bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared genetic aetiology between cognitive performance and brain activations in language and math tasks
Authors: Le Guen Yann , Amalric Marie , Pinel Philippe , Pallier Christophe , Frouin Vincent
Published: November 2018

Cognitive performance is highly heritable. However, little is known about common genetic influences on cognitive ability and brain activation when engaged in a cognitive task. The Human Connectome Project (HCP) offers a unique opportunity to study this shared genetic etiology with an extended pedigree of 785 individuals. To investigate this common genetic origin, we took advantage of the HCP dataset, which includes both language and mathematics activation tasks. Using the HCP multimodal parcellation, we identified areals in which inter-individual functional MRI (fMRI) activation variance was significantly explained by genetics. Then, we performed bivariate genetic analyses between the neural activations and behavioral scores, corresponding to the fMRI task accuracies, fluid intelligence, working memory and language performance. We observed that several parts of the language network along the superior temporal sulcus, as well as the angular gyrus belonging to the math processing network, are significantly genetically correlated with these indicators of cognitive performance. This shared genetic etiology provides insights into the brain areas where the human-specific genetic repertoire is expressed. Studying the association of polygenic risk scores, using variants associated with human cognitive ability and brain activation, would provide an opportunity to better understand where these variants are influential.
Ancient DNA of Phoenician remains indicates discontinuity in the settlement history of Ibiza
Authors: Zalloua Pierre , Collins Catherine J. , Gosling Anna , Biagini Simone Andrea , Costa Benjamí , Kardailsky Olga , Nigro Lorenzo , Khalil Wissam , Calafell Francesc , Matisoo-Smith Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Ibiza was permanently settled around the 7th century BCE by founders arriving from west Phoenicia. The founding population grew significantly and reached its height during the 4th century BCE. We obtained nine complete mitochondrial genomes from skeletal remains from two Punic necropoli in Ibiza and a Bronze Age site from Formentara. We also obtained low coverage (0.47X average depth) of the genome of one individual, directly dated to 361–178 cal BCE, from the Cas Molí site on Ibiza. We analysed and compared ancient DNA results with 18 new mitochondrial genomes from modern Ibizans to determine the ancestry of the founders of Ibiza. The mitochondrial results indicate a predominantly recent European maternal ancestry for the current Ibizan population while the whole genome data suggest a significant Eastern Mediterranean component. Our mitochondrial results suggest a genetic discontinuity between the early Phoenician settlers and the island’s modern inhabitants. Our data, while limited, suggest that the Eastern or North African influence in the Punic population of Ibiza was primarily male dominated.
A small molecule ApoE4-targeted therapeutic candidate that normalizes sirtuin 1 levels and improves cognition in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Campagna Jesus , Spilman Patricia , Jagodzinska Barbara , Bai Dongsheng , Hatami Asa , Zhu Chunni , Bilousova Tina , Jun Michael , Elias Chris Jean , Pham Johnny , Cole Gregory , LaDu Mary Jo , Jung Michael E. , Bredesen Dale E. , John Varghese
Published: November 2018

We describe here the results from the testing of a small molecule first-in-class apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4)-targeted sirtuin1 (SirT1) enhancer, A03, that increases the levels of the neuroprotective enzyme SirT1 while not affecting levels of neurotoxic sirtuin 2 (SirT2) in vitro in ApoE4-transfected cells. A03 was identified by high-throughput screening (HTS) and found to be orally bioavailable and brain penetrant. In vivo, A03 treatment increased SirT1 levels in the hippocampus of 5XFAD-ApoE4 (E4FAD) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice and elicited cognitive improvement while inducing no observed toxicity. We were able to resolve the enantiomers of A03 and show using in vitro models that the L-enantiomer was more potent than the corresponding D-enantiomer in increasing SirT1 levels. ApoE4 expression has been shown to decrease the level of the NAD-dependent deacetylase and major longevity determinant SirT1 in brain tissue and serum of AD patients as compared to normal controls. A deficiency in SirT1 level has been recently implicated in increased tau acetylation, a dominant post-translational modification and key pathological event in AD and tauopathies. Therefore, as a novel approach to therapeutic development for AD, we targeted identification of compounds that enhance and normalize brain SirT1 levels.
Epistatic Interaction of ERAP1 and HLA-B*51 in Iranian Patients with Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Mahmoudi Mahdi , Ashraf-Ganjouei Amir , Javinani Ali , Shahram Farhad , Meguro Akira , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Ahmadzadeh Nooshin , Jafarinejad-Farsangi Saeideh , Mostafaei Shayan , Kavosi Hoda , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Akhlaghi Maassoumeh , Davatchi Fereydoun
Published: November 2018

