bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging object-scene relations processing in visible and invisible natural scenes
Authors: Faivre Nathan , Dubois Julien , Schwartz Naama , Mudrik Liad
Published: March 2019

Integrating objects with their context is a key step in interpreting complex visual scenes. Here, we used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) while participants viewed visual scenes depicting a person performing an action with an object that was either congruent or incongruent with the scene. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed different activity for congruent vs. incongruent scenes in the lateral occipital complex, inferior temporal cortex, parahippocampal cortex, and prefrontal cortex. Importantly, and in contrast to previous studies, these activations could not be explained by task-induced conflict. A secondary goal of this study was to examine whether processing of object-context relations could occur in the absence of awareness. We found no evidence for brain activity differentiating between congruent and incongruent invisible masked scenes, which might reflect a genuine lack of activation, or stem from the limitations of our study. Overall, our results provide novel support for the roles of parahippocampal cortex and frontal areas in conscious processing of object-context relations, which cannot be explained by either low-level differences or task demands. Yet they further suggest that brain activity is decreased by visual masking to the point of becoming undetectable with our fMRI protocol.
Segmentation of Heavily Clustered Nuclei from Histopathological Images
Authors: Abdolhoseini Mahmoud , Kluge Murielle G. , Walker Frederick R. , Johnson Sarah J.
Published: March 2019

Automated cell nucleus segmentation is the key to gain further insight into cell features and functionality which support computer-aided pathology in early diagnosis of diseases such as breast cancer and brain tumour. Despite considerable advances in automated segmentation, it still remains a challenging task to split heavily clustered nuclei due to intensity variations caused by noise and uneven absorption of stains. To address this problem, we propose a novel method applicable to variety of histopathological images stained for different proteins, with high speed, accuracy and level of automation. Our algorithm is initiated by applying a new locally adaptive thresholding method on watershed regions. Followed by a new splitting technique based on multilevel thresholding and the watershed algorithm to separate clustered nuclei. Finalized by a model-based merging step to eliminate oversegmentation and a model-based correction step to improve segmentation results and eliminate small objects. We have applied our method to three image datasets: breast cancer stained for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Drosophila Kc167 cells stained for DNA to label nuclei, and mature neurons stained for NeuN. Evaluated results show our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy, precision, F1-measure, and computational time.
Association between Psychosocial Stress and Fecal Microbiota in Pregnant Women
Authors: Hechler C. , Borewicz K. , Beijers R. , Saccenti E. , Riksen-Walraven M. , Smidt H. , de Weerth C.
Published: March 2019

Maternal prenatal psychosocial stress is associated with altered child emotional and behavioral development. One potential underlying mechanism is that prenatal psychosocial stress affects child outcomes via the mother’s, and in turn the child’s, intestinal microbiota. This study investigates the first step of this mechanism: the relation between psychosocial stress and fecal microbiota in pregnant mothers. Mothers (N = 70) provided a late pregnancy stool sample and filled in questionnaires on general and pregnancy-specific stress and anxiety. Bacterial DNA was extracted and analysed by Illumina HiSeq sequencing of PCR-amplified 16 S ribosomal RNA gene fragments. Associations between maternal general anxiety and microbial composition were found. No associations between the other measured psychosocial stress variables and the relative abundance of microbial groups were detected. This study shows associations between maternal pregnancy general anxiety and microbial composition, providing first evidence of a mechanism through which psychological symptoms in pregnancy may affect the offspring.
Combined Tissue-Fluid Proteomics to Unravel Phenotypic Variability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Leoni Emanuela , Bremang Michael , Mitra Vikram , Zubiri Irene , Jung Stephan , Lu Ching-Hua , Adiutori Rocco , Lombardi Vittoria , Russell Claire , Koncarevic Sasa , Ward Malcolm , Pike Ian , Malaspina Andrea
Published: March 2019

The lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis, clinical stratification and to monitor treatment response has hampered the development of new therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a clinically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with a variable site of disease initiation and rate of progression. To identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, two separate proteomic workflows were applied to study the immunological response and the plasma/brain proteome in phenotypic variants of ALS. Conventional multiplex (TMT) proteomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed alongside a recently introduced method to profile neuronal-derived proteins in plasma using brain tissue-enhanced isobaric tagging (TMTcalibrator). The combined proteomic analysis allowed the detection of regulated proteins linked to ALS pathogenesis (RNA-binding protein FUS, superoxide dismutase Cu-Zn and neurofilaments light polypeptide) alongside newly identified candidate biomarkers (myosin-9, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase and plectin). In line with the proteomic results, orthogonal immunodetection showed changes in neurofilaments and ApoE in bulbar versus limb onset fast progressing ALS. Functional analysis of significantly regulated features showed enrichment of pathways involved in regulation of the immune response, Rho family GTPases, semaphorin and integrin signalling. Our cross-phenotype investigation of PBMCs and plasma/brain proteins provides a more sensitive biomarker exploratory platform than conventional case-control studies in a single matrix. The reported regulated proteins may represent novel biomarker candidates and potentially druggable targets.
Genome-wide Analysis of bZIP Transcription Factors in wheat and Functional Characterization of a TabZIP under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Agarwal Preeti , Baranwal Vinay Kumar , Khurana Paramjit
Published: March 2019

