bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical metabolome assay by high‐resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry and assessment of associated antitumoral activity of Actinocephalus divaricatus
Authors: Zanatta Ana C. , Mari Angela , Masullo Milena , Zeppone Carlos Iracilda , Vilegas Wagner , Piacente Sonia , Campaner dos Santos Lourdes
Published: November 2017

Rationale

Actinocephalus divaricatus (Eriocaulaceae) is an important source of income for rural communities as it is sold as an ornamental plant. To date, no investigation has been conducted concerning the chemical composition and biological studies of the aerial parts of A. divaricatus.

Methods

The methanolic extract of the aerial parts of this species was chemically characterized. We applied an analytical dereplication approach based on Liquid Chromatography coupled to High‐Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry in order to develop, identify and define rapidly the metabolite fingerprint of the aerial parts of A. divaricatus. Biological in vitro antitumor tests were undertaken using breast and lung cell lines of mice and humans.

Results

High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) allowed the fast determination of 30 compounds, which comprised three different classes of compounds: naphthopyranones, flavonoids and saponins. Chromatographic fractionation of the crude methanolic extract validated these results, since it led to the isolation of compounds belonging to the aforementioned classes of compounds, including new acyl glycosylated flavonoids (6‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyquercetin‐3‐O‐(2"‐O‐acetyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and 6‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyquercetin‐3‐O‐(6“‐O‐acetyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside), which were fully characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry experiments, and a known triterpenic saponin (3‐O‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranosyl‐30‐norolean‐12,20(29)‐dien‐28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester). Biological assays indicated that the methanolic extract of the capitula exhibited the best in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF7 cells (human breast cancer).

Conclusions

The HRMS technique enabled us to identify several classes of compounds. In addition, saponins were identified for the first time in plants belonging to the Eriocaulaceae family. Thus, the essential contribution of this work lies in the new elements it brings to the taxonomic discussion which the Actinocephalus genus as a distinct genus of the Paepalanthus. The results obtained show that the methanolic extract of the capitula could be a promising source of bioactive fractions and/or compounds that may contribute towards breast cancer treatment.
Intercalates and discrepancy in random Latin squares
Authors: Kwan Matthew , Sudakov Benny
Published: November 2017

An intercalate in a Latin square is a 2 × 2 Latin subsquare. Let be the number of intercalates in a uniformly random n × n Latin square. We prove that asymptotically almost surely , and that (therefore asymptotically almost surely for any ). This significantly improves the previous best lower and upper bounds. We also give an upper tail bound for the number of intercalates in 2 fixed rows of a random Latin square. In addition, we discuss a problem of Linial and Luria on low‐discrepancy Latin squares.
4β‐Hydroxywithanolide E selectively induces oxidative DNA damage for selective killing of oral cancer cells
Authors: Tang Jen‐Yang , Huang Hurng‐Wern , Wang Hui‐Ru , Chan Ya‐Ching , Haung Jo‐Wen , Shu Chih‐Wen , Wu Yang‐Chang , Chang Hsueh‐Wei
Published: November 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction had been previously reported in 4β‐hydroxywithanolide (4βHWE)‐induced selective killing of oral cancer cells, but the mechanism involving ROS and the DNA damage effect remain unclear. This study explores the role of ROS and oxidative DNA damage of 4βHWE in the selective killing of oral cancer cells. Changes in cell viability, morphology, ROS, DNA double strand break (DSB) signaling (γH2AX foci in immunofluorescence and DSB signaling in western blotting), and oxidative DNA damage (8‐oxo‐2′deoxyguanosine [8‐oxodG]) were detected in 4βHWE‐treated oral cancer (Ca9‐22) and/or normal (HGF‐1) cells. 4βHWE decreased cell viability, changed cell morphology and induced ROS generation in oral cancer cells rather than oral normal cells, which were recovered by a free radical scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). For immunofluorescence, 4βHWE also accumulated more of the DSB marker, γH2AX foci, in oral cancer cells than in oral normal cells. For western blotting, DSB signaling proteins such as γH2AX and MRN complex (MRE11, RAD50, and NBS1) were overexpressed in 4βHWE‐treated oral cancer cells in different concentrations and treatment time. In the formamidopyrimidine‐DNA glycolyase (Fpg)‐based comet assay and 8‐oxodG‐based flow cytometry, the 8‐oxodG expressions were higher in 4βHWE‐treated oral cancer cells than in oral normal cells. All the 4βHWE‐induced DSB and oxidative DNA damage to oral cancer cells were recovered by NAC pretreatment. Taken together, the 4βHWE selectively induced DSB and oxidative DNA damage for the ROS‐mediated selective killing of oral cancer cells.
A preliminary account of the Cucurbitariaceae
Authors: Jaklitsch W.M. , Checa J. , Blanco M.N. , Olariaga I. , Tello S. , Voglmayr H.
Published: November 2017

