bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated prevalence of Helicobacter species and virulence factors in opisthorchiasis and associated hepatobiliary disease
Authors: Deenonpoe Raksawan , Mairiang Eimorn , Mairiang Pisaln , Pairojkul Chawalit , Chamgramol Yaovalux , Rinaldi Gabriel , Loukas Alex , Brindley Paul J. , Sripa Banchob
Published: February 2017

Recent reports suggest that Opisthorchis viverrini serves as a reservoir of Helicobacter and implicate Helicobacter in pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Here, 553 age-sex matched cases and controls, 293 and 260 positive and negative for liver fluke O. viverrini eggs, of residents in Northeastern Thailand were investigated for associations among infection with liver fluke, Helicobacter and hepatobiliary fibrosis. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in O. viverrini-infected than uninfected participants. H. pylori bacterial load correlated positively with intensity of O. viverrini infection, and participants with opisthorchiasis exhibited higher frequency of virulent cagA-positive H. pylori than those free of fluke infection. Genotyping of cagA from feces of both infected and uninfected participants revealed that the AB genotype accounted for 78% and Western type 22%. Participants infected with O. viverrini exhibited higher prevalence of typical Western type (EPIYA ABC) and variant AB’C type (EPIYT B) CagA. Multivariate analyses among H. pylori virulence genes and severity of hepatobiliary disease revealed positive correlations between biliary periductal fibrosis during opisthorchiasis and CagA and CagA with CagA multimerization (CM) sequence-positive H. pylori. These findings support the hypothesis that H. pylori contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic opisthorchiasis and specifically to opisthorchiasis-associated CCA.
The TNF-α antagonist etanercept reverses age-related decreases in colonic SERT expression and faecal output in mice
Authors: Patel Bhavik Anil , Fidalgo Sara , Wang Chunfang , Parmar Leena , Mandona Kasonde , Panossian Annabelle , Flint Melanie S. , Ranson Richard N. , Saffrey M. Jill , Yeoman Mark S.
Published: February 2017

Treatment for chronic constipation in older people is challenging and the condition has a major impact on quality of life. A lack of understanding about the causes of this condition has hampered the development of effective treatments. 5-HT is an important pro-kinetic agent in the colon. We examined whether alterations in colonic 5-HT signalling underlie age–related changes in faecal output in mice and whether these changes were due to an increase in TNF-α. Components of the 5-HT signalling system (5-HT, 5-HIAA, SERT) and TNF-α expression were examined in the distal colon of 3, 12, 18 and 24-month old mice and faecal output and water content monitored under control conditions and following the administration of etanercept (TNF-α inhibitor; 1 mg Kg−1). Faecal output and water content were reduced in aged animals. Age increased mucosal 5-HT availability and TNF-α expression and decreased mucosal SERT expression and 5-HIAA. Etanercept treatment of old mice reversed these changes, suggesting that age-related changes in TNFα expression are an important regulator of mucosal 5-HT signalling and pellet output and water content in old mice. These data point to “anti-TNFα” drugs as potential treatments for age-related chronic constipation.
Overexpression of FAM83H-AS1 indicates poor patient survival and knockdown impairs cell proliferation and invasion via MET/EGFR signaling in lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Jie , Feng Shumei , Su Wenmei , Bai Shengbin , Xiao Lei , Wang Lihui , Thomas Dafydd G. , Lin Jules , Reddy Rishindra M. , Carrott Philip W. , Lynch William R. , Chang Andrew C. , Beer David G. , Guo You-min , Chen Guoan
Published: February 2017

Whole transcriptome analyses of next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from human cancer samples reveled thousands of uncharacterized non-coding RNAs including long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Recent studies indicated that lncRNAs are emerging as crucial regulators in cancer processes and potentially useful as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. To delineate dysregulated lncRNAs in lung cancer, we analyzed RNA-Seq data from 461 lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) and 156 normal lung tissues. FAM83H-AS1, one of the top dysregulated lncRNAs, was found to be overexpressed in tumors relative to normal lung and significantly associated with worse patient survival in LUAD. We verified this diagnostic/prognostic potential in an independent cohort of LUAD by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were decreased after FAM83H-AS1 knockdown using siRNAs in lung cancer cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated the cell cycle was arrested at the G2 phase after FAM83H-AS1 knockdown. Mechanistically, we found that MET/EGFR signaling was regulated by FAM83H-AS1. Our study indicated that FAM83H-AS1 plays an important role in lung tumor progression and may be potentially used as diagnostic/prognostic marker. Further characterization of this lncRNA may provide a novel therapeutic target impacting MET/EGFR signaling.
Highly sensitive analysis of organometallic compounds based on molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors
Authors: Wei Xiaoping , Wu Ting , Yuan Yali , Ma Xionghui , Li Jianping
Published: February 2017

A highly sensitive molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor constructed by a novel microporous metal–organic-framework for the detection of organometallic compounds was developed.
Localization matters: a nuclear targeting two-photon absorption iridium complex in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Tian Xiaohe , Zhu Yingzhong , Zhang Mingzhu , Luo Lei , Wu Jieying , Zhou Hongping , Guan Lijuan , Battaglia Giuseppe , Tian Yupeng
Published: February 2017

