bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chromatin remodeling factor ISW-1 integrates organismal responses against nuclear and mitochondrial stress
Authors: Matilainen Olli , Sleiman Maroun S. Bou , Quiros Pedro M. , Garcia Susana M. D. A. , Auwerx Johan
Published: November 2017

Age-associated changes in chromatin structure have a major impact on organismal longevity. Despite being a central part of the ageing process, the organismal responses to the changes in chromatin organization remain unclear. Here we show that moderate disturbance of histone balance during C. elegans development alters histone levels and triggers a stress response associated with increased expression of cytosolic small heat-shock proteins. This stress response is dependent on the transcription factor, HSF-1, and the chromatin remodeling factor, ISW-1. In addition, we show that mitochondrial stress during developmental stages also modulates histone levels, thereby activating a cytosolic stress response similar to that caused by changes in histone balance. These data indicate that histone and mitochondrial perturbations are both monitored through chromatin remodeling and involve the activation of a cytosolic response that affects organismal longevity. HSF-1 and ISW-1 hence emerge as a central mediator of this multi-compartment proteostatic response regulating longevity.
Cardiopatch platform enables maturation and scale-up of human pluripotent stem cell-derived engineered heart tissues
Authors: Shadrin Ilya Y. , Allen Brian W. , Qian Ying , Jackman Christopher P. , Carlson Aaron L. , Juhas Mark E. , Bursac Nenad
Published: November 2017

Despite increased use of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) for drug development and disease modeling studies, methods to generate large, functional heart tissues for human therapy are lacking. Here we present a “Cardiopatch” platform for 3D culture and maturation of hiPSC-CMs that after 5 weeks of differentiation show robust electromechanical coupling, consistent H-zones, I-bands, and evidence for T-tubules and M-bands. Cardiopatch maturation markers and functional output increase during culture, approaching values of adult myocardium. Cardiopatches can be scaled up to clinically relevant dimensions, while preserving spatially uniform properties with high conduction velocities and contractile stresses. Within window chambers in nude mice, cardiopatches undergo vascularization by host vessels and continue to fire Ca2+ transients. When implanted onto rat hearts, cardiopatches robustly engraft, maintain pre-implantation electrical function, and do not increase the incidence of arrhythmias. These studies provide enabling technology for future use of hiPSC-CM tissues in human heart repair.
Centromere evolution and CpG methylation during vertebrate speciation
Authors: Ichikawa Kazuki , Tomioka Shingo , Suzuki Yuta , Nakamura Ryohei , Doi Koichiro , Yoshimura Jun , Kumagai Masahiko , Inoue Yusuke , Uchida Yui , Irie Naoki , Takeda Hiroyuki , Morishita Shinich
Published: November 2017

Centromeres and large-scale structural variants evolve and contribute to genome diversity during vertebrate speciation. Here, we perform de novo long-read genome assembly of three inbred medaka strains that are derived from geographically isolated subpopulations and undergo speciation. Using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, we obtain three chromosome-mapped genomes of length ~734, ~678, and ~744Mbp with a resource of twenty-two centromeric regions of length 20–345kbp. Centromeres are positionally conserved among the three strains and even between four pairs of chromosomes that were duplicated by the teleost-specific whole-genome duplication 320–350 million years ago. The centromeres do not all evolve at a similar pace; rather, centromeric monomers in non-acrocentric chromosomes evolve significantly faster than those in acrocentric chromosomes. Using methylation sensitive SMRT reads, we uncover centromeres are mostly hypermethylated but have hypomethylated sub-regions that acquire unique sequence compositions independently. These findings reveal the potential of non-acrocentric centromere evolution to contribute to speciation.
Oscillatory brain activity in spontaneous and induced sleep stages in flies
Authors: Yap Melvyn H. W. , Grabowska Martyna J. , Rohrscheib Chelsie , Jeans Rhiannon , Troup Michael , Paulk Angelique C. , van Alphen Bart , Shaw Paul J. , van Swinderen Bruno
Published: November 2017

Sleep is a dynamic process comprising multiple stages, each associated with distinct electrophysiological properties and potentially serving different functions. While these phenomena are well described in vertebrates, it is unclear if invertebrates have distinct sleep stages. We perform local field potential (LFP) recordings on flies spontaneously sleeping, and compare their brain activity to flies induced to sleep using either genetic activation of sleep-promoting circuitry or the GABAAagonist Gaboxadol. We find a transitional sleep stage associated with a 7–10 Hz oscillation in the central brain during spontaneous sleep. Oscillatory activity is also evident when we acutely activate sleep-promoting neurons in the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB) ofDrosophila. In contrast, sleep following Gaboxadol exposure is characterized by low-amplitude LFPs, during which dFB-induced effects are suppressed. Sleep in flies thus appears to involve at least two distinct stages: increased oscillatory activity, particularly during sleep induction, followed by desynchronized or decreased brain activity.
The sensitivity of donor – acceptor charge transfer to molecular geometry in DAN – NDI based supramolecular flower-like self-assemblies
Authors: Kobaisi Mohammad Al , Bhosale Rajesh S. , El-Khouly Mohamed E. , La Duong Duc , Padghan Sachin D. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Jones Lathe A. , Antolasic Frank , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: November 2017

