bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Insights into Natural Silver Wires
Authors: Boellinghaus Th. , Lüders V. , Nolze G.
Published: June 2018

Due to the increasing global demand for pure silver, native wire silver aggregates in very high purities are gaining more industrial attention. Up to the present, no substantial metallurgical investigation of natural wire silver exists in the accessible literature. To convey urgently needed cross-disciplinary fundamental knowledge for geoscientists and metallurgical engineers, twenty natural wire silver specimens from eight different ore deposits have been investigated in detail for the first time by EBSD (Electron Back Scattering Diffraction), supported by light microscopy and micro-probe analyses. The improved understanding of the natural silver wire microstructure provides additional information regarding the growth of natural silver aggregates in comparison to undesired artificial growth on electronic devices. Clear evidence is provided that natural silver curls and hairs exhibit a polycrystalline face-centered cubic microstructure associated with significant twinning. Although the investigated natural wire silver samples have relatively high purity (Ag > 99.7 wt.-%), they contain a variety of trace elements such as, S, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Co and Bi, As and Sb. Additionally, Vickers micro-hardness measurements are provided for the first time which revealed that natural silver wires and curls are softer than it might be expected from conversion of the general Mohs hardness of 2.7.
PYRE insertion within HIV-1 subtype C p6-Gag functions as an ALIX-dependent late domain
Authors: Chaturbhuj Devidas , Patil Ajit , Gangakhedkar Raman
Published: June 2018

ALG-2 interacting protein X (ALIX) links HIV-1 Gag to the components of ESCRT-III. HIV-1 engages the ALIX via its nucleocapsid and LYPXnL motif in p6. Overexpression of ALIX corrects the release defect of PTAP deleted HIV-1 via LYPXnL/ALIX pathway. However, HIV-1 subtype C lacks the LYPXnL motif and hence cannot employ LYPXnL/ALIX mechanism. Though the preferential occurrences of PYXE insertion in HIV-1 C p6 is predicted to restore the ALIX binding site there is no functional proof to support these observations. In this study we show that HIV-1 construct with subtype C p6 having PTAP deletion and PYRE insertion (pNL-INp6ΔPTAP/PYRE) could respond to ALIX overexpression. Notably, conserved Phenyl alanine residue (F676) in ALIX was critical for ALIX mediated release of pNL-INp6ΔPTAP/PYRE implying the critical role of this hydrophobic patch in ALIX recruitment. In addition, we show that Nedd4-1 could also correct the release defect of pNL-INp6ΔPTAP/PYRE. Moreover, Nedd4-1 was more robust compared to ALIX in its ability to stimulate the release of pNL-INp6ΔPTAP/PYRE. Replication kinetic data highlights the positive effect of PYRE insertion on virus replication. In summary, our data reveals the functional role of PYRE insertion towards the cooperative mechanism of ALIX/Nedd4-1 in virus release in the absence of PTAP/Tsg101 pathway.
Investigating the viral ecology of global bee communities with high-throughput metagenomics
Authors: Galbraith David A. , Fuller Zachary L. , Ray Allyson M. , Brockmann Axel , Frazier Maryann , Gikungu Mary W. , Martinez J. Francisco Iturralde , Kapheim Karen M. , Kerby Jeffrey T. , Kocher Sarah D. , Losyev Oleksiy , Muli Elliud , Patch Harland M. , Rosa Cristina , Sakamoto Joyce M. , Stanley Scott , Vaudo Anthony D. , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: June 2018

Bee viral ecology is a fascinating emerging area of research: viruses exert a range of effects on their hosts, exacerbate impacts of other environmental stressors, and, importantly, are readily shared across multiple bee species in a community. However, our understanding of bee viral communities is limited, as it is primarily derived from studies of North American and European Apis mellifera populations. Here, we examined viruses in populations of A. mellifera and 11 other bee species from 9 countries, across 4 continents and Oceania. We developed a novel pipeline to rapidly and inexpensively screen for bee viruses. This pipeline includes purification of encapsulated RNA/DNA viruses, sequence-independent amplification, high throughput sequencing, integrated assembly of contigs, and filtering to identify contigs specifically corresponding to viral sequences. We identified sequences for (+)ssRNA, (−)ssRNA, dsRNA, and ssDNA viruses. Overall, we found 127 contigs corresponding to novel viruses (i.e. previously not observed in bees), with 27 represented by >0.1% of the reads in a given sample, and 7 contained an RdRp or replicase sequence which could be used for robust phylogenetic analysis. This study provides a sequence-independent pipeline for viral metagenomics analysis, and greatly expands our understanding of the diversity of viruses found in bee communities.
Interleukin-6/STAT3 signalling regulates adipocyte induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells
Authors: Gyamfi Jones , Lee Yun-Hee , Eom Minseob , Choi Junjeong
Published: June 2018

The tumour microenvironment is a key regulators of tumour progression through the secretion of growth factors that activate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Induction of EMT is a key step for transition from a benign state to a metastatic tumour. Adipose tissue forms a bulk portion of the breast cancer microenvironment, emerging evidence indicates the potential for adipocytes to influence tumour progression through the secretion of adipokines that can induce EMT. The molecular mechanisms underlying how adipocytes enhance breast cancer progression is largely unknown. We hypothesized that paracrine signalling by adipocytes can activate EMT and results in increased migration and invasion characteristics of breast cancer cells. We found that IL-6 secreted by adipocytes induce EMT in breast cancer cells. The effect of IL-6 expression on EMT is mediated through activation of the signal transducer and activated of transcription 3 (STAT3). Blocking of IL-6 signalling in breast cancer cells and adipocytes, decreased proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities and altered the expression of genes regulating EMT. Together, our results suggest that matured human adipocytes can enhance the aggressive behaviour of breast cancer cells and induce an EMT-phenotype through paracrine IL-6/STAT3 signalling.
Lung cellular senescence is independent of aging in a mouse model of COPD/emphysema
Authors: Rashid Kahkashan , Sundar Isaac K. , Gerloff Janice , Li Dongmei , Rahman Irfan
Published: June 2018

