bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progeny of old parents have increased social space in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Brenman-Suttner Dova B. , Long Shirley Q. , Kamesan Vashine , de Belle Jade N. , Yost Ryley T. , Kanippayoor Rachelle L. , Simon Anne F.
Published: February 2018

We report the effects of aging and parental age in Drosophila melanogaster on two types of responses to social cues: the choice of preferred social spacing in an undisturbed group and the response to the Drosophila stress odorant (dSO) emitted by stressed flies. The patterns of changes during aging were notably different for these two social responses. Flies were initially closer in space and then became further apart. However, the pattern of change in response to dSO followed a more typical decline in performance, similarly to changes in locomotion. Interestingly, the increased social space of old parents, as well as their reduced performance in avoiding dSO, was passed on to their progeny, such that young adults adopted the behavioural characteristic of their old parents. While the response to social cues was inherited, the changes in locomotion were not. We were able to scale the changes in the social space of parents and their progeny by accelerating or decelerating the physiological process of aging by increasing temperatures and exposure to oxidative stress, or via caloric restriction, respectively. Finally, when we aged only one parent, only the male progeny of old fathers and the progeny of very old mothers were more distant.
Evidences for a New Role of miR-214 in Chondrogenesis
Authors: Roberto Vânia Palma , Gavaia Paulo , Nunes Maria João , Rodrigues Elsa , Cancela Maria Leonor , Tiago Daniel Martins
Published: February 2018

miR-214 is known to play a role in mammalian skeletal development through inhibition of osteogenesis and stimulation of osteoclastogenesis, but data regarding other vertebrates, as well as a possible role in chondrogenesis, remain unknown. Here, we show that miR-214 expression is detected in bone and cartilage of zebrafish skeleton, and is downregulated during murine ATDC5 chondrocyte differentiation. Additionally, we observed a conservation of the transcriptional regulation of miR-214 primary transcript Dnm3os in vertebrates, being regulated by Ets1 in ATDC5 chondrogenic cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-214 in vitro and in vivo mitigated chondrocyte differentiation probably by targeting activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4). Indeed, miR-214 overexpression in vivo hampered cranial cartilage formation of zebrafish and coincided with downregulation of atf4 and of the key chondrogenic players sox9 and col2a1. We show that miR-214 overexpression exerts a negative role in chondrogenesis by impacting on chondrocyte differentiation possibly through conserved mechanisms.
Pancreatic alpha cells in diabetic rats express active GLP-1 receptor: Endosomal co-localization of GLP-1/GLP-1R complex functioning through intra-islet paracrine mechanism
Authors: Nakashima Koji , Kaneto Hideaki , Shimoda Masashi , Kimura Tomohiko , Kaku Kohei
Published: February 2018

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and suppresses glucagon secretion from alpha cells. It remains controversial, however, whether GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is expressed in mature alpha cells. In this study, unlike previous studies using non-diabetic animals, we demonstrated using diabetic model rats and confocal laser scanning microscopy that the GLP-1/GLP-1R complex was located in the endosome of diabetic islets. In addition, we showed that GLP-1 and GLP-1R co-localized with various endosomal markers and adenylate cyclase in the alpha cells of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had endosomal signaling pathway but normal rats had classical signaling pathway for activated GLP-1R. Furthermore, we performed pancreatic perfusion to assess the functional activity of GLP-1R when stimulated by exendin-4 (EX4). In a pancreas perfusion study, EX4 significantly stimulated glucagon secretion in diabetic rats but not normal rats. However, such glucagon secretion was immediately suppressed, probably due to concomitantly secreted insulin. The GLP-1/GLP-1R complex appears to function through an intra-islet paracrine mechanism in diabetic conditions which could explain, at least in part, the mechanism of paradoxical hyperglucagonaemia in type 2 diabetes.
Structure, computational and biochemical analysis of PcCel45A endoglucanase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium and catalytic mechanisms of GH45 subfamily C members
Authors: Godoy Andre S. , Pereira Caroline S. , Ramia Marina Paglione , Silveira Rodrigo L. , Camilo Cesar M. , Kadowaki Marco A. , Lange Lene , Busk Peter K. , Nascimento Alessandro S. , Skaf Munir S. , Polikarpov Igor
Published: February 2018

The glycoside hydrolase family 45 (GH45) of carbohydrate modifying enzymes is mostly comprised of β-1,4-endoglucanases. Significant diversity between the GH45 members has prompted the division of this family into three subfamilies: A, B and C, which may differ in terms of the mechanism, general architecture, substrate binding and cleavage. Here, we use a combination of X-ray crystallography, bioinformatics, enzymatic assays, molecular dynamics simulations and site-directed mutagenesis experiments to characterize the structure, substrate binding and enzymatic specificity of the GH45 subfamily C endoglucanase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCel45A). We investigated the role played by different residues in the binding of the enzyme to cellulose oligomers of different lengths and examined the structural characteristics and dynamics of PcCel45A that make subfamily C so dissimilar to other members of the GH45 family. Due to the structural similarity shared between PcCel45A and domain I of expansins, comparative analysis of their substrate binding was also carried out. Our bioinformatics sequence analyses revealed that the hydrolysis mechanisms in GH45 subfamily C is not restricted to use of the imidic asparagine as a general base in the “Newton’s cradle” catalytic mechanism recently proposed for this subfamily.
Differential effects of real versus hypothetical monetary reward magnitude on risk-taking behavior and brain activity
Authors: Xu Sihua , Pan Yu , Qu Zhe , Fang Zhuo , Yang Zijing , Yang Fan , Wang Fenghua , Rao Hengyi
Published: February 2018