Behçet’s Disease (BD) pathogenesis remains unclear, but some genetic loci and environmental factors are proposed to play a role. Here, we investigate the association of the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase-1 (ERAP1) gene variants and HLA-B*51 with BD susceptibility and clinical manifestations in Iranian patients. In the study, 748 BD patients and 776 healthy individuals were included. The MGB-TaqMan Allelic Discrimination method was used to genotype 10 common missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one intronic SNP in the ERAP1 gene region. We found no significant association between the 11 SNPs and BD in allelic and genotypic association tests. However, rs30187 showed the strongest association with BD in the recessive genotype model of the risk T allele in HLA-B*51 carriers. Although this became insignificant after correcting for multiple comparisons, the homozygous rs30187 risk allele genotype (TT) increased disease susceptibility in HLA-B*51 carriers in epistasis analysis, and the rs30187 TT recessive genotype showed a significant association with risk of cardiac involvement in the all patients and articular involvements in HLA-B*51 positive patients. Our findings suggest that gene-gene interactions between HLA-B*51 and ERAP1 variants is important for BD development, however, ERAP1 variants which interact with HLA-B*51 may differ among disease phenotypes or populations.
BST-2 promotes survival in circulation and pulmonary metastatic seeding of breast cancer cells
Authors: Mahauad-Fernandez Wadie D. , Naushad Wasifa , Panzner Tyler D. , Bashir Amani , Lal Geeta , Okeoma Chioma M.
Published: November 2018

Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) mediates various facets of cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we show that BST-2 is linked to poor survival in invasive breast cancer patients as its expression positively correlates with disease severity. However, the mechanisms that drive the pro‐metastatic functions of BST-2 are not fully understood. Correlation of BST-2 expression and tumor aggressiveness was analyzed in human tissue samples. Migration, invasion, and competitive experimental metastasis assays were used to measure the cellular responses after silencing BST-2 expression. Using a mouse model of breast cancer, we show that BST-2 promotes metastasis independent of the primary tumor. Additional experiments show that suppression of BST-2 renders non-adherent cancer cells non-viable by sensitizing cells to anoikis. Embedment of cancer cells in basement membrane matrix reveals that silencing BTS-2 expression inhibits invadopodia formation, extracellular matrix degradation, and subsequent cell invasion. Competitive experimental pulmonary metastasis shows that silencing BST-2 reduces the numbers of viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and decreases the efficiency of lung colonization. Our data define a previously unknown function for BST-2 in the i) formation of invadopodia, ii) degradation of extracellular matrix, and iii) protection of CTCs from hemodynamic stress. We believe that physical (tractional forces) and biochemical (ECM type/composition) cues may control BST-2’s role in cell survival and invadopodia formation. Collectively, our findings highlight BST-2 as a key factor that allows cancer cells to invade, survive in circulation, and at the metastatic site.
Multiple genetic mutations caused by NKX6.3 depletion contribute to gastric tumorigenesis
Authors: Yoon Jung Hwan , Kim Olga , Eun Jung Woo , Choi Sung Sook , Ashktorab Hassan , Smoot Duane T. , Nam Suk Woo , Park Won Sang
Published: November 2018

NKX family members are involved in a variety of developmental processes such as cell fate determination in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas. However, whether NKX6.3 contributes to gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine roles of NKX6.3 depletion in mutagenesis and gastric carcinogenesis, focusing on its effects on genetic alterations and expression of genes. Our results revealed that NKX6.3 depletion induced multiple genetic mutations in coding regions, including high frequency of point mutations such as cytosine-to-thymine and guanine-to-adenine transitions caused by aberrant expression of AICDA/APOBEC family in human gastric epithelial cells. Interestingly, NKX6.3 downregulated AICDA/APOBEC family, NFκB, and CBFβ genes by acting as a transcription factor while inhibiting deaminase activity in gastric epithelial cells. Functional relevance of NKX6.3 was validated in xenograft mice injected with NKX6.3 depleting cells. NKX6.3 depletion resulted in tumor formation and mutations of tumor-associated genes, including p53 and E-cadherin. Moreover, expression levels of NKX6.3 and its target genes were analyzed in tumors derived from mice implanted with NKX6.3 depleting cells and tissue samples of gastric cancer patients. Our results indicate that NKX6.3 depletion in gastric epithelial cells activates AICDA/APOBEC family, leading to accumulation of genetic mutations and eventually driving the development of gastric cancers.
Predictability of the impact of multiple stressors on the keystone species Daphnia
Authors: Cuenca Cambronero Maria , Marshall Hollie , De Meester Luc , Davidson Thomas Alexander , Beckerman Andrew P. , Orsini Luisa
Published: November 2018

