bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoid intake is associated with lower mortality in the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Cohort
Authors: Bondonno Nicola P. , Dalgaard Frederik , Kyrø Cecilie , Murray Kevin , Bondonno Catherine P. , Lewis Joshua R. , Croft Kevin D. , Gislason Gunnar , Scalbert Augustin , Cassidy Aedin , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: August 2019

Flavonoids, plant-derived polyphenolic compounds, have been linked with health benefits. However, evidence from observational studies is incomplete; studies on cancer mortality are scarce and moderating effects of lifestyle risk factors for early mortality are unknown. In this prospective cohort study including 56,048 participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort crosslinked with Danish nationwide registries and followed for 23 years, there are 14,083 deaths. A moderate habitual intake of flavonoids is inversely associated with all-cause, cardiovascular- and cancer-related mortality. This strong association plateaus at intakes of approximately 500 mg/day. Furthermore, the inverse associations between total flavonoid intake and mortality outcomes are stronger and more linear in smokers than in non-smokers, as well as in heavy (>20 g/d) vs. low-moderate (<20 g/d) alcohol consumers. These findings highlight the potential to reduce mortality through recommendations to increase intakes of flavonoid-rich foods, particularly in smokers and high alcohol consumers.
Horse immunization with short-chain consensus α-neurotoxin generates antibodies against broad spectrum of elapid venomous species
Authors: de la Rosa Guillermo , Olvera Felipe , Archundia Irving G. , Lomonte Bruno , Alagón Alejandro , Corzo Gerardo
Published: August 2019

Antivenoms are fundamental in the therapy for snakebites. In elapid venoms, there are toxins, e.g. short-chain α-neurotoxins, which are quite abundant, highly toxic, and consequently play a major role in envenomation processes. The core problem is that such α-neurotoxins are weakly immunogenic, and many current elapid antivenoms show low reactivity towards them. We have previously developed a recombinant consensus short-chain α-neurotoxin (ScNtx) based on sequences from the most lethal elapid venoms from America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Here we report that an antivenom generated by immunizing horses with ScNtx can successfully neutralize the lethality of pure recombinant and native short-chain α-neurotoxins, as well as whole neurotoxic elapid venoms from diverse genera such as Micrurus, Dendroaspis, Naja, Walterinnesia, Ophiophagus and Hydrophis. These results provide a proof-of-principle for using recombinant proteins with rationally designed consensus sequences as universal immunogens for developing next-generation antivenoms with higher effectiveness and broader neutralizing capacity.
Nanosecond electron pulses in the analytical electron microscopy of a fast irreversible chemical reaction
Authors: Sinha Shyam K. , Khammari Amir , Picher Matthieu , Roulland Francois , Viart Nathalie , LaGrange Thomas , Banhart Florian
Published: August 2019

We show how the kinetics of a fast and irreversible chemical reaction in a nanocrystalline material at high temperature can be studied using nanosecond electron pulses in an electron microscope. Infrared laser pulses first heat a nanocrystalline oxide layer on a carbon film, then single nanosecond electron pulses allow imaging, electron diffraction and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. This enables us to study the evolution of the morphology, crystallography, and elemental composition of the system with nanosecond resolution. Here, NiO nanocrystals are reduced to elemental nickel within 5 µs after the laser pulse. At high temperatures induced by laser heating, reduction results first in a liquid nickel phase that crystallizes on microsecond timescales. We show that the reaction kinetics in the reduction of nanocrystalline NiO differ from those in bulk materials. The observation of liquid nickel as a transition phase explains why the reaction is first order and occurs at high rates.
Publisher Correction: npj Systems Biology and Applications, volume 5
Authors:   npj Systems Biology and Applications
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: npj Vaccines, volume 4
Authors:   npj Vaccines
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Model based development of tacrolimus dosing algorithm considering CYP3A5 genotypes and mycophenolate mofetil drug interaction in stable kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Han Nayoung , Kim Myeong Gyu , Kim Young Won , Jang Hayoung , Yun Hwi-Yeol , Yu Mi-Yeon , Kim In-Wha , Kim Yon Su , Oh Jung Mi
Published: August 2019

This study quantifies the interaction between tacrolimus (TAC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in kidney transplant recipients. Concentrations of TAC, mycophenolic acid (MPA), and metabolites were analyzed and relevant genotypes were determined from 32 patients. A population model was developed to estimate the effect of interaction. Concentrations of TAC were simulated in clinical scenarios and dose-adjusted trough concentrations per dose (C/D) were compared. Effect of interaction was described as the inverse exponential relationship. Major determinants of trough levels of TAC were CYP3A5 genotype and interaction with MPA. The absolute difference in C/D of TAC according to co-administered MMF was higher in CYP3A5 non-expressers (0.55 ng/mL) than in CYP3A5 expressers (0.35 ng/mL). The effect of MMF in determining the TAC exposure is more pronounced in CYP3A5 non-expressers. Based on population pharmacokinetic model, we suggest the TAC dosing algorithm considering the effects of CYP3A5 and MMF drug interaction in stable kidney transplant recipients.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Provides Insights into the Regulatory Mechanisms of Wheat Primary Root Growth
Authors: Li Le , Xu Yanhua , Ren Yongzhe , Guo Zhanyong , Li Jingjing , Tong Yiping , Lin Tongbao , Cui Dangqun
Published: August 2019