Herein, we show how the minor modification of terminal moieties on Ir(ii) complexes can re-route intracellular destinations and significantly impact PDT efficiency.
Strontium cobalt oxychlorides: enhanced electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Miyahara Yuto , Miyazaki Kohei , Fukutsuka Tomokazu , Abe Takeshi
Published: February 2017

Cobalt-based layered perovskite oxychlorides Sr2CoO3Cl and Sr3Co2O5Cl2exhibit high oxygen electrochemical activity compared to conventional lanthanum cobalt-based perovskite oxides.
Nucleic acid detection using BRET-beacons based on bioluminescent protein–DNA hybrids
Authors: Engelen Wouter , van de Wiel Kayleigh M. , Meijer Lenny H. H. , Saha Bedabrata , Merkx Maarten
Published: February 2017

Bioluminescent molecular beacons have been developed using a modular design approach that relies on BRET between the bright luciferase NanoLuc and a Cy3 acceptor.
Spectroscopic evidence for the origin of odd–even effects in self-assembled monolayers and effects of substrate roughness
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Liu Jian , Tevis Ian D. , Andino Richard S. , Miller Christina M. , Ziegler Lawrence D. , Chen Xin , Thuo Martin M.
Published: February 2017

This paper reports the effects of substrate roughness on the odd–even effect in n-alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) probed by vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy.
Rovibrational spectroscopic constants of the interaction between ammonia and metallo-phthalocyanines: a theoretical protocol for ammonia sensor design
Authors: Baggio Alan R. , Machado Daniel F. S. , Carvalho-Silva Valter H. , Paterno Leonardo G. , de Oliveira Heibbe Cristhian B.
Published: February 2017

We developed an adapted theoretical approach based on DFT calculations (B3LYP) and the nuclear Schrödinger equation using the Discrete Variable Representation method to model the interaction of ammonia with metallo-phthalocyanines.
Photodissociation spectroscopy of protonated leucine enkephalin
Authors: Herburger Andreas , van der Linde Christian , Beyer Martin K.
Published: February 2017

The protonated pentapeptide leucine enkephaline (YGGFL) fragments upon absorption of multiple UV photons by the tyrosine chromophore, providing complete sequence coverage.
A phenoxo-bridged dicopper(ii) complex as a model for phosphatase activity: mechanistic insights from a combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Barman Suman K. , Mondal Totan , Koley Debasis , Lloret Francesc , Mukherjee Rabindranath
Published: February 2017

Hydrolysis of RNA-model substrate HPNP by a dicopper(ii) complex has been studied with combined experimental and theoretical approach. Involvement of H-bonding has been probed by DFT calculations.
General baseline toxicity QSAR for nonpolar, polar and ionisable chemicals and their mixtures in the bioluminescence inhibition assay with Aliivibrio fischeri
Authors: Escher Beate I. , Baumer Andreas , Bittermann Kai , Henneberger Luise , König Maria , Kühnert Christin , Klüver Nils
Published: February 2017

A general QSAR model for the Microtox assay with the ionisation-corrected liposome–water distribution ratio is applicable to diverse chemicals including acids and bases.
Precise isotope analysis of sub-nanogram lead by total evaporation thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TE-TIMS) coupled with a204Pb–207Pb double spike method
Authors: Fukami Yusuke , Tobita Minato , Yokoyama Tetsuya , Usui Tomohiro , Moriwaki Ryota
Published: February 2017

We present a new analytical technique for precise isotope measurement of sub-nanograms of Pb by total evaporation thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TE-TIMS) coupled with a204Pb–207Pb double spike.
Surfactant-stripped naphthalocyanines for multimodal tumor theranostics with upconversion guidance cream
Authors: Zhang Yumiao , Hong Hao , Sun Boyang , Carter Kevin , Qin Yiru , Wei Wei , Wang Depeng , Jeon Mansik , Geng Jumin , Nickles Robert J. , Chen Guanying , Prasad Paras N. , Kim Chulhong , Xia Jun , Cai Weibo , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: February 2017

Surfactant-stripped naphthalocyanines are used for image guided, anti-tumor theranostics with photoacoustic and positron emission tomography and photothermal therapy (PAT/PET/PTT).
A novel antibacterial cellulose based biomaterial for hernia mesh applications
Authors: Liu Sa , Chu Minglei , Zhu Yongjun , Li Lifeng , Wang Lin , Gao Huichang , Ren Li
Published: February 2017

A novel bacterial cellulose/collagen–hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan composite (BCC–H), as an ideal artificial hernia mesh, was synthesized by combining solution impregnation with the EDC/NHS chemical crosslinking method .
Investigation of the influence of Ni(ii) exposure on the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification of aerobic granules from an internal oxygen penetration perspective
Authors: Feng Qian , Yu Yangyang , Guo Chong , Chen Xindi , Cao Jiashun , Yang Wen
Published: February 2017

Lab-scale Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR) were adopted to study the effects of Ni(ii) exposure on the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) of the aerobic granular sludge under different concentrations of Ni(ii) (1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg L−1).
A facile one-pot synthesis of hyper-branched carbazole-based polymer as a hole-transporting material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhou Zhonggao , Zhao Yan , Zhang Chunlei , Zou Ding , Chen Yunxiang , Lin Zhenghuan , Zhen Hongyu , Ling Qidan
Published: February 2017