Human decisions are more easily affected by a larger amount of money than a smaller one. Although numerous studies have used hypothetical money as incentives to motivate human behavior, the validity of hypothetical versus real monetary rewards remains controversial. In the present study, we used event-related potential (ERP) with the balloon analogue risk task to investigate how magnitudes of real and hypothetical monetary rewards modulate risk-taking behavior and feedback-related negativity (FRN). Behavioral data showed that participants were more risk averse after negative feedback with increased magnitude of real monetary rewards, while no behavior differences were observed between large and small hypothetical monetary rewards. Similarly, ERP data showed a larger FRN in response to negative feedback during risk taking with large compared to small real monetary rewards, while no FRN differences were observed between large and small hypothetical monetary rewards. Moreover, FRN amplitude differences correlated with risk-taking behavior changes from small to large real monetary rewards, while such correlation was not observed for hypothetical monetary rewards. These findings suggest that the magnitudes of real and hypothetical monetary rewards have differential effects on risk-taking behavior and brain activity. Real and hypothetical money incentives may have different validity for modulating human decisions.
Hydrodynamic Choreographies of Microswimmers
Authors: Mirzakhanloo Mehdi , Jalali Mir Abbas , Alam Mohammad-Reza
Published: February 2018

We unveil orbital topologies of two nearby swimming microorganisms using an artificial microswimmer, called Quadroar. Depending on the initial conditions of the microswimmers, we find diverse families of attractors including dynamical equilibria, bound orbits, braids, and pursuit–evasion games. We also observe a hydrodynamic slingshot effect: a system of two hydrodynamically interacting swimmers moving along braids can advance in space faster than non-interacting swimmers that have the same actuation parameters and initial conditions as the interacting ones. Our findings suggest the existence of complex collective behaviors of microswimmers, from equilibrium to rapidly streaming states.
Foot strength and stiffness are related to footwear use in a comparison of minimally- vs. conventionally-shod populations
Authors: Holowka Nicholas B. , Wallace Ian J. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: February 2018

The longitudinal arch (LA) helps stiffen the foot during walking, but many people in developed countries suffer from flat foot, a condition characterized by reduced LA stiffness that can impair gait. Studies have found this condition is rare in people who are habitually barefoot or wear minimal shoes compared to people who wear conventional modern shoes, but the basis for this difference remains unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that the use of shoes with features that restrict foot motion (e.g. arch supports, toe boxes) is associated with weaker foot muscles and reduced foot stiffness. We collected data from minimally-shod men from northwestern Mexico and men from urban/suburban areas in the United States who wear ‘conventional’ shoes. We measured dynamic LA stiffness during walking using kinematic and kinetic data, and the cross-sectional areas of three intrinsic foot muscles using ultrasound. Compared to conventionally-shod individuals, minimally-shod individuals had higher and stiffer LAs, and larger abductor hallucis and abductor digiti minimi muscles. Additionally, abductor hallucis size was positively associated with LA stiffness during walking. Our results suggest that use of conventional modern shoes is associated with weaker intrinsic foot muscles that may predispose individuals to reduced foot stiffness and potentially flat foot.
The most basal ankylosaurine dinosaur from the Albian–Cenomanian of China, with implications for the evolution of the tail club
Authors: Zheng Wenjie , Jin Xingsheng , Azuma Yoichi , Wang Qiongying , Miyata Kazunori , Xu Xing
Published: February 2018

The tail club knob is a highly specialized structure thought to characterize a subgroup of the ankylosaurine ankylosaurians, and the oldest documented tail club knob in the fossil record occurred in the Campanian ankylosaurine Pinacosaurus. Here we report a new ankylosaurid Jinyunpelta sinensis, gen. et sp. nov., from the Albian–Cenomanian Liangtoutang Formation, Jinyun County, Zhejiang, China. This is the first definitive and the best preserved ankylosaurid dinosaur ever found in southern China. Jinyunpelta possesses unique cranial features differs from other ankylosaurs including two paranasal apertures level with and posterior to the external naris, a triangular fossa on the anterodorsal edge of the maxilla, an antorbital fossa in the junction between the maxilla, lacrimal and jugal, and an anterior process of the prearticular that lies ventral to the splenial. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests Jinyunpelta as the most basal ankylosaurine dinosaur. Jinyunpelta has a tail club with interlocking caudal vertebrae and a well-developed tail club knob, it represents the oldest and the most basal ankylosaurian known to have a well-developed tail club knob. The new discovery thus demonstrates that a large and highly modified tail club evolved at the base of the ankylosaurine ankylosaurs at least about 100 million years ago.
Evaluation of Polygenic Determinants of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) By a Candidate Genes Resequencing Strategy
Authors: Di Costanzo Alessia , Belardinilli Francesca , Bailetti Diego , Sponziello Marialuisa , D’Erasmo Laura , Polimeni Licia , Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Ceci Fabrizio , Montali Anna , Girelli Gabriella , De Masi Bruna , Angeloni Antonio , Giannini Giuseppe , Del Ben Maria , Angelico Francesco , Arca Marcello
Published: February 2018

