bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mögen die Spiele beginnen
Authors: van Peeren Sinja Kira
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Innerhalb der psychischen Gesundheitsversorgung begegnen wir zunehmend dem Wunsch nach Empowerment, Selbstwirksamkeit und Resilienzförderung. Das Potenzial des narrativen Ansatzes der Gamification, mit einer niedrigen Zugangshürde und einer hohen Partizipation als sinnvolle und unterstützende Ergänzung wird im deutschsprachigen Raum jedoch verkannt und fälschlicherweise mit anderen Methodiken vermengt. Ein zentrales Thema dieses Artikels wird die Frage nach dem „Wie“ sein. Wie können wir Menschen dabei unterstützen, mehr Teilhabe zu erfahren und selbstwirksam schwierigen Lebenssituationen zu begegnen? Wie kann Gamification eine Hilfe dabei sein, sich ihrem Ziel von der Seite zu nähern und mehr Lebensqualität zu gewinnen?
Sammlung menschenmöglicher Erfahrungswelten
Authors: Heinrichs Daniel
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Innerhalb des Studiengangs „Psychiatrische Pflege/Psychische Gesundheit“ an der Fachhochschule der Diakonie in Bielefeld gibt es das Wahlmodul „Kunst und Psyche“. Im ersten Teil besuchen die Studentinnen und Studenten Museen, für die die Outsider-Kunst eine gewisse Faszination ausdrückt. In einem zweiten Schritt versuchen sich die Studierenden an praktischer Arbeit im Künstlerhaus Lydda. Der Autor hat seine eigenen Eindrücke pointiert dargestellt.
Next generation histology methods for three-dimensional imaging of fresh and archival human brain tissues
Authors: Lai Hei Ming , Liu Alan King Lun , Ng Harry Ho Man , Goldfinger Marc H. , Chau Tsz Wing , DeFelice John , Tilley Bension S. , Wong Wai Man , Wu Wutian , Gentleman Steve M.
Published: March 2018

Modern clearing techniques for the three-dimensional (3D) visualisation of neural tissue microstructure have been very effective when used on rodent brain but very few studies have utilised them on human brain material, mainly due to the inherent difficulties in processing post-mortem tissue. Here we develop a tissue clearing solution, OPTIClear, optimised for fresh and archival human brain tissue, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material. In light of practical challenges with immunostaining in tissue clearing, we adapt the use of cresyl violet for visualisation of neurons in cleared tissue, with the potential for 3D quantification in regions of interest. Furthermore, we use lipophilic tracers for tracing of neuronal processes in post-mortem tissue, enabling the study of the morphology of human dendritic spines in 3D. The development of these different strategies for human tissue clearing has wide applicability and, we hope, will provide a baseline for further technique development.
Improving atomic displacement and replacement calculations with physically realistic damage models
Authors: Nordlund Kai , Zinkle Steven J. , Sand Andrea E. , Granberg Fredric , Averback Robert S. , Stoller Roger , Suzudo Tomoaki , Malerba Lorenzo , Banhart Florian , Weber William J. , Willaime Francois , Dudarev Sergei L. , Simeone David
Published: March 2018

Atomic collision processes are fundamental to numerous advanced materials technologies such as electron microscopy, semiconductor processing and nuclear power generation. Extensive experimental and computer simulation studies over the past several decades provide the physical basis for understanding the atomic-scale processes occurring during primary displacement events. The current international standard for quantifying this energetic particle damage, the Norgett−Robinson−Torrens displacements per atom (NRT-dpa) model, has nowadays several well-known limitations. In particular, the number of radiation defects produced in energetic cascades in metals is only ~1/3 the NRT-dpa prediction, while the number of atoms involved in atomic mixing is about a factor of 30 larger than the dpa value. Here we propose two new complementary displacement production estimators (athermal recombination corrected dpa, arc-dpa) and atomic mixing (replacements per atom, rpa) functions that extend the NRT-dpa by providing more physically realistic descriptions of primary defect creation in materials and may become additional standard measures for radiation damage quantification.
Electrochemically active bacteria sense electrode potentials for regulating catabolic pathways
Authors: Hirose Atsumi , Kasai Takuya , Aoki Motohide , Umemura Tomonari , Watanabe Kazuya , Kouzuma Atsushi
Published: March 2018

Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) receive considerable attention for their utility in bioelectrochemical processes. Although electrode potentials are known to affect the metabolic activity of EAB, it is unclear whether EAB are able to sense and respond to electrode potentials. Here, we show that, in the presence of a high-potential electrode, a model EAB Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 can utilize NADH-dependent catabolic pathways and a background formate-dependent pathway to achieve high growth yield. We also show that an Arc regulatory system is involved in sensing electrode potentials and regulating the expression of catabolic genes, including those for NADH dehydrogenase. We suggest that these findings may facilitate the use of EAB in biotechnological processes and offer the molecular bases for their ecological strategies in natural habitats.
Basal lamina remodeling at the skeletal muscle stem cell niche mediates stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Rayagiri Shantisree Sandeepani , Ranaldi Daniele , Raven Alexander , Mohamad Azhar Nur Izzah Farhana , Lefebvre Olivier , Zammit Peter S , Borycki Anne-Gaëlle
Published: March 2018