A charge-transfer (CT) complex self-assembled from an electron acceptor (NDI-EA: naphthalene diimide with appended diamine) and an electron donor (DAN: phosphonic acid-appended dialkoxynapthalene) in aqueous medium. The aromatic core of the NDI and the structure of DAN1 were designed to optimize the dispersive interactions (π-π and van der Waals interactions) in the DAN1–NDI-EA self-assembly, while the amino groups of NDI also interact with the phosphonic acid of DAN1 via electrostatic forces. This arrangement prevented crystallization and favored the directional growth of 3D flower nanostructures. This molecular geometry that is necessary for charge transfer to occur was further evidenced by using a mismatching DAN2 structure. The flower-shaped assembly was visualized by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of the CT complex was determined by UV-vis and cyclic voltammetry and the photoinduced electron transfer to produce the radical ion pair was examined by femtosecond laser transient absorption spectroscopic measurements.
Phloem-limited reoviruses universally induce sieve element hyperplasia and more flexible gateways, providing more channels for their movement in plants
Authors: Lv Ming-Fang , Xie Li , Song Xi-Jiao , Hong Jian , Mao Qian-Zhuo , Wei Tai-Yun , Chen Jian-Ping , Zhang Heng-Mu
Published: November 2017

Virion distribution and ultrastructural changes induced by the infection of maize or rice with four different reoviruses were examined. Rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV, genus Fijivirus), Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV, genus Oryzavirus), and Rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV, genus Phytoreovirus) were all phloem-limited and caused cellular hyperplasia in the phloem resulting in tumors or vein swelling and modifying the cellular arrangement of sieve elements (SEs). In contrast, virions of Rice dwarf virus (RDV, genus Phytoreovirus) were observed in both phloem and mesophyll and the virus did not cause hyperplasia of SEs. The three phloem-limited reoviruses (but not RDV) all induced more flexible gateways at the SE-SE interfaces, especially the non-sieve plate interfaces. These flexible gateways were also observed for the first time at the cellular interfaces between SE and phloem parenchyma (PP). In plants infected with any of the reoviruses, virus-like particles could be seen within the flexible gateways, suggesting that these gateways may serve as channels for the movement of plant reoviruses with their large virions between SEs or between SEs and PP. SE hyperplasia and the increase in flexible gateways may be a universal strategy for the movement of phloem-limited reoviruses.
Molecular architecture of potassium chloride co-transporter KCC2
Authors: Agez Morgane , Schultz Patrick , Medina Igor , Baker David J. , Burnham Matthew P. , Cardarelli Ross A. , Conway Leslie C. , Garnier Kelly , Geschwindner Stefan , Gunnarsson Anders , McCall Eileen J. , Frechard Alexandre , Audebert Stéphane , Deeb Tarek Z. , Moss Stephen J. , Brandon Nicholas J. , Wang Qi , Dekker Niek , Jawhari Anass
Published: November 2017

KCC2 is a neuron specific K+-Cl− co-transporter that controls neuronal chloride homeostasis, and is critically involved in many neurological diseases including brain trauma, epilepsies, autism and schizophrenia. Despite significant accumulating data on the biology and electrophysiological properties of KCC2, structure-function relationships remain poorly understood. Here we used calixarene detergent to solubilize and purify wild-type non-aggregated and homogenous KCC2. Specific binding of inhibitor compound VU0463271 was demonstrated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Mass spectrometry revealed glycosylations and phosphorylations as expected from functional KCC2. We show by electron microscopy (EM) that KCC2 exists as monomers and dimers in solution. Monomers are organized into “head” and “core” domains connected by a flexible “linker”. Dimers are asymmetrical and display a bent “S-shape” architecture made of four distinct domains and a flexible dimerization interface. Chemical crosslinking in reducing conditions shows that disulfide bridges are involved in KCC2 dimerization. Moreover, we show that adding a tag to the C-terminus is detrimental to KCC2 function. We postulate that the conserved KCC2 C-ter may be at the interface of dimerization. Taken together, our findings highlight the flexible multi-domain structure of KCC2 with variable anchoring points at the dimerization interface and an important C-ter extremity providing the first in-depth functional architecture of KCC2.
Adrenomedullin protects Leydig cells against lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction via MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathways
Authors: Hu Wei , Shi Lei , Li Ming-yong , Zhou Pang-hu , Qiu Bo , Yin Ke , Zhang Hui-hui , Gao Yong , Kang Ran , Qin Song-lin , Ning Jin-zhuo , Wang Wei , Zhang Li-jun
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to explore the possible benefits of adrenomedullin (ADM) in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation by using an in vitro primary culture model of rat Leydig cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell proliferation was detected through CCK-8 and BrdU incorporation assays. ROS were determined with a DCFDA kit, and cytokine concentrations were measured with ELISA assay kits. Protein production was examined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot, and gene expression was observed through RT-qPCR. Results revealed that ADM significantly reduced LPS-induced cytotoxicity, and pretreatment with ADM significantly suppressed ROS overproduction and decreased 4-HNE and 8-OHdG expression levels and concentrations. ADM pretreatment also significantly attenuated the overactivation of enzymatic antioxidants, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, thioredoxin reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase. ADM supplementation reversed the significantly increased gene expression levels and concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β1, MCP-1 and MIF. ADM pretreatment significantly inhibited the gene expression and protein production of TLR-2 and 4. Furthermore, ADM pretreatment markedly reduced the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK 1/2 and p38, phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and nuclear translocation of p65. Our findings demonstrated that ADM protects Leydig cells from LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, which might be associated with MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathways.
Rare earth element geochemistry characteristics of seawater and porewater from deep sea in western Pacific
Authors: Deng Yinan , Ren Jiangbo , Guo Qingjun , Cao Jun , Wang Haifeng , Liu Chenhui
Published: November 2017