Cigarette smoke (CS) induces lung cellular senescence that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). How aging influences cellular senescence and other molecular hallmarks, and increases the risk of CS-induced damage remains unknown. We hypothesized that aging-associated changes in lungs worsen the COPD/emphysema by CS exposure. Younger and older groups of C57BL/6J mice were exposed to chronic CS for 6 months with respective age-matched air-exposed controls. CS caused a decline in lung function and affected the lung structure of both groups of mice. No alterations were observed in the induction of inflammatory mediators between the air-exposed younger and older controls, but aging increased the severity of CS-induced lung inflammation. Aging per se increased lung cellular senescence and significant changes in damage-associated molecular patterns marker S100A8. Gene transcript analysis using the nanoString nCounter showed a significant upregulation of key pro-senescence targets by CS (Mmp12, Ccl2, Cdkn2a, Tert, Wrn, and Bub1b). Aging independently influenced lung function and structure, as well as increased susceptibility to CS-induced inflammation in emphysema, but had a negligible effect on cellular senescence. Thus, aging solely does not contribute to the induction of cellular senescence by CS in a mouse model of COPD/emphysema.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Host for High Performance Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Lu , Cheah Kok Wai
Published: June 2018

Thermally activated delayed florescence (TADF) materials can be an efficient host in organic LED (OLED). It is because it is possible to couple energetically the emission energy level of a dopant to the energy levels in the TADF material. In this work fluorescent emitters 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1,1,7,7,-tetramethyl-1H,5 H,11H-10-(2-benzothiazolyl)quinolizino-9,9a,1gh coumarin (c545t) and 5,6,11,12-tetraphenyltetracene (rubrene) were used as dopants in a blended TADF host; tris(4-carbazoyl-9-ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) with 2,4,6-tris(3′-(pyridin-3-yl)biphenyl-3-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (Tm3PyBPZ). The blended TADF host has an energy difference between the singlet and triplet excited states (ΔEST) around 27 meV with the yield of reverse intersystem crossing (ФRISC) nearly 100%. This high ФRISC yield enhances the OLED performance with the c545t doped OLED having 11.9% external quantum efficiency and 10% for the rubrene doped OLED.
Selective binding of facial features reveals dynamic expression fragments
Authors: Harrison Charlotte , Binetti Nicola , Mareschal Isabelle , Johnston Alan
Published: June 2018

The temporal correspondence between two arbitrarily chosen pairs of alternating features can generally be reported for rates up to 3–4 Hz. This limit is however surpassed for specialised visual mechanisms that encode conjunctions of features. Here we show that this 3–4 Hz limit is exceeded for eye gaze and eyebrow pairing, but not for eye gaze and mouth pairing, suggesting combined eye and eyebrow motion constitutes a dynamic expression fragment; a building block of superordinate facial actions.
The relative contribution of causal factors in the transition from infection to clinical chlamydial disease
Authors: Quigley Bonnie L. , Carver Scott , Hanger Jon , Vidgen Miranda E. , Timms Peter
Published: June 2018

Chlamydia is a major bacterial pathogen in humans and animals globally. Yet 80% of infections never progress to clinical disease. Decades of research have generated an interconnected network linking pathogen, host, and environmental factors to disease expression, but the relative importance of these and whether they account for disease progression remains unknown. To address this, we used structural equation modeling to evaluate putative factors likely to contribute to urogenital and ocular chlamydial disease in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). These factors include Chlamydia detection, load, and ompA genotype; urogenital and ocular microbiomes; host sex, age, weight, body condition; breading season, time of year; location; retrovirus co-infection; and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) alleles. We show different microbiological processes underpin disease progression at urogenital and ocular sites. From each category of factors, urogenital disease was most strongly predicted by chlamydial PCR detection and load, koala body condition and environmental location. In contrast, ocular disease was most strongly predicted by phylum-level Chlamydiae microbiome proportions, sampling during breeding season and co-infection with koala retrovirus subtype B. Host MHCII alleles also contributed predictive power to both disease models. Our results also show considerable uncertainty remains, suggesting major causal mechanisms are yet to be discovered.
A data mining paradigm for identifying key factors in biological processes using gene expression data
Authors: Li Jin , Zheng Le , Uchiyama Akihiko , Bin Lianghua , Mauro Theodora M. , Elias Peter M. , Pawelczyk Tadeusz , Sakowicz-Burkiewicz Monika , Trzeciak Magdalena , Leung Donald Y. M. , Morasso Maria I. , Yu Peng
Published: June 2018

