bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copepod manipulation of oil droplet size distribution
Authors: Uttieri Marco , Nihongi Ai , Hinow Peter , Motschman Jeffrey , Jiang Houshuo , Alcaraz Miquel , Strickler J. Rudi
Published: January 2019

Oil spills are one of the most dangerous sources of pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Owing to their pivotal position in the food web, pelagic copepods can provide crucial intermediary transferring oil between trophic levels. In this study we show that the calanoidParacartia granican actively modify the size-spectrum of oil droplets. Direct manipulation through the movement of the feeding appendages and egestion work in concert, splitting larger droplets (Ø = 16 µm) into smaller ones (Ø = 4–8 µm). The copepod-driven change in droplet size distribution can increase the availability of oil droplets to organisms feeding on smaller particles, sustaining the transfer of petrochemical compounds among different compartments. These results raise the curtain on complex small-scale interactions which can promote the understanding of oil spills fate in aquatic ecosystems.
The bacterial MrpORP is a novel Mrp/NBP35 protein involved in iron-sulfur biogenesis
Authors: Pardoux Romain , Fiévet Anouchka , Carreira Cíntia , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Valette Odile , Dermoun Zorah , Py Béatrice , Dolla Alain , Pauleta Sofia R. , Aubert Corinne
Published: January 2019

Despite recent advances in understanding the biogenesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins, most studies focused on aerobic bacteria as model organisms. Accordingly, multiple players have been proposed to participate in the Fe-S delivery step to apo-target proteins, but critical gaps exist in the knowledge of Fe-S proteins biogenesis in anaerobic organisms. Mrp/NBP35 ATP-binding proteins are a subclass of the soluble P-loop containing nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase superfamily (P-loop NTPase) known to bind and transfer Fe-S clusters in vitro. Here, we report investigations of a novel atypical two-domain Mrp/NBP35 ATP-binding protein named MrpORP associating a P-loop NTPase domain with a dinitrogenase iron-molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis domain (Di-Nase). Characterization of full length MrpORP, as well as of its two domains, showed that both domains bind Fe-S clusters. We provide in vitro evidence that the P-loop NTPase domain of the MrpORP can efficiently transfer its Fe-S cluster to apo-target proteins of the ORange Protein (ORP) complex, suggesting that this novel protein is involved in the maturation of these Fe-S proteins. Last, we showed for the first time, by fluorescence microscopy imaging a polar localization of a Mrp/NBP35 protein.
Can enzyme proximity accelerate cascade reactions?
Authors: Kuzmak Andrij , Carmali Sheiliza , von Lieres Eric , Russell Alan J. , Kondrat Svyatoslav
Published: January 2019

The last decade has seen an exponential expansion of interest in conjugating multiple enzymes of cascades in close proximity to each other, with the overarching goal being to accelerate the overall reaction rate. However, some evidence has emerged that there is no effect of proximity channeling on the reaction velocity of the popular GOx-HRP cascade, particularly in the presence of a competing enzyme (catalase). Herein, we rationalize these experimental results quantitatively. We show that, in general, proximity channeling can enhance reaction velocity in the presence of competing enzymes, but in steady state a significant enhancement can only be achieved for diffusion-limited reactions or at high concentrations of competing enzymes. We provide simple equations to estimate the effect of channeling quantitatively and demonstrate that proximity can have a more pronounced effect under crowding conditions in vivo, particularly that crowding can enhance the overall rates of channeled cascade reactions.
A role for miR-132 in learned safety
Authors: Ronovsky Marianne , Zambon Alice , Cicvaric Ana , Boehm Vincent , Hoesel Bastian , Moser Bernhard A. , Yang Jiaye , Schmid Johannes A. , Haubensak Wulf E. , Monje Francisco J. , Pollak Daniela D.
Published: January 2019

Learned safety is a fear inhibitory mechanism, which regulates fear responses, promotes episodes of safety and generates positive affective states. Despite its potential as experimental model for several psychiatric illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, the molecular mechanisms of learned safety remain poorly understood, We here investigated the molecular mediators of learned safety, focusing on the characterization of miRNA expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Comparing levels of 22 miRNAs in learned safety and learned fear trained mice, six safety-related miRNAs, including three members of the miR-132/-212 family, were identified. A gain-of-function approach based upon in-vivo transfection of a specific miRNA mimic, and miR-132/212 knock-out mice as loss-of-function tool were used in order to determine the relevance of miR-132 for learned safety at the behavioral and the neuronal functional levels. Using a designated bioinformatic approach, PTEN and GAT1 were identified as potential novel miR-132 target genes and further experimentally validated. We here firstly provide evidence for a regulation of amygdala miRNA expression in learned safety and propose miR-132 as signature molecule to be considered in future preclinical and translational approaches testing the transdiagnostic relevance of learned safety as intermediate phenotype in fear and stress-related disorders.
Immunoinformatic and systems biology approaches to predict and validate peptide vaccines against Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)
Authors: Ali Arif , Khan Abbas , Kaushik Aman Chandra , Wang Yanjie , Ali Syed Shujait , Junaid Muhammad , Saleem Shoaib , Cho William C. S. , Mao Xueying , Wei Dong-Qing
Published: January 2019