A novel hyper-branched carbazole-based polymer is synthesized and used as hole-transporting material for PVSCs giving a PCE of 14.07%.
Enhanced catalytic and SERS activities of size-selective Rh NPs on DNA scaffolds
Authors: Kundu Subrata , Chen Yunyun , Dai Wei , Ma Lian , Sinyukov Alexander M. , Liang Hong
Published: February 2017

Size-selective Rh NPs are prepared within a short time using the UV-photoactivation route on DNA scaffolds and their size effect was tested both in catalysis and SERS studies. An enhanced catalytic rate and high EF value ever reported for Rh NPs in SERS was observed.
Super-exchange-induced high performance charge transport in donor–acceptor copolymers
Authors: Cheng Changli , Geng Hua , Yi Yuanping , Shuai Zhigang
Published: February 2017

Super-exchange-induced charge transport is proposed in donor–acceptor copolymers, and the corresponding design strategy for high mobility polymers is put forward.
Molecular and genetic basis for early stage structural diversifications in hapalindole-type alkaloid biogenesis
Authors: Zhu Qin , Liu Xinyu
Published: February 2017

The genetic, molecular and biochemical basis for early stage structural diversification, post common intermediate 4, in the biosynthesis of hapalindole-type alkaloids is presented.
One-pot conversion of biomass-derived xylose and furfural into levulinate esters via acid catalysis
Authors: Hu Xun , Jiang Shengjuan , Wu Liping , Wang Shuai , Li Chun-Zhu
Published: February 2017

Via acid catalysis in dimethoxymethane/methanol, both C5 sugars and C6 sugars, derived from hemicellulose and cellulose, could be simultaneously converted into levulinic acid/ester, the platform chemicals for manufacturing value-added chemicals and biofuels.
Improving present day and future estimates of anthropogenic sectoral emissions and the resulting air quality impacts in Africa
Authors: Lacey Forrest G. , Marais Eloise A. , Henze Daven K. , Lee Colin J. , van Donkelaar Aaron , Martin Randall V. , Hannigan Michael P. , Wiedinmyer Christine
Published: February 2017

The African continent is undergoing immense social and economic change, particularly regarding population growth and urbanization, where the urban population in Africa is anticipated to increase by a factor of 3 over the next 40 years. To understand the potential health impacts from this demographical shift and design efficient emission mitigation strategies, we used improved Africa-specific emissions that account for inefficient combustion sources for a number of sectors such as transportation, household energy generation, waste burning, and home heating and cooking. When these underrepresented emissions sources are combined with the current estimates of emissions in Africa, ambient particulate matter concentrations from present-day anthropogenic activity contribute to 13 210 annual premature deaths, with the largest contributions (38%) coming from residential emissions. By scaling both the population and the emissions for projected national-scale levels of growth, the predicted health impact grows to approximately 78 986 annual premature deaths by 2030 with 45% now resulting from emissions related to energy combustion. In order to mitigate this resulting increase in premature deaths, three scenarios have been developed which reduce sector-specific future emissions based on prior targets for technological improvements and emission controls in transportation, energy production and residential activities. These targeted potential mitigation strategies can avoid up to 37% of the estimated annual premature deaths by 2030 with the largest opportunity being a reduction of 10 868 annual deaths from switching half of the energy generation in South Africa to renewable technologies.
Correction: Relating rheology and tribology of commercial dairy colloids to sensory perception
Authors: Laguna Laura , Farrell Grace , Bryant Michael , Morina Ardian , Sarkar Anwesha
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘Relating rheology and tribology of commercial dairy colloids to sensory perception’ by Laura Laguna, et al., Food Funct., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01010e.
A free standing porous Co/Mo architecture as a robust bifunctional catalyst toward water splitting
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Ge Xingbo , Wang Leidanyang , Liu Jia , Wang Yong , Feng Lanxiang
Published: February 2017

A free standing porous Co/Mo architecture is fabricated by CAN etching and exhibits robust bifunctional catalysis towards OER and HER.
Direct C-metallation of N-substituted triazoles promoted by mercury acetate. An alternative route to N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Lin Nai-Chieh , Syu Herbert J. H. , Naziruddin Abbas Raja , Liu Fu-Chen , Lin Ivan J. B.
Published: February 2017

One-pot synthesis of C-bound triazolate complexes of mercury(ii) from N-substituted triazoles with Hg(OAc)2 have been achieved. Further methylation of one of these complexes yielded a monomeric N-heterocyclic carbene complex.
Synthesis of a hollow structured core–shell Au@CeO2–ZrO2 nanocatalyst and its excellent catalytic performance
Authors: Du Chenhao , Guo Yun , Guo Yanglong , Gong Xue-Qing , Lu Guanzhong
Published: February 2017