The basic leucine zipper(bZIP) represents one of the largest as well as most diverse transcription factor (TFs) families. They are known to play role in both stress as well as in various plant developmental processes. In the present study, a total of 191 bZIP transcription factors have been identified fromTriticum aestivum. Expression analysis during various stress conditions, developmental stages, different varieties and gene ontology enrichment analysis suggest their possible roles in abiotic stress as well as in developmental responses. In the current analysis, one of the members named asTabZIP(Traes_7AL_25850F96F.1) was selected for detailed analysis to understand its role under different abiotic stress conditions. Gene expression studies revealed differential expression ofTabZIPin various abiotic stress conditions like heat, salinity and dehydration suggesting the possible role of bZIP in various stress mitigation mechanism.Arabidopsistransgenics overexpressingTabZIPshowed enhanced tolerance to salinity, drought, heat and oxidative stress. ThusTabZIP(Traes_7AL_25850F96F.1) can serve as a candidate gene for improving heat as well as other abiotic stress tolerance and can be helpful in enhancing the crop productivity under stress conditions.
Electrocatalytic and Enhanced Photocatalytic Applications of Sodium Niobate Nanoparticles Developed by Citrate Precursor Route
Authors: Farooq Umar , Phul Ruby , Alshehri Saad M. , Ahmed Jahangeer , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: March 2019

Development of cost effective and efficient electrocatalysts is crucial to generate H2 as an alternative source of energy. However, expensive noble metal based electrocatalysts show best electrocatalytic performances which acts as main bottle-neck for commercial application. Therefore, non-precious electrocatalysts have become important for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Herein, we report the synthesis of high surface area (35 m2/g) sodium niobate nanoparticles by citrate precursor method. These nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques like X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrocatalytic properties of cost-effective sodium niobate nanoparticles were investigated for HER and OER in 0.5 M KOH electrolyte using Ag/AgCl as reference electrode. The sodium niobate electrode showed significant current density for both OER (≈2.7 mA/cm2) and HER (≈0.7 mA/cm2) with onset potential of 0.9 V for OER and 0.6 V for HER. As-prepared sodium niobate nanoparticles show enhanced photocatalytic property (86% removal) towards the degradation of rose Bengal dye. Dielectric behaviour at different sintering temperatures was explained by Koop’s theory and Maxwell-Wagner mechanism. The dielectric constants of 41 and 38.5 and the dielectric losses of 0.04 and 0.025 were observed for the samples sintered at 500 °C and 700 °C, respectively at 500 kHz. Conductivity of the samples was understood by using power law fit.
Disruption of CUL3-mediated ubiquitination causes proximal tubule injury and kidney fibrosis
Authors: Saritas Turgay , Cuevas Catherina A. , Ferdaus Mohammed Z. , Kuppe Christoph , Kramann Rafael , Moeller Marcus J. , Floege Jürgen , Singer Jeffrey D. , McCormick James A.
Published: March 2019

Cullin 3 (CUL3) is part of the ubiquitin proteasomal system and controls several cellular processes critical for normal organ function including the cell cycle, and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling. Kidney tubule-specific Cul3 disruption causes tubulointerstitial fibrosis, but little is known about the mechanisms. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that dysregulation of the cell cycle and Keap1/Nrf2 pathway play a role in initiating the kidney injury upon Cul3 disruption. Cul3 deletion increased expression of cyclin E and p21, associated with uncontrolled proliferation, DNA damage, and apoptosis, all of which preceded proximal tubule injury. The cdk2-cyclin E inhibitor roscovitine did not prevent the effects of Cul3 deletion, but instead exacerbated the kidney injury. Injury occurred despite accumulation and activation of CUL3 substrate Keap1/Nrf2, proposed to be protective in kidney injury. Cul3 disruption led to progressive interstitial inflammation, functionally relevant renal fibrosis and death. Finally, we observed reduced CUL3 expression in several AKI and CKD mouse models and in fibrotic human kidney tissue. These data establish CUL3 knockout mice as a novel genetic CKD model in which dysregulation of the cell cycle may play a primary role in initiating tubule injury, and that CUL3 dysregulation could contribute to acute and fibrotic kidney disease.
Preoperative Prediction of Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Using Mammography-Based Radiomics Method
Authors: Yang Jingbo , Wang Tao , Yang Lifeng , Wang Yubo , Li Hongmei , Zhou Xiaobo , Zhao Weiling , Ren Junchan , Li Xiaoyong , Tian Jie , Huang Liyu
Published: March 2019

