bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Transcriptomic Platforms for Analysis of Whole Blood from Ebola-Infected Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Speranza Emily , Altamura Louis A. , Kulcsar Kirsten , Bixler Sandra L. , Rossi Cynthia A. , Schoepp Randal J. , Nagle Elyse , Aguilar William , Douglas Christina E. , Delp Korey L. , Minogue Timothy D. , Palacios Gustavo , Goff Arthur J. , Connor John H.
Published: November 2017

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a serious illness with mortality rates of 20–90% in various outbreaks. EVD is characterized by robust virus replication and strong host inflammatory response. Analyzing host immune responses has increasingly involved multimodal approaches including transcriptomics to profile gene expression. We studied cynomolgus macaques exposed to Ebola virus Makona via different routes with the intent of comparing RNA-Seq to a NanoString nCounter codeset targeting 769 non-human primate (NHP) genes. RNA-Seq analysis of serial blood samples showed different routes led to the same overall transcriptional response seen in previously reported EBOV-exposed NHP studies. Both platforms displayed a strong correlation in gene expression patterns, including a strong induction of innate immune response genes at early times post-exposure, and neutrophil-associated genes at later time points. A 41-gene classifier was tested in both platforms for ability to cluster samples by infection status. Both NanoString and RNA-Seq could be used to predict relative abundances of circulating immune cell populations that matched traditional hematology. This demonstrates the complementarity of RNA-Seq and NanoString. Moreover, the development of an NHP-specific NanoString codeset should augment studies of filoviruses and other high containment infectious diseases without the infrastructure requirements of RNA-Seq technology.
Broadband suppression of backscattering at optical frequencies using low permittivity dielectric spheres
Authors: Ismail Abdelrahman M. , Rockstuhl C. , Fernandez-Corbaton I.
Published: November 2017

The exact suppression of backscattering from rotationally symmetric objects requires dual symmetric materials where εr = μr. This prevents their design at many frequency bands, including the optical one, because magnetic materials are not available. Electromagnetically small non-magnetic spheres of large permittivity offer an alternative. They can be tailored to exhibit balanced electric and magnetic dipole polarizabilities a1 = b1, which result in approximate zero backscattering. In this case, the effect is inherently narrowband. Here, we put forward a different alternative that allows broadband functionality: Wavelength-sized spheres made from low permittivity materials. The effect occurs in a parameter regime where approximate duality is met for all multipolar order a
n
 ≈ b
n
, in a weakly wavelength dependence fashion. In addition, and despite of the low permittivity, the overall scattering response of these spheres is still significant. Scattering patterns are shown to be highly directive across an octave spanning band. The effect is analytically and numerically shown using the Mie coefficients.
No evidence of widespread decline of snow cover on the Tibetan Plateau over 2000–2015
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Wu Chaoyang , Wang Huanjiong , Gonsamo Alemu , Liu Zhengjia
Published: November 2017

Understanding the changes in snow cover is essential for biological and hydrological processes in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and its surrounding areas. However, the changes in snow cover phenology over the TP have not been well documented. Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily snow products and the Interactive Multi-sensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) data, we reported daily cloud-free snow cover product over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) for 2000–2015. Snow cover start (SCS), melt (SCM) and duration (SCD) dates were calculated for each hydrological year, and their spatial and temporal variations were analyzed with elevation variations. Our results show no widespread decline in snow cover over the past fifteen years and the trends of snow cover phenology over the TP has high spatial heterogeneity. Later SCS, earlier SCM, and thus decreased SCD mainly occurred in the areas with elevation below 3500 m a.s.l., while regions in central and southwestern edges of the TP showed advanced SCS, delayed SCM and consequently longer SCD. The roles of temperature and precipitation on snow cover penology varied in different elevation zones, and the impact of both temperature and precipitation strengthened as elevation increases.
Inactivation mechanism of N61S mutant of human FMO3 towards trimethylamine
Authors: Gao Chongliang , Catucci Gianluca , Castrignanò Silvia , Gilardi Gianfranco , Sadeghi Sheila J.
Published: November 2017

Human flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (hFMO3) catalyses the oxygenation of a wide variety of compounds including drugs as well as dietary compounds. It is the major hepatic enzyme involved in the production of the N-oxide of trimethylamine (TMAO) and clinical studies have uncovered a striking correlation between plasma TMAO concentration and cardiovascular disease. Certain mutations within the hFMO3 gene cause defective trimethylamine (TMA) N-oxygenation leading to trimethylaminuria (TMAU) also known as fish-odour syndrome. In this paper, the inactivation mechanism of a TMAU-causing polymorphic variant, N61S, is investigated. Transient kinetic experiments show that this variant has a > 170-fold lower NADPH binding affinity than the wild type. Thermodynamic and spectroscopic experiments reveal that the poor NADP+ binding affinity accelerates the C4a-hydroperoxyFAD intermediate decay, responsible for an unfavourable oxygen transfer to the substrate. Steady-state kinetic experiments show significantly decreased N61S catalytic activity towards other substrates; methimazole, benzydamine and tamoxifen. The in vitro data are corroborated by in silico data where compared to the wild type enzyme, a hydrogen bond required for the stabilisation of the flavin intermediate is lacking. Taken together, the data presented reveal the molecular basis for the loss of function observed in N61S mutant.
Broadband enhancement of photoluminance from colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals on plasmonic nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Zhang Si , Liang Yuzhang , Jing Qiang , Lu Zhenda , Lu Yanqing , Xu Ting
Published: November 2017

