bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and quantification of offal content in ground beef meat using vibrational spectroscopic-based chemometric analysis
Authors: Hu Yaxi , Zou Liang , Huang Xiaolin , Lu Xiaonan
Published: November 2017

As less consumed animal by-product, beef and pork offal have chances to sneak into the authentic ground beef meat products, and thus a rapid and accurate detection and quantification technique is highly required. In this study, Fourier transformed-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was investigated to develop an optimized protocol for analyzing ground beef meat potentially adulterated with six types of beef and pork offal. Various chemometric models for classification and quantification were constructed for the collected FT-IR spectra. Applying optimized chemometric models, FT-IR spectroscopy could differentiate authentic beef meat from adulterated samples with >99% accuracy, to identify the type of offal in the sample with >80% confidence, and to quantify five types of offal in an accurate manner (R2 > 0.81). An optimized protocol was developed to authenticate ground beef meat as well as identify and quantify the offal adulterants using FT-IR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric models. This protocol offers a limit of detection <10% w/w of offal in ground beef meat and can be applied by governmental laboratories and food industry to rapidly monitor the integrity of ground beef meat products.
Feeding capability in the extinct giant Siamogale melilutra and comparative mandibular biomechanics of living Lutrinae
Authors: Tseng Z. Jack , Su Denise F. , Wang Xiaoming , White Stuart C. , Ji Xueping
Published: November 2017

At 50 kg in estimated weight, the extinct Siamogale melilutra is larger than all living otters, and ranks among the largest fossil otters. The biomechanical capability of S. melilutra jaws as related to their large size is unknown but crucial to reconstructing the species’ potentially unique ecological niche. Here we compare the mandibular biomechanics of S. melilutra using engineering-based performance measures against ten extant otter biomechanical models. Despite a wide range of feeding preferences from durophagy to piscivory, living otter species exhibit a linear relationship between mandible stiffness and volume, as expected in isometric model scaling. In contrast, S. melilutra models exhibit a six-fold increase in stiffness from expected stiffness-volume relationships calculated from extant species models. Unlike stiffness, mechanical efficiency of biting is conserved among living otters and in S. melilutra. These findings indicate that although similar to living bunodont otters in morphology and biting efficiency, jaw strength in S. melilutra far surpasses molluscivores such as sea otters and Cape clawless otters, even after accounting for size. Therefore, Siamogale represents a feeding ecomorphology with no living analog, and its giant size and high mandibular strength confer shell-crushing capability matched only by other extinct molluscivores such as the marine bear Kolponomos.
The NOD2 receptor is crucial for immune responses towards New World Leishmania species
Authors: dos Santos Jéssica Cristina , Damen Michelle S. M. A. , Oosting Marije , de Jong Dirk J. , Heinhuis Bas , Gomes Rodrigo Saar , Araújo Carla Santos , Netea Mihai G. , Ribeiro-Dias Fátima , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: November 2017

American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis is a chronic infection caused by Leishmania protozoan. It is not known whether genetic variances in NOD-like receptor (NLR) family members influence the immune response towards Leishmania parasites and modulate intracellular killing. Using functional genomics, we investigated whether genetic variants in NOD1 or NOD2 influence the production of cytokines by human PBMCs exposed to Leishmania. In addition, we examined whether recognition of Leishmania by NOD2 contributes to intracellular killing. Polymorphisms in the NOD2 gene decreased monocyte- and lymphocyte-derived cytokine production after stimulation with L. amazonensis or L. braziliensis compared to individuals with a functional NOD2 receptor. The phagolysosome formation is important for Leishmania-induced cytokine production and upregulation of NOD2 mRNA expression. NOD2 is crucial to control intracellular infection caused by Leishmania spp. NOD2 receptor is important for Leishmania recognition, the control of intracellular killing, and the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses.
The Kunitz Domain I of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator Inhibitor-2 Inhibits Matriptase Activity and Invasive Ability of Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Shang-Ru , Teng Chen-Hsin , Tu Ya-Ting , Ko Chun-Jung , Cheng Tai-Shan , Lan Shao-Wei , Lin Hsin-Ying , Lin Hsin-Hsien , Tu Hsin-Fang , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Huang Hsiang-Po , Chen Chung-Hsin , Lee Ming-Shyue
Published: November 2017

Dysregulation of pericellular proteolysis is often required for tumor invasion and cancer progression. It has been shown that down-regulation of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-2 (HAI-2) results in activation of matriptase (a membrane-anchored serine protease), human prostate cancer cell motility and tumor growth. In this study, we further characterized if HAI-2 was a cognate inhibitor for matriptase and identified which Kunitz domain of HAI-2 was required for inhibiting matriptase and human prostate cancer cell motility. Our results show that HAI-2 overexpression suppressed matriptase-induced prostate cancer cell motility. We demonstrate that HAI-2 interacts with matriptase on cell surface and inhibits matriptase proteolytic activity. Moreover, cellular HAI-2 harnesses its Kunitz domain 1 (KD1) to inhibit matriptase activation and prostate cancer cell motility although recombinant KD1 and KD2 of HAI-2 both show an inhibitory activity and interaction with matriptase protease domain. The results together indicate that HAI-2 is a cognate inhibitor of matriptase, and KD1 of HAI-2 plays a major role in the inhibition of cellular matritptase activation as well as human prostate cancer invasion.
Clinically Meaningful Improvements in LUTS/BPH Severity in Men Treated with Silodosin Plus Hexanic Extract of Serenoa Repens or Silodosin Alone
Authors: Boeri Luca , Capogrosso Paolo , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Cazzaniga Walter , Pederzoli Filippo , Moretti Donatella , Dehò Federico , Montanari Emanuele , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: November 2017