NAFLD is a polygenic condition but the individual and cumulative contribution of identified genes remains to be established. To get additional insight into the genetic architecture of NAFLD, GWAS-identified GCKR, PPP1R3B, NCAN, LYPLAL1 and TM6SF2 genes were resequenced by next generation sequencing in a cohort of 218 NAFLD subjects and 227 controls, where PNPLA3 rs738409 and MBOAT7 rs641738 genotypes were also obtained. A total of 168 sequence variants were detected and 47 were annotated as functional. When all functional variants within each gene were considered, only those in TM6SF2 accumulate in NAFLD subjects compared to controls (P = 0.04). Among individual variants, rs1260326 in GCKR and rs641738 in MBOAT7 (recessive), rs58542926 in TM6SF2 and rs738409 in PNPLA3 (dominant) emerged as associated to NAFLD, with PNPLA3 rs738409 being the strongest predictor (OR 3.12, 95% CI, 1.8-5.5, P < 0.001). A 4-SNPs weighted genetic risk score value >0.28 was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of NAFLD. Interestingly, rs61756425 in PPP1R3B and rs641738 in MBOAT7 genes were predictors of NAFLD severity. Overall, TM6SF2, GCKR, PNPLA3 and MBOAT7 were confirmed to be associated with NAFLD and a score based on these genes was highly predictive of this condition. In addition, PPP1R3B and MBOAT7 might influence NAFLD severity.
Nonlinear radiation effect on MHD Carreau nanofluid flow over a radially stretching surface with zero mass flux at the surface
Authors: Lu Dianchen , Ramzan M. , ul Huda Noor , Chung Jae Dong , Farooq Umer
Published: February 2018

A mathematical model is envisaged to study the axisymmetric steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Carreau nanofluid flow under the influence of nonlinear thermal radiation and chemical reaction past a radially stretched surface. Impact of heat generation/absorption with newly introduced zero mass flux condition of nanoparticles at the sheet is an added feature towards novelty of the problem. Further, for nanofluid the most recently organized model namely Buongiorno’s model is assumed that comprises the effects thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Utilizing suitable self-similar transformations, the set of partial differential equations with high nonlinearity are converted into a dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations. Set of these transmuted equations are numerically solved by MATLAB built-in function bvp4c. Impact of germane parameters on all involved profiles are plotted to examine the heat and mass transfer characteristics. This study reveals that the temperature distribution is an escalating function of the heat generation and nonlinear radiation parameters. Also, it is noted that the incrementing values of chemical reaction parameter lowers the nanoparticles concentration profile. A comparison of the present investigation with already published explorations in limiting case is also added to authenticate the presented results; hence reliable results are being presented.
Potential use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging of human myoblasts
Authors: Wierzbinski Kamil R. , Szymanski Tomasz , Rozwadowska Natalia , Rybka Jakub D. , Zimna Agnieszka , Zalewski Tomasz , Nowicka-Bauer Karolina , Malcher Agnieszka , Nowaczyk Magdalena , Krupinski Michal , Fiedorowicz Michal , Bogorodzki Piotr , Grieb Pawel , Giersig Michal , Kurpisz Maciej K.
Published: February 2018

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most frequent causes of death in industrialized countries. Stem cells therapy seems to be very promising for regenerative medicine. Skeletal myoblasts transplantation into postinfarction scar has been shown to be effective in the failing heart but shows limitations such, e.g. cell retention and survival. We synthesized and investigated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as an agent for direct cell labeling, which can be used for stem cells imaging. High quality, monodisperse and biocompatible DMSA-coated SPIONs were obtained with thermal decomposition and subsequent ligand exchange reaction. SPIONs’ presence within myoblasts was confirmed by Prussian Blue staining and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). SPIONs’ influence on tested cells was studied by their proliferation, ageing, differentiation potential and ROS production. Cytotoxicity of obtained nanoparticles and myoblast associated apoptosis were also tested, as well as iron-related and coating-related genes expression. We examined SPIONs’ impact on overexpression of two pro-angiogenic factors introduced via myoblast electroporation method. Proposed SPION-labeling was sufficient to visualize firefly luciferase-modified and SPION-labeled cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in vivo. The obtained results demonstrated a limited SPIONs’ influence on treated skeletal myoblasts, not interfering with basic cell functions.
Improving RNAi in the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Identification of target genes and reference genes for RT-qPCR
Authors: Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Howell Jeffrey L. , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: February 2018

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is native to Asia and recently invaded the USA. RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene silencing mechanism in which the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) inhibits gene function by degrading target mRNA. In dsRNA stability assays, the dsRNases present in the hemolymph and salivary gland secretions of BMSB showed lower activity than those in the hemolymph of Heliothis virescens. We evaluated six housekeeping genes (18S rRNA, EF1-α, Actin, Ubiquitin, 60S RP and β-Tubulin) across dsRNA treatments (injection and feeding) in nymphs and adults of BMSB and identified 18S rRNA and 60S RP as the best genes to use as a reference in reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Homologs of 13 genes that were shown to function as effective RNAi targets in other insects were identified and evaluated by injecting dsRNA targeting these homologs into BMSB adults. Five out of 13 dsRNAs tested caused more than 70% mortality by seven days after injection of dsRNA. Feeding dsRNA targeting five of these genes (IAP, ATPase, SNF7, GPCR, and PPI) to nymphs caused more than 70% mortality by three of the five dsRNAs tested. These data suggest that feeding dsRNA causes target gene knockdown and mortality in BMSB.
Repurposing the anthelmintic drug niclosamide to combat Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Tharmalingam Nagendran , Port Jenna , Castillo Dawilmer , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: February 2018

