of hydrological models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyadic effects of marital satisfaction on coparenting in Chinese families: Based on the actor‐partner interdependence model
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Xin‐chun
Published: April 2016

Based on the actor‐partner interdependence model, this study explored the spillover and crossover effects of marital satisfaction on coparenting in Chinese nuclear and extended families. Spillover and crossover effects refer to the transfer of experiences, affects or behaviors, focusing on the intra‐personal and inter‐personal transfer of a marital subsystem to a coparenting subsystem. The participants comprised 279 couples with children ranging in age from 3 to 7 years old. The marital satisfaction and extent of coparenting of both the fathers and the mothers was tested to examine the dyadic interaction. Structural equation modeling results revealed significant intra‐personal and inter‐personal correlations between marital satisfaction and coparenting, indicating spillover and crossover effects in nuclear and extended families, and there were no differences between the two family structures. The results indicated that fathers' marital satisfaction influenced both fathers' and mothers' coparenting practices.
Procedure‐related complications and adverse events associated with pediatric autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection
Authors: Cooling Laura , Hoffmann Sandra , Webb Dawn , Meade Micheal , Yamada Chisa , Davenport Robertson , Yanik Gregory
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell collection (A‐HPCC) in pediatric patients is considered relatively safe although technically challenging. Very little is known regarding the incidence, risk factors and impact of procedure‐related adverse events (AE) on pediatric A‐HPCC outcomes. Methods: Prospective 4.5‐year review of AE associated with pediatric A‐HPCC. AE were graded by severity and type. Potential demographic and procedural risk factors, and the impact on product quality, were compared by t‐test, chi‐square, and linear regression. Results: Sixty‐two children underwent 110 A‐HPCC, including 36 (58%) under 20 kg. Fifty‐five AE were documented in 25.4% A‐HPCCs and 39% of children (citrate 25%, access 19%, technical 11%, cardiovascular 0%, allergic 1.8%). No AE were noted in children < 10 kg anticoagulated with heparin. Access and technical AE accounted for 73% of severe AE, with line‐related problems underlying most technical AE (87.5%, P = 0.006). AE were more likely in older (P = 0.012), heavier patients (P = 0.02), who frequently required more than one A‐HPCC (P = 0.012). In contrast, young children were more likely to experience citrate AE with gastrointestinal symptoms (median age, 6 years; P = 0.076). AE had no impact on CD34 collection rates; however, mean CD34 yields (4.2 vs. 20.4 million/kg; P = 0.0035) were decreased in patients with technical AE due to lower peripheral CD34 counts and a high number of aborted procedures (37%). Conclusion: Venous access and flow‐related issues are a major factor associated with moderate and severe AE, effecting ∼10% of patients. AE are more frequent with increasing patient age, weight, and number of procedures. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:35–48, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights on selenium and tellurium diaryldichalcogenides: A benchmark DFT study
Authors: Zaccaria Francesco , Wolters Lando P. , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Orian Laura
Published: April 2016

Selenium based diaryl dichalcogenides are compounds that are receiving attention in organic synthesis as eco‐friendly oxidation agents as well as in pharmaceutical chemistry, where, together with tellurium‐based derivatives, are appealing drugs mainly for their antioxidant properties. A benchmark study to establish optimal density functional theory (DFT) methods for the description of their molecular and electronic structure as well as for their energetics is presented here. Structural features, such as the orientation of the phenyl rings, as well as energetic aspects, i.e., the chalcogen‐chalcogen bond strength, are discussed, with the aim of applying the novel insights to quantum mechanics‐based investigations of their reactivity and to facilitate drug design. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pervaporation performance in PDMS membrane bioreactor for ethanol recovery with running water and air as coolants at room temperature
Authors: Fan Senqing , Xiao Zeyi , Li Minghai , Li Sizhong , Zhou Tong , Hu Yupeng , Wu Song
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Pervaporation performance in a PDMS membrane bioreactor for ethanol recovery from model solution and fermentation broth was researched. Downstream of the membrane the permeate vapor was completely condensed by running water and air at room temperature.

RESULTS

Part of the permeate vapor was condensed under vacuum conditions by running water at room temperature in condenser C1, with ethanol concentration of 47.2 g L−1 obtained. The vacuum pump in the pervaporation membrane bioreactor was used to compress and pump the non‐condensed permeate vapor with ethanol concentration of 461.3 g L−1 into the condenser C2, where the vapor could be easily condensed under atmospheric conditions by air at room temperature. During the experimental ethanol recovery from model solution the total flux and separation factor were about 1100 g m−2 h−1 and 8.0, respectively, while the permeate flux of the membrane was reduced during the separation of fermentation broth.