Fresh collections, type studies and molecular phylogenetic analyses of a multigene matrix of partial nuSSU-ITS-LSU rDNA, rpb2, tef1 and tub2 sequences were used to evaluate the boundaries of Cucurbitaria in a strict sense and of several related genera of
the Cucurbitariaceae. Two species are recognised in Cucurbitaria and 19 in Neocucurbitaria. The monotypic genera Astragalicola, Cucitella, Parafenestella, Protofenestella, and Seltsamia are described as new. Fenestella is here
included as its generic type F. fenestrata (= F. princeps), which is lecto- and epitypified. Fenestella mackenzei and F. ostryae are combined in Parafenestella. Asexual morphs of Cucurbitariaceae, where known, are all pyrenochaeta- or
phoma-like. Comparison of the phylogenetic analyses of the ITS-LSU and combined matrices demonstrate that at least rpb2 sequences should be added whenever possible to improve phylogenetic resolution of the tree backbone; in addition, the tef1 introns should be added as well to
improve delimitation of closely related species.
Dynamic stress-related epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter during early development: The role of child maltreatment
Authors: Parent Justin , Parade Stephanie H. , Laumann Laura E. , Ridout Kathryn K. , Yang Bao-Zhu , Marsit Carmen J. , Seifer Ronald , Tyrka Audrey R.
Published: November 2017

Epigenetics processes may play a vital role in the biological embedding of early environmental adversity and the development of psychopathology. Accumulating evidence suggests that maltreatment is linked to methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1), which is a key regulator of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. However, prior work has been exclusively cross-sectional, greatly constraining our understanding of stress-related epigenetic processes over time. In the current study, we examined the effect of maltreatment and other adversity on change in NR3C1 methylation among at-risk preschoolers to begin to characterize within-child epigenetic changes during this sensitive developmental period. Participants were 260 preschoolers (3–5 years old, 53.8% female), including 51.5% with moderate to severe maltreatment in the past 6 months. Child protection records, semistructured interviews, and parent reports were used to assess child stress exposure. Methylation of exons 1D and 1F of NR3C1 via saliva DNA were measured at two time points approximately 6 months apart. Results indicate that maltreated children evidence higher baseline levels of NR3C1 methylation, significant decreases in methylation over time, and then at follow-up, lower levels of methylation, relative to nonmaltreated preschoolers. Findings from the current study highlight the complex nature of stress-related epigenetic processes during early development.
Variation in DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene predicts children's resilience to prenatal stress
Authors: Milaniak Izabela , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Barker Edward D. , Relton Caroline L. , Gaunt Tom R. , McArdle Wendy , Jaffee Sara R.
Published: November 2017

Emerging research in epigenetics has shown that there is variability in how environmental exposures “get under the skin” through mechanisms like DNA methylation to influence gene expression that may lead to differential adaptations to stress. This is the first study to examine prospectively the relationship between DNA methylation at birth and resilience to prenatal environmental stressors in several domains (conduct, hyperactivity, emotional problems, and global symptomatology) in middle childhood. We focused on DNA methylation in the vicinity of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene as it has been previously associated with impairments in social–cognitive processes that may underlie a wide range of childhood psychopathology. Participants were 91 youth exposed to pre- and postnatal adversity with established conduct problem trajectories drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Consistent with our hypothesis, OXTR DNA methylation was predictive of resilience in the conduct problems domain in middle childhood. DNA methylation profiles did not predict resilience in domains of emotional, hyperactivity, and global symptomatology, suggesting a potential role for OXTR in the development of conduct problems in particular. However, individuals who were resilient to conduct problems were also broadly resilient across multiple domains. Therefore, future research should elucidate the biological pathways between OXTR DNA methylation and gene expression and its relation to impairments in social behavior.
Posterior nutcracker syndrome – a systematic review
Authors: Park Jae Hyon , Lee Gi Hoon , Lee Seul Mi , Eisenhut Michael , Kronbichler Andreas , Lee Keum Hwa , Il Shin Jae
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Posterior nutcracker syndrome (PNCS) is the entrapment of the left renal vein between the aorta and the vertebral column. Although uncommon, it is still an important diagnosis due to the high morbidity associated with the risk of secondary anaemia from haematuria, from long-term left renal vein hypertension, vascular thrombosis, and even blood clots in the urinary system. A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed and 27 publications containing 27 cases were included for the final analysis. The following frequency of clinical signs and symptoms was noted: twenty-five patients had haematuria, 13 patients had flank pain, and two had hypertension. Overall, male-female distribution was balanced and there were more adult than paediatric (age < 18 years) patients. All symptoms of patients with conservative treatment were either well-controlled or under spontaneous resolution. Conservative management instead of surgical treatment should be preferred in most cases. Taken together, despite the low incidence of PNCS, its recognition and management are highly important. This systematic study explores the evidence base for conservative and medical options.
Plumbing the Depths of the Marine Carbon Cycle
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: November 2017

Scientists measure dissolved black carbon in South China Sea water samples to better understand the carbon cycle in the oceans, which absorb roughly half of all carbon emitted into the atmosphere.
Heterologous expression reveals the biosynthesis of the antibiotic pleuromutilin and generates bioactive semi-synthetic derivatives
Authors: Alberti Fabrizio , Khairudin Khairunisa , Venegas Edith Rodriguez , Davies Jonathan A. , Hayes Patrick M. , Willis Christine L. , Bailey Andy M. , Foster Gary D.
Published: November 2017