We proposed a hard-templated and electrostatic attraction induced deposition method to prepare a hollow core–shell Au@CeO2–ZrO2 nanocatalyst with a high surface area, in which a 6–8 nm ultrathin layer composed of CeO2–ZrO2 nanocrystals is embedded with individual Au nanoparticles, forming a sub-10 nm core–shell-like structure.
Redox-active organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate micelles
Authors: Kastner Katharina , Kibler Alexander J. , Karjalainen Erno , Fernandes Jesum A. , Sans Victor , Newton Graham N.
Published: February 2017

A redox-active hybrid organic–inorganic polyoxometalate surfactant showed solvent-dependent self-assembly to form nano-scale architectures.
Improved air stability of perovskite hybrid solar cells via blending poly(dimethylsiloxane)–urea copolymers
Authors: Xiang Wanchun , Chen Qi , Wang Yiyuan , Liu Meijin , Huang Fuzhi , Bu Tongle , Wang Taishan , Cheng Yi-Bing , Gong Xiao , Zhong Jie , Liu Peng , Yao Xi , Zhao Xiujian
Published: February 2017

A hydroscopic and flexible copolymer has been successfully employed in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells with high photovoltaic performance and enhanced stability.
An oligocarbazole-encapsulated heteroleptic red iridium complex for solution-processed nondoped phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes with over 10% external quantum efficiency
Authors: Chen Lingcheng , Wang Shumeng , Yan Zhimin , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang
Published: February 2017

By fully encapsulating the heteroleptic red Ir complex with carbazole dendrons, solution-processed nondoped electrophosphorescent devices reveal over 10% EQE.
Characterization of the activation of small GTPases by their GEFs on membranes using artificial membrane tethering
Authors: Peurois François , Veyron Simon , Ferrandez Yann , Ladid Ilham , Benabdi Sarah , Zeghouf Mahel , Peyroche Gérald , Cherfils Jacqueline
Published: February 2017

Active, GTP-bound small GTPases need to be attached to membranes by post-translational lipid modifications in order to process and propagate information in cells. However, generating and manipulating lipidated GTPases has remained difficult, which has limited our quantitative understanding of their activation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and their termination by GTPase-activating proteins. Here, we replaced the lipid modification by a histidine tag in 11 full-length, human small GTPases belonging to the Arf, Rho and Rab families, which allowed to tether them to nickel–lipid-containing membranes and characterize the kinetics of their activation by GEFs. Remarkably, this strategy uncovered large effects of membranes on the efficiency and/or specificity in all systems studied. Notably, it recapitulated the release of autoinhibition of Arf1, Arf3, Arf4, Arf5 and Arf6 GTPases by membranes and revealed that all isoforms are efficiently activated by two GEFs with different regulatory regimes, ARNO and Brag2. It demonstrated that membranes stimulate the GEF activity of Trio toward RhoG by ∼30 fold and Rac1 by ∼10 fold, and uncovered a previously unknown broader specificity toward RhoA and Cdc42 that was undetectable in solution. Finally, it demonstrated that the exceptional affinity of the bacterial RabGEF DrrA for the phosphoinositide PI(4)P delimits the activation of Rab1 to the immediate vicinity of the membrane-bound GEF. Our study thus validates the histidine-tag strategy as a potent and simple means to mimic small GTPase lipidation, which opens a variety of applications to uncover regulations brought about by membranes.
Molecular architecture of polycomb repressive complexes
Authors: Chittock Emily C. , Latwiel Sebastian , Miller Thomas C.R. , Müller Christoph W.
Published: February 2017

The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a large and diverse family that epigenetically repress the transcription of key developmental genes. They form three broad groups of polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) known as PRC1, PRC2 and Polycomb Repressive DeUBiquitinase, each of which modifies and/or remodels chromatin by distinct mechanisms that are tuned by having variable compositions of core and accessory subunits. Until recently, relatively little was known about how the various PcG proteins assemble to form the PRCs; however, studies by several groups have now allowed us to start piecing together the PcG puzzle. Here, we discuss some highlights of recent PcG structures and the insights they have given us into how these complexes regulate transcription through chromatin.
Harnessing the BMP signaling pathway to control the formation of cancer stem cells by effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Bosukonda Ashish , Carlson William D.
Published: February 2017

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) persist in tumors as a distinct population and may be causative in metastasis and relapse. CSC-rich tumors are associated with higher rates of metastasis and poor patient prognosis. Targeting CSCs therapeutically is challenging, since they seem to be resistant to standard chemotherapy. We have shown that a novel peptide agonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, P123, is capable of inhibiting the growth of primary tumor cells by interacting with type I receptors selectively [activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2) and ALK3, but not ALK6] and type II BMP receptors, activating SMAD 1/5/8 signaling and controlling the cell cycle pathway. Furthermore, the compound is capable of blocking transforming growth factor-β induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary tumor cells, a critical step for tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, we have investigated the effects of P123 on self-renewal, growth, differentiation (reversal of EMT) and apoptosis of isolated human breast CSCs. We have shown that P123 and BMP-7 reverse the EMT process in human breast CSCs, and inhibit self-renewal and growth. Moreover, compared with single treatment with paclitaxel, co-treatment with paclitaxel and P123 showed an increase in cell apoptosis. Together, these findings suggest that P123 has the therapeutic potential to suppress both bulk tumor cells and CSCs. We believe that P123 represents a new class of drugs that have the potential to eliminate the primary tumor, prevent reoccurrence and metastasis, and enhance the treatment of breast cancer.
Extracellular regulation of BMP signaling: welcome to the matrix
Authors: Sedlmeier Georg , Sleeman Jonathan P.
Published: February 2017