To assess the rate and predictors of clinically meaningful improvements (CMI) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) treated with either silodosin (SIL) alone or with a combination of SIL+ serenoa repens (Ser) hexanic lipidosterolic extract for ≥12 months. Data from 186 patients were collected. Patients completed the International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS) at baseline and at follow-up assessment. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested rates and predictors of CMI. Two CMI were assessed: 1) >3 points improvement in total IPSS from baseline to end (CMI#1); 2) >25% IPSS improvement from baseline to end (CMI#2). Overall, 93 (50%) patients were treated with SIL and SIL+ Ser, respectively. At a mean 13.5-mos follow-up [range: 12–20], mean IPSS scores were significantly lower in patients treated with SIL + Ser compared to those after SIL (p = 0.002). SIL + Ser patients more frequently achieved CMI#1 (69.9% vs. 30.1%, p = 0.001) and CMI#2 (68.8% vs. 31.2%, p < 0.001) compared SIL men. At multivariable analyses, younger age, IPSS severity and SIL + Ser (all p < 0.03) were independent predictors of CMI#1 and CMI#2. In conclusion, SIL + Ser therapy was more effective than SIL alone in improving IPSS scores in men with LUTS. SIL + Ser treatment led to CMIs in up to seven out of ten men.
Spatio-temporal trends in crop damage inform recent climate-mediated expansion of a large boreal herbivore into an agro-ecosystem
Authors: Laforge Michel P. , Michel Nicole L. , Brook Ryan K.
Published: November 2017

Large-scale climatic fluctuations have caused species range shifts. Moose (Alces alces) have expanded their range southward into agricultural areas previously not considered moose habitat. We found that moose expansion into agro-ecosystems is mediated by broad-scale climatic factors and access to high-quality forage (i.e., crops). We used crop damage records to quantify moose presence across the Canadian Prairies. We regressed latitude of crop damage against North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and crop area to test the hypotheses that NAO-mediated wetland recharge and occurrence of more nutritious crop types would result in more frequent occurrences of crop damage by moose at southerly latitudes. We examined local-scale land use by generating a habitat selection model to test our hypothesis that moose selected for areas of high crop cover in agro-ecosystems. We found that crop damage by moose occurred farther south during dry winters and in years with greater coverage of oilseeds. The results of our analyses support our hypothesis that moose movement into cropland is mediated by high-protein crops, but not by thermoregulatory habitat at the scale examined. We conclude that broad-scale climate combined with changing land-use regimes are causal factors in species’ range shifts and are important considerations when studying changing animal distributions.
Imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos insecticides impair migratory ability in a seed-eating songbird
Authors: Eng Margaret L. , Stutchbury Bridget J. M. , Morrissey Christy A.
Published: November 2017

Birds that travel long distances between their wintering and breeding grounds may be particularly susceptible to neurotoxic insecticides, but the influence of insecticides on migration ability is poorly understood. Following acute exposure to two widely used agricultural insecticides, imidacloprid (neonicotinoid) and chlorpyrifos (organophosphate), we compared effects on body mass, migratory activity and orientation in a seed-eating bird, the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). During spring migration, sparrows were captured, held and dosed by gavage daily for 3 days with either the vehicle control, low (10% LD50) or high (25% LD50) doses of imidacloprid or chlorpyrifos and tested in migratory orientation trials pre-exposure, post-exposure and during recovery. Control birds maintained body mass and a seasonally appropriate northward orientation throughout the experiment. Imidacloprid dosed birds exhibited significant declines in fat stores and body mass (mean loss: −17% low, −25% high dose) and failed to orient correctly. Chlorpyrifos had no overt effects on mass but significantly impaired orientation. These results suggest that wild songbirds consuming the equivalent of just four imidacloprid-treated canola seeds or eight chlorpyrifos granules per day over 3 days could suffer impaired condition, migration delays and improper migratory direction, which could lead to increased risk of mortality or lost breeding opportunity.
A facile hydrothermal approach for the density tunable growth of ZnO nanowires and their electrical characterizations
Authors: Boubenia S. , Dahiya A. S. , Poulin-Vittrant G. , Morini F. , Nadaud K. , Alquier D.
Published: November 2017

Controlling properties of one-dimensional (1D) semiconducting nanostructures is essential for the advancement of electronic devices. In this work, we present a low-temperature hydrothermal growth process enabling density control of aligned high aspect ratio ZnO nanowires (NWs) on seedless Au surface. A two order of magnitude change in ZnO NW density is demonstrated via careful control of the ammonium hydroxide concentration (NH4OH) in the solution. Based on the experimental observations, we further, hypothesized the growth mechanism leading to the density controlled growth of ZnO NWs. Moreover, the effect of NH4OH on the electrical properties of ZnO NWs, such as doping and field-effect mobility, is thoroughly investigated by fabricating single nanowire field-effect transistors. The electrical study shows the increase of free charge density while decrease of mobility in ZnO NWs with the increase of NH4OH concentration in the growth solution. These findings show that NH4OH can be used for simultaneous tuning of the NW density and electrical properties of the ZnO NWs grown by hydrothermal approach. The present work will guide the engineers and researchers to produce low-temperature density controlled aligned 1D ZnO NWs over wide range of substrates, including plastics, with tunable electrical properties.
Significance of dopamine D1 receptor signalling for steroidogenic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Sone Masakatsu , Honda-Kohmo Kyoko , Toyohara Takafumi , Sonoyama Takuhiro , Taura Daisuke , Kojima Katsutoshi , Fukuda Yorihide , Ohno Youichi , Inoue Mayumi , Ohta Akira , Osafune Kenji , Nakao Kazuwa , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: November 2017

