bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular interplay via cytokine hierarchy causes pathological cardiac hypertrophy in RAF1-mutant Noonan syndrome
Authors: Yin Jiani C. , Platt Mathew J. , Tian Xixi , Wu Xue , Backx Peter H. , Simpson Jeremy A. , Araki Toshiyuki , Neel Benjamin G.
Published: May 2017

Noonan syndrome (NS) is caused by mutations in RAS/ERK pathway genes, and is characterized by craniofacial, growth, cognitive and cardiac defects. NS patients with kinase-activatingRAF1alleles typically develop pathological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is reproduced inRaf1L613V/+knock-in mice. Here, using inducibleRaf1L613Vexpression, we show that LVH results from the interplay of cardiac cell types. CardiomyocyteRaf1L613Venhances Ca2+sensitivity and cardiac contractility without causing hypertrophy.Raf1L613Vexpression in cardiomyocytes or activated fibroblasts exacerbates pressure overload-evoked fibrosis. Endothelial/endocardial (EC)Raf1L613Vcauses cardiac hypertrophy without affecting contractility. Co-culture and neutralizing antibody experiments reveal a cytokine (TNF/IL6) hierarchy inRaf1L613V-expressing ECs that drives cardiomyocyte hypertrophyin vitro. Furthermore, postnatal TNF inhibition normalizes the increased wall thickness and cardiomyocyte hypertrophyin vivo. We conclude that NS-cardiomyopathy involves cardiomyocytes, ECs and fibroblasts, TNF/IL6 signalling components represent potential therapeutic targets, and abnormal EC signalling might contribute to other forms of LVH.
Synergistic IL-6 and IL-8 paracrine signalling pathway infers a strategy to inhibit tumour cell migration
Authors: Jayatilaka Hasini , Tyle Pranay , Chen Jonathan J. , Kwak Minsuk , Ju Julia , Kim Hyun Ji , Lee Jerry S. H. , Wu Pei-Hsun , Gilkes Daniele M. , Fan Rong , Wirtz Denis
Published: May 2017

Following uncontrolled proliferation, a subset of primary tumour cells acquires additional traits/mutations to trigger phenotypic changes that enhance migration and are hypothesized to be the initiators of metastasis. This study reveals an adaptive mechanism that harnesses synergistic paracrine signalling via IL-6/8, which is amplified by cell proliferation and cell density, to directly promote cell migration. This effect occurs in metastatic human sarcoma and carcinoma cells– but not in normal or non-metastatic cancer cells-, and likely involves the downstream signalling of WASF3 and Arp2/3. The transcriptional phenotype of high-density cells that emerges due to proliferation resembles that of low-density cells treated with a combination of IL-6/8. Simultaneous inhibition of IL-6/8 receptors decreases the expression of WASF3 and Arp2/3 in a mouse xenograft model and reduces metastasis. This study reveals a potential mechanism that promotes tumour cell migration and infers a strategy to decrease metastatic capacity of tumour cells.
Targeted recombination between homologous chromosomes for precise breeding in tomato
Authors: Filler Hayut Shdema , Melamed Bessudo Cathy , Levy Avraham A.
Published: May 2017

Homologous recombination (HR) between parental chromosomes occurs stochastically. Here, we report on targeted recombination between homologous chromosomes upon somatic induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) via CRISPR-Cas9. We demonstrate this via a visual and molecular assay whereby DSB induction between two alleles carrying different mutations in the PHYTOENE SYNTHASE (PSY1) gene results in yellow fruits with wild type red sectors forming via HR-mediated DSB repair. We also show that in heterozygote plants containing one psy1 allele immune and one sensitive to CRISPR, repair of the broken allele using the unbroken allele sequence template is a common outcome. In another assay, we show evidence of a somatically induced DSB in a cross between a psy1 edible tomato mutant and wild type Solanum pimpinellifolium, targeting only the S. pimpinellifolium allele. This enables characterization of germinally transmitted targeted somatic HR events, demonstrating that somatically induced DSBs can be exploited for precise breeding of crops.
Virtual substrate method for nanomaterials characterization
Authors: Da Bo , Liu Jiangwei , Yamamoto Mahito , Ueda Yoshihiro , Watanabe Kazuyuki , Cuong Nguyen Thanh , Li Songlin , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Yoshikawa Hideki , Iwai Hideo , Tanuma Shigeo , Guo Hongxuan , Gao Zhaoshun , Sun Xia , Ding Zejun
Published: May 2017

Characterization techniques available for bulk or thin-film solid-state materials have been extended to substrate-supported nanomaterials, but generally non-quantitatively. This is because the nanomaterial signals are inevitably buried in the signals from the underlying substrate in common reflection-configuration techniques. Here, we propose a virtual substrate method, inspired by the four-point probe technique for resistance measurement as well as the chop-nod method in infrared astronomy, to characterize nanomaterials without the influence of underlying substrate signals from four interrelated measurements. By implementing this method in secondary electron (SE) microscopy, a SE spectrum (white electrons) associated with the reflectivity difference between two different substrates can be tracked and controlled. The SE spectrum is used to quantitatively investigate the covering nanomaterial based on subtle changes in the transmission of the nanomaterial with high efficiency rivalling that of conventional core-level electrons. The virtual substrate method represents a benchmark for surface analysis to provide ‘free-standing’ information about supported nanomaterials.
Rationally designed mineralization for selective recovery of the rare earth elements
Authors: Hatanaka Takaaki , Matsugami Akimasa , Nonaka Takamasa , Takagi Hideki , Hayashi Fumiaki , Tani Takao , Ishida Nobuhiro
Published: May 2017

