bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deterministically Entangling Two Remote Atomic Ensembles via Light-Atom Mixed Entanglement Swapping
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Yan Zhihui , Jia Xiaojun , Xie Changde 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEntanglement of two distant macroscopic objects is a key element for implementing large-scale quantum networks consisting of quantum channels and quantum nodes. Entanglement swapping can entangle two spatially separated quantum systems without direct interaction. Here we propose a scheme of deterministically entangling two remote atomic ensembles via continuous-variable entanglement swapping between two independent quantum systems involving light and atoms. Each of two stationary atomic ensembles placed at two remote nodes in a quantum network is prepared to a mixed entangled state of light and atoms respectively. Then, the entanglement swapping is unconditionally implemented between the two prepared quantum systems by means of the balanced homodyne detection of light and the feedback of the measured results. Finally, the established entanglement between two macroscopic atomic ensembles is verified by the inseparability criterion of correlation variances between two anti-Stokes optical beams respectively coming from the two atomic ensembles.
Significant Lowering Optical Loss of Electrodes via using Conjugated Polyelectrolytes Interlayer for Organic Laser in Electrically Driven Device Configuration
Authors: Yi Jianpeng , Niu Qiaoli , Xu Weidong , Hao Lin , Yang Lei , Chi Lang , Fang Yueting , Huang Jinjin , Xia Ruidong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOne of the challenges toward electrically driven organic lasers is the huge optical loss associated with the contact of electrodes and organic gain medium in device. We demonstrated a significant reduction of the optical loss by using our newly developed conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPE) PPFN+Br− as interlayer between gain medium and electrode. The optically pumped amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) was observed at very low threshold for PFO as optical gain medium and up to 37 nm thick CPE as interlayer in device configuration, c.f., a 5.7-fold ASE threshold reduction from pump energy 150 μJ/cm2 for ITO/PFO to 26.3 μJ/cm2 for ITO/PPFN+Br−/PFO. Furthermore, ASE narrowing displayed at pump energy up to 61.8 μJ/cm2 for device ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PFO/PPFN+Br−/Ag, while no ASE was observed for the reference devices without CPE interlayer at pump energy up to 240 μJ/cm2. The optically pumped lasing operation has also been achieved at threshold up to 45 μJ/cm2 for one-dimensional distributed feedback laser fabricated on ITO etched grating in devices with CPE interlayer, demonstrating a promising device configuration for addressing the challenge of electrically driven organic lasers.
Effects of Metal Nanoparticles on Methane Production from Waste-Activated Sludge and Microorganism Community Shift in Anaerobic Granular Sludge
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Dong , Dai Lingling , Chen Yinguang , Dai Xiaohu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExtensive use of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer and industrial products has led to concerns about their potential environmental impacts; however, the influences of different NPs (e.g., nZVI (nano zero-valent iron), Ag NPs, Fe2O3 NPs and MgO NPs) on the anaerobic digestion of sludge have not yet been studied in depth. Additionally, a new guideline or the use of different NPs in the anaerobic digestion of sludge should be established to improve the anaerobic digestion of sludge and avoid inhibitory effects. This study investigated the effects of four representative NPs (i.e., nZVI, Ag NPs, Fe2O3 NPs and MgO NPs) on methane production during the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS). The presence of 10 mg/g total suspended solids (TSS) nZVI and 100 mg/g TSS Fe2O3 NPs increased methane production to 120% and 117% of the control, respectively, whereas 500 mg/g TSS Ag NPs and 500 mg/g TSS MgO NPs generated lower levels of methane production (73.52% and 1.08% that of the control, respectively). These results showed that low concentrations of nZVI and Fe2O3 NPs promoted the amount of microbes (Bacteria and Archaea) and activities of key enzymes but that higher concentrations of Ag NPs and MgO NPs inhibited them.