It is difficult to accurately assess axillary lymph nodes metastasis and the diagnosis of axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer is invasive and has low-sensitivity preoperatively. This study aims to develop a mammography-based radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of ALN metastasis in patients with breast cancer. This study enrolled 147 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed breast cancer and preoperative mammography. Features were extracted from each patient’s mammography images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression method was used to select features and build a signature in the primary cohort. The performance of the signature was assessed using support vector machines. We developed a nomogram by incorporating the signature with the clinicopathologic risk factors. The nomogram performance was estimated by its calibration ability in the primary and validation cohorts. The signature was consisted of 10 selected ALN-status-related features. The AUC of the signature from the primary cohort was 0.895 (95% CI, 0.887–0.909) and 0.875 (95% CI, 0.698–0.891) for the validation cohort. The C-Index of the nomogram from the primary cohort was 0.779 (95% CI, 0.752–0.793) and 0.809 (95% CI, 0.794–0.833) for the validation cohort. Our nomogram is a reliable and non-invasive tool for preoperative prediction of ALN status and can be used to optimize current treatment strategy for breast cancer patients.
Convergent Evolution of Copy Number Alterations in Multi-Centric Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lackner Carolin , Quagliata Luca , Cross William , Ribi Sebastian , Heinimann Karl , Paradiso Viola , Quintavalle Cristina , Kovacova Monika , Baumhoer Daniel , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Terracciano Luigi , Kovac Michal
Published: March 2019

In the recent years, new molecular methods have been proposed to discriminate multicentric hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) from intrahepatic metastases. Some of these methods utilize sequencing data to assess similarities between cancer genomes, whilst other achieved the same results with transcriptome and methylome data. Here, we attempt to classify two HCC patients with multi-centric disease using the recall-rates of somatic mutations but find that difficult because their tumors share some chromosome-scale copy-number alterations (CNAs) but little-to-no single-nucleotide variants. To resolve the apparent conundrum, we apply a phasing strategy to test if those shared CNAs are identical by descent. Our findings suggest that the conflicting alterations occur on different homologous chromosomes, which argues for multi-centric origin of respective HCCs.
Happiness is Greater in More Scenic Locations
Authors: Seresinhe Chanuki Illushka , Preis Tobias , MacKerron George , Moat Helen Susannah
Published: March 2019

Does spending time in beautiful settings boost people’s happiness? The answer to this question has long remained elusive due to a paucity of large-scale data on environmental aesthetics and individual happiness. Here, we draw on two novel datasets: first, individual happiness data from the smartphone app, Mappiness, and second, crowdsourced ratings of the “scenicness” of photographs taken across England from the online game Scenic-Or-Not. We find that individuals are happier in more scenic locations, even when we account for a range of factors such as the activity the individual was engaged in at the time, weather conditions and the income of local inhabitants. Crucially, this relationship holds not only in natural environments, but in built-up areas too, even after controlling for the presence of green space. Our results provide evidence that the aesthetics of the environments that policymakers choose to build or demolish may have consequences for our everyday wellbeing.
Genome analysis identifies the mutant genes for common industrial Silverblue and Hedlund white coat colours in American mink
Authors: Manakhov Andrey D. , Andreeva Tatiana V. , Trapezov Oleg V. , Kolchanov Nikolay A. , Rogaev Evgeny I.
Published: March 2019

The fur colour of American mink (Neovison vison) involves over 35 traits, but only three of these have been linked to specific genes. Despite being the most popular, coat colours Silverblue and Hedlund white remain uncharacterized genetically. The former is the first genetic mutant of fur colour identified in minks, while the latter is a commercially valuable phenotype that can be dyed easily. Here, we performed the whole genome sequencing for two American mink breeds with Silverblue and Hedlund white coats. We identified mutations in splice donor sites of genes coding melanophilin (MLPH) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) that regulate melanosome transport and neural-crest-derived melanocyte development, respectively. Both mutations cause mRNA splicing impairments that lead to a shift in open reading frames of MLPH and MITF. We conclude that our data should be useful for tracking economically valuable fur traits in mink breeding programs to contribute to global fur production.
Single cell RNA-seq study of wild type and Hox9,10,11 mutant developing uterus
Authors: Mucenski Michael L. , Mahoney Robert , Adam Mike , Potter Andrew S. , Potter S. Steven
Published: March 2019

The uterus is a remarkable organ that must guard against infections while maintaining the ability to support growth of a fetus without rejection. TheHoxa10andHoxa11genes have previously been shown to play essential roles in uterus development and function. In this report we show that theHoxa9,10,11,Hoxc9,10,11, Hoxd9,10,11genes play a redundant role in the formation of uterine glands. In addition, we use single cell RNA-seq to create a high resolution gene expression atlas of the developing wild type mouse uterus. Cell types and subtypes are defined, for example dividing endothelial cells into arterial, venous, capillary, and lymphatic, while epithelial cells separate into luminal and glandular subtypes. Further, a surprising heterogeneity of stromal and myocyte cell types are identified. Transcription factor codes and ligand/receptor interactions are characterized. We also used single cell RNA-seq to globally define the altered gene expression patterns in all developing uterus cell types for two Hox mutants, with 8 or 9 mutant Hox genes. The mutants show a striking disruption of Wnt signaling as well as the Cxcl12/Cxcr4 ligand/receptor axis.
UHPLC-MS/MS method for analysis of sobuzoxane, its active form ICRF-154 and metabolite EDTA-diamide and its application to bioactivation study
Authors: Reimerová Petra , Jirkovská Anna , Piskáčková Hana Bavlovič , Karabanovich Galina , Roh Jaroslav , Šimůnek Tomáš , Štěrbová-Kovaříková Petra
Published: March 2019