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are expected to be both a revolutionary cell source for regenerative medicine and a powerful tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying human cell development in vitro. In the present study, we tried to elucidate the steroidogenic differentiation processes using hiPSC-derived intermediate mesoderm (IM) that is known to be the origin of the human adrenal cortex and gonads. We first performed chemical screening to identify small molecules that induce steroidogenic differentiation of IM cells expressing Odd-skipped related 1 (OSR1), an early IM marker. We identified cabergoline as an inducer of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an essential enzyme for adrenogonadal steroidogenesis. Although cabergoline is a potent dopamine D2 receptor agonist, additional experiments showed that cabergoline exerted effects as a low-affinity agonist of D1 receptors by increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. Further analysis of OSR1+ cells transfected with steroidogenic factor-1/adrenal 4 binding protein revealed that D1 receptor agonist upregulated expression of various steroidogenic enzymes and increased secretion of steroid hormones synergistically with adrenocorticotropic hormone. These results suggest the importance of dopamine D1 receptor signalling in steroidogenic differentiation, which contributes to effective induction of steroidogenic cells from hiPSCs.
Acoustic Mapping of Thermohaline Staircases in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Stranne Christian , Mayer Larry , Weber Thomas C. , Ruddick Barry R. , Jakobsson Martin , Jerram Kevin , Weidner Elizabeth , Nilsson Johan , Gårdfeldt Katarina
Published: November 2017

Although there is enough heat contained in inflowing warm Atlantic Ocean water to melt all Arctic sea ice within a few years, a cold halocline limits upward heat transport from the Atlantic water. The amount of heat that penetrates the halocline to reach the sea ice is not well known, but vertical heat transport through the halocline layer can significantly increase in the presence of double diffusive convection. Such convection can occur when salinity and temperature gradients share the same sign, often resulting in the formation of thermohaline staircases. Staircase structures in the Arctic Ocean have been previously identified and the associated double diffusive convection has been suggested to influence the Arctic Ocean in general and the fate of the Arctic sea ice cover in particular. A central challenge to understanding the role of double diffusive convection in vertical heat transport is one of observation. Here, we use broadband echo sounders to characterize Arctic thermohaline staircases at their full vertical and horizontal resolution over large spatial areas (100 s of kms). In doing so, we offer new insight into the mechanism of thermohaline staircase evolution and scale, and hence fluxes, with implications for understanding ocean mixing processes and ocean-sea ice interactions.
Observer’s anxiety facilitates magnocellular processing of clear facial threat cues, but impairs parvocellular processing of ambiguous facial threat cues
Authors: Im Hee Yeon , Adams Reginald B. , Boshyan Jasmine , Ward Noreen , Cushing Cody A. , Kveraga Kestutis
Published: November 2017

Facial expression and eye gaze provide a shared signal about threats. While a fear expression with averted gaze clearly points to the source of threat, direct-gaze fear renders the source of threat ambiguous. Separable routes have been proposed to mediate these processes, with preferential attunement of the magnocellular (M) pathway to clear threat, and of the parvocellular (P) pathway to threat ambiguity. Here we investigated how observers’ trait anxiety modulates M- and P-pathway processing of clear and ambiguous threat cues. We scanned subjects (N = 108) widely ranging in trait anxiety while they viewed fearful or neutral faces with averted or directed gaze, with the luminance and color of face stimuli calibrated to selectively engage M- or P-pathways. Higher anxiety facilitated processing of clear threat projected to M-pathway, but impaired perception of ambiguous threat projected to P-pathway. Increased right amygdala reactivity was associated with higher anxiety for M-biased averted-gaze fear, while increased left amygdala reactivity was associated with higher anxiety for P-biased, direct-gaze fear. This lateralization was more pronounced with higher anxiety. Our findings suggest that trait anxiety differentially affects perception of clear (averted-gaze fear) and ambiguous (direct-gaze fear) facial threat cues via selective engagement of M and P pathways and lateralized amygdala reactivity.
Characterization of mammary-specific disruptions for Tph1 and Lrp5 during murine lactation
Authors: Weaver Samantha R. , Jury Nicholas J. , Gregerson Karen A. , Horseman Nelson D. , Hernandez Laura L.
Published: November 2017