The increasing demand for rare earth (RE) elements in advanced materials for permanent magnets, rechargeable batteries, catalysts and lamp phosphors necessitates environmentally friendly approaches for their recovery and separation. Here, we propose a mineralization concept for direct extraction of RE ions with Lamp (lanthanide ion mineralization peptide). In aqueous solution containing various metal ions, Lamp promotes the generation of RE hydroxide species with which it binds to form hydrophobic complexes that accumulate spontaneously as insoluble precipitates, even under physiological conditions (pH ∼6.0). This concept for stabilization of an insoluble lanthanide hydroxide complex with an artificial peptide also works in combination with stable scaffolds like synthetic macromolecules and proteins. Our strategy opens the possibility for selective separation of target metal elements from seawater and industrial wastewater under mild conditions without additional energy input.
Variable frequency of LRRK2 variants in the Latin American research consortium on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease (LARGE-PD), a case of ancestry
Authors: Cornejo-Olivas Mario , Torres Luis , Velit-Salazar Mario R. , Inca-Martinez Miguel , Mazzetti Pilar , Cosentino Carlos , Micheli Federico , Perandones Claudia , Dieguez Elena , Raggio Victor , Tumas Vitor , Borges Vanderci , Ferraz Henrique B. , Rieder Carlos R. M. , Shumacher-Schuh Artur , Velez-Pardo Carlos , Jimenez-Del-Rio Marlene , Lopera Francisco , Chang-Castello Jorge , Andreé-Munoz Brennie , Waldherr Sarah , Yearout Dora , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Mata Ignacio F.
Published: May 2017

Mutations in Leucine Repeat Rich Kinase 2 (LRRK2), primarily located in codons G2019 and R1441, represent the most common genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease in European-derived populations. However, little is known about the frequency of these mutations in Latin American populations. In addition, a prior study suggested that a LRRK2 polymorphism (p.Q1111H) specific to Latino and Amerindian populations might be a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, but this finding requires replication. We screened 1734 Parkinson’s disease patients and 1097 controls enrolled in the Latin American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Parkinson’s disease (LARGE-PD), which includes sites in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay. Genotypes were determined by TaqMan assay (p.G2019S and p.Q1111H) or by sequencing of exon 31 (p.R1441C/G/H/S). Admixture proportion was determined using a panel of 29 ancestry informative markers. We identified a total of 29 Parkinson’s disease patients (1.7%) who carried p.G2019S and the frequency ranged from 0.2% in Peru to 4.2% in Uruguay. Only two Parkinson’s disease patients carried p.R1441G and one patient carried p.R1441C. There was no significant difference in the frequency of p.Q1111H in patients (3.8%) compared to controls (3.1%; OR 1.02, p = 0.873). The frequency of LRRK2-p.G2019S varied greatly between different Latin American countries and was directly correlated with the amount of European ancestry observed. p.R1441G is rare in Latin America despite the large genetic contribution made by settlers from Spain, where the mutation is relatively common.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease markers: Evidence from a three-million married population with fertility desire in rural China
Authors: Du Ye , Zhang Shikun , Hu Mei , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Man , Meng Qun
Published: May 2017

We aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) markers among the married residents with fertility desire in rural China. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the National Free Pre-Conception Health Examination Project. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min//1.73 m2, proteinuria, and hematuria were defined as markers of CKD. GFR was evaluated by using serum creatinine level and the Asian-modified CKD epidemiology collaboration equation. Automated urine dry chemical and microscopic analyses were employed to identify proteinuria and hematuria. The prevalence of CKD markers was 2.92% in the 3,091,379 participants. eGFR < 60 mL/min//1.73 m2, hematuria and proteinuria was observed in 0.85%, 1.41% and 0.71%, respectively. The prevalence of CKD markers varied greatly across different geographical locations, which was the highest in the Eastern Region (3.86%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.81–3.91%), moderate in the Central Region (2.80%; 95% CI: 2.77–2.82%), and lowest in the Western Region (2.62%; 95% CI: 2.59–2.65%). Hypertension, obesity, positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), age (increased by every 5 years), female gender, and living area were potential risk factors for CKD. In rural China, the prevalence of CKD markers in the married couples with fertility desire is low.
Donor and recipient contribution to phenotypic traits and the expression of biomineralisation genes in the pearl oyster model Pinctada margaritifera
Authors: Blay Carole , Planes Serge , KY Chin-Long
Published: May 2017

Grafting associates two distinct genotypes, each of which maintains its own genetic identity throughout the life of the grafted organism. Grafting technology is well documented in the plant kingdom, but much less so in animals. The pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, produces valuable pearls as a result of the biomineralisation process of a mantle graft from a donor inserted together with a nucleus into the gonad of a recipient oyster. To explore the respective roles of donor and recipient in pearl formation, a uniform experimental graft was designed using donor and recipient oysters monitored for their growth traits. At the same time, phenotypic parameters corresponding to pearl size and quality traits were recorded. Phenotypic interaction analysis demonstrated: 1) a positive correlation between recipient shell biometric parameters and pearl size, 2) an individual donor effect on cultured pearl quality traits. Furthermore, the expressions of biomineralisation biomarkers encoding proteins in the aragonite or prismatic layer showed: 1) higher gene expression levels of aragonite-related genes in the large donor phenotype in the graft tissue, and 2) correlation of gene expression in the pearl sac tissue with pearl quality traits and recipient biometric parameters. These results emphasize that pearl size is mainly driven by the recipient and that pearl quality traits are mainly driven by the donor.
MTI-101 treatment inducing activation of Stim1 and TRPC1 expression is a determinant of response in multiple myeloma
Authors: Emmons Michael F. , Anreddy Nagaraju , Cuevas Javier , Steinberger Kayla , Yang Shengyu , McLaughlin Mark , Silva Ariosto , Hazlehurst Lori A.
Published: May 2017

