bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health care utilisation among internally displaced persons in Ukraine: results from a nation-wide survey
Authors: Roberts B. , Makhashvili N. , Javakhishvili J. , Karachevskyy A. , Kharchenko N. , Shpiker M. , Richardson E.
Published: July 2017

Aims

There are an estimated 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine because of the armed conflict in the east of the country. The aim of this paper is to examine utilisation patterns of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) care among IDPs in Ukraine.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from 2203 adult IDPs throughout Ukraine between March and May 2016. Data on mental health care utilisation were collected, along with outcomes including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were used.

Results

PTSD prevalence was 32%, depression prevalence was 22%, and anxiety prevalence was 17%. Among those that likely required care (screened positive with one of the three disorders, and also self-reporting a problem) there was a large treatment gap, with 74% of respondents who likely required MHPSS care over the past 12 months not receiving it. For the 26% (N = 180) that had sought care, the most common sources of services/support were pharmacies, family or district doctor/paramedic (feldsher), neurologist at a polyclinic, internist/neurologist at a general hospital, psychologists visiting communities, and non-governmental organisations/volunteer mental health/psychosocial centres. Of the 180 respondents who did seek care, 163 could recall whether they had to pay for their care. Of these 163 respondents, 72 (44%) recalled paying for the care they received despite government care officially being free in Ukraine. The average costs they paid for care was US$107 over the previous 12 months. All 180 respondents reported having to pay for medicines and the average costs for medicines was US$109 over the previous 12 months. Among the 74% had not sought care despite likely needing it; the principal reasons for not seeking care were: thought that they would get better by using their own medications, could not afford to pay for health services or medications, no awareness of where to receive help, poor understanding by health care providers, poor quality of services, and stigma/embarrassment. The findings from multivariate regression analysis show the significant influence of a poor household economic situation on not accessing care.

Conclusions

The study highlights a high burden of mental disorders and large MHPSS treatment gap among IDPs in Ukraine. The findings support the need for a scaled-up, comprehensive and trauma-informed response to provision of MHPSS care of IDPs in Ukraine alongside broader health system strengthening.
Biography and Borderlands: Chao Sone Bouttarobol, a Champassak Royal, and Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
Authors: Baird Ian G.
Published: July 2017

Although biographical and life history approaches are potentially important tools for historical geographers, biographical methodologies have rarely been used to specifically investigate borderland dynamics. In this article, I argue that biography can be useful for understanding the ways in which borders have been recognised and negotiated historically. As a case study, I examine the life of Chao Sone Bouttarobol, a member of the Champassak Royal House, who was born in 1895 and died in 1979. As his life story illustrates, the emergence of new national borders had a significant impact on Sone, although family ties and relationships allowed him to cross the national administrative borders that now exist between Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, often with relative ease. Studying one individual makes it possible to explore the ways in which he interacted and negotiated with borders that cut across the Champassak Royal House's traditional space of influence.
5-Jahres-Verlauf der LRS: Stabilität, Geschlechtseffekte, Schriftsprachniveau und Schulerfolg
Authors: Wyschkon Anne , Schulz Franziska , Gallit Finja Sunnyi , Poltz Nadine , Kohn Juliane , Moraske Svenja , Bondü Rebecca , von Aster Michael , Esser Günter
Published: July 2017

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Untersucht wird der Verlauf von Kindern mit Lese-Rechtschreibstörungen (LRS) über gut 5 Jahre unter Berücksichtigung des Einflusses des Geschlechts der Betroffenen. Außerdem werden Auswirkungen der LRS auf das spätere Schriftsprachniveau und den Schulerfolg überprüft. Methodik: Eingangs wurden 995 Schüler zwischen 6 und 16 Jahren untersucht. Ein Teil dieser Kinder ist nach 43 sowie 63 Monaten nachuntersucht worden. Eine LRS wurde diagnostiziert, wenn für das Lesen bzw. Rechtschreiben das doppelte Diskrepanzkriterium von 1.5 Standardabweichungen zur nonverbalen Intelligenz und dem Mittelwert der Klassenstufe erfüllt war und gleichzeitig keine Minderbegabung vorlag. Ergebnisse: Die LRS weist über einen Zeitraum von 63 Monaten eine hohe Störungspersistenz von knapp 70 % auf. Der 5-Jahres-Verlauf der mittleren Lese- und Rechtschreibleistungen wurde nicht vom Geschlecht beeinflusst. Trotz durchschnittlicher Intelligenz blieben die LRS-Schüler in der Schriftsprache mindestens eine Standardabweichung hinter durchschnittlich und etwa 0.5 Standardabweichungseinheiten hinter unterdurchschnittlich intelligenten Kindern zurück. Der Schulerfolg der LRS-Schüler glich dem unterdurchschnittlich intelligenter Kinder und fiel deutlich schlechter aus als bei durchschnittlich intelligenten Kontrollkindern. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine LRS stellt ein erhebliches Entwicklungsrisiko dar, was frühzeitige Diagnostik- und Therapiemaßnahmen erfordert. Dafür sind reliable und im Hinblick auf die resultierenden Prävalenzraten sinnvolle, allgemein anerkannte Diagnosekriterien essenziell.
Barriers to the Prevention of Suicide in Nursing Homes
Authors: Couillet Audrey , Terra Jean-Louis , Brochard Nassima , Chauliac Nicolas
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Background: The suicide rate in older people is high. Gatekeeper training is recommended for at-risk populations in the detection and management of suicidal residents in nursing homes. Aims: This study focuses on how caregivers in nursing homes consider suicide in older people from a social perspective, and to what extent these social representations are an obstacle to the prevention of suicide. Method: This study is both observational and qualitative, and is based on semi-directed one-to-one interviews with caregivers. Results: We met with 18 caregivers from three nursing homes in 2015. We show that the social representations of caregivers working in nursing homes are essentially identical to those of the general population and those found in other studies on paramedics. Suicide is seen as an expression of autonomy, a response to the suffering associated with aging and the living conditions imposed on older people in our society, particularly in nursing homes. Limitations: Our study highlights the problems inherent to the position of caregiver, in which we can observe a conflict between professional missions and personal ideology. Conclusion: This study confirms the need to continue training on suicide prevention in nursing homes.
Pre-synaptic TrkB in basolateral amygdala neurons mediates BDNF signaling transmission in memory extinction
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Dongdong , Li Yang , Chu Hongxia , Zhang Lining , Hou Ming , Jiang Xingyu , Chen Zheyu , Su Bo , Sun Tao
Published: July 2017