A central question in stem cell biology is the relationship between stem cells and their niche. Although previous reports have uncovered how signaling molecules released by niche cells support stem cell function, the role of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) within the niche is unclear. Here, we show that upon activation, skeletal muscle stem cells (satellite cells) induce local remodeling of the ECM and the deposition of laminin-α1 and laminin-α5 into the basal lamina of the satellite cell niche. Genetic ablation of laminin-α1, disruption of integrin-α6 signaling or blocking matrix metalloproteinase activity impairs satellite cell expansion and self-renewal. Collectively, our findings establish that remodeling of the ECM is an integral process of stem cell activity to support propagation and self-renewal, and may explain the effect laminin-α1-containing supports have on embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as the regenerative activity of exogenous laminin-111 therapy.
Structures of Teneurin adhesion receptors reveal an ancient fold for cell-cell interaction
Authors: Jackson Verity A. , Meijer Dimphna H. , Carrasquero Maria , van Bezouwen Laura S. , Lowe Edward D. , Kleanthous Colin , Janssen Bert J. C. , Seiradake Elena
Published: March 2018

Teneurins are ancient cell–cell adhesion receptors that are vital for brain development and synapse organisation. They originated in early metazoan evolution through a horizontal gene transfer event when a bacterial YD-repeat toxin fused to a eukaryotic receptor. We present X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM structures of two Teneurins, revealing a ~200 kDa extracellular super-fold in which eight sub-domains form an intricate structure centred on a spiralling YD-repeat shell. An alternatively spliced loop, which is implicated in homophilic Teneurin interaction and specificity, is exposed and thus poised for interaction. The N-terminal side of the shell is ‘plugged’ via a fibronectin-plug domain combination, which defines a new class of YD proteins. Unexpectedly, we find that these proteins are widespread amongst modern bacteria, suggesting early metazoan receptor evolution from a distinct class of proteins, which today includes both bacterial proteins and eukaryotic Teneurins.
Chemo-photothermal therapy combination elicits anti-tumor immunity against advanced metastatic cancer
Authors: Nam Jutaek , Son Sejin , Ochyl Lukasz J. , Kuai Rui , Schwendeman Anna , Moon James J.
Published: March 2018

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment modality, but PTT generally requires direct access to the source of light irradiation, thus precluding its utility against disseminated, metastatic tumors. Here, we demonstrate that PTT combined with chemotherapy can trigger potent anti-tumor immunity against disseminated tumors. Specifically, we have developed polydopamine-coated spiky gold nanoparticles as a new photothermal agent with extensive photothermal stability and efficiency. Strikingly, a single round of PTT combined with a sub-therapeutic dose of doxorubicin can elicit robust anti-tumor immune responses and eliminate local as well as untreated, distant tumors in >85% of animals bearing CT26 colon carcinoma. We also demonstrate their therapeutic efficacy against TC-1 submucosa-lung metastasis, a highly aggressive model for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our study sheds new light on a previously unrecognized, immunological facet of chemo-photothermal therapy and may lead to new therapeutic strategies against advanced cancer.
Internal climate variability and projected future regional steric and dynamic sea level rise
Authors: Hu Aixue , Bates Susan C.
Published: March 2018

Observational evidence points to a warming global climate accompanied by rising sea levels which impose significant impacts on island and coastal communities. Studies suggest that internal climate processes can modulate projected future sea level rise (SLR) regionally. It is not clear whether this modulation depends on the future climate pathways. Here, by analyzing two sets of ensemble simulations from a climate model, we investigate the potential reduction of SLR, as a result of steric and dynamic oceanographic affects alone, achieved by following a lower emission scenario instead of business-as-usual one over the twenty-first century and how it may be modulated regionally by internal climate variability. Results show almost no statistically significant difference in steric and dynamic SLR on both global and regional scales in the near-term between the two scenarios, but statistically significant SLR reduction for the global mean and many regions later in the century (2061–2080). However, there are regions where the reduction is insignificant, such as the Philippines and west of Australia, that are associated with ocean dynamics and intensified internal variability due to external forcing.
The preprophase band-associated kinesin-14 OsKCH2 is a processive minus-end-directed microtubule motor
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Fu , Wang Pan , Lee Yuh-Ru Julie , Bowen Joel , Gicking Allison M. , Guo Lijun , Liu Bo , Qiu Weihong
Published: March 2018

In animals and fungi, cytoplasmic dynein is a processive minus-end-directed motor that plays dominant roles in various intracellular processes. In contrast, land plants lack cytoplasmic dynein but contain many minus-end-directed kinesin-14s. No plant kinesin-14 is known to produce processive motility as a homodimer. OsKCH2 is a plant-specific kinesin-14 with an N-terminal actin-binding domain and a central motor domain flanked by two predicted coiled-coils (CC1 and CC2). Here, we show that OsKCH2 specifically decorates preprophase band microtubules in vivo and transports actin filaments along microtubules in vitro. Importantly, OsKCH2 exhibits processive minus-end-directed motility on single microtubules as individual homodimers. We find that CC1, but not CC2, forms the coiled-coil to enable OsKCH2 dimerization. Instead, our results reveal that removing CC2 renders OsKCH2 a nonprocessive motor. Collectively, these results show that land plants have evolved unconventional kinesin-14 homodimers with inherent minus-end-directed processivity that may function to compensate for the loss of cytoplasmic dynein.
Magnon detection using a ferroic collinear multilayer spin valve
Authors: Cramer Joel , Fuhrmann Felix , Ritzmann Ulrike , Gall Vanessa , Niizeki Tomohiko , Ramos Rafael , Qiu Zhiyong , Hou Dazhi , Kikkawa Takashi , Sinova Jairo , Nowak Ulrich , Saitoh Eiji , Kläui Mathias
Published: March 2018