The rise in antibiotic resistance is a major threat for human health. Basidiomycete fungi represent an untapped source of underexploited antimicrobials, with pleuromutilin—a diterpene produced by Clitopilus passeckerianus—being the only antibiotic from these fungi leading to commercial derivatives. Here we report genetic characterisation of the steps involved in pleuromutilin biosynthesis, through rational heterologous expression in Aspergillus oryzae coupled with isolation and detailed structural elucidation of the pathway intermediates by spectroscopic methods and comparison with synthetic standards. A. oryzae was further established as a platform for bio-conversion of chemically modified analogues of pleuromutilin intermediates, and was employed to generate a semi-synthetic pleuromutilin derivative with enhanced antibiotic activity. These studies pave the way for future characterisation of biosynthetic pathways of other basidiomycete natural products in ascomycete heterologous hosts, and open up new possibilities of further chemical modification for the growing class of potent pleuromutilin antibiotics.
Publisher Correction: Selective enhancement of optical nonlinearity in two-dimensional organic-inorganic lead iodide perovskites
Authors: Saouma F. O. , Stoumpos C. C. , Wong J. , Kanatzidis M. G. , Jang J. I.
Published: November 2017

In the PDF version of this article, Eq. 5 is missing all elements after the equals sign. The correct version of Eq. 5 is given below. The HTML version of the paper was correct from the time of publication.$$\begin{array}{ccccc}\\ G_2\left( x \right) = & \frac{1}{{(2x)^6}}\left\{ \begin{array}{l}4[1 - (1 - x)^{3/2} - (1 + x)^{3/2}] - \frac{3}{4}x^2[(1 - x)^{ - 1/2} + (1 + x)^{ - 1/2}]\\ + 6x\{ (1 - x)^{1/2} - (1 + x)^{1/2}\} + 2[H(1 - 2x)(1 - 2x)^{3/2} + (1 + 2x)^{3/2}]\end{array} \right\}\\ \\ & + \frac{1}{{(2^{10}x^5)}}\left\{ {70x^2 + 3x[(1 - x)^{ - 1/2} - (1 + x)^{ - 1/2}] - \frac{1}{2}x^2[(1 - x)^{ - 3/2} + (1 + x)^{ - 3/2}]} \right\}\\ \end{array}$$

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A Co3O4-CDots-C3N4 three component electrocatalyst design concept for efficient and tunable CO2 reduction to syngas
Authors: Guo Sijie , Zhao Siqi , Wu Xiuqin , Li Hao , Zhou Yunjie , Zhu Cheng , Yang Nianjun , Jiang Xin , Gao Jin , Bai Liang , Liu Yang , Lifshitz Yeshayahu , Lee Shuit-Tong , Kang Zhenhui
Published: November 2017

Syngas, a CO and H2 mixture mostly generated from non-renewable fossil fuels, is an essential feedstock for production of liquid fuels. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 and H+/H2O is an alternative renewable route to produce syngas. Here we introduce the concept of coupling a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst with a CDots/C3N4 composite (a CO2 reduction catalyst) to achieve a cheap, stable, selective and efficient route for tunable syngas production. Co3O4, MoS2, Au and Pt serve as the HER component. The Co3O4-CDots-C3N4 electrocatalyst is found to be the most efficient among the combinations studied. The H2/CO ratio of the produced syngas is tunable from 0.07:1 to 4:1 by controlling the potential. This catalyst is highly stable for syngas generation (over 100 h) with no other products besides CO and H2. Insight into the mechanisms balancing between CO2 reduction and H2 evolution when applying the HER-CDots-C3N4 catalyst concept is provided.
Label-free nanoscale optical metrology on myelinated axons in vivo
Authors: Kwon Junhwan , Kim Moonseok , Park Hyejin , Kang Bok-Man , Jo Yongjae , Kim Jae-Hwan , James Oliver , Yun Seok-Hyun , Kim Seong-Gi , Suh Minah , Choi Myunghwan
Published: November 2017

In the mammalian nervous system, myelin provides electrical insulation for the neural circuit by forming a highly organized, multilayered thin film around the axon fibers. Here, we investigate the spectral reflectance from this subcellular nanostructure and devise a new label-free technique based on a spectroscopic analysis of reflected light, enabling nanoscale imaging of myelinated axons in their natural living state. Using this technique, we demonstrate three-dimensional mapping of the axon diameter and sensing of dynamic changes in the substructure of myelin at nanoscale. We further reveal the prevalence of axon bulging in the brain cortex in vivo after mild compressive trauma. Our novel tool opens new avenues of investigation by creating unprecedented access to the nanostructural dynamics of live myelinated axons in health and disease.
Stem cell senescence drives age-attenuated induction of pituitary tumours in mouse models of paediatric craniopharyngioma
Authors: Gonzalez-Meljem Jose Mario , Haston Scott , Carreno Gabriela , Apps John R. , Pozzi Sara , Stache Christina , Kaushal Grace , Virasami Alex , Panousopoulos Leonidas , Mousavy-Gharavy Seyedeh Neda , Guerrero Ana , Rashid Mamunur , Jani Nital , Goding Colin R. , Jacques Thomas S. , Adams David J. , Gil Jesus , Andoniadou Cynthia L. , Martinez-Barbera Juan Pedro
Published: November 2017

