bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in the elderly: A report from the International College of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (ICOCS)
Authors: Dell’Osso B. , Benatti B. , Rodriguez C.I. , Arici C. , Palazzo C. , Altamura A.C. , Hollander E. , Fineberg N. , Stein D.J. , Nicolini H. , Lanzagorta N. , Marazziti D. , Pallanti S. , Van Ameringen M. , Lochner C. , Karamustafalioglu O. , Hranov L. , Figee M. , Drummond L. , Grant J. , Denys D. , Cath D. , Menchon J.M. , Zohar J.
Published: July 2017

Introduction:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly disabling condition, with frequent early onset. Adult/adolescent OCD has been extensively investigated, but little is known about prevalence and clinical characterization of geriatric patients with OCD (G-OCD = 65 years). The present study aimed to assess prevalence of G-OCD and associated socio-demographic and clinical correlates in a large international sample.

Methods:

Data from 416 outpatients, participating in the ICOCS network, were assessed and categorized into 2 groups, age < vs = 65 years, and then divided on the basis of the median age of the sample (age < vs = 42 years). Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared between groups (Pearson Chi-squared andttests).

Results:

G-OCD compared with younger patients represented a significant minority of the sample (6% vs 94%,P< .001), showing a significantly later age at onset (29.4 ± 15.1 vs 18.7 ± 9.2 years,P< .001), a more frequent adult onset (75% vs 41.1%,P< .001) and a less frequent use of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (20.8% vs 41.8%,P< .05). Female gender was more represented in G-OCD patients, though not at a statistically significant level (75% vs 56.4%,P= .07). When the whole sample was divided on the basis of the median age, previous results were confirmed for older patients, including a significantly higher presence of women (52.1% vs 63.1%,P< .05).

Conclusions:

G-OCD compared with younger patients represented a small minority of the sample and showed later age at onset, more frequent adult onset and lower CBT use. Age at onset may influence course and overall management of OCD, with additional investigation needed.
Jewish Exiles and European Thought in the Shadow of the Third Reich
Authors: Weinstein David , Zakai Avihu
Published: July 2017

Hans Baron, Karl Popper, Leo Strauss and Erich Auerbach were among the many German-speaking Jewish intellectuals who fled Continental Europe with the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. Their scholarship, though not normally considered together, is studied here to demonstrate how, despite their different disciplines and distinctive modes of working, they responded polemically in the guise of traditional scholarship to their shared trauma. For each, the political calamity of European fascism was a profound intellectual crisis, requiring an intellectual response which Weinstein and Zakai now contextualize, ideologically and politically. They exemplify just how extensively, and sometimes how subtly, 1930s and 1940s scholarship was used not only to explain, but to fight the political evils that had infected modernity, victimizing so many. An original perspective on a popular area of research, this book draws upon a mass of secondary literature to provide an innovative and valuable contribution to twentieth-century intellectual history.
The Importance of Ethics in Branding: Mediating Effects of Ethical Branding on Company Reputation and Brand Loyalty
Authors: Syed Alwi Sharifah Faridah , Muhammad Ali Sulaiman , Nguyen Bang
Published: July 2017

This study aims to develop an ethical branding framework that determines whether a corporate brand’s functional and emotional values, that is, product, service quality, and perceived price (antecedents), influence ethical branding and, consequently, company reputation and brand loyalty (consequences) among industrial buyers of electronic office equipment in Malaysia. Using structural equation modelling, the article demonstrates the effects of perceived price, quality of product and service on ethical branding, company reputation, and brand loyalty. The results reveal that product quality directly influences ethical brand perceptions and, consequently, company reputation. Perceived price and service quality do not directly affect company reputation; instead, they affect its identification through ethical branding. The findings thus demonstrate that product quality, perceived price, and service quality affect company reputation through the mediation of ethical branding. This highlights that an ethical brand is effective for companies to maintain their reputation among industrial buyers.
Anti-Theism and the Objective Meaningful Life Argument
Authors: LOUGHEED KIRK
Published: July 2017

Philosophers of religion have begun to explore the value question of whether God’s existence would add to, detract from, or have no impact on the value of our world. The Meaningful Life Argument is one of the most promising arguments in support of the view that God’s existence would make the world worse, at least for certain individuals. I offer an objectivized version of the Meaningful Life Argument and show why recent objections leveled against it by Myron A. Penner do not apply to this version.
Glasgow encounters with tropical diseases
Authors: COX FRANCIS E. G.
Published: July 2017

The period 1875–1925 was remarkable in the history of parasitology mainly for the elucidation of the life cycles of parasites causing important parasitic diseases and the incrimination of vectors in their transmission. These discoveries were made by a small number of scientists working in the tropics a number of whom were Scots. Sir Patrick Manson, the discoverer of the mosquito transmission of filarial worms, was instrumental in directly or indirectly encouraging other Scots including Douglas Argyll-Robertson, David Blacklock, David Bruce, David Cunningham, Robert Leiper, William Leishman, George Low, Muriel Robertson and Ronald Ross, who all made significant discoveries across a wide spectrum of tropical diseases. Among these, William Leishman, Robert Leiper and Muriel Robertson were all graduates of the University of Glasgow and their achievements in the fields of leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, dracunculiasis and African sleeping sickness, together with subsequent developments in these fields, are the subjects of the ten papers in this Special Issue of Parasitology.
THE ROLE OF L1 PHONOLOGY IN L2 MORPHOLOGICAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Cabrelli Amaro Jennifer , Campos-Dintrans Gonzalo , Rothman Jason
Published: July 2017