Plant roots are vital for acquiring nutrients and water from soil. However, the mechanisms regulating root growth in hexaploid wheat remain to be elucidated. Here, an integrated comparative proteome study on the roots of two varieties and their descendants with contrasting root phenotypes was performed. A total of 80 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with the regulation of primary root growth were identified, including two plant steroid biosynthesis related proteins and nine class III peroxidases. Real-time PCR analysis showed that brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis pathway was significantly elevated in long-root plants compared with those short-root plants. Moreover, O2.− and H2O2 were distributed abundantly in both the root meristematic and elongation zones of long root plants, but only in the meristematic zone of short-root plants. The differential distribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the root tips of different genotypes may be caused by the differential expression of peroxidases. Taken together, our results suggest that the regulation of wheat primary root growth is closely related to BR biosynthesis pathway and BR-mediated ROS distribution.
Phase-sensitive interferometry of decorrelated speckle patterns
Authors: Spahr Hendrik , Pfäffle Clara , Burhan Sazan , Kutzner Lisa , Hilge Felix , Hüttmann Gereon , Hillmann Dierck
Published: August 2019

Phase-sensitive coherent imaging exploits changes in the phases of backscattered light to observe tiny alterations of scattering structures or variations of the refractive index. But moving scatterers or a fluctuating refractive index decorrelate the phases and speckle patterns in the images. It is generally believed that once the speckle pattern has changed, the phases are scrambled and any meaningful phase difference to the original pattern is removed. As a consequence, diffusion and tissue motion that cannot be resolved, prevent phase-sensitive imaging of biological specimens. Here, we show that a phase comparison between decorrelated speckle patterns is still possible by utilizing a series of images acquired during decorrelation. The resulting evaluation scheme is mathematically equivalent to methods for astronomic imaging through the turbulent sky by speckle interferometry. We thus adopt the idea of speckle interferometry to phase-sensitive imaging in biological tissues and demonstrate its efficacy for simulated data and imaging of photoreceptor activity with phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography. We believe the described methods can be applied to many imaging modalities that use phase values for interferometry.
A Spectrally Tunable Dielectric Subwavelength Grating based Broadband Planar Light Concentrator
Authors: Elikkottil Ameen , Tahersima Mohammed H. , Gupta M. V. N. Surendra , Maiti Rishi , Sorger Volker J. , Pesala Bala
Published: August 2019

Energy consumption of buildings is increasing at a rapid pace due to urbanization, while net-zero energy buildings offer a green and sustainable solution. However, limited rooftop availability on multi-story buildings poses a challenge for large-scale integration of photovoltaics. Conventional silicon solar panels block visible light making them unfeasible to cover all the surfaces of a building. Here, we demonstrate a novel dielectric grating based planar light concentrator. We integrate this functional device onto a window glass transmitting visible light while simultaneously guiding near infrared (NIR) portion of sunlight to edges of the glass window where it is converted to electricity by a photovoltaic cell. Gratings are designed to guide NIR region and realize polarization independent performance. Experimentally, we observe 0.72% optical guiding efficiency in the NIR region (700–1000 nm), transmitting majority of the visible portion for natural room lighting. Integrating solar cell at the window edge, we find an electrical conversion efficiency of about 0.65% of NIR light with a 25 mm2 prototype. Major losses are coupling and guiding losses arising from non-uniformity in fabrication over a large area. Such a functional window combining energy generation, natural room lighting and heat load reduction could mitigate urban heat island effect in modern cities.
Ferritin nanovehicle for targeted delivery of cytochrome C to cancer cells
Authors: Macone Alberto , Masciarelli Silvia , Palombarini Federica , Quaglio Deborah , Boffi Alberto , Trabuco Matilde Cardoso , Baiocco Paola , Fazi Francesco , Bonamore Alessandra
Published: August 2019

In this work, we have exploited the unique properties of a chimeric archaeal-human ferritin to encapsulate, deliver and release cytochrome c and induce apoptosis in a myeloid leukemia cell line. The chimeric protein combines the versatility in 24-meric assembly and cargo incorporation capability of Archaeglobus fulgidus ferritin with specific binding of human H ferritin to CD71, the “heavy duty” carrier responsible for transferrin-iron uptake. Delivery of ferritin-encapsulated cytochrome C to the Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) NB4 cell line, highly resistant to transfection by conventional methods, was successfully achieved in vitro. The effective liberation of cytochrome C within the cytosolic environment, demonstrated by double fluorescent labelling, induced apoptosis in the cancer cells.
Multicolor imaging in central serous chorioretinopathy – a quantitative and qualitative comparison with fundus autofluorescence
Authors: Govindahari Vishal , Singh Sumit Randhir , Rajesh Bindu , Gallego-Pinazo Roberto , Marco Rosa Dolz , Nair Dhanya V. , Nair Unni , Chhablani Jay
Published: August 2019

