bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common and specific neural correlates underlying the spatial congruency effect induced by the egocentric and allocentric reference frame
Authors: Liu Nan , Li Hui , Su Wen , Chen Qi
Published: January 2017

The spatial location of an object can be represented in two frames of reference: egocentric (relative to the observer's body or body parts) and allocentric (relative to another object independent of the observer). The object positions relative to the two frames can be either congruent (e.g., both left or both right) or incongruent (e.g., one left and one right). Most of the previous studies, however, did not discriminate between the two types of spatial conflicts. To investigate the common and specific neural mechanisms underlying the spatial congruency effect induced by the two reference frames, we adopted a 3 (type of task: allocentric, egocentric, and color) × 2 (spatial congruency: congruent vs. incongruent) within‐subject design in this fMRI study. The spatial congruency effect in the allocentric task was induced by the task‐irrelevant egocentric representations, and vice versa in the egocentric task. The nonspatial color task was introduced to control for the differences in bottom‐up stimuli between the congruent and incongruent conditions. Behaviorally, significant spatial congruency effect was revealed in both the egocentric and allocentric task. Neurally, the dorsal‐medial visuoparietal stream was commonly involved in the spatial congruency effect induced by the task‐irrelevant egocentric and allocentric representations. The right superior parietal cortex and the right precentral gyrus were specifically involved in the spatial congruency effect induced by the irrelevant egocentric and allocentric representations, respectively. Taken together, these results suggested that different subregions in the parieto‐frontal network played different functional roles in the spatial interaction between the egocentric and allocentric reference frame. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2112–2127, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bone marrow stem cell therapy partially ameliorates pathological consequences in livers of mice expressing mutant human α1‐antitrypsin
Authors: Baligar Prakash , Kochat Veena , Arindkar Shailendra K. , Equbal Zaffar , Mukherjee Snehashish , Patel Swati , Nagarajan Perumal , Mohanty Sujata , Teckman Jeffrey H. , Mukhopadhyay Asok
Published: January 2017

Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disease, caused by mutation of the AAT gene. Accumulation of mutated AAT protein aggregates in hepatocytes leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress, resulting in impairment of liver functions and, in some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas decline of AAT levels in sera is responsible for pulmonary emphysema. In advanced liver disease, the only option for treatment is liver transplantation, whereas AAT replacement therapy is therapeutic for emphysema. Given that hepatocytes are the primary affected cells in AATD, we investigated whether transplantation of bone marrow (BM)‐derived stem cells in transgenic mice expressing human AATZ (the Z variant of AAT) confers any competitive advantages compared to host cells that could lead to pathological improvement. Mouse BM progenitors and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appeared to contribute in replacement of 40% and 13% host hepatocytes, respectively. Transplantation of cells resulted in decline of globule‐containing hepatocytes, improvement in proliferation of globule‐devoid hepatocytes from the host‐derived hepatocytes, and apparently, donor‐derived cells. Further analyses revealed that transplantation partially improves liver pathology as reflected by inflammatory response, fibrosis, and apoptotic death of hepatocytes. Cell therapy was also found to improve liver glycogen storage and sera glucose level in mice expressing human AATZ mice. These overall improvements in liver pathology were not restricted to transplantation of mouse BM cells. Preliminary results also showed that following transplantation of human BM‐derived MSCs, globule‐containing hepatocytes declined and donor‐derived cells expressed human AAT protein. Conclusion: These results suggest that BM stem cell transplantation may be a promising therapy for AATD‐related liver disease. (Hepatology 2017;65:1319‐1335).
Knockout of the primary sclerosing cholangitis‐risk gene Fut2 causes liver disease in mice
Authors: Maroni Luca , Hohenester Simon D. , van de Graaf Stan F.J. , Tolenaars Dagmar , van Lienden Krijn , Verheij Joanne , Marzioni Marco , Karlsen Tom H. , Oude Elferink Ronald P.J. , Beuers Ulrich
Published: January 2017

The etiopathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis is unknown. Genetic variants of fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) have been identified in genome‐wide association studies as risk factors for primary sclerosing cholangitis. We investigated the role of Fut2 in murine liver pathophysiology by studying Fut2–/–
mice. Fut2–/–
mice were viable and fertile, had lower body weight than wild‐type (wt) littermates and gray fur. Half of the Fut2–/–
mice showed serum bile salt levels 40 times higher than wt (Fut2–/–

high), whereas the remainder were normocholanemic (Fut2–/–

low). Fut2–/–
mice showed normal serum liver tests, bile flow, biliary bile salt secretion, fecal bile salt loss, and expression of major hepatocellular bile salt transporters and cytochrome P450 7a1, the key regulator of bile salt synthesis, indicating that elevated serum bile salts in Fut2–/–

high mice were not explained by cholestasis. Fut2–/–

high mice, but not Fut2–/–

low mice, were sensitive to hydrophobic bile salt feeding (0.3% glycochenodeoxycholate); they rapidly lost weight and showed elevation of serum liver tests (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) and areas of liver parenchymal necrosis. Histomorphological evaluation revealed the presence of paraportal shunting vessels, increased numbers of portal vascular structures, wall thickening of some portal arteries, and periductal fibrosis in Fut2–/–