Serotonin is a homeostatic regulator of the mammary gland during lactation. The contribution of mammary-derived serotonin to circulating serum serotonin concentrations was previously unknown. We have developed mice with mammary-specific disruptions of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) or low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (Lrp5) that are induced during late pregnancy and lactation via use of the whey acidic protein (WAP)-Crecre-lox system. Our objective was to characterize dams with a lactation- and mammary-specific disruption ofLrp5(WAP-Cre × Lrp5FL/FL) orTph1(WAP-Cre × Tph1FL/FL). Milk yield and pup weights were recorded throughout lactation. Dams were euthanized on d10 postpartum and mammary glands and duodenal tissue were harvested.WAP-Cre × Lrp5FL/FLdams had elevated serotonin concentrations in both the mammary gland and circulation compared to controls. In contrast,WAP-Cre × Tph1FL/FLdams had decreased mammary gland and serum serotonin concentrations compared to controls. Alveolar morphology, milk yield, and pup weights were similar. Mammary-derived serotonin makes a significant contribution to circulating serotonin concentrations during lactation, with no effect on milk yield or alveolar morphology. These transgenic models can and should be confidently used in future lactation studies to further elucidate the contribution of serotonin to the maintenance of lactation.
The liver protection of propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate preconditioning against ischemia reperfusion injury: focusing MAPK pathway activity
Authors: Xu Shizan , Niu Peiqin , Chen Kan , Xia Yujing , Yu Qiang , Liu Ning , Li Jingjing , Li Sainan , Wu Liwei , Feng Jiao , Wang Wenwen , Lu Xiya , Liu Tong , Wang Fan , Dai Weiqi , Fan Xiaoming , Mo Wenhui , Xu Ling , Guo Chuanyong
Published: November 2017

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with liver surgery. This study investigated the protective function and mechanism of propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate (PSS), a sulfated polysaccharide, in a mouse hepatic IR injury model. PSS (25 or 50 mg/kg) or saline were injected intraperitoneally to male Balb/c mice 1 h before 45 min of 70% warm hepatic ischemia and 2, 8, and 24 h of reperfusion. Serum and liver tissue samples were collected for evaluation of hepatocellular damage, liver histology, and assay of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins, and proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs). Histological injury and release of transaminases, and inflammatory cytokine production were significantly reduced by PSS pretreatment. The expression of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins, and the activation of MAPK signal, including jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and P38 were all affected by PSS treatment compared with IR model controls. PSS protected the liver from IR injury by suppressing the MAPK signaling and down-regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
Grazing exclusion by fencing non-linearly restored the degraded alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Jianshuang , Feng Yunfei , Zhang Xianzhou , Wurst Susanne , Tietjen Britta , Tarolli Paolo , Song Chunqiao
Published: November 2017

Resilience is an important aspect of the non-linear restoration of disturbed ecosystems. Fenced grassland patches on the northern Tibetan Plateau can be used to examine the resistance and resilience of degraded alpine grasslands to grazing and to a changing climate. To examine the non-linearity of restoration, we used moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for productivity during a ten-year restoration by fencing. Degraded alpine grasslands exhibited three restoration trajectories: an equilibrium in meadows, a non-linear increase across steppes, and an abrupt impulse in desert-steppes following a slight increase in productivity. Combined with weather conditions, the ten-year grazing exclusion has successfully enhanced the NDVI on the most degraded steppes, but did not do so efficiently on either meadows or desert-steppes. Warming favors the NDVI enhancement of degraded meadows, but higher temperatures limited the restoration of degraded steppes and desert-steppes. Precipitation is necessary to restore degraded alpine grasslands, but more precipitation might be useless for meadows due to lower temperatures and for desert-steppes due to limitations caused by the small species pool. We suggest that detailed field observations of community compositional changes are necessary to better understand the mechanisms behind such non-linear ecological restorations.
Flexible Fe3O4@Carbon Nanofibers Hierarchically Assembled with MnO2 Particles for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Iqbal Nousheen , Wang Xianfeng , Babar Aijaz Ahmed , Zainab Ghazala , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: November 2017

Increasing use of wearable electronic devices have resulted in enhanced demand for highly flexible supercapacitor electrodes with superior electrochemical performance. In this study, flexible composite membranes with electrosprayed MnO2 particles uniformly anchored on Fe3O4 doped electrospun carbon nanofibers (Fe3O4@CNFMn) have been prepared as flexible electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors. The interconnected porous beaded structure ensures free movement of electrolyte within the composite membranes, therefore, the developed supercapacitor electrodes not only offer high specific capacitance of ~306 F/g, but also exhibit good capacitance retention of ~85% after 2000 cycles, which certify that the synthesized electrodes offer high and stable electrochemical performance. Additionally, the supercapacitors fabricated from our developed electrodes well maintain their performance under flexural stress and exhibit a very minute change in specific capacitance even up to 180° bending angle. The developed electrode fabrication strategy integrating electrospinning and electrospray techniques paves new insights into the development of potential functional nanofibrous materials for light weight and flexible wearable supercapacitors.
Differential T Cell Signaling Pathway Activation by Tacrolimus and Belatacept after Kidney Transplantation: Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomised-Controlled Trial
Authors: Kannegieter Nynke M. , Hesselink Dennis A. , Dieterich Marjolein , de Graav Gretchen N. , Kraaijeveld Rens , Baan Carla C.
Published: November 2017