Information transport and processing by pure magnonic spin currents in insulators is a promising alternative to conventional charge-current-driven spintronic devices. The absence of Joule heating and reduced spin wave damping in insulating ferromagnets have been suggested for implementing efficient logic devices. After the successful demonstration of a majority gate based on the superposition of spin waves, further components are required to perform complex logic operations. Here, we report on magnetization orientation-dependent spin current detection signals in collinear magnetic multilayers inspired by the functionality of a conventional spin valve. In Y3Fe5O12|CoO|Co, we find that the detection amplitude of spin currents emitted by ferromagnetic resonance spin pumping depends on the relative alignment of the Y3Fe5O12 and Co magnetization. This yields a spin valve-like behavior with an amplitude change of 120% in our systems. We demonstrate the reliability of the effect and identify its origin by both temperature-dependent and power-dependent measurements.
Intermembrane crosstalk drives inner-membrane protein organization in Escherichia coli
Authors: Rassam Patrice , Long Kathleen R. , Kaminska Renata , Williams David J. , Papadakos Grigorios , Baumann Christoph G. , Kleanthous Colin
Published: March 2018

Gram-negative bacteria depend on energised protein complexes that connect the two membranes of the cell envelope. However, β-barrel outer-membrane proteins (OMPs) and α-helical inner-membrane proteins (IMPs) display quite different organisation. OMPs cluster into islands that restrict their lateral mobility, while IMPs generally diffuse throughout the cell. Here, using live cell imaging of Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that when transient, energy-dependent transmembrane connections are formed, IMPs become subjugated by the inherent organisation of OMPs and that such connections impact IMP function. We show that while establishing a translocon for import, the colicin ColE9 sequesters the IMPs of the proton motive force (PMF)-linked Tol-Pal complex into islands mirroring those of colicin-bound OMPs. Through this imposed organisation, the bacteriocin subverts the outer-membrane stabilising role of Tol-Pal, blocking its recruitment to cell division sites and slowing membrane constriction. The ordering of IMPs by OMPs via an energised inter-membrane bridge represents an emerging functional paradigm in cell envelope biology.
Clinically compliant spatial and temporal imaging of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells
Authors: Emami-Shahri Nia , Foster Julie , Kashani Roxana , Gazinska Patrycja , Cook Celia , Sosabowski Jane , Maher John , Papa Sophie
Published: March 2018

The unprecedented efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy of CD19+ B-cell malignancy has established a new therapeutic pillar of hematology–oncology. Nonetheless, formidable challenges remain for the attainment of comparable success in patients with solid tumors. To accelerate progress and rapidly characterize emerging toxicities, systems that permit the repeated and non-invasive assessment of CAR T-cell bio-distribution would be invaluable. An ideal solution would entail the use of a non-immunogenic reporter that mediates specific uptake of an inexpensive, non-toxic and clinically established imaging tracer by CAR T cells. Here we show the utility of the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) for the temporal and spatial monitoring of CAR T-cell behavior in a cancer-bearing host. This system provides a clinically compliant toolkit for high-resolution serial imaging of CAR T cells in vivo, addressing a fundamental unmet need for future clinical development in the field.
Monolayer group-III monochalcogenides by oxygen functionalization: a promising class of two-dimensional topological insulators
Authors: Zhou Si , Liu Cheng-Cheng , Zhao Jijun , Yao Yugui
Published: March 2018

Monolayer group-III monochalcogenides (MX, M = Ga, In; X = S, Se, Te), an emerging category of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, hold great promise for electronics, optoelectronics and catalysts. By first-principles calculations, we show that the phonon dispersion and Raman spectra, as well as the electronic and topological properties of monolayer MX can be tuned by oxygen functionalization. Chemisorption of oxygen atoms on one side or both sides of the MX sheet narrows or even closes the band gap, enlarges work function, and significantly reduces the carrier effective mass. More excitingly, InS, InSe, and InTe monolayers with double-side oxygen functionalization are 2D topological insulators with sizeable bulk gap up to 0.21 eV. Their low-energy bands near the Fermi level are dominated by the p
x
and p
y
orbitals of atoms, allowing band engineering via in-plane strains. Our studies provide viable strategy for realizing quantum spin Hall effect in monolayer group-III monochalcogenides at room temperature, and utilizing these novel 2D materials for high-speed and dissipationless transport devices.
Intranasal Delivery of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Induces Pulmonary Toxicity and Fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Lai Xiaofeng , Zhao Hu , Zhang Yong , Guo Kai , Xu Yuqiao , Chen Suning , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2018