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) as a new kind of promising optoelectronic material have attracted wide attention due to their high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, narrow emission linewidth and wideband color tunability. Since the PL intensity always has a direct influence on the performance of optoelectronic devices, it is of vital importance to improve the perovskite NCs’ fluorescence emission efficiency. Here, we synthesize three inorganic perovskite NCs and experimentally demonstrate a broadband fluorescence enhancement of perovskite NCs by exploiting plasmonic nanostructured surface consisting of nanogrooves array. The strong near-field optical localization associated with surface plasmon polariton-coupled emission effect generated by the nanogrooves array can significantly boost the absorption of perovskite NCs and tailor the fluorescence emissions. As a result, the PL intensities of perovskite NCs are broadband enhanced with a maximum factor higher than 8-fold achieved in experimental demonstration. Moreover, the high efficiency PL of perovskite NCs embedded in the polymer matrix layer on the top of plasmonic nanostructured surface can be maintained for more than three weeks. These results imply that plasmonic nanostructured surface is a good candidate to stably broadband enhance the PL intensity of perovskite NCs and further promote their potentials in the application of visible-light-emitting devices.
Thalidomide Inhibits TGF-β1-induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Alveolar Epithelial Cells via Smad-Dependent and Smad-Independent Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhou Xian-Long , Xu Peng , Chen Hai-Hua , Zhao Yan , Shen Jun , Jiang Cheng , Jiang Shan , Ni Shao-Zhou , Xu Bing , Li Lei
Published: November 2017

Recent evidence indicates that the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary alveolar cells (AECs) plays an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In vivo models have suggested that thalidomide (THL) has anti-fibrotic effects against pulmonary fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism of this effect is not clear. This study investigated whether THL regulates alveolar EMT and the possible mechanisms underlying this process. CCL-149 cells were treated with TGF-β1 in the presence of THL at the indicated concentrations. EMT was assessed by changes in cell morphology and in phenotypic markers. Signaling pathways involved in EMT were characterized by western blot analysis. THL inhibited the TGF-β1 induction of α-SMA, vimentin, MMP-2/-9 and collagen type IV expression and restored the morphological changes in primary alveolar epithelial cells caused by TGF-β1. TGF-β1 induction of α-SMA expression was partially dependent on the activation of p38, JNK, ERK, Akt, Smad 2 and Smad3. Moreover, THL inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, ERK, Akt, GSK3β, Smad 2 and Smad3 without altering the total expression levels of those proteins. These findings indicate that TGF-β1-induced EMT in alveolar epithelial cells is inhibited by THL via both Smad-dependent and non-Smad-dependent signaling pathways and suggests therapeutic approaches for targeting this process in pulmonary fibrosis.
Working memory, attention, and salience in active inference
Authors: Parr Thomas , Friston Karl J
Published: November 2017

The psychological concepts of working memory and attention are widely used in the cognitive and neuroscientific literatures. Perhaps because of the interdisciplinary appeal of these concepts, the same terms are often used to mean very different things. Drawing on recent advances in theoretical neurobiology, this paper tries to highlight the correspondence between these established psychological constructs and the formal processes implicit in mathematical descriptions of brain function. Here, we consider attention and salience from the perspective offered by active inference. Using variational principles and simulations, we use active inference to demonstrate how attention and salience can be disambiguated in terms of message passing between populations of neurons in cortical and subcortical structures. In brief, we suggest that salience is something that is afforded to actions that realise epistemic affordance, while attention per se is afforded to precise sensory evidence – or beliefs about the causes of sensations.
Site Specific Modification of Adeno-Associated Virus Enables Both Fluorescent Imaging of Viral Particles and Characterization of the Capsid Interactome
Authors: Chandran Jayanth S. , Sharp Paul S. , Karyka Evangelia , Aves-Cruzeiro João Miguel da Conceição , Coldicott Ian , Castelli Lydia , Hautbergue Guillaume , Collins Mark O. , Azzouz Mimoun
Published: November 2017

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are attractive gene therapy vectors due to their low toxicity, high stability, and rare integration into the host genome. Expressing ligands on the viral capsid can re-target AAVs to new cell types, but limited sites have been identified on the capsid that tolerate a peptide insertion. Here, we incorporated a site-specific tetracysteine sequence into the AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) capsid, to permit labelling of viral particles with either a fluorescent dye or biotin. We demonstrate that fluorescently labelled particles are detectable in vitro, and explore the utility of the method in vivo in mice with time-lapse imaging. We exploit the biotinylated viral particles to generate two distinct AAV interactomes, and identify several functional classes of proteins that are highly represented: actin/cytoskeletal protein binding, RNA binding, RNA splicing/processing, chromatin modifying, intracellular trafficking and RNA transport proteins. To examine the biological relevance of the capsid interactome, we modulated the expression of two proteins from the interactomes prior to AAV transduction. Blocking integrin αVβ6 receptor function reduced AAV9 transduction, while reducing histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) expression enhanced AAV transduction. Our method demonstrates a strategy for inserting motifs into the AAV capsid without compromising viral titer or infectivity.
Cingulate island sign temporally changes in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Iizuka Tomomichi , Iizuka Rui , Kameyama Masashi
Published: November 2017