CONCLUSION

Compared with a traditional pervaporation process, the cold trap condensation was eliminated in the process and enhanced ethanol fermentation was achieved since pervaporation was continuously coupled with fermentation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
High performance poly(N‐aryleneindole ether) containing pyridine units as a novel acid response fluorescent detector
Authors: Wang Qiaojiao , Xiong Li , Zhu Fanghua , Yang Li , Chang Guanjun
Published: April 2016

A novel high‐performance polyindole containing a pyridine ring (P1) was successfully prepared by the catalyst‐free nucleophilic substitution polycondensation of 4‐hydroxyindole with 2,6‐difluoropyridine via a C − N and C − O coupling reaction process. This semirigid polyindole P1 exhibits good thermal stability, and it can be dissolved well in common organic solvents. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that the resulting polymer shows blue‐light emission at 402 nm due to the effect of intramolecular charge transfer caused by the donor − acceptor interaction between its indole and pyridine units. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of P1 could be altered by protonation and deprotonation. Such behaviour enables it to be utilized as one kind of acid response fluorescent polymer sensor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Galactoseβ1‐4fucose: A unique disaccharide unit found in N‐glycans of invertebrates including nematodes
Authors: Takeuchi Tomoharu , Arata Yoichiro , Kasai Ken‐ichi
Published: April 2016

Galactoseβ1‐4fucose (Galβ1‐4Fuc), a unique disaccharide unit found only on the N‐glycans of Protostomia, has been intensively studied, particularly in Nematoda. Galβ1‐4Fuc attached to the 6‐OH of the innermost GlcNAc of N‐glycans has been identified as an endogenous target recognized by Caenorhabditis elegans galectin LEC‐6 and might function as an endogenous ligand for other galectins as well. Interactions between galectins and N‐glycans might be subject to fine‐tuning through modifications of the penultimate GlcNAc and the Galβ1‐4Fuc unit. Similar fine‐tuning is also observable in vertebrate galectins, although their major recognition unit is a Galβ1‐4GlcNAc. In Protostomia, it can be postulated that glycan‐binding proteins and their ligands have coevolved; however, epitopes such as Galβ1‐4Fuc were then hijacked as targets by other organisms. Fungal (Coprinopsis cinerea) galectin 2, CGL2, binds the Galβ1‐4Fuc on C. elegans glycans to exert its nematotoxicity. Some human and mouse galectins bind to synthesized Galβ1‐4Fuc; as some parasitic nematodes express this motif, its recognition by mammalian galectins could hypothetically be involved in host defense, similar to fungal CGL2. In this review, we discuss the Galβ1‐4Fuc unit in Protostomia as a possible equivalent for the Galβ1‐4GlcNAc unit in vertebrates and a potential non‐self glycomarker useful for pathogen recognition.
Folding superfunnel to describe cooperative folding of interacting proteins
Authors: Smeller László
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes a generalization of the well‐known folding funnel concept of proteins. In the funnel model the polypeptide chain is treated as an individual object not interacting with other proteins. Since biological systems are considerably crowded, protein–protein interaction is a fundamental feature during the life cycle of proteins. The folding superfunnel proposed here describes the folding process of interacting proteins in various situations. The first example discussed is the folding of the freshly synthesized protein with the aid of chaperones. Another important aspect of protein–protein interactions is the folding of the recently characterized intrinsically disordered proteins, where binding to target proteins plays a crucial role in the completion of the folding process. The third scenario where the folding superfunnel is used is the formation of aggregates from destabilized proteins, which is an important factor in case of several conformational diseases. The folding superfunnel constructed here with the minimal assumption about the interaction potential explains all three cases mentioned above. Proteins 2016; 84:1009–1016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient Body Image and Satisfaction with Surgical Wound Appearance After Reduced Port Surgery for Colorectal Diseases
Authors: Hamabe Atsushi , Takemasa Ichiro , Hata Taishi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: April 2016

Background

The use of reduced port surgery (RPS) is increasing in the field of colorectal surgery. It is considered to offer advantages over conventional multiport surgery (MPS) in terms of decreased invasiveness and superior cosmesis. However, to date there has been no study that evaluates patient satisfaction after undergoing RPS for colorectal diseases. Herein, we present a questionnaire‐based study to address this issue.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent by mail to 216 patients who underwent RPS and 145 who underwent MPS. Patient’s satisfaction with cosmesis and body image after colorectal surgery was assessed using a validated Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ) and Photo Series Questionnaire (PSQ).