The emergence of drug resistance continues to be a major hurdle towards improving patient outcomes for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. MTI-101 is a first-in-class peptidomimetic that binds a CD44/ITGA4 containing complex and triggers necrotic cell death in multiple myeloma cell lines. In this report, we show that acquisition of resistance to MTI-101 correlates with changes in expression of genes predicted to attenuate Ca2+ flux. Consistent with the acquired resistant genotype, MTI-101 treatment induces a rapid and robust increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in the parental cells; a finding that was attenuated in the acquired drug resistant cell line. Mechanistically, we show that pharmacological inhibition of store operated channels or reduction in the expression of a component of the store operated Ca2+ channel, TRPC1 blocks MTI-101 induced cell death. Importantly, MTI-101 is more potent in specimens obtained from relapsed myeloma patients, suggesting that relapse may occur at a cost for increased sensitivity to Ca2+ overload mediated cell death. Finally, we demonstrate that MTI-101 is synergistic when combined with bortezomib, using both myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma patient specimens. Together, these data continue to support the development of this novel class of compounds for the treatment of relapsed myeloma.
Aetiology and Outcomes of Suspected Infections of the Central Nervous System in Children in Mbarara, Uganda
Authors: Page Anne-Laure , Boum II Yap , Kemigisha Elizabeth , Salez Nicolas , Nanjebe Deborah , Langendorf Céline , Aberrane Said , Nyehangane Dan , Nackers Fabienne , Baron Emmanuel , Charrel Rémi , Mwanga-Amumpaire Juliet
Published: May 2017

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are severe conditions, leading to neurological sequelae or death. Knowledge of the causative agents is essential to develop guidelines for case management in resource-limited settings. Between August 2009 and October 2012, we conducted a prospective descriptive study of the aetiology of suspected CNS infections in children two months to 12 years old, with fever and at least one sign of CNS involvement in Mbarara Hospital, Uganda. Children were clinically evaluated on admission and discharge, and followed-up for 6 months for neurological sequelae. Pathogens were identified from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood using microbiological and molecular methods. We enrolled 459 children. Plasmodium falciparum (36.2%) and bacteria in CSF (13.3%) or blood (3.3%) were the most detected pathogens. Viruses were found in 27 (5.9%) children. No pathogen was isolated in 207 (45.1%) children. Patterns varied by age and HIV status. Eighty-three (18.1%) children died during hospitalisation, and 23 (5.0%) during follow-up. Forty-one (13.5%) children had neurological sequelae at the last visit. While malaria remains the main aetiology in children with suspected CNS infections, no pathogen was isolated in many children. The high mortality and high rate of neurological sequelae highlight the need for efficient diagnosis.
Social cognition in autism: Face tuning
Authors: Pavlova Marina A. , Guerreschi Michele , Tagliavento Lucia , Gitti Filippo , Sokolov Alexander N. , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Fazzi Elisa
Published: May 2017

Faces convey valuable information for social cognition, effective interpersonal interaction, and non-verbal communication. Face perception is believed to be atypical in autism, but the origin of this deficit is controversial. Dominant featural face encoding is suggested to be responsible for face tuning scarcity. Here we used a recently developed Face-n-Food paradigm for studying face tuning in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). The key benefit of these images is that single components do not explicitly trigger face processing. In a spontaneous recognition task, adolescents with autism and typically developing matched controls were presented with a set of Face-n-Food images in different degree resembling a face (slightly bordering on the Giuseppe Arcimboldo style). The set of images was shown in a predetermined order from the least to most resembling a face. Thresholds for recognition of the Face-n-Food images as a face in ASD individuals were substantially higher than in typically developing controls: they did not report seeing a face on the images, which controls easily recognized as a face, and gave overall fewer face responses. This outcome not only lends support to atypical face tuning, but provides novel insights into the origin of face encoding deficits in autism.
Cumulative impacts: thermally bleached corals have reduced capacity to clear deposited sediment
Authors: Bessell-Browne Pia , Negri Andrew P. , Fisher Rebecca , Clode Peta L. , Jones Ross
Published: May 2017

The interaction between local, anthropogenic stressors, and larger scale regional/global stressors, is often used to explain the current poor condition of many corals reefs. This form of cumulative pressure is clearly manifested by situations where dredging projects happen to coincide with marine heatwaves that have caused coral bleaching. A key pressure associated with dredging is elevated sedimentation. In this study, 3 coral species (Acropora millepora, Porites spp. and Turbinaria reniformis), representing three common morphologies (branching, massive and foliose respectively), were experimentally induced to bleach by exposure to a temperature of 31 °C for 21 d. The corals were then subjected to a range of sedimentation rates (0, 11, 22 and 40 mg cm−2 d−1), and their sediment-rejection ability quantified after 1 and 7 successive sediment deposition events. Bleached corals were less capable of removing sediments from their surfaces, and sediment accumulated 3 to 4-fold more than on normally-pigmented corals. Repeated deposition resulted in a ~3-fold increase in the amount of sediment remaining on the corals, regardless of bleaching status. These results suggest that adaptive management practices need to be developed to reduce the impacts of future dredging projects that follow or coincide with elevated sea surface temperatures and coral bleaching events.
Defining risk variables causing gas embolism in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) caught in trawls and gillnets
Authors: Fahlman Andreas , Crespo-Picazo Jose Luis , Sterba-Boatwright Blair , Stacy Brian A. , Garcia-Parraga Daniel
Published: May 2017