high mice more than Fut2–/–

low mice and not wt mice. Unconjugated bilirubin and ammonia were or tended to be elevated in Fut2–/–

high mice only. Portosystemic shunting was demonstrated by portal angiography, which disclosed virtually complete portosystemic shunting in Fut2–/–

high mice, discrete portosystemic shunting in Fut2–/–

low mice, and no shunting in wt littermates. Conclusion: Liver pathology in Fut2–/–
mice is dominated by consequences of portosystemic shunting resulting in microcirculatory disturbances, mild (secondary) periductal fibrosis, and sensitivity toward human bile salt toxicity. (Hepatology 2017;66:542–554).
A strength tensor based failure criterion with stress interactions
Authors: Osswald Paul V. , Osswald Tim A.
Published: January 2017

A 3D failure criterion for anisotropic materials that includes stress interactions is developed. The strength tensor model is based on the Gol'denblat–Kopnov criterion, where fourth order strength tensor stress interaction components are computed based on the slope of the failure surface at distinct stress axes intersections. Experimental data from the literature for unidirectional FRP's, an anisotropic paperboard material and textile reinforced composites are used to validate the model. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2826–2834, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modifications and research potentials of acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) membranes: A review
Authors: Kamelian Fariba Sadat , Saljoughi Ehsan , Shojaee Nasirabadi Parizad , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: January 2017

This review tries to represent the acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) modifications and research potentials in the field of membrane technology in the absence of comprehensive review until now. Accordingly, ABS properties were presented at first. Next, ABS defects which can restrict its application were introduced. Moreover, this study covered the relevant researches regarding modification of ABS membranes. It was found out that there are a lot of points about ABS which should be surveyed until its application in membrane technology extends like widely used polymers. Finally, the insight for the future researches regarding ABS membranes was particularly investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2835–2846, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improvement of m‐plane ZnO films formed on buffer layers on sapphire substrates by mist chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Tanoue Hironobu , Takenouchi Masato , Yamashita Tatsuya , Wada Shohei , Yatabe Zenji , Nagaoka Shoji , Naka Yoshihiro , Nakamura Yusui
Published: January 2017

The crystal quality of ZnO films grown by mist chemical vapor deposition (mist‐CVD) was improved by introducing ZnO buffer layers on sapphire substrates. The ZnO films were grown by high‐speed rotation‐type mist‐CVD with a ZnCl2 aqueous solution, which provided uniform epitaxial layers over 2‐inch wafers. To grow the ZnO buffer layers, it is necessary to form small grains of polycrystal. Therefore, we attempted to grow the ZnO buffer layers using a Zn(CH3COO)2 aqueous solution, which provides a small grain size of about 100 nm. By using the buffer layers, the full width at half‐maximum of an X‐ray ω‐rocking curve for the ZnO film was reduced from 0.69° to 0.38°, showing improvement of the crystal quality.
Strategies for Intravenous Fluid Resuscitation in Trauma Patients
Authors: Wise Robert , Faurie Michael , Malbrain Manu L. N. G. , Hodgson Eric
Published: January 2017

Intravenous fluid management of trauma patients is fraught with complex decisions that are often complicated by coagulopathy and blood loss. This review discusses the fluid management in trauma patients from the perspective of the developing world. In addition, the article describes an approach to specific circumstances in trauma fluid decision‐making and provides recommendations for the resource‐limited environment.
Morphology of Proeutectoid Ferrite
Authors: Yin Jiaqing , Hillert Mats , Borgenstam Annika
Published: January 2017

The morphology of grain boundary nucleated ferrite particles in iron alloys with 0.3 mass pct carbon has been classified according to the presence of facets. Several kinds of particles extend into both grains of austenite and have facets to both. It is proposed that they all belong to a continuous series of shapes. Ferrite plates can nucleate directly on the grain boundary but can also develop from edges on many kinds of particles. Feathery structures of parallel plates on both sides of a grain boundary can thus form. In sections, parallel to their main growth direction, plates have been seen to extend the whole way from the nucleation site at the grain boundary and to the growth front. This happens in the whole temperature range studied from 973 K to 673 K (700 °C to 400 °C). The plates thus grow continuously and not by subunits stopping at limited length and continuing the growth by new ones nucleating. Sometimes, the plates have ridges and in oblique sections they could be mistaken for the start of new plates. No morphological signs were observed indicating a transition between Widmanstätten ferrite and bainitic ferrite. It is proposed that there is only one kind of acicular ferrite.
Melatonin versus chloral hydrate as the sedating agent in performing electroencephalogram in paediatric patients
Authors: Yuen C. , Cherk W. , Fung T. , Ho C. , Chan K. , Yu Y.
Published: January 2017