Deep-sea sediments contain high concentrations of rare earth element (REE) which have been regarded as a huge potential resource. Understanding the marine REE cycle is important to reveal the mechanism of REE enrichment. In order to determine the geochemistry characteristics and migration processes of REE, seawater, porewater and sediment samples were systematically collected from the western Pacific for REE analysis. The results show a relatively flat REE pattern and the HREE (Heavy REE) enrichment in surface and deep seawater respectively. The HREE enrichment distribution patterns, low concentrations of Mn and Fe and negative Ce anomaly occur in the porewater, and high Mn/Al ratios and low U concentrations were observed in sediment, indicating oxic condition. LREE (Light REE) and MREE (Middle REE) enrichment in upper layer and depletion of MREE in deeper layer were shown in porewater profile. This study suggests that porewater flux in the western Pacific basin is a minor source of REEs to seawater, and abundant REEs are enriched in sediments, which is mainly caused by the extensive oxic condition, low sedimentation rate and strong adsorption capacity of sediments. Hence, the removal of REEs of porewater may result in widespread REE-rich sediments in the western Pacific basin.
A half-site multimeric enzyme achieves its cooperativity without conformational changes
Authors: Vivoli Mirella , Pang Jiayun , Harmer Nicholas J.
Published: November 2017

Cooperativity is a feature many multimeric proteins use to control activity. Here we show that the bacterial heptose isomerase GmhA displays homotropic positive and negative cooperativity among its four protomers. Most similar proteins achieve this through conformational changes: GmhA instead employs a delicate network of hydrogen bonds, and couples pairs of active sites controlled by a unique water channel. This network apparently raises the Lewis acidity of the catalytic zinc, thus increasing the activity at one active site at the cost of preventing substrate from adopting a reactive conformation at the paired negatively cooperative site – a “half-site” behavior. Our study establishes the principle that multimeric enzymes can exploit this cooperativity without conformational changes to maximize their catalytic power and control. More broadly, this subtlety by which enzymes regulate functions could be used to explore new inhibitor design strategies.
Identification of a histone family gene signature for predicting the prognosis of cervical cancer patients
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Tian Run , Gao Hugh , Yang Yongkang , Williams Bryan R. G. , Gantier Michael P. , McMillan Nigel A. J. , Xu Dakang , Hu Yiqun , Gao Yan’e
Published: November 2017

Heterogeneity in terms of tumor characteristics, prognosis, and survival among cancer patients is an unsolved issue. Here, we systematically analyzed the aberrant expression patterns of cervical cancer using RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We incorporated gene profiling, molecular signatures, functional and pathway information with gene set enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, to identify sub-networks of genes. Those identified genes relating to DNA replication and DNA repair-mediated signaling pathways associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Next, we combined cross-validated prognostic scores to build an integrated prognostic model for survival prediction. The combined approach revealed that the DNA repair-mediated including the functional interaction module of 18 histone genes (Histone cluster 1 H2A, B and H4), were significantly correlated with the survival rate. Furthermore, five of these histone genes were highly expressed in three cervical cancer cohorts from the Oncomine database. Comparison of high and low histone variant-expressing human cervical cancer cell lines revealed different responses to DNA damage, suggesting protective functions of histone genes against DNA damage. Collectively, we provide evidence that two SLE-associated gene sets (HIST1H2BD and HIST1H2BJ; and HIST1H2BD, HIST1H2BJ, HIST1H2BH, HIST1H2AM and HIST1H4K) can be used as prognostic factors for survival prediction among cervical cancer patients.
Control of the interaction strength of photonic molecules by nanometer precise 3D fabrication
Authors: Rawlings Colin D. , Zientek Michal , Spieser Martin , Urbonas Darius , Stöferle Thilo , Mahrt Rainer F. , Lisunova Yuliya , Brugger Juergen , Duerig Urs , Knoll Armin W.
Published: November 2017

Applications for high resolution 3D profiles, so-called grayscale lithography, exist in diverse fields such as optics, nanofluidics and tribology. All of them require the fabrication of patterns with reliable absolute patterning depth independent of the substrate location and target materials. Here we present a complete patterning and pattern-transfer solution based on thermal scanning probe lithography (t-SPL) and dry etching. We demonstrate the fabrication of 3D profiles in silicon and silicon oxide with nanometer scale accuracy of absolute depth levels. An accuracy of less than 1nm standard deviation in t-SPL is achieved by providing an accurate physical model of the writing process to a model-based implementation of a closed-loop lithography process. For transfering the pattern to a target substrate we optimized the etch process and demonstrate linear amplification of grayscale patterns into silicon and silicon oxide with amplification ratios of ∼6 and ∼1, respectively. The performance of the entire process is demonstrated by manufacturing photonic molecules of desired interaction strength. Excellent agreement of fabricated and simulated structures has been achieved.
Factors affecting pitch discrimination performance in a cohort of extensively phenotyped healthy volunteers
Authors: Smith Lauren M. , Bartholomew Alex J. , Burnham Lauren E. , Tillmann Barbara , Cirulli Elizabeth T.
Published: November 2017

