bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaerobiosis influences virulence properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis isolates and the interaction with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pallett Ross , Leslie Laura J. , Lambert Peter. A. , Milic Ivana , Devitt Andrew , Marshall Lindsay J.
Published: May 2019

The airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are abundantly colonised by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Co-infecting hypoxic regions of static mucus within CF airways, together with decreases in pulmonary function, mucus plugging and oxygen consumption by host neutrophils gives rise to regions of anoxia. This study determined the impact of anaerobiosis upon S. aureus-P. aeruginosa interactions in planktonic co-culture and mixed species biofilms in vitro. Whilst anoxia reduced the ability for P. aeruginosa CF isolates to dominate over S. aureus, this occurred in an isolate dependent manner. Investigations into the underlying mechanisms suggest that the anti-staphylococcal compound facilitating P. aeruginosa dominance under normoxia and anoxia is greater than 3 kDa in size and is heat-stable. Not all interspecies interactions studied were antagonistic, as S. aureus exoproducts were shown to restore and enhance P. aeruginosa motility under normoxia and anoxia in an isolate dependent manner. Collectively, this study suggests changes in oxygen availability within regions of the CF lung is likely to influence interspecies interactions and in turn, potentially influence disease progression.
Studies on Isoniazid Derivatives through a Medicinal Chemistry Approach for the Identification of New Inhibitors of Urease and Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Rizvi Fazila , Khan Majid , Jabeen Almas , Siddiqui Hina , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: May 2019

A library of thiosemicarbazide derivatives of isoniazid 3–27, was synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and urease inhibition activities, by using in vitro bioassays. Among these compounds 9, 10, 12, 21, and 26 were identified as new derivatives. Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and infections caused by Helicobacter pylori (ureolytic bacteria), are the two most significant causes of gastric and peptic ulcers. We focused on the identification of the dual inhibitors of inflammation and urease enzyme. Compound 23 was identified as the best dual inhibitor of inflammation (ROS; IC50 = 12.3 µg/mL), and urease enzyme inhibition activity (IC50 = 22.4 µM). Many of these compounds showed comparable activities to the standard anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen, IC50 = 11.2 µg/mL) and urease inhibitor (thiourea/acetohydraoxamic acid, IC50 = 21.1/20.3 µM). Compound 12 was found to be the most potent urease inhibitor (IC50 = 12.3 µM) and good inhibitor of inflammation (IC50 = 27.7 µg/mL). Compounds 19, 11, 13, 9, 17, 10, and 16, were also found to be potent inhibitors of urease. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated and all the compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic, except compound 18 and the parent drug isoniazid (IC50 = 29.5 and 28.5 µM, respectively).
The contribution of fire to the late Miocene spread of grasslands in eastern Eurasia (Black Sea region)
Authors: Feurdean Angelica , Vasiliev Iuliana
Published: May 2019

Grasslands are globally extensive, but the processes governing their ecology and evolution remain unclear. The role of fire for the expansion of ancestral C3grasslands is particularly poorly understood. Here we present the first biomass combustion record based on late Miocene to Pleistocene (~10–1.9 Ma) charcoal morphologies (grass, herbs, wood) from the Black Sea, and test the extent of fire events and their role in the rise of open grassy habitats in eastern Eurasia. We show that a mixed regime of surface and crown fires under progressively colder and, at times, drier climates from the late Miocene to Pliocene (8.5–4.6 Ma) accelerated the forest to open woodland transition and sustained a more flammable ecosystem. A tipping point in the fire regime occurred at 4.3 Ma (mid-Pliocene), when increasingly cold and dry conditions led to the dominance of grasslands, and surface, litter fires of low intensity. We provide alternative mechanisms of C3plant evolution by highlighting that fire has been a significant ecological agent for Eurasian grasslands. This study opens a new direction of research into grassland evolutionary histories that can be tested with fossil records of fire alongside climate and vegetation as well as with dynamic vegetation modells.
Epirubicin-loaded marine carrageenan oligosaccharide capped gold nanoparticle system for pH-triggered anticancer drug release
Authors: Chen Xiangyan , Han Wenwei , Zhao Xia , Tang Wei , Wang Fahe
Published: May 2019

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the pH stimuli-responsive drug delivery system have been extensively applied in cancer treatment. Carrageenan derived from marine red algae shows a promising application prospect for drug delivery as a nanomaterial for its biodegradability, abundance, and non-toxicity. Carrageenan oligosaccharide (CAO) was used as a biocompatible reductant for green synthesis of CAO-AuNPs, and the obtained CAO-AuNPs were further used as a delivery system for pH-triggered delivery of epirubicin (EPI). The EPI-CAO-AuNPs were demonstrated to be spherical and homogeneous with mean diameter of 141 ± 6 nm by means of electron microscopy and Malvern particle size analyzer. Results showed that the release of EPI from EPI-CAO-AuNPs was significant under acidic condition that simulated cancer environment, while it was negligible under physiological pH in vitro. Confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometry analysis showed that EPI-CAO-AuNPs were localized in cellular nucleus and induced more apoptosis of HCT-116 and HepG2 cells than free EPI. A new pH-triggered anticancer drug release was achieved by EPI-CAO-AuNPs system for the first time. The developed EPI-CAO-AuNPs nanosystem shows a promising prospect for pH-triggered delivery of antitumor drugs, and our work provides a new idea for targeted drug delivery by using biocompatible marine carbohydrates as nanomaterial.
Hybridization speeds adaptive evolution in an eight-year field experiment
Authors: Mitchell Nora , Owens Gregory L. , Hovick Stephen M. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Whitney Kenneth D.
Published: May 2019