Sobuzoxane (MST-16) is an approved anticancer agent, a pro-drug of bisdioxopiperazine analog ICRF-154. Due to the structural similarity of ICRF-154 to dexrazoxane (ICRF-187), MST-16 deserves attention as a cardioprotective drug. This study presents for the first time UHPLC-MS/MS assay of MST-16, ICRF-154 and its metabolite (EDTA-diamide) in cell culture medium, buffer, plasma and cardiac cells and provides data on MST-16 bioactivation under conditions relevant to investigation of cardioprotection of this drug. The analysis of these compounds that differ considerably in their lipophilicity was achieved on the Zorbax SB-Aq column using a mixture of aqueous ammonium formate and methanol as a mobile phase. The biological samples were either diluted or precipitated with methanol, which was followed by acidification for the assay of MST-16. The method was validated for determination of all compounds in the biological materials. The application of the method for analysis of samples fromin vitroexperiments provided important findings, namely, that (1) MST-16 is quickly decomposed in biological environments, (2) the cardiac cells actively metabolize MST-16, and (3) MST-16 readily penetrates into the cardiac cells and is converted into ICRF-154 and EDTA-diamide. These data are useful for the in-depth examination of the cardioprotective potential of this drug.
Four millennia of dairy surplus and deposition revealed through compound-specific stable isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating of Irish bog butters
Authors: Smyth Jessica , Berstan Robert , Casanova Emmanuelle , McCormick Finbar , Mulhall Isabella , Sikora Maeve , Synnott Chris , Evershed Richard P.
Published: March 2019

Bog butters are large white or yellow waxy deposits regularly discovered within the peat bogs of Ireland and Scotland. They represent an extraordinary survival of prehistoric and later agricultural products, comprising the largest deposits of fat found anywhere in nature. Often found in wooden containers or wrapped in animal bladders, they are considered to have been buried intentionally by past farming communities. While previous analysis has determined that Irish bog butters derive from animal fat, their precise characterisation could not be achieved due to diagenetic compositional alterations during burial. Via compound-specific stable isotope analysis, we provide the first conclusive evidence of a dairy fat origin for the Irish bog butter tradition, which differs from bog butter traditions observed elsewhere. Our research also reveals a remarkably long-lived tradition of deposition and possible curation spanning at least 3500 years, from the Early Bronze Age (c. 1700 BC) to the 17th century AD. This is conclusively established via an extensive suite of both bulk and compound-specific radiocarbon dates.
Hot Spots of Carbon and Alkalinity Cycling in the Coastal Oceans
Authors: O’Mara Nicholas A. , Dunne John P.
Published: March 2019

Ocean calcium carbonate (CaCO3) production and preservation play a key role in the global carbon cycle. Coastal and continental shelf (neritic) environments account for more than half of global CaCO3 accumulation. Previous neritic CaCO3 budgets have been limited in both spatial resolution and ability to project responses to environmental change. Here, a 1° spatially explicit budget for neritic CaCO3 accumulation is developed. Globally gridded satellite and benthic community area data are used to estimate community CaCO3 production. Accumulation rates (PgC yr−1) of four neritic environments are calculated: coral reefs/banks (0.084), seagrass-dominated embayments (0.043), and carbonate rich (0.037) and poor (0.0002) shelves. This analysis refines previous neritic CaCO3 accumulation estimates (~0.16) and shows almost all coastal carbonate accumulation occurs in the tropics, >50% of coral reef accumulation occurs in the Western Pacific Ocean, and 80% of coral reef, 63% of carbonate shelf, and 58% of bay accumulation occur within three global carbonate hot spots: the Western Pacific Ocean, Eastern Indian Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. These algorithms are amenable for incorporation into Earth System Models that represent open ocean pelagic CaCO3 production and deep-sea preservation and assess impacts and feedbacks of environmental change.
Coevolution between the cost of decision and the strategy contributes to the evolution of cooperation
Authors: Ohdaira Tetsushi
Published: March 2019

Cooperation is still an important issue for both evolutionary and social scientists. There are some remarkable methods for sustaining cooperation. On the other hand, various studies discuss whether human deliberative behaviour promotes or inhibits cooperation. As those studies of human behaviour develop, in the study of evolutionary game theory, models considering deliberative behaviour of game players are increasing. Based on that trend, the author considers that decision of a person requires certain time and imposes a psychological burden on him/her and defines such burden as the cost of decision. This study utilizes the model of evolutionary game theory that each player plays the spatial prisoner’s dilemma game with opponent players connected to him/her and introduces the cost of decision. The main result of this study is that the introduction of the cost of decision contributes to the evolution of cooperation, although there are some differences in the extent of its contribution regarding the three types of sparse topology of connections. Regarding the distribution of the cost of decision, especially in the case of the scale-free topology of connections, players with high cost of decision, which seem to be disadvantageous at first glance, sometimes become mainstream at the last.
Cellulose fibrils formation and organisation of cytoskeleton during encystment are essential for Acanthamoeba cyst wall architecture
Authors: Garajová Mária , Mrva Martin , Vaškovicová Naděžda , Martinka Michal , Melicherová Janka , Valigurová Andrea
Published: March 2019