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are widely used as catalysts or semiconductors in material fields. Recent studies have suggested that CuO NPs have adverse genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects on various cells. However, little is known about the toxicity of CuO NPs following exposure to murine lungs. The purpose of this fundamental research was to investigate whether CuO NPs could induce epithelial cell injury, pulmonary inflammation, and eventually fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. Our studies showed that CuO NPs aggravated pulmonary inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. CuO NPs induced apoptosis of epithelial cells as indicated by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry and western blot analysis, which was partially caused by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, CuO NPs exposure promoted collagen accumulation and expression of the progressive fibrosis marker α-SMA in the lung tissues, indicating that CuO NP inhalation could induce pulmonary fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. All data provide novel evidence that there is an urgent need to prevent the adverse effects of CuO NPs in the human respiratory system.
Switchable Polarization in Mn Embedded Graphene
Authors: Noor-A-Alam Mohammad , Ullah Hamid , Shin Young-Han
Published: March 2018

Graphene, despite its many unique properties, is neither intrinsically polar due to inversion symmetry nor magnetic. However, based on density functional theory, we find that Mn, one of transition metals, embedded in single or double vacancy (Mn@SV and Mn@DV) in a graphene monolayer induces a dipole moment perpendicular to the sheet, which can be switched from up to down by Mn penetration through the graphene. Such switching could be realized by an external stimuli introduced through the tip of a scanning probe microscope, as already utilized in the studies of molecular switches. We estimate the energy barriers for dipole switching, which are found to be 2.60 eV and 0.28 eV for Mn@SV and Mn@DV, respectively. However, by applying biaxial tensile strain, we propose a mechanism for tuning the barrier. We find that 10% biaxial tensile strain, which is already experimentally achievable in graphene-like two-dimensional materials, can significantly reduce the barrier to 0.16 eV in Mn@SV. Moreover, in agreement with previous studies, we find a high magnetic moment of 3 μB for both Mn@SV and Mn@DV, promising the potential of these structures in spintronics as well as in nanoscale electro-mechanical or memory devices.
Slip deficit and temporal clustering along the Dead Sea fault from paleoseismological investigations
Authors: Lefevre Marthe , Klinger Yann , Al-Qaryouti Mahmoud , Le Béon Maryline , Moumani Khaled
Published: March 2018

Temporal distribution of earthquakes is key to seismic hazard assessment. However, for most fault systems shortness of large earthquake catalogues makes this assessment difficult. Its unique long earthquake record makes the Dead Sea fault (DSF) exceptional to test earthquake behaviour models. A paleoseismological trench along the southern section of the DSF, revealed twelve surface-rupturing earthquakes during the last 8000 years, of which many correlate with past earthquakes reported in historical chronicles. These data allowed us building a rupture scenario for this area, which includes timing and rupture length for all significant earthquakes during the last two millenaries. Extending this rupture scenario to the entire DSF south of Lebanon, we were able to confirm the temporal-clustering hypothesis. Using rupture length and scaling laws, we have estimated average co-seismic slip for each past earthquake. The cumulated slip was then balanced with long-term tectonic loading to estimate the slip deficit for this part of DSF over the last 1600 years. The seismic-slip budget shows that the slip deficit is similarly high along the fault with a minimum of 2 meters, which suggests that an earthquake cluster might happen over the entire region in the near future.
A Lachnospiraceae-dominated bacterial signature in the fecal microbiota of HIV-infected individuals from Colombia, South America
Authors: San-Juan-Vergara Homero , Zurek Eduardo , Ajami Nadim J. , Mogollon Christian , Peña Mario , Portnoy Ivan , Vélez Jorge I. , Cadena-Cruz Christian , Diaz-Olmos Yirys , Hurtado-Gómez Leidy , Sanchez-Sit Silvana , Hernández Danitza , Urruchurtu Irina , Di-Ruggiero Pierina , Guardo-García Ella , Torres Nury , Vidal-Orjuela Oscar , Viasus Diego , Petrosino Joseph F. , Cervantes-Acosta Guillermo
Published: March 2018

HIV infection has a tremendous impact on the immune system’s proper functioning. The mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is significantly disarrayed during HIV infection. Compositional changes in the gut microbiota might contribute to the mucosal barrier disruption, and consequently to microbial translocation. We performed an observational, cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating changes in the fecal microbiota of HIV-infected individuals from Colombia. We analyzed the fecal microbiota of 37 individuals via 16S rRNA gene sequencing; 25 HIV-infected patients and 12 control (non-infected) individuals, which were similar in body mass index, age, gender balance and socioeconomic status. To the best of our knowledge, no such studies have been conducted in Latin American countries. Given its compositional nature, microbiota data were normalized and transformed using Aitchison’s Centered Log-Ratio. Overall, a change in the network structure in HIV-infected patients was revealed by using the SPIEC-EASI MB tool. Genera such as Blautia, Dorea, Yersinia, Escherichia-Shigella complex, Staphylococcus, and Bacteroides were highly relevant in HIV-infected individuals. Differential abundance analysis by both sparse Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis and Random Forest identified a greater abundance of Lachnospiraceae-OTU69, Blautia, Dorea, Roseburia, and Erysipelotrichaceae in HIV-infected individuals. We show here, for the first time, a predominantly Lachnospiraceae-based signature in HIV-infected individuals.
Comparative roles of clpA and clpB in the survival of S. Typhimurium under stress and virulence in poultry
Authors: Sangpuii Lal , Dixit Sunil Kumar , Kumawat Manoj , Apoorva Shekhar , Kumar Mukesh , Kappala Deepthi , Goswami Tapas Kumar , Mahawar Manish
Published: March 2018