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterised by choroidal hyperpermeability which results in neurosensory detachments (NSD) along with numerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alterations such as RPE atrophy. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrates the functionality of the RPE while multicolor imaging(MCI), by means of its three incident wavelengths, provides insight into clinical changes at various levels of the retina and choroid in CSCR. This study compares various clinical findings in CSCR (NSD, subretinal deposits, RPE atrophy, pigment epithelial detachments (PED) and pachyvessels) on the above mentioned imaging modalities both qualitatively and quantitatively. MCI showed higher mean cumulative area of RPE atrophic patches (6.3 ± 6.02 vs 5.7 ± 5.7 mm2, p = 0.046), PED (1.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.1 ± 1.2 mm2, p = 0.068) and NSD (17.2 ± 11.4 vs 15.7 ± 10.7 mm2, p = 0.033). MCI demonstrated better defined lesions (NSD, PED, RPE atrophy) and more number of eyes with PED and pachyvessels in comparison to FAF.Both investigations had a 100% sensitivity in detecting NSD and 100% specificity for sub retinal deposits. This study demonstrates the ability of MCI to quantitatively and qualitatively define various clinical features in CSCR and the advantages it holds over FAF. MCI can hence be considered as a useful imaging modality in documenting and monitoring various structural changes in eyes with CSCR.
Risk aversion in the adjustment of speed-accuracy tradeoff depending on time constraints
Authors: Onagawa Ryoji , Shinya Masahiro , Ota Keiji , Kudo Kazutoshi
Published: August 2019

Humans are often required to make decisions under time constraints and to adjust speed-accuracy tradeoff (SAT) based on time constraints. Previous studies have investigated how humans adjust SAT depending on the time discount rate of expected gain. Although the expected gain of actions can be determined by both gain and probability, only situations where gain decreases over time have been tested. Considering the effect of risk on decision-making, the difference in time discount factors may modulate the response strategies for SAT, since temporal changes in variance of possible outcomes differ when gain or probability decreases over time. Here, we investigated the response strategies for SAT under different time discount factors. Participants were required to select one of the two options with different initial values in situations where the expected gain of options declined over time by a linear decrease in gain or probability. Comparison of response strategies between conditions revealed that response times in the gain condition were longer than those in the probability condition, possibly due to risk-aversion. These findings indicate the existence of common rules underpinning sensorimotor and economic decision-making.
Signature profile of cyclooxygenase-independent F2 series prostaglandins in C. elegans and their role in sperm motility
Authors: Tiwary Ekta , Hu Muhan , Miller Michael A. , Prasain Jeevan K.
Published: August 2019

We previously discovered that Caenorhabditis elegans synthesizes Cox-independent F-series prostaglandins (PGs). To delineate the Cox-independent prostaglandin pathways and evaluate their role in sperm motility in C. elegans, we developed a novel biochemical method for the rapid production of F-series PGs using arachidonic acid as the substrate and worm lysate as source of enzyme(s). Among the four F2-series PGs produced in the reaction, three of them were identified as 8-isoPGF2α, 5iPF2 VI, and PGF2α based on their retention times and MS/MS spectral comparison with standards using LC-MS/MS. PG production was not markedly affected by specific antioxidants, or Cox, Lox, and Cyp inhibitors, suggesting that these PGs are formed through a novel, biologically regulated mechanism in C. elegans. This study also assessed the ability of 8-isoPGF2α, 5iPF2 VI, PGF2α, and a mixture containing these PGs in a 0.5/0.08/1 ratio that reflects their synthetic composition to modulate sperm motility in fat-2 mutants. PGF2α and the PG mixture at 25 μM concentration significantly stimulated sperm velocity by 28% and 38%, whereas 8-isoPGF2α and 5iPF2 VI reduced the velocity by 21% and 30%, respectively, compared to vehicle control. These results indicate that the sperm motility effects of PGs are structure- and composition-dependent in C. elegans.
Multi-foci laser microfabrication of 3D polymeric scaffolds for stem cell expansion in regenerative medicine
Authors: Zandrini Tommaso , Shan Oumin , Parodi Valentina , Cerullo Giulio , Raimondi Manuela T. , Osellame Roberto
Published: August 2019

High quality large scale fabrication of cellular scaffolds, with three-dimensional resolution comparable to cell size, is an important task to enable regenerative medicine applications with stem cells. We are using two-photon polymerization to produce our stem cell culture substrate called Nichoid, which we already demonstrated capable of stimulating cell proliferation while maintaining their stemness, without the need of dangerous additives. Parallelization of this technique can be achieved with the use of a spatial light modulator: here we show the results obtained combining this device with fast linear stages to produce Nichoid-covered substrates by two-photon polymerization. The well-polymerized structures confirm that this approach is particularly convenient for porous structures, and allows a significant time saving by a factor of almost five, with minor design adjustments. A Live & Dead assay was performed on mesenchymal stem cells cultured into the Nichoid microstructures in order to verify that no difference in cell viability is present, compared to microstructures fabricated by a single focus. This parallel setup opens the possibility to obtain a much larger number of microstructured substrates, that are essential to test new stem cell-based therapies. This approach can be also used for the fast fabrication of other kinds of cell culture devices.
Novel and traditional lipid profiles in Metabolic Syndrome reveal a high atherogenicity
Authors: Paredes Sílvia , Fonseca Liliana , Ribeiro Laura , Ramos Helena , Oliveira José Carlos , Palma Isabel
Published: August 2019

Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) guides lipid-lowering therapy, although other lipid parameters could better reflect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Discordance between these parameters and LDL-c has not been evaluated in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. We characterized a comprehensive lipid profile in 177 MetS patients. The 2016 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemias were used to define LDL-c targets. The atherogenic lipoprotein profile was compared in patients with LDL-c within and above the target. Only 34.4% (61) of patients had mean LDL-c levels within the guidelines and patients with LDL-c above target presented significantly elevated levels of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) and oxidized LDL-c. In patients with LDL-c within target, 25%, 31% and 49% presented levels above the recommended range for ApoB, non-HDL-c and oxidized LDL-c, respectively. Patients presented a strong association of LDL-c and non-HDL-c (r = 0.796), ApoB (r = 0.749) and oxidized LDL-c (r = 0.452). Similarly, non-HDL-c was strongly correlated with ApoB (r = 0.857) and oxidized-LDL-c (r = 0.555). The logistic regression model evidenced higher triglycerides and HDL-c and lower ApoB as predictors of having LDL-c within target. Reliance solely on LDL-c could result in missed opportunities for CVD risk reduction. ApoB, oxidized LDL-c, and particularly non-HDL-c, could be valuable parameters to estimate the CVD risk of MetS patients and have the potential to be targeted therapeutically.
Removal of Hepatitis B virus surface HBsAg and core HBcAg antigens using microbial fuel cells producing electricity from human urine
Authors: Pasternak Grzegorz , Greenman John , Ieropoulos Ioannis
Published: August 2019

Microbial electrochemical technology is emerging as an alternative way of treating waste and converting this directly to electricity. Intensive research on these systems is ongoing but it currently lacks the evaluation of possible environmental transmission of enteric viruses originating from the waste stream. In this study, for the first time we investigated this aspect by assessing the removal efficiency of hepatitis B core and surface antigens in cascades of continuous flow microbial fuel cells. The log-reduction (LR) of surface antigen (HBsAg) reached a maximum value of 1.86 ± 0.20 (98.6% reduction), which was similar to the open circuit control and degraded regardless of the recorded current. Core antigen (HBcAg) was much more resistant to treatment and the maximal LR was equal to 0.229 ± 0.028 (41.0% reduction). The highest LR rate observed for HBsAg was 4.66 ± 0.19 h−1 and for HBcAg 0.10 ± 0.01 h−1. Regression analysis revealed correlation between hydraulic retention time, power and redox potential on inactivation efficiency, also indicating electroactive behaviour of biofilm in open circuit control through the snorkel-effect. The results indicate that microbial electrochemical technologies may be successfully applied to reduce the risk of environmental transmission of hepatitis B virus but also open up the possibility of testing other viruses for wider implementation.
Absorption avoided resonance crossing of hybridization of silicon nanoparticles and gold nanoantennas
Authors: Yang Jhen-Hong , Yu Min-Wen , Chen Kuo-Ping
Published: August 2019

The near-field coupling between a high-refractive-index nanoparticle and gold nanoantennas is investigated theoretically. The absorption enhancement and also avoided resonance crossing in the absorption cross section spectra were observed with the hybridization system due to the coupling between the localized surface plasmon resonance of the gold nanoantennas and the magnetic dipole resonance of the silicon nanoparticle. By controlling the nanoparticle size or the separation distance, the near-field coupling can be tuned from the weak to the strong regime.
MRTF-A controls myofibroblastic differentiation of human multipotent stromal cells and their tumour-supporting function in xenograft models
Authors: Werner Sara , Lützkendorf Jana , Müller Thomas , Müller Lutz P. , Posern Guido
Published: August 2019

Tumour growth and metastatic colonization is strongly influenced by the tumour stroma, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are a possible source of CAF following myofibroblastic differentiation, and we have previously shown that MSC support tumour growth. Triggered by tumour cell-derived factors like transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), myofibroblastic MSC differentiation is associated with the increased expression of markers including alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Here we show that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) plays an important role in myofibroblastic differentiation of primary human MSC in vitro and their tumour-supporting function in vivo. Recombinant TGF-β1 or tumour cell conditioned medium (TCM) elevated α-SMA, calponin 1 and collagen 1 A1 (COL1A1) amount on mRNA and protein level in MSC. This correlated with increased MRTF-A activity during MSC differentiation. MRTF-A knockdown by siRNA or shRNA impaired TGF-β1 and TCM induction of α-SMA and calponin 1, but not of COL1A1. Mixed xenograft experiments using HCT8 colorectal carcinoma cells and primary MSC of different donors revealed a significant reduction in tumour weight and volume upon MRTF-A knockdown in MSC. Our study suggests that MRTF-A is involved in the functional differentiation of MSC towards a tumour-promoting CAF phenotype in vivo.
Optimization of a reduced enzymatic reaction cascade for the production of L-alanine
Authors: Gmelch Tobias J. , Sperl Josef M. , Sieber Volker
Published: August 2019