Hybridization is a common phenomenon, yet its evolutionary outcomes remain debated. Here, we ask whether hybridization can speed adaptive evolution using resynthesized hybrids between two species of Texas sunflowers (Helianthus annuusandH. debilis) that form a natural hybrid in the wild (H. annuusssp.texanus). We established separate control and hybrid populations and allowed them to evolve naturally in a field evolutionary experiment. In a final common-garden, we measured fitness and a suite of key traits for these lineages. We show that hybrid fitness evolved in just seven generations, with fitness of the hybrid lines exceeding that of the controls by 14% and 51% by the end of the experiment, though only the latter represents a significant increase. More traits evolved significantly in hybrids relative to controls, and hybrid evolution was faster for most traits. Some traits in both hybrid and control lineages evolved in an adaptive manner consistent with the direction of phenotypic selection. These findings show a causal pathway from hybridization to rapid adaptation and suggest an explanation for the frequently noted association between hybridization and adaptive radiation, range expansion, and invasion.
Publisher Correction: Mucosal vaccination with pili from Group A Streptococcus expressed on Lactococcus lactis generates protective immune responses
Authors: Loh Jacelyn M. S. , Lorenz Natalie , Tsai Catherine J.-Y. , Khemlani Adrina Hema J. , Proft Thomas
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
A spatial stream-network approach assists in managing the remnant genetic diversity of riparian forests
Authors: Rodríguez-González Patricia María , García Cristina , Albuquerque António , Monteiro-Henriques Tiago , Faria Carla , Guimarães Joana B. , Mendonça Diogo , Simões Fernanda , Ferreira Maria Teresa , Mendes Ana , Matos José , Almeida Maria Helena
Published: May 2019

Quantifying the genetic diversity of riparian trees is essential to understand their chances to survive hydroclimatic alterations and to maintain their role as foundation species modulating fluvial ecosystem processes. However, the application of suitable models that account for the specific dendritic structure of hydrographic networks is still incipient in the literature. We investigate the roles of ecological and spatial factors in driving the genetic diversity ofSalix salviifolia, an Iberian endemic riparian tree, across the species latitudinal range. We applied spatial stream-network models that aptly integrate dendritic features (topology, directionality) to quantify the impacts of multiple scale factors in determining genetic diversity. Based on thedrift hypothesis, we expect that genetic diversity accumulates downstream in riparian ecosystems, but life history traits (e.g. dispersal patterns) and abiotic or anthropogenic factors (e.g. drought events or hydrological alteration) might alter expected patterns. Hydrological factors explained the downstream accumulation of genetic diversity at the intermediate scale that was likely mediated by hydrochory. The models also suggested upstream gene flow within basins that likely occurred through anemophilous and entomophilous pollen and seed dispersal. Higher thermicity and summer drought were related to higher population inbreeding and individual homozygosity, respectively, suggesting that increased aridity might disrupt the connectivity and mating patterns among and within riparian populations.
Impact of surface-area-to-volume ratio, internal viscosity and membrane viscoelasticity on red blood cell deformability measured in isotonic condition
Authors: Renoux Céline , Faivre Magalie , Bessaa Amel , Da Costa Lydie , Joly Philippe , Gauthier Alexandra , Connes Philippe
Published: May 2019

Osmotic gradient ektacytometry is the gold standard to assess red blood cell (RBC) deformability. It has been proposed that, when measured in isotonic condition, RBC deformability at low shear stress would depend on membrane elasticity while it would be influenced by internal viscosity when measured at high shear stress, but this hypothesis needs to be further addressed. Healthy RBCs were rigidified by treatment with lysolecithine (LPC), diamide or nystatine associated with hyperosmolar solutions (OSMO), which reduces membrane surface area, decreases membrane elasticity or promotes cell dehydration, respectively. Diamide treatment resulted in a decrease in isotonic RBC deformability at all shear stresses tested (i.e. from 0.3 to 30 Pa). LPC and OSMO treatments caused a decrease in isotonic RBC deformability above 3 Pa only. Isotonic RBC deformability from patients with hereditary spherocytosis or sickle cell disease was mainly decreased above 1.69 Pa. Our findings indicate that decreased isotonic RBC deformability at shear stresses above 3 Pa would be related to a reduction in the surface-area-to-volume ratio and/or to a loss of membrane elasticity and/or to an increase in internal viscosity while a decrease of RBC deformability below 3 Pa would reflect a loss of membrane elasticity.
Origin of gall-inducing from leaf-mining in Caloptilia micromoths (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae)
Authors: Guiguet Antoine , Ohshima Issei , Takeda Seiji , Laurans Françoise , Lopez-Vaamonde Carlos , Giron David
Published: May 2019