Given its importance in development and homeostasis, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is tightly regulated at the extra- and intracellular level. The extracellular matrix (ECM) was initially thought to act as a passive mechanical barrier that sequesters BMPs. However, a new understanding about how the ECM plays an instructive role in regulating BMP signaling is emerging. In this mini-review, we discuss various ways in which the biochemical and physical properties of the ECM regulate BMP signaling.
Structural determinants of TRIM protein function
Authors: Esposito Diego , Koliopoulos Marios G. , Rittinger Katrin
Published: February 2017

Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins constitute one of the largest subfamilies of Really Interesting New Gene (RING) E3 ubiquitin ligases and contribute to the regulation of numerous cellular activities, including innate immune responses. The conserved TRIM harbours a RING domain that imparts E3 ligase activity to TRIM family proteins, whilst a variable C-terminal region can mediate recognition of substrate proteins. The knowledge of the structure of these multidomain proteins and the functional interplay between their constituent domains is paramount to understanding their cellular roles. To date, available structural information on TRIM proteins is still largely restricted to subdomains of many TRIMs in isolation. Nevertheless, applying a combination of structural, biophysical and biochemical approaches has recently allowed important progress to be made towards providing a better understanding of the molecular features that underlie the function of TRIM family proteins and has uncovered an unexpected diversity in the link between self-association and catalytic activity.
Cellular effects mediated by pathogenic LRRK2: homing in on Rab-mediated processes
Authors: Madero-Pérez Jesús , Fdez Elena , Fernández Belén , Lara Ordóñez Antonio Jesús , Blanca Ramírez Marian , Romo Lozano María , Rivero-Ríos Pilar , Hilfiker Sabine
Published: February 2017

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a key player in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Mutations in LRRK2 are associated with increased kinase activity that correlates with cytotoxicity, indicating that kinase inhibitors may comprise promising disease-modifying compounds. However, before embarking on such strategies, detailed knowledge of the cellular deficits mediated by pathogenic LRRK2 in the context of defined and pathologically relevant kinase substrates is essential. LRRK2 has been consistently shown to impair various intracellular vesicular trafficking events, and recent studies have shown that LRRK2 can phosphorylate a subset of proteins that are intricately implicated in those processes. In light of these findings, we here review the link between cellular deficits in intracellular trafficking pathways and the LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation of those newly identified substrates.
Cross-talk between LRRK2 and PKA: implication for Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Greggio Elisa , Bubacco Luigi , Russo Isabella
Published: February 2017

Evidence indicates that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) controls multiple processes in neurons and glia cells. Deregulated LRRK2 activity due to gene mutation represents the most common cause of autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD). Protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated signaling is a key regulator of brain function. PKA-dependent pathways play an important role in brain homeostasis, neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, control of microglia activation and inflammation. On the other hand, a decline of PKA signaling was shown to contribute to the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. In this review, we will discuss the accumulating evidence linking PKA and LRRK2 in neuron and microglia functions, and offer an overview of the enigmatic cross-talk between these two kinases with molecular and cellular implications.
Vardenafil reduces macrophage pro-inflammatory overresponses in cystic fibrosis through PDE5- and CFTR-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Noel Sabrina , Panin Nadtha , Beka Mathilde , Dhooghe Barbara , Huaux François , Leal Teresinha
Published: February 2017

Chronic inflammation that progressively disrupts the lung tissue is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF). In mice, vardenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), restores transepithelial ion transport and corrects mislocalization of the most common CF mutation, F508del-CFTR. It also reduces lung pro-inflammatory responses in mice and in patients with CF. To test the hypothesis that macrophages are target effector cells of the immunomo-dulatory effect of vardenafil, we isolated lung macrophages from mice homozygous for the F508del mutation or invalidated for the cftr gene and from their corresponding wild-type (WT) littermates. We then evaluated the effect of vardenafil on the classical M1 polarization, mirroring release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We confirmed that macrophages from different body compartments express CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and showed that vardenafil targets the cells through PDE5- and CFTR-dependent mechanisms. In the presence of the F508del mutation, vardenafil down-regulated overresponses of the M1 markers, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2. Our study identifies lung macrophages as target cells of the anti-inflammatory effect of vardenafil in CF and supports the view that the drug is potentially beneficial for treating CF as it combines rescue of CFTR protein and anti-inflammatory properties.
Deletion of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in myeloid lineage exaggerates angiotensin II-induced formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Takahara Yusuke , Tokunou Tomotake , Kojima Hiroshi , Hirooka Yoshitaka , Ichiki Toshihiro
Published: February 2017