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a member of the Herpesviridae family and causes infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Even in the United States of America, the situation is alarming, as EBV affects 95% of the young population between 35 and 40 years of age. In this study, both linear and conformational B-cell epitopes as well as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes were predicted by using the ElliPro and NetCTL.1.2 webservers for EBV proteins (GH, GL, GB, GN, GM, GP42 and GP350). Molecular modelling tools were used to predict the 3D coordinates of peptides, and these peptides were then docked against the MHC molecules to obtain peptide-MHC complexes. Studies of their post-docking interactions helped to select potential candidates for the development of peptide vaccines. Our results predicted a total of 58 T-cell epitopes of EBV;  where the most potential were selected based on their TAP, MHC binding and C-terminal Cleavage score. The top most peptides were subjected to MD simulation and stability analysis. Validation of our predicted epitopes using a 0.45 µM concentration was carried out by using a systems biology approach. Our results suggest a panel of epitopes that could be used to immunize populations to protect against multiple diseases caused by EBV.
Fibrogenic Gene Expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells Induced by HCV and HIV Replication in a Three Cell Co-Culture Model System
Authors: Akil Abdellah , Endsley Mark , Shanmugam Saravanabalaji , Saldarriaga Omar , Somasunderam Anoma , Spratt Heidi , Stevenson Heather L. , Utay Netanya S. , Ferguson Monique , Yi MinKyung
Published: January 2019

Retrospective studies indicate that co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) accelerates hepatic fibrosis progression. We have developed a co-culture system (MLH) comprising primary macrophages, hepatic stellate cells (HSC, LX-2), and hepatocytes (Huh-7), permissive for active replication of HCV and HIV, and assessed the effect of these viral infections on the phenotypic changes and fibrogenic gene expression in LX-2 cells. We detected distinct morphological changes in LX-2 cells within 24 hr post-infection with HCV, HIV or HCV/HIV in MLH co-cultures, with migration enhancement phenotypes. Human fibrosis microarrays conducted using LX-2 cell RNA derived from MLH co-culture conditions, with or without HCV and HIV infection, revealed novel insights regarding the roles of these viral infections on fibrogenic gene expression in LX-2 cells. We found that HIV mono-infection in MLH co-culture had no impact on fibrogenic gene expression in LX-2 cells. HCV infection of MLH co-culture resulted in upregulation (>1.9x) of five fibrogenic genes including CCL2, IL1A, IL1B, IL13RA2 and MMP1. These genes were upregulated by HCV/HIV co-infection but in a greater magnitude. Conclusion: Our results indicate that HIV-infected macrophages accelerate hepatic fibrosis during HCV/HIV co-infection by amplifying the expression of HCV-dependent fibrogenic genes in HSC.
Attenuation of murine sclerodermatous models by the selective S1P1 receptor modulator cenerimod
Authors: Kano Miyu , Kobayashi Tadahiro , Date Mutsumi , Tennichi Momoko , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Strasser Daniel S , Takehara Kazuhiko , Matsushita Takashi
Published: January 2019

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid mediator, regulates lymphocyte migration between lymphoid tissue and blood. Furthermore, S1P participates in several physiological phenomena including angiogenesis, inflammation, immune regulation, and neurotransmitter release. Moreover, S1P/S1P receptor signaling involves in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate whether the selective S1P1receptor modulator cenerimod attenuates murine sclerodermatous models. Cenerimod was orally administered to murine sclerodermatous chronic graft versus host disease (Scl-cGVHD) mice, either from day 0 to 42 or day 22 to 42 after bone marrow transplantation. Bleomycin-induced SSc model mice were administered cenerimod from day 0 to 28. Early cenerimod administration inhibited, and delayed cenerimod administration attenuated skin and lung fibrosis in Scl-cGVHD mice. Cenerimod suppressed the infiltration of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, and CD11b+cells into the inflamed skin of Scl-cGVHD mice as opposed to control mice. In contrast, cenerimod increased the frequency of regulatory T cells in the spleen and skin of Scl-cGVHD mice. Additionally, cenerimod attenuated the mRNA expression of extracellular matrix and fibrogenic cytokines in the skin. Furthermore, cenerimod attenuated bleomycin-induced fibrosis in the skin and lung. Hence, the selective S1P1receptor modulator cenerimod is a promising candidate for treating patients with SSc and Scl-cGVHD.
Reliable low-temperature die attach process using Ag/Sn/Ag sandwich structure for high-temperature semiconductor devices
Authors: Choi Jinseok , Choi Gab Soo , An Sung Jin
Published: January 2019