There is an urgent need to discover novel antimicrobial therapies. Drug repurposing can reduce the time and cost risk associated with drug development. We report the inhibitory effects of anthelmintic drugs (niclosamide, oxyclozanide, closantel, rafoxanide) against Helicobacter pylori strain 60190 and pursued further characterization of niclosamide against H. pylori. The MIC of niclosamide against H. pylori was 0.25 μg/mL. Niclosamide was stable in acidic pH and demonstrated partial synergy with metronidazole and proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole. Niclosamide administration at 1 × MIC concentration, eliminated 3-log10 CFU of H. pylori adhesion/invasion to AGS cells. Interestingly, no resistance developed even after exposure of H. pylori bacteria to niclosamide for 30 days. The cytotoxic assay demonstrated that niclosamide is not hemolytic and has an IC50 of 4 μg/mL in hepatic and gastric cell lines. Niclosamide administration decreased transmembrane pH as determined by DiSC3(5) assay indicating that the mechanism of action of the anti-H. pylori activity of niclosamide was the disruption of H. pylori proton motive force. Niclosamide was effective in the Galleria mellonella-H. pylori infection model (p = 0.0001) and it can be develop further to combat H. pylori infection. However, results need to be confirmed with other H. pylori and clinical strains.
Enhanced intracellular delivery via coordinated acoustically driven shear mechanoporation and electrophoretic insertion
Authors: Meacham J. Mark , Durvasula Kiran , Degertekin F. Levent , Fedorov Andrei G.
Published: February 2018

Delivery of large and structurally complex target molecules into cells is vital to the emerging areas of cellular modification and molecular therapy. Inadequacy of prevailing in vivo (viral) and in vitro (liposomal) gene transfer methods for delivery of proteins and a growing diversity of synthetic nanomaterials has encouraged development of alternative physical approaches. Efficacy of injury/diffusion-based delivery via shear mechanoporation is largely insensitive to cell type and target molecule; however, enhanced flexibility is typically accompanied by reduced gene transfer effectiveness. We detail a method to improve transfection efficiency through coordinated mechanical disruption of the cell membrane and electrophoretic insertion of DNA to the cell interior. An array of micromachined nozzles focuses ultrasonic pressure waves, creating a high-shear environment that promotes transient pore formation in membranes of transmitted cells. Acoustic Shear Poration (ASP) allows passive cytoplasmic delivery of small to large nongene macromolecules into established and primary cells at greater than 75% efficiency. Addition of an electrophoretic action enables active transport of target DNA molecules to substantially augment transfection efficiency of passive mechanoporation/diffusive delivery without affecting viability. This two-stage poration/insertion method preserves the compelling flexibility of shear-based delivery, yet substantially enhances capabilities for active transport and transfection of plasmid DNA.
Human protective response induced by meningococcus B vaccine is mediated by the synergy of multiple bactericidal epitopes
Authors: Giuliani M. , Bartolini E. , Galli B. , Santini L. , Lo Surdo P. , Buricchi F. , Bruttini M. , Benucci B. , Pacchiani N. , Alleri L. , Donnarumma D. , Pansegrau W. , Peschiera I. , Ferlenghi I. , Cozzi R. , Norais N. , Giuliani M. M. , Maione D. , Pizza M. , Rappuoli R. , Finco O. , Masignani V.
Published: February 2018

4CMenB is the first broad coverage vaccine for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B strains. To gain a comprehensive picture of the antibody response induced upon 4CMenB vaccination and to obtain relevant translational information directly from human studies, we have isolated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies from adult vaccinees. Based on the Ig-gene sequence of the variable region, 37 antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies were identified and produced as recombinant Fab fragments, and a subset also produced as full length recombinant IgG1 and functionally characterized. We found that the monoclonal antibodies were cross-reactive against different antigen variants and recognized multiple epitopes on each of the antigens. Interestingly, synergy between antibodies targeting different epitopes enhanced the potency of the bactericidal response. This work represents the first extensive characterization of monoclonal antibodies generated in humans upon 4CMenB immunization and contributes to further unraveling the immunological and functional properties of the vaccine antigens. Moreover, understanding the mechanistic nature of protection induced by vaccination paves the way to more rational vaccine design and implementation.
A metabolomics study of Qiliqiangxin in a rat model of heart failure: a reverse pharmacology approach
Authors: Fu Junzeng , Chang Liping , Harms Amy C. , Jia Zhenhua , Wang Hongtao , Wei Cong , Qiao Li , Tian Shuyan , Hankemeier Thomas , Wu Yiling , Wang Mei
Published: February 2018

The Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin (QL) has been shown to have a protective role in heart failure. Here, we explore the underlying working mechanism of the key therapeutic component in QL using a rat model of heart failure. Heart failure after myocardial infarction was induced surgically and confirmed using echocardiography; a separate group of rats underwent sham surgery. The rats with heart failure were randomly assigned to receive QL, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril, or placebo groups. Blood samples were collected from the rats at four time points for up to 8 weeks and used for biochemical analysis and mass spectrometry‒based metabolomics profiling. In total, we measured nine well-known biochemical parameters of heart failure and 147 metabolites. In the rats with heart failure, QL significantly improved these biochemical parameters and metabolomics profiles, significantly increasing the cardioprotective parameter angiopoietin-like 4 and significantly lowering inflammation-related oxylipins and lysophosphatidic acids compared to benazepril. Mechanistically, QL may improve outcome in heart failure by controlling inflammatory process and cardiac hypertrophy. Clinical studies should be designed in order to investigate these putative mechanisms in patients.
De novo transcriptome analysis and gene expression profiling of an oleaginous microalga Scenedesmus acutus TISTR8540 during nitrogen deprivation-induced lipid accumulation
Authors: Sirikhachornkit Anchalee , Suttangkakul Anongpat , Vuttipongchaikij Supachai , Juntawong Piyada
Published: February 2018