By assisting in the proteolysis, disaggregation and refolding of the aggregated proteins, Caseinolytic proteases (Clps) enhance the cellular survival under stress conditions. In the current study, comparative roles of two such Clps, ClpA (involved in proteolysis) and ClpB (involved in protein disaggregation and refolding) in the survival of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) under different stresses and in virulence have been investigated. clpA and clpB gene deletion mutant strains (∆clpA and ∆clpB) of S. Typhimurium have been hypersensitive to 42 °C, HOCl and paraquat. However, the ∆clpB strain was comparatively much more susceptible (p < 0.001) to the above stresses than ∆clpA strain. ∆clpB strain also showed reduced survival (p < 0.001) in poultry macrophages. The hypersusceptibilities of ∆clpB strain to oxidants and macrophages were restored in plasmid based complemented (∆clpB + pclpB) strain. Further, the ∆clpB strain was defective for colonization in the poultry caecum and showed decreased dissemination to the spleen and liver. Our findings suggest that the role of ClpB is more important than the role of ClpA for the survival of S. Typhimurium under stress and colonization in chickens.
A global comparison of the microbiome compositions of three gut locations in commercial pigs with extreme feed conversion ratios
Authors: Quan Jianping , Cai Gengyuan , Ye Jian , Yang Ming , Ding Rongrong , Wang Xingwang , Zheng Enqin , Fu Disheng , Li Shaoyun , Zhou Shenping , Liu Dewu , Yang Jie , Wu Zhenfang
Published: March 2018

In an attempt to increase profits and sustainability in the swine industry, the gut microbiome has become a focus of much research. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the gut microbiome in the ileum, cecum, and colon of Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (DLY) pigs showing two extreme feed conversion ratios (FCRs) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results revealed that the microbial community in the cecum and colon had significantly higher alpha diversity than the ileum. We further identified 11, 55, and 55 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with significantly different relative abundances between the high and low FCR pigs among the three gut locations, respectively. These OTUs were mainly associated with bacteria that participate in the metabolism of dietary polysaccharides and proteins. We then identified two and nine metabolic pathways that were enriched in the cecum and colon of the high FCR pigs, respectively. The results suggested that the short chain fatty acids and indolic compounds produced by microbial fermentation might influence porcine feed efficiency. These results should improve our understanding of microbiota compositions in the different gut locations of commercial pigs and provide important insights into the effect of gut microbiota on porcine FCRs.
Retrospective Analysis of Radiological Recurrence Patterns in Glioblastoma, Their Prognostic Value And Association to Postoperative Infarct Volume
Authors: Bette Stefanie , Barz Melanie , Huber Thomas , Straube Christoph , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Combs Stephanie E. , Delbridge Claire , Gerhardt Julia , Zimmer Claus , Meyer Bernhard , Kirschke Jan S. , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Wiestler Benedikt , Gempt Jens
Published: March 2018

Recent studies suggested that postoperative hypoxia might trigger invasive tumor growth, resulting in diffuse/multifocal recurrence patterns. Aim of this study was to analyze distinct recurrence patterns and their association to postoperative infarct volume and outcome. 526 consecutive glioblastoma patients were analyzed, of which 129 met our inclusion criteria: initial tumor diagnosis, surgery, postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging and tumor recurrence during follow-up. Distinct patterns of contrast-enhancement at initial diagnosis and at first tumor recurrence (multifocal growth/progression, contact to dura/ventricle, ependymal spread, local/distant recurrence) were recorded by two blinded neuroradiologists. The association of radiological patterns to survival and postoperative infarct volume was analyzed by uni-/multivariate survival analyses and binary logistic regression analysis. With increasing postoperative infarct volume, patients were significantly more likely to develop multifocal recurrence, recurrence with contact to ventricle and contact to dura. Patients with multifocal recurrence (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.99, P = 0.010) had significantly shorter OS, patients with recurrent tumor with contact to ventricle (HR 1.85, P = 0.036), ependymal spread (HR 2.97, P = 0.004) and distant recurrence (HR 1.75, P = 0.019) significantly shorter post-progression survival in multivariate analyses including well-established prognostic factors like age, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), therapy, extent of resection and patterns of primary tumors. Postoperative infarct volume might initiate hypoxia-mediated aggressive tumor growth resulting in multifocal and diffuse recurrence patterns and impaired survival.
Porous 3D Prussian blue/cellulose aerogel as a decorporation agent for removal of ingested cesium from the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Lee Ilsong , Kim Sung-Hyun , Rethinasabapathy Muruganantham , Haldorai Yuvaraj , Lee Go-Woon , Choe Sang Rak , Jang Sung-Chan , Kang Sung-Min , Han Young-Kyu , Roh Changhyun , Cho Wan-Seob , Huh Yun Suk
Published: March 2018