A low-cost and eco-friendly die attach process for high temperatures should be developed owing to the expansion of the field of high-temperature applications, such as high-power and high-frequency semiconductors. Pb-based and Au-based systems have been used as conventional die attach materials for high-temperature devices. However, these materials exhibit environmental problems and are expensive. Here, we show that the die attach process using the backside metal of the Ag/Sn/Ag sandwich structure is successfully developed for the mass production of Si devices. It has a low-temperature bonding process (235 °C), a high remelting temperature (above 400 °C), and rapid bonding time (20 ms). In addition, it exhibits better properties than Au-12Ge and Pb-10Sn backside metals, which are conventional materials for the high-temperature die attach process. After the die bonding process, various reliability tests of Si devices with the Ag/Sn/Ag backside metal structure were performed.
The gut microbiota heterogeneity and assembly changes associated with the IBD
Authors: Sun Yang , Li Lianwei , Xia Yao , Li Wendy , Wang Kunhua , Wang Lan , Miao Yinglei , Ma Sam
Published: January 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immunologically mediated disease and may be caused by abnormal immunological response to gut microbes. Although several studies on the ecological changes associated with IBD, such as community diversities, were reported, no previous studies have investigated the changes in the spatial heterogeneity and the mechanism of community assembly of the gut microbiota associated with IBD. In the present study, we first applied the Taylor’s power law extensions to compare the community spatial heterogeneity between the gut microbial communities of the IBD patients and those of the healthy individuals. We found that the community spatial heterogeneity of gut microbiota in IBD patients is slightly lower than in the healthy individuals. This finding suggests that IBD may lower the spatial heterogeneity of gut microbiota, possibly via lowering the abundance of dominant species. We further applied the neutral theory of biodiversity to comparatively investigate the community assembly and diversity maintenance of the gut microbiota with and without IBD, and our application suggested that deterministic factors such as host immunity should be dominant forces shaping gut microbiota assembly, and diseases such as IBD may not be strong enough to change the trend set by the deterministic host factors.
Alternative Face-on Thin Film Structure of Pentacene
Authors: Shioya Nobutaka , Murdey Richard , Nakao Kazuto , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Eda Kazuo , Shimoaka Takafumi , Hasegawa Takeshi
Published: January 2019

Pentacene attracts a great deal of attention as a basic material used in organic thin-film transistors for many years. Pentacene is known to form a highly ordered structure in a thin film, in which the molecular long axis aligns perpendicularly to the substrate surface, i.e., end-on orientation. On the other hand, the face-on oriented thin film, where the molecular plane is parallel to the substrate, has never been found on an inert substrate represented by SiO2. As a result, the face-on orientation has long been believed to be generated only on specific substrates such as a metal single crystal. In the present study, the face-on orientation grown on a SiO2 surface has first been identified by means of visible and infrared p-polarized multiple-angle incidence resolution spectrometry (pMAIRS) together with two-dimensional grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (2D-GIXD). The combination of the multiple techniques readily reveals that the face-on phase is definitely realized as the dominant component. The face-on film is obtained when the film growth is kinetically restricted to be prevented from transforming into the thermodynamically stable structure, i.e., the end-on orientation. This concept is useful for controlling the molecular orientation in general organic semiconductor thin films.
Investigation of multiple adsorption mechanisms for efficient removal of ofloxacin from water using lignin-based adsorbents
Authors: Gao Boqiang , Li Pei , Yang Ran , Li Aimin , Yang Hu
Published: January 2019

Two series of lignin (LN)-based adsorbents, namely, cross-linked lignin (LNEs) with different crosslinking densities and carboxymethyl cross-linked lignin (LNECs) with various degrees of carboxymethyl substitution, were prepared to remove ofloxacin (OFL), a popular fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotic, from water. LNEs and LNECs exhibited satisfactory performance in OFL adsorption. Both of them had high adsorption capacity (the maximum contribution of 0.828 mmol/g), good anti-interference to some inorganic salts, and efficient regeneration and reuse performance. The crosslinking density and degree of carboxymethyl substitution strongly affected the content and distribution of oxygen-containing groups in these LN-based adsorbents, which played important roles in OFL adsorption. The pH dependencies of the adsorption performance of LNEs and LNECs indicated the involvement of multiple adsorption mechanisms, including hydrogen bond, electrostatic attraction, π-π electron–donor–acceptor interactions, and negative charge-assisted hydrogen bond. Different mechanisms were dominant under various pH levels, in a near neutral pH, the synergistic effect of electrostatic attraction and π-π interaction allows LINEs and LINECs to reach maximum adsorption capacity. Five FQs with similar structures and their two sub structural analogs were compared in terms of adsorption behavior and electrostatic potential by density functional theory using quantum chemical calculation. FQs with secondary amino groups and low π electron cloud density readily bound to LN-based adsorbents. Hence, LNEs and LNECs were efficient and environment-friendly adsorbents.
Development of Highly Sensitive Biosensors of RAF Dimerization in Cells
Authors: Miyamoto Kyoko , Sawa Masaaki
Published: January 2019

The BRAF inhibitors dabrafenib and vemurafenib induce remarkable clinical responses in patients with BRAF-mutated melanomas. However, adverse events, including the emergence of secondary tumors and drug resistance, have been reported. Studies have revealed that undesirable RAF dimerization induced by inhibitors promotes these adverse effects. Here, we developed highly sensitive biosensors of RAF dimerization in cells utilizing the split enhanced click beetle luciferase (Emerald Luc, ELuc) complementation technique. We demonstrated that our biosensor system works effectively for high-throughput screens in the microplate format. A comprehensive analysis of commercially available RAF inhibitors performed using this assay system revealed that the inhibitors exhibit various potencies in inducing the dimerization of RAF isoforms, and their dimerization potencies do not always correlate with the RAF enzyme inhibition. This sensitive assay system will become a powerful tool to discover next-generation BRAF inhibitors with safer profiles.
Identification of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase variants with increased mismatch discrimination and reverse transcriptase activity from a smart enzyme mutant library
Authors: Raghunathan Govindan , Marx Andreas
Published: January 2019