The cingulate island sign (CIS) that reflects sparing of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) relative to the precuneus plus cuneus on FDG-PET and brain perfusion SPECT, has been proposed as a feature of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). As the CIS is influenced by concomitant Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-type neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology, we postulated that the CIS gradually disappears as DLB progresses. To determine temporal changes in the CIS, 24 patients with mild DLB and 7 with prodromal DLB underwent 123I-IMP–SPECT and MMSE twice at an interval of two years. The CIS was evaluated as a ratio that was derived by dividing IMP accumulation in the PCC with that in the precuneus plus cuneus. We found that the CIS changed over time and that the relationship between CIS ratios and MMSE scores was inverted U-shaped. Thus, the CIS was most obvious in the vicinity of an MMSE score of 22 and it gradually diminished as the MMSE score decreased. Moreover, a lower CIS ratio in mild DLB was associated with a worse prognosis for cognitive decline, presumably due to concomitant AD-type NFT pathology. Our findings would provide a foundation for the appropriate usage of CIS as a biomarker.
Nonlinear Properties of Ge-rich Si1−xGex Materials with Different Ge Concentrations
Authors: Serna Samuel , Vakarin Vladyslav , Ramirez Joan-Manel , Frigerio Jacopo , Ballabio Andrea , Le Roux Xavier , Vivien Laurent , Isella Giovanni , Cassan Eric , Dubreuil Nicolas , Marris-Morini Delphine
Published: November 2017

Silicon photonics is a large volume and large scale integration platform for applications from long-haul optical telecommunications to intra-chip interconnects. Extension to the mid-IR wavelength range is now largely investigated, mainly driven by absorption spectroscopy applications. Germanium (Ge) is particularly compelling as it has a broad transparency window up to 15 µm and a much higher third-order nonlinear coefficient than silicon which is very promising for the demonstration of efficient non-linear optics based active devices. Si1−xGex alloys have been recently studied due to their ability to fine-tune the bandgap and refractive index. The material nonlinearities are very sensitive to any modification of the energy bands, so Si1−xGex alloys are particularly interesting for nonlinear device engineering. We report on the first third order nonlinear experimental characterization of Ge-rich Si1−xGex waveguides, with Ge concentrations x ranging from 0.7 to 0.9. The characterization performed at 1580 nm is compared with theoretical models and a discussion about the prediction of the nonlinear properties in the mid-IR is introduced. These results will provide helpful insights to assist the design of nonlinear integrated optical based devices in both the near- and mid-IR wavelength ranges.
Scintillating Organic–Inorganic Layered Perovskite-type Compounds and the Gamma-ray Detection Capabilities
Authors: Kawano Naoki , Koshimizu Masanori , Okada Go , Fujimoto Yutaka , Kawaguchi Noriaki , Yanagida Takayuki , Asai Keisuke
Published: November 2017

We investigated scintillation properties of organic–inorganic layered perovskite-type compounds under gamma-ray and X-ray irradiation. A crystal of the hybrid compounds with phenethyl amine (17 × 23 × 4 mm) was successfully fabricated by the poor-solvent diffusion method. The bulk sample showed superior scintillation properties with notably high light yield (14,000 photons per MeV) under gamma-rays and very fast decay time (11 ns). The light yield was about 1.4 time higher than that of common inorganic material (GSO:Ce) confirmed under 137Cs and 57Co gamma-rays. In fact, the scintillation light yield was the highest among the organic–inorganic hybrid scintillators. Moreover, it is suggested that the light yield of the crystal was proportional with the gamma-ray energy across 122–662 keV. In addition, the scintillation from the crystal had a lifetime of 11 ns which was much faster than that of GSO:Ce (48 ns) under X-ray irradiation. These results suggest that organic–inorganic layered perovskite-type compounds are promising scintillator for gamma-ray detection.
Room-temperature NH3 sensing of graphene oxide film and its enhanced response on the laser-textured silicon
Authors: Zhu Suwan , Sun Haibin , Liu Xiaolong , Zhuang Jun , Zhao Li
Published: November 2017

Electricity-based response to NH3 of graphene oxide (GO) is demonstrated at ppm level at room temperature. The GO film prepared on planar silicon substrate shows weak response when exposed to 50 ppm NH3, response time less than 30 s and recovery time about 100 s. More interestingly, the GO film coated on laser-textured silicon substrate shows significant enhancement for sensor response, and meanwhile response/recovery time is mainly preserved. Furthermore, a good response of textured GO film is detected in a dynamic range of 5–100 ppm NH3. The surface morphology and chemical bonds of the textured GO film are studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometer and X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS), respectively. The NH3 response is attributed to the polar oxygen configurations of GO and the enhanced response is due to the richer oxygen configurations that stem from cobwebby microstructure of GO.
Tuberculosis in Swiss captive Asian elephants: microevolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis characterized by multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Ghielmetti Giovanni , Coscolla Mireia , Ruetten Maja , Friedel Ute , Loiseau Chloé , Feldmann Julia , Steinmetz Hanspeter W. , Stucki David , Gagneux Sebastien
Published: November 2017