Despite efforts to characterize the different aspects of musical abilities in humans, many elements of this complex area remain unknown. Musical abilities are known to be associated with factors like intelligence, training, and sex, but a comprehensive evaluation of the simultaneous impact of multiple factors has not yet been performed. Here, we assessed 918 healthy volunteers for pitch discrimination abilities—their ability to tell two tones close in pitch apart. We identified the minimal threshold that the participants could detect, and we found that better performance was associated with higher intelligence, East Asian ancestry, male sex, younger age, formal music training–especially before age 6–and English as the native language. All these factors remained significant when controlling for the others, with general intelligence, musical training, and male sex having the biggest impacts. We also performed a small GWAS and gene-based collapsing analysis, identifying no significant associations. Future genetic studies of musical abilities should involve large sample sizes and an unbiased genome-wide approach, with the factors highlighted here included as important covariates.
Intrapartum antibiotics for GBS prophylaxis alter colonization patterns in the early infant gut microbiome of low risk infants
Authors: Stearns Jennifer C. , Simioni Julia , Gunn Elizabeth , McDonald Helen , Holloway Alison C. , Thabane Lehana , Mousseau Andrea , Schertzer Jonathan D. , Ratcliffe Elyanne M. , Rossi Laura , Surette Michael G. , Morrison Katherine M. , Hutton Eileen K.
Published: November 2017

Early life microbial colonization and succession is critically important to healthy development with impacts on metabolic and immunologic processes throughout life. A longitudinal prospective cohort was recruited from midwifery practices to include infants born at full term gestation to women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Here we compare bacterial community succession in infants born vaginally, with no exposure to antibiotics (n = 53), with infants who were exposed to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) for Group B Streptococcus (GBS; n = 14), and infants born by C-section (n = 7). Molecular profiles  of the 16 S rRNA genes indicate that there is a delay in the expansion of Bifidobacterium, which was the dominate infant gut colonizer, over the first 12 weeks and a persistence of Escherichia when IAP for GBS exposure is present during vaginal labour. Longer duration of IAP exposure increased the magnitude of the effect on Bifidobacterium populations, suggesting a longer delay in microbial community maturation. As with prior studies, we found altered gut colonisation following C-section that included a notable lack of Bacteroidetes. This study found that exposure of infants to IAP for GBS during vaginal birth affected aspects of gut microbial ecology that, although dramatic at early time points, disappeared by 12 weeks of age in most infants.
Inconsistency in the Crown-to-Root Ratios of Single-Rooted Premolars Measured by 2D and 3D Examinations
Authors: Hong Hsiang-Hsi , Liu Heng-Liang , Hong Adrienne , Chao Pu
Published: November 2017

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was applied to elucidate the relationship between the three-dimensional (3D) root surface area (RSA) and two-dimensional (2D) crown-to-root ratio (CRR) of extracted teeth to classify the periodontitis and assign a periodontal/prosthetic prognosis. A total of 31 maxillary and 35 mandibular single-rooted human premolars were examined. The amount of periodontal support on the basis of 3D RSA and 2D root length (RL) at CRRs of 1:1, 5:4, 3:2, and 2:1 were analyzed. Both maxillary and mandibular premolars demonstrated a nonsignificant RSA percentage at the evaluated CRRs. The coronal 21%–22% 2D RL and the 26%–28% 3D RSA bone loss apical to the cemento-enamel junction corresponded to a CRR of 1:1, relating to mild-moderate periodontitis. The coronal 30%–31% 2D RL and the 41%–42% 3D RSA bone loss corresponded to a CRR of 5:4, correlating to severe periodontitis. More severe clinical attachment loss (CAL) was observed in the 3D RSA measurement than in the 2D RL measurement at the evaluated CRRs. The amount of CAL at the CRR of 1:1 was inadequate to assess the severity of periodontitis on the basis of the 2D RL and 3D RSA measurements.
Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilized on heterofunctional magnetic nanoparticles and its application in biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Li Kai , Fan Yanli , He Yaojia , Zeng Leping , Han Xiaotao , Yan Yunjun
Published: November 2017

Biodiesel production using immobilized lipase as a biocatalyst is a promising process. The performance of immobilized lipase is mainly determined by supporting materials and immobilization method. To avoid the shortcomings of adsorption and covalent bonding methods, in this study, we developed a novel heterofunctional carrier of being strengthened anion exchange and weakened covalent binding to avoid activity loss and improve operational stability of the immobilized lipase. 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride with epoxy and quaternary ammonium group and glutaraldehyde were grafted onto aminated magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) to generate a new matrix, named GEAMNP. Then Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) was immobilized on GEAMNP via anion exchange and covalent bonding. The transesterification between soybean oil and methanol was used to test the activities. Activity recovery of the immobilized BCL was up to 147.4% and the corresponding transesterification activity was 1.5-fold than that of BCL powder. The immobilized lipase was further used for biodiesel production to confirm its feasibility. The fatty acid methyl esters conversion yield could reach 96.8% in the first 12 h. Furthermore, the immobilized lipase, BCL-GEAMNP showed markedly improved operational stability, better reusability and higher esters than BCL-GAMNP, where MNPs were only modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde.
Potential ash impact from Antarctic volcanoes: Insights from Deception Island’s most recent eruption
Authors: Geyer A. , Marti A. , Giralt S. , Folch A.
Published: November 2017