DNA polymerases the key enzymes for several biotechnological applications. Obviously, nature has not evolved these enzymes to be compatible with applications in biotechnology. Thus, engineering of a natural scaffold of DNA polymerases may lead to enzymes improved for several applications. Here, we investigated a two-step approach for the design and construction of a combinatorial library of mutants of KlenTaq DNA polymerase. First, we selected amino acid sites for saturation mutagenesis that interact with the primer/template strands or are evolutionarily conserved. From this library, we identified mutations that little interfere with DNA polymerase activity. Next, these functionally active mutants were combined randomly to construct a second library with enriched sequence diversity. We reasoned that the combination of mutants that have minuscule effect on enzyme activity and thermostability, will result in entities that have an increased mutation load but still retain activity. Besides activity and thermostability, we screened the library for entities with two distinct properties. Indeed, we identified two different KlenTaq DNA polymerase variants that either exhibit increased mismatch extension discrimination or increased reverse transcription PCR activity, respectively.
Close social relationships correlate with human gut microbiota composition
Authors: Dill-McFarland Kimberly A. , Tang Zheng-Zheng , Kemis Julia H. , Kerby Robert L. , Chen Guanhua , Palloni Alberto , Sorenson Thomas , Rey Federico E. , Herd Pamela
Published: January 2019

Social relationships shape human health and mortality via behavioral, psychosocial, and physiological mechanisms, including inflammatory and immune responses. Though not tested in human studies, recent primate studies indicate that the gut microbiome may also be a biological mechanism linking relationships to health. Integrating microbiota data into the 60-year-old Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we found that socialness with family and friends is associated with differences in the human fecal microbiota. Analysis of spouse (N = 94) and sibling pairs (N = 83) further revealed that spouses have more similar microbiota and more bacterial taxa in common than siblings, with no observed differences between sibling and unrelated pairs. These differences held even after accounting for dietary factors. The differences between unrelated individuals and married couples was driven entirely by couples who reported close relationships; there were no differences in similarity between couples reporting somewhat close relationships and unrelated individuals. Moreover, married individuals harbor microbial communities of greater diversity and richness relative to those living alone, with the greatest diversity among couples reporting close relationships, which is notable given decades of research documenting the health benefits of marriage. These results suggest that human interactions, especially sustained, close marital relationships, influence the gut microbiota.
Role of ceramide synthase 2 in G-CSF signaling and G-CSF-R translocation into detergent-resistant membranes
Authors: Kurz Jennifer , Barthelmes Julia , Blum Leonard , Ulshöfer Thomas , Wegner Marthe-Susanna , Ferreirós Nerea , Roser Luise , Geisslinger Gerd , Grösch Sabine , Schiffmann Susanne
Published: January 2019

Ceramides are sphingolipids with defined acyl chain lengths, which are produced by corresponding ceramide synthases (CerS1-6). In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), the ablation of CerS2 suppresses EAE-pathology by reducing neutrophil migration into the central nervous system. This migration is induced by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) signaling. G-CSF signaling leads to a signal cascade including the phosphorylation of Lyn kinase and STAT3. This in turn regulates expression of the neutrophil surface receptor chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and causes translocation of the receptor into detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). In this study we investigated the role of ceramides in G-CSF signaling. We found, that G-CSF treatment of wild type bone marrow cells (BMCs) leads to translocation of G-CSF-receptor (G-CSF-R) into DRMs. G-CSF also induces downregulation of ceramides in WT and CerS2 null BMCs, as well as upregulation of very long chain lactosylceramides. However, in CerS2 null BMCs, G-CSF failed to induce translocation of G-CSF-R into DRMs, leading to reduced phosphorylation of Lyn and reduced CXCR2 expression. Interestingly, G-CSF signaling in CerS6 null BMCs was not affected. In conclusion, very long chain ceramides are important for G-CSF signaling and translocation of G-CSF-R into DRMs.
Impact of short-term extreme temperature events on physiological performance of Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods under optimal and sub-optimal saline conditions
Authors: Pérez-Romero Jesús Alberto , Barcia-Piedras Jose-Maria , Redondo-Gómez Susana , Mateos-Naranjo Enrique
Published: January 2019