Cell-free enzymatic reaction cascades combine the advantages of well-established in vitro biocatalysis with the power of multi-step in vivo pathways. The absence of a regulatory cell environment enables direct process control including methods for facile bottleneck identification and process optimization. Within this work, we developed a reduced, enzymatic reaction cascade for the direct production of L-alanine from D-glucose and ammonium sulfate. An efficient, activity based enzyme selection is demonstrated for the two branches of the cascade. The resulting redox neutral cascade is composed of a glucose dehydrogenase, two dihydroxyacid dehydratases, a keto-deoxy-aldolase, an aldehyde dehydrogenase and an L-alanine dehydrogenase. This artificial combination of purified biocatalysts eliminates the need for phosphorylation and only requires NAD as cofactor. We provide insight into in detail optimization of the process parameters applying a fluorescamine based L-alanine quantification assay. An optimized enzyme ratio and the necessary enzyme load were identified and together with the optimal concentrations of cofactor (NAD), ammonium and buffer yields of >95% for the main branch and of 8% for the side branch were achieved.
A qPCR expression assay of IFI44L gene differentiates viral from bacterial infections in febrile children
Authors: Gómez-Carballa Alberto , Cebey-López Miriam , Pardo-Seco Jacobo , Barral-Arca Ruth , Rivero-Calle Irene , Pischedda Sara , Currás-Tuala María José , Gómez-Rial José , Barros Francisco , Martinón-Torres Federico , Salas Antonio
Published: August 2019

The diagnosis of bacterial infections in hospital settings is currently performed using bacterial culture from sterile site, but they are lengthy and limited. Transcriptomic biomarkers are becoming promising tools for diagnosis with potential applicability in clinical settings. We evaluated a RT-qPCR assay for a 2-transcript host expression signature (FAM89A and IFI44L genes) inferred from microarray data that allow to differentiate between viral and bacterial infection in febrile children. This assay was able to discriminate viral from bacterial infections (P-value = 1.04 × 10−4; AUC = 92.2%; sensitivity = 90.9%; specificity = 85.7%) and showed very high reproducibility regardless of the reference gene(s) used to normalize the data. Unexpectedly, the monogenic IFI44L expression signature yielded better results than those obtained from the 2-transcript test (P-value = 3.59 × 10−5; AUC = 94.1%; sensitivity = 90.9%; specificity = 92.8%). We validated this IFI44L signature in previously published microarray and whole-transcriptome data from patients affected by different types of viral and bacterial infections, confirming that this gene alone differentiates between both groups, thus saving time, effort, and costs. Herein, we demonstrate that host expression microarray data can be successfully translated into a fast, highly accurate and relatively inexpensive in vitro assay that could be implemented in the clinical routine.
RORα suppresses interleukin-6-mediated hepatic acute phase response
Authors: Kim Ju-Yeon , Han Yong-Hyun , Nam Min-Woo , Kim Hyeon-Ji , Lee Mi-Ock
Published: August 2019

Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by loss of liver function in response to sustained augmentation of the acute-phase response (APR) in the liver, which can progress even to death. Although the inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6)–axis is a crucial factor that drives the hepatic APR by releasing diverse acute-phase proteins (APPs), therapeutic strategies to block the IL-6–STAT3-mediated APR are not well developed. Here, we show that the nuclear receptor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) limits APR-mediated liver injury by inhibiting the hepatic IL-6–STAT3 signaling pathway. Administration of JC1-40, an RORα activator, diminished diethylnitrosamine-induced acute liver injury and repressed transcriptional expression of APPs such as CXCL1 and LCN2 in mice. IL-6-mediated activation of STAT3 was repressed after RORα activation by either adenoviral infusion of RORα or JC1-40 treatment in primary hepatocytes. Activation of RORα decreased transcriptional expression of IL-6 receptor α, an upstream activator of STAT3, both in vitro and in vivo. This may be one mechanism underlying the RORα-mediated inhibition of STAT3. Taken together, our results suggest that RORα is a regulator of the hepatic IL-6–STAT3 signaling pathway and may be a new therapeutic target for treating APR-associated inflammatory ALF.
Development and evaluation of double gene transgenic cotton lines expressing Cry toxins for protection against chewing insect pests
Authors: Siddiqui Hamid Anees , Asif Muhammad , Asad Shaheen , Naqvi Rubab Zahra , Ajaz Sobia , Umer Noroza , Anjum Naveed , Rauf Imran , Sarwar Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad , Amin Imran , Saeed Muhammad , Mukhtar Zahid , Bashir Aftab , Mansoor Shahid
Published: August 2019

Cotton is the main fiber producing crop globally, with a significant impact on the economy of Pakistan. Bt cotton expressing a Cry1Ac gene is grown over a large area in Pakistan, however, there is a major concern that bollworms may develop resistance. Here we have used a durable resistance strategy against bollworms by developing a double gene construct containing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab (pGA482-12R) for cotton transformation. Both Cry toxin genes have been cloned in the same T-DNA borders and transferred successfully into cotton via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Both genes are expressed in transgenic cotton plants and is likely to help breeders in developing new cotton cultivars by incorporating these genes in cotton lines having no Bt genes or expressing Cry1Ac gene (Mon 531). Positive transgenic cotton was identified by PCR using specific primers for the amplification of both Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes. Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab expression was confirmed with an immunostrip test and quantified using ELISA that showed significant spatio-temporal expression of Cry2Ab ranging from 3.28 to 7.72 µg/g of the tissue leaf. Insect bioassay with army worm (Spodoptera litura) was performed to check the efficacy of NIBGE (National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering) double gene transgenic cotton plants and up to 93% insect mortality was observed.
Relaxation dynamics of [Re(CO)2(bpy){P(OEt)3}2](PF6) in TEOA solvent measured by time-resolved attenuated total reflection terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Ngoc , Watanabe Hiroshi , Tamaki Yusuke , Ishitani Osamu , Kimura Shin-ichi
Published: August 2019