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of epilepsy. The attainment of a high quality EEG requires patient's co-operation which is particularly difficult in children. Chloral hydrate has been used as a sedating agent in EEGs but it has potential serious adverse effects and anti-epileptic activity. Melatonin is used increasingly in different investigations as a safe alternative. Our study is to compare their effectiveness as sedating agents in performing EEGs and the detection rate of abnormal EEGs. This is a retrospective study performed in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. One hundred and ninety two EEG studies were included from December 2010 to July 2014. One hundred and two children were given chloral hydrate (50 mg/Kg) in the first half of the period and 90 children were given melatonin (3 mg for =< 5 years or 6 mg for >= 5 year) in the later half. The two groups are compared with Pearson's Chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction. The successful rate in sedation was similar between the two groups while the pick up rate of abnormal EEGs was 52.56% in the melatonin group and 21.57% in the chloral hydrate group (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis among patients with epilepsy or mental retardation and intellectual disability shared same findings with higher detection rate of abnormal EEGs in the melatonin group. No side effect was documented in the study. Compare with chloral hydrate, melatonin is a safe and effective alternative and probably has less interference with the electrographic activity.
Mixed convection non-axisymmetric Homann stagnation-point flow
Authors: Lok Y. Y. , Merkin J. H. , Pop I.
Published: January 2017

The steady mixed convection non-axisymmetric (Homann, Z. Angew. Math. Mech., vol. 16, 1936, pp. 153–164) stagnation-point flow over a vertical flat wall placed in a viscous and incompressible fluid is considered. A similarity solution is derived which involves the dimensionless parameters $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}$, representing the shear-to-strain-rate ratio, and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$, a mixed convection parameter. Forced convection, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=0$, is treated first where solutions additional to those given previously by Weidman (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 702, 2012, pp. 460–469) are found arising from singularities as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}\rightarrow \pm 1$. Numerical solutions are obtained for representative values of both $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$. Critical values $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}_{c}$ of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ are seen in opposing flow and these are treated in detail. Asymptotic results for large $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}$ are derived.
Stretching and mixing in sheared particulate suspensions
Authors: Souzy M. , Lhuissier H. , Villermaux E. , Metzger B.
Published: January 2017

We experimentally investigate mixing in sheared particulate suspensions by measuring a crucial kinematic quantity of the flow: the stretching laws of material lines in the suspending liquid. High-resolution particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in the fluid phase are performed to reconstruct, following the Diffusive Strip Method (Meunier & Villermaux, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 662, 2010, pp. 134–172), the stretching histories of the fluid material lines. In a broad range of volume fractions $20\,\%\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x1D719}\leqslant 55\,\%$, the nature of the elongation law changes drastically from linear, in the absence of particles, to exponential in the presence of particles: the mean and the standard deviation of the material line elongations are found to grow exponentially in time and the distribution of elongations converges to a log-normal. A multiplicative stretching model, based on the distribution of local shear rates and on their persistence time, is derived. This model quantitatively captures the experimental stretching laws. The presence of particles is shown to accelerate mixing at large Péclet numbers (${\gtrsim}10^{5}$). However, the wide distribution of stretching rates results in heterogeneous mixing and, hence, broadly distributed mixing times, in qualitative agreement with experimental observations.
Planktic14C Plateaus: A Result of Short-Term Sedimentation Pulses?
Authors: Balmer Sven , Sarnthein Michael
Published: January 2017

The tuning of plateaus in glacial and deglacial planktic radiocarbon records to pertinent structures in the atmospheric14C record of Lake Suigetsu results in both a record of surface water reservoir ages and a centennial-scale absolute age model. However, the atmospheric origin of planktic14C plateaus may be questioned. Alternatively, plateaus may result from short pulses of increased hemipelagic sediment deposition, which challenges the technique of14C plateau tuning. To test the two rationales for the interval 23–12 cal ka, we calculated hypothetical sedimentation rates for all14C plateaus identified in five Atlantic sediment cores assuming sediment pulses that either span 10, 100, 200, or 300 yr each. These rates were compared to rates derived by14C plateau tuning that assumes an atmospheric origin of the plateaus. In each plateau suite, our hypothetical sedimentation rates result in at least one or two cases in extreme values that exceed the rates reported for short-lasting pulses of sediment deposition in contourites by a factor of 50 and therefore appear unrealistic. Moreover, they result in entire suites of plateau structures that incidentally appear closely aligned to the pattern of atmospheric14C plateau suites rather than to any pulses of climate-controlled sediment discharge.
On the Asphericity of a Family of Positive Relative Group Presentations
Authors: Aldwaik Suzana , Edjvet Martin
Published: January 2017

Excluding four exceptional cases, we determine the asphericity of the relative presentation for m ⩾ 2. If H = ⟨g, h⟩ ⩽ G, then the exceptional cases occur when H is isomorphic to C5 or C6.
From neurological soft signs to functional outcome in young individuals in treatment with secondary services for non-psychotic disorders: a path analysis
Authors: Minichino A. , Francesconi M. , Carrión R. E. , Delle Chiaie R. , Bevilacqua A. , Parisi M. , Rullo S. , Bersani F. S. , Biondi M. , Cadenhead K.
Published: January 2017

Background

Functional decline among patients with mental illness is not unique to individuals with psychotic disorders. Despite this, research on early predictors of functional outcome mainly focused on individuals thought to have an ‘at risk mental state’ (ARMS) for psychosis. There is evidence suggesting that certain early vulnerability markers, such as neurological soft signs (NSS), may explain variability in functional outcomes independent of the level of psychosis risk and the traditional diagnostic classification.