Eutrophication and climate change are two of the most pressing environmental issues affecting up to 50% of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of environmental change are complicated by inherent difficulties of predicting the long-term impact of multiple stressors on natural populations. Here, we investigated the impact of temperature, food levels and carbamate insecticides, in isolation and in combination, on current and historical populations of the freshwater grazer Daphnia. We used common garden and competition experiments on historical and modern populations of D. magna ‘resurrected’ from a lake with known history of anthropogenic eutrophication and documented increase in ambient temperature over time. We found that these populations response dramatically differed between single and multiple stressors. Whereas warming alone induced similar responses among populations, warming combined with insecticides or food limitation resulted in significantly lower fitness in the population historically exposed to pesticides. These results suggest that the negative effect of historical pesticide exposure is magnified in the presence of warming, supporting the hypothesis of synergism between chemical pollution and other stressors.
Identification of 55,000 Replicated DNA Methylation QTL
Authors: McRae Allan F. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Shah Sonia , Yang Jian , Powell Joseph E. , Harris Sarah E. , Gibson Jude , Henders Anjali K. , Bowdler Lisa , Painter Jodie N. , Murphy Lee , Martin Nicholas G. , Starr John M. , Wray Naomi R. , Deary Ian J. , Visscher Peter M. , Montgomery Grant W.
Published: November 2018

DNA methylation plays an important role in the regulation of transcription. Genetic control of DNA methylation is a potential candidate for explaining the many identified SNP associations with disease that are not found in coding regions. We replicated 52,916 cis and 2,025 trans DNA methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) using methylation from whole blood measured on Illumina HumanMethylation450 arrays in the Brisbane Systems Genetics Study (n = 614 from 177 families) and the Lothian Birth Cohorts of 1921 and 1936 (combined n = 1366). The trans mQTL SNPs were found to be over-represented in 1 Mbp subtelomeric regions, and on chromosomes 16 and 19. There was a significant increase in trans mQTL DNA methylation sites in upstream and 5′ UTR regions. The genetic heritability of a number of complex traits and diseases was partitioned into components due to mQTL and the remainder of the genome. Significant enrichment was observed for height (p = 2.1 × 10−10), ulcerative colitis (p = 2 × 10−5), Crohn’s disease (p = 6 × 10−8) and coronary artery disease (p = 5.5 × 10−6) when compared to a random sample of SNPs with matched minor allele frequency, although this enrichment is explained by the genomic location of the mQTL SNPs.
Sero-prevalence of Helicobacter pylori CagA immunoglobulin G antibody, serum pepsinogens and haemoglobin levels in adults
Authors: Muhsen Khitam , Sinnreich Ronit , Beer-Davidson Gany , Nassar Hisham , Cohen Daniel , Kark Jeremy D.
Published: November 2018

Associations observed of Helicobacter pylori infection with haemoglobin levels are inconsistent. We examined associations of H. pylori sero-prevalence and serum pepsinogens (PGs), as non-invasive markers of atrophic gastritis, with haemoglobin levels. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 654 Jewish and 937 Arab residents of Jerusalem, aged 25–78 years, randomly selected from Israel’s national population registry in age-sex and population strata. Sera were tested for H. pylori IgG, cytotoxin–associated gene A (CagA) antigen IgG antibody and PGs levels. Multivariable models were fitted to account for confounders. Participants with atrophic gastritis (PGI < 30 μg/L or a PGI: PGII < 3.0) had lower haemoglobin levels than those without: beta-coefficient −0.34 (95% CI −0.59, −0.09); in men −0.27 (95% CI −0.67, 0.12), and in women −0.43 (95% CI −0.74, −0.12). Lower haemoglobin levels were noted in persons with CagA antibody than in those H. pylori sero-negative or H. pylori-CagA sero-negative: beta-coefficient −0.14 (95% CI −0.29, 0.01). Anaemia was more common among women and men with than without atrophic gastritis: adjusted OR 2.58 (95% CI 1.48, 4.48) and 1.52 (95% CI 0.59, 3.95), respectively. In conclusion, independent of known correlates, atrophic gastritis and apparently CagA sero-positivity, a marker of H. pylori virulent strains, are associated with lower haemoglobin levels.
Author Correction: 3D biodegradable scaffolds of polycaprolactone with silicate-containing hydroxyapatite microparticles for bone tissue engineering: high-resolution tomography and in vitro study
Authors: Shkarina Svetlana , Shkarin Roman , Weinhardt Venera , Melnik Elizaveta , Vacun Gabriele , Kluger Petra J. , Loza Kateryna , Epple Matthias , Ivlev Sergei I. , Baumbach Tilo , Surmeneva Maria A. , Surmenev Roman A.
Published: November 2018