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is a transcription factor that regulates various genes responding to hypoxic conditions. We previously reported that myeloid-specific activation of HIF-1α had protective effects on hypertensive cardiovascular remodelling in mice. However the role of myeloid lineage HIF-1α in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has not been determined. Myeloid-specific HIF-1α knockout (HIF-1KO) mice were created using a Cre-lox recombination system in the background of apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. HIF-1KO and control mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) and infused with angiotensin II (Ang II, 1800 ng/kg/min) by an osmotic mini pump for 4 weeks to induce AAA formation. Deletion of HIF-1α increased aortic external diameter (2.47±0.21 mm versus 1.80±0.28 mm in control, P=0.035). AAA formation rate (94.4% in HIF-1KO versus 81.8% in control) was not statistically significant. Elastic lamina degradation grade determined by Elastica van Gieson (EVG) staining was deteriorated in HIF-1KO mice (3.91±0.08 versus 3.25±0.31 in control, P=0.013). The number of infiltrated macrophages into the abdominal aorta was increased in HIF-1KO mice. Expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) was suppressed in the aorta and peritoneal macrophages (PMs) from HIF-1KO mice compared with control mice. HIF-1α in myeloid lineage cells may have a protective role against AAA formation induced by Ang II and HFD in ApoE−/− mice.
Influence of Cognitive Ability on Therapy Outcomes for Anomia in Adults With Chronic Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Dignam Jade , Copland David , O'Brien Kate , Burfein Penni , Khan Asaduzzaman , Rodriguez Amy D.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The relationship between cognitive abilities and aphasia rehabilitation outcomes is complex and remains poorly understood. This study investigated the influence of language and cognitive abilities on anomia therapy outcomes in adults with aphasia.

Method

Thirty-four adults with chronic aphasia participated in Aphasia Language Impairment and Functioning Therapy. A language and cognitive assessment battery, including 3 baseline naming probes, was administered prior to therapy. Naming accuracy for 30 treated and 30 untreated items was collected at posttherapy and 1-month follow-up. Multiple regression models were computed to evaluate the relationship between language and cognitive abilities at baseline and anomia therapy outcomes.

Results

Both language and cognitive variables significantly influenced anomia therapy gains. Verbal short-term memory ability significantly predicted naming gains for treated items at posttherapy (β = −.551,p= .002) and for untreated items at posttherapy (β = .456,p= .014) and 1-month follow-up (β = .455,p= .021). Furthermore, lexical-semantic processing significantly predicted naming gains for treated items at posttherapy (β = −.496,p= .004) and 1-month follow-up (β = .545,p= .012).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that individuals' cognitive ability, specifically verbal short-term memory, affects anomia treatment success. Further research into the relationship between cognitive ability and anomia therapy outcomes may help to optimize treatment techniques.
Semantic Treatments for Word and Sentence Production Deficits in Aphasia
Authors: Boyle Mary
Published: February 2017

The cognitive domains of language and memory are intrinsically connected and work together during language processing. This relationship is especially apparent in the area of semantics. Several disciplines have contributed to a rich store of data about semantic organization and processing, and several semantic treatments for aphasic word and sentence production impairments have been based on these data. This article reviews the relationships between semantics and memory as they relate to word and sentence production, describes the aphasic language impairments that result from deficits in these areas, and summarizes treatment approaches that capitalize on what we have learned about these domains and how they work together.
Working Memory in Aphasia: Considering Discourse Processing and Treatment Implications
Authors: Henderson Amy , Kim Hana , Kintz Stephen , Frisco Nicole , Wright Heather
Published: February 2017

Evidence suggests that persons with aphasia (PWAs) present with working memory impairments that affect a variety of language tasks. Most of these studies have focused on the phonological loop component of working memory and little attention has been paid to the episodic buffer component. The episodic buffer, as a limited capacity, multimodal system that binds and integrates information from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory would likely be involved in discourse processing. The purposes of this article were to (1) review discourse level deficits associated with aphasia, (2) describe how a deficit at the level of the episodic buffer could cause such deficits, (3) to review discourse treatment approaches for PWAs, and (4) present preliminary results from a novel discourse treatment study for PWAs.
Phonological Treatment Approaches for Spoken Word Production in Aphasia
Authors: Madden Elizabeth , Robinson Reva , Kendall Diane
Published: February 2017

This article provides an overview of phonological treatment approaches for anomia in individuals with aphasia. The role of phonology in language processing, as well as the impact of phonological impairment on communication is initially discussed. Then, traditional phonologically based treatment approaches, including phonological, orthographic, indirect, guided, and mixed cueing methods, are described. Collectively, these cueing treatment approaches aim to facilitate word retrieval by stimulating residual phonological abilities. An alternative treatment approach, phonomotor treatment, is also examined. Phonomotor treatment aims to rebuild sublexical, phonological sequence knowledge and phonological awareness as a means to strengthen lexical processing and whole-word naming. This treatment is supported by a parallel-distributed processing model of phonology and therefore promotes multimodal training of individual phonemes and phoneme sequences in an effort to enhance the neural connectivity supporting underlying phonological processing mechanisms. The article concludes with suggestions for clinical application and implementation.
Short-Term and Working Memory Treatments for Improving Sentence Comprehension in Aphasia: A Review and a Replication Study
Authors: Salis Christos , Hwang Faustina , Howard David , Lallini Nicole
Published: February 2017