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor, TrkB, play an essential role in memory extinction. Our previous work has shown that JIP3 (JNK interacted protein 3) mediates anterograde axonal transport of TrkB through the direct binding of its coiled-coil domain 1 (CC1) with TrkB. Here, we constructed a fluorescent CC1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused protein, CC1-EGFP, and found that CC1-EGFP could specifically interrupt TrkB anterograde axonal transport and its localization at the pre-synaptic site. Consistent with this, TrkB-mediated pre-synaptic vesicle release and retrograde axonal signaling transmission were disrupted by CC1-EGFP. Neuronal expression of CC1-EGFP in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impaired fear memory extinction. And, it blocked BDNF in the BLA-induced enhancement of TrkB phosphorylation in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL). Together, this study not only suggests that pre-synaptic TrkB in BLA neurons is necessary for memory extinction and contributes to the BDNF signaling transduction from the BLA to IL, but also provides CC1-EGFP as a novel tool to specifically regulate pre-synaptic TrkB expression in vitro and in vivo.
The cohesin complex prevents Myc-induced replication stress
Authors: Rohban Sara , Cerutti Aurora , Morelli Marco J , d'Adda di Fagagna Fabrizio , Campaner Stefano
Published: July 2017

The cohesin complex is mutated in cancer and in a number of rare syndromes collectively known as Cohesinopathies. In the latter case, cohesin deficiencies have been linked to transcriptional alterations affecting Myc and its target genes. Here, we set out to understand to what extent the role of cohesins in controlling cell cycle is dependent on Myc expression and activity. Inactivation of the cohesin complex by silencing the RAD21 subunit led to cell cycle arrest due to both transcriptional impairment of Myc target genes and alterations of replication forks, which were fewer and preferentially unidirectional. Ectopic activation of Myc in RAD21 depleted cells rescued Myc-dependent transcription and promoted S-phase entry but failed to sustain S-phase progression due to a strong replicative stress response, which was associated to a robust DNA damage response, DNA damage checkpoint activation and synthetic lethality. Thus, the cohesin complex is dispensable for Myc-dependent transcription but essential to prevent Myc-induced replicative stress. This suggests the presence of a feed-forward regulatory loop where cohesins by regulating Myc level control S-phase entry and prevent replicative stress.
Knockout of MARCH2 inhibits the growth of HCT116 colon cancer cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Xia Dan , Ji Wanli , Xu Chentong , Lin Xin , Wang Xiaokun , Xia Yan , Lv Ping , Song Quansheng , Ma Dalong , Chen Yingyu
Published: July 2017

Membrane-associated RING-CH protein 2 (MARCH2), a member of the MARCH family, functions in vesicle trafficking and autophagy regulation. In this study, we established MARCH2 knockout HCT116 cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to evaluate the role of MARCH2 in colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. Knockout of MARCH2 suppressed cell proliferation, and promoted autophagy, apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. These effects were associated with activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, loss of MARCH2 sensitized HCT116 cells to the chemotherapy drugs etoposide and cisplatin. Moreover, we analyzed the clinical significance of MARCH2 in human colon carcinoma (n=100). High MARCH2 expression was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological features and poorer overall survival in colon carcinoma. MARCH2 expression correlated negatively with expression of the unfolded protein response molecule p-PERK in colon cancer. Collectively, these data reveal a relationship between MARCH2, ER stress and colon cancer, and indicates MARCH2 may have an important role in the development and progression of colon cancer.
Bayesian association scan reveals loci associated with human lifespan and linked biomarkers
Authors: McDaid Aaron F. , Joshi Peter K. , Porcu Eleonora , Komljenovic Andrea , Li Hao , Sorrentino Vincenzo , Litovchenko Maria , Bevers Roel P. J. , Rüeger Sina , Reymond Alexandre , Bochud Murielle , Deplancke Bart , Williams Robert W. , Robinson-Rechavi Marc , Paccaud Fred , Rousson Valentin , Auwerx Johan , Wilson James F. , Kutalik Zoltán
Published: July 2017