Incidental capture, or ‘bycatch’ in fishing gear is a major global threat to sea turtle populations. A recent study showed that underwater entrapment in fishing gear followed by rapid decompression may cause gas bubble formation within the blood stream (embolism) and tissues leading to organ injury, impairment, and even mortality in some bycaught individuals. We analyzed data from 128 capture events using logistic and ordinal regression to examine risk factors associated with gas embolism in sea turtles captured in trawls and gillnets. Likelihood of fatal decompression increases with increasing depth of gear deployment. A direct relationship was found between depth, risk and severity of embolism, which has not been previously demonstrated in any breath-hold diving species. For the trawl fishery in this study, an average trawl depth of 65 m was estimated to result in 50% mortality in by-caught turtles throughout the year. This finding is critical for a more accurate estimation of sea turtle mortality rates resulting from different fisheries and for devising efforts to avoid or minimize the harmful effects of capture.
A Potential Role of Esophageal Cancer Related Gene-4 for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Huang Li , Yu Hua , Fan Xinrong , Li Xue , Mao Liang , Cheng Jun , Zeng Xiaorong , Dang Xitong
Published: May 2017

Epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between tumor and AF. However, the molecular link between tumor and AF remains unknown. ECRG4, a tumor suppressor gene that is expressed in the A-V node and in sporadic ventricular myocytes, inhibits tumorigenesis and monitors tissue homeostasis by functioning as a ‘sentinel’ molecule gauging inflammatory and cell proliferative responses. To explore the potential physiological function of Ecrg4 in heart, we evaluated its distribution in heart, analyzed its expression in patients with persistent AF and in a canine AF model, and dissected the molecular events downstream of Ecrg4. The results showed that the level of Ecrg4 expression is homogenously high in atria and the conduction systems and in sporadic ventricular myocytes. Importantly, the expression of Ecrg4 was significantly decreased in atrial appendages of AF patients than patients with SR. Moreover, in rapid pacing canine AF models, the expression of ECRG4 in atria was significantly decreased compared to that of the controls. Mechanistically, knockdown ECRG4 in atrial myocytes significantly shortened the APDs, inhibited the expression of Gja1, and activated pro-inflammatory cascades and genes involved in cardiac remodeling. These results suggest that Ecrg4 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AF.
Red cell distribution width as a significant indicator of medication and prognosis in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Xiong Xiao-fen , Yang Yuan , Chen Xianghui , Zhu Xuejing , Hu Chun , Han Yachun , Zhao Li , Liu Fuyou , Sun Lin
Published: May 2017

Whether red cell distribution width (RDW) can be a potential indicator for diabetic nephropathy (DN) is unknown. A total of 809 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients were divided into 4 groups according to the quartiles (Q) of the RDW (%): Q1 ≤ 12.4 (n = 229), 12.4 < Q2 ≤ 12.9 (n = 202), 12.9 < Q3 < 13.5 (n = 168), Q4 ≥ 13.5 (n = 210). Results showed that the levels in Q4 group was higher in age, disease duration, systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and proteinuria but lower in hemoglobin, serum albumin and glycosylated hemoglobin compared to Q1 group. Furthermore, the incidences of DN, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, hypertension and coronary heart disease in the Q3 or Q4 group were higher compared to Q1 group. Medications including calcium channel blockers and antiplatelet therapy also showed higher frequencies in Q3 or Q4 group compared to Q1. Logistic regression indicated that the antiplatelet therapy (OR = 2.065), hypertension (OR = 2.819), creatinine (OR = 4.473) and proteinuria (OR = 2.085) were positively associated with level of Q4 group, but higher hemoglobin (OR = 0.021) and serum Ca2+ (OR = 0.178) were negatively associated with Q4. This data suggest that high level of RDW in T2D patients indicates a higher risk and a poor prognosis for DN.
Lipid Droplet-Associated Hydrolase Promotes Lipid Droplet Fusion and Enhances ATGL Degradation and Triglyceride Accumulation
Authors: Goo Young-Hwa , Son Se-Hee , Paul Antoni
Published: May 2017