This study considers the role of L1 phonological influence in L2 English past tense morphology production by native speakers of Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese. While these L1s share similar phonological restrictions on consonant cluster formation needed for English past tense morphology, differences arise in L1 syntax (only Mandarin lacks syntactic past) and L1 prosodic structure (only Japanese has English-equivalent structure). Aggregate analyses indicate that an L1 English control group outperforms all L2 groups in oral suppliance of past tense morphology. Results therefore reveal that having the syntactic feature for past in the L1 does not translate into targetlike performance and that L1 phonological restrictions alone cannot fully explain nontargetlike performance. Considering previous and the current data sets, we argue that evidence from production of L2 English past tense cannot be used to adjudicate between representational deficit approaches and full access approaches, contrary to what has been argued previously.
Mechanisms underlying neuro-inflammation and neurodevelopmental toxicity in the mouse neocortex following prenatal exposure to ethanol
Authors: Komada Munekazu , Hara Nao , Kawachi Satoko , Kawachi Kota , Kagawa Nao , Nagao Tetsuji , Ikeda Yayoi
Published: July 2017

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) constitute a wide range of disorders that arise from prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH). However, detailed reports regarding the adverse effects of prenatal EtOH exposure on neocortical morphology and its underlying pathogenic mechanisms are limited. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the anatomical abnormalities of neocortical development and their correlation with microglial properties and neuro-inflammation in a mouse model of FASD. We evaluated the development and maturation of the neocortex in ICR mice prenatally exposed to 25% (w/v) EtOH using histological and molecular analyses. Reduced proliferation and excessive cell death were observed in the dorsal telencephalon. Abnormal neuronal distribution, layer formation, and dopaminergic neuronal projections were observed in the neocortex. Disruption of microglial differentiation (M1/M2 microglial ratio) and abnormal expression of pro-inflammatory and neurotrophic factors were induced, and these abnormalities were ameliorated by co-treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug (pioglitazone). FASD model mice displayed histological abnormalities, microglial abnormalities, and neuro-inflammation in both the embryonic and newborn stages. Thus, anti-inflammatory therapeutics may provide a novel preventive approach for the treatment of FASD.
CTCF binding landscape in jawless fish with reference to Hox cluster evolution
Authors: Kadota Mitsutaka , Hara Yuichiro , Tanaka Kaori , Takagi Wataru , Tanegashima Chiharu , Nishimura Osamu , Kuraku Shigehiro
Published: July 2017

The nuclear protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) contributes as an insulator to chromatin organization in animal genomes. Currently, our knowledge of its binding property is confined mainly to mammals. In this study, we identified CTCF homologs in extant jawless fishes and performed ChIP-seq for the CTCF protein in the Arctic lamprey. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the lamprey lineage experienced gene duplication that gave rise to its unique paralog, designated CTCF2, which is independent from the previously recognized duplication between CTCF and CTCFL. The ChIP-seq analysis detected comparable numbers of CTCF binding sites between lamprey, chicken, and human, and revealed that the lamprey CTCF protein binds to the two-part motif, consisting of core and upstream motifs previously reported for mammals. These findings suggest that this mode of CTCF binding was established in the last common ancestor of extant vertebrates (more than 500 million years ago). We analyzed CTCF binding inside Hox clusters, which revealed a reinforcement of CTCF binding in the region spanning Hox1-4 genes that is unique to lamprey. Our study provides not only biological insights into the antiquity of CTCF-based epigenomic regulation known in mammals but also a technical basis for comparative epigenomic studies encompassing the whole taxon Vertebrata.
Map3k8 controls granulocyte colony-stimulating factor production and neutrophil precursor proliferation in lipopolysaccharide-induced emergency granulopoiesis
Authors: Sánchez Ángela , Relaño Carlos , Carrasco Araceli , Contreras-Jurado Constanza , Martín-Duce Antonio , Aranda Ana , Alemany Susana
Published: July 2017

Map3k8 has been proposed as a useful target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. We show here that during lipopolysaccharide-induced emergency granulopoiesis, Map3k8 deficiency strongly impairs the increase in circulating mature (Ly6GhighCD11b+) and immature (Ly6GlowCD11b+) neutrophils. After chimaeric bone marrow (BM) transplantation into recipient Map3k8−/− mice, lipopolysaccharide treatment did not increase circulating Ly6GhighCD11b+ cells and strongly decreased circulating Ly6GlowCD11b+ cells. Lipopolysaccharide-treated Map3k8−/− mice showed decreased production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a key factor in neutrophil expansion, and a Map3k8 inhibitor blocked lipopolysaccharide-mediated G-CSF expression in endothelial cell lines. Ly6GlowCD11b+ BM cells from lipopolysaccharide-treated Map3k8−/− mice displayed impaired expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β, which depends on G-CSF for expression and is crucial for cell cycle acceleration in this life-threatening condition. Accordingly, lipopolysaccharide-treated Map3k8−/− mice showed decreased Ly6GlowCD11b+ BM cell proliferation, as evidenced by a decrease in the percentage of the most immature precursors, which have the highest proliferation capacity among this cell population. Thus, Map3k8 expression by non-haematopoietic tissue is required for lipopolysaccharide-induced emergency granulopoiesis. The novel observation that inhibition of Map3k8 activity decreases neutrophilia during life-threatening systemic infection suggests a possible risk in the proposed use of Map3k8 blockade as an anti-inflammatory therapy.
Comparison of Fecal Microbial Composition and Antibiotic Resistance Genes from Swine, Farm Workers and the Surrounding Villagers
Authors: Sun Jian , Huang Ting , Chen Chong , Cao Ting-Ting , Cheng Ke , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong
Published: July 2017