Results

A total of 76.9 % (166/216) of the RPS patients and 70.3 % (102/145) of the MPS patients returned the questionnaires. BIQ scores gradually improved after surgery, and were more positive overall in the RPS group compared to the MPS group. RPS patients marked significantly better PSQ scores than MPS patients (P < 0.05). In RPS subset analysis, patients with single port surgery (SPS) rated better PSQ scores than patients with SPS with additional port insertion (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We find that RPS, especially SPS, enhances patient satisfaction by reducing abdominal wall trauma. This new advantage of RPS may prove valuable in its consideration as an option in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Outcomes of Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Singh Ospina Naykky M. , Rodriguez‐Gutierrez Rene , Maraka Spyridoula , Espinosa de Ycaza Ana E. , Jasim Sina , Castaneda‐Guarderas Ana , Gionfriddo Michael R. , Al Nofal Alaa , Brito Juan P. , Erwin Patricia , Richards Melanie , Wermers Robert , Montori Victor M.
Published: April 2016

Background

Parathyroidectomy is a definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Patients contemplating this intervention will benefit from knowledge regarding the expected outcomes and potential risks of the currently available surgical options.

Purpose

To appraise and summarize the available evidence regarding benefits and harms of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE).

Data sources

A comprehensive search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus) from each database’s inception to September 2014 was performed.

Study selection

Eligible studies evaluated patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing MIP or BNE.

Data extraction

Reviewers working independently and in duplicate extracted data and assessed the risk of bias.

Data synthesis

We identified 82 observational studies and 6 randomized trials at moderate risk of bias. Most of them reported outcomes after MIP (n = 71). Using random‐effects models to pool results across studies, the cure rate was 98 % (95 % CI 97–98 %, I2 = 10 %) with BNE and 97 % (95 % CI 96–98 %, I2 = 86 %) with MIP. Hypocalcemia occurred in 14 % (95 % CI 10–17 % I2 = 93 %) of the BNE cases and in 2.3 % (95 % CI 1.6–3.1 %, I2 = 87 %) with MIP (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant lower risk of laryngeal nerve injury with MIP (0.3 %) than with BNE (0.9 %), but similar risk of infection (0.5 vs. 0.5 %) and mortality (0.1 vs. 0.5 %).

Limitations

The available evidence, mostly observational, is at moderate risk of bias, and limited by indirect comparisons and inconsistency for some outcomes (cure rate, hypocalcemia).

Conclusion

MIP and BNE are both effective surgical techniques for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. The safety profile of MIP appears superior to BNE (lower rate of hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury).
Use of Liver Function Tests as First‐line Diagnostic Tools for Predicting Common Bile Duct Stones in Acute Cholecystitis Patients
Authors: Ahn Keun Soo , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Han Ho‐Seong , Cho Jai Young
Published: April 2016

Background

Prior studies have examined the use of liver function tests (LFT) for predicting the presence of common bile duct (CBD) stones in chronic cholecystitis (CC) patients. It is currently unclear whether LFT are also useful for predicting CBD stones in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC).

Methods

Of 1059 patients who visited an emergency room with gallbladder‐related symptoms between March 2004 and December 2009, 854 patients were analyzed, and were divided into three groups (556 AC patients without CBD stones (AC – CBD), 98 AC patients with CBD stones (AC + CBD), and 200 CC patients without CBD stones). We compared the LFT values at admission and the changes in LFT values over time following admission among the three groups.

Results

The LFT values were significantly greater in the AC + CBD group than in the AC − CBD groups. Of all the LFT variables analyzed, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase was the most reliable variable for predicting the presence of CBD stones, with a sensitivity of 80.6 % and a specificity of 75.3 % at the cut‐off level of 224 IU/L. The elevated LFT values decreased significantly from the start of the follow‐up assessment to before cholecystectomy in the AC − CBD group, but were unchanged before stone removal in the AC + CBD group.

Conclusion

The LFT values on initial admission and the changes in LFT values over time are reliable predictors of CBD stones in patients with AC.
Performance-Focussed Sport – An Avenue to Gold-Medal Clinical Outcomes for People with Neurological Impairments?
Authors: Tweedy Sean M. , Beckman Emma M. , Johnston Leanne M. , Connick Mark J.
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the premise that long-term engagement in performance-focussed sports training may lead to significantly enhanced clinical outcomes for people with neurological impairments (NI). The minimum volume of moderate-intensity activity recommended for good health is 450 MET.minutes/week, although evidence from the general population indicates that outcomes may be enhanced by completing up to five times this volume (2250 MET.minutes/week) at vigorous (rather than moderate) intensity. Most studies evaluating physical activity interventions for people with NI deliver low volumes (<450 MET.minutes/week), which may explain why evidence for some clinical outcomes is weak. Athletes (with or without NI) who aim to achieve high-level sports performance undertake an increasingly large volume of vigorous intensity physical activity over several seasons. Evidence that people with NI may enhance clinical outcomes through performance-focussed sports training includes: evidence from studies investigating the benefits of high-intensity and/or high volume clinical exercise; scientific evidence from elite/high-level athletes; and anecdotal evidence from Paralympic athlete testimonials. Additionally, sports participants with NI may also accrue an important array of psychosocial benefits, including higher rates of employment, and higher satisfaction with life and social integration. Rigorous, prospective, longitudinal clinical monitoring of people with NI undertaking performance-focussed sports training are required to evaluate its clinical utility.
Changing the discourse on nuclear weapons: The humanitarian initiative
Authors: Minor Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