Zoonotic tuberculosis is a risk for human health, especially when animals are in close contact with humans. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from several organs, including lung tissue and gastric mucosa, of three captive elephants euthanized in a Swiss zoo. The elephants presented weight loss, weakness and exercise intolerance. Molecular characterization of the M. tuberculosis isolates by spoligotyping revealed an identical profile, suggesting a single source of infection. Multilocus variable-number of tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) elucidated two divergent populations of bacteria and mixed infection in one elephant, suggesting either different transmission chains or prolonged infection over time. A total of eight M. tuberculosis isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis, confirming a single source of infection and indicating the route of transmission between the three animals. Our findings also show that the methods currently used for epidemiological investigations of M. tuberculosis infections should be carefully applied on isolates from elephants. Moreover the importance of multiple sampling and analysis of within-host mycobacterial clonal populations for investigations of transmission is demonstrated.
The Effects of Transcription Directions of Transgenes and the gypsy Insulators on the Transcript Levels of Transgenes in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Jiang Weijia , Sun Li , Yang Xiaojie , Wang Maohua , Esmaeili Nardana , Pehlivan Necla , Zhao Rongli , Zhang Hong , Zhao Yun
Published: November 2017

Manipulation of a single abiotic stress-related gene could improve plant performance under abiotic stress conditions. To simultaneously increase plant tolerance to multiple stresses, it is usually required to overexpress two (or more) genes in transgenic plants. The common strategy is to assemble two or more expression cassettes, where each gene has its own promoter and terminator, within the same T-DNA. Does the arrangement of the two expression cassettes affect expression of the two transgenes? Can we use the Drosophilagypsyinsulator sequence to increase the expression of the two transgenes? Answers to these questions would contribute to design better transformation vectors to maximize the effects of multi-gene transformation. Two Arabidopsis genes,PP2A-C5andAVP1, and thegypsyinsulator sequence were used to construct six transformation vectors with or without thegypsyinsulator bracketing the two expression cassettes: uni-directional transcription, divergent transcription, and convergent transcription. Total RNAs were isolated for reverse transcription- quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays and a thorough statistical analysis was conducted for the RT-qPCR data. The results showed that thegypsyinsulator does promote the expression of two transgenes in transgenic plants. Besides, the plants containing the divergent transcription cassettes tend to have more correlated expression of both genes.
Juvenile fish assemblages in temperate rocky reefs are shaped by the presence of macro-algae canopy and its three-dimensional structure
Authors: Cheminée Adrien , Pastor Jérémy , Bianchimani Olivier , Thiriet Pierre , Sala Enric , Cottalorda Jean-Michel , Dominici Jean-Marie , Lejeune Pierre , Francour Patrice
Published: November 2017

Arborescent macro-algae forests covering temperate rocky reefs are a known habitat for juvenile fishes. However, in the Mediterranean, these forests are undergoing severe transformations due to pressures from global change. In our study, juvenile fish assemblages differed between pristine arborescent forests (Cystoseira brachycarpa var. balearica) versus an alternate state: bushland (Dictyotales – Sphacelariales). Forests hosted richer and three-fold more abundant juvenile assemblages. This was consistent through space, whatever the local environmental conditions, along 40 km of NW Mediterranean subtidal rocky shores (Corsica, France). Among Cystoseira forests, juvenile assemblages varied through space (i.e. between localities, zones or sites) in terms of total abundance, composition, richness and taxa-specific patterns. More than half of this variability was explained by forest descriptors, namely small variations in canopy structure and/or depth. Our results provide essential cues for understanding and managing coastal habitats and fish populations. Further studies are needed to explain the residual part of the spatial variability of juvenile fish assemblages and to help focus conservation efforts.
Self-lubricating Al-WS2 composites for efficient and greener tribological parts
Authors: Niste Vlad Bogdan , Ratoi Monica , Tanaka Hiroyoshi , Xu Fang , Zhu Yanqiu , Sugimura Joichi
Published: November 2017

Due to their mechanical and physical properties, aluminium alloys possess wide potential in the automotive industry, particularly in hot reciprocating applications such as pistons for diesel and petrol engines. WS2 particle-reinforced composites could bring further improvements by reducing friction and wear between moving parts. Reducing friction improves efficiency by lowering energy/fuel use, ultimately leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions, while antiwear properties can prolong component life. This study compares for the first time the tribological performance of powder metallurgy-consolidated Al composites reinforced with either IF- or 2H-WS2 particles, so as to elucidate their mechanism of action in test conditions similar to those encountered in engine applications. The composites were tested in lubricated reciprocating contacts against AISI52100 steel balls and the impact of WS2 could be seen at both 25 and 100 °C. The reduced friction and wear at ambient temperature is due to the predominantly physical mechanism of action of WS2, while the best antiwear performance is measured at elevated (standard operating engine) temperatures that promote the chemical reaction of WS2 with the aluminium matrix. The investigation focused on studying the wear tracks/scars and the tribofilms generated on the composite and ball with optical profilometry, SEM, XPS and Auger spectroscopy.
Ardissonea crystallina has a type of sexual reproduction that is unusual for centric diatoms
Authors: Davidovich Nickolai A. , Davidovich Olga I. , Podunay Yulia A. , Gastineau Romain , Kaczmarska Irena , Poulíčková Aloisie , Witkowski Andrzej
Published: November 2017