Lipid droplet (LD)-associated hydrolase (LDAH) is a newly identified LD protein abundantly expressed in tissues that predominantly store triacylglycerol (TAG). However, how LDAH regulates TAG metabolism remains unknown. We found that upon oleic acid loading LDAH translocalizes from the ER to newly formed LDs, and induces LD coalescence in a tubulin-dependent manner. LDAH overexpression and downregulation in HEK293 cells increase and decrease, respectively, TAG levels. Pulse and chase experiments show that LDAH enhances TAG biogenesis, but also decreases TAG turnover and fatty acid release from cells. Mutations in predicted catalytic and acyltransferase motifs do not influence TAG levels, suggesting that the effect is independent of LDAH’s enzymatic activity. However, a LDAH alternative-splicing variant missing 90 amino acids at C-terminus does not promote LD fusion or TAG accumulation, while it still localizes to LDs. Interestingly, LDAH enhances polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a rate limiting enzyme of TAG hydrolysis. Co-expression of ATGL reverses the changes in LD phenotype induced by LDAH, and both proteins counterbalance their effects on TAG stores. Together, these studies support that under conditions of TAG storage in LDs LDAH plays a primarily lipogenic role, inducing LD growth and enhancing degradation of ATGL.
Integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis reveals that rhodomyrtone reduces the capsule in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Olaya-Abril Alfonso , Calderón-Santiago Mónica , Jiménez-Munguía Irene , González-Reyes José Antonio , Priego-Capote Feliciano , Voravuthikunchai Supayang P. , Rodríguez-Ortega Manuel J.
Published: May 2017

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria is a healthcare problem worldwide. We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of rhodomyrtone, an acylphloroglucinol present in Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves, against the human Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. The compound exhibited pronounced anti-pneumococcal activity against a broad collection of clinical isolates. We studied the effects at the molecular level by integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis. The results revealed alterations in enzymes and metabolites involved in several metabolic pathways including amino acid biosynthesis, nucleic acid biosynthesis, glucid, and lipid metabolism. Notably, the levels of two enzymes (glycosyltransferase and UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase) and three metabolites (UDP-glucose, UDP-glucuronic acid and UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine) participating in the synthesis of the pneumococcal capsule clearly diminished in the bacterial cells exposed to rhodomyrtone. Rhodomyrtone-treated pneumococci significantly possessed less amount of capsule, as measured by a colorimetric assay and visualized by electron microscopy. These findings reveal the utility of combining proteomic and metabolomic analyses to provide insight into phenotypic features of S. pneumoniae treated with this potential novel antibiotic. This can lead to an alternative antibiotic for the treatment of S. pneumoniae infections, because of the growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance.
Specific brain activation patterns associated with two neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocols
Authors: Wegrzyk Jennifer , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Fouré Alexandre , Kavounoudias Anne , Vilmen Christophe , Mattei Jean-Pierre , Guye Maxime , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Place Nicolas , Bendahan David , Gondin Julien
Published: May 2017

The influence of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters on brain activation has been scarcely investigated. We aimed at comparing two frequently used NMES protocols - designed to vary in the extent of sensory input. Whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in sixteen healthy subjects during wide-pulse high-frequency (WPHF, 100 Hz–1 ms) and conventional (CONV, 25 Hz–0.05 ms) NMES applied over thetriceps surae. Each protocol included 20 isometric contractions performed at 10% of maximal force. Voluntary plantar flexions (VOL) were performed as control trial. Mean force was not different among the three protocols, however, total current charge was higher for WPHF than for CONV. All protocols elicited significant activations of the sensorimotor network, cerebellum and thalamus. WPHF resulted in lower deactivation in the secondary somatosensory cortex and precuneus. Bilateral thalami and caudate nuclei were hyperactivated for CONV. The modulation of the NMES parameters resulted in differently activated/deactivated regions related to total current charge of the stimulation but not to mean force. By targeting different cerebral brain regions, the two NMES protocols might allow for individually-designed rehabilitation training in patients who can no longer execute voluntary movements.
A novel biomimetic scaffold with hUCMSCs for lumbar fusion
Authors: Li Na , Li Zhiwen , Li Riwang , Tian Jinhuan , Sun Guodong , Li Lihua , Wu Di , Ding Shan , Zhou Changren
Published: May 2017

Discectomy and lumbar fusion are common clinical approaches to treating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with the aid of autologous bone and/or biomaterials.
A bispyrene/AgNP-based ratiometric nanoprobe for supersensitive fluorescence and colorimetric sensing of etimicin
Authors: Li Jiahui , Xiao Yi , Qin Hongling , Shi Huizhen , Huang Hongmei , Zhang Youyu , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin
Published: May 2017

A convenient nanosystem based on bispyrene/AgNPs is ultrasensitive for the ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric analysis of etimicin.
Differential ion mobility spectrometry with temperature programmable micromachined gas chromatography for the determination of bis(chloromethyl)ether
Authors: Luong J. , Gras R. , Shellie R. A.
Published: May 2017

A parts-per-million level screening technique for bis(chloromethyl)ether using micromachined differential ion mobility spectrometry combined with portable temperature programmable low thermal mass silicon micromachined gas chromatography is described.
An ultra-sensitive 2D electrochemical sensor based on a PtNPs@graphene/Nafion nanocomposite for determination of α1-AR antagonist silodosin in human plasma
Authors: Er Engin , Çelikkan Hüseyin , Erk Nevin
Published: May 2017

An ultra-sensitive and selective 2D electrochemical sensor based on a PtNPs@GRP/NFN nanocomposite was developed for routine detection of α1-AR antagonists such as silodosin in human plasma.
Facile solvent-free fabrication of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing coatings for prevention of biofilm formation
Authors: Ho Kitty K. K. , Ozcelik Berkay , Willcox Mark D. P. , Thissen Helmut , Kumar Naresh
Published: May 2017

A simple solvent-free method to generate nitric oxide (NO)-releasing coatings for prevention of adhesion and biofilm formation of common pathogens.
Fe/Ni core/shell nanowires and nanorods: a combined first-principles and atomistic simulation study
Authors: Velásquez E. A. , López-Moreno S. , Mazo-Zuluaga J. , Mejía-López J.
Published: May 2017