Ash emitted during explosive volcanic eruptions may disperse over vast areas of the globe posing a threat to human health and infrastructures and causing significant disruption to air traffic. In Antarctica, at least five volcanoes have reported historic activity. However, no attention has been paid to the potential socio-economic and environmental consequences of an ash-forming eruption occurring at high southern latitudes. This work shows how ash from Antarctic volcanoes may pose a higher threat than previously believed. As a case study, we evaluate the potential impacts of ash for a given eruption scenario from Deception Island, one of the most active volcanoes in Antarctica. Numerical simulations using the novel MMB-MONARCH-ASH model demonstrate that volcanic ash emitted from Antarctic volcanoes could potentially encircle the globe, leading to significant consequences for global aviation safety. Results obtained recall the need for performing proper hazard assessment on Antarctic volcanoes, and are crucial for understanding the patterns of ash distribution at high southern latitudes with strong implications for tephrostratigraphy, which is pivotal to synchronize palaeoclimatic records.
In-situ high-resolution visualization of laser-induced periodic nanostructures driven by optical feedback
Authors: Aguilar Alberto , Mauclair Cyril , Faure Nicolas , Colombier Jean-Philippe , Stoian Razvan
Published: November 2017

Optical feedback is often evoked in laser-induced periodic nanostructures. Visualizing the coupling between surfaces and light requires highly-resolved imaging methods. We propose in-situ structured-illumination-microscopy to observe ultrafast-laser-induced nanostructures during fabrication on metallic glass surfaces. This resolves the pulse-to-pulse development of periodic structures on a single irradiation site and indicates the optical feedback on surface topographies. Firstly, the quasi-constancy of the ripples pattern and the reinforcement of the surface relief with the same spatial positioning indicates a phase-locking mechanism that stabilizes and amplifies the ordered corrugation. Secondly, on sites with uncorrelated initial corrugation, we observe ripple patterns spatially in-phase. These feedback aspects rely on the electromagnetic interplay between the laser pulse and the surface relief, stabilizing the pattern in period and position. They are critically dependent on the space-time coherence of the exciting pulse. This suggests a modulation of energy according to the topography of the surface with a pattern phase imposed by the driving pulse. A scattering and interference model for ripple formation on surfaces supports the experimental observations. This relies on self-phase-stabilized far-field interaction between surface scattered wavelets and the incoming pulse front.
Context-Dependent Effect of Reverberation on Material Perception from Impact Sound
Authors: Koumura Takuya , Furukawa Shigeto
Published: November 2017

Our hearing is usually robust against reverberation. This study asked how such robustness to daily sound is realized, and what kinds of acoustic cues contribute to the robustness. We focused on the perception of materials based on impact sounds, which is a common daily experience, and for which the responsible acoustic features have already been identified in the absence of reverberation. In our experiment, we instructed the participants to identify materials from impact sounds with and without reverberation. The imposition of reverberation did not alter the average responses across participants to perceived materials. However, an analysis of each participant revealed the significant effect of reverberation with response patterns varying among participants. The effect depended on the context of the stimulus presentation, namely it was smaller for a constant reverberation than when the reverberation varied presentation by presentation. The context modified the relative contribution of the spectral features of the sounds to material identification, while no consistent change across participants was observed as regards the temporal features. Although the detailed results varied greatly among the participants, these results suggest that a mechanism exists in the auditory system that compensates for reverberation based on adaptation to the spectral features of reverberant sound.
Fabrication-Method-Dependent Excited State Dynamics in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Films
Authors: Kim In-Sik , Jo Cheol , Kang Rira , Kim Dong-Yu , Son Seong-Jin , Hwang In-Wook , Ko Do-Kyeong
Published: November 2017

Understanding the excited-state dynamics in perovskite photovoltaics is necessary for progress in these materials, but changes in dynamics depending on the fabrication processes used for perovskite photoactive layers remain poorly characterised. Here we report a comparative study on femtosecond transient absorption (TA) in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films fabricated by various solution-processing methods. The grain sizes and the number of voids between grains on each film varied according to the film synthesis method. At the low excitation fluence of 0.37 μJ cm−2, fast signal drops in TA dyanmics within 1.5 ps were observed in all perovskite films, but the signal drop magnitudes differed becuase of the variations in charge migration to trap states and band gap renormalisation. For high excitation fluences, the buil-up time of the TA signal was increased by the activated hot-phonon bottleneck, while the signal decay rate was accelerated by fluence-dependent high-order charge recombination. These fluence-dependent dynamics changed for different perovskite fabrication methords, indicating that the dynamics were affected by morphological features such as grain sizes and defects.
ATP1A3 mutations can cause progressive auditory neuropathy: a new gene of auditory synaptopathy
Authors: Han Kyu-Hee , Oh Doo-Yi , Lee Seungmin , Lee Chung , Han Jin Hee , Kim Min Young , Park Hye-Rim , Park Moo Kyun , Kim Nayoung K. D. , Lee Jaekwang , Yi Eunyoung , Kim Jong-Min , Kim Jeong-Whun , Chae Jong-Hee , Oh Seung Ha , Park Woong-Yang , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: November 2017