This article examines the progress of the humanitarian initiative to reframe the nuclear weapons discourse internationally. The initiative seeks to shift debate away from theories of strategic stability and towards a focus on the impact of nuclear weapons themselves. This effort has now gathered significant support at an international level, and its implications are increasingly recognized by both nuclear-armed and non-nuclear-armed States. The initiative has been underpinned by the deliberate logic of humanitarian disarmament. A treaty banning nuclear weapons, around which momentum is gathering, would be an achievable, legally coherent and logical next step developing from the initiative.
Aurorasaurus Puts Thousands More Eyes on the Sky
Authors: Clayton Jessica , Hall Michelle
Published: April 2016

Citizen scientists share real-time auroral sightings to advance research.
Are U.S. States Prepared to Manage Water in a Changing Climate?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: April 2016

An empirical study of water allocation and planning in five states concludes that they lack a statewide strategy to manage the impacts of climate change on water resources.
Community assembly and coexistence in communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Vályi Kriszta , Mardhiah Ulfah , Rillig Matthias C , Hempel Stefan
Published: April 2016

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are asexual, obligately symbiotic fungi with unique morphology and genomic structure, which occupy a dual niche, that is, the soil and the host root. Consequently, the direct adoption of models for community assembly developed for other organism groups is not evident. In this paper we adapted modern coexistence and assembly theory to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We review research on the elements of community assembly and coexistence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, highlighting recent studies using molecular methods. By addressing several points from the individual to the community level where the application of modern community ecology terms runs into problems when arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are concerned, we aim to account for these special circumstances from a mycocentric point of view. We suggest that hierarchical spatial structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities should be explicitly taken into account in future studies. The conceptual framework we develop here for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is also adaptable for other host-associated microbial communities.
Exploring the Symbiodinium rare biosphere provides evidence for symbiont switching in reef-building corals
Authors: Boulotte Nadine M , Dalton Steven J , Carroll Andrew G , Harrison Peter L , Putnam Hollie M , Peplow Lesa M , van Oppen Madeleine J H
Published: April 2016

Reef-building corals possess a range of acclimatisation and adaptation mechanisms to respond to seawater temperature increases. In some corals, thermal tolerance increases through community composition changes of their dinoflagellate endosymbionts (Symbiodinium spp.), but this mechanism is believed to be limited to the Symbiodinium types already present in the coral tissue acquired during early life stages. Compelling evidence for symbiont switching, that is, the acquisition of novel Symbiodinium types from the environment, by adult coral colonies, is currently lacking. Using deep sequencing analysis of Symbiodinium rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) PCR amplicons from two pocilloporid coral species, we show evidence consistent with de novo acquisition of Symbiodinium types from the environment by adult corals following two consecutive bleaching events. Most of these newly detected symbionts remained in the rare biosphere (background types occurring below 1% relative abundance), but one novel type reached a relative abundance of ~33%. Two de novo acquired Symbiodinium types belong to the thermally resistant clade D, suggesting that this switching may have been driven by consecutive thermal bleaching events. Our results are particularly important given the maternal mode of Symbiodinium transmission in the study species, which generally results in high symbiont specificity. These findings will cause a paradigm shift in our understanding of coral-Symbiodinium symbiosis flexibility and mechanisms of environmental acclimatisation in corals.
Trait changes induced by species interactions in two phenotypically distinct strains of a marine dinoflagellate
Authors: Wohlrab Sylke , Tillmann Urban , Cembella Allan , John Uwe
Published: April 2016

Populations of the toxigenic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium are composed of multiple genotypes that display phenotypic variation for traits known to influence top-down processes, such as the ability to lyse co-occurring competitors and prospective grazers. We performed a detailed molecular analysis of species interactions to determine how different genotypes perceive and respond to other species. In a controlled laboratory culture study, we exposed two A. fundyense strains that differ in their capacity to produce lytic compounds to the dinoflagellate grazer Polykrikos kofoidii, and analyzed transcriptomic changes during this interaction. Approximately 5% of all analyzed genes were differentially expressed between the two Alexandrium strains under control conditions (without grazer presence) with fold-change differences that were proportionally higher than those observed in grazer treatments. Species interactions led to the genotype-specific expression of genes involved in endocytotic processes, cell cycle control and outer membrane properties, and signal transduction and gene expression regulatory processes followed similar patterns for both genotypes. The genotype-specific trait changes observed in this study exemplify the complex responses to chemically mediated species interactions within the plankton and their regulation at the gene level.
Nuclear RNA-seq of single neurons reveals molecular signatures of activation
Authors: Lacar Benjamin , Linker Sara B. , Jaeger Baptiste N. , Krishnaswami Suguna Rani , Barron Jerika J. , Kelder Martijn J. E. , Parylak Sarah L. , Paquola Apuã C. M. , Venepally Pratap , Novotny Mark , O'Connor Carolyn , Fitzpatrick Conor , Erwin Jennifer A. , Hsu Jonathan Y. , Husband David , McConnell Michael J. , Lasken Roger , Gage Fred H.
Published: April 2016