Pharmacokinetic immunosuppressive drug monitoring poorly correlates with clinical outcomes after solid organ transplantation. A promising method for pharmacodynamic monitoring of tacrolimus (TAC) in T cell subsets of transplant recipients might be the measurement of (phosphorylated) p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and Akt (activated downstream of the T cell receptor) by phospho-specific flow cytometry. Here, blood samples from n = 40 kidney transplant recipients (treated with either TAC-based or belatacept (BELA)-based immunosuppressive drug therapy) were monitored before and throughout the first year after transplantation. After transplantation and in unstimulated samples, p-p38MAPK and p-Akt were inhibited in CD8+ T cells and p-ERK in CD4+ T cells but only in patients who received TAC-based therapy. After activation with PMA/ionomycin, p-p38MAPK and p-AKT were significantly inhibited in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when TAC was given, compared to pre-transplantation. Eleven BELA-treated patients had a biopsy-proven acute rejection, which was associated with higher p-ERK levels in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared to patients without rejection. In conclusion, phospho-specific flow cytometry is a promising tool to pharmacodynamically monitor TAC-based therapy. In contrast to TAC-based therapy, BELA-based immunosuppression does not inhibit key T cell activation pathways which may contribute to the high rejection incidence among BELA-treated transplant recipients.
Potential damaging mutation in LRP5 from genome sequencing of the first reported chimpanzee with the Chiari malformation
Authors: Solis-Moruno Manuel , de Manuel Marc , Hernandez-Rodriguez Jessica , Fontsere Claudia , Gomara-Castaño Alba , Valsera-Naranjo Cristina , Crailsheim Dietmar , Navarro Arcadi , Llorente Miquel , Riera Laura , Feliu-Olleta Olga , Marques-Bonet Tomas
Published: November 2017

The genus Pan is the closest related to humans (Homo sapiens) and it includes two species: Pan troglodytes (chimpanzees) and Pan paniscus (bonobos). Different characteristics, some of biomedical aspect, separate them from us. For instance, some common human medical conditions are rare in chimpanzees (menopause, Alzheimer disease) although it is unclear to which extent longevity plays an active role in these differences. However, both humans and chimpanzees present similar pathologies, thus, understanding traits in chimpanzees can help unravel the molecular basis of human conditions. Here, we sequenced the genome of Nico, a central chimpanzee diagnosed with a particular biomedical condition, the Chiari malformation. We performed a variant calling analysis comparing his genome to 25 whole genomes from healthy individuals (bonobos and chimpanzees), and after predicting the effects of the genetic variants, we looked for genes within the OMIM database. We found a novel, private, predicted as damaging mutation in Nico in LRP5, a gene related to bone density alteration pathologies, and we suggest a link between this mutation and his Chiari malformation as previously shown in humans. Our results reinforce the idea that a comparison between humans and chimpanzees can be established in this genetic frame of common diseases.
Induction of glucose uptake in skeletal muscle by central leptin is mediated by muscle β2-adrenergic receptor but not by AMPK
Authors: Shiuchi Tetsuya , Toda Chitoku , Okamoto Shiki , Coutinho Eulalia A. , Saito Kumiko , Miura Shinji , Ezaki Osamu , Minokoshi Yasuhiko
Published: November 2017

Leptin increases glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in red-type skeletal muscle. However, the mechanism remains unknown. We have investigated the role of β2-adrenergic receptor (AR), the major β-AR isoform in skeletal muscle, and AMPK in leptin-induced muscle glucose uptake of mice. Leptin injection into the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) increased 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) uptake in red-type skeletal muscle in wild-type (WT) mice accompanied with increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR) and Akt as well as of norepinephrine (NE) turnover in the muscle. Leptin-induced 2DG uptake was not observed in β-AR-deficient (β-less) mice despite that AMPK phosphorylation was increased in the muscle. Forced expression of β2-AR in the unilateral hind limb of β-less mice restored leptin-induced glucose uptake and enhancement of insulin signalling in red-type skeletal muscle. Leptin increased 2DG uptake and enhanced insulin signalling in red-type skeletal muscle of mice expressing a dominant negative form of AMPK (DN-AMPK) in skeletal muscle. Thus, leptin increases glucose uptake and enhances insulin signalling in red-type skeletal muscle via activation of sympathetic nerves and β2-AR in muscle and in a manner independent of muscle AMPK.
Detection of genomic loci associated with chromosomal recombination using high-density linkage mapping in Setaria
Authors: Jia Guanqing , Wang Haigang , Tang Sha , Zhi Hui , Liu Sichen , Wen Qifen , Qiao Zhijun , Diao Xianmin
Published: November 2017

Meiotic recombination is essential to sexual reproduction and the generation of genetic diversity. Variation in recombination rates is presently of particular interest due to efforts being made to increase the rate of genetic gain in agricultural crops by breaking up large linkage disequilibrium blocks containing both beneficial and detrimental alleles. Here, a high-density genetic linkage map of Setaria was constructed using tunable genotyping by sequencing (tGBS) analysis of a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Several regions of the Setaria genome exhibited significant levels of segregation distortion (SD), and recombination crossovers (COs) were also detected. The regions with high SD generally tended to have fewer COs, particularly for pericentromeric chromosomal areas. Recombination crossovers detected in Setaria were unevenly distributed across the genome and occurred more often in intergenic regions. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) contributing towards the recombination frequency (Type I) and occurrence of COs in designated loci (Type II) were identified, and Type II QTLs garnered higher statistical power. The result of this study suggest that QTLs analysis of Type II traits using RILs might provide an opportunity to further understand meiotic recombination using high throughput genome sequencing and genotyping technologies.
Field-relevant doses of the systemic insecticide fipronil and fungicide pyraclostrobin impair mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands in nurse honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Zaluski Rodrigo , Justulin Luis Antonio , Orsi Ricardo de Oliveira
Published: November 2017