The etiologies and prevalence of sporadic, postlingual-onset, progressive auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) have rarely been documented. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and molecular etiologies of these cases. Three out of 106 sporadic progressive hearing losses turned out to manifest ANSD. Through whole exome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics analysis, two out of the three were found to share a de novo variant, p.E818K of ATP1A3, which had been reported to cause exclusively CAPOS (cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss) syndrome. However, hearing loss induced by CAPOS has never been characterized to date. Interestingly, the first proband did not manifest any features of CAPOS, except subclinical areflexia; however, the phenotypes of second proband was compatible with that of CAPOS, making this the first reported CAPOS allele in Koreans. This ANSD phenotype was compatible with known expression of ATP1A3 mainly in the synapse between afferent nerve and inner hair cells. Based on this, cochlear implantation (CI) was performed in the first proband, leading to remarkable benefits. Collectively, the de novo ATP1A3 variant can cause postlingual-onset auditory synaptopathy, making this gene a significant contributor to sporadic progressive ANSD and a biomarker ensuring favorable short-term CI outcomes.
Estimating the incubation period of hand, foot and mouth disease for children in different age groups
Authors: Yang Zhongzhou , Zhang Qiqi , Cowling Benjamin J. , Lau Eric H. Y.
Published: November 2017

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a childhood disease causing large outbreaks frequently in Asia and occasionally in Europe and the US. The incubation period of HFMD was typically described as about 3–7 days but empirical evidence is lacking. In this study, we estimated the incubation period of HFMD from school outbreaks in Hong Kong, utilizing information on symptom onset and sick absence dates of students diagnosed with HFMD. A total of 99 HFMD cases from 12 schools were selected for analysis. We fitted parametric models accounting for interval censoring. Based on the best-fitted distributions, the estimated median incubation periods were 4.4 (95% CI 3.8–5.1) days, 4.7 (95% CI 4.5–5.1) days and 5.7 (95% CI 4.6–7.0) days for children in kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools respectively. From the fitted distribution, the estimated incubation periods can be longer than 10 days for 8.8% and 23.2% of the HFMD cases in kindergarten and secondary schools respectively. Our results show that the incubation period of HFMD for secondary schools students can be longer than the ranges commonly described. An extended period of enhanced personal hygiene practice and disinfection of the environment may be needed to control outbreaks.
Pressure driven spin transition in siderite and magnesiosiderite single crystals
Authors: Weis Christopher , Sternemann Christian , Cerantola Valerio , Sahle Christoph J. , Spiekermann Georg , Harder Manuel , Forov Yury , Kononov Alexander , Sakrowski Robin , Yavaş Hasan , Tolan Metin , Wilke Max
Published: November 2017

Iron-bearing carbonates are candidate phases for carbon storage in the deep Earth and may play an important role for the Earth’s carbon cycle. To elucidate the properties of carbonates at conditions of the deep Earth, we investigated the pressure driven magnetic high spin to low spin transition of synthetic siderite FeCO3and magnesiosiderite (Mg0.74Fe0.26)CO3single crystals for pressures up to 57 GPa using diamond anvil cells and x-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy to directly probe the iron 3d electron configuration. An extremely sharp transition for siderite single crystal occurs at a notably low pressure of 40.4 ± 0.1 GPa with a transition width of 0.7 GPa when using the very soft pressure medium helium. In contrast, we observe a broadening of the transition width to 4.4 GPa for siderite with a surprising additional shift of the transition pressure to 44.3 ± 0.4 GPa when argon is used as pressure medium. The difference is assigned to larger pressure gradients in case of argon. For magnesiosiderite loaded with argon, the transition occurs at 44.8 ± 0.8 GPa showing similar width as siderite. Hence, no compositional effect on the spin transition pressure is observed. The spectra measured within the spin crossover regime indicate coexistence of regions of pure high- and low-spin configuration within the single crystal.
Dynamic domain arrangement of CheA-CheY complex regulates bacterial thermotaxis, as revealed by NMR
Authors: Minato Yuichi , Ueda Takumi , Machiyama Asako , Iwaï Hideo , Shimada Ichio
Published: November 2017

Bacteria utilize thermotaxis signal transduction proteins, including CheA, and CheY, to switch the direction of the cell movement. However, the thermally responsive machinery enabling warm-seeking behavior has not been identified. Here we examined the effects of temperature on the structure and dynamics of the full-length CheA and CheY complex, by NMR. Our studies revealed that the CheA-CheY complex exists in equilibrium between multiple states, including one state that is preferable for the autophosphorylation of CheA, and another state that is preferable for the phosphotransfer from CheA to CheY. With increasing temperature, the equilibrium shifts toward the latter state. The temperature-dependent population shift of the dynamic domain arrangement of the CheA-CheY complex induced changes in the concentrations of phosphorylated CheY that are comparable to those induced by chemical attractants or repellents. Therefore, the dynamic domain arrangement of the CheA-CheY complex functions as the primary thermally responsive machinery in warm-seeking behavior.
Deficiency of a brain-specific chemokine-like molecule, SAM3, induces cardinal phenotypes of autism spectrum disorders in mice
Authors: Kim Sujin , Lee Boyoung , Choi Jung-Hwa , Kim Jong-Hyun , Kim Cheol-Hee , Shin Hee-Sup
Published: November 2017