Although the roles of verbal short-term and working memory on spoken sentence comprehension skills in persons with aphasia have been debated for many years, the development of treatments to mitigate verbal short-term and working memory deficits as a way of improving spoken sentence comprehension is a new avenue in treatment research. In this article, we review and critically appraise this emerging evidence base. We also present new data from five persons with aphasia of a replication of a previously reported treatment that had resulted in some improvement of spoken sentence comprehension in a person with aphasia. The replicated treatment did not result in improvements in sentence comprehension. We forward recommendations for future research in this, admittedly weak at present, but important clinical research avenue that would help improve our understanding of the mechanisms of improvement of short-term and working memory training in relation to sentence comprehension.
Formation and characterization of the vortices generated by a DBD plasma actuator in burst mode
Authors: Mishra Bal Krishan , Panigrahi P. K.
Published: February 2017

The present study reports the formation and evolution characteristics of the continuously generated vortical structure and resulting flow field in quiescent air induced by a dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD) plasma actuator in burst mode operation. A starting vortex is formed during the initial actuation period, which disappears after a small time interval for continuous mode operation of the DBD plasma actuator. A burst input signal to the actuator generates a train of self-similar vortices. The behaviour of vortices and the average flow field induced by the actuator has been studied using high speed schlieren visualization and particle image velocimetry technique for different actuation amplitude and duty cycle parameters. These repeating vortices travel faster than the starting vortex, and the vortex core velocity of these repeating vortices increases with increase in duty cycle parameter. Fuller u-velocity profile, higher v-velocity near the edge of the outer shear layer region, and higher growth of the wall jet thickness is observed due to enhanced entrainment by repeating vortices for burst mode operation. The repeating vortices travel at an angle of 21° relative to the wall surface for duty cycle parameter of 90.9% in comparison to 31° for the starting vortex. Self-similarity of the velocity profile is delayed in the streamwise direction for burst mode operation in comparison to that for the continuous mode of operation. This can be attributed to delay in attaining the maximum velocity of the wall jet profile and presence of coherent structures for the burst mode operation. The non-dimensional vortex core location and size for repeating vortices follow power law fit similar to the starting vortex with difference in value of the power law exponent. The phase difference between the input voltage and current drawn is in the range of π12 to π9 (in radians) for both continuous and burst mode operation indicating identical electrical behaviour of the actuator in both modes of operation. Overall, the present study illustrates the effectiveness of a DBD plasma actuator as a vortex generator while operating in the burst mode. The train of vortices generated during the burst mode operation shows overall similarity with the starting vortex, and the difference in behavior is attributed to the interaction between the vortices shed during consecutive bursting cycle, which is a function of the duty cycle parameter.
Thermodynamics of hydration of fullerols [C60(OH)n] and hydrogen bond dynamics in their hydration shells
Authors: Keshri Sonanki , Tembe B. L.
Published: February 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations of fullerene and fullerols [C60(OH)n, where n = 2–30] in aqueous solutions have been performed for the purpose of obtaining a detailed understanding of the structural and dynamic properties of these nanoparticles in water. The structures, dynamics and hydration free energies of the solute molecules in water have been analysed. Radial distribution functions, spatial density distribution functions and hydrogen bond analyses are employed to characterize the solvation shells of water around the central solute molecules. We have found that water molecules form two solvation shells around the central solute molecule. Hydrogen bonding in the bulk solvent is unaffected by increasing n. The large decrease in solvation enthalpies of these solute molecules for n > 14 enhances solubilisation. The diffusion constants of solute molecules decrease with increasing n. The solvation free energy of C60 in water is positive (52.8 kJ/mol), whereas its value for C60(OH)30 is highly negative (−427.1 kJ/mol). The effects of surface hydroxylation become more dominant once the fullerols become soluble.
Characteristics of a non-volatile liquid propellant in liquid-fed ablative pulsed plasma thrusters
Authors: Ling William Yeong Liang , Schönherr Tony , Koizumi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

In the past several decades, the use of electric propulsion in spacecraft has experienced tremendous growth. With the increasing adoption of small satellites in the kilogram range, suitable propulsion systems will be necessary in the near future. Pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) were the first form of electric propulsion to be deployed in orbit, and are highly suitable for small satellites due to their inherent simplicity. However, their lifetime is limited by disadvantages such as carbon deposition leading to thruster failure, and complicated feeding systems required due to the conventional use of solid propellants (usually polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). A promising alternative to solid propellants has recently emerged in the form of non-volatile liquids that are stable in vacuum. This study presents a broad comparison of the non-volatile liquid perfluoropolyether (PFPE) and solid PTFE as propellants on a PPT with a common design base. We show that liquid PFPE can be successfully used as a propellant, and exhibits similar plasma discharge properties to conventional solid PTFE, but with a mass bit that is an order of magnitude higher for an identical ablation area. We also demonstrate that the liquid PFPE propellant has exceptional resistance to carbon deposition, completely negating one of the major causes of thruster failure, while solid PTFE exhibited considerable carbon build-up. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to examine the elemental compositions of the surface deposition on the electrodes and the ablation area of the propellant (or PFPE encapsulator). The results show that based on its physical characteristics and behavior, non-volatile liquid PFPE is an extremely promising propellant for use in PPTs, with an extensive scope available for future research and development.
Positive bias and vacuum chamber wall effect on total electron yield measurement: A re-consideration of the sample current method
Authors: Ye Ming , Wang Dan , Li Yun , He Yong-ning , Cui Wan-zhao , Daneshmand Mojgan
Published: February 2017