Senescent cells may promote tumour progression through the activation of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), whether these cells are capable of initiating tumourigenesis in vivo is not known. Expression of oncogenic β-catenin in Sox2+ young adult pituitary stem cells leads to formation of clusters of stem cells and induction of tumours resembling human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), derived from Sox2− cells in a paracrine manner. Here, we uncover the mechanisms underlying this paracrine tumourigenesis. We show that expression of oncogenic β-catenin in Hesx1+ embryonic precursors also results in stem cell clusters and paracrine tumours. We reveal that human and mouse clusters are analogous and share a common signature of senescence and SASP. Finally, we show that mice with reduced senescence and SASP responses exhibit decreased tumour-inducing potential. Together, we provide evidence that senescence and a stem cell-associated SASP drive cell transformation and tumour initiation in vivo in an age-dependent fashion.
Bactofilin-mediated organization of the ParABS chromosome segregation system in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Lin Lin , Osorio Valeriano Manuel , Harms Andrea , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte , Thanbichler Martin
Published: November 2017

In bacteria, homologs of actin, tubulin, and intermediate filament proteins often act in concert with bacteria-specific scaffolding proteins to ensure the proper arrangement of cellular components. Among the bacteria-specific factors are the bactofilins, a widespread family of polymer-forming proteins whose biology is poorly investigated. Here, we study the three bactofilins BacNOP in the rod-shaped bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. We show that BacNOP co-assemble into elongated scaffolds that restrain the ParABS chromosome segregation machinery to the subpolar regions of the cell. The centromere (parS)-binding protein ParB associates with the pole-distal ends of these structures, whereas the DNA partitioning ATPase ParA binds along their entire length, using the newly identified protein PadC (MXAN_4634) as an adapter. The integrity of these complexes is critical for proper nucleoid morphology and chromosome segregation. BacNOP thus mediate a previously unknown mechanism of subcellular organization that recruits proteins to defined sites within the cytoplasm, far off the cell poles.
Acceleration of collimated 45 MeV protons by collisionless shocks driven in low-density, large-scale gradient plasmas by a 1020 W/cm2, 1 µm laser
Authors: Antici P. , Boella E. , Chen S. N. , Andrews D. S. , Barberio M. , Böker J. , Cardelli F. , Feugeas J. L. , Glesser M. , Nicolaï P. , Romagnani L. , Scisciò M. , Starodubtsev M. , Willi O. , Kieffer J. C. , Tikhonchuk V. , Pépin H. , Silva L. O. , Humières E. d’ , Fuchs J.
Published: November 2017

A new type of proton acceleration stemming from large-scale gradients, low-density targets, irradiated by an intense near-infrared laser is observed. The produced protons are characterized by high-energies (with a broad spectrum), are emitted in a very directional manner, and the process is associated to relaxed laser (no need for high-contrast) and target (no need for ultra-thin or expensive targets) constraints. As such, this process appears quite effective compared to the standard and commonly used Target Normal Sheath Acceleration technique (TNSA), or more exploratory mechanisms like Radiation Pressure Acceleration (RPA). The data are underpinned by 3D numerical simulations which suggest that in these conditions a Low Density Collisionless Shock Acceleration (LDCSA) mechanism is at play, which combines an initial Collisionless Shock Acceleration (CSA) to a boost procured by a TNSA-like sheath field in the downward density ramp of the target, leading to an overall broad spectrum. Experiments performed at a laser intensity of 1020 W/cm2 show that LDCSA can accelerate, from ~1% critical density, mm-scale targets, up to 5 × 109 protons/MeV/sr/J with energies up to 45(±5) MeV in a collimated (~6° half-angle) manner.
A simulation model of neuroprogenitor proliferation dynamics predicts age-related loss of hippocampal neurogenesis but not astrogenesis
Authors: Beccari Sol , Valero Jorge , Maletic-Savatic Mirjana , Sierra Amanda
Published: November 2017

Adult hippocampal neuroprogenitors give rise to both neurons and astrocytes. As neuroprogenitors are lost with increased age, neurogenesis concomitantly decreases. However, the dynamics of neuron and astrocyte generation throughout adulthood has not been systematically examined. Here, we analyzed the hippocampal niche both longitudinally (from 2 h to 30d of cell life) and transversally (from 1 m to 12 m of age) and generated a Marsaglia polar random simulation model to predict newborn cell dynamics. The sharp decrease in newborn neuron production throughout adulthood was largely predicted by the number of proliferating neuroprogenitors at each age. In contrast, newborn astrocyte decay was slower and associated with their increased yield in mature mice. As a result, the niche shifted from neurogenic to neuro/astrogenic with increased age. Our data provide a simple “end-point” model to understand the hippocampal niche changes across adulthood and suggest yet unexplored functions of newborn astrocytes for the aging hippocampal circuitry.
Thyroid hormones derivatives reduce proliferation and induce cell death and DNA damage in ovarian cancer
Authors: Shinderman-Maman Elena , Cohen Keren , Moskovich Dotan , Hercbergs Aleck , Werner Haim , Davis Paul J. , Ellis Martin , Ashur-Fabian Osnat
Published: November 2017