In insects, the gall-inducing life-style has evolved independently many times. Several evolutionary pathways leading to this lifestyle have been proposed. While there is compelling evidence supporting surface-feeders and stem-borers as ancestral states of insect gall-inducers, an evolutionary pathway from leaf-miners remains hypothetical. Here we explored this question by comparing the developmental processes of two micromoths, a gall-inducer Caloptilia cecidophora (Lep., Gracillariidae), and its non-gall-inducing relative C. ryukyuensis. Like other Caloptilia, the first and second instars of C. cecidophora are leaf-miners and the gall is initiated inside the leaf mine by the third instar, thus suggesting leaf-mining as an ancestral, plesiomorphic state in this case. This is the first example of an insect species switching from leaf-mining to gall-inducing during larval development. The first two leaf-mining instars of C. cecidophora exhibit an absence of growth and a reduced time duration compared to C. ryukyuensis. The shortening of the duration of leaf-mining stages is apparently compensated in C. cecidophora by a larger egg size than C. ryukyuensis, and an additional larval instar during the gall phase.
Molecular and environmental analysis of Campania (Italy) sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars for biocultural refugia identification and conservation
Authors: Muccillo Livio , Colantuoni Vittorio , Sciarrillo Rosaria , Baiamonte Giuseppe , Salerno Giovanni , Marziano Mario , Sabatino Lina , Guarino Carmine
Published: May 2019

Conservation of agrobiodiversity is a major concern worldwide. Several strategies have been designed and programmed to reduce biodiversity erosion due to anthropic and non-anthropic causes. To this end, we set up a multidisciplinary approach based on the genetic analysis of selected cultivars and recognition of the environmental parameters. We genotyped the sweet cherry cultivars of Campania region in southern Italy by using simple sequence repeats and further investigated them by cluster analysis, disclosing a homogeneous genetic constitution, different from that of commercial accessions. By structure analysis we identified three distinct genetic clusters, each characterized by common and distinct alleles. Survey of the cultivars’ geographical distribution by quartic kernel function identified four preferred districts further characterized for soil origin, pedologic, agronomic features and urbanization impact. We correlated these environmental parameters, typical of the identified areas, with the three genetic pools and found a statistically significant association for each cluster. When we overlaid the cultivation traditions and cultural heritage, we found they have a dominant role; on these premises, we generated new territorial maps. In conclusion, we propose a novel methodological approach based on molecular, geo-pedological and cultural parameters with the aim to recognize biocultural refugia and preserve endangered or valuable cultivars.
miR-150-5p represses TP53 tumor suppressor gene to promote proliferation of colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Fang , Di Wang Xiao
Published: May 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in regulation of numerous biological processes and pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. In addition, miRNAs contribute to carcinogenesis by acting as oncogenic or tumor suppressive. Circulating miRNAs including miR-150-5p are associated with colorectal cancer progression, and the putative targets of miR-150-5p include tumor suppressor gene, TP53. Here we sought to investigate the role of miR-150-5p-TP53 signaling pathway in proliferation of colon cancer and to determine expression levels of miR-miR-150-5p and TP53 in colon adenocarcinoma and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples, or in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. MTT assay was used to determine proliferation and apoptosis in cell lines. Furthermore, we used Western blot to determine levels of cell cycle regulators with anti-miR-150-5p or apoptosis with overexpression of TP53. Our results show that expression levels of miR-150-5p were significantly elevated in clinical specimens from cancer patients. We further showed that inhibition of miR-150-5p increased TP53, and in turn, suppression of proliferation of colon adenocarcinoma. Moreover, inhibition of miR-150-5p or overexpression of TP53 caused cell arrest or apoptosis in colon adenocarcinoma. Our results support that miR-150-5p-TP53 pathway plays an important role in regulation of proliferation, cell arrest, and apoptosis in colon cancer, and could be an attractive target for therapy.
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor mediates anti-inflammatory action in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Jacenik Damian , Zielińska Marta , Mokrowiecka Anna , Michlewska Sylwia , Małecka-Panas Ewa , Kordek Radzisław , Fichna Jakub , Krajewska Wanda M.
Published: May 2019

Estrogens exert immunomodulatory action in many autoimmune diseases. Accumulating evidence highlights the meaningful impact of estrogen receptors in physiology and pathophysiology of the colon. However, the significance of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) on Crohn’s disease (CD), one of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) types, is still elusive. Our study revealed GPER overexpression at the mRNA and protein levels in patients with CD. To evaluate the effects of GPER activation/inhibition on colitis development, a murine 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced model of CD was used. We showed that activation of GPER reduces mortality, improves macroscopic and microscopic scores and lowers C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The impact of estrogen signaling on the suppression of the intestinal inflammation was proved by immunohistochemistry. It was demonstrated that GPER activation is accompanied by modulation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and expression level of genes involved in signal transmission and immune response as well as the expression of some microRNAs (miR-145, miR-148-5p and miR-592). Our study revealed that the membrane-bound estrogen receptor GPER mediates anti-inflammatory action and seems to be a potent therapeutic target in maintaining remission in CD.
Improvement of cognitive control and stabilization of affect by prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Authors: Wiegand Ariane , Sommer Anja , Nieratschker Vanessa , Plewnia Christian
Published: May 2019