A method, based on First-Principles strategies, for computing the magnetic exchange constant in mixed systems is presented. With the obtained fundamental parameters computed, hierarchical multiscale simulations have been conducted on Fe–Ni core–shell nanorods, and novel magnetic states as well as reversal processes are reported.
Rates and equilibrium constants of the ligand-induced conformational transition of an HCN ion channel protein domain determined by DEER spectroscopy
Authors: Collauto Alberto , DeBerg Hannah A. , Kaufmann Royi , Zagotta William N. , Stoll Stefan , Goldfarb Daniella
Published: May 2017

DEER combined with rapid freeze quench provides equilibrium constants and kinetic rates for protein–ligand binding processes.
Reaction intermediates in the heme degradation reaction by HutZ from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Uchida Takeshi , Sekine Yukari , Dojun Nobuhiko , Lewis-Ballester Ariel , Ishigami Izumi , Matsui Toshitaka , Yeh Syun-Ru , Ishimori Koichiro
Published: May 2017

HutZ degrades heme in a manner similar to mammalian heme oxygenase, despite their low sequence and structural homology.
One-pot synthesis of 2-hydroxymethyl-5-methylpyrazine from renewable 1,3-dihydroxyacetone
Authors: Song Lei , Zheng Mingyuan , Pang Jifeng , Sebastian Joby , Wang Wentao , Qu Minjie , Zhao Jian , Wang Xinhong , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2017

An efficient and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of 2-hydroxymethyl-5-methylpyrazine (HMMP) from biomass derived 1,3-dihydroxyacetone was developed.
Effect of spacer length of ionic liquid-type imidazolium gemini surfactant-based water-in-oil microemulsion for the extraction of gold from hydrochloric acid
Authors: Xiang Zeyang , Zheng Yan , Zhang Hong , Yan Yan , Yang Xiaoyu , Xin Xia , Yang Yanzhao
Published: May 2017

The effect of the spacer length of [C14-n-C14im]Br2 surfactants on Au(iii) extraction performance was investigated for the first time.
Unique properties of silver and copper silica-based nanocomposites as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Peszke J. , Dulski M. , Nowak A. , Balin K. , Zubko M. , Sułowicz S. , Nowak B. , Piotrowska-Seget Z. , Talik E. , Wojtyniak M. , Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz A. , Malarz K. , Szade J.
Published: May 2017

The paper reports a new route for the fabrication and determination of physicochemical properties and biological activity, of metallic silica-based nanostructure (Ag/SiO2, Cu/SiO2).
Scrutiny of electrostatic-driven conformational ordering of polypeptide chains in DMSO: a study with a model oligopeptide
Authors: Srivastava Kinshuk Raj , Goyal Bhupesh , Kumar Anil , Durani Susheel
Published: May 2017

The molecular mechanism of DMSO-induced stabilisation of β-sheets is attributed to the combination of polar electrostatic interactions among side chains, and backbone desolvation through bulky side chains which promotes backbone hydrogen bonding.
Blue and cyan fluorescent carbon dots: one-pot synthesis, selective cell imaging and their antiviral activity
Authors: Liu Huabing , Bai Yanli , Zhou Yanrong , Feng Chenchen , Liu Lingzhi , Fang Liurong , Liang Jiangong , Xiao Shaobo
Published: May 2017

Two types of carbon dots were prepared by using the powder of young barley leaves as the precursor, which have the capability of selective cell imaging and antiviral activity.
Large-area synthesis of monolayer MoSe2 films on SiO2/Si substrates by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhao Yu , Lee Hyunjea , Choi Woong , Fei Weidong , Lee Cheol Jin
Published: May 2017

We report the synthesis of large-area monolayer MoSe2 films extended up to a millimeter scale on SiO2/Si substrates by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
Bimetallic Ni–Mo nitride nanotubes as highly active and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for full water splitting
Authors: Yin Zhuoxun , Sun Yue , Zhu Chunling , Li Chunyan , Zhang Xitian , Chen Yujin
Published: May 2017

Bimetallic Ni–Mo nitride nanotubes as highly active and stable bifunctional catalysts for full water splitting are favorably comparable to the performance of Pt/C and IrO2.
Dendritic polyglycerol anions for the selective targeting of native and inflamed articular cartilage
Authors: Reimann Sabine , Schneider Tobias , Welker Pia , Neumann Falko , Licha Kai , Schulze-Tanzil Gundula , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Fratzl Peter , Haag Rainer
Published: May 2017

Dye-conjugated polyanions show high affinities toward native and inflamed cartilage dependent on the anionic moiety and the condition of the tissue.
Toxicological effects of graphene oxide on Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhu Song , Luo Fei , Zhu Bin , Wang Gao-Xue
Published: May 2017

Mitochondrial impairment mediated apoptosis induced by graphene oxide inSaccharomyces cerevisiae.
Multimodal object description network for dense captioning
Authors: Wang Weixuan , Hu Haifeng
Published: May 2017

A new multimodal object description network (MODN) model for dense captioning is proposed. The proposed model is constructed by using a vision module and a language module. As for vision module, the modified faster regions‐convolution neural network (R‐CNN) is used to detect the salient objects and extract their inherited features. The language module combines the semantics features with the object features obtained from the vision module and calculate the probability distribution of each word in the sentence. Compared with existing methods, a multimodal layer in the proposed MODN framework is adopted which can effectively extract discriminant information from both object and semantic features. Moreover, MODN can generate object description rapidly without external region proposal. The effectiveness of MODN on the famous VOC2007 dataset and Visual Genome dataset is verified.
Modelling unmanned aerial vehicles base station in ground‐to‐air cooperative networks
Authors: Jia Shucong , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2017