The external environment plays a critical role in shaping the structure of the gut microbiome. One potential health threat lies in the release of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) from cross-contaminated microbiomes. We focused this study on a comparison of fecal microbial composition and antibiotic resistant genes between farm workers, local villagers and swine. We used a high-throughput next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA and real-time PCR for these studies. Our results indicated that workers had less species diversity as compared to the local villagers. Moreover, the bacterial communities of the farm workers, the local villagers and swine feces were clearly divided into three groups. The workers had a greater abundance of Proteobacteria as compared to swine and the local villagers. The Clostridiaceae in the workers and swine were more abundant than the local villagers. In addition, there were ARG differences between the farm workers or local villager’s and swine feces. The farm workers and the local villagers had similar relative abundance except for macrolide ARGs. Taken together, these data suggest that the swine farm environment affects the fecal bacterial composition of swine farm workers. However, ARG spread was influenced by factors independent of the swine farm environment.
Role of visual and olfactory cues in sex recognition in butterfly Cethosia cyane cyane
Authors: Li Chengzhe , Wang Hua , Chen Xiaoming , Yao Jun , Shi Lei , Zhou Chengli
Published: July 2017

Butterflies use multiple signals, including visual, olfactory and tactile cues, to identify same- and opposite-sex individuals during courtship. In this study of the sexually dimorphic butterfly Cethosia cyane cyane, we explored the roles of visual and olfactory cues in conspecific mate recognition during courtship. Our results showed that males took the initiative in actively chasing females during courtship using only visual cues. Males could distinguish the gender of conspecifics using visual cues alone. The size and color of the wings differ significantly between the sexes. Behavioral assays showed that males visually recognized females not by wing size, but by their sexually specific wing color. The movement pattern of the model also exerted some influence on male courtship chasing behavior. A total of 21 volatiles were detected in the bodies of adults, but only cedrol played a role in the process of male recognition of females at close range. Therefore, males rely on both visual and olfactory cues to distinguish females during courtship. Visual cues play a major role in attracting males at the beginning of the courtship chase, while olfactory cues play a role in accurately identifying partners at close range.
Antidepressant effect of taurine in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive rats
Authors: Wu Gao-Feng , Ren Shuang , Tang Ri-Yi , Xu Chang , Zhou Jia-Qi , Lin Shu-Mei , Feng Ying , Yang Qun-Hui , Hu Jian-Min , Yang Jian-Cheng
Published: July 2017

Depression, a psychiatric and dysthymic disorder, severely affects the learning, work and life quality. The main pathogenesis of depression is associated with central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Taurine has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on the brain development and can improve learning ability and memory. Our study investigated the antidepressant-like effects of taurine pre-treatment by examining the changes in depression-like behavior, hormones, neurotransmitters, inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus of a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rat model. Taurine was found to inhibit the decrease of sucrose consumption and prevent the deficiency of spatial memory and anxiety in rats exposed to CUMS, suggesting a preventive effect of taurine on depression-like behavior. Furthermore, the decreased levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, noradrenaline; the increased levels of glutamate, corticosterone; and the decreased expressions of fibroblast growth factor-2, vascular endothelial growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor in depressive rats were hindered by taurine pre-administration. However, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels were not significantly changed by taurine. The results demonstrated that the anti-depressive effect of taurine may be involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the promotion of neurogenesis, neuronal survival and growth in the hippocampus.
Measuring the Energy of Ventilation and Circulation during Human Walking using Induced Hypoxia
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Fukuoka Yoshiyuki , Handa Yoko , Abe Daijiro , Pontzer Herman
Published: July 2017

Energy expenditure (EE) during walking includes energy costs to move and support the body and for respiration and circulation. We measured EE during walking under three different oxygen concentrations. Eleven healthy, young, male lowlanders walked on a treadmill at seven gait speeds (0.67–1.83 m s−1) on a level gradient under normobaric normoxia (room air, 21% O2), moderate hypoxia (15% O2), and severe hypoxia (11% O2). By comparing the hypoxia-induced elevation in heart rate (HR [bpm]), ventilation (VE [L min−1]) with the change in energy expenditure (EE [W]) at each speed, we were able to determine circulatory and respiratory costs. In a multivariate model combining HR and VE, respiratory costs were 0.44 ± 0.15 W per each L min−1 increase in VE, and circulatory costs were 0.24 ± 0.05 W per each bpm increase in HR (model adjusted r2 = 0.97, p < 0.001). These VE costs were substantially lower than previous studies that ignored the contribution of HR to cardiopulmonary work. Estimated HR costs were consistent with, although somewhat higher than, measures derived from catheterization studies. Cardiopulmonary costs accounted for 23% of resting EE, but less than 5% of net walking costs (i.e., with resting EE subtracted).
Circulating tumor cells in peripheral and pulmonary venous blood predict poor long-term survival in resected non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Li Yunsong , Cheng Xu , Chen Zhong , Liu Yi , Liu Zhidong , Xu Shaofa
Published: July 2017