Cognitive control of information processing is an essential prerequisite of human behavior. Particularly, focusing attention in the face of failure poses a common challenge. Previous work has demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) can improve cognitive control in a challenging and repeatedly frustrating task. In a randomized, sham-controlled, crossover design 22 healthy, male participants performed an adaptive 2-back version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT), parallel to anodal or sham tDCS over the left dlPFC and the return electrode on the right upper arm. Before and after the 2-back PASAT, the affective state was assessed by means of the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS). We observed an interaction between stimulation condition and task performance driven by an increase in performance with anodal tDCS and no improvement with sham stimulation. In addition, after the 2-back PASAT we found a higher positive and a trend towards lower negative affect with anodal as compared to sham tDCS. Our data support and extend previous results showing improved processing speed under anodal stimulation associated with a reduced task-induced negative affect indicating an improvement of cognitive control. Further studies will investigate long-term effects and clinical applicability.
Characterization of XPR1/SLC53A1 variants located outside of the SPX domain in patients with primary familial brain calcification
Authors: López-Sánchez Uriel , Nicolas Gaël , Richard Anne-Claire , Maltête David , Charif Mahmoud , Ayrignac Xavier , Goizet Cyril , Touhami Jawida , Labesse Gilles , Battini Jean-Luc , Sitbon Marc
Published: May 2019

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare neurological disease characterized by deposits of calcium phosphate in the basal ganglia and other regions of the brain. Pathogenic variants in the XPR1/SLC53A1 gene, which encodes the only known inorganic phosphate exporter, cause an autosomal dominant form of PFBC. These variants are typically located in the SPX N-terminal domain of the protein. Here, we characterize three XPR1 variants outside of SPX in three PFBC patients with an apparently sporadic presentation: c.1375C > T p.(R459C), c.1855A > G p.(N619D) and c.1886T > G p.(I629S), with the latter identified as the first XPR1/SLC53A1 de novo mutation to occur in a PFBC proband. When tested in an in vitro physiological complementation assay, the three XPR1 variants were impaired in phosphate export function, although they were normally expressed at the cell surface and could serve as functional receptors for retrovirus entry. Moreover, peripheral blood cells from the p.N619D patient could be assayed ex vivo and displayed significantly impaired phosphate export. Our results establish for the first time the clinical and molecular characteristics of XPR1 variants located outside the SPX domain and assert a direct link between these variants, deficient phosphate export, and PFBC. Moreover, we unveiled new structural features in XPR1 C-terminal domain that play a role in phosphate export and disease.
Computer-generated holograms for complex surface reliefs on azopolymer films
Authors: Oscurato Stefano Luigi , Salvatore Marcella , Borbone Fabio , Maddalena Pasqualino , Ambrosio Antonio
Published: May 2019

The light-driven superficial structuration observed on the surface of films of azobenzene-containing polymers follows the optical field distribution of the illuminating light pattern, i.e. the light polarization state and the intensity distribution. The ability to precisely manipulate the illuminating intensity pattern can hence provide a new level in the range of complex light-induced superficial textures accessible onto azopolymer film surfaces. In this respect, digital holography, based on the principles of the Computer-Generated Holograms (CGHs), and actually implemented by means of a versatile liquid crystal spatial light modulator, can represent a unique experimental tool in the field of the light-induced mass migration in azo-materials. In the present work, we demonstrate the possibility to precisely control the features and the quality of complex light patterns generated through CGHs in order to induce arbitrarily complex surface reliefs onto the surface of an azopolymer. The results shown here can potentially broaden the range of possible applications of photo-responsive azopolymer films in the fields of surface engineering, biology and photonics.
Electrical transportation mechanisms of molybdenum disulfide flakes-graphene quantum dots heterostructure embedded in polyvinylidene fluoride polymer
Authors: Ooi Poh Choon , Mohammad Haniff Muhammad Aniq Shazni , Mohd Razip Wee M. F. , Goh Boon Tong , Dee Chang Fu , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Majlis Burhanuddin Yeop
Published: May 2019

In the interest of the trend towards miniaturization of electronic gadgets, this study demonstrates a high-density data storage device with a very simple three-stacking layer consisting of only one charge trapping layer. A simple solution-processed technique has been used to fabricate the tristable non-volatile memory. The three-stacking layer was constructed in between two metals to form a two-terminal metal-insulator-metal structure. The fabricated device showed a large multilevel memory hysteresis window with a measured ON/OFF current ratio of 107 that might be attributed to the high charge trapped in molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) flakes-graphene quantum dots (GQDs) heterostructure. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the orientation of MoS2-GQD and mixture dispersion preparation method. The obtained electrical data was used further to speculate the possible transport mechanisms through the fabricated device by a curve fitting technique. Also, endurance cycle and retention tests were performed at room temperature to investigate the stability of the device.
Inverse cascade of the vortical structures near the contact line of evaporating sessile droplets
Authors: Ghasemi Abbas , Ahmet Tuna Burak , Li Xianguo
Published: May 2019