The intracellular trafficking mechanism of Lipofectamine-based transfection reagents and its implication for gene delivery
Authors: Cardarelli Francesco , Digiacomo Luca , Marchini Cristina , Amici Augusto , Salomone Fabrizio , Fiume Giuseppe , Rossetta Alessandro , Gratton Enrico , Pozzi Daniela , Caracciolo Giulio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLipofectamine reagents are widely accepted as “gold-standard” for the safe delivery of exogenous DNA or RNA into cells. Despite this, a satisfactory mechanism-based explanation of their superior efficacy has remained mostly elusive thus far. Here we apply a straightforward combination of live cell imaging, single-particle tracking microscopy and quantitative transfection-efficiency assays on live cells to unveil the intracellular trafficking mechanism of Lipofectamine/DNA complexes. We find that Lipofectamine, contrary to alternative formulations, is able to efficiently avoid active intracellular transport along microtubules and the subsequent entrapment and degradation of the payload within acidic/digestive lysosomal compartments. This result is achieved by random Brownian motion of Lipofectamine-containing vesicles within the cytoplasm. We demonstrate here that Brownian diffusion is an efficient route for Lipofectamine/DNA complexes to avoid metabolic degradation, thus leading to optimal transfection. By contrast, active transport along microtubules results in DNA degradation and subsequent poor transfection. Intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape and lysosomal degradation appear therefore as highly interdependent phenomena, in such a way that they should be viewed as a single barrier on the route for efficient transfection. As a matter of fact, they should be evaluated in their entirety for the development of optimized non-viral gene delivery vectors.
Adaptation in isolated populations: when does it happen and when can we tell?
Authors: Crisci Jessica L. , Dean Matthew D. , Ralph Peter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIsolated populations with novel phenotypes present an exciting opportunity to uncover the genetic basis of ecologically significant adaptation, and genomic scans for positive selection in such populations have often, but not always, led to candidate genes directly related to an adaptive phenotype. However, in many cases these populations were established by a severe bottleneck, which can make identifying targets of selection problematic. Here we simulate severe bottlenecks and subsequent selection on standing variation, mimicking adaptation after establishment of a new small population, such as an island or an artificial selection experiment. Using simulations of single loci under positive selection and population genetics theory, we examine how population size and age of the population isolate affects the ability of outlier scans for selection to identify adaptive alleles using both single site measures and haplotype structure. We find and explain an optimal combination of selection strength, starting frequency, and age of the adaptive allele, which we refer to as a Goldilocks zone, where adaptation is likely to occur, and yet the adaptive variants are most likely to derive from a single ancestor (a “hard” selective sweep); in this zone, four commonly used statistics detect selection with high power. Real-world examples of both island colonization and experimental evolution studies are discussed. Our study provides concrete considerations to be made before embarking on whole genome sequencing of differentiated populations.
Use of multiple picosecond high-mass molecular dynamics simulations to predict crystallographic B-factors of folded globular proteins
Authors: Pang Yuan-Ping 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTPredicting crystallographic B-factors of a protein from a conventional molecular dynamics simulation is challenging in part because the B-factors calculated through sampling the atomic positional fluctuations in a picosecond molecular dynamics simulation are unreliable and the sampling of a longer simulation yields overly large root mean square deviations between calculated and experimental B-factors. This article reports improved B-factor prediction achieved by sampling the atomic positional fluctuations in multiple picosecond molecular dynamics simulations that use uniformly increased atomic masses by 100-fold to increase time resolution. Using the third immunoglobulin-binding domain of protein G, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, ubiquitin, and lysozyme as model systems, the B-factor root mean square deviations (mean ± standard error) of these proteins were 3.1 ± 0.2–9 ± 1 Å2for Cα and 7.3 ± 0.9–9.6 ± 0.2 Å2for Cγ, when the sampling was done, for each of these proteins, over 20 distinct, independent, and 50-picosecond high-mass molecular dynamics simulations using AMBER forcefield FF12MC or FF14SB. These results suggest that sampling the atomic positional fluctuations in multiple picosecond high-mass molecular dynamics simulations may be conducive toa prioriprediction of crystallographic B-factors of a folded globular protein.