We tested the hypothesis that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in preoperative peripheral blood (PPB) and intraoperative pulmonary venous blood (IPVB) could predict poor long-term survival in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. CTCs were separated from blood using magnetic beads coated with antibodies against epithelial-cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) via magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). CTCs were quantified with fluorescence-labeled antibodies against pan-cytokeratin through flow cytometry. CTCs were quantified in PPB and IPVB in 23 consecutive stage I-IIIA patients with resected NSCLC. The association between CTCs and prognosis in these patients was evaluated after a 5-year follow-up. In NSCLC patients, outcomes were assessed according to CTC levels at surgery. NSCLC patients identified as high-risk groups exhibited >5 CTCs/15 mL in PPB and >50 CTCs/15 mL in IPVB. Univariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis showed that the CTC count in PPB or IPVB was an independent risk factor for tumor-free surivival (TFS) and overall survival (OS). The high-risk group of patients had a shorter median TFS (22 months vs. >60.0 months, p < 0.0012) and shorter OS (27 months vs. >60 months, p < 0.0015). The number of CTCs counted in PPB and IPVB was an independent risk factor for TFS and OS in resected NSCLC patients.
A Novel Highly Sensitive NO2 Sensor Based on Perovskite Na0.5+xBi0.5TiO3−δ Electrolyte
Authors: Xiao Yihong , Zhang Chufan , Zhang Xu , Cai Guohui , Zheng Yong , Zheng Ying , Zhong Fulan , Jiang Lilong
Published: July 2017

NOx is one of dangerous air pollutants, and the demands for reliable sensors to detect NOx are extremely urgent recently. Conventional fluorite-phase YSZ used for NOx sensor requires higher operating temperature to obtain desirable oxygen ion conductivity. In this work, perovskite-phase Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) oxygen conductor was chosen as the solid electrolyte to fabricate a novel highly sensitive NO2 sensor with CuO as the sensing electrode and Pt as reference electrode. Na dopped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 greatly improved the sensing performance of this sensor. The optimal sensor based on Na0.51Bi0.50TiO3−δ exhibited good response-recovery characteristics to NO2 and the response current values were almost linear to NO2 concentrations in the range of 50–500 ppm at 400–600 °C. The response current value towards NO2 reached maximum 11.23 μA at 575 °C and the value on NO2 is much higher than other gases (CH4, C2H4, C3H6, C3H8, CO), indicating good selectivity for detecting NO2. The response signals of the sensor were slightly affected by coexistent O2 varying from 2 to 21 vol% at 575 °C. The response current value decreased only 4.9% over 2 months, exhibiting the potential application in motor vehicles.
Transcriptomic profiling of hemp bast fibres at different developmental stages
Authors: Guerriero Gea , Behr Marc , Legay Sylvain , Mangeot-Peter Lauralie , Zorzan Simone , Ghoniem Mohammad , Hausman Jean-Francois
Published: July 2017

Bast fibres are long extraxylary cells which mechanically support the phloem and they are divided into xylan- and gelatinous-type, depending on the composition of their secondary cell walls. The former, typical of jute/kenaf bast fibres, are characterized by the presence of xylan and a high degree of lignification, while the latter, found in tension wood, as well as flax, ramie and hemp bast fibres, have a high abundance of crystalline cellulose. During their differentiation, bast fibres undergo specific developmental stages: the cells initially elongate rapidly by intrusive growth, subsequently they cease elongation and start to thicken. The goal of the present study is to provide a transcriptomic close-up of the key events accompanying bast fibre development in textile hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), a fibre crop of great importance. Bast fibres have been sampled from different stem regions. The developmental stages corresponding to active elongation and cell wall thickening have been studied using RNA-Seq. The results show that the fibres sampled at each stem region are characterized by a specific transcriptomic signature and that the major changes in cell wall-related processes take place at the internode containing the snap point. The data generated also identify several interesting candidates for future functional analysis.
Effect of Li Termination on the Electronic and Hydrogen Storage Properties of Linear Carbon Chains: A TAO-DFT Study
Authors: Seenithurai Sonai , Chai Jeng-Da
Published: July 2017

Accurate prediction of the electronic and hydrogen storage properties of linear carbon chains (C
n
) and Li-terminated linear carbon chains (Li2C
n
), with n carbon atoms (n = 5–10), has been very challenging for traditional electronic structure methods, due to the presence of strong static correlation effects. To meet the challenge, we study these properties using our newly developed thermally-assisted-occupation density functional theory (TAO-DFT), a very efficient electronic structure method for the study of large systems with strong static correlation effects. Owing to the alteration of the reactivity of C
n
and Li2C
n
with n, odd-even oscillations in their electronic properties are found. In contrast to C
n
, the binding energies of H2 molecules on Li2C
n
are in (or close to) the ideal binding energy range (about 20 to 40 kJ/mol per H2). In addition, the H2 gravimetric storage capacities of Li2C
n
are in the range of 10.7 to 17.9 wt%, satisfying the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) ultimate target of 7.5 wt%. On the basis of our results, Li2C
n
can be high-capacity hydrogen storage materials that can uptake and release hydrogen at temperatures well above the easily achieved temperature of liquid nitrogen.
PDK1 plays a vital role on hematopoietic stem cell function
Authors: Hu Tianyuan , Li Cong , Wang Le , Zhang Yingchi , Peng Luyun , Cheng Hui , Chu Yajing , Wang Weili , Ema Hideo , Gao Yingdai , Ju Zhenyu , Yang Zhongzhou , Wang Xiaomin , Cheng Tao , Yuan Weiping
Published: July 2017