Single-cell sequencing methods have emerged as powerful tools for identification of heterogeneous cell types within defined brain regions. Application of single-cell techniques to study the transcriptome of activated neurons can offer insight into molecular dynamics associated with differential neuronal responses to a given experience. Through evaluation of common whole-cell and single-nuclei RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) methods, here we show that snRNA-seq faithfully recapitulates transcriptional patterns associated with experience-driven induction of activity, including immediate early genes (IEGs) such as Fos, Arc and Egr1. SnRNA-seq of mouse dentate granule cells reveals large-scale changes in the activated neuronal transcriptome after brief novel environment exposure, including induction of MAPK pathway genes. In addition, we observe a continuum of activation states, revealing a pseudotemporal pattern of activation from gene expression alone. In summary, snRNA-seq of activated neurons enables the examination of gene expression beyond IEGs, allowing for novel insights into neuronal activation patterns in vivo.
Bridge helix bending promotes RNA polymerase II backtracking through a critical and conserved threonine residue
Authors: Da Lin-Tai , Pardo-Avila Fátima , Xu Liang , Silva Daniel-Adriano , Zhang Lu , Gao Xin , Wang Dong , Huang Xuhui
Published: April 2016

The dynamics of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) backtracking process is poorly understood. We built a Markov State Model from extensive molecular dynamics simulations to identify metastable intermediate states and the dynamics of backtracking at atomistic detail. Our results reveal that Pol II backtracking occurs in a stepwise mode where two intermediate states are involved. We find that the continuous bending motion of the Bridge helix (BH) serves as a critical checkpoint, using the highly conserved BH residue T831 as a sensing probe for the 3′-terminal base paring of RNA:DNA hybrid. If the base pair is mismatched, BH bending can promote the RNA 3′-end nucleotide into a frayed state that further leads to the backtracked state. These computational observations are validated by site-directed mutagenesis and transcript cleavage assays, and provide insights into the key factors that regulate the preferences of the backward translocation.
Atomic mechanism of polarization-controlled surface reconstruction in ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Heng-Jui , Huang Yen-Lin , Chu Ying-Hao , Ishikawa Ryo , Feng Bin , Jiang Ying , Shibata Naoya , Wang En-Ge , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: April 2016

At the ferroelectric surface, the broken translational symmetry induced bound charge should significantly alter the local atomic configurations. Experimentally revealing the atomic structure of ferroelectric surface, however, is very challenging due to the strong spatial variety between nano-sized domains, and strong interactions between the polarization and other structural parameters. Here, we study surface structures of Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 thin film by using the annular bright-field imaging. We find that six atomic layers with suppressed polarization and a charged 180° domain wall are at negatively poled surfaces, no reconstruction exists at positively poled surfaces, and seven atomic layers with suppressed polarization and a charged 90° domain wall exist at nominally neutral surfaces in ferroelastic domains. Our results provide critical insights into engineering ferroelectric thin films, fine grain ceramics and surface chemistry devices. The state-of-the-art methodology demonstrated here can greatly advance our understanding of surface science for oxides.
Exploring the biophysical option space for feeding the world without deforestation
Authors: Erb Karl-Heinz , Lauk Christian , Kastner Thomas , Mayer Andreas , Theurl Michaela C. , Haberl Helmut
Published: April 2016

Safeguarding the world’s remaining forests is a high-priority goal. We assess the biophysical option space for feeding the world in 2050 in a hypothetical zero-deforestation world. We systematically combine realistic assumptions on future yields, agricultural areas, livestock feed and human diets. For each scenario, we determine whether the supply of crop products meets the demand and whether the grazing intensity stays within plausible limits. We find that many options exist to meet the global food supply in 2050 without deforestation, even at low crop-yield levels. Within the option space, individual scenarios differ greatly in terms of biomass harvest, cropland demand and grazing intensity, depending primarily on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of human diets. Grazing constraints strongly limit the option space. Without the option to encroach into natural or semi-natural land, trade volumes will rise in scenarios with globally converging diets, thereby decreasing the food self-sufficiency of many developing regions.
Aurora A drives early signalling and vesicle dynamics during T-cell activation
Authors: Blas-Rus Noelia , Bustos-Morán Eugenio , Pérez de Castro Ignacio , de Cárcer Guillermo , Borroto Aldo , Camafeita Emilio , Jorge Inmaculada , Vázquez Jesús , Alarcón Balbino , Malumbres Marcos , Martín-Cófreces Noa B. , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco
Published: April 2016