Microscopic imaging as well as the particle image velocimetry (PIV) are carried out to evaluate the concentration, velocity and vorticity fields near the contact line of the nano-particles-laden evaporating sessile droplets. After the onset of the linear thermocapillary instabilities due to the Marangoni perturbations, the non-linear state sets in and the micro-scale jet-like vortex structures are ejected from the contact line towards the center of the droplet. Afterwards, the jet-like vortical structures expand in the spanwise directions and start to interact with the neighbouring structures. Two types of the inverse cascade mechanisms are found to occur. In the first kind, the vortices of the similar length scale merge and continuously produce larger vortices and corresponding wavelength growth. The second inverse cascade mechanism takes place due to the entrainment of the smaller vortices into the larger structures. Both inverse cascade processes are identified as the continuous feeding of the kinetic energy from the smaller scales to the larger scales. For individual micro-jets the velocity field characterizes the jet-like vortex structures ejected from the contact line towards the droplet center opposing the bulk flow from the center towards the contact line. In addition, the vorticity field overlaid by the velocity streamlines identify the sense of rotation of the low pressure zones on either side of the micro-jet as well as the high pressure stagnation point at the tip.
Prognostic role of ARID1A negative expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Ashizawa Mai , Saito Motonobu , Min Aung Kyi Thar , Ujiie Daisuke , Saito Katsuharu , Sato Takahiro , Kikuchi Tomohiro , Okayama Hirokazu , Fujita Shotaro , Endo Hisahito , Sakamoto Wataru , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Goto Akiteru , Kono Koji
Published: May 2019

AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) functions as a tumor suppressor and several therapeutic targets in ARID1A-mutated cancers are under development. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of ARID1A for gastric cancer and its association with expression of PD-L1 and p53. ARID1A expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and negative expression of ARID1A was detected in 39 (19.5%) of 200 cases in a test cohort and in 40 (18.2%) of 220 cases in a validation cohort. Negative expression of ARID1A was associated with worse overall survival in undifferentiated cases, particularly early-stage cases. Negative expression of ARID1A was detected in 11 (50%) of 22 PD-L1-positive cases and in 68 (17.1%) of 398 PD-L1-negative cases in a combined cohort. Negative expression of ARID1A was detected in 45 (22%) of 205 p53-positive cases and in 34 (15.8%) of 215 p53-negative cases in a combined cohort. In addition, expression of EZH2, a potential synthetic lethal target in ARID1A-mutated tumors, was detected in 79 ARID1A-negative cases. An ARID1A-knockdown gastric cancer cell line was subjected to microarray analysis, but no actionable targets or pathways were identified. The present results indicate that ARID1A may serve as an early-stage prognostic biomarker for undifferentiated gastric cancer.
Author Correction: Mechanical Metrics of the Proximal Tibia are Precise and Differentiate Osteoarthritic and Normal Knees: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Arjmand Hanieh , Nazemi Majid , Kontulainen Saija A. , McLennan Christine E. , Hunter David J. , Wilson David R. , Johnston James D.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
RNAMethyPro: a biologically conserved signature of N6-methyladenosine regulators for predicting survival at pan-cancer level
Authors: Kandimalla Raju , Gao Feng , Li Ying , Huang Hao , Ke Jia , Deng Xin , Zhao Linjie , Zhou Shengtao , Goel Ajay , Wang Xin
Published: May 2019

Accumulating evidence indicates the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulator-mediated RNA methylation in cancer progression and metastasis; yet its potential clinical significance, if any, remains unclear. In this first-of-its-kind study, we systematically evaluated the role of m6A regulators as potential disease biomarkers based on comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiles of 9770 cancer cell lines and clinical specimens from 25 publicly available datasets, encompassing 13 human cancers. We developed and established RNAMethyPro—a gene expression signature of seven m6A regulators, which robustly predicted patient survival in multiple human cancers. Pan-cancer analysis identified activated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), as a highly conserved pathway in high-risk patients predicted by RNAMethyPro in 10 of the 13 cancer types. A network-based analysis revealed an intimate functional interplay between m6A regulators and EMT-associated factors via druggable targets such as XPO1 and NTRK1. Finally, the clinical significance of RNAMethyPro was further exemplified in colorectal cancer, where high-risk patients demonstrated strong associations with a mesenchymal subtype, activated stromal infiltration, and poor therapeutic response to targeted anti-EGFR therapy. In summary, RNAMethyPro is a novel, EMT-associated prognostic gene-expression signature in multiple human cancers and may offer an important clinical decision-making tool in the future.
Eggs as Part of a Healthy Eating Pattern
Authors: Ahnen Rylee T. , Slavin Joanne L.
Published: May 2019

The historical recommendations for egg consumption have been confusing to consumers and have resulted in many individuals wondering whether or not eggs should be considered part of a healthful diet. This chapter is a review of the dietary recommendations concerning eggs, the research that eventually changed those recommendations, and the positive health benefits of incorporating eggs into the diet. Eggs as a source of high-quality protein, as a source of choline, and as a tool for satiety and weight management are each discussed, as is potential for additional improvement of the nutrient profile of eggs through fortification. While additional research may be needed to further demonstrate the association between eggs and certain positive health outcomes, the body of scientific evidence surrounding eggs supports the belief that they are healthful for human consumers and should be considered part of a healthy dietary pattern.
Food for Thought – Eggs and Neurocognition
Authors: Sekel Nicole , Virk Rafia , Wallace Taylor C.
Published: May 2019