Nitrogen deprivation (−N) has been used as a technique to promote lipid accumulation in various microalgae. Scenedesmus acutus is a promising oleaginous green microalga that can be cultivated in organic wastewater for biodiesel production. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms controlling S. acutus lipid accumulation in response to −N remain unidentified. Physiological study determined that −N reduced cell growth and photosynthetic pigments. On the other hand, it promoted carbohydrate and neutral lipid accumulation. To find the mechanisms underlying lipid accumulation, we performed de novo transcriptome profiling of the non-model S. acutus in response to −N. The transcriptome analysis revealed that glycolysis and starch degradation were up-regulated; on the contrary, gluconeogenesis, photosynthesis, triacylglycerol (TAG) degradation and starch synthesis were down-regulated by −N. Under −N, the carbon flux was shifted toward fatty acid and TAG synthesis, and the down regulation of TAG lipase genes may contribute to TAG accumulation. A comparative analysis of the −N transcriptomes of oleaginous microalgae identified that the down-regulation of multiple lipase genes was a specific mechanism found only in the −N transcriptome of S. acutus. Our study unraveled the mechanisms controlling −N-induced lipid accumulation in S. acutus, and provided new perspectives for the genetic manipulation of biodiesel-producing microalgae.
Molecular detection of colistin resistance genes (mcr-1, mcr-2 and mcr-3) in nasal/oropharyngeal and anal/cloacal swabs from pigs and poultry
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Chen Li , Wang Jiawei , Yassin Afrah Kamal , Butaye Patrick , Kelly Patrick , Gong Jiansen , Guo Weina , Li Jing , Li Min , Yang Feng , Feng Zhixing , Jiang Ping , Song Chunlian , Wang Yaoyao , You Jinfeng , Yang Yi , Price Stuart , Qi Kezong , Kang Yuan , Wang Chengming
Published: February 2018

Antimicrobial resistance against colistin has emerged worldwide and is threatening the efficacy of colistin treatment of multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, PCRs were used to detect mcr genes (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3) in 213 anal and 1,339 nasal swabs from pigs (n = 1,454) in nine provinces of China, and 1,696 cloacal and 1,647 oropharyngeal samples from poultry (n = 1,836) at live-bird markets in 24 provinces. The mcr-1 prevalences in pigs (79.2%) and geese (71.7%) were significantly higher than in chickens (31.8%), ducks (34.6%) and pigeons (13.1%). The mcr-2 prevalence in pigs was 56.3%, significantly higher than in chickens (5.5%), ducks (2.3%), geese (5.5%) and pigeons (0%). The mcr-3 prevalences in pigs (18.7%), ducks (13.8%) and geese (11.9%) were significantly higher than in chickens (5.2%) and pigeons (5.1%). In total, 173 pigs and three chickens were positive for all three mcr genes. The prevalences of the mcr were significantly higher in nasal/oropharyngeal swabs than in the anal /cloacal swabs. Phylogenetic studies identified 33 new mcr-2 variants and 12 new mcr-3 variants. This study demonstrates high prevalences of mcr in pigs and poultry in China, and indicates there is need for more thorough surveillance and control programs to prevent further selection of colistin resistance.
Role and regulation of growth plate vascularization during coupling with osteogenesis in tibial dyschondroplasia of chickens
Authors: Huang Shu-cheng , Zhang Li-hong , Zhang Jia-lu , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Tong Xiao-le , Qiu Gang , Jiang Xiong , Iqbal Mujahid , Shahzad Muhammad , Shen Yao-qin , Li Jia-kui
Published: February 2018

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is the most-prevalent leg disorder in fast-growing chickens; it is intractable and characterized by abnormal endochondral bone formation of proximal tibial growth-plates (TGPs). Previous studies have shown that bone is a highly vascularized tissue dependent on the coordinated coupling between angiogenesis and osteogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms of bone formation and bone remodeling are poorly defined in TD chickens. Here, we observed that inhibition of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis remarkably impaired vascular invasion in the hypertrophic chondrocyte zone of the TGPs, resulting in the massive death of chondrocytes due to a shortage of blood vessels and nutrients. Moreover, the balance of the OPG (osteoprotegerin)/RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand) system is also severely disrupted during the osteogenesis process while coupling with angiogenesis, both of which eventually lead to abnormal endochondral bone formation in TD chickens. Thus, the process of vascular formation in endochondral bone appears to initiate the pathological changes in TD, and improvement of this process during coupling with osteogenesis may be a potential therapeutic approach to treat this intractable disease.
Parallel graded attention in reading: A pupillometric study
Authors: Snell Joshua , Mathôt Sebastiaan , Mirault Jonathan , Grainger Jonathan
Published: February 2018