Increasing extreme temperature climatic events could exert an important effect on plant photosynthetic performance, which could be modulated by the co-occurrence with other environmental factors, such as salinity, in estuarine ecosystems. Therefore, a mesocosm experiment was designed to assess the impact of temperature events for three days (13/5 °C, 25/13 °C and 40/28 °C) in combination with two NaCl concentrations (171 and 1050 mM NaCl) on the physiological performance of Salicornia ramosissima. Extreme temperature events had a negative impact on S. ramosissima photosynthetic efficiency, this effect being more marked with cold wave at both salinities, compared with heat wave, even in presence of NaCl excess. This differential thermotolerance in the photosynthetic apparatus was ascribed to the greater integrity and functioning of its photosynthetic pathway at high temperature, as indicated by constant gs,Vc,max values at optimal salinity and the higher values of those parameters and gm recorded in combination with NaCl excess. Moreover, S. ramosissima was able to upregulate the energy sink capacity of its photochemical apparatus at elevated temperature and salinity by a greater energy excess dissipation capacity. This could have contributed to reducing the risk of oxidative stress, along with the recorded higher capacity for antioxidant enzyme activity modulation under these conditions.
Separate multisensory integration processes for ownership and localization of body parts
Authors: Matsumiya Kazumichi
Published: January 2019

The experiences that body parts are owned and localized in space are two key aspects of body awareness. Although initial work assumed that the perceived location of one’s body part can be used as a behavioral measure to assess the feeling of owning a body part, recent studies call into question the relationship between localization and ownership of body parts. Yet, little is known about the processes underlying these two aspects of body-part awareness. Here, I applied a statistically optimal cue combination paradigm to a perceptual illusion in which ownership over an artificial hand is experienced, and found that variances predicted by a model of optimal cue combination are similar to those observed in localization of the participant’s hand, but systematically diverge from those observed in ownership of the artificial hand. These findings provide strong evidence for separate processes between ownership and localization of body parts, and indicate a need to revise current models of body part ownership. Results from this study suggest that the neural substrates for perceptual identification of one’s body parts—such as body ownership—are distinct from those underlying spatial localization of the body parts, thus implying a functional distinction between “who” and “where” in the processing of body part information.
Virulence Characteristics and an Action Mode of Antibiotic Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hwang Wontae , Yoon Sang Sun
Published: January 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa displays intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics and known to acquire actively genetic mutations for further resistance. In this study, we attempted to understand genomic and transcriptomic landscapes of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates that are highly resistant to multiple antibiotics. We also aimed to reveal a mode of antibiotic resistance by elucidating transcriptional response of genes conferring antibiotic resistance. To this end, we sequenced the whole genomes and profiled genome-wide RNA transcripts of three different multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates that are phylogenetically distant from one another. Multi-layered genome comparisons with genomes of antibiotic-susceptible P. aeruginosa strains and 70 other antibiotic-resistance strains revealed both well-characterized conserved gene mutations and distinct distribution of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) among strains. Transcriptions of genes involved in quorum sensing and type VI secretion systems were invariably downregulated in the MDR strains. Virulence-associated phenotypes were further examined and results indicate that our MDR strains are clearly avirulent. Transcriptions of 64 genes, logically selected to be related with antibiotic resistance in MDR strains, were active under normal growth conditions and remained unchanged during antibiotic treatment. These results propose that antibiotic resistance is achieved by a “constitutive” response scheme, where ARGs are actively expressed even in the absence of antibiotic stress, rather than a “reactive” response. Bacterial responses explored at the transcriptomic level in conjunction with their genome repertoires provided novel insights into (i) the virulence-associated phenotypes and (ii) a mode of antibiotic resistance in MDR P. aeruginosa strains.
The association between intraoperative urine output and postoperative acute kidney injury differs between partial and radical nephrectomy
Authors: Hur Min , Park Sun-Kyung , Yoo Seokha , Choi Sheung-Nyoung , Jeong Chang Wook , Kim Won Ho , Kim Jin-Tae , Kwak Cheol , Bahk Jae-Hyon
Published: January 2019

We sought to investigate the association between intraoperative urine output and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing radical and partial nephrectomy. We retrospectively reviewed data of 742 patients. Postoperative AKI was defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. The relationship between intraoperative urine output and the risk of AKI was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression analysis in radical and partial nephrectomy, separately. Minimum P-value approach was used to find the optimal threshold of intraoperative oliguria associated with the risk of AKI. The incidence of AKI was 14.4% (67/466) after partial nephrectomy and 57.6% (159/276) after radical nephrectomy. For partial nephrectomy, multivariable analysis showed that renal ischemic time, operation time, open surgery and intraoperative transfusion were significantly associated with AKI. For radical nephrectomy, history of hypertension, baseline glomerular filtration rate and intraoperative mean urine output were significantly associated with AKI. Intraoperative mean urine output during radical nephrectomy was associated with AKI after radical nephrectomy, while not after partial nephrectomy. Mean urine output <1.0 mL/kg/h was determined to be an optimal cutoff of AKI after radical nephrectomy. Intraoperative oliguria may have different clinical implication for AKI between partial and radical nephrectomy.
Identification of Sex-Specific Transcriptome Responses to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Authors: Espín-Pérez Almudena , Hebels Dennie G. A. J. , Kiviranta Hannu , Rantakokko Panu , Georgiadis Panagiotis , Botsivali Maria , Bergdahl Ingvar A. , Palli Domenico , Späth Florentin , Johansson Anders , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Kyrtopoulos Soterios A. , Kleinjans Jos C. S. , de Kok Theo M. C. M.
Published: January 2019