As the elderly population increases, so too does the incidence of people with cognitive impairment. The ability to carry out complex thought processes is the basis for maintaining quality of life; elderly individuals with cognitive impairment may have few alternatives to entering assisted living facilities. Therefore, the goal is to slow this inevitable cognitive decline so that individuals can maintain quality of life as they age. The amount of research supporting a positive relationship between the egg and two of its innate essential nutrients (choline and lutein) and cognition has grown exponentially over the last decade.
Eggs and Bone Health
Authors: Shang Nan , Wu Jianping
Published: May 2019

Egg is widely accepted as a great source of protein, lipids, and micronutrients. In addition to providing basic nutrition, in recent decades accumulating evidence has also recognized egg as a functional food with a variety of physiological benefits, especially in preventing chronic diseases, including osteoporosis. Emerging evidence suggests the potential of egg and egg-derived bioactive compounds for the prevention of osteoporosis. In this chapter, we discuss the available literature to understand the beneficial role of egg nutrients in bone health management. Furthermore, the potential of egg-derived bioactive compounds for bone metabolism as well as their possible mechanisms are reviewed. It is believed that egg not only provides essential nutrients for bone but also regulates bone metabolism with specific bioactive compounds. Although further animal and human trials are warranted to validate the mechanism of action and efficacy of egg in bone health, egg shows great promise for bone health management.
Innate Antimicrobial Proteins and Peptides of Avian Egg
Authors: Ibrahim Hisham R.
Published: May 2019

As a part of the innate and adaptive immune responses, antimicrobial proteins and peptides are principle effectors against microbial invasion and control of infections. In contrast to the immune system of animals, which produces antimicrobial proteins and peptides when needed, avian egg can efficiently resist microorganisms over a long period of time in the absence of a specialized cellular defense system other than the inert germ cell. It is thus appreciated that, underlying the shell, avian egg contains powerful immune molecules that protect the developing embryo from invading microorganisms. This chapter explores the main antimicrobial proteins and peptides in the egg, with the aim of understanding the biological function of egg antimicrobial proteins and peptides, as well as identifying the key events that account for their defensive roles.
Oxygen deficiency introduced to Z-scheme CdS/WO3−x nanomaterials with MoS2 as the cocatalyst towards enhancing visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Fengyuan , Hou Yanping , Yu Zebin , Qian Lun , Sun Lei , Huang Jun , Ran Qi , Jiang Ronghua , Sun Qianqian , Zhang Heqing
Published: May 2019

Oxygen deficiency modified Z-scheme CdS/WO3−x nanomaterials with MoS2 as the cocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic behavior and photostability.
Preparation of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with feroxamine and their evaluation for pathogen detection
Authors: Martínez-Matamoros Diana , Castro-García Socorro , Balado Miguel , Matamoros-Veloza Adriana , Camargo-Valero Miller Alonso , Cespedes Oscar , Rodríguez Jaime , Lemos Manuel L. , Jiménez Carlos
Published: May 2019

Interaction of a conjugate between amino-functionalized silica magnetite and the siderophore feroxamine with Yersinia enterocolitica wild type.
Monitoring the death of single BaF3 cells under plasmonic photothermal heating induced by ultrasmall gold nanorods
Authors: Prisner Lisa , Witthöft Phillip , Nguyen Lan Vi Ngoc , Tsangas Thomas , Gefken Tobias , Klaus Florentine , Strelow Christian , Kipp Tobias , Mews Alf
Published: May 2019

Morphological changes and trypan-blue staining are temporally tracked in single cellsviaoptical microscopy after plasmonic photothermal heating.
Near-infrared fluorogenic switches for the detection of Hg(ii) ions: applications in real samples and living cells
Authors: Gomathi Asaithambi , Viswanathamurthi Periasamy
Published: May 2019

A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe NIRM was designed and synthesized. The probe exhibited a low limit of detection for Hg2+ (3.2 nM) as well as a large Stokes shift (115 nm), which is very favorable for cell imaging studies.
Structure and reactivity of the first-row d-block metal-superoxo complexes
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo
Published: May 2019

This review discusses the structure and reactivity of metal-superoxo complexes covering all ten first-row d-block metals from Sc to Zn.
Different functional group modified zirconium frameworks for the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Wei Yuan-Ping , Liu Yi , Guo Fan , Dao Xiao-Yao , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: May 2019

UiO-68-PSMs of UiO-68-F, UiO-68-CH3 and UiO-68-OCH3 achieved by post-synthetic modification were found to show different activity for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Correction: Why is high persistence alone a major cause of concern?
Authors: Cousins Ian T. , Ng Carla A. , Wang Zhanyun , Scheringer Martin
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Why is high persistence alone a major cause of concern?’ by Ian T. Cousins et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8em00515j.
Gram-scale fabrication of Bi@C nanoparticles through one-step hydrothermal method for dual-model imaging-guided NIR-II photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhen Wenyao , An Shangjie , Wang Wei , Liu Yang , Jia Xiaodan , Wang Chao , Zhang Mengchao , Jiang Xiue
Published: May 2019

Bi@C nanoparticles were fabricated at the gram scale through a one-step hydrothermal method for dual-model imaging-guided NIR-II photothermal therapy.
Galvanic replacement of liquid metal galinstan with Pt for the synthesis of electrocatalytically active nanomaterials
Authors: Oloye Olawale , Tang Cheng , Du Aijun , Will Geoffrey , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: May 2019