Acanthamoebae success as human pathogens is largely due to the highly resistant cysts which represent a crucial problem in treatment of Acanthamoeba infections. Hence, the study of cyst wall composition and encystment play an important role in finding new therapeutic strategies. For the first time, we detected high activity of cytoskeletal elements – microtubular networks and filamentous actin, in late phases of encystment. Cellulose fibrils – the main components of endocyst were demonstrated in inter-cystic space, and finally in the ectocyst, hereby proving the presence of cellulose in both layers of the cyst wall. We detected clustering of intramembranous particles (IMPs) and their density alterations in cytoplasmic membrane during encystment. We propose a hypothesis that in the phase of endocyst formation, the IMP clusters represent cellulose microfibril terminal complexes involved in cellulose synthesis that after cyst wall completion are reduced. Cyst wall impermeability, due largely to a complex polysaccharide (glycans, mainly cellulose) has been shown to be responsible for Acanthamoeba biocide resistance and cellulose biosynthesis pathway is suggested to be a potential target in treatment of Acanthamoeba infections. Disruption of this pathway would affect the synthesis of cyst wall and reduce considerably the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.
Intratumor heterogeneity inferred from targeted deep sequencing as a prognostic indicator
Authors: Oh Bo Young , Shin Hyun-Tae , Yun Jae Won , Kim Kyu-Tae , Kim Jinho , Bae Joon Seol , Cho Yong Beom , Lee Woo Yong , Yun Seong Hyeon , Park Yoon Ah , Park Yeon Hee , Im Young-Hyuck , Lee Jeeyun , Joung Je-Gun , Kim Hee Cheol , Park Woong-Yang
Published: March 2019

Tumor genetic heterogeneity may underlie poor clinical outcomes because diverse subclones could be comprised of metastatic and drug resistant cells. Targeted deep sequencing has been used widely as a diagnostic tool to identify actionable mutations in cancer patients. In this study, we evaluated the clinical utility of estimating tumor heterogeneity using targeted panel sequencing data. We investigated the prognostic impact of a tumor heterogeneity (TH) index on clinical outcomes, using mutational profiles from targeted deep sequencing data acquired from 1,352 patients across 8 cancer types. The TH index tended to be increased in high pathological stage disease in several cancer types, indicating clonal expansion of cancer cells as tumor progression proceeds. In colorectal cancer patients, TH index values also correlated significantly with clinical prognosis. Integration of the TH index with genomic and clinical features could improve the power of risk prediction for clinical outcomes. In conclusion, deep sequencing to determine the TH index could serve as a promising prognostic indicator in cancer patients.
Serum levels of miR-126 and miR-223 and outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Fourdinier Ophélie , Schepers Eva , Metzinger-Le Meuth Valérie , Glorieux Griet , Liabeuf Sophie , Verbeke Francis , Vanholder Raymond , Brigant Benjamin , Pletinck Anneleen , Diouf Momar , Burtey Stéphane , Choukroun Gabriel , Massy Ziad A. , Metzinger Laurent ,   on behalf of the European Uremic Toxin Work Group-EUTox, Argiles Angel , Beige Joachim , Brunet Philippe , Cohen Gerald , Deif Omar Abou , Evenepoel Pieter , Fliser Danilo , Fridolin Ivo , Gmerek Andreas , Jankowski Joachim , Jankowski Vera , Masereeuw Roos , Mischak Harald , Ortiz Alberto , Perna Alessandra , Rodriguez-Portillo Juan Mariano , Schanstra Joost , Spasovski Goce , Stamatialis Dimitrios , Steppan Sonja , Storr Markus , Stegmayr Bernd G. , Stenvinkel Peter , Thornalley Paul J. , Wiecek Andrej
Published: March 2019

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) mortality, cardiovascular (CV) complications and kidney disease progression. However, their association with clinical outcomes remains poorly evaluated. We used real-time qPCR to measure serum levels of miR-126 and miR-223 in a large cohort of 601 CKD patients (CKD stage G1 to G5 patients or on renal replacement therapy – CKD G5D) from Ghent University Hospital and 31 healthy controls. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular and renal events were registered as endpoints over a 6 year follow-up period. miR-126 levels were significantly lower from CKD stage G2 on, compared to controls. The serum levels of miR-223 were significantly lower from CKD stage G3B on. When considering overall mortality, patients with levels of either miR-126 or miR-223 below the median had a lower survival rate. Similar results were observed for CV and renal events. The observed link between the two miRNAs’ seric levels and mortality, cardiovascular events or renal events in CKD appears to depend on eGFR. However, this does not preclude their potential role in the pathophysiology of CKD. In conclusion, CKD is associated with a decrease in circulating miR-223 and miR-126 levels.
Timing constraints of action potential evoked Ca2+ current and transmitter release at a central nerve terminal
Authors: Chao Owen Y. , Yang Yi-Mei
Published: March 2019