PCBs are classified as xenoestrogens and carcinogens and their health risks may be sex-specific. To identify potential sex-specific responses to PCB-exposure we established gene expression profiles in a population study subdivided into females and males. Gene expression profiles were determined in a study population consisting of 512 subjects from the EnviroGenomarkers project, 217 subjects who developed lymphoma and 295 controls were selected in later life. We ran linear mixed models in order to find associations between gene expression and exposure to PCBs, while correcting for confounders, in particular distribution of white blood cells (WBC), as well as random effects. The analysis was subdivided according to sex and development of lymphoma in later life. The changes in gene expression as a result of exposure to the six studied PCB congeners were sex- and WBC type specific. The relatively large number of genes that are significantly associated with PCB-exposure in the female subpopulation already indicates different biological response mechanisms to PCBs between the two sexes. The interaction analysis between different PCBs and WBCs provides only a small overlap between sexes. In males, cancer-related pathways and in females immune system-related pathways are identified in association with PCBs and WBCs. Future lymphoma cases and controls for both sexes show different responses to the interaction of PCBs with WBCs, suggesting a role of the immune system in PCB-related cancer development.
Determination of Ultrastructural Properties of Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques by Scanning Acoustic Microscopy, Micro-Computer Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Bilen Bukem , Sener Leyla Turker , Albeniz Isil , Sezen Meltem , Unlu Mehmet Burcin , Ugurlucan Murat
Published: January 2019

Microcalcification is the precursor of vulnerability of plaques in humans. Visualization of such small structures in vivo with high spatial resolution is an unsolved issue. The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential of scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) in the determination of atherosclerotic plaques with calcifications by validating this technique with micro-computer tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The fibrocalcific plaques were obtained from 12 different patients and initially examined with micro-CT. The images exhibited calcifications within these plaques. For imaging with SAM, approximately 5 μm thick slices were prepared. Sound speed values within calcified regions were measured to be greater than the ones in collagen-rich regions. These fibrocalcific plaques were also examined with SEM and EDS revealing collagen and calcium deposition within these samples. The consistency of the results obtained by all of the modalities involved in our study is an indication of the potential of SAM as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of vulnerable plaques.
How Quantum Mechanics can consistently describe the use of itself
Authors: Lazarovici Dustin , Hubert Mario
Published: January 2019

We discuss the no-go theorem of Frauchiger and Renner based on an “extended Wigner’s friend” thought experiment which is supposed to show that any single-world interpretation of quantum mechanics leads to inconsistent predictions if it is applicable on all scales. We show that no such inconsistency occurs if one considers a complete description of the physical situation. We then discuss implications of the thought experiment that have not been clearly addressed in the original paper, including a tension between relativity and nonlocal effects predicted by quantum mechanics. Our discussion applies in particular to Bohmian mechanics.
Toxicity of diatom-derived polyunsaturated aldehyde mixtures on sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus development
Authors: Ruocco Nadia , Annunziata Concetta , Ianora Adrianna , Libralato Giovanni , Manfra Loredana , Costantini Susan , Costantini Maria
Published: January 2019

Diatom-derived polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs), decadienal, heptadienal and octadienal, derive from the oxidation of fatty acids and have cytotoxic and anticancer effects. PUAs, tested separately, induce malformations in sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryos. Decadienal induces the worst malformations and lowest survival rates. Interestingly, decadienal, heptadienal and octadienal place in motion several genes to counteract their negative effects. To date, no studies are available reporting on the effects of PUA mixtures on marine invertebrates. Here we test binary and ternary mixtures on embryonic development of P. lividus. Our findings demonstrate that mixtures of PUAs act (i) at morphological level in synergistic way, being much more severe compared to individual PUAs; (ii) at molecular level also reveal an additive effect, affecting almost all fifty genes, previously tested using individual PUAs. This study is relevant from an ecological point of view since diatoms are a major food source for both pelagic and benthic organisms. This work opens new perspectives for understanding the molecular mechanisms that marine organisms use in reacting to environmental natural toxin mixtures such as diatom PUAs.
Sonic hedgehog signaling is negatively regulated in reactive astrocytes after forebrain stab injury
Authors: Allahyari R. Vivian , Clark K. Lyles , Shepard Katherine A. , Garcia A. Denise R.
Published: January 2019

Following injury to the central nervous system, astrocytes perform critical and complex functions that both promote and antagonize neural repair. Understanding the molecular signaling pathways that coordinate their diverse functional properties is key to developing effective therapeutic strategies. In the healthy, adult CNS, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is active in mature, differentiated astrocytes. Shh has been shown to undergo injury-induced upregulation and promote neural repair. Here, we investigated whether Shh signaling mediates astrocyte response to injury. Surprisingly, we found that following an acute, focal injury, reactive astrocytes exhibit a pronounced reduction in Shh activity in a spatiotemporally-defined manner. Shh signaling is lost in reactive astrocytes at the lesion site, but persists in mild to moderately reactive astrocytes in distal tissues. Nevertheless, local pharmacological activation of the Shh pathway in astrocytes mitigates inflammation, consistent with a neuroprotective role for Shh signaling after injury. Interestingly, we find that Shh signaling is restored to baseline levels two weeks after injury, a time during which acute inflammation has largely subsided and lesions have matured. Taken together, these data suggest that endogenous Shh signaling in astrocytes is dynamically regulated in a context dependent manner. In addition, exogenous activation of the Shh pathway promotes neuroprotection mediated by reactive astrocytes.
Paenibacillus polymyxa biofilm polysaccharides antagonise Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Timmusk Salme , Copolovici Dana , Copolovici Lucian , Teder Tiiu , Nevo Eviatar , Behers Lawrence
Published: January 2019