After disasters, road side units, which can provide wireless communications to vehicles, may fail due to physical damages or power outages. Vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication also may not perform well owing to lack of neighbours in low vehicle density scenario or collisions in high vehicle density circumstance which may happen in disaster areas. In this study, the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as flying base stations to improve connectivity among vehicles in disaster affected areas is analysed. First, the connectivity among vehicles as a function of the altitude of the UAV is derived. Furthermore, multiple UAVs scenario is analysed to determine the minimum number of UAVs needed to guarantee a target connectivity threshold among vehicles for a given geographical area and vehicle density. Numerical and simulation results verify that there exist optimal UAV altitudes for different scenarios as shown in the authors’ analyses, and the simulation results also verify that the number of UAVs must be larger than a certain value to guarantee a target connectivity threshold among vehicles.
Analyzing X-ray tomographies of granular packings
Authors: Weis Simon , Schröter Matthias
Published: May 2017

Starting from three-dimensional volume data of a granular packing, as, e.g., obtained by X-ray Computed Tomography, we discuss methods to first detect the individual particles in the sample and then analyze their properties. This analysis includes the pair correlation function, the volume and shape of the Voronoi cells, and the number and type of contacts formed between individual particles. We mainly focus on packings of monodisperse spheres, but we will also comment on other monoschematic particles such as ellipsoids and tetrahedra. This paper is accompanied by a package of free software containing all programs (including source code) and an example three-dimensional dataset which allows the reader to reproduce and modify all examples given.
Reciprocal space engineering with hyperuniform gold disordered surfaces
Authors: Castro-Lopez Marta , Gaio Michele , Sellers Steven , Gkantzounis George , Florescu Marian , Sapienza Riccardo
Published: May 2017

Hyperuniform geometries feature correlated disordered topologies which follow from a tailored k-space design. Here, we study gold plasmonic hyperuniform disordered surfaces and, by momentum spectroscopy, we report evidence of k-space engineering on both light scattering and light emission. Even if the structures lack a well-defined periodicity, emission and scattering are directional in ring-shaped patterns. The opening of these rotational-symmetric patterns scales with the hyperuniform correlation length parameter as predicted via the spectral function method.
A comparison between quantum chemistry and quantum Monte Carlo techniques for the adsorption of water on the (001) LiH surface
Authors: Tsatsoulis Theodoros , Hummel Felix , Usvyat Denis , Schütz Martin , Booth George H. , Binnie Simon S. , Gillan Michael J. , Alfè Dario , Michaelides Angelos , Grüneis Andreas
Published: May 2017

We present a comprehensive benchmark study of the adsorption energy of a single water molecule on the (001) LiH surface using periodic coupled cluster and quantum Monte Carlo theories. We benchmark and compare different implementations of quantum chemical wave function based theories in order to verify the reliability of the predicted adsorption energies and the employed approximations. Furthermore we compare the predicted adsorption energies to those obtained employing widely used van der Waals density-functionals. Our findings show that quantum chemical approaches are becoming a robust and reliable tool for condensed phase electronic structure calculations, providing an additional tool that can also help in potentially improving currently available van der Waals density-functionals.
High-performance geometric phase elements in silica glass
Authors: Drevinskas Rokas , Kazansky Peter G.
Published: May 2017

High-precision three-dimensional ultrafast laser direct nanostructuring of silica glass resulting in multi-layered space-variant dielectric metasurfaces embedded in volume is demonstrated. Continuous phase profiles of nearly any optical component are achieved solely by the means of geometric phase. Complex designs of half-wave retarders with 90% transmission at 532 nm and >95% transmission at >1 μm, including polarization gratings with efficiency nearing 90% and computer generated holograms with a phase gradient of ∼0.8π rad/μm, were fabricated. A vortex half-wave retarder generating a single beam optical vortex with a tunable orbital angular momentum of up to ±100ℏ is shown. The high damage threshold of silica elements enables the simultaneous optical manipulation of a large number of micro-objects using high-power laser beams. Thus, the continuous control of torque without altering the intensity distribution was implemented in optical trapping demonstration with a total of 5 W average power, which is otherwise impossible with alternate beam shaping devices. In principle, the direct-write technique can be extended to any transparent material that supports laser assisted nanostructuring and can be effectively exploited for the integration of printed optics into multi-functional optoelectronic systems.
The physics of high-conductivity transparent materials based on wide-band zinc oxide
Authors: Lashkarev G. V. , Karpyna V. A. , Ovsiannikova L. I. , Kartuzov V. V. , Dranchuk M. V. , Godlewski M. , Pietruszka R. , Khomyak V. V. , Petrosyan L. I.
Published: May 2017

The properties of transparent conductive materials based on wide-gap zinc oxide semiconductors are considered, which are promising in their application to photovoltaics and liquid crystal displays. The impact of aluminum doping on the conductivity of thin ZnO films is examined. Temperature studies of the concentration, mobility, and resistivity in the temperature range of 77–300 K are conducted, revealing the metal conductivity of highly doped films. The electroactivity of aluminum as a donor impurity in the ZnO lattice is studied for thin films grown using atomic layer deposition on glass and silicone, containing 1–7 at. % aluminum. The reasons behind the low electroactivity of Al in ZnO are discussed, as are the methods for its enhancement.
Reduction of the magnetic dead layer and observation of tunneling magnetoresistance in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3-based heterostructures with a LaMnO3 layer
Authors: Matou Tatsuya , Takeshima Kento , Anh Le Duc , Seki Munetoshi , Tabata Hitoshi , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohya Shinobu
Published: May 2017