Molecular phylogenetic analyses place Ardissonea crystallina (C. Agardh) Grunow and all Toxariids among the bi- and multipolar centric diatoms, almost always recovered as a derived lineage sister to Lampriscus. In all centrics where sexual reproduction has been documented, oogamy, with larger immobile eggs and smaller flagellated sperm has been observed. We were able to initiate both homothallic and heterothallic reproduction in A. crystallina. The heterothallic reproduction turned out to be non-oogamous; gametes were more or less equal in size but no flagellated cells were detected. At the same time, two mating types (“male” and “female”) were recognized by the distinct morphology and behaviour of the gametes. While no flagella were observed, periodically thin cytoplasmic projections arose on the surface of the “male” gametes. These projections similar to those found in some pennate diatoms facilitated contact with the “female” cells. In each gametangial cell, regardless of the mating type, only one gamete was formed. Thus, the Toxariids may represent a unique evolutionary group, at least in respect to their reproductive biology. The hypothesis discussed is that non-oogamous mode of reproduction could have evolved in Ardissonea (and possibly in other Toxariids) independently of the pennate lineage of diatoms.
Reducing Urban Greenhouse Gas Footprints
Authors: Pichler Peter-Paul , Zwickel Timm , Chavez Abel , Kretschmer Tino , Seddon Jessica , Weisz Helga
Published: November 2017

Cities are economically open systems that depend on goods and services imported from national and global markets to satisfy their material and energy requirements. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprints are thus a highly relevant metric for urban climate change mitigation since they not only include direct emissions from urban consumption activities, but also upstream emissions, i.e. emissions that occur along the global production chain of the goods and services purchased by local consumers. This complementary approach to territorially-focused emission accounting has added critical nuance to the debate on climate change mitigation by highlighting the responsibility of consumers in a globalized economy. Yet, city officials are largely either unaware of their upstream emissions or doubtful about their ability to count and control them. This study provides the first internationally comparable GHG footprints for four cities (Berlin, Delhi NCT, Mexico City, and New York metropolitan area) applying a consistent method that can be extended to other global cities using available data. We show that upstream emissions from urban household consumption are in the same order of magnitude as cities’ overall territorial emissions and that local policy leverage to reduce upstream emissions is larger than typically assumed.
Alternative application of an affinity purification tag: hexahistidines in ester hydrolysis
Authors: Schoonen Lise , van Esterik Kayleigh S. , Zhang Chunqiu , Ulijn Rein V. , Nolte Roeland J. M. , Hest Jan C. M. van
Published: November 2017

Hexahistidines are very common tags used in the affinity chromatography purification of recombinant proteins. Although these tags are solely applied for their metal-binding properties, we found that they are also able to perform ester hydrolysis when attached to a protein. For instance, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) are able to perform catalysis after introduction of the His-tag. By attaching a His-tag to an enzyme, a dual-functional catalyst was created, that can perform a two-step cascade reaction. These findings show that the catalytic properties of the hexahistidine tag should be taken into consideration when choosing a suitable protein purification tag.
Bonobos respond prosocially toward members of other groups
Authors: Tan Jingzhi , Ariely Dan , Hare Brian
Published: November 2017

Modern humans live in an “exploded” network with unusually large circles of trust that form due to prosociality toward unfamiliar people (i.e. xenophilia). In a set of experiments we demonstrate that semi-free ranging bonobos (Pan paniscus) – both juveniles and young adults – also show spontaneous responses consistent with xenophilia. Bonobos voluntarily aided an unfamiliar, non-group member in obtaining food even when he/she did not make overt requests for help. Bonobos also showed evidence for involuntary, contagious yawning in response to videos of yawning conspecifics who were complete strangers. These experiments reveal that xenophilia in bonobos can be unselfish, proactive and automatic. They support the first impression hypothesis that suggests xenophilia can evolve through individual selection in social species whenever the benefits of building new bonds outweigh the costs. Xenophilia likely evolved in bonobos as the risk of intergroup aggression dissipated and the benefits of bonding between immigrating members increased. Our findings also mean the human potential for xenophilia is either evolutionarily shared or convergent with bonobos and not unique to our species as previously proposed.
Histone methyltransferase G9a is a key regulator of the starvation-induced behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Shimaji Kouhei , Tanaka Ryo , Maeda Toru , Ozaki Mamiko , Yoshida Hideki , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Sato Tetsuya , Suyama Mikita , Yamaguchi Masamitsu
Published: November 2017

Organisms have developed behavioral strategies to defend themselves from starvation stress. Despite of their importance in nature, the underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood. Here, we show that Drosophila G9a (dG9a), one of the histone H3 Lys 9-specific histone methyltransferases, functions as a key regulator for the starvation-induced behaviors. RNA-sequencing analyses utilizing dG9a null mutant flies revealed that the expression of some genes relating to gustatory perception are regulated by dG9a under starvation conditions. Reverse transcription quantitative-PCR analyses showed that the expression of gustatory receptor genes for sensing sugar are up-regulated in starved dG9a null mutant. Consistent with this, proboscis extension reflex tests indicated that dG9a depletion increased the sensitivity to sucrose under starvation conditions. Furthermore, the locomotion activity was promoted in starved dG9a null mutant. We also found that dG9a depletion down-regulates the expression of insulin-like peptide genes that are required for the suppression of starvation-induced hyperactivity. Furthermore, refeeding of wild type flies after starvation conditions restores the hyperactivity and increased sensitivity to sucrose as well as dG9a expression level. These data suggest that dG9a functions as a key regulator for the decision of behavioral strategies under starvation conditions.
A translational study on looming-evoked defensive response and the underlying subcortical pathway in autism
Authors: Hu Yu , Chen Zhuoming , Huang Lu , Xi Yue , Li Bingxiao , Wang Hong , Yan Jiajian , Lee Tatia M. C. , Tao Qian , So Kwok-Fai , Ren Chaoran
Published: November 2017