On the evolutionary origins of equity
Authors: Debove Stéphane , Baumard Nicolas , André Jean-Baptiste 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEquity, defined as reward according to contribution, is considered a central aspect of human fairness in both philosophical debates and scientific research. Despite large amounts of research on the evolutionary origins of fairness, the evolutionary rationale behind equity is still unknown. Here, we investigate how equity can be understood in the context of the cooperative environment in which humans evolved. We model a population of individuals who cooperate to produce and divide a resource, and choose their cooperative partners based on how they are willing to divide the resource. Agent-based simulations, an analytical model, and extended simulations using neural networks provide converging evidence that equity is the best evolutionary strategy in such an environment: individuals maximize their fitness by dividing benefits in proportion to their own and their partners’ relative contribution. The need to be chosen as a cooperative partner thus creates a selection pressure strong enough to explain the evolution of preferences for equity. We discuss the limitations of our model, the discrepancies between its predictions and empirical data, and how interindividual and intercultural variability fit within this framework.
Automatic classification of behavior in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Jouary Adrien , Sumbre German 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTZebrafish larvae navigate the environment by discrete episode of propulsion called bouts. We introduce a novel method for automatically classifying tail bouts. A supervised soft-clustering algorithm to categorize tail bouts into 5 categories of movements: Scoot, Asymmetrical Scoot, Routine Turn, C Bend and Burst. Tail bouts were correctly classified with 82% chance while errors in the classification occurred mostly between similar categories. Although previous studies have performed categorization of behavior in free-swimming conditions, our method does not rely on the analysis of the larva’s trajectory and is thus compatible with both free-swimming and functional imaging in head-fixed condition.
A cellular and regulatory map of the GABAergic nervous system ofC. elegans
Authors: Gendrel Marie , Atlas Emily G. , Hobert Oliver 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTNeurotransmitter maps are important complements to anatomical maps and represent an invaluable resource to understand how signals are transmitted throughout the nervous system and how a nervous system is developmentally patterned. We report here a comprehensive map of neurons in theC. elegansnervous system that contain the neurotransmitter GABA, revealing twice as many GABA-positive neuron classes as previously reported. We define previously unknown glia-like cells that reuptake GABA, as well as “GABA reuptake neurons” which do not synthesize GABA but take it up from the extracellular environment. We used the map of GABA-positive neurons for a comprehensive analysis of transcriptional regulators that define the GABA phenotype. We synthesize our findings of specification of GABAergic neurons with previous reports on the specification of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurons into a nervous system-wide regulatory map which defines neurotransmitter specification mechanisms for more than half of all neuron classes inC. elegans.
Preclinical studies of VS‐505: a non‐absorbable highly effective phosphate binder
Authors: Wu‐Wong J Ruth , Chen Yung‐wu , Wong Jonathan T , Wessale Jerry L 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and PurposePhosphate imbalance is often present in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it contributes to a higher cardiovascular mortality rate. A phosphate binder is typically part of a treatment strategy for controlling phosphate imbalance. However, safety concerns and low compliance are two well‐recognized disadvantages of on‐market phosphate binders. This report describes the preclinical studies of VS‐505, a non‐absorbable, calcium‐ and aluminum‐free, plant‐derived polymer currently being evaluated in haemodialysis patients in Australia.Experimental ApproachNormal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats or uraemic SD rats induced by 5/6 nephrectomy fed a high‐phosphate diet were treated with VS‐505 or sevelamer (0.05–10% in food) for 5 and 28 days respectively.Key ResultsUrinary and serum phosphate levels were significantly elevated in untreated rats, and were decreased by VS‐505 and sevelamer. VS‐505 increased faecal phosphate levels in a dose‐dependent manner. High‐phosphate diet also caused an increase in serum FGF‐23 and parathyroid hormone in nephrectomized (NX) rats, effects prevented by VS‐505 or sevelamer. Significant aortic calcification was observed in NX rats treated with 5% sevelamer, whereas VS‐505 at all doses tested did not show effects. VS‐505 had no effects on small intestine histomorphology and intestinal sodium‐dependent phosphate cotransporter gene expression. In vitro characterizations showed that VS‐505 has a relatively high density and low expansion volume when exposed to simulated gastric fluid.Conclusions and ImplicationsVS‐505 is a safe and effective phosphate binder and may offer the advantage of having a reduced pill burden and minimal GI side effects for CKD patients.