The enormous variation in human lifespan is in part due to a myriad of sequence variants, only a few of which have been revealed to date. Since many life-shortening events are related to diseases, we developed a Mendelian randomization-based method combining 58 disease-related GWA studies to derive longevity priors for all HapMap SNPs. A Bayesian association scan, informed by these priors, for parental age of death in the UK Biobank study (n=116,279) revealed 16 independent SNPs with significant Bayes factor at a 5% false discovery rate (FDR). Eleven of them replicate (5% FDR) in five independent longevity studies combined; all but three are depleted of the life-shortening alleles in older Biobank participants. Further analysis revealed that brain expression levels of nearby genes (RBM6, SULT1A1andCHRNA5) might be causally implicated in longevity. Gene expression and caloric restriction experiments in model organisms confirm the conserved role forRBM6andSULT1A1in modulating lifespan.
Thermally stable single atom Pt/m-Al2O3 for selective hydrogenation and CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Zailei , Zhu Yihan , Asakura Hiroyuki , Zhang Bin , Zhang Jiaguang , Zhou Maoxiang , Han Yu , Tanaka Tsunehiro , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao , Yan Ning
Published: July 2017

Single-atom metal catalysts offer a promising way to utilize precious noble metal elements more effectively, provided that they are catalytically active and sufficiently stable. Herein, we report a synthetic strategy for Pt single-atom catalysts with outstanding stability in several reactions under demanding conditions. The Pt atoms are firmly anchored in the internal surface of mesoporous Al2O3, likely stabilized by coordinatively unsaturated pentahedral Al3+ centres. The catalyst keeps its structural integrity and excellent performance for the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene after exposure to a reductive atmosphere at 200 °C for 24 h. Compared to commercial Pt nanoparticle catalyst on Al2O3 and control samples, this system exhibits significantly enhanced stability and performance for n-hexane hydro-reforming at 550 °C for 48 h, although agglomeration of Pt single-atoms into clusters is observed after reaction. In CO oxidation, the Pt single-atom identity was fully maintained after 60 cycles between 100 and 400 °C over a one-month period.
Erratum: Uniform electroactive fibre-like micelle nanowires for organic electronics
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wolanin Piotr J. , MacFarlane Liam R. , Harniman Robert L. , Qian Jieshu , Gould Oliver E. C. , Dane Thomas G. , Rudin John , Cryan Martin J. , Schmaltz Thomas , Frauenrath Holger , Winnik Mitchell A. , Faul Charl F. J. , Manners Ian
Published: July 2017

Nature Communications 8 Article number: 15909 (2017); Published 26 June 2017; Updated 27 Jul 2017. An incorrect version of the Supplementary Information was inadvertently published with this Article where the wrong file was included. The Article has been updated to include the correct version of theSupplementary Information.
Increased mitochondrial fusion allows the survival of older animals in diverse C. elegans longevity pathways
Authors: Chaudhari Snehal N. , Kipreos Edward T.
Published: July 2017

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo fusion and fission events. Mitochondrial dynamics are required for mitochondrial viability and for responses to changes in bioenergetic status. Here we describe an insulin-signaling and SCFLIN-23-regulated pathway that controls mitochondrial fusion in Caenorhabditis elegans by repressing the expression of the mitochondrial proteases SPG-7 and PPGN-1. This pathway is required for mitochondrial fusion in response to physical exertion, and for the associated extension in lifespan. We show that diverse longevity pathways exhibit increased levels of elongated mitochondria. The increased mitochondrial fusion is essential for longevity in the diverse longevity pathways, as inhibiting mitochondrial fusion reduces their lifespans to wild-type levels. Our results suggest that increased mitochondrial fusion is not a major driver of longevity, but rather is essential to allow the survival of older animals beyond their normal lifespan in diverse longevity pathways.
Loss of succinyl-CoA synthase ADP-forming β subunit disrupts mtDNA stability and mitochondrial dynamics in neurons
Authors: Zhao Yujun , Tian Jing , Sui Shaomei , Yuan Xiaodong , Chen Hao , Qu Chuanqiang , Du Yifeng , Guo Lan , Du Heng
Published: July 2017

Succinyl Coenzyme A synthetase (SCS) is a key mitochondrial enzyme. Defected SCS ADP-forming β subunit (SCS A-β) is linked to lethal infantile Leigh or leigh-like syndrome. However, the impacts of SCS A-β deficiency on mitochondria specifically in neurons have not yet been comprehensively investigated. Here, by down-regulating the expression levels of SCS A-β in cultured mouse neurons, we have found that SCS A-β deficiency induces severe mitochondrial dysfunction including lowered oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) efficiency, increased mitochondrial superoxide production, and mtDNA depletion as well as aberrations of mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins, which eventually leads to neuronal stress. Our data also suggest that the deregulation of mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) together with defects in mitochondrial transcription factors including mitochondrial DNA pol γ and Twinkle contribute to SCS A-β deficiency-mediated mtDNA instability. Furthermore, we have found that SCS A-β deficiency has detrimental influence on neuronal mitochondrial dynamics. Put together, the results have furnished our knowledge on the pathogenesis of SCS A-β deficiency-related mitochondrial diseases and revealed the vital role of SCS A-β in maintaining neuronal mitochondrial quality control and neuronal physiology.
Intercellular Genetic Interaction Between Irf6 and Twist1 during Craniofacial Development
Authors: Fakhouri Walid D. , Metwalli Kareem , Naji Ali , Bakhiet Sarah , Quispe-Salcedo Angela , Nitschke Larissa , Kousa Youssef A. , Schutte Brian C.
Published: July 2017

Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) and TWIST1 are transcription factors necessary for craniofacial development. Human genetic studies showed that mutations in IRF6 lead to cleft lip and palate and mandibular abnormalities. In the mouse, we found that loss of Irf6 causes craniosynostosis and mandibular hypoplasia. Similarly, mutations in TWIST1 cause craniosynostosis, mandibular hypoplasia and cleft palate. Based on this phenotypic overlap, we asked if Irf6 and Twist1 interact genetically during craniofacial formation. While single heterozygous mice are normal, double heterozygous embryos (Irf6+/−
; Twist1+/−
) can have severe mandibular hypoplasia that leads to agnathia and cleft palate at birth. Analysis of spatiotemporal expression showed that Irf6 and Twist1 are found in different cell types. Consistent with the intercellular interaction, we found reduced expression of Endothelin1 (EDN1) in mandible and transcription factors that are critical for mandibular patterning including DLX5, DLX6 and HAND2, were also reduced in mesenchymal cells. Treatment of mandibular explants with exogenous EDN1 peptides partially rescued abnormalities in Meckel’s cartilage. In addition, partial rescue was observed when double heterozygous embryos also carried a null allele of p53. Considering that variants in IRF6 and TWIST1 contribute to human craniofacial defects, this gene-gene interaction may have implications on craniofacial disorders.
High-Coverage Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies Candidate Genes for Suicide in Victims with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Tombácz Dóra , Maróti Zoltán , Kalmár Tibor , Csabai Zsolt , Balázs Zsolt , Takahashi Shinichi , Palkovits Miklós , Snyder Michael , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: July 2017

We carried out whole-exome ultra-high throughput sequencing in brain samples of suicide victims who had suffered from major depressive disorder and control subjects who had died from other causes. This study aimed to reveal the selective accumulation of rare variants in the coding and the UTR sequences within the genes of suicide victims. We also analysed the potential effect of STR and CNV variations, as well as the infection of the brain with neurovirulent viruses in this behavioural disorder. As a result, we have identified several candidate genes, among others three calcium channel genes that may potentially contribute to completed suicide. We also explored the potential implication of the TGF-β signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of suicidal behaviour. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that uses whole-exome sequencing for the investigation of suicide.
Synergistic Strategy for Multicolor Two-photon Microscopy: Application to the Analysis of Germinal Center Reactions In Vivo
Authors: Rakhymzhan Asylkhan , Leben Ruth , Zimmermann Hanna , Günther Robert , Mex Peggy , Reismann David , Ulbricht Carolin , Acs Andreas , Brandt Alexander U. , Lindquist Randall L. , Winkler Thomas H. , Hauser Anja E. , Niesner Raluca A.
Published: July 2017

Simultaneous detection of multiple cellular and molecular players in their native environment, one of the keys to a full understanding of immune processes, remains challenging for in vivo microscopy. Here, we present a synergistic strategy for spectrally multiplexed in vivo imaging composed of (i) triple two-photon excitation using spatiotemporal synchronization of two femtosecond lasers, (ii) a broad set of fluorophores with emission ranging from blue to near infrared, (iii) an effective spectral unmixing algorithm. Using our approach, we simultaneously excite and detect seven fluorophores expressed in distinct cellular and tissue compartments, plus second harmonics generation from collagen fibers in lymph nodes. This enables us to visualize the dynamic interplay of all the central cellular players during germinal center reactions. While current in vivo imaging typically enables recording the dynamics of 4 tissue components at a time, our strategy allows a more comprehensive analysis of cellular dynamics involving 8 single-labeled compartments. It enables to investigate the orchestration of multiple cellular subsets determining tissue function, thus, opening the way for a mechanistic understanding of complex pathophysiologic processes in vivo. In the future, the design of transgenic mice combining a larger spectrum of fluorescent proteins will reveal the full potential of our method.
Changes in the soil organic carbon balance on China’s cropland during the last two decades of the 20th century
Authors: Zhang F. , Wang Z. , Glidden S. , Wu Y. P. , Tang L. , Liu Q. Y. , Li C. S. , Frolking S.
Published: July 2017

Agro-ecosystems play an important role in regulating global changes caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Restoration of soil organic carbon (SOC) in agricultural soils can not only improve soil quality but also influence climate change and agronomic productivity. With about half of its land area under agricultural use, China exhibits vast potential for carbon (C) sequestration that needs to be researched. Chinese cropland has experienced SOC change over the past century. The study of SOC dynamics under different bioclimatic conditions and cropping systems can help us to better understand this historical change, current status, the impacts of bioclimatic conditions on SOC and future trends. We used a simulation based on historical statistical data to analyze the C balance of Chinese croplands during the 1980s and 1990s, taking into account soil, climate and agricultural management. Nationwide, 77.6% of the national arable land is considered to be in good condition. Appropriate farm management practices should be adopted to improve the poor C balance of the remaining 22.4% of cropland to promote C sequestration.
Effect of Niacin on Inflammation and Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Salem Hesham Aly , Wadie Walaa
Published: July 2017