A large volume of biological data is being generated for studying mechanisms of various biological processes. These precious data enable large-scale computational analyses to gain biological insights. However, it remains a challenge to mine the data efficiently for knowledge discovery. The heterogeneity of these data makes it difficult to consistently integrate them, slowing down the process of biological discovery. We introduce a data processing paradigm to identify key factors in biological processes via systematic collection of gene expression datasets, primary analysis of data, and evaluation of consistent signals. To demonstrate its effectiveness, our paradigm was applied to epidermal development and identified many genes that play a potential role in this process. Besides the known epidermal development genes, a substantial proportion of the identified genes are still not supported by gain- or loss-of-function studies, yielding many novel genes for future studies. Among them, we selected a top gene for loss-of-function experimental validation and confirmed its function in epidermal differentiation, proving the ability of this paradigm to identify new factors in biological processes. In addition, this paradigm revealed many key genes in cold-induced thermogenesis using data from cold-challenged tissues, demonstrating its generalizability. This paradigm can lead to fruitful results for studying molecular mechanisms in an era of explosive accumulation of publicly available biological data.
Significance of NS5B Substitutions in Genotype 1b Hepatitis C Virus Evaluated by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Nakamura Shugo , Kouyama Jun-Ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Motoya Daisuke , Sugawara Kayoko , Inao Mie , Imai Yukinori , Nakayama Nobuaki , Tomiya Tomoaki , Hedskog Charlotte , Brainard Diana , Mo Hongmei , Mochida Satoshi
Published: June 2018

To evaluate the effects of HCV NS5B amino acid substitutions on treatment outcome in Ledipasvir (LDV)/Sofosbuvir (SOF) for Japanese patients with genotype 1b HCV infection, NS5B sequences were examined in i) seven patients experiencing virologic failure after LDV/SOF in real-world practice, ii) 109 SOF-naïve patients, iii) 165 patients enrolled in Phase-3 LDV/SOF trial. A218S and C316N were detected in all patients with viral relapse; the percentages of these substitutions in SOF-naïve patients were 64.2% and 55.0%, respectively. Genotype 1b HCV strains with NS5B-C316N mutation were located in the leaves different from those in which HCV strains without such substitutions were present on the phylogenetic tree. Structural modeling revealed that amino acid 218 was located on the surface of the NTP tunnel. Free energy analysis based on molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the free energy required to pass through the tunnel was larger for triphosphate SOF than for UTP in NS5B polymerase carrying A218S, but not in wild-type. However, no susceptibility change was observed for these substitutions to SOF in replicon assay. Furthermore, the SVR rate was 100% in patients enrolled the Phase-3 trial. In conclusion, NS5B A218S and C316N were detected in all patients who relapsed following LDV/SOF in real-world practice. These substitutions did not impact the overall SVR rate after LDV/SOF, however, further studies are needed to elucidate the impact of these substitutions.
Sensing Cell-Culture Assays with Low-Cost Circuitry
Authors: Pérez Pablo , Huertas Gloria , Maldonado-Jacobi Andrés , Martín María , Serrano Juan A. , Olmo Alberto , Daza Paula , Yúfera Alberto
Published: June 2018

An alternative approach for cell-culture end-point protocols is proposed herein. This new technique is suitable for real-time remote sensing. It is based on Electrical Cell-substrate Impedance Spectroscopy (ECIS) and employs the Oscillation-Based Test (OBT) method. Simple and straightforward circuit blocks form the basis of the proposed measurement system. Oscillation parameters – frequency and amplitude – constitute the outcome, directly correlated with the culture status. A user can remotely track the evolution of cell cultures in real time over the complete experiment through a web tool continuously displaying the acquired data. Experiments carried out with commercial electrodes and a well-established cell line (AA8) are described, obtaining the cell number in real time from growth assays. The electrodes have been electrically characterized along the design flow in order to predict the system performance and the sensitivity curves. Curves for 1-week cell growth are reported. The obtained experimental results validate the proposed OBT for cell-culture characterization. Furthermore, the proposed electrode model provides a good approximation for the cell number and the time evolution of the studied cultures.
Vitamin D exposure and Risk of Breast Cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Estébanez Nuria , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Palazuelos Camilo , Llorca Javier , Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad
Published: June 2018

The relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer is still controversial. The present meta-analysis examines the effects of the 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and vitamin D intake on breast cancer risk. For this purpose, a PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science-databases search was conducted including all papers published with the keywords “breast cancer” and “vitamin D” with at least one reported relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR). In total sixty eight studies published between 1998 and 2018 were analyzed. Information about type of study, hormonal receptors and menopausal status was retrieved. Pooled OR or RR were estimated by weighting individual OR/RR by the inverse of their variance Our study showed a protective effect between 25 (OH) D and breast cancer in both cohort studies (RR = 0.85, 95%CI:0.74–0.98) and case-control studies (OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.56–0.76). However, analyzing by menopausal status, the protective vitamin D – breast cancer association persisted only in the premenopausal group (OR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.49–0.92) when restricting the analysis to nested case-control studies. No significant association was found for vitamin D intake or 1,25(OH)2D. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests a protective relationship between circulating vitamin D (measured as 25(OH) D) and breast cancer development in premenopausal women.
Regulation of the β-hemolysin gene cluster of Streptococcus anginosus by CcpA
Authors: Bauer Richard , Mauerer Stefanie , Spellerberg Barbara
Published: June 2018