Guidelines for the follow‐up of patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: O'Kane Mary , Parretti Helen M , Hughes Carly A , Sharma Manisha , Woodcock Sean , Puplampu Tamara , Blakemore Alexandra I , Clare Kenneth , MacMillan Iris , Joyce Jacqueline , Sethi Su , Barth Julian H 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBariatric surgery can facilitate weight loss and improvement in medical comorbidities. It has a profound impact on nutrition, and patients need access to follow‐up and aftercare. NICE CG189 Obesity emphasized the importance of a minimum of 2 years follow‐up in the bariatric surgical service and recommended that following discharge from the surgical service, there should be annual monitoring as part of a shared care model of chronic disease management. NHS England Obesity Clinical Reference Group commissioned a multi‐professional subgroup, which included patient representatives, to develop bariatric surgery follow‐up guidelines. Terms of reference and scope were agreed upon. The group members took responsibility for different sections of the guidelines depending on their areas of expertise and experience. The quality of the evidence was rated and strength graded. Four different shared care models were proposed, taking into account the variation in access to bariatric surgical services and specialist teams across the country. The common features include annual review, ability for a GP to refer back to specialist centre, submission of follow‐up data to the national data base to NBSR. Clinical commissioning groups need to ensure that a shared care model is implemented as patient safety and long‐term follow‐up are important.
Solute‐Transport Predictive Uncertainty in Alternative Water Supply, Storage, and Treatment Systems
Authors: Maliva Robert G. , Barnes David , Coulibaly Kapo , Guo Weixing , Missimer Thomas M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlternative water supply, storage, and treatment (AWSST) systems, which utilize aquifers to supply, store, and naturally treat water, are increasingly being implemented globally to address water scarcity and safety. The failure of some AWSST systems to meet water quality expectations was caused by conceptual model error, in which local hydrogeological conditions were less favorable than recognized or considered during project feasibility assessments, economic analyses, and design. More successful implementation of AWSST projects requires that conceptual model error be explicitly and rigorously addressed. Recommended approaches to addressing conceptual model uncertainty include more detailed aquifer characterization, recognition of a wide suite of possible alternative conceptual models, and then screening the models as to whether or not they are plausible and relevant in terms of materially impacting predictive results. Subjective professional judgement remains the basis for assigning probabilities to relevant conceptual models (contingencies).
Detailed Simulation of Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer in Coffee Bean Roaster
Authors: Chiang Chao‐Ching , Wu Dai‐Yuan , Kang Dun‐Yen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis work presents finite‐element‐method‐based simulations of fluid dynamics and heat transfer in a practical coffee bean roaster. The source of heat and air speed at the exhaust window were identified as critical operating parameters affecting the temperature and air speed distribution in the roaster. Quantitative analysis was conducted to elucidate the relationships among the power of heat source, air speed at the exhaust window, temperature and air speed profiles within the roaster chamber. The resulting air speed distribution values were then used to simulate the transfer of heat between the coffee beans and the surrounding air. Highly unevenly temperature distributions were observed in the coffee beans in the first 60 s of the roasting process. Nonetheless, between 100 and 720 s, the temperature in the coffee beans became increasingly uniform as it increased monotonically to approximately 200°C.Practical ApplicationsRoasting conditions (air speed, temperature profile and duration) play a critical role in the resulting aroma and flavor of roasted coffee beans. We developed a methodology for the predictions of the air speed and temperature within the roaster. This methodology developed in this work could be used in optimizing the design of a coffee bean roaster as well as the roasting conditions.