Global decreases in bee populations emphasize the importance of assessing how environmental stressors affect colony maintenance, especially considering the extreme task specialization observed in honeybee societies. Royal jelly, a protein secretion essential to colony nutrition, is produced by nurse honeybees, and development of bee mandibular glands, which comprise a reservoir surrounded by secretory cells and hypopharyngeal glands that are shaped by acini, is directly associated with production of this secretion. Here, we examined individual and combined effects of the systemic fungicide pyraclostrobin and insecticide fipronil in field-relevant doses (850 and 2.5 ppb, respectively) on mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands in nurse honeybees. Six days of pesticide treatment decreased secretory cell height in mandibular glands. When pyraclostrobin and fipronil were combined, the reservoir volume in mandibular glands also decreased. The total number of acini in hypopharyngeal glands was not affected, but pesticide treatment reduced the number of larger acini while increasing smaller acini. These morphological impairments appeared to reduce royal jelly secretion by nurse honeybees and consequently hampered colony maintenance. Overall, pesticide exposure in doses close to those experienced by bees in the field impaired brood-food glands in nurse honeybees, a change that could negatively influence development, survival, and colony maintenance.
The gene fmt, encoding tRNAfMet-formyl transferase, is essential for normal growth of M. bovis, but not for viability
Authors: Vanunu Miriam , Lang Ziv , Barkan Daniel
Published: November 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major health threat, necessitating novel drug targets. Protein synthesis in bacteria uses initiator tRNAi charged with formylated methionine residue. Deletion of the formylase gene, tRNAfMet-formyl transferase (fmt), causes severe growth-retardation in E. coli and in S. pneumoniae, but not in P. aeruginosa or S. aureus. fmt was predicted to be essential in M. tuberculosis by transposon library analysis, but this was never formally tested in any mycobacteria. We performed a targeted deletion of fmt in M. smegmatis as well as Mtb-complex (M. bovis). In both cases, we created a mero-diploid strain, deleted the native gene by two-step allelic exchange or specialized-phage transduction, and then removed the complementing gene to create full deletion mutants. In M. smegmatis a full deletion strain could be easily created. In contrast, in M. bovis-BCG, a full deletion strain could only be created after incubation of 6 weeks, with a generation time ~2 times longer than for wt bacteria. Our results confirm the importance of this gene in pathogenic mycobacteria, but as the deletion mutant is viable, validity of fmt as a drug target remains unclear. Our results also refute the previous reports that fmt is essential in M. tuberculosis-complex.
Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite-extract acts as a potent immunomodulator against allergic sensitization and airway inflammation
Authors: Drinić Mirjana , Wagner Angelika , Sarate Priya , Zwicker Christian , Korb Elke , Loupal Gerhard , Peschke Roman , Joachim Anja , Wiedermann Ursula , Schabussova Irma
Published: November 2017

Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown an inverse relationship between infections with certain parasites and a reduced incidence of allergic diseases. We and others have shown that infection with Toxoplasma gondii prevents the development of allergy in mice. To establish whether this beneficial effect could be recapitulated by soluble products of this parasite, we tested an extract derived from T. gondii tachyzoites. Immunization of BALB/c mice with tachyzoites lysate antigen (TLA) elicited mixed Th1/Th2 responses. When TLA was applied together with the sensitizing ovalbumin (OVA), the development of allergic airway inflammation was reduced, with decreased airway hyperresponsiveness associated with reduced peribronchial and perivascular cellular infiltration, reduced production of OVA-specific Th2 cytokines in lungs and spleens and reduced levels of serum OVA-specific IgG1 as well as IgE-dependent basophil degranulation. Of note, TLA retained its immunomodulatory properties, inducing high levels of IL-6, TNFα, IL-10 and IL-12p70 in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells after heat-inactivation or proteinase K-treatment for disruption of proteins, but not after sodium metaperiodate-treatment that degrades carbohydrate structures, suggesting that carbohydrates may play a role in immunomodulatory properties of TLA. Here we show that extracts derived from parasites may replicate the benefits of parasitic infection, offering new therapies for immune-mediated disorders.
Unlocking the biomineralization style and affinity of Paleozoic fusulinid foraminifera
Authors: Dubicka Zofia , Gorzelak Przemysław
Published: November 2017

Fusulinids are the most diverse, abundant and geographically widespread Paleozoic foraminifera which are widely considered to possess a “homogeneously microgranular” test microstructure composed of subangular grains of several micrometers in size. However, this texture appears to be a diagenetic artifact. Here we describe well-preserved Devonian calcareous fusulinids (Nanicella) from the Holy Cross Mountains (HCM) in central Poland. Foraminifera from Poland in which the primary nature of tests have not been masked by diagenesis are composed of low magnesium calcite spherical grains up to about 100 nanometers in diameter, identical to those observed in Recent and fossil hyaline foraminifera (Rotaliida, Globothalamea). These data call the paradigm of microgranular test microstructure of Foraminifera into question, and suggest a possible phylogenetic relationship between globothalamids and some fusulinids.
The role of TLRs in cervical cancer with HPV infection: a review
Authors: Yang Xiao , Cheng Yanxiang , Li Chunsheng
Published: November 2017