The formation of a magnetic dead layer at the interfaces of the perovskite oxide La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) is one of the crucial issues for its spintronic applications. In this letter, we report the reduction of the dead layer by growing LSMO on a LaMnO3 (LMO) layer. Furthermore, we detect tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) in an LSMO/LMO/LSMO heterostructure. The obtained sign of the TMR was negative, but it changed to positive after annealing. This unusual negative TMR can be attributed to the intrinsic structural difference between the upper and lower interfaces of LMO and can be understood by a weak antiferromagnetic metallic thin layer formed at the upper LSMO/LMO interface. This layer is thought to be formed by diffused Sr atoms and oxygen vacancies in the LMO barrier. Our results indicate that control of intermixing of atoms at the interfaces is a key to controlling the TMR.
Thermal conductivity of molten salt-based nanofluid
Authors: Ueki Yoshitaka , Fujita Naoyuki , Kawai Masaya , Shibahara Masahiko
Published: May 2017

Nanoparticle dispersed fluids, nanofluids, have been widely investigated. However, thermal conductivity of molten salt-based nanofluid had never been measured and investigated yet. Since molten salts are high Prandtl number fluids, it is necessary to enhance heat transfer of the molten salts when they are employed as coolants. Therefore, in the present study we produced a molten salt-based nanofluid, and measured its thermal conductivity to demonstrate the molten salt-based nanofluid was able to enhance its own thermal conductivity. We employed Heat Transfer Salt (HTS: 40 wt% NaNO2, 7 wt% NaNO3, and 53 wt% KNO3) as a base fluid since it was a typical example of molten salts. We mixed HTS with silicon carbide nanoparticles, which was a molten salt-based nanofluid, and investigated change in thermal conductivity by mixing nanoparticle by means of transient hot-wire method. We found that, at a particle volume fraction of 0.72%, the effective thermal conductivity increased by 13% at 200oC. Compared with Wiener equations, and Hashin-Shtrikman equations, we confirmed that the measured value was located in between the theoretical upper and lower limits of nanofluids thermal conductivity. Based on this, we concluded that mixing nanoparticle with a molten salt was able to enhance its thermal conductivity.
Involving the general public in creation and sharing of knowledge about food.
Authors: Algers A.
Published: May 2017

Research suggests that since the whole society is dependent on the quality of food, food science and education need a dialogue with the citizens. Trust in food is decreasing, the concerns are increasing and the societal needs of knowledge about food are more extensive than what can be accomplished by traditional learning. However, very few approaches have been applied in food science allowing scientists and citizens to inform each other. This paper begins by introducing the concepts of open educational resources (OERs) and citizen science (CS). Secondly, a review of the literature on the use of these approaches in the field of food science is presented. Finally, a rationale is introduced to apply these approaches in contested and complex food issues. A literature review resulted in 14 articles that outline the potential or practical involvement of citizens in production or sharing of knowledge about food. OER can be used to facilitate interaction between different stakeholders within and beyond academia and to collaboratively create more robust knowledge that is shared openly and builds on reuse of prior knowledge. CS can be used to collect and analyse data by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with scientists. In seven out of eight intervention studies the citizens were heavily involved. The studies focused on: food security, food labelling, food aesthetics, food quality, food & biodiversity and general food science. The arguments presented by the authors extend beyond established reasoning for these approaches (usually limited to access and monitoring of large data sets). This literature review suggests that the involvement of the citizens in knowledge about food through CS and OER is beneficial for information symmetry, empowerment, trust and relevance. When research has led to contradictory results and ethical concerns, it is argued that the involvement of citizens has great potential, because a plurality of opinions can lead to sustainable solutions.
Characterisation and thermodynamic calculations of biodegradable Mg–2.2Zn–3.7Ce and Mg–Ca–2.2Zn–3.7Ce alloys
Authors: Bakhsheshi-Rad H. R. , Hamzah E. , Joy Yii S. L. , Mostafa A. , Ebrahimi-Kahrizsangi R. , Medraj M.
Published: May 2017

In the present study, the effect of Ca (0.5–6 wt-%) content on the microstructure, phase formation, and mechanical properties and in vitro degradation behaviour of Mg–2.2Zn–3.7Ce alloys were investigated. Microstructural analysis and thermodynamic calculations also showed that Mg–2.2Zn–3.7Ce alloy contain α-Mg, Mg12Ce and CeMgZn2, while after adding 0.5 wt-% Ca to Mg–2.2Zn–3.7Ce alloy, IM1 (Ca3Mg xZn15− x) (4.6 ≤  x ≤ 12) phase was detected. Further addition of Ca to 6 wt-% resulted in forming Mg2Ca besides α-Mg, Mg12Ce and IM1 with the absence of CeMgZn2. The tensile strength and elongation of the Mg–Ca–2.2Zn–3.7Ce alloys increase with increasing Ca content up to 1.5 wt-%, while further addition of Ca to 6 wt-% has a reversed effect. Similarly, the degradation rate of the alloys increased first with increasing Ca content and then decreased.