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) is a pivotal regulator in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway that have been shown to play key roles in the functional development of B and T cells via activation of AGC protein kinases during hematopoiesis. However, the role of PDK1 in HSCs has not been fully defined. Here we specifically deleted the PDK1 gene in the hematopoietic system and found that PDK1-deficient HSCs exhibited impaired function and defective lineage commitment abilities. Lack of PDK1 caused HSCs to be less quiescent and to produce a higher number of phenotypic HSCs and fewer progenitors. PDK1-deficient HSCs were also unable to reconstitute the hematopoietic system. Notably, HSC function was more dependent on PDK1 than on mTORC2, which indicates that PDK1 plays a dominant role in the Akt-mediated regulation of HSC function. PDK1-deficient HSCs also exhibited reduced ROS levels, and treatment of PDK1-deficient HSCs with L-butathioninesulfoximine in vitro elevated the low ROS level and promoted colony formation. Therefore, PDK1 appears to contribute to HSC function partially via regulating ROS levels.
Ticks infected via co-feeding transmission can transmit Lyme borreliosis to vertebrate hosts
Authors: Belli Alessandro , Sarr Anouk , Rais Olivier , Rego Ryan O. M. , Voordouw Maarten J.
Published: July 2017

Vector-borne pathogens establish systemic infections in host tissues to maximize transmission to arthropod vectors. Co-feeding transmission occurs when the pathogen is transferred between infected and naive vectors that feed in close spatiotemporal proximity on a host that has not yet developed a systemic infection. Borrelia afzelii is a tick-borne spirochete bacterium that causes Lyme borreliosis (LB) and is capable of co-feeding transmission. Whether ticks that acquire LB pathogens via co-feeding are actually infectious to vertebrate hosts has never been tested. We created nymphs that had been experimentally infected as larvae with B. afzelii via co-feeding or systemic transmission, and compared their performance over one complete LB life cycle. Co-feeding nymphs had a spirochete load that was 26 times lower than systemic nymphs but both nymphs were highly infectious to mice (i.e., probability of nymph-to-host transmission of B. afzelii was ~100%). The mode of transmission had no effect on the other infection phenotypes of the LB life cycle. Ticks that acquire B. afzelii via co-feeding transmission are highly infectious to rodents, and the resulting rodent infection is highly infectious to larval ticks. This is the first study to show that B. afzelii can use co-feeding transmission to complete its life cycle.
Outer membrane vesicles secreted by pathogenic and nonpathogenic Bacteroides fragilis represent different metabolic activities
Authors: Zakharzhevskaya Natalya B. , Vanyushkina Anna A. , Altukhov Ilya A. , Shavarda Aleksey L. , Butenko Ivan O. , Rakitina Daria V. , Nikitina Anastasia S. , Manolov Aleksandr I. , Egorova Alina N. , Kulikov Eugene E. , Vishnyakov Innokentii E. , Fisunov Gleb Y. , Govorun Vadim M.
Published: July 2017

Numerous studies are devoted to the intestinal microbiota and intercellular communication maintaining homeostasis. In this regard, vesicles secreted by bacteria represent one of the most popular topics for research. For example, the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of Bacteroides fragilis play an important nutritional role with respect to other microorganisms and promote anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells. However, toxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF) contributes to bowel disease, even causing colon cancer. If nontoxigenic B. fragilis (NTBF) vesicles exert a beneficial effect on the intestine, it is likely that ETBF vesicles can be utilized for potential pathogenic implementation. To confirm this possibility, we performed comparative proteomic HPLC-MS/MS analysis of vesicles isolated from ETBF and NTBF. Furthermore, we performed, for the first time, HPLC-MS/MS and GS-MS comparative metabolomic analysis for the vesicles isolated from both strains with subsequent reconstruction of the vesicle metabolic pathways. We utilized fluxomic experiments to validate the reconstructed biochemical reaction activities and finally observed considerable difference in the vesicle proteome and metabolome profiles. Compared with NTBF OMVs, metabolic activity of ETBF OMVs provides their similarity to micro reactors that are likely to be used for long-term persistence and implementing pathogenic potential in the host.
Single-cell transcriptomics of East-Asian pancreatic islets cells
Authors: Dorajoo Rajkumar , Ali Yusuf , Tay Vanessa S. Y. , Kang Jonathan , Samydurai Sudhagar , Liu Jianjun , Boehm Bernhard O.
Published: July 2017