Streptococcus anginosus is increasingly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen. However, our knowledge about virulence determinants in this species is scarce. One exception is the streptolysin-S (SLS) homologue responsible for the β-hemolytic phenotype of the S. anginosus type strain. In S. anginosus the expression of the hemolysin is reduced in the presence of high glucose concentrations. To investigate the genetic mechanism of the hemolysin repression we created an isogenic ccpA deletion strain. In contrast to the wild type strain, this mutant exhibits hemolytic activity in presence of up to 25 mM glucose supplementation, a phenotype that could be reverted by ccpA complementation. To further demonstrate that CcpA directly regulates the hemolysin expression, we performed an in silico analysis of the promoter of the SLS gene cluster and we verified the binding of CcpA to the promoter by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. This allowed us to define the CcpA binding site in the SLS promoter region of S. anginosus. In conclusion, we report for the first time the characterization of a potential virulence regulator in S. anginosus.
Therapy Effects of Advanced Hypopharyngeal and Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evaluated using Dual-Energy CT Quantitative Parameters
Authors: Yang Liang , Luo Dehong , Yi Junlin , Li Lin , Zhao Yanfeng , Lin Meng , Guo Wei , Hu Lei , Zhou Chunwu
Published: June 2018

The accurate evaluation of the therapeutic effects of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC) remains challenging. In this study, we determined the value of quantitative parameters derived from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for predicting the therapeutic effects of advanced LHSCC and to provide valuable evidence for early judgement of the tumour’s response to therapy in clinical practice. We prospectively analysed 41 patients with pathologically confirmed LHSCC. All patients received a DECT scan before therapy. Nineteen of 41 patients showed complete remission (CR), and 22 showed non-complete remission (NCR). The mean of the slope of spectral Hounsfield unit curve (λHU), standardized iodine concentration and effective atomic number in the CR group were significantly lower than the NCR group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences for T stage, treatment modality and standardized water concentration between two groups (P > 0.05). The best predictor of CR effect was λHU. The 2-year cumulative recurrence rate of patients with higher λHU values was significantly higher than that of patients with lower λHU values (P < 0.05), while the 2-year survival rate of those patients was not significantly different (P > 0.05). DECT could easily identify CR patients and potentially help to choose the appropriate treatment regimen for advanced LHSCC.
Spring warming in Yukon mountains is not amplified by the snow albedo feedback
Authors: Williamson Scott N. , Anslow Faron S. , Clarke Garry K. C. , Gamon John A. , Jarosch Alexander H. , Hik David S.
Published: June 2018

Decreasing spring snow cover may amplify Arctic warming through the snow albedo feedback. To examine the impact of snowmelt on increasing temperature we used a 5,000 m elevation gradient in Yukon, Canada, extending from valley-bottom conifer forests, through middle elevation tundra, to high elevation icefields, to compare validated downscaled reanalysis air temperature patterns across elevational bands characterized by different patterns of spring snowmelt. From 2000 to 2014 we observed surface warming of 0.01 °C/a·1,000 m in May (0.14 °C/a at 1,000 m to 0.19 °C/a at 5,000 m), and uniform cooling of 0.09 °C/a in June at all elevations. May temperature trends across elevationally dependent land cover types were highly correlated with each other despite large variations in albedo and snow cover trends. Furthermore, a clear dependency of infrared skin temperature on snow cover mediated albedo decline was observed in tundra, but this was insufficient to influence average diurnal air temperature. We observed negative June temperature trends which we attribute to increasing daytime cloud cover because albedo and snow cover trends were unchanging. We conclude that 8-day and monthly averaged Spring air temperature trends are responding to a synoptic external forcing that is much stronger than the snow albedo feedback in sub-Arctic mountains.
Factors influencing the induction of high affinity antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens and how affinity changes over time
Authors: Tijani Muyideen K. , Reddy Sreenivasulu B. , Langer Christine , Beeson James G. , Wahlgren Mats , Nwuba Roseangela I. , Persson Kristina E. M.
Published: June 2018

Understanding the functional characteristics of naturally acquired antibodies against P. falciparum merozoite antigens is crucial for determining the protective functions of antibodies. Affinity (measured as kd) of naturally acquired antibodies against two key targets of acquired immunity, EBA175 and PfRh2, was determined using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) in a longitudinal survey in Nigeria. A majority of the participants, 79% and 67%, maintained stable antibody affinities to EBA175 and PfRh2, respectively, over time. In about 10% of the individuals, there was a reciprocal interaction with a reduction over time in antibody affinity for PfRh2 and an increase for EBA175. In general, PfRh2 elicited antibodies with higher affinity compared to EBA175. Individuals with higher exposure to malaria produced antibodies with higher affinity to both antigens. Younger individuals (5–15 years) produced comparable or higher affinity antibodies than adults (>15 years) against EBA175, but not for PfRh2. Correlation between total IgG (ELISA) and affinity varied between individuals, but PfRh2 elicited antibodies with a higher correlation in a majority of the participants. There was also a correlation between antibody inhibition of erythrocyte invasion by merozoites and PfRh2 affinity. This work gives new insights into the generation and maintenance of antibody affinity over time.
Metabolic Phenotyping of Anks3 Depletion in mIMCD-3 cells - a Putative Nephronophthisis Candidate
Authors: Schlimpert Manuel , Lagies Simon , Budnyk Vadym , Müller Barbara , Walz Gerd , Kammerer Bernd
Published: June 2018

Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive form of cystic kidney disease and the leading cause of hereditary kidney failure in children and young adults. Like other NPH proteins, the NPHP16/Anks6-interacting protein Anks3 has been identified to cause laterality defects in humans. However, the cellular functions of Anks3 remain enigmatic. We investigated the metabolic impact of Anks3 depletion in cultured murine inner medullary collecting duct cells via GC-MS profiling and LC-MS/MS analysis. Combined metabolomics successfully identified 155 metabolites; 48 metabolites were identified to be significantly altered by decreasing Anks3 levels. Especially, amino acid and purine/pyrimidine metabolism were affected by loss of Anks3. Branched-chain amino acids were identified to be significantly downregulated suggesting disrupted nutrient signalling. Tryptophan and 1-ribosyl-imidazolenicotinamide accumulated whereas NAD+ and NADP+ concentrations were diminished indicating disturbances within the tryptophan-niacin pathway. Most strikingly, nucleosides were reduced upon Anks3 depletion, while 5-methyluridine and 6-methyladenosine accumulated over time. Hence, elevated PARP1 and cleaved PARP1 levels could be detected. Furthermore, living cell number and viability was significantly declined. In combination, these results suggest that Anks3 may be involved in DNA damage responses by balancing the intracellular nucleoside pool.
Prenatal iron exposure and childhood type 1 diabetes
Authors: Størdal Ketil , McArdle Harry J. , Hayes Helen , Tapia German , Viken Marte K. , Lund-Blix Nicolai A. , Haugen Margaretha , Joner Geir , Skrivarhaug Torild , Mårild Karl , Njølstad Pål R. , Eggesbø Merete , Mandal Siddhartha , Page Christian M. , London Stephanie J. , Lie Benedicte A. , Stene Lars C.
Published: June 2018

Iron overload due to environmental or genetic causes have been associated diabetes. We hypothesized that prenatal iron exposure is associated with higher risk of childhood type 1 diabetes. In the Norwegian Mother and Child cohort study (n = 94,209 pregnancies, n = 373 developed type 1 diabetes) the incidence of type 1 diabetes was higher in children exposed to maternal iron supplementation than unexposed (36.8/100,000/year compared to 28.6/100,000/year, adjusted hazard ratio 1.33, 95%CI: 1.06–1.67). Cord plasma biomarkers of high iron status were non-significantly associated with higher risk of type 1 diabetes (ferritin OR = 1.05 [95%CI: 0.99–1.13] per 50 mg/L increase; soluble transferrin receptor: OR = 0.91 [95%CI: 0.81–1.01] per 0.5 mg/L increase). Maternal but not fetal HFE genotypes causing high/intermediate iron stores were associated with offspring diabetes (odds ratio: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.04, 2.02). Maternal anaemia or non-iron dietary supplements did not significantly predict type 1 diabetes. Perinatal iron exposures were not associated with cord blood DNA genome-wide methylation, but fetal HFE genotype was associated with differential fetal methylation near HFE. Maternal cytokines in mid-pregnancy of the pro-inflammatory M1 pathway differed by maternal iron supplements and HFE genotype. Our results suggest that exposure to iron during pregnancy may be a risk factor for type 1 diabetes in the offspring.
Bi-anisotropic Fano resonance in three-dimensional metamaterials
Authors: Moritake Yuto , Tanaka Takuo
Published: June 2018

We experimentally investigated the bi-anisotropic properties of Fano resonance in three-dimensional (3D) metamaterials. Fano resonance in 3D metamaterials arises from the interference of in-phase and anti-phase modes that originate from mode hybridization in coupled 3D split ring resonators (SRRs) with detuned resonant wavelengths. At Fano resonance, not only permittivity and permeability but also the bi-anisotropic parameter show doubly dispersive response. Manipulation of the bi-anisotropic response at Fano resonance was demonstrated through controlling the inversion symmetry of the 3D-SRRs. Improvement of inversion symmetry due to rotation of 3D-SRRs results in enhancement of magnetic response and inhibition of electric and bi-anisotropy responses at Fano resonance. Negligible electric and bi-anisotropic responses at Fano resonance were achieved due to the small radiative nature of the anti-phase mode. This bi-anisotropic Fano metamaterials with rich and tunable bi-anisotropy will extend the capabilities of new optical phenomena and broaden the applications of bi-anisotropic metamaterials.
Iron from a submarine source impacts the productive layer of the Western Tropical South Pacific (WTSP)
Authors: Guieu Cécile , Bonnet Sophie , Petrenko Anne , Menkes Christophe , Chavagnac Valérie , Desboeufs Karine , Maes Christophe , Moutin Thierry
Published: June 2018

In the Western Tropical South Pacific, patches of high chlorophyll concentrations linked to the occurrence of N2-fixing organisms are found in the vicinity of volcanic islands. The survival of these organisms relies on a high bioavailable iron supply whose origin and fluxes remain unknown. Here, we measured high dissolved iron (DFe) concentrations (up to 66 nM) in the euphotic layer, extending zonally over 10 degrees longitude (174 E−175 W) at ∼20°S latitude. DFe atmospheric fluxes were at the lower end of reported values of the remote ocean and could not explain the high DFe concentrations measured in the water column in the vicinity of Tonga. We argue that the high DFe concentrations may be sustained by a submarine source, also characterized by freshwater input and recorded as salinity anomalies by Argo float in situ measurements and atlas data. The observed negative salinity anomalies are reproduced by simulations from a general ocean circulation model. Submarine iron sources reaching the euphotic layer may impact nitrogen fixation across the whole region.
Using the Baidu Search Index to Predict the Incidence of HIV/AIDS in China
Authors: He Guangye , Chen Yunsong , Chen Buwei , Wang Hao , Shen Li , Liu Liu , Suolang Deji , Zhang Boyang , Ju Guodong , Zhang Liangliang , Du Sijia , Jiang Xiangxue , Pan Yu , Min Zuntao
Published: June 2018