The waveform of presynaptic action potentials (APs) regulates the magnitude of Ca2+ currents (ICa) and neurotransmitter release. However, how APs control the timing of synaptic transmission remains unclear. Using the calyx of Held synapse, we find that Na+ and K+ channels affect the timing by changing the AP waveform. Specifically, the onset of ICa depends on the repolarization but not depolarization rate of APs, being near the end of repolarization phase for narrow APs and advancing to the early repolarization phase for wide APs. Increasing AP amplitude has little effect on the activation but delays the peak time of ICa. Raising extracellular Ca2+ concentration increases the amplitude of ICa yet does not alter their onset timing. Developmental shortening of APs ensures ICa as a tail current and faithful synaptic delay, which is particularly important at the physiological temperature (35 °C) as ICa evoked by broad pseudo-APs can occur in the depolarization phase. The early onset of ICa is more prominent at 35 °C than at 22 °C, likely resulting from a temperature-dependent shift in the activation threshold and accelerated gating kinetics of Ca2+ channels. These results suggest that the timing of Ca2+ influx depends on the AP waveform dictated by voltage-gated channels and temperature.
Quantitative fetal fibronectin to predict spontaneous preterm delivery after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Chon Andrew H. , Chan Yen , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Abdel-Sattar Mira , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: March 2019

Our goal was to assess whether quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) is associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). qfFN was collected within 24 hours before and after laser surgery. Aims were: (1) To determine if qfFN changed with operative fetoscopy; and (2) To estimate the number of patients needed to study the predictive value of qfFN for sPTB <28 and <32 weeks. Results are reported as median (range). Among 49 patients, there was no net difference in qfFN levels after laser surgery [0.0 ng/mL (−37 to +400), p = 0.6041]. However, patients with a qfFN increase >10 ng/mL were 19 times more likely to undergo sPTB at <28 weeks (OR = 19.5). We determined that 383 and 160 patients would be needed to achieve adequate statistical power for qfFN to be predictive of sPTB at a GA <28 weeks and <32 weeks, respectively. In conclusion, laser surgery did not alter the qfFN level within the entire cohort, but qfFN may be useful in identifying a subset of patients at increased risk of preterm delivery.
Magnetic and electronic properties of magnetite across the high pressure anomaly
Authors: Kozlenko D. P. , Dubrovinsky L. S. , Kichanov S. E. , Lukin E. V. , Cerantola V. , Chumakov A. I. , Savenko B. N.
Published: March 2019

The magnetite Fe3O4, being anciently known magnetic material to human kind and remaining in leading positions for development of advanced technologies presently, demonstrates a number of puzzling physical phenomena, being at focus of extensive research for more than century. Recently the pressure-induced anomalous behavior of physical properties of magnetite in vicinity of the structural phase transition, occurring at P ~ 25–30 GPa, has attracted particular attention, and its nature remains unclear. Here we study the magnetic and electronic properties of magnetite across high pressure anomaly and in the pressure-induced phase by means of 57Fe synchrotron Moessbauer spectroscopy and neutron diffraction. The hyperfine interaction parameters behavior was systematically analysed over pressure 0–40 GPa and temperature 10–290 K ranges. In the high pressure phase the ferrimagnetic order formation below TNP ~ 420 K was observed and spin arrangement symmetry was deduced. The structural, magnetic and electronic phase diagram of magnetite in the discussed pressure range is established.
Effects of sulfation and the environment on the structure of chondroitin sulfate studiedviaRaman optical activity
Authors: Profant Václav , Johannessen Christian , Blanch Ewan W. , Bouř Petr , Baumruk Vladimír
Published: March 2019

Raman optical activity reflects differences in the secondary structure of chondroitin caused by its sulfation.
The electric field modulation of electronic properties in a type-II phosphorene/PbI2 van der Waals heterojunction
Authors: Wei Yuting , Wang Fei , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Xiuwen
Published: March 2019

The 0.52/0.83 eV direct bandgap of P/PbI2 possesses a type-II band alignment, can effectively be regulated to 0.90/1.54 eV using an external electric field in DFT/HSE06, and is useful for solar energy and optoelectronic devices.
Carbon dioxide reduction by dinuclear Yb(ii) and Sm(ii) complexes supported by siloxide ligands
Authors: Willauer Aurélien R. , Toniolo Davide , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Yang Yan , Laurent Maron , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: March 2019

Low-coordinate dinuclear lanthanide complexes supported by siloxides effect the reduction of carbon dioxide to both carbonate and oxalate, but the cooperative binding of CO2 to the two Ln(ii) cations in the dimer favours oxalate formation.
Hydrophobicity may enhance membrane affinity and anti-cancer effects of Schiff base vanadium(v) catecholate complexes
Authors: Crans Debbie C. , Koehn Jordan T. , Petry Stephanie M. , Glover Caleb M. , Wijetunga Asanka , Kaur Ravinder , Levina Aviva , Lay Peter A.
Published: March 2019

Hydrophobicity may increase the hydrolytic stability of vanadium(v) catecholate complexes enabling rapid cellular uptake of the intact complex exhibiting potent anti-cancer activity.
Immunomodulation and cellular response to biomaterials: the overriding role of neutrophils in healing
Authors: Ode Boni Biaou O. , Lamboni Lallepak , Souho Tiatou , Gauthier Mario , Yang Guang
Published: March 2019

Neutrophils at the center of biomaterial design for optimal tissue regeneration.
Highly efficient regio-selective ring-opening nucleophilic fluorination of aziridines and azetidines: access to β- or γ-fluorinated amino acid derivatives
Authors: Zhu Liping , Xiong Jiale , An Junkai , Chen Nannan , Xue Jijun , Jiang Xianxing
Published: March 2019