To reveal highly efficient photocatalytic properties of an artificial photosynthesis material [Re(CO)2(bpy){P(OEt)3}2](PF6), we have directly observed the photo-induced relaxation dynamics and reductive quenching process of the photo-excited state on a photosynthesis material in Triethanolamine (TEOA) solvent as an electron donor by time-resolved attenuated total reflection spectroscopy in the terahertz (THz) region. The spectrum of the complex in TEOA has an intermolecular vibrational mode between the complex and TEOA molecules, which reflects the precursor of the reductive quenching process. The intermolecular vibrational mode has three-step relaxation process in a picosecond timescale after photo-excitation, where firstly the triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited state is vibrationally cooled down, secondly the distance between Re and TEOA is reduced by the rotation of TEOA molecules due to dipole-dipole interaction accelerated by heat transfer, and finally electrons transfer from TEOA to Re. These observations provide us the detailed information of the electron transfer process of photocatalytic properties of [Re(CO)2(bpy){P(OEt)3}2](PF6) in TEOA solvent.
Complex Nature of Hominin Dispersals: Ecogeographical and Climatic Evidence for Pre-Contact Craniofacial Variation
Authors: Ross Ann H. , Ubelaker Douglas H.
Published: August 2019

Coordinate data analysis of ancient crania from the New World reveals complexity in interpretation when addressing ancient population dispersals. The results of this study generally support a geographic patterning for the New World; however, it also revealed a much more complex and multifactorial mechanism shaping craniofacial morphology that should be considered when investigating ecogeographic models for hominin dispersals. We show that craniofacial variation is not the result of a single mechanism but is a much more complex interaction of environmental and microevolutionary forces.
Soil health indicators impacted by long-term cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer application in a corn-soybean rotation of South Dakota
Authors: Ozlu Ekrem , Sandhu Saroop S. , Kumar Sandeep , Arriaga Francisco J.
Published: August 2019

Manure impacts labile pools of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) which can influence soil microbial composition (MCC) and enzyme activities, and hence soil health. The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts of long-term dairy manure and inorganic fertilizers (INF) on soil carbon (C) as well as nitrogen (N) fractions, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure in different time horizons at planting (P), one month after planting (1MAP), and after harvesting (H) under corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. Study treatments included three manure application rates (low, phosphorus-based recommended rate; medium, nitrogen-based recommended rate; and high, the double rate of medium nitrogen based recommended rate), two INF rates (medium only nitrogen additions; and high nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and sulfur additions) and a control (no application of manure and/or inorganic fertilizer). In comparison to the INF, the dairy manure not only significantly increased chemical fractions of C and N but also impacted the enzyme activities. Average urease activity after manure was applied was shown to be 26.8% higher than it was with INF applied at planting. The β-Glucosidase activity was 6 and 14% higher with manure than it was with INF at 1MAP and harvesting, respectively. The cold-water extractable nitrogen (CWEN) was enhanced with high manure rate at all timings of sampling compared to the high fertilizer rate (53%), and CK (90%). Principal component analysis indicated that MCC under manure differed from those under the INF treatments. The total bacteria/total fungi ratio at planting was increased with the INF compared to the manure addition. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that CWEC, CWEN, and enzyme activities especially β-Glucosidase activity were the key determinants of MCC. Data from this study showed that, compared to inorganic fertilizers, manure can be beneficial in enhancing soil health indicators.
An active metasurface for field-localizing wireless power transfer using dynamically reconfigurable cavities
Authors: Ranaweera A. L. A. K. , Pham Thanh Son , Bui Huu Nguyen , Ngo Viet , Lee Jong-Wook
Published: August 2019

Wireless power transfer (WPT) provides a convenient method of delivering energy to multiple devices. With the increasing use of WPT, safety concerns inevitably create the need for a reliable control mechanism. Previous approaches in advanced WPT or metamaterial-enhanced WPT, however, have the limitation that neither the intensity nor the shape of the field-localizing area can be dynamically controlled. To address this limitation, we introduce the novel concept of a hotspot or power-focused region using field-localizing WPT. Using the proposed method, we provide experimental evidence demonstrating that the location, shape, and intensity of the hotspot can be manipulated as desired. The hotspot effectively enhances power delivery to the intended device while reducing leakage to unwanted areas. To dynamically reconfigure the hotspots, we propose an active metasurface with multi-functionality due to its frequency switching and tuning capability. The dynamic reconfiguring capability provides a wide range of versatile practical applications, overcoming the limitations associated with passive metamaterials. Because the location, shape, and intensity of hotspots can readily be controlled, the proposed method is not limited to WPT applications. It can also be used for a broad range of applications that require precise control of power delivery.
The effects of Botulinum toxin on the detection of gradual changes in facial emotion
Authors: Bulnes L. C. , Mariën P. , Vandekerckhove M. , Cleeremans A.
Published: August 2019