There are roughly two lines of theory to account for recent evidence that word processing is influenced by adjacent orthographic information. One line assumes that multiple words can be processed simultaneously through a parallel graded distribution of visuo-spatial attention. The other line assumes that attention is strictly directed to single words, but that letter detectors are connected to both foveal and parafoveal feature detectors, as such driving parafoveal-foveal integrative effects. Putting these two accounts to the test, we build on recent research showing that the pupil responds to the brightness of covertly attended (i.e., without looking) locations in the visual field. Experiment 1 showed that foveal target word processing was facilitated by related parafoveal flanking words when these were positioned to the left and right of the target, but not when these were positioned above and below the target. Perfectly in line with this asymmetry, in Experiment 2 we found that the pupil size was contingent with the brightness of the locations of horizontally but not vertically aligned flankers, indicating that attentional resources were allocated to those words involved in the parafoveal-on-foveal effect. We conclude that orthographic parafoveal-on-foveal effects are driven by parallel graded attention.
Influenza A viruses alter the stability and antiviral contribution of host E3-ubiquitin ligase Mdm2 during the time-course of infection
Authors: Pizzorno Andrés , Dubois Julia , Machado Daniela , Cartet Gaëlle , Traversier Aurelien , Julien Thomas , Lina Bruno , Bourdon Jean-Christophe , Rosa-Calatrava Manuel , Terrier Olivier
Published: February 2018

The interplay between influenza A viruses (IAV) and the p53 pathway has been reported in several studies, highlighting the antiviral contribution of p53. Here, we investigated the impact of IAV on the E3-ubiquitin ligase Mdm2, a major regulator of p53, and observed that IAV targets Mdm2, notablyviaits non-structural protein (NS1), therefore altering Mdm2 stability, p53/Mdm2 interaction and regulatory loop during the time-course of infection. This study also highlights a new antiviral facet of Mdm2 possibly increasing the list of its many p53-independent functions. Altogether, our work contributes to better understand the mechanisms underlining the complex interactions between IAV and the p53 pathway, for which both NS1 and Mdm2 arise as key players.
Semiconductor nanostructure quantum ratchet for high efficiency solar cells
Authors: Vaquero-Stainer Anthony , Yoshida Megumi , Hylton Nicholas P. , Pusch Andreas , Curtin Oliver , Frogley Mark , Wilson Thomas , Clarke Edmund , Kennedy Kenneth , Ekins-Daukes Nicholas J. , Hess Ortwin , Phillips Chris C.
Published: February 2018

Conventional solar cell efficiencies are capped by the ~31% Shockley–Queisser limit because, even with an optimally chosen bandgap, some red photons will go unabsorbed and the excess energy of the blue photons is wasted as heat. Here we demonstrate a “quantum ratchet” device that avoids this limitation by inserting a pair of linked states that form a metastable photoelectron trap in the bandgap. It is designed both to reduce non-radiative recombination, and to break the Shockley–Queisser limit by introducing an additional “sequential two photon absorption” (STPA) excitation channel across the bandgap. We realise the quantum ratchet concept with a semiconductor nanostructure. It raises the electron lifetime in the metastable trap by ~104, and gives a STPA channel that increases the photocurrent by a factor of ~50%. This result illustrates a new paradigm for designing ultra-efficient photovoltaic devices.
Retraction Note: A significant causal association between C-reactive protein levels and schizophrenia
Authors: Inoshita Masatoshi , Numata Shusuke , Tajima Atsushi , Kinoshita Makoto , Umehara Hidehiro , Nakataki Masahito , Ikeda Masashi , Maruyama Souichiro , Yamamori Hidenaga , Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Shimodera Shinji , Hashimoto Ryota , Imoto Issei , Yoneda Hiroshi , Iwata Nakao , Ohmori Tetsuro
Published: February 2018

Correction to: Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26105; published online: 19 May 2016; updated: 21 February 2018 The authors are retracting this Article. The Article comprises three parts: a case-control study; a meta-analysis of case-control studies; and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses (two datasets; a Japanese dataset and a public genome-wide association study [GWAS]-pooled dataset).
Chlorinated cobalt alkyne complexes derived from acetylsalicylic acid as new specific antitumor agents
Authors: Obermoser Victoria , Baecker Daniel , Schuster Carina , Braun Valentin , Kircher Brigitte , Gust Ronald
Published: February 2018

Chlorine-substituted [(prop-2-ynyl)-2-acetoxybenzoate]dicobalthexacarbonyl complexes are selective COX-2 inhibitors with growth-inhibitory potential against COX-1/2 containing MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 tumor cell lines. The metabolic activity of non-tumorigenic HS-5 cells and COX-1/2-independent MCF-7 cells is not influenced.
Influence of Lewis acid strength on hydride transfer to unsaturated substrates
Authors: Kieffer Ian A. , Treich Nicholas R. , Fernandez Jordan L. , Heiden Zachariah M.
Published: February 2018

Coordination of a Lewis acid to a substrate molecule increases its ability to accept a hydride between 20 and 70 kcal mol−1.
A comparative study of eicosapentaenoic acid enriched phosphatidylcholine and ethyl ester in improving cognitive deficiency in Alzheimer's disease model rats
Authors: Wen Min , Ding Lin , Zhang Lingyu , Cong Peixu , Zhang Tiantian , Xu Jie , Chang Yaoguang , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: February 2018

Molecular mechanisms of EPA-PC and EPA-EE in improving Aβ-induced cognitive deficiency in rats.
Anti-aging potential of tree nuts with a focus on the phytochemical composition, molecular mechanisms and thermal stability of major bioactive compounds
Authors: Rusu Marius Emil , Gheldiu Ana-Maria , Mocan Andrei , Vlase Laurian , Popa Daniela-Saveta
Published: February 2018