The strategy is mild and efficient, useful in synthesizing β- or γ-fluorinated amines and enantioenriched β-fluoro-α-amino acid derivatives.
Substitution of unsaturated lipid chains by thioether-containing lipid chains in cationic amphiphiles: physicochemical consequences and application for gene delivery
Authors: Bouraoui Amal , Berchel Mathieu , Ghanem Rosy , Vié Véronique , Paboeuf Gilles , Deschamps Laure , Lozach Olivier , Le Gall Tony , Montier Tristan , Jaffrès Paul-Alain
Published: March 2019

New thioether-containing amphiphiles were designed, characterized and applied for gene delivery.
Neodymium-decorated graphene oxide as a corrosion barrier layer on Ti6Al4V alloy in acidic medium
Authors: Palaniappan N. , Cole I. S. , Caballero-Briones F. , Manickam S. , Lal C. , Sathiskumar J.
Published: March 2019

Neodymium-decorated graphene oxide is chemisorbed by non-bonding electrons on Ti6Al4V surface increasing the corrosion inhibition in acidic media.
Heteroepitaxy of GaP on silicon for efficient and cost-effective photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Alqahtani Mahdi , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Cui Fan , Steier Ludmilla , Xia Xueming , Blackman Chris , Kim Eunsoo , Shin Hyunjung , Benamara Mourad , Mazur Yuriy I. , Salamo Gregory J. , Parkin Ivan P. , Liu Huiyun , Wu Jiang
Published: March 2019

Photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen by using sunlight to split water offers a sustainable approach for clean energy generation.
A modular theranostic platform for tumor therapy and its metabolic studies
Authors: Li Ke , Li Jiang-Lan , Zheng Di-Wei , Zeng Xuan , Liu Chuan-Jun , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: March 2019

A novel nanoplatform with pH stimulating benzimidazole and glutathione stimulating ferrocene as stoppers was fabricated. The nanoplatform could be modularized to construct carriers with remarkable theranostic and synergistic antitumor properties.
Directly written photo-crosslinked fluorinated polycarbonate photoresist materials for second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) applications
Authors: Ding Shuxiang , Wang Chunxue , Shi Xiaoyu , Zou Jiawei , Cheng Qiuli , Zhu Jiufu , Shi Zuosen , Cai Zhenzhen , Chen Changming , Cui Zhanchen
Published: March 2019

With AF-Z-PC MAs and AF-Ali-PC MAs as the functional layer, we successfully obtained straight and Y structure waveguides by a direct writing method for electro-optical modulator devices.
Wide-spectrum manipulation of triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence by long afterglow phosphors in elastomeric zinc sulfide composites
Authors: Cheng Qian , Wang Ying , Su Li , Wang Hailu , Zhu Guang , Yu Wei
Published: March 2019

Wide-spectrum manipulation of TIEL is demonstrated for the first time. This feasible technique would be versatile in the display-related applications of TIEL and enable color expression under weak stimuli.
Synthesis of monodisperse single-crystal Cu2O spheres and their application in generating structural colors
Authors: Bi Jiajie , Wu Suli , Xia Hongbo , Li Lu , Zhang Shufen
Published: March 2019

A two-step reductive strategy is developed to synthesize monodisperse single-crystal Cu2O solid spheres at room-temperature. The single-crystal spheres with adjustable diameter were used as building blocks to form amorphous photonic structures by spray method, which exhibits vivid colors. This may open a new way to realize large area film with vivid structure color.
Einkäufer-Blog Beschaffungskongress der Krankenhäuser: Der Klinikeinkauf steht vor enormen Herausforderungen im neuen Jahr
Authors: Krojer Stefan
Published: March 2019

Auf die Klinikeinkäufer warten im neuen Jahr 2019 noch größere Herausforderungen. Das wurde auf dem 10. Beschaffungskongress der Krankenhäuser am 5. und 6. Dezember 2018 in Berlin deutlich. Fachkräftemangel, Preisdruck und Lieferprobleme sind die zentralen Themen der Branche. Dazu kommt das Megathema Digitalisierung.
Evaluation of Intravenously Delivered Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Elbow Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Olsen Anastasia , Johnson Valerie , Webb Tracy , Santangelo Kelly , Dow Steven , Duerr Felix
Published: March 2019

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and collect pilot data measuring clinical effects of intravenously administered, adipose-derived, culture-expanded, allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods Dogs (n = 13) with naturally occurring elbow osteoarthritis received three intravenous doses of allogeneic canine mesenchymal stem cells via an open-label clinical trial. Primary outcome measures collected over a 6-month study period included objective gait analysis, accelerometry, owner questionnaires and joint fluid analysis.

Results No acute adverse events were observed following repeated intravenous treatment with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells. A significant improvement in mean client-specific outcome measure (CSOM) activity score and CSOM behaviour score was observed when pre-treatment values were compared with post-treatment values (day >28). In contrast, mean peak vertical force significantly decreased from baseline to post-treatment (>day 28). Weekly activity counts did not show a significant difference between baseline to post-treatment time points. Synovial fluid biomarkers did not change during treatment, and labelled mesenchymal stem cells were rarely detected in synovial fluid samples collected after mesenchymal stem cell administration.