When we feel sad or depressed, our face invariably “drops”. Conversely, when we try to cheer someone up, we might tell them “keep your smile up”, so presupposing that modifying the configuration of their facial muscles will enhance their mood. A crucial assumption that underpins this hypothesis is that mental states are shaped by information originating from the peripheral neuromotor system — a view operationalised as the Facial Feedback Hypothesis. We used botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injected over the frown area to temporarily paralyse muscles necessary to express anger. Using a pre-post treatment design, we presented participants with gradually changing videos of a face morphing from neutral to full-blown expressions of either anger or happiness and asked them to press a button as soon as they had detected any change in the display. Results indicate that while all participants (control and BoNT-A) improved their reaction times from pre-test to post-test, the BoNT-A group did not when detecting anger in the post-test. We surmise that frown paralysis disadvantaged participants in their ability to improve the detection of anger. Our finding suggests that facial feedback causally affects perceptual awareness of changes in emotion, as well as people’s ability to use perceptual information to learn.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic WDR-23 isoforms mediate differential effects on GEN-1 and SKN-1 substrates
Authors: Spatola Brett N. , Lo Jacqueline Y. , Wang Bin , Curran Sean P.
Published: August 2019

Maintaining a healthy cellular environment requires the constant control of proteostasis. E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes facilitate the post-translational addition of ubiquitin, which based on the quantity and specific lysine linkages, results in different outcomes. Our studies reveal the CUL4-DDB1 substrate receptor, WDR23, as both a positive and a negative regulator in cellular stress responses. These opposing roles are mediated by two distinct isoforms: WDR-23A in the cytoplasm and WDR-23B in the nucleus.C. elegansexpressing only WDR-23A display activation of SKN-1 and enhanced survival to oxidative stress, whereas animals with restricted WDR-23B expression do not. Additionally, we identify GEN-1, a Holliday junction resolvase, as an evolutionarily conserved WDR-23 substrate and find that the nuclear and cytoplasmic isoforms of WDR-23 differentially affect double-strand break repair. Our results suggest that through differential ubiquitination, nuclear WDR-23B inhibits the activity of substrates, most likely by promoting protein turnover, while cytoplasmic WDR-23A performs a proteasome-independent role. Together, our results establish a cooperative role between two spatially distinct isoforms of WDR-23 in ensuring proper regulation of WDR-23 substrates.
Fluoroquinolone heteroresistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: detection by genotypic and phenotypic assays in experimentally mixed populations
Authors: Rigouts L. , Miotto P. , Schats M. , Lempens P. , Cabibbe A. M. , Galbiati S. , Lampasona V. , de Rijk P. , Cirillo D. M. , de Jong B. C.
Published: August 2019

Heteroresistance - the simultaneous presence of drug-susceptible and -resistant organisms - is common in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the limit of detection (LOD) of genotypic assays to detect gatifloxacin-resistant mutants in experimentally mixed populations. A fluoroquinolone-susceptible M. tuberculosis mother strain (S) and its in vitro selected resistant daughter strain harbouring the D94G mutation in gyrA (R) were mixed at different ratio’s. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against gatifloxacin were determined, while PCR-based techniques included: line probe assays (Genotype MTBDRsl and GenoScholar-FQ + KM TB II), Sanger sequencing and targeted deep sequencing. Droplet digital PCR was used as molecular reference method. A breakpoint concentration of 0.25 mg/L allows the phenotypic detection of ≥1% resistant bacilli, whereas at 0.5 mg/L ≥ 5% resistant bacilli are detected. Line probe assays detected ≥5% mutants. Sanger sequencing required the presence of around 15% mutant bacilli to be detected as (hetero) resistant, while targeted deep sequencing detected ≤1% mutants. Deep sequencing and phenotypic testing are the most sensitive methods for detection of fluoroquinolone-resistant minority populations, followed by line probe assays (provided that the mutation is confirmed by a mutation band), while Sanger sequencing proved to be the least sensitive method.
Introduction to Chemical Analysis Focusing on Forensic Chemical Sensing and Detection
Authors: Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Salles Maiara O. , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: August 2019

This chapter describes how chemical sensing using analytical techniques and methods was first employed in forensic detection. Some criteria to be used in courtrooms as well as how various nonstandard forensic techniques could be used in crime scene investigations will be explored.
NMR Spectroscopy Applied in Identification of Synthetic Drugs
Authors: Souza L. F. , Lião L. M.
Published: August 2019

Despite efforts to prevent and reduce drug abuse worldwide, the consumption of synthetic substances has been increasing significantly. The control is still difficult because new psychoactive substances (NPS) appear all the time, making the analytical process of chemical identification of substances increasingly complex. In this context, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), an unambiguous structural identification technique requiring no standards, has been widely applied in the identification of the active principles and excipients contained in the drugs seized in their different forms of presentation, such as tablets, blotter papers and powders. NMR also contributes to the characterization of the chemical profile of these drugs of abuse that sometimes contains a mixture of active principles and excipients. NMR is also very useful in identifying isomers without the need for standards, thus demonstrating its vast potential in the forensic area.
Scanning Electron Microscopy in Forensic Sensing
Authors: Brożek-Mucha Zuzanna
Published: August 2019