Method

Structural equation modeling was applied to baseline data from a prospective longitudinal study of 138 young individuals in treatment with secondary services for non-psychotic disorders. We evaluated theoretically based models of pathways to functional outcome starting from NSS. The intervening variables were established according to previous evidence and drawn from two general categories: cognition (neuro- and social-) and negative symptoms (expressive and experiential).

Results

A final trimmed model was a single path running from NSS to neurocognition to experiential negative symptoms to outcome. It could not be improved by adding or dropping connections that would change the single path to multiple paths. The indirect effect from NSS to outcome was significant. The validity of the model was independent of the ARMS status and the psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for a single pathway model in which the starting and intervening variables represent modifiable trans-diagnostic therapeutic targets to improve functional trajectories in young individuals with a recent-onset psychiatric diagnosis and different levels of psychosis risk.
“Of course there is no such thing as a socialist handstand, but …”: Socialism, Humanism, and Virtuosity in East German Variety Theatre Practice during the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Machals Andy
Published: January 2017

While researching the history of performance at Berlin's Friedrichstadt-Palast I had come across this rejection of the idea of “a socialist handstand” many times, before I realized the extent to which the judgment had been qualified:

Of course there is no such thing as a socialist handstand, but there are many crucial elements in an acrobatic number, for instance the beauty of the human body, bravery, and concentration. An artistic presentation can be of humanistic character, but also of nihilistic character. But first and foremost, it must shape taste, and be pioneering.
Effet paradoxal du vieillissement sur des tâches de mémoire prospective time-based en situation de laboratoire et en milieu naturel : Rôle des fonctions exécutives
Authors: Azzopardi Barbara , Auffray Caroline , Kermarrec Christophe
Published: January 2017

The current study investigates the specific role of three executive functions in the explanation of performance variability on laboratory and naturalistic time-based prospective memory tasks in aging. Ninety people aged 18 to 80 years performed three executive tasks assessing inhibition, flexibility and updating, one laboratory time-based task and one naturalistic time-based task. The results indicate that age has a negative impact on the laboratory time-based task and a positive impact on the naturalistic task. The mediation analysis shows that inhibition and flexibility operate as a mediator in the negative relationship between age and the laboratory time-based task. Additionally, the hierarchical regression analyses show that, after controlling for age, none of the executive functions evaluated is predictive of performance of the naturalistic time-based task. Overall, these results seem to suggest that different cognitive processes underlie the performance on naturalistic and on laboratory time-based tasks. Future studies should confirm these results.
DRINKING, TEXTING, AND MORAL ARGUMENTS FROM ANALOGY
Authors: Swartwood Jason
Published: January 2017

Texting while driving is morally equivalent to driving drunk. In this dialogue, I illustrate why moral arguments from analogy are a valuable part of moral reasoning by considering how texting while driving is, morally speaking, no different from drunk driving.1
PETER SINGER'S STRENUOUS MORALITY
Authors: Dore Clement
Published: January 2017

Peter Singer has pointed out that many people in the United States are affluent enough to be able to give much more to overseas aid than in fact we do give; and Singer maintains that we are morally blameworthy in that respect. In what follows, I will undertake to show that the latter claim is mistaken. I will call by the letter ‘A’ a person who donates money to an overseas aid-organization and by the letter ‘B’ a disillusioned overseas aid-worker who has been in direct contact with some starving children.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A BEE?
Authors: Earp Brian D.
Published: January 2017

Do bees have feelings? What would that mean? And if they do have feelings, how should we treat them? Do we have a moral obligation towards insects? A short commentary on M. Bateson, S. Desire, S. E. Gartside, and G. A. Wright, ‘Agitated Honeybees Exhibit Pessimistic Cognitive Biases’, Current Biology 21.12 (2011), 1070–3.
RNY (YRNA)-derived small RNAs regulate cell death and inflammation in monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Hizir Zoheir , Bottini Silvia , Grandjean Valerie , Trabucchi Michele , Repetto Emanuela
Published: January 2017