Chemokines are small secreted signaling proteins produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells. Several studies have recently suggested potential roles of chemokines and their receptors in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). SAM3 is a novel brain-specific chemokine-like molecule with an unknown physiological function. We explored the relevance of chemokines in the development of ASD in mice, with a focus on SAM3. We generated Sam3 gene knockout (KO) mice and characterized their behavioral phenotypes, with a focus on those relevant to ASD. Sam3-deficient mice displayed all three core phenotypes of ASD: impaired responses to social novelty, defects in social communication, and increased repetitive behavior. In addition, they showed increased anxiety. Interestingly, gender differences were identified for several behaviors: only male Sam3 KO mice exhibited increased anxiety and increased repetitive behaviors. Sam3 KO mice did not exhibit changes in other behaviors, including locomotor activities, fear learning and memory, and object recognition memory. These findings indicate that a deficiency of SAM3, a novel brain-specific chemokine-like molecule, may lead to the pathogenesis of ASDs and suggest the possibility that SAM3, a soluble factor, could be a novel therapeutic target for ASD treatment.
In-vivo longitudinal imaging of microvascular changes in irradiated oral mucosa of radiotherapy cancer patients using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Maslennikova A. V. , Sirotkina M. A. , Moiseev A. A. , Finagina E. S. , Ksenofontov S. Y. , Gelikonov G. V. , Matveev L. A. , Kiseleva E. B. , Zaitsev V. Y. , Zagaynova E. V. , Feldchtein F. I. , Gladkova N. D. , Vitkin A.
Published: November 2017

Mucositis is the limiting toxicity of radio(chemo)therapy of head and neck cancer. Diagnostics, prophylaxis and correction of this condition demand new accurate and objective approaches. Here we report on anin vivolongitudinal monitoring of the oral mucosa dynamics in 25 patients during the course of radiotherapy of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal cancer using multifunctional optical coherence tomography (OCT). A spectral domain OCT system with a specially-designed oral imaging probe was used. Microvasculature visualization was based on temporal speckle variations of the full complex signal evaluated by high-pass filtering of 3D data along the slow scan axis. Angiographic image quantification demonstrated an increase of the vascular density and total length of capillary-like-vessels before visual signs or clinical symptoms of mucositis occur. Especially significant microvascular changes compared to their initial levels occurred when grade two and three mucositis developed. Further, microvascular reaction was seen to be dose-level dependent. OCT monitoring in radiotherapy offers a non-invasive, convenient, label-free quantifiable structural and functional volumetric imaging method suitable for longitudinal human patient studies, furnishing fundamental radiobiological insights and potentially providing useful feedback data to enable adaptive radiotherapy (ART).
Graphene oxide enhances the specificity of the polymerase chain reaction by modifying primer-template matching
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Fengbang , Wang Hailin , Song Maoyong
Published: November 2017

Aiming at improved specificity, nanoparticle assisted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been widely studied and shown to improve PCR. However, the reliability and mechanism of this method are still controversial. Here, we demonstrated that 1 μg/mL of graphene oxide (GO) effectively enhances the specificity of the error-prone multi-round PCR. Mismatched primers were designed as interference to produce nonspecific products when the same amounts of matched and mismatched primers were added into semi-multiplex PCR. It was found that GO can enhance specificity by suppressing the amplification of mismatched primers. We monitored the primer-template-polymerase-GO interactions involved in the PCR using a capillary electrophoresis/laser-induced fluorescence polarization (CE-LIFP) assay. The results showed that the addition of GO promoted the formation of a matched primer-template complex, but suppressed the formation of a mismatched primer-template complex during PCR, suggesting that interactions between the primers and GO play an essential role. Furthermore, we successfully amplified the FOXL2 gene from PEGFP-N1 vectors using GO to eliminate the nonspecific products in PCR. Taken together, these results suggest that the GO can be used as an efficient additive for improving the conventional PCR system.
Consumption of plant food supplements in the Netherlands
Authors: Jeurissen Suzanne M. F. , Buurma-Rethans Elly J. M. , Beukers Marja H. , Jansen-van der Vliet Martine , van Rossum Caroline T. M. , Sprong R. Corinne
Published: November 2017

This consumption survey provides information on the consumption of plant food supplements in several subgroups of the Dutch population including children.
Correction: Calcium carbonate crystallisation at charged graphite surfaces
Authors: Ravenhill E. R. , Adobes-Vidal M. , Unwin P. R.
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Calcium carbonate crystallisation at charged graphite surfaces’ by E. R. Ravenhill et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7cc07441g.
Selectivity tuning over monometallic and bimetallic dehydrogenation catalysts: effects of support and particle size
Authors: Goulas Konstantinos A. , Song Yuying , Johnson Gregory R. , Chen Justin P. , Gokhale Amit A. , Grabow Lars C. , Toste F. Dean
Published: November 2017

Spectroscopic, kinetic and theoretical insights guide the design of PdCu dehydrogenation catalysts.
Probing Co- and Fe-doped LaMO3(M = Ga, Al) perovskites as thermal sensors
Authors: Toulemonde Olivier , Devoti Alexis , Rosa Patrick , Guionneau Philippe , Duttine Mathieu , Wattiaux Alain , Lebraud Eric , Penin Nicolas , Decourt Rodolphe , Fargues Alexandre , Buffière Sonia , Demourgues Alain , Gaudon Manuel
Published: November 2017