Rapidly approaching objects indicating threats can induce defensive response through activating a subcortical pathway comprising superior colliculus (SC), lateral posterior nucleus (LP), and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Abnormal defensive response has been reported in autism, and impaired synaptic connections could be the underlying mechanism. Whether the SC-LP-BLA pathway processes looming stimuli abnormally in autism is not clear. Here, we found that looming-evoked defensive response is impaired in a subgroup of the valproic acid (VPA) mouse model of autism. By combining the conventional neurotracer and transneuronal rabies virus tracing techniques, we demonstrated that synaptic connections in the SC-LP-BLA pathway were abnormal in VPA mice whose looming-evoked defensive responses were absent. Importantly, we further translated the finding to children with autism and observed that they did not present looming-evoked defensive response. Furthermore, the findings of the DTI with the probabilistic tractography showed that the structural connections of SC-pulvinar-amygdala in autism children were weak. The pulvinar is parallel to the LP in a mouse. Because looming-evoked defensive response is innate in humans and emerges much earlier than do social and language functions, the absence of defensive response could be an earlier sign of autism in children.
Redefining viability by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Bulluck Heerajnarain , Rosmini Stefania , Abdel-Gadir Amna , Bhuva Anish N. , Treibel Thomas A. , Fontana Marianna , Knight Daniel S. , Nordin Sabrina , Sirker Alex , Herrey Anna S. , Manisty Charlotte , Moon James C. , Hausenloy Derek J.
Published: November 2017

In chronic myocardial infarction (MI), segments with a transmural extent of infarct (TEI) of ≤50% are defined as being viable. However, in the acute phase of an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has been demonstrated to overestimate MI size and TEI. We aimed to identify the optimal cut-off of TEI by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for defining viability during the acute phase of an MI, using ≤50% TEI at follow-up as the reference standard. 40 STEMI patients reperfused by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) underwent a CMR at 4 ± 2 days and 5 ± 2 months. The large majority of segments with 1–25%TEI and 26–50%TEI that were viable acutely were also viable at follow-up (59/59, 100% and 75/82, 96% viable respectively). 56/84(67%) segments with 51–75%TEI but only 4/63(6%) segments with 76–100%TEI were reclassified as viable at follow-up. TEI on the acute CMR scan had an area-under-the-curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval of 0.82 to 0.91) and ≤75%TEI had a sensitivity of 98% but a specificity of 66% to predict viability at follow-up. Therefore, the optimal cut-off by CMR during the acute phase of an MI to predict viability was ≤75% TEI and this would have important implications for patients undergoing viability testing prior to revascularization during the acute phase.
Association of Thyroid Function with Early/Mid-term Aorta-Related Adverse Events and Readmissions after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Lu Nan , He Zhuoqiao , Xu Tan , Chen Xin , Chen Xianfeng , Ma Xiaojing , Tan Xuerui
Published: November 2017

The prognosis of patients after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is affected by several clinical characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate whether thyroid hormones predicts early (30 days) and mid-term (12 months) aorta-related adverse events (ARAE) and readmissions (ARAR) in patients after TEVAR. A total of 338 continuous patients who underwent TEVAR were included and stratified based on quartile of free thyroxine (FT4) levels examined before surgery. The relationship of FT4 levels with early or mid-term ARAE and ARAR were assessed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. The incidence of ARAE and ARAR were 2.7% and 4.1% within 30 days, and 8.9% and 13.5% within 12 months, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the lowest FT4 quartile group were noted to be at significantly greater risk than the highest FT4 quartile group in early (OR 10.105, 95% CI 1.103 to 92.615, P = 0.041) and mid-term (OR 5.687, 95% CI 1.708 to 18.935, P = 0.005) ARAR, but not significantly different in early (OR 2.097, 95% CI 0.228 to 19.307, P = 0.513) and mid-term (OR 0.695, 95% CI 0.207 to 2.332, P = 0.556) ARAE. Thus, patients with low-normal FT4 levels after TEVAR are at greater risk of ARAR, but not ARAE, in both the early and the mid-term follow-up periods.
Preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concertation and prognosis of brain tumor patients: a 5-year follow up study
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas , Deltuva Vytenis , Laws Edward R. , Iervasi Giorgio , Tamsauskas Arimantas , Bunevicius Robertas
Published: November 2017

Increased N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration predicts poor prognosis of non-CNS cancer patients. We evaluated the association of NT-proBNP concentration with disease severity, discharge outcomes and prognosis of patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor. From January, 2010 until September, 2011 two-hundred and forty-five patients (age 55.05 ± 14.62 years) admitted for brain tumor surgery were evaluated for NT-proBNP serum concentration. Outcome at hospital discharge was evaluated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Most common diagnoses were meningioma (37%) and high-grade glioma (20%). Greater NT-proBNP concentration was associated with lower Barthel index (rho = −0.305, p = 0.001) and Mini Mental State Examination scores (rho = −0.314, p = 0.001) and with greater Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale Depression score (rho = 0.240, p = 0.026). Greater admission NT-proBNP concentration was associated with lower discharge GOS score after adjusting for patient age, gender and histological brain tumor diagnosis (β = −0.253, p < 0.001). Greater NT-proBNP concentration was also associated with greater 5-year mortality risk (HR = 1.845; 95%CI [1.166–2.920], p = 0.009) controlling for patient age, gender, history of cardiovascular disease, histological diagnosis and adjuvant therapy. In sum, greater pre-operative NT-proBNP concentration is associated with worse health status, unfavorable discharge outcome and shorter survival of brain tumor patients.
Quantum Light in Curved Low Dimensional Hexagonal Boron Nitride Systems
Authors: Chejanovsky Nathan , Kim Youngwook , Zappe Andrea , Stuhlhofer Benjamin , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Dasari Durga , Finkler Amit , Smet Jurgen H. , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: November 2017