Butyrate and niacin are produced by gut microbiota, however butyrate has received most attention for its effects on colonic health. The present study aimed at exploring the effect of niacin on experimental colitis as well as throwing some light on the ability of niacin to modulate angiogenesis which plays a crucial role of in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Rats were given niacin for 2 weeks. On day 8, colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of iodoacetamide. Rats were sacrificed on day 15 and colonic damage was assessed macroscopically and histologically. Colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiostatin and endostatin levels were determined. Niacin attenuated the severity of colitis as demonstrated by a decrease in weight loss, colonic wet weight and MPO activity. Iodoacetamide-induced rise in the colonic levels of TNF-α, VEGF, angiostatin and endostatin was reversed by niacin. Moreover, niacin normalized IL-10 level in colon. Mepenzolate bromide, a GPR109A receptor blocker, abolished the beneficial effects of niacin on body weight, colon wet weight as well as colonic levels of MPO and VEGF. Therefore, niacin was effective against iodoacetamide-induced colitis through ameliorating pathologic angiogenesis and inflammatory changes in a GPR109A-dependent manner.
Increased EphA4-ephexin1 signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex plays a role in depression-like phenotype
Authors: Zhang Ji-chun , Yao Wei , Qu Youge , Nakamura Mayumi , Dong Chao , Yang Chun , Ren Qian , Ma Min , Han Mei , Shirayama Yukihiko , Hayashi-Takagi Akiko , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: July 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests a role of the ephrin receptor EphA4 and the downstream protein ephexin1 in synaptic plasticity, which is implicated in depression. We examined whether EphA4–ephexin1 signaling plays a role in the pathophysiology of depression, and the antidepressant-like effect of EphA4 inhibitor rhynchophylline. We found increased ratios of p-EphA4/EphA4 and p-ephexin1/ephexin1 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus but not in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), of susceptible mice after social defeat stress. Furthermore, the p-EphA4/EphA4 ratio was higher in the parietal cortex of depressed patients compared with controls. Systemic administration of rhynchophylline, produced a rapid antidepressant-like effect in a social defeat stress model by inhibiting EphA4–ephexin1 signaling and activating brain-derived neurotrophic factor-TrkB signaling in the PFC and hippocampus. Pretreatment with rhynchophylline before each social defeat stress could prevent the onset of the depression-like phenotype after repeated social defeat stress. Overexpression of EphA4 in the medial PFC owing to infection with an EphA4 adeno-associated virus caused the depression-like phenotype 3 weeks later and rhynchophylline had a rapid antidepressant-like effect in these mice. These findings suggest that increased EphA4–ephexin1 signaling in the PFC plays a role in the pathophysiology of depression.
The role of artificial root exudate components in facilitating the degradation of pyrene in soil
Authors: Lu Hainan , Sun Jianteng , Zhu Lizhong
Published: July 2017

Root exudates play an important role in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated by organic pollutants, but how root exudate components affect the remediation process is not well understood. In this study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of the major root exudates, including glucose, organic acids, and serine, in the rhizoremediation of pyrene-contaminated soil. The results showed that glucose increased the degradation of pyrene (54.3 ± 1.7%) most significantly compared to the organic acids (45.5 ± 2.5%) and serine (43.2 ± 0.1%). Glucose could significantly facilitate the removal of pyrene in soil through promoting dehydrogenase activity indicated by a positive correlation between the removal efficiency of pyrene and the soil dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.01). Furthermore, root exudates were able to change soil microbial community, particularly the bacterial taxonomic composition, thereby affecting the biodegradation of pyrene. Glucose could alter soil microbial community and enhance the amount of Mycobacterium markedly, which is dominant in the degradation of pyrene. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which root exudates enhance the degradation of organic contaminants and advance our understanding of the micro-processes involved in rhizoremediation.
IR-laser assisted additive freeform optics manufacturing
Authors: Hong Zhihan , Liang Rongguang
Published: July 2017

Computer-controlled additive manufacturing (AM) processes, also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, create 3D objects by the successive adding of a material or materials. While there have been tremendous developments in AM, the 3D printing of optics is lagging due to the limits in materials and tight requirements for optical applicaitons. We propose a new precision additive freeform optics manufacturing (AFOM) method using an pulsed infrared (IR) laser. Compared to ultraviolet (UV) curable materials, thermally curable optical silicones have a number of advantages, such as strong UV stability, non-yellowing, and high transmission, making it particularly suitable for optical applications. Pulsed IR laser radiation offers a distinct advantage in processing optical silicones, as the high peak intensity achieved in the focal region allows for curing the material quickly, while the brief duration of the laser-material interaction creates a negligible heat-affected zone.
Enhancing Modulation of Thermal Conduction in Vanadium Dioxide Thin Film by Nanostructured Nanogaps
Authors: Choe Hwan Sung , Suh Joonki , Ko Changhyun , Dong Kaichen , Lee Sangwook , Park Joonsuk , Lee Yeonbae , Wang Kevin , Wu Junqiao
Published: July 2017

Efficient thermal management at the nanoscale is important for reducing energy consumption and dissipation in electronic devices, lab-on-a-chip platforms and energy harvest/conversion systems. For many of these applications, it is much desired to have a solid-state structure that reversibly switches thermal conduction with high ON/OFF ratios and at high speed. Here we describe design and implementation of a novel, all-solid-state thermal switching device by nanostructured phase transformation, i.e., modulation of contact pressure and area between two poly-silicon surfaces activated by microstructural change of a vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film. Our solid-state devices demonstrate large and reversible alteration of cross-plane thermal conductance as a function of temperature, achieving a conductance ratio of at least 2.5. Our new approach using nanostructured phase transformation provides new opportunities for applications that require advanced temperature and heat regulations.
Relaxation Oscillations and Ultrafast Emission Pulses in a Disordered Expanding Polariton Condensate
Authors: Pieczarka Maciej , Syperek Marcin , Dusanowski Łukasz , Opala Andrzej , Langer Fabian , Schneider Christian , Höfling Sven , Sęk Grzegorz
Published: July 2017