The measurement of the total secondary electron yield (TEY, δ) is of fundamental importance in areas such as accelerator, spacecraft, detector, and plasma system. Most of the running TEY facilities in the world are based on the kind of bias strategy. The applied bias can assist in the collection of the secondary/primary electrons. In the prevailing sample current method, the TEY is obtained by the measurement of the current from the sample to ground with a negative/positive bias applied to the sample. One of the basic assumptions in this method is that the positive bias can retain most of the electrons emitted by the sample. This assumption is generally recognized based on the seeming fact that the low energy secondary electrons dominate the emitted electrons. In this work, by considering the full electron energy spectrum including both the true secondary and backscattered electrons, we give a new insight in this TEY measurement method. Through the analytical derivation as well as the Particle-in-Cell numerical simulation, we show that it is due to the following two factors, other than the assumption mentioned above, which make the sample current method works satisfactorily: (a) the TEY relative error is related to the TEY itself in the form of |1−δ|/δ, which indicates a smallest error when measuring samples with TEY closest to 1; and (b) the compensation effect of the vacuum chamber wall. Analytical results agree well with numerical simulations and furthermore, we present a correction method for reducing the TEY relative error when measuring samples with TEY below 1. By sweeping the positive bias from 50 to 500 V, a flat silver sample in the as-received state with maximum TEY larger than 2 and a laser etched sample with maximum TEY close to 1 were measured for further verification. The obtained experimental results agree well with the theoretical analysis.
A novel setup for wafer curvature measurement at very high heating rates
Authors: Islam T. , Zechner J. , Bernardoni M. , Nelhiebel M. , Pippan R.
Published: February 2017

The curvature evolution of a thin film layer stack containing a top Al layer is measured during temperature cycles with very high heating rates. The temperature cycles are generated by means of programmable electrical power pulses applied to miniaturized polysilicon heater systems embedded inside a semiconductor chip and the curvature is measured by a fast wafer curvature measurement setup. Fast temperature cycles with heating duration of 100 ms are created to heat the specimen up to 270 °C providing an average heating rate of 2500 K/s. As a second approach, curvature measurement utilizing laser scanning Doppler vibrometry is also demonstrated which verifies the results obtained from the fast wafer curvature measurement setup. Film stresses calculated from the measured curvature values compare well to literature results, indicating that the new method can be used to measure curvature during fast temperature cycling.
Axisymmetric wall jet development in confined jet impingement
Authors: Guo Tianqi , Rau Matthew J. , Vlachos Pavlos P. , Garimella Suresh V.
Published: February 2017

The flow field surrounding an axisymmetric, confined, impinging jet was investigated with a focus on the early development of the triple-layered wall jet structure. Experiments were conducted using stereo particle image velocimetry at three different confinement gap heights (2, 4, and 8 jet diameters) across Reynolds numbers ranging from 1000 to 9000. The rotating flow structures within the confinement region and their interaction with the surrounding flow were dependent on the confinement gap height and Reynolds number. The recirculation core shifted downstream as the Reynolds number increased. For the smallest confinement gap height investigated, the strong recirculation caused a disruption of the wall jet development. The radial position of the recirculation core observed at this small gap height was found to coincide with the location where the maximum wall jet velocity had decayed to 15% of the impinging jet exit velocity. After this point, the self-similarity hypothesis failed to predict the evolution of the wall jet further downstream. A reduction in confinement gap height increased the growth rates of the wall jet thickness but did not affect the decay rate of the wall jet maximum velocity. For jet Reynolds numbers above 2500, the decay rate of the maximum velocity in the developing region of the wall jet was approximately −1.1, which is close to previous results reported for the fully developed region of radial wall jets. A much higher decay rate of −1.5 was found for the wall jet formed by a laminar impinging jet at Re = 1000.
Estimation of the critical behavior in an active colloidal system with Vicsek-like interactions
Authors: Trefz Benjamin , Siebert Jonathan Tammo , Speck Thomas , Binder Kurt , Virnau Peter
Published: February 2017

We study numerically the critical behavior of a modified, active Asakura-Oosawa model for colloid-polymer mixtures. The colloids are modeled as self-propelled particles with Vicsek-like interactions. This system undergoes phase separation between a colloid-rich and a polymer-rich phase, whereby the phase diagram depends on the strength of the Vicsek-like interactions. Employing a subsystem-block-density distribution analysis, we determine the critical point and make an attempt to estimate the critical exponents. In contrast to the passive model, we find that the critical point is not located on the rectilinear diameter. A first estimate of the critical exponents β and ν is consistent with the underlying 3d-Ising universality class observed for the passive model.
Covariant differential calculi on quantum symplectic superspace SPq1|2
Authors: Celik Salih
Published: February 2017

A unitary orthosymplectic quantum supergroup is introduced. Two covariant differential calculi on the quantum superspace SPq1|2 are presented. The h-deformed symplectic superspaces via a contraction of the q-deformed symplectic superspaces are obtained. A new h-deformation of the Heisenberg superalgebra is given.