Ovarian cancer is a highly aggressive disease and novel treatments are required. Thyroid hormones binding to αvβ3 integrin produced growth-promoting activities in ovarian cancer and we hypothesized that natural thyroid hormone derivatives may antagonize these actions. The effect of three antagonists, tetraiodoacetic acid (tetrac), triiodothyroacetic acid (triac) and 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM), on cell proliferation, cell death and DNA damage was studied in two ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR3 and A2780), normal hamster ovary control cells (CHOK1) and αvβ3-deficient or transfected HEK293 cells. A differential inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in ovarian cancer cells compared to CHOK1. In OVCAR3, an induction of cell cycle regulators was further shown. Apoptosis was confirmed (annexin-PI, SubG1/cell-cycle, apoptotic genes, caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage) and was reversed by a pan-caspase inhibitor. Induction in apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) was observed, suggesting a parallel caspase-independent mechanism. Integrin-involvement in triac/T1AM apoptotic action was shown in αvβ3-transfected HEK293 cells. Lastly, in ovarian cancer models, key proteins that coordinate recognition of DNA damage, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and PARP-1, were induced. To conclude, the cytotoxic potential of thyroid hormone derivatives, tetrac, triac and T1AM, in ovarian cancer may provide a much-needed novel therapeutic approach.
Development and growth of organs in living whole embryo and larval grafts in zebrafish
Authors: Kawasaki Toshihiro , Maeno Akiteru , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Sakai Noriyoshi
Published: November 2017

Age-related systemic environments influence neurogenesis and organ regeneration of heterochronic parabiotic partners; however, the difficulty of manipulating small embryos prevents the effects of aged systemic environments on primitive organs at the developmental stage from being analysed. Here, we describe a novel transplantation system to support whole living embryos/larvae as grafts in immunodeficient zebrafish by the intrusion of host blood vessels into the grafts, allowing bodies similar to those of heterochronic parabiosis to be generated by subcutaneous grafting. Although grafted embryos/larvae formed most organs, not all organogenesis was supported equally; although the brain, eyes and the intestine usually developed, the liver, testes and heart developed insufficiently or even occasionally disappeared. Removal of host germ cells stimulated testis development in grafted embryos. These results indicate that primitive testes are susceptible to the systemic environments that originated from the germ cells of aged hosts and imply that the primitive liver and heart are similar. Upon applying this method to embryonic lethal mutants, various types of organs, including testes that developed in germ-cell-removed recipients, and viable offspring were obtained from the mutants. This unique transplantation system will lead to new insights into the age-related systemic environments that are crucial for organogenesis in vertebrates.
Sex differences in peripheral not central immune responses to pain-inducing injury
Authors: Lopes Douglas M. , Malek Natalia , Edye Michelle , Jager Sara Buskbjerg , McMurray Sheridan , McMahon Stephen B. , Denk Franziska
Published: November 2017

Women suffer chronic pain more frequently than men. It is not clear whether this is due to differences in higher level cognitive processes or basic nociceptive responses. In this study we used a mouse model of neuropathic pain to dissociate these factors. We performed RNA-seq on purified peripheral afferent neurons, but found no striking differences in gene expression between male and female mice, neither before nor after nerve injury. Similarly, spinal cord immune responses between the sexes appeared to be indistinguishable when studied by flow cytometry or qRT-PCR. Differences emerged only upon studying peripheral immune cell infiltration into the dorsal root ganglion, suggesting that adaptive immune responses in neuropathic pain could be sexually dimorphic.
A Novel Communication Value Task Demonstrates Evidence of Response Bias in Cases with Presbyacusis
Authors: Eckert Mark A. , Vaden Kenneth I. , Teubner-Rhodes Susan , Bentzley Brandon S.
Published: November 2017

Decision-making about the expected value of an experience or behavior can explain hearing health behaviors in older adults with hearing loss. Forty-four middle-aged to older adults (68.45 ± 7.73 years) performed a task in which they were asked to decide whether information from a surgeon or an administrative assistant would be important to their health in hypothetical communication scenarios across visual signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Participants also could choose to view the briefly presented sentences multiple times. The number of these effortful attempts to read the stimuli served as a measure of demand for information to make a health importance decision. Participants with poorer high frequency hearing more frequently decided that information was important to their health compared to participants with better high frequency hearing. This appeared to reflect a response bias because participants with high frequency hearing loss demonstrated shorter response latencies when they rated the sentences as important to their health. However, elevated high frequency hearing thresholds did not predict demand for information to make a health importance decision. The results highlight the utility of a performance-based measure to characterize effort and expected value from performing tasks in older adults with hearing loss.
CO2 Mitigation Potential of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles larger than expected
Authors: Plötz P. , Funke S. A. , Jochem P. , Wietschel M.
Published: November 2017