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum pathogens constitutes a major threat to agricultural production because it frequently reduces the yield and quality of the crop. The disease severity is predicted to increase in various regions owing to climate change. Integrated management where biocontrol plays an important role has been suggested in order to fight FHB. P. polymyxa A26 is known to be an effective antagonist against F. graminearum. Deeper understanding of the mode of action of P. polymyxa A26 is needed to develop strategies for its application under natural settings in order to effectively overcome the pathogenic effects. This study aims to re-evaluate a former study and reveal whether compounds other than non-ribosomal antibiotic lipopeptides could be responsible for the antagonistic effect, despite what is often reported. Wheat seedlings were grown to maturity and the spikes infected with the pathogen under greenhouse conditions. The development of FHB infection, quantified via the disease incidence severity and 100-kernel weight, was strongly correlated (r > 0.78, p < 0.01) with the content of the polysaccharide component D-glucuronic acid in the biofilm. Furthermore, while increased inoculum density from 106 to 108 cells/ml did not affect wild type performance, a significant increase was observed with the P. polymyxa mutant deficient in nonribosomal lipopeptide synthesis. Our results show that P. polymyxa A26 biofilm extracellular polysaccharides are capable of antagonizing F. graminearum and that the uronate content of the polysaccharides is of critical importance in the antagonism.
Complementary Proteomics, Genomics approaches identifies potential pathogenicity/virulence factors in Tilletia indica induced under the influence of host factor
Authors: Pandey Vishakha , Gupta Atul Kumar , Singh Manoj , Pandey Dinesh , Kumar Anil
Published: January 2019

Karnal bunt disease of wheat is incited by quarantine fungal pathogenT.indica. Till date, there is little information on the pathogenic mechanisms involved in Karnal bunt. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, highly aggressiveT.indicaTiK isolate was cultured in the presence of host factor extracted from developing spikes of wheat variety WH-542. Modulation in protein profile of mycelial proteins and secretome from TiK cultured in the absence and presence of host factor was analyzed by 2-DE. Fifteen and twenty nine protein spots were up-regulated/differentially regulated in the proteome of mycelial and secreted proteins, respectively and identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF. Identified proteins are involved in suppression of host defense responses, lignin degradation of plant cell wall, penetration, adhesion of pathogen to host tissues, pathogen mediated reactive oxygen species generation, hydrolytic enzymes, detoxification of host generated reactive oxygen species. Further, integration of proteomic and genomic analysis has led to candidate pathogenicity/virulence factors identification. They were functionally annotated by sequence as well as structure based analysis. In this study, complementation of proteomics and genomics approaches resulted in novel pathogenicity/virulence factor(s) identification inT.indica.
Isolation and characterization of Aspergillus niger NBC001 underlying suppression against Heterodera glycines
Authors: Jin Na , Liu Shi-Ming , Peng Huan , Huang Wen-Kun , Kong Ling-An , Wu Yu-Huan , Chen Yong-Pan , Ge Feng-Yong , Jian Heng , Peng De-Liang
Published: January 2019

Heterodera glycines is the most pervasive soybean pests worldwide. Biocontrol provides a strategy to sustainably control nematodes. In this study, 22 fungal isolates were obtained and identified from cysts of Heterodera spp. Among them, Aspergillus niger NBC001 showed high nematicidal activity against H. glycines. The 2-fold dilution of NBC001 culture filtrate caused 89% mortality of second-stage juveniles and inhibited more than 98% of egg hatching in vitro. In both pot and field experiments, the numbers of H. glycines cysts in soybean seedlings dressed with the the 5-fold concentrated culture filtrate of NBC001 were significantly reduced by 43% and 28%, respectively. In addition, application of NBC001 remarkably reduced the penetration of nematodes into the roots. Histochemical and fluorometric staining analyses indicate that application of NBC001 stimulated hydrogen peroxide activity in the roots and triggered callose deposition in the leaves and roots. Transcription of the PR1a and EREBP genes in the salicylic acid and ethylene signaling pathways was upregulated in soybean plants treated with NBC001. However, the application of concentrated culture filtrate of NBC001 had no significant impacts on the soil microbial community based on next generation DNA sequencing technology. In summary, NBC001 may be a good biocontrol agent against H. glycines via stimulation of the immunity/defense of the plant host.
Active smoking among people with diabetes mellitus or hypertension in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Endomba Francky Teddy , Ngouo Anderson , Nkeck Jan René , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Kaze Arnaud D. , Bigna Jean Joel
Published: January 2019