Aurora A is a serine/threonine kinase that contributes to the progression of mitosis by inducing microtubule nucleation. Here we have identified an unexpected role for Aurora A kinase in antigen-driven T-cell activation. We find that Aurora A is phosphorylated at the immunological synapse (IS) during TCR-driven cell contact. Inhibition of Aurora A with pharmacological agents or genetic deletion in human or mouse T cells severely disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and CD3ζ-bearing vesicles at the IS. The absence of Aurora A activity also impairs the activation of early signalling molecules downstream of the TCR and the expression of IL-2, CD25 and CD69. Aurora A inhibition causes delocalized clustering of Lck at the IS and decreases phosphorylation levels of tyrosine kinase Lck, thus indicating Aurora A is required for maintaining Lck active. These findings implicate Aurora A in the propagation of the TCR activation signal.
The effects of a low-energy, high frequency liquid optic interface femtosecond laser system on lens capsulotomy
Authors: Williams Geraint P. , George Ben L. , Wong Yoke R. , Seah Xin-Yi , Ang Heng-Pei , Loke Mun Kitt A. , Tay Shian Chao , Mehta Jod S.
Published: April 2016

The introduction of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a paradigm changing approach in cataract surgery, the most commonly performed surgical procedure. FLACS has the potential to optimize the creation of an anterior lens capsulotomy, a critical step in accessing the cataractous lens. The merits of using a laser instead of a manual approach include a potentially more circular, consistent and stronger aperture. In this study we demonstrated for the first time in both a porcine and human experimental setting that with a low energy, high repetition FLACS system, that a circular, smooth and strong capsulotomy was achievable. While there was no demonstrable difference in the resistance to rupture before or after the removal of the nucleus, larger capsulotomies had an increase in tensile strength. The LDV Z8 system appeared to create circular, rupture-resistant and smooth capsulotomies in both porcine and more importantly human globes.
Oscillatory penetration of near-fields in plasmonic excitation at metal-dielectric interfaces
Authors: Lee S. C. , Kang J. H. , Park Q-H. , Krishna S. , Brueck S. R. J.
Published: April 2016

The electric field immediately below an illuminated metal-film that is perforated with a hole array on a dielectric consists of direct transmission and scattering of the incident light through the holes and evanescent near-field from plasmonic excitations. Depending on the size and shape of the hole apertures, it exhibits an oscillatory decay in the propagation direction. This unusual field penetration is explained by the interference between these contributions, and is experimentally confirmed through an aperture which is engineered with four arms stretched out from a simple circle to manipulate a specific plasmonic excitation available in the metal film. A numerical simulation quantitatively supports the experiment. This fundamental characteristic will impact plasmonics with the near-fields designed by aperture engineering for practical applications.
Oncolytic Activity of a Recombinant Measles Virus, Blind to Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule, Against Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Amagai Yosuke , Fujiyuki Tomoko , Yoneda Misako , Shoji Koichiro , Furukawa Yoichi , Sato Hiroki , Kai Chieko
Published: April 2016

Oncolytic virotherapy is a distinctive antitumor therapy based on the cancer-cell-specific infectivity and killing activity of viruses, which exert a considerable antitumor effect with only a few treatments. Because colorectal cancer cells often acquire resistance to the molecular-targeted therapies and alternative treatments are called for, in this study, we evaluated the oncolytic activity against colorectal cancer cells of a recombinant measles virus (rMV-SLAMblind), which is blind to signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) and infects target cells via nectin-4/poliovirus receptor-related 4 protein. We examined 10 cell lines including 8 cell lines that were resistant to epidermal-growth-factor-receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy. rMV-SLAMblind infected and lysed the nectin-4-positive cell lines dependently on nectin-4 expression, in spite of mutation in EGFR cascade. Tumour progression in xenograft models was also abrogated by the virus and the infection of cancer cells in vivo by the virus was demonstrated with both flow cytometry and a histological analysis. Therefore, rMV-SLAMblind is considered a novel therapeutic agent for colorectal cancers, including those resistant to molecular-targeted therapies.
Angle-dependent magnetotransport in GaAs/InAs core/shell nanowires
Authors: Haas Fabian , Wenz Tobias , Zellekens Patrick , Demarina Nataliya , Rieger Torsten , Lepsa Mihail , Grützmacher Detlev , Lüth Hans , Schäpers Thomas
Published: April 2016

We study the impact of the direction of magnetic flux on the electron motion in GaAs/InAs core/shell nanowires. At small tilt angles, when the magnetic field is aligned nearly parallel to the nanowire axis, we observe Aharonov–Bohm type h/e flux periodic magnetoconductance oscillations. These are attributed to transport via angular momentum states, formed by electron waves within the InAs shell. With increasing tilt of the nanowire in the magnetic field, the flux periodic magnetoconductance oscillations disappear. Universal conductance fluctuations are observed for all tilt angles, however with increasing amplitudes for large tilt angles. We record this evolution of the electron propagation from a circling motion around the core to a diffusive transport through scattering loops and give explanations for the observed different transport regimes separated by the magnetic field orientation.
Femtomagnetism in graphene induced by core level excitation of organic adsorbates
Authors: Ravikumar Abhilash , Baby Anu , Lin He , Brivio Gian Paolo , Fratesi Guido
Published: April 2016