Here we galvanically replace liquid galinstan with Pt to create PtGa nanoparticles via expulsion from the liquid metal surface. These nanomaterials are active for a variety of electrocatalytic reactions.
Synthesis, properties and photo-responsive behavior of luminescent side chain polymers containing D–π-A α-cyanostilbene units
Authors: Yuan Yongjie , He Lifang , Li Jindi , Zhang Hailiang
Published: May 2019

A series of luminescent side chain polymers with aggregation-induced emission enhancement characteristics, high solid fluorescence quantum yield, and reversible fluorescence photo-responsive properties were prepared.
Nickel-catalyzed highly regioselective hydrocyanation of alkenes with Zn(CN)2
Authors: Wang Gaonan , Xie Xin , Xu Wei , Liu Yuanhong
Published: May 2019

The first general and regioselective nickel-catalyzed hydrocyanation of terminal alkenes with Zn(CN)2using an air-stable and inexpensive nickel(ii) salt as the precatalyst has been developed.
FeNC/MXene hybrid nanosheet as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wen Yangyang , Ma Chang , Wei Zhiting , Zhu Xixi , Li Zhenxing
Published: May 2019

A novel FeNC/MXene hybrid nanosheet with a rugged FeNC coating closely attached on the MXene surface was explored, which exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic activity with a superb durability (only 2.6% decay after a 20 000 s continuous test).
Enhanced optical, magnetic and hydrogen evolution reaction properties of Mo1−xNixS2 nanoflakes
Authors: Chacko Levna , Rastogi Pankaj Kumar , Narayanan Tharangattu N. , Jayaraj M. K. , Aneesh P. M.
Published: May 2019

Hydrothermal synthesis of Mo1–xNixS2 nanostructures as efficient catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Development of68Ga-labelled ultrasound microbubbles for whole-body PET imaging
Authors: Hernández-Gil Javier , Braga Marta , Harriss Bethany I. , Carroll Laurence S. , Leow Chee Hau , Tang Meng-Xing , Aboagye Eric O. , Long Nicholas J.
Published: May 2019

We report a rapid and efficient method for labelling ultrasound microbubble (MB) agents with a generator-produced PET isotope using a facile ligation between atrans-cyclooctene-modified phospholipid and a new68Ga-HBED-CC-tetrazine tracer. This method provides accessible solutions forin vivotracking of MBs.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based fluorescence probes for the imaging of lysosomal Zn2+ and identification of prostate cancer in human tissue
Authors: Du Chenchen , Fu Shibo , Wang Xiaohua , Sedgwick Adam C. , Zhen Wei , Li Minjie , Li Xinqiang , Zhou Juan , Wang Zhong , Wang Hongyu , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: May 2019

Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based fluorescent probes have been developed for the detection of low pH and Zn2+ in an AND logic fashion. They can discriminate between cancerous and healthy prostate tissue.
Counting loops in sidechain-crosslinked polymers from elastic solids to single-chain nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Wang Rui , Gu Yuwei , Sourakov Alexandra , Olsen Bradley D. , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: May 2019

The vast differences in material properties accessible via crosslinking of sidechain-functionalized polymers are driven by topology.
Toggling Geobacter sulfurreducens metabolic state reveals hidden behaviour and expanded applicability to sustainable energy applications
Authors: Zarabadi Mir Pouyan , Charette Steve J. , Greener Jesse
Published: May 2019

Geobacter biofilms can be switched into different metabolic activity states and operate efficiently at low concentrations microfluidic three-electrode reactor.
A scalable slurry process to fabricate a 3D lithiophilic and conductive framework for a high performance lithium metal anode
Authors: Liu Yuanming , Qin Xianying , Zhang Shaoqiong , Zhang Lihan , Kang Feiyu , Chen Guohua , Duan Xiangfeng , Li Baohua
Published: May 2019

A 3D lithiophilic hybrid Cu network was scalable fabricated for high-performance Li metal anode.
Spectroscopic study of the loading of cationic porphyrins by carbon nanohorns as high capacity carriers of photoactive molecules to cells
Authors: Devereux Stephen J. , Massaro Marina , Barker Andrew , Hinds David T. , Hifni Badriah , Simpson Jeremy C. , Quinn Susan J.
Published: May 2019

Spherical carbon nanohorns have great potential as drug delivery agents. Here a detailed study of the loading of porphyrin molecules is reported and the influence on their stability described. An optimally loaded sample is shown to cause photoactivated cell death.
Enhanced intrinsic white-light emission upon near-UV excitation by crystal engineering of cationic lead bromide layered materials
Authors: Yang Huimin , Yin Jinlin , Xu Xiaoxiang , Fei Honghan
Published: May 2019

Crystal engineering of robust, cationic lead bromide layered materials have realized a 4-fold improvement of photoluminescence quantum efficiency over our previously reported lead halide materials.
The miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism confers reduce coronary injury of Kawasaki disease in a Southern Chinese population
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Lu Zhaoliang , Fu Lanyan , Tan Yaqian , Che Di , Huang Ping , Pi Lei , Xu Yufen , Liang Qihua , Zhang Li , Qiu Xiantao , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: May 2019