In the present study, we successfully synthesized a porous three-dimensional Prussian blue-cellulose aerogel (PB-CA) composite and used it as a decorporation agent for the selective removal of ingested cesium ions (Cs+) from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The safety of the PB-CA composite was evaluated through an in vitro cytotoxicity study using macrophage-like THP-1 cells and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. The results revealed that the PB-CA composite was not cytotoxic. An adsorption study to examine the efficiency of the decorporation agent was conducted using a simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). The adsorption isotherm was fitted to the Langmuir model with a maximum Cs+ adsorption capacity of 13.70 mg/g in SIF that followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The PB-CA composite showed excellent stability in SIF with a maximum Cs+ removal efficiency of 99.43%. The promising safety toxicology profile, remarkable Cs+ adsorption efficacy, and excellent stability of the composite demonstrated its great potential for use as an orally administered drug for the decorporation of Cs+ from the GI tract.
IL-33/ST2 signalling and crosstalk with FcεRI and TLR4 is targeted by the parasitic worm product, ES-62
Authors: Ball Dimity H. , Al-Riyami Lamyaa , Harnett William , Harnett Margaret M.
Published: March 2018

ES-62 is a secreted parasitic worm-derived immunomodulator that exhibits therapeutic potential in allergy by downregulating aberrant MyD88 signalling to normalise the inflammatory phenotype and mast cell responses. IL-33 plays an important role in driving mast cell responses and promoting type-2 allergic inflammation, particularly with respect to asthma, via MyD88-integrated crosstalk amongst the IL-33 receptor (ST2), TLR4 and FcεRI. We have now investigated whether ES-62 targets this pathogenic network by subverting ST2-signalling, specifically by characterising how the functional outcomes of crosstalk amongst ST2, TLR4 and FcεRI are modulated by the worm product in wild type and ST2-deficient mast cells. This analysis showed that whilst ES-62 inhibits IL-33/ST2 signalling, the precise functional modulation observed varies with receptor usage and/or mast cell phenotype. Thus, whilst ES-62’s harnessing of the capacity of ST2 to sequester MyD88 appears sufficient to mediate its inhibitory effects in peritoneal-derived serosal mast cells, downregulation of MyD88 expression appears to be required to dampen the higher levels of cytokine production typically released by bone marrow-derived mucosal mast cells.
Factors Associated With Short and Long Term Cognitive Changes in Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Calsavara Allan J. C. , Costa Priscila A. , Nobre Vandack , Teixeira Antonio L.
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to assess cognition in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and whether cognitive impairment was associated with clinical and laboratory parameters. We conducted a cohort study of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock evaluated within 24 h and one year after ICU discharge. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed, and the following neuropsychological tests were applied: Consortium to Establish Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Trail Making Test forms A and B. We included 33 patients, mean age of 49, 19% were female. Patients underperformed on most measures 24 h after ICU discharge, with improvement on follow-up. IQCODE, APACHE II scores, NSE and IFN-γ levels at ICU discharge were associated with poor cognitive performance, while higher educational level was associated with good cognitive performance. The time to first antibiotic dose, accumulated dose of haloperidol during UCI stay and mean glycemia were also associated with poor cognitive outcome. In general, patients with severe sepsis or septic shock have cognitive impairment that can improve over time. This improvement was associated with factors identified during their ICU stay, such as cognitive reserve, educational level, mean glycemia during ICU stay and NSE level.
Continuous Flow of Upper Labrador Sea Water around Cape Hatteras
Authors: Andres Magdalena , Muglia Mike , Bahr Frank , Bane John
Published: March 2018

Six velocity sections straddling Cape Hatteras show a deep counterflow rounding the Cape wedged beneath the poleward flowing Gulf Stream and the continental slope. This counterflow is likely the upper part of the equatorward-flowing Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC). Hydrographic data suggest that the equatorward flow sampled by the shipboard 38 kHz ADCP comprises the Upper Labrador Sea Water (ULSW) layer and top of the Classical Labrador Sea Water (CLSW) layer. Continuous DWBC flow around the Cape implied by the closely-spaced velocity sections here is also corroborated by the trajectory of an Argo float. These findings contrast with previous studies based on floats and tracers in which the lightest DWBC constituents did not follow the boundary to cross under the Gulf Stream at Cape Hatteras but were diverted into the interior as the DWBC encountered the Gulf Stream in the crossover region. Additionally, our six quasi-synoptic velocity sections confirm that the Gulf Stream intensified markedly at that time as it approached the separation point and flowed into deeper waters. Downstream increases were observed not only in the poleward transport across the sections but also in the current’s maximum speed.
Vaccination Against Whipworm: Identification of Potential Immunogenic Proteins in Trichuris muris Excretory/Secretory Material
Authors: Shears Rebecca K. , Bancroft Allison J. , Sharpe Catherine , Grencis Richard K. , Thornton David J.
Published: March 2018

Trichuris trichiura(whipworm) is one of the four major soil-transmitted helminth infections of man, affecting an estimated 465 million people worldwide. An effective vaccine that induces long-lasting protective immunity againstT.trichiurawould alleviate the morbidity associated with this intestinal-dwelling parasite, however the lack of known host protective antigens has hindered vaccine development. Here, we show that vaccination with ES products stimulates long-lasting protection against chronic infection in male C57BL/6 mice. We also provide a framework for the identification of immunogenic proteins withinT.murisES, and identify eleven candidates with direct homologues inT.trichiurathat warrant further study. Given the extensive homology betweenT.murisandT.trichiuraat both the genomic and transcriptomic levels, this work has the potential to advance vaccine design forT.trichiura.
Period Increase and Amplitude Distribution of Kink Oscillation of Coronal Loop
Authors: Su W. , Guo Y. , Erdélyi R. , Ning Z. J. , Ding M. D. , Cheng X. , Tan B. L.
Published: March 2018