The recent discovery of new classes of small RNAs has opened unknown territories to explore new regulations of physiopathological events. We have recently demonstrated that RNY (or Y RNA)-derived small RNAs (referred to as s-RNYs) are an independent class of clinical biomarkers to detect coronary artery lesions and are associated with atherosclerosis burden. Here, we have studied the role of s-RNYs in human and mouse monocytes/macrophages and have shown that in lipid-laden monocytes/macrophages s-RNY expression is timely correlated to the activation of both NF-κB and caspase 3-dependent cell death pathways. Loss- or gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that s-RNYs activate caspase 3 and NF-κB signaling pathways ultimately promoting cell death and inflammatory responses. As, in atherosclerosis, Ro60-associated s-RNYs generated by apoptotic macrophages are released in the blood of patients, we have investigated the extracellular function of the s-RNY/Ro60 complex. Our data demonstrated that s-RNY/Ro60 complex induces caspase 3-dependent cell death and NF-κB-dependent inflammation, when added to the medium of cultured monocytes/macrophages. Finally, we have shown that s-RNY function is mediated by Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7). Indeed using chloroquine, which disrupts signaling of endosome-localized TLRs 3, 7, 8 and 9 or the more specific TLR7/9 antagonist, the phosphorothioated oligonucleotide IRS954, we blocked the effect of either intracellular or extracellular s-RNYs. These results position s-RNYs as relevant novel functional molecules that impacts on macrophage physiopathology, indicating their potential role as mediators of inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
Continued 26S proteasome dysfunction in mouse brain cortical neurons impairs autophagy and the Keap1-Nrf2 oxidative defence pathway
Authors: Ugun-Klusek Aslihan , Tatham Michael H , Elkharaz Jamal , Constantin-Teodosiu Dumitru , Lawler Karen , Mohamed Hala , Paine Simon M L , Anderson Glen , John Mayer R , Lowe James , Ellen Billett E , Bedford Lynn
Published: January 2017

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and macroautophagy (autophagy) are central to normal proteostasis and interdependent in that autophagy is known to compensate for the UPS to alleviate ensuing proteotoxic stress that impairs cell function. UPS and autophagy dysfunctions are believed to have a major role in the pathomechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. Here we show that continued 26S proteasome dysfunction in mouse brain cortical neurons causes paranuclear accumulation of fragmented dysfunctional mitochondria, associated with earlier recruitment of Parkin and lysine 48-linked ubiquitination of mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) proteins, including Mitofusin-2. Early events also include phosphorylation of p62/SQSTM1 (p62) and increased optineurin, as well as autophagosomal LC3B and removal of some mitochondria, supporting the induction of selective autophagy. Inhibition of the degradation of ubiquitinated MOM proteins with continued 26S proteasome dysfunction at later stages may impede efficient mitophagy. However, continued 26S proteasome dysfunction also decreases the levels of essential autophagy proteins ATG9 and LC3B, which is characterised by decreases in their gene expression, ultimately leading to impaired autophagy. Intriguingly, serine 351 phosphorylation of p62 did not enhance its binding to Keap1 or stabilise the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor in this neuronal context. Nrf2 protein levels were markedly decreased despite transcriptional activation of the Nrf2 gene. Our study reveals novel insights into the interplay between the UPS and autophagy in neurons and is imperative to understanding neurodegenerative disease where long-term proteasome inhibition has been implicated.
Neuronal hemoglobin affects dopaminergic cells’ response to stress
Authors: Codrich Marta , Bertuzzi Maria , Russo Roberta , Francescatto Margherita , Espinoza Stefano , Zentilin Lorena , Giacca Mauro , Cesselli Daniela , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Ascenzi Paolo , Zucchelli Silvia , Persichetti Francesca , Leanza Giampiero , Gustincich Stefano
Published: January 2017

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the major protein in erythrocytes and carries oxygen (O2) throughout the body. Recently, Hb has been found synthesized in atypical sites, including the brain. Hb is highly expressed in A9 dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), whose selective degeneration leads to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here we show that Hb confers DA cells’ susceptibility to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and rotenone, neurochemical cellular models of PD. The toxic property of Hb does not depend on O2 binding and is associated with insoluble aggregate formation in the nucleolus. Neurochemical stress induces epigenetic modifications, nucleolar alterations and autophagy inhibition that depend on Hb expression. When adeno-associated viruses carrying α- and β-chains of Hb are stereotaxically injected into mouse SN, Hb forms aggregates and causes motor learning impairment. These results position Hb as a potential player in DA cells’ homeostasis and dysfunction in PD.
REP1 inhibits FOXO3-mediated apoptosis to promote cancer cell survival
Authors: Song Kwon-Ho , Woo Seon Rang , Chung Joon-Yong , Lee Hyo-Jung , Oh Se Jin , Hong Soon-Oh , Shim Jaegal , Kim Yong Nyun , Rho Seung Bae , Hong Seung-Mo , Cho Hanbyoul , Hibi Masahiko , Bae Dong-Jun , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kim Min Gyu , Kim Tae Woo , Bae Young-Ki
Published: January 2017

Rab escort protein 1 (REP1) is a component of Rab geranyl-geranyl transferase 2 complex. Mutations in REP1 cause a disease called choroideremia (CHM), which is an X-linked eye disease. Although it is postulated that REP1 has functions in cell survival or death of various tissues in addition to the eye, how REP1 functions in normal and cancer cells remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that REP1 is required for the survival of intestinal cells in addition to eyes or a variety of cells in zebrafish, and also has important roles in tumorigenesis. Notably, REP1 is highly expressed in colon cancer tissues and cell lines, and silencing of REP1 sensitizes colon cancer cells to serum starvation- and 5-FU-induced apoptosis. In an effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying REP1-mediated cell survival under those stress conditions, we identified FOXO3 as a binding partner of REP1 using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay system, and we demonstrated that REP1 blocked the nuclear trans-localization of FOXO3 through physically interacting with FOXO3, thereby suppressing FOXO3-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, the inhibition of REP1 combined with 5-FU treatment could lead to significant retarded tumor growth in a xenograft tumor model of human cancer cells. Thus, our results suggest that REP1 could be a new therapeutic target in combination treatment for colon cancer patients.
Personalising care of adults with asthma from Asia: a modified e-Delphi consensus study to inform management tailored to attitude and control profiles
Authors: Chisholm Alison , Price David B , Pinnock Hilary , Lee Tan Tze , Roa Camilo , Cho Sang-Heon , David-Wang Aileen , Wong Gary , van der Molen Thys , Ryan Dermot , Castillo-Carandang Nina , Yong Yee Vern ,   on behalf of the Respiratory Effectiveness Group
Published: January 2017