The objective was to summarize existing data on the prevalence of active tobacco smoking among patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus in Africa. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and AJOL to include studies published from January 01, 2000 to August 23, 2017 reporting on the prevalence of active smoking in individuals aged ≥15 years with hypertension or diabetes mellitus residing inside Africa. We used a random-effects meta-analysis model to pool studies. The pooled prevalence of active smoking among patients with hypertension or diabetes was 12.9% (95%CI: 10.6–15.3; 50 studies; 16,980 patients) and 12.9% (95%CI: 9.6–16.6; 42 studies; 18,564 patients), respectively. For both conditions, the prevalence of active smoking was higher in males than in females (p < 0.001), and in Northern compared to sub-Saharan Africa (p < 0.001). There was no difference between urban and rural settings, and between community-based and hospital-based studies, except for patients with diabetes for whom the prevalence was higher in hospital-based studies (p = 0.032). The prevalence of active smoking is high among patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus in Africa, with the heaviest burden in Northern Africa. Interventions for smoking prevention or cessation should be implemented in these high risk populations, targeting particularly the males.
Universal fluctuations in growth dynamics of economic systems
Authors: Frey Nathan C. , Matin Sakib , Stanley H. Eugene , Salinger Michael A.
Published: January 2019

The growth of business firms is an example of a system of complex interacting units that resembles complex interacting systems in nature such as earthquakes. Remarkably, work in econophysics has provided evidence that the statistical properties of the growth of business firms follow the same sorts of power laws that characterize physical systems near their critical points. Given how economies change over time, whether these statistical properties are persistent, robust, and universal like those of physical systems remains an open question. Here, we show that the scaling properties of firm growth previously demonstrated for publicly-traded U.S. manufacturing firms from 1974 to 1993 apply to the same sorts of firms from 1993 to 2015, to firms in other broad sectors (such as materials), and to firms in new sectors (such as Internet services). We measure virtually the same scaling exponent for manufacturing for the 1993 to 2015 period as for the 1974 to 1993 period and virtually the same scaling exponent for other sectors as for manufacturing. Furthermore, we show that fluctuations of the growth rate for new industries self-organize into a power law over relatively short time scales.
The importance of direct reduction in the synthesis of highly active Pt–Sn/SBA-15 forn-butane dehydrogenation
Authors: Deng Lidan , Miura Hiroki , Ohkubo Tomoyo , Shishido Tetsuya , Wang Zheng , Hosokawa Saburo , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: January 2019

Supported Pt–Sn bimetallic catalysts directly reduced by H2are highly active for the dehydrogenation ofn-butane, while the catalysts calcined in air, followed by H2reduction are totally inactive.
An overview of recent progress on noble metal modified magnetic Fe3O4for photocatalytic pollutant degradation and H2evolution
Authors: Mishra Priti , Patnaik Sulagna , Parida Kulamani
Published: January 2019

Noble metal modified magnetic Fe3O4catalysts for photocatalytic pollutant degradation and H2evolution are reviewed.
Group 4 permethylindenyl complexes for the polymerisation of l-, d- and rac-lactide monomers
Authors: Lamb Jessica V. , Buffet Jean-Charles , Matley Joshua E. , Wright Christopher M. R. , Turner Zoë R. , O'Hare Dermot
Published: January 2019

Well-defined group 4 permethylindenyl complexes displayed second order dependence on monomer concentration producing isotactic and heterotactic (Pr = 0.81) polylactides.
Organic interfacial materials for perovskite-based optoelectronic devices
Authors: Pham Hong Duc , Xianqiang Li , Li Wenhui , Manzhos Sergei , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Sonar Prashant
Published: January 2019

We summarize the development and utilization of organic interfacial materials in solar cells, photodetectors and light-emitting diodes based on organic–inorganic halide perovskites.
Amidinium–carboxylate salt bridge mediated proton-coupled electron transfer in a donor–acceptor supramolecular system
Authors: Ren Xiaolei , Wang Xiaohua , Sun Yuren , Chi Xiaodong , Mangel Daniel , Wang Hongyu , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: January 2019

A supramolecular polymer that allows for intrapolymer proton-coupled photoinduced electron transfer was constructed by means of amidinium-carboxylate salt bridges.
Recent advances in the application of nano-catalysts for Hiyama cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Monfared Aazam , Mohammadi Robab , Ahmadi Sheida , Nikpassand Mohammad , Hosseinian Akram
Published: January 2019

This mini-review highlights the recent developments in the field of metal nanoparticle (NP) catalyzed Hiyama cross-coupling reactions.
Preparation, characterization and feasibility analysis of methyl ester of Sesbania seeds oil (MESSO) as alternate liquid dielectrics in distribution transformers
Authors: Ravulapalli Sujitha , Kunta Ravindhranath , Ramamoorty Mylavarapu
Published: January 2019

Graphical presentation of the processing of methyl ester of Sesbania seeds oil (MESSO) as an alternative dielectric in transformers.
Controlling the dynamics of colloidal particles by critical Casimir forces
Authors: Magazzù Alessandro , Callegari Agnese , Staforelli Juan Pablo , Gambassi Andrea , Dietrich Siegfried , Volpe Giovanni
Published: January 2019

Critical Casimir forces can play an important role for applications in nano-science and nano-technology, owing to their piconewton strength, nanometric action range, fine tunability as a function of temperature, and exquisite dependence on the surface properties of the involved objects.