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.
Role of the Ebola membrane in the protection conferred by the three-mAb cocktail MIL77
Authors: Cao Ping , Bai Haihong , Wang Xinghe , Che Jinjing
Published: November 2018

MIL77, which has a higher manufacturing capacity than ZMapp, comprises MIL77-1, MIL77-2, and MIL77-3. The mechanisms by which these antibodies inhibit glycoprotein are unclear. Infection by viruses with lipid-bilayer envelopes occurs via the fusion of the viral membrane with the membrane of the target cell. Therefore, the interaction between the antibodies and the EBOV membrane is crucial. We examined the interactions between MIL77 and the viral membrane using SPR. MIL77-1 selectively binds to viral membranes, while MIL77-2 and MIL77-3 do not. MIL77-1’s ability to screen the more rigid domains of the membranes results in a locally increased concentration of the drug at the fusion site. Although MIL77-2 recognizes an epitope of GP, it is not necessary in the MIL77 cocktail. These results highlight the importance of EBOV membrane interactions in improving the efficiency of a neutralizing antibody. Furthermore, the viral membrane may be an important target of antibodies against EBOV.
Extracellular vesicles produced in B cells deliver tumor suppressor miR-335 to breast cancer cells disrupting oncogenic programming in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Almanza Gonzalo , Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Tsui Brian , Jepsen Kristen , Carter Hannah , Zanetti Maurizio
Published: November 2018

The successful implementation of miRNA (miR) therapies in humans will ultimately rely on the use of vehicles with improved cellular delivery capability. Here we tested a new system that leverages extracellular vesicles (EVs) laden with a tumor suppressor miRNA (miR-335) produced in B cells by plasmid DNA induction (iEVs). We demonstrate that iEVs-335 efficiently and durably restored the endogenous miR-335 pool in human triple negative breast cancer cells, downregulated the expression of the miR-335 target gene SOX4 transcription factor, and markedly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Remarkably, iEVs-335 mediated transcriptional effects that persisted in tumors after 60 days post orthotopic implantation. Genome-wide RNASeq analysis of cancer cells treated in vitro with iEVs-335 showed the regulation of a discrete number of genes only, without broad transcriptome perturbations. This new technology may be ideally suited for therapies aimed to restore tumor suppressor miRNAs in cancer cells, disrupting the oncogenic program established after escape from miRNA control.
Green preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites
Authors: Son Yeong-Rae , Park Soo-Jin
Published: November 2018

In this study, a homogeneous and stable dispersion of graphene oxide (GO)/carbon nanotube (CNT) complexes (GCCs) was obtained by dispersing CNTs in an aqueous solution using GO in the absence of dispersing agents. Furthermore, carboxymethyl cellulose/GCC (CMC/GCC) nanocomposite films were prepared by a simple solution mixing-evaporation method. The dispersibility of the GCCs with different CNT contents was investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The morphological and crystalline structures of the samples were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted to identify the chemical composition of GO, CNTs, and GCCs. These results revealed that CNTs could be stably dispersed in water using GO. In addition, when CMC/GCC nanocomposite films were prepared by mixing CMC and GCCs, CNTs were uniformly dispersed in the CMC matrix. The tensile behavior was investigated using a universal testing machine. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the CMC/GCC nanocomposite films were significantly improved by up to about 121% and 122%, respectively, compared to those of pure CMC because of uniform and strong π-π interfacial interactions between CNTs and CMC polymer.
Pathway sensor-based functional genomics screening identifies modulators of neuronal activity
Authors: Herholt Alexander , Brankatschk Ben , Kannaiyan Nirmal , Papiol Sergi , Wichert Sven P. , Wehr Michael C. , Rossner Moritz J.
Published: November 2018