Low-dimensional wide bandgap semiconductors open a new playing field in quantum optics using sub-bandgap excitation. In this field, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has been reported to host single quantum emitters (QEs), linking QE density to perimeters. Furthermore, curvature/perimeters in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have demonstrated a key role in QE formation. We investigate a curvature-abundant BN system – quasi one-dimensional BN nanotubes (BNNTs) fabricated via a catalyst-free method. We find that non-treated BNNT is an abundant source of stable QEs and analyze their emission features down to single nanotubes, comparing dispersed/suspended material. Combining high spatial resolution of a scanning electron microscope, we categorize and pin-point emission origin to a scale of less than 20 nm, giving us a one-to-one validation of emission source with dimensions smaller than the laser excitation wavelength, elucidating nano-antenna effects. Two emission origins emerge: hybrid/entwined BNNT. By artificially curving h-BN flakes, similar QE spectral features are observed. The impact on emission of solvents used in commercial products and curved regions is also demonstrated. The ‘out of the box’ availability of QEs in BNNT, lacking processing contamination, is a milestone for unraveling their atomic features. These findings open possibilities for precision engineering of QEs, puts h-BN under a similar ‘umbrella’ of TMDC’s QEs and provides a model explaining QEs spatial localization/formation using electron/ion irradiation and chemical etching.
High mast cell density indicates a longer overall survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Brockmeyer Phillipp , Kling Alexander , Schulz Xenia , Perske Christina , Schliephake Henning , Hemmerlein Bernhard
Published: November 2017

This study evaluates the effects of tumour-associated mast cells on the prognosis of patients suffering from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Tryptase-positive (MCT+) and CD117-positive (CD117+) mast cells were immunohistochemically evaluated in tissue samples of 118 OSCC patients. Besides, various clinicopathological parameters, the influence of the MCT+ and CD117+ mast cell density on overall survival and the incidence of first local recurrence was analysed by Cox regression and competing risk regression. Among all investigated parameters, multiple Cox regression revealed a significant influence of the MCT+ (cut-off at 14.87 mast cells/mm2 stroma; p = 0.0027) and CD117+ mast cell density (cut-off at 33.19 mast cells/mm2 stroma; p = 0.004), the age at primary diagnosis, and the T and N stage (all p-values < 0.05) on overall survival. Patients with a low mast cell density showed a significantly poorer overall survival rate compared to those with a high mast cell density in the tumour-associated stroma. Competing risk regression revealed a significant influence of the resection status (R) on the incidence of first local recurrence (p = 0.0023). A high mast cell density in the tumour-associated stroma of oral squamous cell carcinoma indicates a longer patient survival.
New combination between chitosan, single walled carbon nanotubes and neodymium(iii) oxide found to be useful in the electrochemical determination of rutin in the presence of morin and quercetin
Authors: Calderón Jorge A. , Cardozo-Pérez María , Torres-Benítez Alfredo , García-Beltrán Olimpo , Nagles Edgar
Published: November 2017

A glassy carbon electrode surface was modified with a new combination of chitosan, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and neodymium(iii) oxide (NdOX) and was found to be effective in the detection of rutin (RU).
Graphene quantum dots based fluorescence turn-on nanoprobe for highly sensitive and selective imaging of hydrogen sulfide in living cells
Authors: Li Nan , Than Aung , Chen Jie , Xi Fengna , Liu Jiyang , Chen Peng
Published: November 2017

Graphene quantum dots-based fluorescent turn-on nanoprobe is developed for real-time monitoring the triggered dynamic change of intracellular H2S.
Bypassing the proline/thiazoline requirement of the macrocyclase PatG
Authors: Oueis E. , Stevenson H. , Jaspars M. , Westwood N. J. , Naismith J. H.
Published: November 2017

Macrocyclisation of fully non-peptidic compounds and non-heterocycle containing macrocycles using the peptidic ligase PatGmac.
Synthesis and EPR studies of the first water-soluble N@C60 derivative
Authors: Cornes Stuart P. , Zhou Shen , Porfyrakis Kyriakos
Published: November 2017

We report a water-soluble N@C60 derivative and investigate its use as a spin probe for Cu(ii) ions.
Direct screening for ribozyme activity in mammalian cells
Authors: Nomura Yoko , Chien Hsiao-Chiao , Yokobayashi Yohei
Published: November 2017

Using deep sequencing, 3001 natural and synthetic ribozymes were screened for self-cleaving activity directly in mammalian cells.
Separation of C2/C1 hydrocarbons through a gate-opening effect in a microporous metal–organic framework
Authors: Lin Rong-Guang , Li Libo , Lin Rui-Biao , Arman Hadi , Chen Banglin
Published: November 2017