Tree nuts, complete functional foods, contain macro- and micronutrients of high biological value.
Effect of size confinement on skyrmionic properties of MnSi nanomagnets
Authors: Das Bhaskar , Balasubramanian Balamurugan , Skomski Ralph , Mukherjee Pinaki , Valloppilly Shah R. , Hadjipanayis George C. , Sellmyer David J.
Published: February 2018

A comparison of skyrmionic phase region of MnSi nanoparticles with that of bulk, nanowire, and thin film structures.
Reassignment of ‘magic numbers’ for Au clusters of decahedral and FCC structural motifs
Authors: Garden Anna L. , Pedersen Andreas , Jónsson Hannes
Published: February 2018

Oscillations in the stability of FCC clusters with size while decahedral clusters shows a more uniform trend leads to alternating preference for the two motifs and thus magic numbers.
Recent advances in the nanoengineering of electrocatalysts for CO2reduction
Authors: Li Fengwang , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2018

Go nano, go active: the performance of catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2reduction can be improved by a range of nanoengineering strategies. Through these strategies, the catalyst's morphology, electronic structures and surrounding environment are finely tuned on a nanoscale.
Revealing the fate of the phenylcoumaran linkage during lignin oxidation reactions
Authors: Lahive Ciaran W. , Lancefield Christopher S. , Codina Anna , Kamer Paul C. J. , Westwood Nicholas J.
Published: February 2018

Phenylcoumaran linkages are shown, for the first time, to be oxidised to phenylcoumarones in lignin during oxidations with DDQ.
Reaction mechanism, cure behavior and properties of a multifunctional epoxy resin, TGDDM, with latent curing agent dicyandiamide
Authors: Wu Feng , Zhou Xingping , Yu Xinhai
Published: February 2018

The curing mechanism of the TGDDM/DICY system consisted of two main reactions and it experienced two autocatalytic curing processes.
Positional effects of second-sphere amide pendants on electrochemical CO2 reduction catalyzed by iron porphyrins
Authors: Nichols Eva M. , Derrick Jeffrey S. , Nistanaki Sepand K. , Smith Peter T. , Chang Christopher J.
Published: February 2018

The development of catalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide offers an attractive approach to transforming this greenhouse gas into value-added carbon products with sustainable energy input.
Quantification of effective thermal conductivity in the annealing process of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells with 9.7% efficiency fabricated by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Jeong Woo-Lim , Min Jung-Hong , Kim Hae-Sun , Kim Ji-Hun , Kim Jin-Hyeok , Lee Dong-Seon
Published: February 2018

A CZTSSe solar cell fabricated using a graphite box designed with high thermal conductivity exhibited a high shunt resistance and a fill factor.
Aerosol-spray metal phosphide microspheres with bifunctional electrocatalytic properties for water splitting
Authors: Jia Henglei , Jiang Ruibin , Lu Wenzheng , Ruan Qifeng , Wang Jianfang , Yu Jimmy C.
Published: February 2018

Aerosol spray is used to synthesize metal phosphide microspheres to act as bifunctional catalysts for overall water splitting.
Enhanced MHC-I antigen presentation from the delivery of ovalbumin by light-facilitated biodegradable poly(ester amide)s nanoparticles
Authors: Ji Ying , Zhao Jihui , Chu Chih-Chang
Published: February 2018

A polymeric nanocarrier facilitated by photochemical internalization for the cytosolic delivery of ovalbumin and MHC-I presentation to CD8 T cells.
Selective extraction of n-butylidenephthalide from Angelica sinensis (Danggui) by using functionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles as trapping probes
Authors: Wu Ching-Yi , Wu Min-Li , Chen Yu-Chie
Published: February 2018

n-Butylidenephthalide (BP) is an active compound in Angelica sinensis (Danggui) and a potential anti-cancer drug.
Full imitation of synaptic metaplasticity based on memristor devices
Authors: Wu Quantan , Wang Hong , Luo Qing , Banerjee Writam , Cao Jingchen , Zhang Xumeng , Wu Facai , Liu Qi , Li Ling , Liu Ming
Published: February 2018

The various types of metaplasticity are fully mimicked using memristors for the first time.
The effect of 3D carbon nanoadditives on lithium hydroxide monohydrate based composite materials for highly efficient low temperature thermochemical heat storage
Authors: Li Shijie , Huang Hongyu , Li Jun , Kobayashi Noriyuki , Osaka Yugo , He Zhaohong , Yuan Haoran
Published: February 2018

3D carbon modified LiOH·H2O particles were well dispersed into nanoparticles (5–15 nm) and tested using in situ DRIFT spectroscopy.
Correction: Privileged substructures for anti-sickling activity via cheminformatic analysis
Authors: Phanus-umporn Chuleeporn , Shoombuatong Watshara , Prachayasittikul Veda , Anuwongcharoen Nuttapat , Nantasenamat Chanin
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Privileged substructures for anti-sickling activity via cheminformatic analysis’ by Chuleeporn Phanus-umporn et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 5920–5935.
Correction: Complement activation by gold nanoparticles passivated with polyelectrolyte ligands
Authors: Quach Quang Huy , Kah James Chen Yong
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Complement activation by gold nanoparticles passivated with polyelectrolyte ligands’ by Quang Huy Quach et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 6616–6619.
Correction: Synthesis of C14–C21 acid fragments of cytochalasin Z8via anti-selective aldol condensation and B-alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling
Authors: Han Weiwei , Wu Jinlong
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Synthesis of C14–C21 acid fragments of cytochalasin Z8via anti-selective aldol condensation and B-alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling’ by Weiwei Han et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 3899–3902.
A trichromatic MOF composite for multidimensional ratiometric luminescent sensing
Authors: Zhao He , Ni Jun , Zhang Jian-Jun , Liu Shu-Qin , Sun Ying-Ji , Zhou Huajun , Li Yan-Qin , Duan Chun-Ying
Published: February 2018