Clinical Significance For dogs with naturally occurring elbow osteoarthritis, intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells was clinically well tolerated. While some subjective outcome measures showed significant improvements, objective outcome measures did not confirm similar changes. Further research is needed before intravenous mesenchymal stem cells can be recommended as a treatment for elbow osteoarthritis in dogs.
Low-frequency, broadband piezoelectric vibration energy harvester with folded trapezoidal beam
Authors: Wang Hai , Li Bin , Liu Yan , Zhao Wei
Published: March 2019

To efficiently scavenge the energy from low-frequency ambient vibrations, this paper proposed a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) with a six-segment folded trapezoidal beam. The new configuration provides the PEH with a lower natural resonant frequency and closer resonance peaks, which makes the harvester suitable to daily vibrations with more functioning resonance modals. Meanwhile, the folded geometry extends the whole length of beam, and then induce a larger strain in the clamped end, leading to a more favorable output voltage. The experimental results show that the proposed structure obtains 5 resonant peaks in 0-30 Hz and an operating bandwidth of 11 Hz. The highest open-circuit output voltage is 20.78 V, and the optimized output power is 217.201 µW.
Coal phase out, energy efficiency, and electricity imports: Key
elements to realize the energy transformation
Authors: Kost Christoph , Palzer Andreas , Sterchele Philip , Stephanos Cyril , Hartmann Niklas , Henning Hans-Martin
Published: March 2019

The energy transformation requires a shift in the energy sector from fossil fuels and their related technologies to carbon free technologies which are mainly renewable energy technologies. In addition to them, three key elements foster the realization of smooth and stringent transformation paths: coal phase out, energy efficiency, and electricity exchange. By applying the techno-economic energy system model REMod-D, the German case is analyzed in this paper with a focus on effects created by emphasizing these three elements in an energy transformation strategy. The analysis covers their impact on the power sector, heating sector, and transport sector which are influenced by the actual shaping of these elements. Overall, the model results show a shift in the German energy system towards a system using more electricity. This electricity is generated up to 85% from photovoltaics, wind power, and other renewable energy sources. Each of the three elements, if employed, leads by itself to a reduction of efforts on the level of developments such as the deployment of renewable energy and renovations, as well as the electrification of vehicles. In the case of combining the three elements, complementary effects can even be summed up. In the Active scenario with a joint use and implementation of the three key elements, this combination is analyzed as part of a cross-sectoral energy strategy for the transformation. Each element can reduce the total system cost by around 16 billion EUR per year. This paper concludes to prioritize these three key elements in the energy strategy in addition to the strong expansion of renewables and the change of heating systems and vehicle concepts.
The combined force field-sampling problem in simulations of disordered amyloid-β peptides
Authors: Lincoff James , Sasmal Sukanya , Head-Gordon Teresa
Published: March 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) can provide high resolution structural ensembles if the force field is accurate enough and if the simulation sufficiently samples the conformational space of the IDP with the correct weighting of sub-populations. Here, we investigate the combined force field–sampling problem by testing a standard force field as well as newer fixed charge force fields, the latter specifically motivated for better description of unfolded states and IDPs, and comparing them with a standard temperature replica exchange (TREx) protocol and a non-equilibrium Temperature Cool Walking (TCW) sampling algorithm. The force field and sampling combinations are used to characterize the structural ensembles of the amyloid-beta peptides Aβ42 and Aβ43, which both should be random coils as shown recently by experimental nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 2D Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. The results illustrate the key importance of the sampling algorithm: while the standard force field using TREx is in poor agreement with the NMR J-coupling and nuclear Overhauser effect and 2D FRET data, when using the TCW method, the standard and optimized protein-water force field combinations are in very good agreement with the same experimental data since the TCW sampling method produces qualitatively different ensembles than TREx. We also discuss the relative merit of the 2D FRET data when validating structural ensembles using the different force fields and sampling protocols investigated in this work for small IDPs such as the Aβ42 and Aβ43 peptides.
Structure formation in low concentration magnetoactive polymers
Authors: Sindersberger Dirk , Prem Nina , Monkman Gareth J.
Published: March 2019

This paper concerns recent research into the autonomous formation of micro-structures in low carbonyl iron powder (CIP) concentration magneto active polymers (MAP). Higher concentrations of CIP show an isotropic distribution of magnetic filler throughout the entire sample, while autonomous structure formation is possible at mass concentrations lower than 3%. The formation of micro-toroids commences as CIP concentration approaches 1% wt. Further development of coherent rings with a defined order follow as CIP concentrations increase toward 2% wt, whilst exceeding 3% wt leads to the same isotropic distribution found in higher concentration MAP. Structured samples containing between 1% wt and 3% wt CIP were investigated using X-Ray tomography where solitary structures could clearly be observed. The ring structures represent microinductivities whose geometries can be manipulated during fabrication. In addition, these structures are magnetic field sensitive. This is not only relevant to applications in the GHz and THz areas but recent research has revealed implications for optical, thermal, acoustic and even chemical MAP sensors.