Neuronal signal transduction shapes brain function and malfunction may cause mental disorders. Despite the existence of functional genomics screens for proliferation and toxicity, neuronal signalling has been difficult to address so far. To overcome this limitation, we developed a pooled screening assay which combines barcoded activity reporters with pooled genetic perturbation in a dual-expression adeno-associated virus (AAV) library. With this approach, termed pathScreener, we comprehensively dissect signalling pathways in postmitotic neurons. This overcomes several limitations of lentiviral-based screens. By applying first a barcoded and multiplexed reporter assay, termed cisProfiler, we identified the synaptic-activity responsive element (SARE) as top performance sensor of neuronal activity. Next, we targeted more than 4,400 genes and screened for modulatory effects on SARE activity in primary cortical neurons. We identified with high replicability many known genes involved in glutamatergic synapse-to-nucleus signalling of which a subset was validated in orthogonal assays. Several others have not yet been associated with the regulation of neuronal activity such as the hedgehog signalling membersPtch2andIft57. This assay thus enhances the toolbox for analysing regulatory processes during neuronal signalling and may help identifying novel targets for brain disorders.
Predicting Patient-ventilator Asynchronies with Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Marchuk Yaroslav , Magrans Rudys , Sales Bernat , Montanya Jaume , López-Aguilar Josefina , de Haro Candelaria , Gomà Gemma , Subirà Carles , Fernández Rafael , Kacmarek Robert M. , Blanch Lluis
Published: November 2018

In mechanical ventilation, it is paramount to ensure the patient’s ventilatory demand is met while minimizing asynchronies. We aimed to develop a model to predict the likelihood of asynchronies occurring. We analyzed 10,409,357 breaths from 51 critically ill patients who underwent mechanical ventilation >24 h. Patients were continuously monitored and common asynchronies were identified and regularly indexed. Based on discrete time-series data representing the total count of asynchronies, we defined four states or levels of risk of asynchronies, z1 (very-low-risk) – z4 (very-high-risk). A Poisson hidden Markov model was used to predict the probability of each level of risk occurring in the next period. Long periods with very few asynchronous events, and consequently very-low-risk, were more likely than periods with many events (state z4). States were persistent; large shifts of states were uncommon and most switches were to neighbouring states. Thus, patients entering states with a high number of asynchronies were very likely to continue in that state, which may have serious implications. This novel approach to dealing with patient-ventilator asynchrony is a first step in developing smart alarms to alert professionals to patients entering high-risk states so they can consider actions to improve patient-ventilator interaction.
Creation of Hollow Calcite Single Crystals with CQDs: Synthesis, Characterization, and Fast and Efficient Decontamination of Cd(II)
Authors: Yang Tianli , He Ren , Nie Guihua , Wang Wenlei , Zhang Gui , Hu Yunchu , Wu Lichao
Published: November 2018

In this work, carbon quantum dots were first prepared through one-pot hydrothermal route of the propyl aldehyde and sodium hydroxide via an aldol condensation reaction, and a novel solid-phase extraction adsorbent of hollow calcite single crystals was prepared via the precipitation of metal nitrates by the CO2 diffusion method in the presence of CQDs and further applied for excessive Cd(II) ions removal from water. The spectra and morphologies of the etched calcite were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Scanning electron microscope, and Transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the CQDs etching technique successfully furnish a strategy for manufacturing interface defects onto the calcite crystal. Bath studies were done to evaluate the effects of the major parameters onto Cd(II) adsorption by the etched calcite, such as pH, contact time, and initial Cd(II) concentration. The Cd(II) adsorption onto the new adsorbent could reach a maximum adsorption amount of 66.68 mg/g at 120 min due to the abundant exterior adsorption sites on the adsorbent. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms of Cd(II) on the etched calcite were also investigated. The experimental datum showed that the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of Cd(II) on the etched calcite were well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm model respectively. The adsorption mechanisms could be primarily explained as the formation of Cd(OH)2 and CaxCd1−xCO3 solid solution on the adsorbent surface with the help of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Bovine neutrophils form extracellular traps in response to the gastrointestinal parasite Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: Mendez Jonatan , Sun Donglei , Tuo Wenbin , Xiao Zhengguo
Published: November 2018