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) of pancreatic islets have reported on α- and β-cell gene expression in mice and subjects of predominantly European ancestry. We aimed to assess these findings in East-Asian islet-cells. 448 islet-cells were captured from three East-Asian non-diabetic subjects for scRNA-seq. Hierarchical clustering using pancreatic cell lineage genes was used to assign cells into cell-types. Differentially expressed transcripts between α- and β-cells were detected using ANOVA and in silico replications of mouse and human islet cell genes were performed. We identified 118 α, 105 β, 6 δ endocrine cells and 47 exocrine cells. Besides INS and GCG, 26 genes showed differential expression between α- and β-cells. 10 genes showed concordant expression as reported in rodents, while FAM46A was significantly discordant. Comparing our East-Asian data with data from primarily European subjects, we replicated several genes implicated in nuclear receptor activations, acute phase response pathway, glutaryl-CoA/tryptophan degradations and EIF2/AMPK/mTOR signaling. Additionally, we identified protein ubiquitination to be associated among East-Asian β-cells. We report on East-Asian α- and β-cell gene signatures and substantiate several genes/pathways. We identify expression signatures in East-Asian β-cells that perhaps reflects increased susceptibility to cell-death and warrants future validations to fully appreciate their role in East-Asian diabetes pathogenesis.
Generation of path-polarization hyperentanglement using quasi-phase-matching in quasi-periodic nonlinear photonic crystal
Authors: He Guangqiang , Zhu Chengrui , Jiang Yao , Ren Jie , Guo Ying , Jing Jietai
Published: July 2017

A compact scheme for the generation of path-polarization entangled photon pairs is proposed by using a quasi-periodic nonlinear photonic crystal to simultaneously accomplish four spontaneous parametric down-conversion processes. Moreover, we report experimental scheme to measure the polarization entanglement and path entanglement separately and theoretically get numerical results that verify some predictions about the hyperentanglement. This method can be expanded for the generation of multi-partite and two-photon path-polarization hyperentanglement in a single quasi-periodic nonlinear photonic crystal structure. This compact quantum light source can be used as a significant ingredient in quantum information science.
Genome-wide analysis of long noncoding RNA profiling in PRRSV-infected PAM cells by RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhang Jing , Sun Pu , Gan Lipeng , Bai Weijie , Wang Zhijia , Li Dong , Cao Yimei , Fu Yuanfang , Li Pinghua , Bai Xingwen , Ma Xueqing , Bao Huifang , Chen Yingli , Liu Zaixin , Lu Zengjun
Published: July 2017

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a major threat to the global swine industry and causes tremendous economic losses. Its causative agent, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), primarily infects immune cells, such as porcine alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells. PRRSV infection results in immune suppression, antibody-dependent enhancement, and persistent infection. Highly pathogenic strains in China cause high fever and severe inflammatory responses in the lungs. However, the pathogenesis of PRRSV is still not fully understood. In this study, we analysed the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles of the HP-PRRSV GSWW15 and the North American strain FL-12 in infected porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) at 12 and 24 hours post-infection. We predicted 12,867 novel lncRNAs, 299 of which were differentially expressed after viral infection. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the genes adjacent to lncRNAs showed that they were enriched in pathways related to viral infection and immune response, indicating that lncRNAs might play regulatory roles in virus-host interactions. Our study provided information about lncRNAs in the porcine immune system and offers new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of PRRSV infection and novel antiviral therapy development.
Transgenerational inheritance of susceptibility to diabetes-induced male subfertility
Authors: Pavlinkova Gabriela , Margaryan Hasmik , Zatecka Eva , Valaskova Eliska , Elzeinova Fatima , Kubatova Alena , Bohuslavova Romana , Peknicova Jana
Published: July 2017

Male infertility is a worldwide problem associated with genetic background, environmental factors, and diseases. One of the suspected contributing factors to male infertility is diabetes mellitus. We investigated the molecular and morphological changes in sperms and testicular tissue of diabetic males. The study was performed in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mouse model. Diabetes decreased sperm concentration and viability and increased sperm apoptosis. Changes in protamine 1/protamine 2 ratio indicated reduced sperm quality. The testicular tissue of diabetic males showed significant tissue damage, disruption of meiotic progression, and changes in the expression of genes encoding proteins important for spermiogenesis. Paternal diabetes altered sperm quality and expression pattern in the testes in offspring of two subsequent generations. Our study revealed that paternal diabetes increased susceptibility to infertility in offspring through gametic alternations. Our data also provide a mechanistic basis for transgenerational inheritance of diabetes-associated pathologies since protamines may be involved in epigenetic regulations.
Visualizing changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression using bioluminescence imaging in living mice
Authors: Fukuchi Mamoru , Izumi Hironori , Mori Hisashi , Kiyama Masahiro , Otsuka Satoshi , Maki Shojiro , Maehata Yosuke , Tabuchi Akiko , Tsuda Masaaki
Published: July 2017

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a fundamental role in expressing various neural functions including memory consolidation. Alterations of BDNF levels in the brain are associated with neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is important to understand how levels of BDNF are controlled. Recently we generated a novel transgenic mouse strain, termed the Bdnf-Luciferase transgenic (Bdnf-Luc Tg) mouse, to monitor changes in Bdnf expression. In the present study, we detected the bioluminescence signal from living Bdnf-Luc Tg mice after intraperitoneal administration of d-luciferin. Despite high levels of Bdnf expression in the brain, it was difficult to detect a signal from the brain region, probably because of its poorly penetrable (short-wavelength) bioluminescence. However, we could detect the changes in the bioluminescence signal in the brain region using a luciferin analogue generating a near-infrared wavelength of bioluminescence. We also found a strong correlation between increases in body weight and bioluminescence signal in the abdominal region of Tg mice fed a high-fat diet. These results show that changes in Bdnf expression can be visualized using living mice, and that the Tg mouse could be a powerful tool for clarification of the role of Bdnf expression in pathophysiological and physiological conditions.
Tree functional types simplify forest carbon stock estimates induced by carbon concentration variations among species in a subtropical area
Authors: Wu Huili , Xiang Wenhua , Fang Xi , Lei Pifeng , Ouyang Shuai , Deng Xiangwen
Published: July 2017