We predict the induction or suppression of magnetism in the valence shell of physisorbed and chemisorbed organic molecules on graphene occurring on the femtosecond time scale as a result of core level excitations. For physisorbed molecules, where the interaction with graphene is dominated by van der Waals forces and the system is non-magnetic in the ground state, numerical simulations based on density functional theory show that the valence electrons relax towards a spin polarized configuration upon excitation of a core-level electron. The magnetism depends on efficient electron transfer from graphene on the femtosecond time scale. On the other hand, when graphene is covalently functionalized, the system is magnetic in the ground state showing two spin dependent mid gap states localized around the adsorption site. At variance with the physisorbed case upon core-level excitation, the LUMO of the molecule and the mid gap states of graphene hybridize and the relaxed valence shell is not magnetic anymore.
Sports Activity after Low-contact-stress Total Knee Arthroplasty – A long term follow-up study
Authors: Vielgut Ines , Leitner Lukas , Kastner Norbert , Radl Roman , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to provide comprehensive long-term data about sports activity levels in patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine the impact of pre-operative function, pain and specific performed sports on the results. 236 patients who have undergone TKA for severe osteoarthritis of the knee were asked to provide specific information regarding exercised types of sports before surgery and after at least 10 years following TKA. Pre- and postoperative function and pain were evaluated by the use of Tegner-, WOMAC- and VAS Score. After a mean of 14.9 years, a significant improvement regarding pain and function was observed. Pre-operative Tegner- and WOMAC scores revealed significant positive correlations with the post-operative Tegner-Score. Accordingly, a high percentage of patients (70.9%) stayed actively involved in sports. Nevertheless, the number of performing patients has decreased according to the sports impact. 71.3% continued practising low-impact-, 43.7% intermediate-impact sports whereas only 16.4% kept performing high impact sports. We conclude that TKA is highly effective in long-time pain reduction as well as improvement of function. Additionally, we found considerable sports activities preserved in the investigated series. However, sports activities in particular, seem to decrease according to the impact of sports.
Erythroleukemia cells acquire an alternative mitophagy capability
Authors: Wang Jian , Fang Yixuan , Yan Lili , Yuan Na , Zhang Suping , Xu Li , Nie Meilan , Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Jianrong
Published: April 2016

Leukemia cells are superior to hematopoietic cells with a normal differentiation potential in buffering cellular stresses, but the underlying mechanisms for this leukemic advantage are not fully understood. Using CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of the canonical autophagy-essential gene Atg7, we found that erythroleukemia K562 cells are armed with two sets of autophagic machinery. Alternative mitophagy is functional regardless of whether the canonical autophagic mechanism is intact or disrupted. Although canonical autophagy defects attenuated cell cycling, proliferation and differentiation potential, the leukemia cells retained their abilities for mitochondrial clearance and for maintaining low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. Treatment with a specific inducer of mitophagy revealed that the canonical autophagy-defective erythroleukemia cells preserved a mitophagic response. Selective induction of mitophagy was associated with the upregulation and localization of RAB9A on the mitochondrial membrane in both wild-type and Atg7−/− leukemia cells. When the leukemia cells were treated with the alternative autophagy inhibitor brefeldin A or when the RAB9A was knocked down, this mitophagy was prohibited. This was accompanied by elevated ROS levels and apoptosis as well as reduced DNA damage repair. Therefore, the results suggest that erythroleukemia K562 cells possess an ATG7-independent alternative mitophagic mechanism that functions even when the canonical autophagic process is impaired, thereby maintaining the ability to respond to stresses such as excessive ROS and DNA damage.
Transient activation of human cytomegalovirus lytic gene expression during latency allows cytotoxic T cell killing of latently infected cells
Authors: Krishna B. A. , Lau B. , Jackson S. E. , Wills M. R. , Sinclair J. H. , Poole E.
Published: April 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency in the myeloid lineage is maintained by repressive histone modifications around the major immediate early promoter (MIEP), which results in inhibition of the lytic viral life cycle. We now show that pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) relieves this repression of the MIEP and induces transient expression of the viral lytic immediate early (IE) antigens but, importantly, not full virus reactivation. In turn, these latently infected cells now become targets for IE-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) which are present at high frequency in all normal healthy HCMV positive carriers but would normally be unable to target latent (lytic antigen-negative) cells. This approach of transiently inducing viral lytic gene expression by HDAC inhibition, in otherwise latently infected cells, offers a window of opportunity to target and purge the latent myeloid cell reservoir by making these normally immunologically undetectable cells visible to pre-existing host immune responses to viral lytic antigens.
A reliable Raman-spectroscopy-based approach for diagnosis, classification and follow-up of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Managò Stefano , Valente Carmen , Mirabelli Peppino , Circolo Diego , Basile Filomena , Corda Daniela , De Luca Anna Chiara
Published: April 2016