A trichromatic MOF composite utilizes its MOF matrix and two encapsulated cations collectively to achieve unprecedented multi-dimensional ratiometric luminescent sensing with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Direct observation of supramolecular binding of light hydrocarbons in vanadium(iii) and (iv) metal–organic framework materials
Authors: Lu Zhenzhong , Godfrey Harry G. W. , da Silva Ivan , Cheng Yongqiang , Savage Mathew , Manuel Pascal , Rudić Svemir , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J. , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: February 2018

Binding of C2H2 in MFM-300(VIII) showing interactions to O–H, carboxylate O-centres and intermolecular packing.
Carbon nanotube-induced phase and stability engineering: a strained cobalt-doped WSe2/MWNT heterostructure for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Guoyuan , Zheng Xiaoli , Xu Qun , Zhang Jianan , Liu Wei , Chen Jun
Published: February 2018

MWNT induced phase and stability engineering of a strained Co-doped WSe2/MWNT heterostructure for enhanced HER in both acidic and alkaline environments.
Dual functional hetero-anthracene based single component organic ionic conductors as redox mediator cum light harvester for solid state photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Vaghasiya Jayraj V. , Sonigara Keval K. , Soni Saurabh S. , Tan Swee Ching
Published: February 2018

We have synthesized a novel solid organic ionic conductor (SOIC) that acts as a redox mediator and a light absorbing material at the same time.
Facile preparation of versatile gadolinium-chelated protein nanocomposite for T1 magnetic resonance imaging-guided photodynamic and photothermal synergetic therapy
Authors: Liu Pei , Zheng Hongyi , Yang Zhe , Ba Li , Zhu Wei , Lin Leping , Xiong Yuxuan , Xu Zushun , Ren Jinghua
Published: February 2018

Imaging-guided photodynamic/photothermal (PDT/PTT) synergetic therapy is important in more precise and efficient cancer treatment.
Extremely large magnetoresistance in the antiferromagnetic semimetal GdSb
Authors: Song J. J. , Tang F. , Zhou W. , Fang Y. , Yu H. L. , Han Z. D. , Qian B. , Jiang X. F. , Wang D. H. , Du Y. W.
Published: February 2018

Semimetals with extremely large magnetoresistance have attracted significant interest because of their possible nontrivial electronic structures, unusual transport properties, and also deep connections to high-energy physics.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) foams: a promising low-kdielectric and heat-insulating material
Authors: Zhao Biao , Zhao Chongxiang , Wang Chongda , Park Chul B.
Published: February 2018

In this study, we used a batch-foaming method to prepare closed-cell poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) foams with tailored microcellular structures.
Comment on Hall et al. (2017), “How to Choose Between Measures of Tinnitus Loudness for Clinical Research? A Report on the Reliability and Validity of an Investigator-Administered Test and a Patient-Reported Measure Using Baseline Data Collected in a Phase IIa Drug Trial”
Authors: Sabour Siamak
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this letter, in response to Hall, Mehta, and Fackrell (2017), is to provide important knowledge about methodology and statistical issues in assessing the reliability and validity of an audiologist-administered tinnitus loudness matching test and a patient-reported tinnitus loudness rating.

Method

The author uses reference textbooks and published articles regarding scientific assessment of the validity and reliability of a clinical test to discuss the statistical test and the methodological approach in assessing validity and reliability in clinical research.

Results

Depending on the type of the variable (qualitative or quantitative), well-known statistical tests can be applied to assess reliability and validity. The qualitative variables of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false positive and false negative rates, likelihood ratio positive and likelihood ratio negative, as well as odds ratio (i.e., ratio of true to false results), are the most appropriate estimates to evaluate validity of a test compared to a gold standard. In the case of quantitative variables, depending on distribution of the variable, Pearson
r
or Spearman rho can be applied.

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy (validity) and diagnostic precision (reliability or agreement) are two completely different methodological issues. Depending on the type of the variable (qualitative or quantitative), well-known statistical tests can be applied to assess validity.
Author Response to Sabour (2018), “Comment on Hall et al. (2017), ‘How to Choose Between Measures of Tinnitus Loudness for Clinical Research? A Report on the Reliability and Validity of an Investigator-Administered Test and a Patient-Reported Measure Using Baseline Data Collected in a Phase IIa Drug Trial’”
Authors: Hall Deborah A. , Mehta Rajnikant L. , Fackrell Kathryn
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The authors respond to a letter to the editor (Sabour, 2018) concerning the interpretation of validity in the context of evaluating treatment-related change in tinnitus loudness over time.

Method

The authors refer to several landmark methodological publications and an international standard concerning the validity of patient-reported outcome measurement instruments.

Results

The tinnitus loudness rating performed better against our reported acceptability criteria for (face and convergent) validity than did the tinnitus loudness matching test.

Conclusion

It is important to distinguish between tests that evaluate the validity of measuring treatment-related change over time and tests that quantify the accuracy of diagnosing tinnitus as a case and non-case.