Ostertagia ostertagi (OO) is a widespread parasite that causes chronic infection in cattle and leads to annual losses of billions of dollars in the cattle industry. It remains unclear why cattle are unable to mount an effective immune response despite a large influx of immune cells to the infected abomasal mucosa and draining lymph nodes. Neutrophils, the immune system’s first responders, have the capacity to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to contain various pathogens, including some parasites. In the present study, the mechanisms by which O. ostertagi influences bovine NET formation were investigated. O. ostertagi larval soluble extract (OO extract) was able to induce typical NETs by purified neutrophils in vitro, confirmed by co-localization of extracellular DNA with typical NET-associated proteins histone and neutrophil elastase (NE). Consistent with existing literature, inhibition assays demonstrated that these OO extract-induced NETs were dependent upon the enzymes NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Live OO stage 4 larvae (L4) stimulated neutrophils to form NETs similar to those induced by OO extract. Bovine neutrophils also released NETs in response to Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living soil nematode, suggesting that bovine NET production may be a conserved mechanism against a broad range of nematodes. This is the first report demonstrating O. ostertagi-induced NET formation by bovine neutrophils, a potentially underappreciated mechanism in the early immune response against nematode infections.
Aspartic and Glutamic Acid Templated Peptides Conjugation on Plasma Modified Nanofibers for Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Comparative Study
Authors: Onak Günnur , Şen Mustafa , Horzum Nesrin , Ercan Utku Kürşat , Yaralı Ziyşan Buse , Garipcan Bora , Karaman Ozan
Published: November 2018

Optimization of nanofiber (NF) surface properties is critical to achieve an adequate cellular response. Here, the impact of conjugation of biomimetic aspartic acid (ASP) and glutamic acid (GLU) templated peptides with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun NF on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was evaluated. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was used to functionalize the NF surface and thus to mediate the conjugation. The influence of the CAP treatment following with peptide conjugation to the NF surface was assessed using water contact angle measurements, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of CAP treatment on morphology of NF was also checked using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Both the hydrophilicity of NF and the number of the carboxyl (-COOH) groups on the surface increased with respect to CAP treatment. Results demonstrated that CAP treatment significantly enhanced peptide conjugation on the surface of NF. Osteogenic differentiation results indicated that conjugating of biomimetic ASP templated peptides sharply increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content, and expression of key osteogenic markers of collagen type I (Col-I), osteocalcin (OC), and osteopontin (OP) compared to GLU conjugated (GLU-pNF) and CAP treated NF (pNF). It was further depicted that ASP sequences are the major fragments that influence the mineralization and osteogenic differentiation in non-collagenous proteins of bone extracellular matrix.
Fluorescence-quenching CdTe quantum dots applied for identification of cocaine-structure analogues
Authors: Alves Jacqueline Q. , Máximo Leandro N. C. , Franco Lilian P. , da Silva Roberto S. , de Oliveira Marcelo F.
Published: November 2018

Cocaine is an illicit drug that is being increasingly used worldwide.
A new boronate-affinity hollow solid phase extraction adsorbent for the enrichment of cis-diol-containing isoflavones in soybean milk samples
Authors: Hou Xingyu , Huang Wei , Zhu Fugui , Geng Fang , Tian Miaomiao
Published: November 2018

A novel boronate-affinity hollow solid phase extraction adsorbent for selective enrichment of isoflavones in soybean milk samples prior to their quantitation by HPLC.
Intermetallic Pd3Pb square nanoplates as highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Luo Sai , Tang Min , Wu Xingqiao , Ou Yang , Wang Zeyi , Jian Ni , Li Xiao , Lin Yangfan , Yan Yucong , Huang Jingbo , Zhang Hui , Yang Deren
Published: November 2018

Intermetallic Pd3Pb square nanoplates were synthesized and exhibited excellent performance for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solution.
Hydrogen adsorption trends on various metal-doped Ni2P surfaces for optimal catalyst design
Authors: Partanen Lauri , Hakala Mikko , Laasonen Kari
Published: November 2018

This article shows that the presence of dopants, especially Fe and Co, can enhance the HER catalytic activity of Ni2P.
The dynamical interplay between a megadalton peptide nanocage and solutes probed by microsecond atomistic MD; implications for design
Authors: Shoemark Deborah K. , Avila Ibarra Amaurys , Ross James F. , Beesley Joseph L. , Bray Harriet E.V. , Mosayebi Majid , Linden Noah , Liverpool Tanniemola B. , McIntosh-Smith Simon N. , Woolfson Derek N. , Sessions Richard B.
Published: November 2018

Better understanding of the dynamics of protein-based supramolecular capsids can be applied to synthetic biology and biotechnology.
Elementary kinetics of nitrogen electroreduction to ammonia on late transition metals
Authors: Rostamikia Gholamreza , Maheshwari Sharad , Janik Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Nitrogen reduction reaction barriers calculated by density functional theory quantify NRR activity and selectivity challenges.
Post synthetic exchange enables orthogonal click chemistry in a metal organic framework
Authors: Fluch Ulrike , McCarthy Brian D. , Ott Sascha
Published: November 2018