Spin crossover phenomenon in Co-doped La(Al/Ga)O3compounds with the perovskite structure is shown to be useful as thermal sensors.
2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)imidazole-based four-coordinate organoboron compounds with efficient deep blue photoluminescence and electroluminescence
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Zuolun , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Yue
Published: November 2017

Four-coordinate organoboron compounds that can realize efficient electroluminescence with a CIE coordinate close to that of standard blue light (0.14, 0.08) have been developed.
Nanoarchitectonics in dielectric/ferroelectric layered perovskites: from bulk 3D systems to 2D nanosheets
Authors: Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: November 2017

Dion–Jacobson perovskites and their exfoliated nanosheets provide a unique platform for designing new dielectric/ferroelectric materials.
Effect of the water fraction isolated from Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract on bone metabolismviaantagonizing a calcium-sensing receptor in experimental type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Sha Nan-Nan , Zhao Yong-Jian , Zhao Dong-Feng , Mok Daniel Kam-Wah , Shi Qi , Wang Yong-Jun , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2017

Osteoprotective effects of FLL water fraction by potentially regulating vitamin D metabolism and calcium transporters as well as CaSR.
Aronia–citrusjuice (polyphenol-rich juice) intake and elite triathlon training: a lipidomic approach using representative oxylipins in urine
Authors: García-Flores Libia Alejandra , Medina Sonia , Gómez Cristina , Wheelock Craig E. , Cejuela Roberto , Martínez-Sanz José Miguel , Oger Camille , Galano Jean-Marie , Durand Thierry , Hernández-Sáez Álvaro , Ferreres Federico , Gil-Izquierdo Ángel
Published: November 2017

Linking aronia–citrus juice intake and oxidative stress and inflammation markers in physical activity framework.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of rapamycin-derived, next generation small molecules
Authors: Guduru Shiva Krishna Reddy , Arya Prabhat
Published: November 2017

This review describes mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) structure with key role in biological system and selected case studies related to the synthesis of rapamycin-derived and hybrid molecules to explore their biological properties.
A solution-processable dissymmetric porous organic cage
Authors: Slater A. G. , Little M. A. , Briggs M. E. , Jelfs K. E. , Cooper A. I.
Published: November 2017

A dissymmetric, soluble, porous organic cage from a low-cost racemic precursor.
A two-dimensional tetragonal yttrium nitride monolayer: a ferroelastic semiconductor with switchable anisotropic properties
Authors: Xu Bo , Xiang Hui , Yin Jiang , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: November 2017

The ferroelasticity of an YN monolayer produces a stress-driven switch of the anisotropic properties.
Design of a wearable and shape-memory fibriform sensor for the detection of multimodal deformation
Authors: Li Li , Shi Peipei , Hua Li , An Jianing , Gong Yujiao , Chen Ruyi , Yu Chenyang , Hua Weiwei , Xiu Fei , Zhou Jinyuan , Gao Guangfa , Jin Zhong , Sun Gengzhi , Huang Wei
Published: November 2017

A wearable and shape-memory fibriform sensor is developed for highly sensitive and wide-range detection towards multimodal deformation.
Core hydrophobicity tuning of a self-assembled particle results in efficient lipid reduction and favorable organ distribution
Authors: Banik Bhabatosh , Wen Ru , Marrache Sean , Kumar Anil , Kolishetti Nagesh , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Dhar Shanta
Published: November 2017

Optimization of a self-therapeutic mitochondria targeted nanoparticle for lipid reduction and atherosclerosis.
Optical control of mitochondrial reductive reactions in living cells using an electron donor–acceptor linked molecule
Authors: Takano Yuta , Munechika Reina , Biju Vasudevanpillai , Harashima Hideyoshi , Imahori Hiroshi , Yamada Yuma
Published: November 2017

A conjugate of a carrier and donor/acceptor linked molecules demonstrated a selective accumulation in mitochondria and a successful photoinduced reductive reaction.
Nano-confinement-driven enhanced magnetic relaxivity of SPIONs for targeted tumor bioimaging
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen Duong Thanh , Pitchaimani Arunkumar , Ferrel Colin , Thakkar Ravindra , Aryal Santosh
Published: November 2017

We uniquely engineered targeted hybrid nanoconstruct (HNC) made up of PLGA and superficially decorated with bone targeting agent, alendronic acid, whose inner polymeric core is confined with 5 nm SPIONs by tuning the distance between the clustering SPIONs. Effect of such cluster confinement in the magnetic properties of HNC was studied in detail.
Synthesis of 2-methylbenzoxazoles directly from N-phenylacetamides catalyzed by palladium acetate
Authors: Wang Biying , Jiang Chengfei , Qian Jiasheng , Zhang Shuwei , Jia Xiaodong , Yuan Yu
Published: November 2017

A method to synthesize 2-methylbenzoxazoles directly from N-phenylacetamides catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2 in moderate to excellent yields has been achieved.
A nanoparticle-preparation kit using ethylene glycol-based block copolymers with a common temperature-responsive block
Authors: Kotsuchibashi Yohei , Lee Chun Man , Constantinescu Iren , Takeuchi Lily E. , Vappala Sreeparna , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Narain Ravin , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Aoyagi Takao
Published: November 2017

A nanoparticle-preparation kit system using ethylene glycol-based block copolymers with a common temperature-responsive block was developed.