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia type B (B-ALL) is a neoplastic disorder that shows high mortality rates due to immature lymphocyte B-cell proliferation. B-ALL diagnosis requires identification and classification of the leukemia cells. Here, we demonstrate the use of Raman spectroscopy to discriminate normal lymphocytic B-cells from three different B-leukemia transformed cell lines (i.e., RS4;11, REH, MN60 cells) based on their biochemical features. In combination with immunofluorescence and Western blotting, we show that these Raman markers reflect the relative changes in the potential biological markers from cell surface antigens, cytoplasmic proteins and DNA content and correlate with the lymphoblastic B-cell maturation/differentiation stages. Our study demonstrates the potential of this technique for classification of B-leukemia cells into the different differentiation/maturation stages, as well as for the identification of key biochemical changes under chemotherapeutic treatments. Finally, preliminary results from clinical samples indicate high consistency of and potential applications for, this Raman spectroscopy approach.
Nanoscale mapping of excitonic processes in single-layer MoS2 using tip-enhanced photoluminescence microscopy
Authors: Su Weitao , Kumar Naresh , Mignuzzi Sandro , Crain Jason , Roy Debdulal
Published: April 2016

Excitonic processes in single-layer MoS2 are mapped for the first time using tip-enhanced photoluminescence and Raman microscopy with 20 nm spatial resolution.
A multifunctional poly(curcumin) nanomedicine for dual-modal targeted delivery, intracellular responsive release, dual-drug treatment and imaging of multidrug resistant cancer cells
Authors: Wang Jining , Wang Feihu , Li Fangzhou , Zhang Wenjun , Shen Yuanyuan , Zhou Dejian , Guo Shengrong
Published: April 2016

A multifunctional anti-cancer nanomedicine PTX/MNPs/QDs@Biotin–PEG–PCDA was developed aiming at overcoming paclitaxel resistance in MCF-7/ADR breast cancer cells with simultaneous imaging.
A robust and luminescent covalent organic framework as a highly sensitive and selective sensor for the detection of Cu2+ions
Authors: Li Zhongping , Zhang Yuwei , Xia Hong , Mu Ying , Liu Xiaoming
Published: April 2016

A highly crystalline and porous azine-linked covalent organic framework possesses excellent stability and luminescence properties with high quantum yield. It can serve as a promising luminescent probe for selectively sensing copper ions.
Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of selenol and hydrogen peroxide under normoxia and hypoxia in HepG2 cells and in vivo
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Hu Bo , Cheng Ranran , Kong Fanpeng , Pan Xiaohong , Xu Kehua , Tang Bo
Published: April 2016

Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of selenol and hydrogen peroxide with 5-FAM-peptide-AuNPs and QCy7-H2O2 was realized during tumor cell apoptosis induced by selenite.
Interactions of anions and cations in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mohammadzadeh L. , Quaino P. , Schmickler W.
Published: April 2016

We consider the insertion of alkali-halide ion pairs into a narrow (5,5) carbon nanotube. In all cases considered, the insertion of a dimer is only slightly exothermic. While the image charge induced on the surface of the tube favors insertion, it simultaneously weakens the Coulomb attraction between the two ions. In addition, the anion experiences a sizable Pauli repulsion. For a one dimensional chain of NaCl embedded in the tube the most favorable position for the anion is at the center, and for the cation near the wall. The phonon spectrum of such chains shows both an acoustic and an optical branch.
Acute effects of chlorogenic acids on endothelial function and blood pressure in healthy men and women
Authors: Ward Natalie C. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Woodman Richard J. , Zimmermann Diane , Poquet Laure , Leveques Antoine , Actis-Goretta Lucas , Puddey Ian B. , Croft Kevin D.
Published: April 2016

Coffee is a rich source of polyphenols, primarily chlorogenic acids (CGA).
Green chemistry and resource efficiency: towards a green economy
Authors: Sheldon Roger A.
Published: April 2016

Editorial on resource efficiency and waste minimisation – concepts at the heart of green chemistry.
Synthesis of 4H-chromenes by an unexpected, K3PO4-mediated intramolecular Rauhut–Currier type reaction
Authors: Bhunia Anup , Yetra Santhivardhana Reddy , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: April 2016

The K3PO4-mediated intramolecular Rauhut-Currier type reaction of chalcones having an enoate moiety leading to the formation of 4H-chromenes in moderate to good yields is demonstrated.