The actual contribution of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles (PHEV and BEV) to greenhouse gas mitigation depends on their real-world usage. Often BEV are seen as superior as they drive only electrically and do not have any direct emissions during driving. However, empirical evidence on which vehicle electrifies more mileage with a given battery capacity is lacking. Here, we present the first systematic overview of empirical findings on actual PHEV and BEV usage for the US and Germany. Contrary to common belief, PHEV with about 60 km of real-world range currently electrify as many annual vehicles kilometres as BEV with a much smaller battery. Accordingly, PHEV recharged from renewable electricity can highly contribute to green house gas mitigation in car transport. Including the higher CO2eq emissions during the production phase of BEV compared to PHEV, PHEV show today higher CO2eq savings then BEVs compared to conventional vehicles. However, for significant CO2eq improvements of PHEV and particularly of BEVs the decarbonisation of the electricity system should go on.
Activation of Erk in ileal epithelial cells engaged in ischemic-injury repair
Authors: Takeda Haruna , Kiyokawa Etsuko
Published: November 2017

Intestinal epithelial cells function as a barrier to protect our body from various agents; therefore, any damage to these cells must be immediately repaired. Several in vivo and vitro studies have shown the involvement of Erk (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) in the regeneration process; however, the spatial regulation of Erk related to tissue morphology has not been well documented. Using two-photon microscopy and mice carrying a Förster resonance energy transfer-based biosensor, we here monitored the Erk activity in the ileal epithelial cells of living mice. Forty-eight h after ischemia-induced injury, epithelial cells were observed as a monolayer covering the injured area. The Erk activity in these cells was higher than that in the epithelial cells at the surrounding crypts, and treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cancelled the higher Erk activity. The resealing epithelial cells were not in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, and Yap (Yes-associated protein) was localized to the nucleus. Immunostaining of intestinal ulcers from patients revealed ERK phosphorylation and nucleus localization of YAP without Ki-67 staining in the resealing epithelial cells. These findings led us to propose that the YAP-EGFR-ERK axis is involved in migration, but not in proliferation, of the resealing epithelial cells.
The origin of prostate gland-secreted IgA and IgG
Authors: Silva Juliete A. F. , Biancardi Manoel F. , Stach-Machado Dagmar R. , Reis Leonardo O. , Sant’Anna Osvaldo A. , Carvalho Hernandes F.
Published: November 2017

The prostate secretes immunoglobulin (Ig) A (IgA) and IgG; however, how immunoglobulins reach the secretion, where the plasma cells are located, whether immunoglobulins are antigen-specific and where activation of the adaptive response occurs are still unknown. Immune cells, including CD45RA+cells, were scattered in the stroma and not organized mucosae-associated lymphoid-tissue. IgA (but not IgG) immunostaining identified stromal plasma cells and epithelial cells in non-immunized rats. Injected tetramethylrhodamine-IgA transcytosed the epithelium along with polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. Oral immunization with ovalbumin/mesopourous SBA-15 silica adjuvant resulted in more stromal CD45RA+/IgA+cells, increased content of ovalbumin-specific IgA and IgG, and the appearance of intraepithelial CD45RA+/IgG+cells. An increased number of dendritic cells that cooperate in other sites with transient immunocompetent lymphocytes, and the higher levels of interleukin-1β, interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-β, explain the levels of specific antibodies. Nasal immunization produced similar results except for the increase in dendritic cells. This immunomodulatory strategy seems useful to boost immunity against genitourinary infections and, perhaps, cancer.
Proteomic and microRNA Transcriptome Analysis revealed the microRNA-SmyD1 network regulation in Skeletal Muscle Fibers performance of Chinese perch
Authors: Chu WuYing , Zhang FangLiang , Song Rui , Li YuLong , Wu Ping , Chen Lin , Cheng Jia , Du ShaoJun , Zhang JianShe
Published: November 2017

Fish myotomes are comprised of anatomically segregated fast and slow muscle fibers that possess different metabolic and contractile properties. Although the expression profile properties in fast and slow muscle fibers had been investigated at the mRNA levels, a comprehensive analysis at proteomic and microRNA transcriptomic levels is limited. In the present study, we first systematically compared the proteomic and microRNA transcriptome of the slow and fast muscles of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi). Total of 2102 proteins were identified in muscle tissues. Among them, 99 proteins were differentially up-regulated and 400 were down-regulated in the fast muscle compared with slow muscle. MiRNA microarrays revealed that 199 miRNAs identified in the two types of muscle fibers. Compared with the fast muscle, the 32 miRNAs was up-regulated and 27 down-regulated in the slow muscle. Specifically, expression of miR-103 and miR-144 was negatively correlated with SmyD1a and SmyD1b expression in fast and slow muscles, respectively. The luciferase reporter assay further verified that the miR-103 and miR-144 directly regulated the SmyD1a and SmyD1b expression by targeting their 3′-UTR. The constructed miRNA-SmyD1 interaction network might play an important role in controlling the development and performance of different muscle fiber types in Chinese perch.
Csl2, a novel chimeric bacteriophage lysin to fight infections caused by Streptococcus suis, an emerging zoonotic pathogen
Authors: Vázquez Roberto , Domenech Mirian , Iglesias-Bexiga Manuel , Menéndez Margarita , García Pedro
Published: November 2017

Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium that infects humans and various animals, causing human mortality rates ranging from 5 to 20%, as well as important losses for the swine industry. In addition, there is no effective vaccine for S. suis and isolates with increasing antibiotic multiresistance are emerging worldwide. Facing this situation, wild type or engineered bacteriophage lysins constitute a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. In this study, we have constructed a new chimeric lysin, Csl2, by fusing the catalytic domain of Cpl-7 lysozyme to the CW_7 repeats of LySMP lysin from an S. suis phage. Csl2 efficiently kills different S. suis strains and shows noticeable activity against a few streptococci of the mitis group. Specifically, 15 µg/ml Csl2 killed 4.3 logs of S. suis serotype 2 S735 strain in 60 min, in a buffer containing 150 mM NaCl and 10 mM CaCl2, at pH 6.0. We have set up a protocol to form a good biofilm with the non-encapsulated S. suis mutant strain BD101, and the use of 30 µg/ml Csl2 was enough for dispersing such biofilms and reducing 1–2 logs the number of planktonic bacteria. In vitro results have been validated in an adult zebrafish model of infection.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Molecular and microscopic characterization of a novel Eastern grey kangaroopox virus genome directly from a clinical sample
Authors: Sarker Subir , Roberts Hayley K. , Tidd Naomie , Ault Shayne , Ladmore Georgia , Peters Andrew , Forwood Jade K. , Helbig Karla , Raidal Shane R.
Published: November 2017

Poxviruses are large DNA viruses with varying zoonotic potential, and are recognised in a broad range of wildlife. Although poxviruses have been detected in kangaroos, their genetic relationships to poxviruses in other animals and humans is not well understood. Here, we present a novel genome sequence of a marsupial poxvirus, the Eastern grey kangaroopox virus (EKPV-NSW), isolated from a wild eastern grey kangaroo. In the present study, histopathologically confirmed epidermal pox lesions were used to recover the full-length viral genome and perform electron microscopic analysis, with both immature virions and intracellular mature virions detected. Subsequent analysis of the EKPV-NSW genome demonstrated the highest degree of sequence similarity with EKPV-SC strain (91.51%), followed by WKPV-WA (87.93%), and MOCV1 (44.05%). The novel EKPV-NSW complete genome encompasses most of the chordopoxviruses protein coding genes (138) that are required for genome replication and expression, with only three essential protein coding genes being absent. The novel EKPV-NSW is missing 28 predicted genes compared to the recently isolated EKPV-SC, and carries 21 additional unique genes, encoding unknown proteins. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses showed EKPV-NSW to be the distinct available candidate genome of chordopoxviruses.
Theoretical investigation of the impact of ligands on the regiodivergent Rh-catalyzed hydrothiolation of allyl amines
Authors: Han Lingli , Li Yaping , Liu Tao
Published: November 2017

The impacts of ligands on regioselectivity were rationalized by using density functional theory calculations.
Homo- and copolymerization of norbornene with tridentate nickel complexes bearingo-aryloxide-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Yang Dandan , Dong Jie , Wang Baiquan
Published: November 2017

New pincer-type tridentate nickel catalysts bearingo-aryloxide-NHC ligands were applied to catalyze the copolymerization of norbornene and 1-octene at elevated temperature.
Refining tools to bridge the gap between academia and chemical regulation: perspectives for WikiREACH
Authors: Ågerstrand Marlene , Brenig Mattheus , Führ Martin , Schenten Julian
Published: November 2017

WikiREACH – a tool that reduces the resources needed and simplifies the process of gathering peer-reviewed studies for hazard and risk assessment of chemicals.
Arsenic leaching from ceramic water filters
Authors: Schaefer Michael V. , Shantz Andrew , Fendorf Scott , Ying Samantha C.
Published: November 2017

Rapid arsenic leaching from ceramic water purifiers poses a health risk, but can also mitigate arsenic exposure through controlled leaching.
High-frequency irreversible electroporation targets resilient tumor-initiating cells in ovarian cancer
Authors: Rolong A. , Schmelz E. M. , Davalos R. V.
Published: November 2017

Targeting resilient tumor-initiating cells with high-frequency irreversible electroporation could be driven by the bioelectromechanical properties of malignant cells.
Exposure enhanced photoluminescence of CdS0.9Se0.1quantum dots embedded in spin-coated Ge25S75thin films
Authors: Slang Stanislav , Loghina Liudmila , Palka Karel , Vlcek Miroslav
Published: November 2017

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are well known photoluminescent materials.
Desalination by dragging water using a low-energy nano-mechanical device of porous graphene
Authors: Rivera Jose L. , Villanueva-Mejia Francisco , Navarro-Santos Pedro , Starr Francis W.
Published: November 2017

We propose a dragging nano-structured suction system based on graphene sheets for water desalination processes.
Magnetic graphene solid-phase extraction in the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water
Authors: Pang Liling , Zhang Wanfeng , Zhang Weiya , Chen Pin , Yu Jing , Zhu Gang-Tian , Zhu Shukui
Published: November 2017