Based on a panel of 30 provinces and a timeframe from January 2009 to December 2013, we estimate the association between monthly human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) incidence and the relevant Internet search query volumes in Baidu, the most widely used search engine among the Chinese. The pooled mean group (PMG) model show that the Baidu search index (BSI) positively predicts the increase in HIV/AIDS incidence, with a 1% increase in BSI associated with a 2.1% increase in HIV/AIDS incidence on average. This study proposes a promising method to estimate and forecast the incidence of HIV/AIDS, a type of infectious disease that is culturally sensitive and highly unevenly distributed in China; the method can be taken as a complement to a traditional HIV/AIDS surveillance system.
Impact of ConcanavalinA affinity in the intracellular fate of Protein Corona on Glucosamine Au nanoparticles
Authors: Di Silvio Desirè , Silvestri Alessandro , Lay Luigi , Polito Laura , Moya Sergio E.
Published: June 2018

Biological fate and toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) are connected to the interaction between NPs and the protein corona (PC) spontaneously forming around NPs in biological matrixes. PC is a dynamic entity that confers biological identity to NPs. In this work, fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) is used to study the impact of specific interactions between the NP surface and proteins on the intracellular fate of PC. The stability of the PC formed around glucosamide-functionalized Au-NPs from ConcanavalinA (ConA) or Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) is characterized by FCCS. The NPs show higher affinity for ConA and competitive assays show that ConA easily exchanges BSA. A549 cells are exposed to glucosamide-functionalized Au-NPs with preformed ConA and BSA PCs. Intracellularly the frequency of cross-correlation for Au NPs with ConA PC remains constant to a 70% value until 24 h while for BSA it decreases to a 15% during the same period. FCCS measurements in several locations in the cell point out a different level of aggregation for the NPs with either ConA or BSA PCs. Our results show that the affinity of NPs functionalized with a ligand with affinity for a specific protein in bulk is retained intracellularly influencing NP fate and translocation.
Selection and validation of reference genes for gene expression studies in Klebsiella pneumoniae using Reverse Transcription Quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Gomes Ana Érika Inácio , Stuchi Leonardo Prado , Siqueira Nathália Maria Gonçalves , Henrique João Batista , Vicentini Renato , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima , Darrieux Michelle , Ferraz Lúcio Fábio Caldas
Published: June 2018

For reliable results, Reverse Transcription Quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses depend on stably expressed reference genes for data normalization purposes.Klebsiella pneumoniaeis an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium that has become a serious threat worldwide. Unfortunately, there is no consensus for an ideal reference gene for RT-qPCR data normalization onK. pneumoniae. In this study, the expression profile of eleven candidate reference genes was assessed inK. pneumoniaecells submitted to various experimental conditions, and the expression stability of these candidate genes was evaluated using statistical algorithms BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, Delta CTand RefFinder. The statistical analyses rankedrecA,rho,proCandrpoDas the most suitable reference genes for accurate RT-qPCR data normalization inK. pneumoniae. The reliability of the proposed reference genes was validated by normalizing the relative expression of iron-regulated genes inK. pneumoniaecells submitted to iron-replete and iron-limited conditions. This work emphasizes that the stable expression of any potential reference candidate gene must be validated in each physiological condition or experimental treatment under study.
Attenuation of autophagy impacts on muscle fibre development, starvation induced stress and fibre regeneration following acute injury
Authors: Paolini Andrea , Omairi Saleh , Mitchell Robert , Vaughan Danielle , Matsakas Antonios , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Ricketts Thomas , Rubinsztein David C. , Patel Ketan
Published: June 2018

Autophagy has been implicated as a major factor in the development of a number of diseases of skeletal muscle. However, its role in skeletal muscle homeostasis is still evolving. We examined skeletal muscle architecture in a mouse model, Atg16L1, where autophagy is attenuated but importantly still present. We show that muscle fibres from Atg16L1 mice were smaller than wild-type counterparts, proving a role for this process in the growth of these cells. We show that mild attenuation of autophagy results in accelerated muscle loss during the initial phase of acute starvation. Furthermore, we show that regeneration of skeletal muscle following cardiotoxin (CTX) mediated injury is slower in the Atg16L1 mouse compared to wild-type. Lastly, we show that autophagy controls the integrity of the sarcolemma. Attenuated autophagy makes muscle fibres more susceptible to infiltration by circulating immunoglobulins following muscle injury with CTX. These fibres internalise dystrophin and nNOS. Importantly these fibres are able to restore dystrophin and nNOS localisation and do not die. In conclusion, these studies shed new light into the ability of skeletal muscle fibres to cope with injury and establish a link between the fine-tuning of autophagy and skeletal muscle regeneration.
Effects of brimonidine tartrate 0.1% ophthalmic solution on the pupil, refraction, and light reflex
Authors: Kato C. O. Sayaka , Shimizu Kimiya , Kamiya Kazutaka , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Igarashi Akihito
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to assess changes in pupil size, uncorrected visual acuity, refraction, and the direct and consensual light reflexes after instillation of brimonidine 0.1% in healthy subjects. The investigation comprised 46 eyes of 23 healthy subjects with no eye diseases in whom brimonidine 0.1% was instilled in the right eye. Pupil size was measured quantitatively under photopic and scotopic conditions, uncorrected visual acuity, refraction, and direct and consensual light reflexes before and at 1, 6, and 24 h after instillation. We found No significant change was found in refraction or uncorrected visual acuity (P = 0.999 and P = 0.998, respectively). A significant reduction in pupil size was observed under scotopic conditions at 1 h and 6 h after instillation (P = 0.007 and P = 0.005, respectively). The rate of pupil contraction and constriction speed measured by light reflexes were significantly increased at 1 h and 6 h after instillation (P = 0.021 and P = 0.033, respectively). Brimonidine 0.1% induced a significant reduction in pupil size under scotopic conditions without a significant change in refraction or visual acuity due to suppression of the sympathetic nervous system.
MiR-744-5p inducing cell death by directly targeting HNRNPC and NFIX in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Kleemann Michael , Schneider Helga , Unger Kristian , Sander Philip , Schneider E. Marion , Fischer-Posovszky Pamela , Handrick René , Otte Kerstin
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. The binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) results in mRNA cleavage or inhibition of the translational machinery leading to decreased protein levels. Various signalling pathways, including apoptosis are modulated by miRNAs. Here, we investigated the role of miR-744-5p in apoptosis signalling in ovarian cancer cell lines. MiR-744-5p expression was reduced in the cancer cell lines independent of the host gene MAP2K4. Overexpression of miR-744-5p activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in SKOV3, OVCAR3 and Cisplatin resistant (A2780-cis) and non-resistant A2780 cells leading to cell death. Notably, miR-744-5p overexpression together with Carboplatin treatment led to at least additive pro-apoptotic effects. Investigation of the apoptotic signalling pathways mediated by miR-744-5p revealed that its elevated expression directly downregulated mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor I X (NFIX) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC). HNRNPC caused diminished miR-21 expression and AKT phosphorylation, while NFIX decreased Bcl2 levels, leading to the detected pro-apoptotic effects. Finally, Kaplan-Meier-Plots showed a prolonged median disease-free survival in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma patients with high miR-744 expression.
High-performance symmetric supercapacitors based on carbon nanotube/graphite nanofiber nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Yongsheng , Jin Pan , Zhou Yatong , Zhu Yingchun
Published: June 2018