REALISE Asia—an online questionnaire-based study of Asian asthma patients—identified five patient clusters defined in terms of their control status and attitude towards their asthma (categorised as: ‘Well-adjusted and at least partly controlled’; ‘In denial about symptoms’; ‘Tolerating with poor control’; ‘Adrift and poorly controlled’; ‘Worried with multiple symptoms’). We developed consensus recommendations for tailoring management of these attitudinal–control clusters. An expert panel undertook a three-round electronic Delphi (e-Delphi): Round 1: panellists received descriptions of the attitudinal–control clusters and provided free text recommendations for their assessment and management. Round 2: panellists prioritised Round 1 recommendations and met (or joined a teleconference) to consolidate the recommendations. Round 3: panellists voted and prioritised the remaining recommendations. Consensus was defined as Round 3 recommendations endorsed by >50% of panellists. Highest priority recommendations were those receiving the highest score. The multidisciplinary panellists (9 clinicians, 1 pharmacist and 1 health social scientist; 7 from Asia) identified consensus recommendations for all clusters. Recommended pharmacological (e.g., step-up/down; self-management; simplified regimen) and non-pharmacological approaches (e.g., trigger management, education, social support; inhaler technique) varied substantially according to each cluster’s attitude to asthma and associated psychosocial drivers of behaviour. The attitudinal–control clusters defined by REALISE Asia resonated with the international panel. Consensus was reached on appropriate tailored management approaches for all clusters. Summarised and incorporated into a structured management pathway, these recommendations could facilitate personalised care. Generalisability of these patient clusters should be assessed in other socio-economic, cultural and literacy groups and nationalities in Asia.
An electrical load measurements dataset of United Kingdom households from a two-year longitudinal study
Authors: Murray David , Stankovic Lina , Stankovic Vladimir
Published: January 2017

Smart meter roll-outs provide easy access to granular meter measurements, enabling advanced energy services, ranging from demand response measures, tailored energy feedback and smart home/building automation. To design such services, train and validate models, access to data that resembles what is expected of smart meters, collected in a real-world setting, is necessary. The REFIT electrical load measurements dataset described in this paper includes whole house aggregate loads and nine individual appliance measurements at 8-second intervals per house, collected continuously over a period of two years from 20 houses. During monitoring, the occupants were conducting their usual routines. At the time of publishing, the dataset has the largest number of houses monitored in the United Kingdom at less than 1-minute intervals over a period greater than one year. The dataset comprises 1,194,958,790 readings, that represent over 250,000 monitored appliance uses. The data is accessible in an easy-to-use comma-separated format, is time-stamped and cleaned to remove invalid measurements, correctly label appliance data and fill in small gaps of missing data.
Effect of dietary Astragalus Polysaccharide supplements on testicular miRNA expression profiles and enzymatic changes of breeder cocks
Authors: Wu Shengru , Ren Xiaochun , Li Yulong , Guo Wei , Lei Xinyu , Yao Junhu , Yang Xiaojun
Published: January 2017

Astragalus Polysaccharide (APS) is an important feed additive due to its immunomodulatory functions. Previous studies have proven that miRNAs play important roles in posttranscriptional gene regulation. Our goals were to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in testes in responses to APS dietary supplements and to find the effects of APS on breeder cock testes. We measured several enzymatic activities in testes and sperm samples and further generated miRNA expression profiles of testes from breeder cocks fed with control diets and extra APS. As a result, we found APS could increase testicular functional activities of marker enzymes. Meanwhile, there were 16 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated miRNAs in APS group, compared with the control group meeting the criteria of P-values < 0.05. Meanwhile, twelve differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by Mir-XTM miRNA RT-qPCR. Further GO and KEGG analyses of target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that some miRNAs may be involved in testicular nutrient metabolisms and NK cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway. Moreover, the effect of dietary APS supplements on NK cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway was also validated by RT-qPCR. Our results provided a novel insight into the effect of dietary APS supplements on testicular miRNA expression profiles and enzymatic changes of breeder cocks.
Osseous differentiation of human fat tissue grafts: From tissue engineering to tissue differentiation
Authors: Bondarava Maryna , Cattaneo Chiara , Ren Bin , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Jansson Volkmar , Müller Peter E. , Betz Oliver B.
Published: January 2017