Forests contain one of the world’s largest carbon (C) pools and represent opportunities for cost-effective climate change mitigation through programmes such as the United Nations-led “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation” Programme (REDD). Generic estimates for the conversion of forest biomass into C stock are not sufficiently accurate for assessing the utility of harvesting forest to offset carbon dioxide emissions, currently under consideration by the REDD Programme. We examined the variation in C concentration among tree species and tree functional types (classified based on leaf morphological and phenological traits) in a subtropical forest and evaluated the effects of these variations on stand-level estimations of C stock. This study was conducted in the Paiyashan Forest State Farm and the Dashanchong Forest Park, Hunan Province, China. C concentrations differed significantly among tree species (P < 0.0001) and were significantly higher in gymnosperm than angiosperm species. Estimations of stand C stocks were similar using either functional types or species- and tissue-specific C concentrations. The use of functional type classification to estimate stand C stock is an effective tool for implementing C sequestration trade and C credit programmes and the UN-REDD Programme in subtropical forests.
5-LO inhibition ameliorates palmitic acid-induced ER stress, oxidative stress and insulin resistance via AMPK activation in murine myotubes
Authors: Kwak Hyun Jeong , Choi Hye-Eun , Cheon Hyae Gyeong
Published: July 2017

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production via the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway contributes to the development of insulin resistance in adipose and hepatic tissues, but the role of LTB4 in skeletal muscle is relatively unknown. Here, the authors investigated the role of LTB4 in C2C12 myotubes in palmitic acid (PA)-induced ER stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. PA (750 μM) evoked lipotoxicity (ER stress, oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance) in association with LTB4 production. 5-LO inhibition reduced all the lipotoxic effects induced by PA. On the other hand, PA did not induce cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), which themselves had no effect on ER stress and inflammation. The beneficial effects of 5-LO suppression from PA-induced lipotoxicity were related with AMPK activation. In ob/ob mice, once daily oral administration of zileuton (50, 100 mg/kg) for 5 weeks improved insulin resistance, increased AMPK phosphorylation, and reduced LTB4 and ER stress marker expression in skeletal muscle. These results show that 5-LO inhibition by either zileuton or 5-LO siRNA protects C2C12 myotubes from PA-induced lipotoxicity, at least partly via AMPK activation, and suggest that the in vivo insulin-sensitizing effects of zileuton are in part attributable to its direct action on skeletal muscle via LTB4 downregulation followed by AMPK activation.
Synthesis of nanobelt-like 1-dimensional silver/nanocarbon hybrid materials for flexible and wearable electronics
Authors: Han Joong Tark , Jang Jeong In , Cho Joon Young , Hwang Jun Yeon , Woo Jong Seok , Jeong Hee Jin , Jeong Seung Yol , Seo Seon Hee , Lee Geon-Woong
Published: July 2017

Most synthetic processes of metallic nanostructures were assisted by organic/inorganic or polymeric materials to control their shapes to one-dimension or two-dimension. However, these additives have to be removed after synthesis of metal nanostructures for applications. Here we report a straightforward method for the low-temperature and additive-free synthesis of nanobelt-like silver nanostructures templated by nanocarbon (NC) materials via bio-inspired shape control by introducing supramolecular 2-ureido-4[1H]pyrimidinone (UPy) groups into the NC surface. The growth of the Ag nanobelt structure was found to be induced by these UPy groups through observation of the selective formation of Ag nanobelts on UPy-modified carbon nanotubes and graphene surfaces. The synthesized NC/Ag nanobelt hybrid materials were subsequently used to fabricate the highly conductive fibres (>1000S/cm) that can function as a conformable electrode and highly tolerant strain sensor, as well as a highly conductive and robust paper (>10000S/cm after thermal treatment).
Raman scattering excitation spectroscopy of monolayer WS2
Authors: Molas Maciej R. , Nogajewski Karol , Potemski Marek , Babiński Adam
Published: July 2017

Resonant Raman scattering is investigated in monolayer WS2 at low temperature with the aid of an unconventional technique, i.e., Raman scattering excitation (RSE) spectroscopy. The RSE spectrum is made up by sweeping the excitation energy, when the detection energy is fixed in resonance with excitonic transitions related to either neutral or charged excitons. We demonstrate that the shape of the RSE spectrum strongly depends on the selected detection energy. The resonance of outgoing light with the neutral exciton leads to an extremely rich RSE spectrum, which displays several Raman scattering features not reported so far, while no clear effect on the associated background photoluminescence is observed. Instead, when the outgoing photons resonate with the negatively charged exciton, a strong enhancement of the related emission occurs. Presented results show that the RSE spectroscopy can be a useful technique to study electron-phonon interactions in thin layers of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Bi-directional high speed domain wall motion in perpendicular magnetic anisotropy Co/Pt double stack structures
Authors: Sethi P. , Krishnia S. , Gan W. L. , Kholid F. N. , Tan F. N. , Maddu R. , Lew W. S.
Published: July 2017