Semiconductor microcavities are often influenced by structural imperfections, which can disturb the flow and dynamics of exciton-polariton condensates. Additionally, in exciton-polariton condensates there is a variety of dynamical scenarios and instabilities, owing to the properties of the incoherent excitonic reservoir. We investigate the dynamics of an exciton-polariton condensate which emerges in semiconductor microcavity subject to disorder, which determines its spatial and temporal behaviour. Our experimental data revealed complex burst-like time evolution under non-resonant optical pulsed excitation. The temporal patterns of the condensate emission result from the intrinsic disorder and are driven by properties of the excitonic reservoir, which decay in time much slower with respect to the polariton condensate lifetime. This feature entails a relaxation oscillation in polariton condensate formation, resulting in ultrafast emission pulses of coherent polariton field. The experimental data can be well reproduced by numerical simulations, where the condensate is coupled to the excitonic reservoir described by a set of rate equations. Theory suggests the existence of slow reservoir temporarily emptied by stimulated scattering to the condensate, generating ultrashort pulses of the condensate emission.
Antibody-induced dimerization of FGFR1 promotes receptor endocytosis independently of its kinase activity
Authors: Opaliński Łukasz , Sokołowska-Wędzina Aleksandra , Szczepara Martyna , Zakrzewska Małgorzata , Otlewski Jacek
Published: July 2017

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their plasma membrane-localized receptors (FGFRs) play a key role in the regulation of developmental processes and metabolism. Aberrant FGFR signaling is associated with the progression of serious metabolic diseases and human cancer. Binding of FGFs to FGFRs induces receptor dimerization and transphosphorylation of FGFR kinase domains that triggers activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Following activation, FGFRs undergo internalization and subsequent lysosomal degradation, which terminates transmission of signals. Although factors that regulate FGFR endocytosis are continuously discovered, little is known about the molecular mechanism that initiates the internalization of FGFRs. Here, we analyzed the internalization of antibody fragments in various formats that target FGFR1. We show that FGFR1-specific antibody fragments in the monovalent scFv format bind to FGFR1, but are not internalized into cells that overproduce FGFR1. In contrast, the same scFv proteins in the bivalent scFv-Fc format are efficiently internalized via FGFR1-mediated, clathrin and dynamin dependent endocytosis. Interestingly, the receptor tyrosine kinase activity is dispensable for endocytosis of scFv-Fc-FGFR1 complexes, suggesting that only dimerization of receptor is required to trigger endocytosis of FGFR1 complexes.
Lipoxin A4 and its analog suppress inflammation by modulating HMGB1 translocation and expression in psoriasis
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Wang Xin , Duan Xiaoru , Poorun Devesh , Xu Juntao , Zhang Song , Gan Lu , He Mengwen , Zhu Ke , Ming Zhangyin , Hu Feng , Chen Hongxiang
Published: July 2017

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects 2–3% of the global population, and there is still no known possibility of a cure. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), an endogenous lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoid mediator, has potent dual pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory properties. BML-111 (5(S)-6(R)-7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid methyl ester), a lipoxin receptor agonist, has been previously confirmed to be equivalent to LXA4 in the anti-inflammatory processes. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) serves as an inflammatory cytokine when secreted extracellularly in psoriatic lesions and is involved in the development of psoriasis. Therefore, we investigated the effects of LXA4 and BML-111 on the HMGB1 signaling cascade and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced keratinocytes and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasiform dermatitis in mice. In the present study, we found that treatment with BML-111 attenuated the development of IMQ-induced psoriasiform dermatitis. Furthermore, treatment with BML-111 and LXA4 inhibited HMGB1 translocation from the nucleus to cytoplasm and downregulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), p-ERK1/2, nuclear NF-κB p65, and proinflammatory cytokinesin vivoandin vitro. Our findings indicate that LXA4 and its analog may be potential therapeutic candidates for psoriasis because of their ability to modulate the translocation and expression of HMGB1.
Increased dopamine release after working-memory updating training: Neurochemical correlates of transfer
Authors: Bäckman Lars , Waris Otto , Johansson Jarkko , Andersson Micael , Rinne Juha O. , Alakurtti Kati , Soveri Anna , Laine Matti , Nyberg Lars
Published: July 2017

Previous work demonstrates that working-memory (WM) updating training results in improved performance on a letter-memory criterion task, transfers to an untrained n-back task, and increases striatal dopamine (DA) activity during the criterion task. Here, we sought to replicate and extend these findings by also examining neurochemical correlates of transfer. Four positron emission tomography (PET) scans using the radioligand raclopride were performed. Two of these assessed DAD2 binding (letter memory; n-back) before 5 weeks of updating training, and the same two scans were performed post training. Key findings were (a) pronounced training-related behavioral gains in the letter-memory criterion task, (b) altered striatal DAD2 binding potential after training during letter-memory performance, suggesting training-induced increases in DA release, and (c) increased striatal DA activity also during the n-back transfer task after the intervention, but no concomitant behavioral transfer. The fact that the training-related DA alterations during the transfer task were not accompanied by behavioral transfer suggests that increased DA release may be a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for behavioral transfer to occur.
Allostimulatory capacity of conditionally immortalized proximal tubule cell lines for bioartificial kidney application
Authors: Mihajlovic Milos , van den Heuvel Lambertus P. , Hoenderop Joost G. , Jansen Jitske , Wilmer Martijn J. , Westheim Annemarie J. F. , Allebes Wil A. , Stamatialis Dimitrios , Hilbrands Luuk B. , Masereeuw Rosalinde
Published: July 2017