Conventional bone tissue engineering approaches require isolation and in vitro propagation of autologous cells, followed by seeding on a variety of scaffolds. Those protracted procedures impede the clinical applications. Here we report the transdifferentiation of human fat tissue fragments retrieved from subcutaneous fat into tissue with bone characteristics in vitro without prior cell isolation and propagation. 3D collagen-I cultures of human fat tissue were cultivated either in growth medium or in osteogenic medium (OM) with or without addition of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) BMP-2, BMP-7 or BMP-9. Ca2+ depositions were observed after two weeks of osteogenic induction which visibly increased when either type of BMP was added. mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) increased when cultured in OM alone but addition of BMP-2, BMP-7 or BMP-9 caused significantly higher expression levels of ALP and OCN. Immunofluorescent staining for OCN, osteopontin and sclerostin supported the observed real-time-PCR data. BMP-9 was the most effective osteogenic inducer in this system. Our findings reveal that tissue regeneration can be remarkably simplified by omitting prior cell isolation and propagation, therefore removing significant obstacles on the way to clinical applications of much needed regeneration treatments.
Swimming and feeding of mixotrophic biflagellates
Authors: Dölger Julia , Nielsen Lasse Tor , Kiørboe Thomas , Andersen Anders
Published: January 2017

Many unicellular flagellates are mixotrophic and access resources through both photosynthesis and prey capture. Their fitness depends on those processes as well as on swimming and predator avoidance. How does the flagellar arrangement and beat pattern of the flagellate affect swimming speed, predation risk due to flow-sensing predators, and prey capture? Here, we describe measured flows around two species of mixotrophic, biflagellated haptophytes with qualitatively different flagellar arrangements and beat patterns. We model the near cell flows using two symmetrically arranged point forces with variable position next to a no-slip sphere. Utilizing the observations and the model we find that puller force arrangements favour feeding, whereas equatorial force arrangements favour fast and quiet swimming. We determine the capture rates of both passive and motile prey, and we show that the flow facilitates transport of captured prey along the haptonema structure. We argue that prey capture alone cannot fulfil the energy needs of the observed species, and that the mixotrophic life strategy is essential for survival.
Functional constraints on adaptive evolution of protein ubiquitination sites
Authors: Lu Liang , Li Yang , Liu Zhongyang , Liang Fengji , Guo Feifei , Yang Shuai , Wang Dan , He Yangzhige , Xiong Jianghui , Li Dong , He Fuchu
Published: January 2017

It is still unclear whether there exist functional constraints on the evolution of protein ubiquitination sites, because most previous studies regarded all protein ubiquitination sites as a whole or only focused on limited structural properties. We tried to clarify the relation between functional constraints and ubiquitination sites evolution. We investigated the evolutionary conservation of human ubiquitination sites in a broad evolutionary scale fromG. gorillatoS. pombe, and we found that in organisms originated after the divergence of vertebrate, ubiquitination sites are more conserved than their flanking regions, while the opposite tendency is observed before this divergence time. By grouping the ubiquitination proteins into different functional categories, we confirm that many functional constraints like certain molecular functions, protein tissue expression specificity and protein connectivity in protein-protein interaction network enhance the evolutionary conservation of ubiquitination sites. Furthermore, by analyzing the gains of ubiquitination sites at different divergence time and their functional characters, we validate that the emergences of ubiquitination sites at different evolutionary time were also affected by the uncovered functional constraints. The above results suggest that functional constraints on the adaptive evolution of ubiquitination sites increase the opportunity for ubiquitination to synthetically regulate various cellular and developmental processes during evolution.
Serum ApoB levels in depressive patients: associated with cognitive deficits
Authors: Hui Li , Han Mei , Du Xiang Dong , Zhang Bao Hua , He Shu Chang , Shao Tian Nan , Yin Guang Zhong
Published: January 2017

Cognitive deficits have been regarded as one of the most significant clinical symptoms of depressive disorder. Accumulating evidence has shown that apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, which are responsible for inducing neurodegeneration, may be involved in cognitive deficits. This study examines cognitive deficits, and the correlation of serum ApoB levels with cognitive deficits of depressive disorder. 90 depressive patients and 90 healthy controls with matched age and gender were recruited. Cognition was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Serum ApoB levels in depressive patients were measured by immunoturbidimetric method. Our results showed that depressive patients had lower scores of cognition including RBANS total score and subscales of language and delayed memory (all, p < 0.001) than healthy controls after controlling for the variables. The differences in cognitive functions also passed Bonferroni corrections. Serum ApoB levels were negatively correlated with delayed memory score in depressive patients (r = −0.30, p = 0.01). Furthermore, stepwise multivariate regression analysis indicated that serum ApoB levels independently contributed to delayed memory in depressive patients (t = −2.68, p = 0.01). Our findings support that serum ApoB levels may be involved in delayed memory decline in depressive patients. Depressive patients also experience greater cognitive deficits, especially in delayed memory and language than healthy controls.
Drag reduction through self-texturing compliant bionic materials
Authors: Liu Eryong , Li Longyang , Wang Gang , Zeng Zhixiang , Zhao Wenjie , Xue Qunji
Published: January 2017