Coronal loops exist ubiquitously in the solar atmosphere. These loops puzzle astronomers over half a century. Solar magneto-seismology (SMS) provides a unique way to constrain the physical parameters of coronal loops. Here, we study the evolution of oscillations of a coronal loop observed by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA). We measure geometric and physical parameters of the loop oscillations. In particular, we find that the mean period of the oscillations increased from 1048 to 1264 s during three oscillatory cycles. We employ the differential emission measure method and apply the tools of SMS. The evolution of densities inside and outside the loop is analyzed. We found that an increase of density inside the loop and decrease of the magnetic field strength along the loop are the main reasons for the increase in the period during the oscillations. Besides, we also found that the amplitude profile of the loop is different from a profile would it be a homogeneous loop. It is proposed that the distribution of magnetic strength along the loop rather than density stratification is responsible for this deviation. The variation in period and distribution of amplitude provide, in terms of SMS, a new and unprecedented insight into coronal loop diagnostics.
Responses of hydrolytic enzyme activities in saline-alkaline soil to mixed inorganic and organic nitrogen addition
Authors: Shi Baoku , Zhang Junmei , Wang Chengliang , Ma Jianying , Sun Wei
Published: March 2018

The effects of manipulating nitrogen (N) deposition, with the use of a single form of N, on soil enzyme activities have been extensively studied. However, the impacts varying the N type (organic vs. inorganic) on soil hydrolytic enzyme activities have been less studied. We performed a 60 day incubation experiment using saline-alkaline soil. The objectives were to explore how the microbial biomass and enzyme activities respond to a mixed N addition at different inorganic to organic N ratios. The experimental design was full factorial, with two rates of N addition (10 g N m−2 and 20 g N m−2) and four ratios of N addition (inorganic N:organic N = 10:0, 7:3, 3:7, 1:9). The results showed that N addition stimulated enzyme activities involved in C, N and P cycling. Enzyme activities under mixed N addition increased compared to those under single inorganic N addition in most cases. The inorganic to organic N ratios interacted with the N addition rate to affect the enzyme activities. Our results suggest that various N fertilizers, which have different inorganic to organic N ratios, should be applied when evaluating the effects of atmospheric N deposition on the soil microbial enzyme activities and ecosystem structure and function.
Mechanisms of utilisation of arabinoxylans by a porcine faecal inoculum: competition and co-operation
Authors: Feng Guangli , Flanagan Bernadine M. , Mikkelsen Deirdre , Williams Barbara A. , Yu Wenwen , Gilbert Robert G. , Gidley Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Recent studies show that a single or small number of intestinal microbes can completely degrade complex carbohydrates. This suggests a drive towards competitive utilisation of dietary complex carbohydrates resulting in limited microbial diversity, at odds with the health benefits associated with a diverse microbiome. This study investigates the enzymatic metabolism of wheat and rye arabinoxylans (AX) using in vitro fermentation, with a porcine faecal inoculum. Through studying the activity of AX-degrading enzymes and the structural changes of residual AX during fermentation, we show that the AX-degrading enzymes are mainly cell-associated, which enables the microbes to utilise the AX competitively. However, potential for cross-feeding is also demonstrated to occur by two distinct mechanisms: (1) release of AX after partial degradation by cell-associated enzymes, and (2) release of enzymes during biomass turnover, indicative of co-operative AX degradation. This study provides a model for the combined competitive-co-operative utilisation of complex dietary carbohydrates by gut microorganisms.
Loss of the adaptor protein ShcA in endothelial cells protects against monocyte macrophage adhesion, LDL-oxydation, and atherosclerotic lesion formation
Authors: Abou-Jaoude Antoine , Badiqué Lise , Mlih Mohamed , Awan Sara , Guo Sunning , Lemle Alexandre , Abboud Clauda , Foppolo Sophie , Host Lionel , Terrand Jérôme , Justiniano Hélène , Herz Joachim , Matz Rachel L. , Boucher Philippe
Published: March 2018

ShcA is an adaptor protein that binds to the cytoplasmic tail of receptor tyrosine kinases and of the Low Density Lipoprotein-related receptor 1 (LRP1), a trans-membrane receptor that protects against atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the role of endothelial ShcA in atherosclerotic lesion formation. We found that atherosclerosis progression was markedly attenuated in mice deleted for ShcA in endothelial cells, that macrophage content was reduced at the sites of lesions, and that adhesion molecules such as the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were severely reduced. Our data indicate that transcriptional regulation of ShcA by the zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and the Hippo pathway effector YAP, promotes ICAM-1 expression independently of p-NF-κB, the primary driver of adhesion molecules expressions. In addition, ShcA suppresses endothelial Akt and nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expressions. Thus, through down regulation of eNOS and ZEB1-mediated ICAM-1 up regulation, endothelial ShcA promotes monocyte-macrophage adhesion and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Reducing ShcA expression in endothelial cells may represent an obvious therapeutic approach to prevent atherosclerosis.
An optimized chronology for a stalagmite using seasonal trace element cycles from Shihua Cave, Beijing, North China
Authors: Ban Fengmei , Baker Andy , Marjo Christopher E. , Duan Wuhui , Li Xianglei , Han Jinxian , Coleborn Katie , Akter Rabeya , Tan Ming , Nagra Gurinder
Published: March 2018