This work reports the nanocomposites of graphitic nanofibers (GNFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the electrode material for supercapacitors. The hybrid CNTs/GNFs was prepared via a synthesis route that involved catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The structure and morphology of CNTs/GNFs can be precisely controlled by adjusting the flow rates of reactant gases. The nest shape entanglement of CNTs and GNFs which could not only have high conductivity to facilitate ion transmission, but could also increase surface area for more electrolyte ions access. When assembled in a symmetric two-electrode system, the CNTs/GNFs-based supercapacitor showed a very good cycling stability of 96% after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. Moreover, CNTs/GNFs-based symmetric device can deliver a maximum specific energy of 72.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 686.0 W kg−1. The high performance of the hybrid performance can be attributed to the wheat like GNFs which provide sufficient accessible sites for charge storage, and the CNTs skeleton which provide channels for charge transport.
Metabolic surgery improves insulin resistance through the reduction of gut-secreted heat shock proteins
Authors: Angelini Giulia , Salinari Serenella , Bertuzzi Alessandro , Iaconelli Amerigo , Mingrone Geltrude
Published: June 2018

Metabolic surgery improves insulin resistance and is associated with the remission of type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. We find that human jejunal mucosa secretes heat shock proteins (HSPs) in vitro, in particular HSP70 and GRP78. Circulating levels of HSP70 are higher in people resistant to insulin, compared to the healthy and normalize after duodenal–jejunal bypass. Insulin sensitivity negatively correlates with the plasma level of HSP70, while body mass index does not. A high-energy diet increases the circulating levels of HSP70 and insulin resistance. HSP70 stimulates the accumulation of lipid droplets and inhibits Ser473 phosphorylation of Akt and glucose uptake in immortalized liver cells and peripheral blood cells. Serum depleted of HSPs, as well as the serum from the insulin-resistant people subjected to a duodenal–jejunal bypass, reverse these features, identifying gut-secreted HSPs as possible causes of insulin resistance. Duodenal–jejunal bypass might reduce the secretion of HSPs either by shortening the food transit or by decreasing the fat stimulation of endocrine cells.
Composite materials based on hybrid mesoporous solids for flow-through determination of ultratrace levels of Cd(ii)
Authors: Minaberry Yanina Susana , Stripeikis Jorge , Tudino Mabel
Published: June 2018

In this work we present a solid phase extraction (SPE) flow-through system coupled to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for the determination of Cd(ii) at ultratrace levels.
Halogen bonding driven crystal engineering of iodophthalonitrile derivatives
Authors: Ateş Özge Dilara , Zorlu Yunus , Kanmazalp Sibel Demir , Chumakov Yurii , Gürek Ayşe Gül , Ayhan Mehmet Menaf
Published: June 2018

Various halogen bonding driven crystal structures can be obtained by simple modifications of iodophthalonitrile derivatives.
Efficient and stable photocatalytic NO removal on C self-doped g-C3N4: electronic structure and reaction mechanism
Authors: Ran Maoxi , Li Jiarui , Cui Wen , Li Yuhan , Li Peidong , Dong Fan
Published: June 2018

The unique electronic structure of C self-doped g-C3N4 enables highly enhanced photocatalytic NO removal efficiency.
A novel 3D/2D CdIn2S4 nano-octahedron/ZnO nanosheet heterostructure: facile synthesis, synergistic effect and enhanced tetracycline hydrochloride photodegradation mechanism
Authors: Jiang Yinhua , Peng ZhiYuan , Wu Fengwei , Xiao Yan , Jing Xuan , Wang Lei , Liu Zhanchao , Zhang Jianming , Liu Yan , Ni Liang
Published: June 2018