Post synthetic linker exchange can be combined with Cu-catalyzed alkyne/azide click chemistry to enable orthogonal modification of known metal organic frameworks.
Tuning the SERS activity and plasmon-driven reduction of p-nitrothiophenol on a Ag@MoS2 film
Authors: Miao Peng , Ma Yan , Sun Mengtao , Li Jing , Xu Ping
Published: November 2018

The thickness and crystallinity of MoS2 in a Ag@MoS2 hybrid film can strongly affect the Raman enhancement and plasmon-driven chemical reactions.
Low-cost writing method for self-powered paper-based UV photodetectors utilizing Te/TiO2 and Te/ZnO heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xu Wenxin , Xu Xiaojie , Yang Wei , Li Siyuan , Chen Jiaxin , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: November 2018

A low-cost, facile and green writing method to fabricate self-powered paper-based UV photodetectors utilizing Te/TiO2 and Te/ZnO heterojunctions was achieved.
Multifunctional polyurethanes synthesized from different triarylamine units with electrochromic, photogeneration, memory storage and sensing properties
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lu Qingyi , Yang Caiyu , Zhao Shuo , Wang Yan , Zhang Wei , Niu Haijun , Zhao Ping , Wang Wen , Fan Jinghe
Published: November 2018

Herein, we report three multifunctional polyurethane materials, which exhibit excellent electrochromic, photoelectric, memory and sensing properties, and also have good mechanical properties.
Multivalent aptamer-modified tetrahedral DNA nanocage demonstrates high selectivity and safety for anti-tumor therapy
Authors: Han Xiu , Jiang Yujie , Li Shuyi , Zhang Yu , Ma Xiaonan , Wu Ziheng , Wu Zhenghong , Qi Xiaole
Published: November 2018

Multivalent aptamer-modified tetrahedral DNA nanocage demonstrates high selectivity and safety for anti-tumor therapyin vivo.
Gas-phase synthesis of hybrid nanostructured materials
Authors: Ling Min , Blackman Christopher S.
Published: November 2018

A chemical vapour deposition route is introduced to construct nano-heterostructured thin film of noble metal or their oxide nanoparticles decorating on 1D WO3 nanorods. The size of nanoparticle is able to be easily tuned by controlling the deposition time showing enhanced photocatalytic property.
Positive magnetic resonance angiography using ultrafine ferritin-based iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Cai Yao , Wang Yuqing , Xu Huangtao , Cao Changqian , Zhu Rixiang , Tang Xu , Zhang Tongwei , Pan Yongxin
Published: November 2018

Magnetic resonance angiography can be enhanced up to 2 hours by single injection of ferritin-based nanoparticles with hematite/maghemite inner core.
3D characterization of heat-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars by fast in situ electron tomography
Authors: Vanrompay Hans , Bladt Eva , Albrecht Wiebke , Béché Armand , Zakhozheva Marina , Sánchez-Iglesias Ana , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Bals Sara
Published: November 2018

The thermal reshaping and its influence on the plasmonic properties of gold nanostars are investigated using a combination of in situ tomography and a state-of-the-art fast acquisition approach.
Skin-inspired flexible and high-sensitivity pressure sensors based on rGO films with continuous-gradient wrinkles
Authors: Jia Jin , Huang Guotao , Deng Jianping , Pan Kai
Published: November 2018

A skin-like gradient-wrinkle rGO film with a hierarchical structure that showed ultrahigh sensitivity and a special motion-direction detection of moving objects.
An enantioselective synthesis of α-alkylated pyrroles via cooperative isothiourea/palladium catalysis
Authors: Rush Scaggs W. , Scaggs Toya D. , Snaddon Thomas N.
Published: November 2018

Herein we describe the direct enantioselective Lewis base/Pd catalysed α-allylation of pyrrole acetic acid esters.
Bisphosphine catalyzed sequential [3 + 2] cycloaddition and Michael addition of ynones with benzylidenepyrazolones via dual α′,α′-C(sp3)–H bifunctionalization to construct cyclopentanone-fused spiro-pyrazolones
Authors: Zhang Jiayong , Miao Zhiwei
Published: November 2018

A sequential [3 + 2] cycloaddition and Michael addition reaction of ynones with benzylidenepyrazolones afforded cyclopentanone-fused spiro-pyrazolones catalyzed by DPPB via dual α′,α′-C(sp3)–H bifunctionalization.
AIEgen bioconjugates for specific detection of disease-related protein biomarkers
Authors: Chong Kok Chan , Hu Fang , Liu Bin
Published: November 2018