Alpha 7 nicotinic receptor coupling to heterotrimeric G proteins modulates RhoA activation, cytoskeletal motility, and structural growth
Authors: King Justin R. , Kabbani Nadine 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) modulate the growth and structure of neurons throughout the nervous system. Ligand stimulation of the α7 nAChR has been shown to regulate the large heterotrimeric GTP‐binding protein (G protein) signaling in various types of cells. Here, we demonstrate a role for α7 nAChR/G protein interaction in the activation of the small (monomeric) RhoA GTPase leading to cytoskeletal changes during neurite growth. Treatment of PC12 cells with the α7 nAChR agonist choline or PNU‐282987 was associated with an increase in RhoA activity and an inhibition in neurite growth. Specifically, choline treatment was found to attenuate the velocity of microtubule growth at the growth cone and decrease the rate of actin polymerization throughout the cell. The effects of α7 nAChR activation were abolished by expression of a dominant negative α7 nAChR (α7345–348A) deficient in G protein coupling. Proteomic analysis of immunoprecipitated α7 nAChR complexes from differentiating PC12 cells and synaptic fractions of the developing mouse hippocampus revealed the existence of Rho GTPase‐regulating guanine nucleotide exchange factors within α7 nAChR interactomes. These findings underscore the role of α7 nAChR/G protein in cytoskeletal regulation during neurite growth.
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This image depicts the hypothesized interaction of the traditionally ionotropic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) and its ability to interact and signal through both large and small G proteins, leading to the regulation of cytoskeletal growth. Using differentiated PC12 cells, and the specific agonist choline, it was shown that α7 nAChR/G protein interactions mediate both short‐ and long‐term neurite growth dynamics through increased RhoA activation. Activation of RhoA was shown to decrease actin polymerization, and lead to an overall decrease in neurite growth via regulation of the microtubule network.Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13330.
Deficiency of diacylglycerol kinase η induces lithium‐sensitive mania‐like behavior
Authors: Isozaki Takeshi , Komenoi Suguru , Lu Qiang , Usuki Takako , Tomokata Shuntaro , Matsutomo Daisuke , Sakai Hiromichi , Bando Kana , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Sakane Fumio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe η isozyme of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) is highly expressed in the hippocampus and Purkinje cells in the central nervous system. Recently, several genome‐wide association studies have implicated DGKη in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BPD). However, it is still unknown whether DGKη is indeed related to BPD. In this study, we generated DGKη‐knockout (KO) mice and performed behavioral tests such as the open field test, the elevated plus maze test and tail suspension test using the KO mice to investigate the effects of DGKη deficits on psychomotor behavior. Intriguingly, DGKη‐KO mice displayed an overall behavioral profile that is similar to human mania, including hyperactivity, less anxiety and less depression‐like behavior. In addition, these phenotypes were significantly attenuated by the administration of a BPD (mania) remedy, namely, lithium. Moreover, DGKη‐KO mice showed impairment in glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β signaling, which is closely related to BPD. These findings clearly support the linkage between BPD and DGKη that is implicated by genome‐wide association studies. Moreover, this study provides DGKη‐KO mice as a previously unrecognized model that reflects several features of human BPD with manic episodes and revealed an important role for DGKη in regulating behavior and mood through, at least in part, GSK3β signaling.
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Several genome‐wide association studies have implicated diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) η gene in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BPD). In this study, we revealed that DGKη‐knockout (KO) mice displayed an overall behavioral profile that is similar to mania of BPD and is lithium (BPD (mania) remedy)‐sensitive. DGKη may regulate behavior and mood through, at least in part, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β signaling.