Novel renal replacement therapies, such as a bioartificial kidney (BAK), are needed to improve current hemodialysis treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. As BAK applications may reveal safety concerns, we assessed the alloimmunization and related safety aspects of readily available conditionally immortalized human proximal tubule epithelial cell (ciPTEC) lines to be used in BAK. Two ciPTEC lines, originally derived from urine and kidney tissue, were characterized for the expression and secretion of relevant molecules involved in alloimmunization and inflammatory responses, such as HLA class-I, HLA-DR, CD40, CD80, CD86, as wells as soluble HLA class I and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α). A lack of direct immunogenic effect of ciPTEC was shown in co-culture experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), after appropriate stimulation of ciPTEC. Tight epithelial cell monolayer formation on polyethersulfone flat membranes was confirmed by zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression in the ciPTEC tight junctions, and by restricted inulin-FITC diffusion. Co-culture with (activated) PBMC did not jeopardize the transepithelial barrier function of ciPTEC. In conclusion, the absence of allostimulatory effects and the stability of ciPTEC monolayers show that these unique cells could represent a safe option for BAK engineering application.
Long-term memory requires sequential protein synthesis in three subsets of mushroom body output neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Wu Jie-Kai , Tai Chu-Yi , Feng Kuan-Lin , Chen Shiu-Ling , Chen Chun-Chao , Chiang Ann-Shyn
Published: July 2017

Creating long-term memory (LTM) requires new protein synthesis to stabilize learning-induced synaptic changes in the brain. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, aversive olfactory learning forms several phases of labile memory to associate an odor with coincident punishment in the mushroom body (MB). It remains unclear how the brain consolidates early labile memory into LTM. Here, we survey 183 Gal4 lines containing almost all 21 distinct types of MB output neurons (MBONs) and show that sequential synthesis of learning-induced proteins occurs at three types of MBONs. Downregulation of oo18 RNA-binding proteins (ORBs) in any of these MBONs impaired LTM. And, neurotransmission outputs from these MBONs are all required during LTM retrieval. Together, these results suggest an LTM consolidation model in which transient neural activities of early labile memory in the MB are consolidated into stable LTM at a few postsynaptic MBONs through sequential ORB-regulated local protein synthesis.
High-quality AlN grown with a single substrate temperature below 1200 °C
Authors: Huang Chun-Pin , Gupta Kapil , Wang Chao-Hung , Liu Chuan-Pu , Lai Kun-Yu
Published: July 2017

1.5-μm AlN grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), with a single substrate temperature of 1180 °C, exhibits atomically flat surface and the XRD (102) peak width of 427 arcsec. The results are achieved with a pulsed NH3-flow condition, serving as an alternative for the commonly used temperature-varied buffer structure, which is often complicated and time-consuming. Inserting two pulsed-NH3-flow AlN layers in the epitaxial structure not only releases the lattice strain via the formation of three-dimensional nano-islands, but also smoothens the surface with prolonged lateral migration of Al adatoms. This effective growth technique substantially simplifies the manufacture of device-quality AlN.
Compensatory Vasodilator Mechanisms in the Ophthalmic Artery of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Knockout Mice
Authors: Manicam Caroline , Ginter Natalja , Li Huige , Xia Ning , Goloborodko Evgeny , Zadeh Jenia Kouchek , Musayeva Aytan , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: July 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in the maintenance of ocular vascular homeostasis. Therefore, perturbations in vascular NO synthesis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases. We recently reported that eNOS contributes significantly to vasodilation of the mouse ophthalmic artery. Interestingly, dilatory responses were also retained in eNOS gene-deficient mice (eNOS−/−), indicating inherent endothelial adaptive mechanism(s) that act as back-up systems in chronic absence of eNOS to preserve vasorelaxation. Thus, this study endeavoured to identify the compensatory mechanism(s) in the ophthalmic artery of eNOS−/− mice employing isolated arterial segments and pharmacological inhibitors in vitro. Endothelium removal virtually abolished acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation, suggesting an obligatory involvement of the endothelium in cholinergic control of vascular tone. However, non-NOS and non-cyclooxygenase components compensate for eNOS deficiency via endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). Notably, arachidonic acid-derived metabolites of the 12-lipoxygenase pathway were key mediators in activating the inwardly rectifying potassium channels to compensate for chronic lack of eNOS. Conclusively, endothelium-dependent cholinergic responses of the ophthalmic artery in the eNOS−/− mice are largely preserved and, this vascular bed has the ability to compensate for the loss of normal vasodilator responses solely via EDHFs.
Genetic and constitutional factors are major contributors to substantia nigra hyperechogenicity
Authors: Vázquez-Costa Juan F. , Tembl José I. , Fornés-Ferrer Victoria , Cardona Fernando , Morales-Caba Lluis , Fortea Gerardo , Pérez-Tur Jordi , Sevilla Teresa
Published: July 2017

Hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra (SNh) is a frequent finding in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders (MD) patients, but its meaning is unclear. To ascertain the contribution of different factors to SNh area, we measured it in 108 ALS, 102 PD, 91 other MD patients and 91 healthy controls. Demographical data were collected in all patients and controls. In ALS patients, we also recorded clinical variables, performed genetic analysis and measured baseline levels of ferritin. After family history and genetic testing, ALS patients were classified as familial (15) or sporadic (93). ALS, PD and other MD patients had a larger SNh area than controls. Left SNh and male gender, but not age, associated with larger SNh area in both patients and controls. Familial ALS patients showed larger SNh area than sporadic ones and familial ALS was the only clinical variable in the multivariate analysis to be associated with larger SNh area in ALS patients. Our results suggest that SNh associates with genetic and constitutional factors (male gender, handedness), some of which predispose to certain neurodegenerative diseases. This evidence supports the idea of SNh as an inborn marker of unspecific neuronal vulnerability.
Correction: Corrigendum: On the Thermal and Thermodynamic (In)Stability of Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskites
Authors: Brunetti Bruno , Cavallo Carmen , Ciccioli Andrea , Gigli Guido , Latini Alessandro
Published: July 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 31896; published online: 22 August 2016; updated: 27 July 2017. This Article contains errors. In the ‘Thermal Stability: Non-Ambient X-ray Diffraction’ section, under subheading ‘Thermodynamic stability: Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry and Knudsen effusion mass loss’,
Correction: Corrigendum: Nosocomial and Community-Acquired Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis in China: Comparative Microbiology and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Shi Lei , Wu Dan , Wei Lei , Liu Suxia , Zhao Peng , Tu Bo , Xie Yangxin , Liu Yanan , Wang Xinhua , Liu Liying , Zhang Xin , Xu Zhe , Wang Fusheng , Qin Enqiang
Published: July 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 46025; published online: 06 April 2017; updated: 27 July 2017. The original version of this Article contained errors. In the Abstract, “The patients in the community-acquired SBP (n = 311) and the nosocomial SBP (n = 264) groups exhibited significant differencesin clinical symptoms (P < 0.
Correction: Corrigendum: Pentose sugars inhibit metabolism and increase expression of an AgrD-type cyclic pentapeptide in Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Verbeke Tobin J. , Giannone Richard J. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Engle Nancy L. , Rydzak Thomas , Guss Adam M. , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Brown Steven D. , Hettich Robert L. , Elkins James G.
Published: July 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43355; published online: 23 February 2017; updated: 27 July 2017. This Article contains typographical errors in the Additional Information section under subheading ‘Accession codes’. “Raw RNA-Seq data have been deposited in NCBI Sequence Read Archive under accession SRP070709 and gene expression data under NCBI GEO accession GSE78219”.
Albumin removal from human serum using surface nanopockets on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Bhakta Snehasis , Dixit Chandra K. , Bist Itti , Macharia John , Shen Min , Kadimisetty Karteek , He Junkai , Dutta Biswanath , Suib Steven L. , Rusling James F.
Published: July 2017

Polymerized films synthesized on magnetic nanoparticles (NP) using amino acid-like monomers yielded reusable NPs that efficiently remove HSA from serum.
Efficient kinetic separation of propene and propane using two microporous metal organic frameworks
Authors: Peng Junjie , Wang Hao , Olson David H. , Li Zhong , Li Jing
Published: July 2017

An excellent performance for the kinetic separation of propene and propane is realized in two microporous MOF analogues, namely Zn(ox)0.5(trz) and Zn(ox)0.5(atrz).
Nucleophilic reactivity of copper(ii)–alkylperoxo complexes
Authors: Kim Bohee , Jeong Donghyun , Cho Jaeheung
Published: July 2017

Copper(ii)–alkylperoxo adducts, [Cu(CHDAP)(OOR)]+ (CHDAP = N,N′-dicyclohexyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane; R = C(CH3)2Ph and tBu), perform aldehyde deformylation (i.e., nucleophilic reactivity) under the stoichiometric reaction conditions.
Electrocatalytic water oxidation by Cu(ii) ions in a neutral borate buffer solution
Authors: Huang Hai-Hua , Wang Jia-Wei , Sahoo Pathik , Zhong Di-Chang , Lu Tong-Bu
Published: July 2017

Herein we report that a Cu(ii) salt can efficiently catalyze water oxidation in a neutral borate buffer.
Spectral dependence of photoemission in multiphoton ionization of NO2 by femtosecond pulses in the 375–430 nm range
Authors: Poullain S. Marggi , Cireasa R. , Cornaggia C. , Simon M. , Marin T. , Guillemin R. , Houver J. C. , Lucchese R. R. , Dowek D.
Published: July 2017

We investigate the multiphoton ionization of NO2 using tunable (430–375 nm) femtosecond pulses and photoelectron–photoion coincidence momentum spectroscopy.
Molecular insights into the effect of graphene packing on mechanical behaviors of graphene reinforced cis-1,4-polybutadiene polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Guo Yishuo , Liu Jun , Wu Youping , Zhang Liqun , Wang Zhao , Li Ying
Published: July 2017

We adopt molecular dynamics simulation to study the graphene packing patterns on chain structure, dynamics, uniaxial tension and visco-elastic behaviors.