Here we report highly selective C2 separation from methane in a porous metal–organic framework.
Highly active, separable and recyclable bipyridine iridium catalysts for C–H borylation reactions
Authors: Mamlouk Hind , Suriboot Jakkrit , Manyam Praveen Kumar , AlYazidi Ahmed , Bergbreiter David E. , Madrahimov Sherzod T.
Published: November 2017

Iridium complexes generated from Ir(i) precursors and PIB oligomer functionalized bpy ligands efficiently catalyzed the reaction of arenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron under mild conditions to produce a variety of arylboronate compounds.
Donor–acceptor interactions in tri(phosphonio)methanide dications [(Ph3P)2CP(X)Ph2]2+(X = H, Me, CN, NCS, OH, Cl, OTf, F)
Authors: Yogendra S. , Hennersdorf F. , Bauzá A. , Frontera A. , Fischer R. , Weigand J. J.
Published: November 2017

The impact of the strongly electron donating carbodiphosphorane moiety in the series of tri(phosphonio)methanide dications as triflate salts [(Ph3P)2CP(X)Ph2][OTf]2(X = H, Me, CN, NCS, OH, Cl, OTf, F) deriving from [(Ph3P)2CPPh2][OTf] (19[OTf]) is presented.
A novel 2-D Mn selenidostannate(iv) incorporating high-nuclear Mn clusters with spin canting behavior
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xiao Hong , Zou Hua-Hong , Liu Xing
Published: November 2017

The incorporation of a hepta-nuclear Mn cluster [Mn7(ea)6]8+ into a selenidostannate(iv) framework leads to a novel 2-D Mn selenidostannate(iv) with spin canting behavior.
Crystal structures and magnetic properties of two series of phenoxo-O bridged dinuclear Ln2 (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes
Authors: Machata Marek , Herchel Radovan , Nemec Ivan , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: November 2017

Different solvent molecules as ligands in the molecular structures of the dinuclear Ln(iii) Schiff base complexes (Ln = Gd, Tb, and Dy) influenced the magnetic properties of the Dy(iii) derivatives.
The role of trinuclear species in a palladium acetate/trifluoroacetic acid catalytic system
Authors: Váňa Jiří , Lang Jan , Šoltésová Mária , Hanusek Jiří , Růžička Aleš , Sedlák Miloš , Roithová Jana
Published: November 2017

Trinuclear palladium species are shown to be the active species in the first phase of C–H activation.
Physiological modes of action across species and toxicants: the key to predictive ecotoxicology
Authors: Ashauer Roman , Jager Tjalling
Published: November 2017

We outline a research strategy that will deliver more effective theory and models for environmental risk assessment of chemicals.
Structure–activity relationship of surface hydroxyl groups during NO2 adsorption and transformation on TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Chang , Ma Qingxin , He Hong , He Guangzhi , Ma Jinzhu , Liu Yongchun , Wu Ying
Published: November 2017

The structure and activity of surface hydroxyl groups determined the performance of TiO2 during NO2 reaction.
Biological network border detection
Authors: Burke Paulo E. P. , Comin Cesar H. , Silva Filipi N. , Costa Luciano da F.
Published: November 2017

Complex networks have been widely used to model biological systems. Here, we apply the concept of accessibility to identify the topological borders of protein–protein interaction networks of Mycoplasma organisms. The results suggest a relationship between the so-obtained borders and the cellular geographical outline (membrane).
Ce3+ and Tb3+ activated Ba3P4O13 phosphors based on energy transfer behavior
Authors: Li Yanyan , Chen Wenbo , Zhao Lei , Meng Dandan , Zhang Yun , Wang Chuang
Published: November 2017

The energy transfer in Ba3P4O13:Ce3+,Tb3+ was discussed and it shows excellent thermal stability.
Intracellular coassembly boosts the anti-inflammation capacity of dexamethasone
Authors: Tang Wei , Yang Jingbo , Zhao Zhibin , Lian Zhexiong , Liang Gaolin
Published: November 2017

An intracellular coassembly strategy was developed to boost the anti-inflammation capacity of dexamethasone.
Robustanoids A and B, two novel pyrrolo[2,3-b]indole alkaloids fromCoffea canephora: isolation and total synthesis
Authors: Han Jianxin , Niu Sheng-Tong , Liu Yushuang , Gan Lishe , Wang Tianfu , Lu Chong-Dao , Yuan Tao
Published: November 2017

Two novel pyrrolo[2,3-b]indole alkaloids were isolated fromCoffea canephorabeans; their structures were confirmed by total synthesis.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of high protein microalgae via clay material catalysts
Authors: Wang Wenjia , Zhang Shengdi , Yu Qi , Lin Yutong , Yang Nianzi , Han Wei , Zhang Jinglai
Published: November 2017

Clay catalysts efficiently liquefy the Spirulina into petroleum like biocrude.
Isolation, structure elucidation, and KDD study of (−)-Celosine, a new skeleton with potent anti-atherosclerosis activity
Authors: Sun Zhenliang , Lv Zhiliang , Hu Bin , Zhang Jifa , Du Peng , Wang Man , Xiao Linlin , Yang Peiming
Published: November 2017

Natural (−)-Celosine was isolated as a novel endocyclicditerpene with an unprecedented skeleton from Celosia cristata L.