The usefulness of scanning electron microscopy for forensic applications was noticed as soon as the first commercial instrument became available in 1965. This was firstly due to better resolution, depth of focus and contrast than in the optical microscopes being widely used for routine imaging tasks. Soon, other properties of the scanning electron microscope were utilized for enlightening of crimes, i.e. its ability to simultaneously produce several electron beam-induced signals from the specimen, which generate images of surface topography and provide information on the material composition. A combination of scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis proved to be the most versatile technique in testing materials, as it is capable to process each specimen signal by various contrast-enhancement methods, such as line scanning, area mapping, qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis as well as automation of some investigative processes. Gunshot residue particles, collected by the glue-lift technique, are model examples of the detection of the evidence of crime. In physical matching and non-destructive analyses of other trace evidence, such as hair, fibres, paint, glass, minerals, metals, some microorganisms and biological specimens, chemical substances, etc. the scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis is the most efficient of all microbeam technologies.
FTIR and NIRS in Forensic Chemical Sensing
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Kumar Raj
Published: August 2019

Vibrational methods include Raman, terahertz, NIR, and FTIR spectroscopy, having some potential applications in the forensic science field. However, the use of FTIR and NIR spectroscopy is thriving around the globe in the forensic context. This is due to the non-destructive, inexpensive method and the accurate prediction potential of the technique. This chapter summarizes the application of FTIR and NIR spectroscopy in the chemical sensing of the relevant forensic exhibits. A detailed idea on infrared spectroscopy is mandatory to understand its working principals and parameters which ultimately assist the forensic professionals and other researchers working on it. However, the history of IR radiations, their mathematical theories, different modes of vibrations and the major IR instrumentation have been thoroughly discussed. Some examples are also summarized from the published literature which will aid in facilitating the practical applications of infrared spectroscopy. A quick statistic about the utilizations of spectroscopy in forensics has also been reviewed. The validation of results can be confirmed by applying chemometrics methods on spectral data sets. To sum up, the infrared spectroscopy is a robust and reliable technique for the discrimination and classification of relevant forensic evidence to their respective groups. The statistical methods contribute more objectivity to the outcomes.
Preparation of highly active phosphated TiO2catalystsviacontinuous sol–gel synthesis in a microreactor
Authors: Martin O. , Bolzli N. , Puértolas B. , Pérez-Ramírez J. , Riedlberger P.
Published: August 2019

Highly efficient TiO2based catalysts for biomass conversion were obtained through optimised and well-controlled sol–gel synthesis in a multi-mixer microreactor.
A zirconium-based metal–organic framework sensitized by thioflavin-T for sensitive photoelectrochemical detection of C-reactive protein
Authors: Li Meng-Jie , Wang Hai-Jun , Yuan Ruo , Chai Ya-Qin
Published: August 2019

Herein, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) assay was proposed for sensitive detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) based on zirconium-based metal-organic framework (PCN-777) as the photoelectric material and thioflavine-T (Th-T) as the sensitizer.
Ceria-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst towards artificial N2 conversion to NH3 under ambient conditions
Authors: Xie Hongtao , Geng Qin , Li Xin , Wang Ting , Luo Yonglan , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Alzahrani Khalid Ahmad , Li Baihai , Wang Zhiming , Mao Jian
Published: August 2019

Ultrasmall CeO2 on the surface of rGO sheets exhibits electrocatalytic performance towards artificial N2 conversion to NH3 with excellent selectivity.
A wide pH-range stable crystalline framework based on the largest tin-oxysulfide cluster [Sn20O10S34]
Authors: Huang Shan-Lin , He Liang , Chen Er-Xia , Lai Heng-Dong , Zhang Jian , Lin Qipu
Published: August 2019

A tin-oxysulfide semiconducting framework is reported, composed of filled-T4 [Sn20O10S34], which is the largest supertetrahedral cluster based on tetravalent metal-chalcogenides.
Correction: Click and photo-release dual-functional nucleic acid nanostructures
Authors: Valsangkar Vibhav A. , Chandrasekaran Arun Richard , Zhou Lifeng , Mao Song , Lee Goh Woon , Kizer Megan , Wang Xing , Halvorsen Ken , Sheng Jia
Published: August 2019

Correction for ‘Click and photo-release dual-functional nucleic acid nanostructures’ by Vibhav A. Valsangkar et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9cc03806j.
Hydration of ferric chloride and nitrate in aqueous solutions: water-mediated ion pairing revealed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Baumler Stephen M. , Hartt V. William H. , Allen Heather C.
Published: August 2019

Ferric ion hydration differences are governed by ion pair formation uniquely affected by anion identity.
Interfacially bonded CuCo2O4/TiO2 nanosheet heterostructures for boosting photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Xu Chenhui , Jin Chenyang , Chang Wenxi , Hu Xiaoyun , Deng Hui , Liu Enzhou , Fan Jun
Published: August 2019

The CuCo2O4/TiO2 nanosheets adopting interfacial chemical bonding exhibit outstanding photocatalytic activity toward water splitting.
Unifying double flame spray pyrolysis with lanthanum doping to restrict cobalt–aluminate formation in Co/Al2O3catalysts for the dry reforming of methane
Authors: Horlyck Jonathan , Pokhrel Suman , Lovell Emma , Bedford Nicholas M. , Mädler Lutz , Amal Rose , Scott Jason
Published: August 2019

Atomic-sized lanthanum dopingviadouble flame spray pyrolysis leads to remarkable dry reforming of methane performance.