The synergistic effect and the unique 3D/2D hybrid structure of CIS/ZO-x heterojunctions are primarily responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity.
High-coordinate CoII and FeII compounds constructed from an asymmetric tetradentate ligand show slow magnetic relaxation behavior
Authors: Huang Xing-Cai , Qi Zi-Yi , Ji Cheng-Long , Guo Yi-Ming , Yan Shi-Chang , Zhang Yi-Quan , Shao Dong , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: June 2018

A seven-coordinate CoII compound and an eight-coordinate FeII compound based on an asymmetric tetradentate ligand have been reported, and both of them exhibited slow magnetic relaxation behaviour.
Water oxidation by a copper(ii) complex: new findings, questions, challenges and a new hypothesis
Authors: Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi , Mehrabani Somayeh , Mousazade Younes , Hołyńska Małgorzata
Published: June 2018

We propose that an uncomplexed Cu(ii) ion or oxide is a candidate as a contributor to the observed catalysis in the presence of a Cu(ii) complex under water oxidation.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of m-amidophenol derivatives as a new class of antitubercular agents
Authors: Zhang Niu-niu , Liu Zhi-yong , Liang Jie , Tang Yun-xiang , Qian Lu , Gao Ya-min , Zhang Tian-yu , Yan Ming
Published: June 2018

m-Amidophenol derivatives were found to potently inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis strains H37Ra and H37Rv and clinically isolated multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains.
Nitro sulfonyl fluorides are a new pharmacophore for the development of antibiotics
Authors: Sadlowski Corinne , Park Bora , Araujo Borges Clarissa , Das Subhamoy , Lucas Kerr D. , He Maomao , Han Hesong , Riley Lee , Murthy Niren
Published: June 2018

The development of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria is a central problem in drug discovery.
Controllable spherical aggregation of monodisperse carbon nanodots
Authors: Kurdyukov Dmitry A. , Eurov Daniil A. , Rabchinskii Maxim K. , Shvidchenko Aleksandr V. , Baidakova Marina V. , Kirilenko Demid A. , Koniakhin Sergei V. , Shnitov Vladimir V. , Sokolov Vasily V. , Brunkov Pavel N. , Dideikin Artur T. , Sgibnev Yevgeniy M. , Mironov Leonid Yu. , Smirnov Dmitry A. , Vul’ Alexander Ya. , Golubev Valery G.
Published: June 2018

Monodisperse carbon nanodots (MCNDs) were fabricated. The prepared MCNDs form spherical porous aggregates.
Mussel-inspired construction of thermo-responsive double-hydrophilic diblock copolymers-decorated reduced graphene oxide as effective catalyst supports for highly dispersed superfine Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Duan Haichao , Yang Yu , Lü Jianhua , Lü Changli
Published: June 2018

We report a facile, mussel-inspired construction of a thermo-responsive diblock copolymer-anchored rGO support for superfine PdNPs with high catalytic activity.
Defect-induced betavoltaic enhancement in black titania nanotube arrays
Authors: Wang Na , Ma Yang , Chen Jiang , Chen Changsong , San Haisheng , Chen Jige , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: June 2018

Utilizing high-energy beta particles emitted from radioisotopes for long-lifetime betavoltaic cells is a great challenge due to their low energy conversion efficiency (ECE).
Enhanced Schottky effect of a 2D–2D CoP/g-C3N4 interface for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Wang Xiao-jing , Tian Xiao , Sun Ying-jie , Zhu Jia-yu , Li Fa-tang , Mu Hui-ying , Zhao Jun
Published: June 2018

The metallicity of CoP is confirmed via theoretical calculations and an enhanced Schottky effect in the 2D/2D structure is proposed.
A dual functional fluorogenic probe for visualization of intracellular pH and formaldehyde with distinct fluorescence signals
Authors: Xie Zhenda , Yin Biao , Shen Jiajie , Hong Danqi , Zhu Liquan , Ge Jingyan , Zhu Qing
Published: June 2018

We present a dual functional fluorescent probe (DPFP) for imaging pH and formaldehyde (FA) with distinct fluorescence signals.
A 3D bioinspired highly porous polymeric scaffolding system forin vitrosimulation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Totti Stella , Allenby Mark C. , Dos Santos Susana Brito , Mantalaris Athanasios , Velliou Eirini G.
Published: June 2018

A 3D biomimetic model forin vitrostudies of pancreatic cancer.
Direct heterobenzylic fluorination, difluorination and trifluoromethylthiolation with dibenzenesulfonamide derivatives
Authors: Meanwell Michael , Adluri Bharani Shashank , Yuan Zheliang , Newton Josiah , Prevost Philippe , Nodwell Matthew B. , Friesen Chadron M. , Schaffer Paul , Martin Rainer E. , Britton Robert
Published: June 2018

Transient sulfonylation of azaheterocycles by N-fluoro or N-trifluoromethylthio dibenzenesulfonimide enables heterobenzylic fluorination, difluorination and trifluoromethylthiolation.
In situ study of strontium segregation in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ in ambient atmospheres using high-temperature environmental scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Niania Mathew , Podor Renaud , Britton T. Ben , Li Cheng , Cooper Samuel J. , Svetkov Nikolai , Skinner Stephen , Kilner John
Published: June 2018

Samples of the solid oxide fuel cell cathode material La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) were annealed using HT-ESEM from room temperature to 1000 °C in atmospheres of pure oxygen, pure water and ambient lab air.