Magnetic graphene nanocomposite was fabricated and applied to the extraction of PAHs in water, followed by GC-MS. The method showed a good linearity. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) were in a range between 0.02–14.3 ng L−1.
Si nanorod arrays modified with metal–organic segments as anodes in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yu Yingjian , Yue Chuang , Han Yingzi , Zhang Chuanhui , Zheng Mingsen , Xu Binbin , Lin Shuichao , Li Jing , Kang Junyong
Published: November 2017

Metal–organic segments (MOSs) were synthesized to composite with Si nanorod (NR) arrays as electrodes in lithium ion batteries (LIBs).
Ancistrolikokines E–H and related 5,8′-coupled naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids from the Congolese lianaAncistrocladus likokowith antiausterity activities against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Fayez Shaimaa , Feineis Doris , Mudogo Virima , Awale Suresh , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: November 2017

A striking feature of the metabolite profile ofAncistrocladus likoko(Ancistrocladaceae) is the exclusive production of 5,8′-linked naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids with strong activities against pancreatic cancer cells.
Bidding strategy of electricity market considering network constraint in new electricity improvement environment
Authors: Zhou Xiaojie , Gao Yajing , Yang Wenhai , Guo Shixiao
Published: November 2017

This study considers China's new electricity reform and related policies as a prerequisite, makes depth analysis of the power generation and sales companies bidding model, and puts forward the game strategy of single sales company and multiple power producers that considered network constraints based on the principle of dark auction in game theory. Considering the problem of transmission obstruction, a two‐layer optimisation model is established. The lower level makes the maximum profit of the generator as the objective function, using the probability function to describe the quotation behaviour of the competitors, using the average match method to solve the bidder's bid. According to the underlying information, the upper single sales company uses linear programming methods to give low‐cost unit queuing priority, combined with grid operating constraints to calculate the minimum purchase cost. Through the upper and lower models, interactive solution can improve the transaction success rate and reduce the occurrence of transmission congestion. Finally, the modified IEEE14 node example is used to analyse and verify.
Hybrid cooperative control method for microgrid with large generation or load fluctuations
Authors: Lv Qing , Yang Geng , Geng Hua , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: November 2017

Distributed microgrid with numbers of ‘plug‐in plug‐out’ renewable distributed generators (DGs) has been developed recently. The traditional control methods can hardly ensure the frequency and voltage stability of the microgrid due to limited power capacity with the large generation or load fluctuations. This study proposes a two‐stage hybrid cooperative control method to solve the problem. The primary stage is implemented dispersedly in the DG level based on the virtual synchronous generator technology, which can remain the system stability with small power disturbance autonomously. The secondary stage is implemented in the central microgrid‐level controller, which stabilises the microgrid in a large power disturbance situation with the control of energy storage systems and the droop coefficients of DGs. The effectiveness and performance of the hybrid cooperative control are validated by both simulations and experiments.
Method for diagnosis of on‐load tap changer based on wavelet theory and support vector machine
Authors: Duan Xiaomu , Zhao Tong , Li Tan , Liu Jinxin , Zou Liang , Zhang Li
Published: November 2017

In order to extract the vibration signal features of the on‐load tap changer (OLTC) mechanical fault accurately, and enhance the quality of OLTC online monitoring, this study proposed a new method based on multi‐resolution feature extraction algorithm and genetic optimisation support vector machine (GA‐SVM). Firstly, the mechanical vibration signal of OLTC is decomposed by wavelet packet transform. Then, the information entropy of the wavelet packet coefficients of the effective frequency band is calculated. Based on above steps, multi‐resolution feature parameters of the mechanical vibration signal of OLTC are obtained. Based on the multi‐resolution feature parameters, fault classification model is established. Also, this model is on the basis of SVM which is optimised by genetic algorithm (GA). The results of simulation and analysis show that the integrated model proposed here can effectively realise the OLTC fault diagnosis, which can provide reference for the operation and maintenance of OLTC.
Review on model validation and parameter estimation approaches of wind power generators
Authors: Hu Yi‐Liang , Wu Yuan‐Kang
Published: November 2017

For the power system planning and operation, the accuracy of the dynamic simulation results plays an important role. To ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the power system, the mismatch between the simulated response and the actual response should be smaller than a threshold value. Therefore, the researches on the model validation and parameter calibration of the generating units have been widely discussed in the past decades. In the recent years, the installation number of the wind turbines (WTs) and wind farms in the modern power system is increasing significantly. Considering the impact of the wind power generation on the power system stability, the WT model should be integrated into the dynamic simulation of the power system. Thus, the research on the WT model validation and parameter estimation is the latest trend. This study gives an overall review of WT equivalent models for the parameter estimation problems in the literature. Because the parameter estimation is regarded as the optimisation problem, this study also summarises the optimisation algorithms utilised in most research. Finally, the approaches of the sensitivity analysis applied to reduce the search domain of the optimisation problem are reviewed in this study.
Ammonium Tungstate as an Effective Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes or Ketones with Hydrogen Peroxide under Water – A Synergy of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Peng Xinhua , Fu Huihui , Hu Chuanfeng , Huang Zhida , Zhou Jianhao
Published: November 2017

Ammonium tungstate was found to be a facile and efficient catalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Heterogeneous graphene oxide as acid effectively intensified the transformations and resulted in excellent yields. The use of water as solvent rendered the reactions promising both economically and environmentally.