The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV), but not all human papilloma virus (HPV) infections lead to cervical cancer. The key factors that determine the outcome of HPV infection remain poorly understood, and how the host immune system protects against HPV infection is unclear. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a group of pattern recognition receptors present in the cytoplasm and cell membrane, and can specifically recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns. As the key molecules of innate and acquired immunity, TLRs not only play important roles in the immune defense against infectious diseases, but also are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. In cervical cancer caused by HR-HPV infection, TLRs have been found to regulate the local immune microenvironment. The role of TLRs in HR-HPV infection and HPV-induced cervical cancer and its relationship with HPV vaccine are reviewed in this article.
Magnetic bead-based peptide extraction methodology for tissue imaging
Authors: Andrews William T. , Skube Susan B. , Hummon Amanda B.
Published: November 2017

MALDI-TOF imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a common technique used for analyzing tissue samples, as it allows the user to detect multiple different analytes simultaneously.
Resonance Raman detection of antioxidants using an iron oxide nanoparticle catalysed decolourisation assay
Authors: Sloan-Dennison Sian , Shand Neil C. , Graham Duncan , Faulds Karen
Published: November 2017

Iron oxide nanoparticle catalysed ABTS decolourisation assay for the detection of antioxidants using resonance Raman spectroscopy.
An etching based fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide in cells
Authors: Dong Yali , Wang Ling , Wang Feng , Li Nan , Jin Yi , Zhang Jinchao , Yang Xinjian
Published: November 2017

A fluorescent nanoprobe is designed for sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide in living cells based on surface etching and displacement.
Chemical analysis in saliva and the search for salivary biomarkers – a tutorial review
Authors: Ngamchuea Kamonwad , Chaisiwamongkhol Korbua , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: November 2017

A review of the uses of saliva biomarkers, detection methods and requirements for new biomarkers.
Modular synthesis of thirty lead-like scaffolds suitable for CNS drug discovery
Authors: Mayol-Llinàs Joan , Farnaby William , Nelson Adam
Published: November 2017

A modular synthetic approach was developed that yielded thirty diverse lead-like scaffolds suitable for CNS drug discovery.
La2(Nb1−xYx)2O7−δ: discovery of a novel fluorite structure-based ionic conductor
Authors: Han Donglin , Kato Kohei , Uda Tetsuya
Published: November 2017

A new proton conductor of La2(Nb1−xYx)2O7−δwith excellent chemical stability is presented.
Effects of side chains of oxatub[4]arene on its conformational interconversion, molecular recognition and macroscopic self-assembly
Authors: Yang Liu-Pan , Jia Fei , Pan Fangfang , Pan Zhi-Sheng , Rissanen Kari , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2017

The side-chain length of oxatub[4]arenes was shown to affect its conformational interconversion, molecular recognition and macroscopic self-assembly behavior.
Oxaziridine cleavage with a low-valent nickel complex: competing C–O and C–N fragmentation from oxazanickela(ii)cyclobutanes
Authors: Desnoyer Addison N. , Chiu Weiling , Cheung Candy , Patrick Brian O. , Love Jennifer A.
Published: November 2017

Nickel(0) was found to oxidatively add to oxaziridines to form oxazanickelacyclobutanes which cleave to yield complicated mixtures, including nickel imido and aldehyde complexes.
Hierarchical supramolecular hydrogels: self-assembly by peptides and photo-controlled release via host–guest interaction
Authors: Chu Chih-Wei , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: November 2017

Using photoresponsive host–guest chemistry, three different payloads can be photo-released successively from the same peptide hydrogel.
Solvent-free iodine-promoted synthesis of 3,2′-pyrrolinyl spirooxindoles from alkylidene oxindoles and enamino esters under ball-milling conditions
Authors: Xu Hui , Liu Hong-Wei , Lin Hao-Sheng , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: November 2017

A solvent-free mechanochemical reaction of alkylidene oxindoles with enamino esters via an iodine-promoted tandem Michael/cyclization sequence has been developed to provide a variety of spirocyclic oxindoles in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.
Ultrafast dynamics of ionic liquids in colloidal dispersion
Authors: Ren Zhe , Kelly Jordan , Gunathilaka C. Prasad , Brinzer Thomas , Dutta Samrat , Johnson Clinton A. , Mitra Sunayana , Garrett-Roe Sean
Published: November 2017

The dynamics of [BMIM][SCN] microemulsions depend on the surfactant, size, and the oil-phase.
Theoretical investigation of the infrared spectrum of small polyynes
Authors: Doney Kirstin D. , Zhao Dongfeng , Stanton John F. , Linnartz Harold
Published: November 2017

The ro-vibrational parameters of small polyynes are calculated at the CCSD(T)/ANO1 level, including the first anharmonic vibrational frequencies of tetraacetylene.
Two-dimensional structural ordering in a chromophoric ionic liquid for triplet energy migration-based photon upconversion
Authors: Hisamitsu Shota , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kouno Hironori , Magome Eisuke , Matsuki Masaya , Yamada Teppei , Monguzzi Angelo , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: November 2017

Triplet exciton diffusion in a chromophoric ionic liquid with two-dimensional order is studied and utilized for photon upconversion.
Cooperative supramolecular polymerization of a perylene diimide derivative and its impact on electron-transporting properties
Authors: Basak Dipankar , Pal Deep Sankar , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Yoneda Satoru , Seki Shu , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: November 2017

H-bonding-promoted supramolecular polymerization of a perylene diimide (PDI) building block and its impact on charge carrier mobility.
Reactivity and regioselectivity in Diels–Alder reactions of anion encapsulated fullerenes
Authors: Cui Cheng-Xing , Zhang Zhao-Pei , Zhu Lei , Qu Ling-Bo , Zhang Yu-Ping , Lan Yu
Published: November 2017