Kawasaki disease (KD) is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome and is an acute febrile pediatric disease characterized by systemic vasculitis. KD typically occurs in children 5 years old or younger and occurs more often in males than in females. miRNA-608 has been reported to interact with interleukin-6 and affect innate immunity. The immune-mediated inflammation could induce the occurrence of KD; however, there is no previous research focused on the relationship between miRNA-608 polymorphism and the KD risk. The present study explored the correlation between the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism and the risk for KD. We recruited 532 patients with KD and 623 controls to genotype the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism with a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Single-locus analysis showed no significant association between miRNA rs4919510 G>C polymorphism and KD susceptibility. However in an analysis stratified by age, gender, and coronary artery lesion (CAL), we found a relationship between the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism and KD susceptibility. When KD patients were stratified by coronary injury, the CG/CC genotypes of the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism contributed to a higher occurrence of KD than that was found in the GG genotype patients (adjusted odds ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56–0.98, P = 0.033). The present study demonstrated that the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism may have a CAL-related relationship with KD susceptibility that has not been previously revealed.
State bounding for positive coupled differential‐difference equations with bounded disturbances
Authors: Nam Phan Thanh , Luu Thi Hiep
Published: May 2019

In this study, the problem of finding state bounds is considered, for the first time, for a class of positive time‐delay coupled differential‐difference equations (CDDEs) with bounded disturbances. First, the authors present a novel method, which is based on non‐negative matrices and optimisation techniques, for computing a like‐exponential componentwise upper bound of the state vector of the CDDEs without disturbances. The main idea is to establish bounds of the state vector on finite‐time intervals and then, by using the solution comparison method and the linearity of the system, extend to infinite time horizon. Next, by using state transformations, they extend the obtained results to a class of CDDEs with bounded disturbances. As a result, componentwise upper bounds, ultimate bounds and invariant set of the perturbed system are obtained. The feasibility of the obtained results is illustrated through a numerical example.
Distributed zone MPC of pressure management for water distribution network systems
Authors: Liu Dongming , Li Shaoyuan , Zheng Yi , Wu Jing
Published: May 2019

In the pressure management of large scale water distribution network (WDN), a distributed zone model predictive control (MPC) is proposed to keep the terminal water head in thedesired pressure range for satisfying the customer's demand, avoiding frequently operating of the actuator and reducing the correlation between subsystems. To ensure the existence of feasible solutions of constrained distributed zone MPC, a new reference trajectory of the tank level is introduced as an optimised variable. With the consideration of the desired pressure range constraints on the new reference trajectory and some physical constraints on the corresponding physical variables, a distributed zone MPC is presented to minimise the weighted sum of the three terms in the proposed performance index. To achieve the convergence of distributed zone MPC optimisation problem, an augmented Lagrangian formulation is applied to the distributed coordinated strategy. The proposed distributed zone MPC is applied to the WDN in the Shinan district of Shanghai, and the effectiveness of the method is illustrated.
Coupling calculation and analysis of three‐dimensional temperature and fluid field for high‐power high‐speed permanent magnet machine
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Zhang Yue , Wen Fuqiang , Gerada Chris , Liu Guangwei , Rui Dai , Zerun Wang
Published: May 2019

In order to accurately estimate the temperature rise for high‐power high‐speed permanent magnet machines (HSPMMs), a novel temperature calculation method considering the non‐linear variation of material properties with temperature is proposed based on multi‐physics co‐simulation analysis. According to the theory of computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer, the computation model of fluid–solid–heat coupling heat transfer is established, and the coupled field is calculated using finite volume method with fundamental assumptions and corresponding boundary conditions. With the influences from temperature gradient and water flow rate considered, the heat transfer coefficients of water pipe surfaces are obtained by the application of the inverse iteration method. Thus, HSPMM temperature and fluid field can be simulated numerically by the finite volume methods, while the spatial temperature distributions for the machine main components are analysed in this study. The 1.12 MW, 18,000 rpm HSPMM is prototyped with experiments conducted on it, while the test data are then compared with the calculated results, which validate the correctness of the solution method of the coupled field.
Predictive control method for wind power regulation via a double‐screw expander‐generator and supercapacitor
Authors: Zhu Sanli , Lu Jiping , Liu Jialin
Published: May 2019

A modified hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of a double‐screw expander‐generator (DSEG) and a supercapacitor is proposed here to accommodate wind power fluctuations. The dynamic matrix control (DMC) algorithm is applied to improve the operating performance of the HESS. The reference track of the exchanging active power of the supercapacitor is pre‐planned based on wind turbine output, load demand, and the predictive DSEG output. Meanwhile, a linearisation and state of charge (SOC) management strategy for the supercapacitor is proposed to avoid excessive charging‐discharging. During the predictive control process, the DSEG input is continually adjusted by means of rolling optimisation combined with feedback correction until the output of the HESS approximates its expectation. Case studies show that the supercapacitor efficiently eliminates the power hysteresis of the DSEG and the DSEG eliminates the intrinsic error caused by the linearisation of the supercapacitor output in turn, indicating that the control effect of the HESS is improved.