Stalagmites play an important role in paleoclimatic reconstructions from seasonal to orbital time scales as 230Th-dating can provide an accurate absolute age. Additionally, seasonal trace element and optical layers can provide a precise age. We analyzed the seasonal variability of multiple trace elements on a stalagmite (XMG) in Shihua Cave, Beijing and compared them with results from laminae counting. The results show that (1) the polished section of the topmost part of XMG has obvious bi-optical layers under a conventional transmission microscope, however, laminae are not observed using this method in the rest of the sample, and (2) The variations of P/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca and Mg/Ca show seasonal cycles throughout the sample. The PC1 in the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of five trace elements represents the annual cycle. This stalagmite was deposited over 150 ± 1 years through PC1 peak counting. This result corresponds well with the annual layers and U-Th dating. Trace element cyclicity of PC1 can increase the accuracy of stalagmite dating, especially in the absence of obvious laminae and are a powerful method to identify seasonal changes in a strongly contrasting wet-dry monsoon climate region.
Loss of ezrin expression reduced the susceptibility to the glomerular injury in mice
Authors: Hatano Ryo , Takeda Ai , Abe Yukiko , Kawaguchi Kotoku , Kazama Itsuro , Matsubara Mitsunobu , Asano Shinji
Published: March 2018

Ezrin is highly expressed in glomerular podocytes and is reported to form a multi-protein complex with scaffold protein Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 2 (NHERF2) and podocalyxin, a major sialoprotein. Podocalyxin-knockout mice died within 24 h of birth with anuric renal failure, whereas NHERF2-knockout mice show no apparent changes in the glomerular functions. However, the physiological roles of ezrin in glomerular podocytes remain unclear. Here, we investigated the importance of ezrin in the regulation of glomerular podocyte function using ezrin-knockdown mice (Vil2
kd/kd
). The Vil2
kd/kd
mice did not exhibit apparent glomerular dysfunction, morphological defects or abnormal localisation of podocalyxin and NHERF2 in podocytes. Thus, we investigated the influence of ezrin defects on Rho-GTPase activity, as ezrin interacts with the Rho-GTPase dissociation inhibitor (Rho-GDI), which plays a key role in the regulation of podocyte actin organisation. In Vil2
kd/kd
glomeruli, Rac1 activity was significantly reduced compared to wildtype (WT) glomeruli at baseline. Furthermore, Vil2
kd/kd
mice showed reduced susceptibility to glomerular injury. In WT glomeruli, Rac1 activity was enhanced in nephrotic conditions, but remained at baseline levels in Vil2
kd/kd
glomeruli, suggesting that loss of ezrin protects podocytes from injury-induced morphological changes by suppressing Rac1 activation.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protect against n-hexane-induced neuropathy through beclin 1-independent inhibition of autophagy
Authors: Hao Jie , Li Shuangyue , Shi Xiaoxia , Qian Zhiqiang , Sun Yijie , Wang Dunjia , Zhou Xueying , Qu Hongxin , Hu Shuhai , Zuo Enjun , Zhang Cong , Hou Liyan , Wang Qingshan , Piao Fengyuan
Published: March 2018

Chronic exposure to n-hexane, a widely used organic solvent in industry, induces central-peripheral neuropathy, which is mediated by its active metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione (HD). We recently reported that transplantation of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) significantly ameliorated HD-induced neuronal damage and motor deficits in rats. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reported that inhibition of HD-induced autophagy contributed to BMSC-afforded protection. BMSC transplantation significantly reduced the levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and the degradation of sequestosome-1 (p62) in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve of HD-intoxicated rats. Downregulation of autophagy by BMSC was also confirmed in VSC4.1 cells exposed to HD. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy by PIK III mitigated the neurotoxic effects of HD and, meanwhile, abolished BMSC-afforded neuroprotection. Furthermore, we found that BMSC failed to interfere with Beclin 1, but promoted activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Unc-like kinse 1 (ULK1) was further recognized as the downstream target of mTOR responsible for BMSC-mediated inhibition of autophagy. Altogether, BMSC transplantation potently ameliorated HD-induced autophagy through beclin 1-independent activation of mTOR pathway, providing a novel insight for the therapeutic effects of BMSC against n-hexane and other environmental toxicants-induced neurotoxicity.
Photochemical analysis of structural transitions in DNA liquid crystals reveals differences in spatial structure of DNA molecules organized in liquid crystalline form
Authors: Brach Katarzyna , Hatakeyama Akiko , Nogues Claude , Olesiak-Banska Joanna , Buckle Malcolm , Matczyszyn Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

The anisotropic shape of DNA molecules allows them to form lyotropic liquid crystals (LCs) at high concentrations. This liquid crystalline arrangement is also found in vivo (e.g., in bacteriophage capsids, bacteria or human sperm nuclei). However, the role of DNA liquid crystalline organization in living organisms still remains an open question. Here we show that in vitro, the DNA spatial structure is significantly changed in mesophases compared to non-organized DNA molecules. DNA LCs were prepared from pBluescript SK (pBSK) plasmid DNA and investigated by photochemical analysis of structural transitions (PhAST). We reveal significant differences in the probability of UV-induced pyrimidine dimer photoproduct formation at multiple loci on the DNA indicative of changes in major groove architecture.