Theoretical calculations indicate that encapsulated Cl−, Br−, I−, or S2− are located near the center of the C60; however, the encapsulated F− anion is slightly displaced from the center of the cage. Encapsulated N3− binds with the inner surface of the carbon cage. The opposite regioselectivity of the DA reaction with [N@C60]3− is controlled by the distortion energy of the CPD moiety.
Structural and thermodynamical properties of early human amylin oligomers using replica exchange molecular dynamics: mutation effect of three key residues F15, H18 and F23
Authors: Bouzakraoui S. , Mousseau N.
Published: November 2017

A schematic representation of a possible oligomerization mechanism of hIAPP. β-Hairpins are proposed to self-assemble into early ordered oligomers by side-to-side association.
Complex formation of nickel(ii) with dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol, and acetonitrile in a TFSA−-based ionic liquid of [C2mim][TFSA]
Authors: Kawazu Yutaro , Hoke Hiroshi , Yamada Yasunori , Umecky Tatsuya , Ozutsumi Kazuhiko , Takamuku Toshiyuki
Published: November 2017

When methanol molecules coordinate with Ni2+, the hydrogen bonds among them and those with the imidazolium ring are disrupted.
Exploring the emergence of complexity using synthetic replicators
Authors: Kosikova Tamara , Philp Douglas
Published: November 2017

The interplay of auto- and crosscatalysis, network connectivity and non-equilibrium conditions can generate complex functions in networks of synthetic replicators.
Cobalt, nickel, and iron complexes of 8-hydroxyquinoline-di(2-picolyl)amine for light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Carmo dos Santos Nadia Alessandra , Natali Mirco , Badetti Elena , Wurst Klaus , Licini Giulia , Zonta Cristiano
Published: November 2017

Novel first-row transition metal complexes based on the 8-hydroxyquinoline-di(2-picolyl)amine ligand were prepared and tested as potential HECs in light-driven experiments.
A review of sanitation technologies to achieve multiple sustainable development goals that promote resource recovery
Authors: Orner Kevin D. , Mihelcic James R.
Published: November 2017

This study critically reviews literature and provides material flows of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon to determine the ability of existing sanitation technologies and strategies that can be deployed to safely recover resources and thus achieve multiple sustainable development goals.
Characterization of urea hydrolysis in fresh human urine and inhibition by chemical addition
Authors: Ray Hannah , Saetta Daniella , Boyer Treavor H.
Published: November 2017

This research tested acids, metals, and fluoride as inhibitors for urea hydrolysis in both real and synthetic, fresh human urine.
A QM/MM study of the initial excited state dynamics of green-absorbing proteorhodopsin
Authors: Borin Veniamin A. , Wiebeler Christian , Schapiro Igor
Published: November 2017

Simulations of the photoisomerization in the green-absorbing proteorhodopsin show aborted bicycle pedal mechanism and interaction with tyrosine 200.
Evaluation of the impact of food matrix change on the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) slices during two drying processes
Authors: Zhang Zhongyuan , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Yixiang , Wei Qiuyu , Liu Chunju , Nie Meimei , Li Dajing , Xiao Yadong , Liu Chunquan , Xu Lang , Zhang Min , Jiang Ning
Published: November 2017

The variable bioaccessibility of carotenoids depended on changes of matrix driven by drying.
Crystal lattice distortion in ultrathin Co(OH)2nanosheets inducing elongated Co–OOHbonds for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Haidong , Long Yu , Zhu Yan , Zhao Ziming , Ma Ping , Jin Jun , Ma Jiantai
Published: November 2017

The highly efficient OER performance of the ultrathin cobalt hydroxides nanosheets is due to the elongated Co–OOHbonds generated from crystal lattice distortion, which can serve as the efficiently catalytic active sites.
Metal-free tandem cyclization/hydrosilylation to construct tetrahydroquinoxalines
Authors: Pan Yixiao , Chen Changjun , Xu Xin , Zhao Haoqiang , Han Jiahong , Li Huanrong , Xu Lijin , Fan Qinghua , Xiao Jianliang
Published: November 2017

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed tandem cyclization/hydrosilylation for the step-economical construction of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxalines from readily available starting materials has been developed.
Towards lab-on-a-chip diagnostics for malaria elimination
Authors: Kolluri N. , Klapperich C. M. , Cabodi M.
Published: November 2017

Lab on a chip technologies have the potential to improve diagnosis for malaria elimination programs.
Controllable synthesis of nanocrystals in droplet reactors
Authors: Pan Liang-Jun , Tu Jia-Wei , Ma Hao-Tian , Yang Yu-Jun , Tian Zhi-Quan , Pang Dai-Wen , Zhang Zhi-Ling
Published: November 2017

Different synthetic strategies derived from droplet reactors with integrated functional regions for NC synthesis.
Stereolithographic hydrogel printing of 3D culture chips with biofunctionalized complex 3D perfusion networks
Authors: Zhang Rujing , Larsen Niels B.
Published: November 2017

Free-form mechanically stable 3D perfusion networks traversing and surrounding separate culture volumes are produced by light-induced 3D printing of PEGDA hydrogels.
Droplet array for screening acute behaviour response to chemicals inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Aubry G. , Lu H.
Published: November 2017

We present a droplet platform for on-demand trapping of multiple droplet in series and release that can be applied to chemical screens inC. elegans.