Compliant fish skin is effectively in reducing drag, thus the design and application of compliant bionic materials may be a good choice for drag reduction. Here we consider the drag reduction of compliant bionic materials. First, ZnO and PDMS mesh modified with n-octadecane were prepared, the drag reduction of self-texturing compliant n-octadecane were studied. The results show that the mesh modified by ZnO and PDMS possess excellent lipophilic and hydrophobic, thus n-octadecane at solid, semisolid and liquid state all have good adhesion with modified mesh. The states of n-octadecane changed with temperature, thus, the surface contact angle and adhesive force all varies obviously at different state. The contact angle decreases with temperature, the adhesive force shows a lower value at semisolid state. Furthermore, the drag testing results show that the compliant n-octadecane film is more effectively in drag reduction than superhydrophobic ZnO/PDMS film, indicating that the drag reduction mechanism of n-octadecane is significantly different with superhydrophobic film. Further research shows that the water flow leads to self-texturing of semisolid state n-octadecane, which is similar with compliant fish skin. Therefore, the compliant bionic materials of semisolid state n-octadecane with regular bulge plays a major role in the drag reduction.
Comparative Transcriptome Profiles of Human Blood in Response to the Toll-like Receptor 4 Ligands Lipopolysaccharide and Monophosphoryl Lipid A
Authors: Luan Liming , Patil Naeem K. , Guo Yin , Hernandez Antonio , Bohannon Julia K. , Fensterheim Benjamin A. , Wang Jingbin , Xu Yaomin , Enkhbaatar Perenlei , Stark Ryan , Sherwood Edward R.
Published: January 2017

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), a less toxic derivative of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is employed as a vaccine adjuvant and is under investigation as a non-specific immunomodulator. However, the differential response of human leukocytes to MPLA and LPS has not been well characterized. The goal of this study was to compare the differential transcriptomic response of human blood to LPS and MPLA. Venous blood from human volunteers was stimulated with LPS, MPLA or vehicle. Gene expression was determined using microarray analysis. Among 21,103 probes profiled, 136 and 130 genes were differentially regulated by LPS or MPLA, respectively. Seventy four genes were up-regulated and 9 were down-regulated by both ligands. The remaining genes were differentially induced by either agent. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted that LPS and MPLA share similar upstream regulators and have comparable effects on canonical pathways and cellular functions. However, some pro-inflammatory cytokine and inflammasome-associated transcripts were more strongly induced by LPS. In contrast, only the macrophage-regulating chemokine CCL7 was preferentially up-regulated by MPLA. In conclusion, LPS and MPLA induce similar transcriptional profiles. However, LPS more potently induces pro-inflammatory cytokine and inflammasome-linked transcripts. Thus, MPLA is a less potent activator of the pro-inflammatory response but retains effective immunomodulatory activity.
Nonlinear Saturable and Polarization-induced Absorption of Rhenium Disulfide
Authors: Cui Yudong , Lu Feifei , Liu Xueming
Published: January 2017

Monolayer of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), with lamellar structure as that of graphene, has attracted significant attentions in optoelectronics and photonics. Here, we focus on the optical absorption response of a new member TMDs, rhenium disulphide (ReS2) whose monolayer and bulk forms have the nearly identical band structures. The nonlinear saturable and polarization-induced absorption of ReS2 are investigated at near-infrared communication band beyond its bandgap. It is found that the ReS2-covered D-shaped fiber (RDF) displays the remarkable polarization-induced absorption, which indicates the different responses for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations relative to ReS2 plane. Nonlinear saturable absorption of RDF exhibits the similar saturable fluence of several tens of μJ/cm2 and modulation depth of about 1% for ultrafast pulses with two orthogonal polarizations. RDF is utilized as a saturable absorber to achieve self-started mode-locking operation in an Er-doped fiber laser. The results broaden the operation wavelength of ReS2 from visible light to around 1550 nm, and numerous applications may benefit from the anisotropic and nonlinear absorption characteristics of ReS2, such as in-line optical polarizers, high-power pulsed lasers, and optical communication system.
HBx promotes cell proliferation by disturbing the cross-talk between miR-181a and PTEN
Authors: Tian Yi , Xiao Xinqiang , Gong Xing , Peng Feng , Xu Yun , Jiang Yongfang , Gong Guozhong
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is involved in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism is still needed to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the relationship between HBx and microRNA and their roles in hepato-carcinogenesis. Firstly, by global microarray-based microRNA profiling and qRT-PCR, we found miR-181a was strongly up-regulated in HepG2.2.15 cells (HBV positive) and pHBV1.3-expressing HepG2 cells, and HBx played a major role in it. Secondly, reduced PTEN protein expression in the presence of HBx was aslo mediated by miR-181a, and in the Luciferase reporter system, miR-181a inhibited the PTEN translation by binding the PTEN 3′-untranslated-region (UTR), and PTEN protein was decreased when epigenetic expression of miR-181a and rescued by knocking down miR-181a. Finally, HBx interrupted the balance between apoptosis and proliferation, which contributed to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, was also related to the interaction of miR-181a and PTEN. Taken together, we presented here a novel cross-talk between miR-181a and PTEN which was raised by HBx, and this shined a new line in HBV-related hepato-carcinogenesis.