We report bi-directional domain wall (DW) motion along and against current flow direction in Co/Pt double stack wires with Ta capping. The bi-directionality is achieved by application of hard-axis magnetic field favoring and opposing the Dzyloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), respectively. The speed obtained is enhanced when the hard-axis field favors the DMI and is along the current flow direction. Co/Pt double stack is a modification proposed for the high spin-orbit torque strength Pt/Co/Ta stack, to improve its thermal stability and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The velocity obtained reduces with increase in Pt spacer thickness due to reduction in DMI and enhances on increasing the Ta capping thickness due to higher SOT strength. The velocity obtained is as high as 530 m/s at a reasonable current density of 1 × 1012 A/m2 for device applications. The low anisotropy of the device coupled with the application of hard-axis field aids the velocity enhancement by preventing Walker breakdown.
Erratum: Premature primary tooth eruption in cognitive/motor-delayed ADNP-mutated children
Authors: Gozes I , Van Dijck A , Hacohen-Kleiman G , Grigg I , Karmon G , Giladi E , Eger M , Gabet Y , Pasmanik-Chor M , Cappuyns E , Elpeleg O , Kooy R F , Bedrosian-Sermone S
Published: July 2017

Correction to: Translational Psychiatry (2017) 7, e1043; doi:10.1038/tp.2017.27; published online 21 February 2017 Several entries in Table 1 use protein change annotations that do not comply with Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature. The nomenclature corrections (obtained from https://mutalyzer.
Natural product analogues: towards a blueprint for analogue-focused synthesis
Authors: Bebbington Magnus W. P.
Published: July 2017

A review of approaches to natural product analogues leads to the suggestion of new methods for the generation of biologically active natural product-like scaffolds.
Ionic liquids with thioether motifs as synthetic cationic lipids for gene delivery
Authors: Gaitor Jamie C. , Paul Lauren M. , Reardon Melissa M. , Hmissa Taha , Minkowicz Samuel , Regner Matthew , Sheng Yinghong , Michael Scott F. , Isern Sharon , Mirjafari Arsalan
Published: July 2017

Novel lipidic ionic liquids with imidazolium headgroups (red), thioether linkers (black), and two hydrophobic tails (blue) as efficient gene transfection vectors, synthesized via thiol–yne click chemistry.
Highly effective molecule converting strategy based on enzyme-free dual recycling amplification for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of ATP
Authors: Xie Hua , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Yali , Yuan Ruo
Published: July 2017

An enzyme-free and highly effective molecule converting strategy was described for the sensitive electrochemical detection of ATP based on target-driven catalytic hairpin assembly and Mg2+-dependent DNAzymes.
A Pr3+ doping strategy for simultaneously optimizing the size and near infrared persistent luminescence of ZGGO:Cr3+ nanoparticles for potential bio-imaging
Authors: Gong Zheng , Liu Yuxue , Yang Jian , Yan Duanting , Zhu Hancheng , Liu Chunguang , Xu Changshan , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2017

The improved near infrared persistent luminescence of ZGGO:Cr3+ nanoparticles achieved by adopting a Pr3+ doping strategy facilitates deep tissue bio-imaging.
Room-temperature in-cell EPR spectroscopy: alpha-Synuclein disease variants remain intrinsically disordered in the cell
Authors: Cattani Julia , Subramaniam Vinod , Drescher Malte
Published: July 2017

A systematic spin-labeling site-scan combined with intracellular cw-EPR at room temperature shows that aS variants remain intrinsically disordered in the cell.
Tunable in-plane torsional strength of surface functionalized two dimensional nanomaterials
Authors: Lin Qianling , Li Yinfeng , Yao Haimin
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the in-plane torsional properties of two dimensional nanomaterials are revealed to be tunable by surface functionalization using molecular dynamics simulations.
Exchangeable proton ENDOR as a probe of the redox-active iron center in activated bleomycin and ferric bleomycin
Authors: Burger Richard M. , Grigoryants Vladimir M. , Scholes Charles P.
Published: July 2017

This work establishes the existence of and implies the mechanistic role of specific exchangeable protons near the Fe(iii) of activated bleomycin (ABLM).
Current advances in the chemistry of silicon: not exactly a carbon copy
Authors: Marschner Christoph , Don Tilley T.
Published: July 2017

Welcome to this themed issue of Dalton Transactions entitled: ‘Silicon Chemistry: Discoveries and Advances.’
Study of the simulated sunlight photolysis mechanism of ketoprofen: the role of superoxide anion radicals, transformation byproducts, and ecotoxicity assessment
Authors: Wang Yingfei , Deng Wen , Wang Fengliang , Su Yuehan , Feng Yiping , Chen Ping , Ma Jingshuai , Su Haiying , Yao Kun , Liu Yang , Lv Wenying , Liu Guoguang
Published: July 2017

ROS play a key role in the photolysis of KET under simulated sunlight irradiation and the photoproducts may still have toxicity.
Airborne persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in China: occurrence and its implication associated with air pollution
Authors: Wang Pu , Zhang Qinghua , Li Yingming , Matsiko Julius , Zhang Ya , Jiang Guibin
Published: July 2017

In recent years, China suffered from extensive air pollution due to the rapidly expanding economic and industrial developments. Most studies on airborne PTSs have been conducted in east and south China, and severe contamination was generally observed in the BTH, YRD and PRD regions.