Mis-regulation of certain proteins and enzymes is often identified as an indicator of many pathologies, and these disease-related proteins can be used as biomarkers to diagnose disease onset and progression.
On-line pre-treatment, separation, and nanoelectrospray mass spectrometric determinations for pesticide metabolites and peptides based on a modular microfluidic platform
Authors: Hao Yinyin , Bao Yajing , Huang Xueying , Hu Yijun , Xiong Bo
Published: November 2018

A microfluidic platform, composed of enrichment, separation and nanoelectrospray ionization modulations was developed to on-line-investigate pesticide metabolites and peptides.
A colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ based on a photochromic diarylethene with a quinoline unit
Authors: Guo Shuli , Fan Congbin , Liu Gang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: November 2018

A new colorimetric and fluorescent ‘on–off’ chemosensor, 1O, based on a photochromic diarylethene with a quinoline unit was designed and synthesized.
Sensitively distinguishing intracellular precursor and mature microRNA abundance
Authors: Yang Fan , Cheng Yaru , Cao Yu , Dong Haifeng , Lu Huiting , Zhang Kai , Meng Xiangdan , Liu Conghui , Zhang Xueji
Published: November 2018

A novel cascade assembly reaction is applied to sensitively distinguish between low abundance miRNAs and pre-miRNAs in living cells.
Directional freezing of binary colloidal suspensions: a model for size fractionation of graphene oxide
Authors: Xu Xin , Liu Luofu , Geng Hongya , Wang Jianjun , Zhou Jiajia , Jiang Ying , Doi Masao
Published: November 2018

A theoretical model of a binary colloid suspension was developed by incorporating both the moving freezing boundary and the preferential adsorption of colloidal particles to the ice phase.
Analyzing transport properties of p-type Mg2Si–Mg2Sn solid solutions: optimization of thermoelectric performance and insight into the electronic band structure
Authors: Kamila Hasbuna , Sahu Prashant , Sankhla Aryan , Yasseri Mohammad , Pham Hoang-Ngan , Dasgupta Titas , Mueller Eckhard , de Boor Johannes
Published: November 2018

Figure of merit zT mapping of p-Mg2Si1−xSnx with respect to carrier concentration.
Metallic P3C monolayer as anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Ziyuan , Yu Tong , Zhang Shoutao , Xu Haiyang , Yang Guochun , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2018

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have become one of the most promising energy storage devices due to the high abundance and safety of sodium.
Photopolymerizable and moisture-curable polyurethanes for dental adhesive applications to increase restoration durability
Authors: Gong Haihuan , Guo Xiaowei , Cao Danfeng , Gao Ping , Feng Dan , Zhang Xiaomeng , Shi Zuosen , Zhang Yingchao , Zhu Song , Cui Zhanchen
Published: November 2018

A new strategy for decreasing microleakage and improving the durability of the dentin bonding interface by using a new PU adhesive.
LRIG1 acts as a critical regulator of melanoma cell invasion, migration, and vasculogenic mimicry upon hypoxia by regulating EGFR/ERK-triggered epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Li Wei , Zhou Yubo
Published: November 2018

Intratumoral hypoxia is a well-known feature of solid cancers and constitutes a major contributor to cancer metastasis and poor outcomes including melanoma. Leucine-rich repeats and Ig-like domains 1 (LRIG1) participate in the aggressive progression of several tumors, where its expression is frequently decreased. In the present study, hypoxia exposure aggravated melanoma cell invasion, migration, vasculogenic mimicry (VM), and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). During this process, LRIG1 expression was also decreased. Importantly, overexpression of LRIG1 notably counteracted hypoxia-induced invasion, migration, and VM, which was further augmented after LRIG1 inhibition. Mechanism analysis corroborated that LRIG1 elevation muted hypoxia-induced EMT by suppressing E-cadherin expression and increasing N-cadherin expression. Conversely, cessation of LRIG1 further potentiated hypoxia-triggered EMT. Additionally, hypoxia stimulation activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ERK pathway, which was dampened by LRIG1 up-regulation but further activated by LRIG1 inhibition. More important, blocking this pathway with its antagonist erlotinib abrogated LRIG1 suppression-induced EMT, and subsequently cell invasion, migration, and VM of melanoma cells under hypoxia. Together, these findings suggest that LRIG1 overexpression can antagonize hypoxia-evoked aggressive metastatic phenotype by suppressing cell invasion, migration, and VM via regulating EGFR/ERK-mediated EMT process. Therefore, these findings may provide a promising target for melanoma therapy.
Mutations in EPAS1 in congenital heart disease in Tibetans
Authors: Pan Hong , Chen Qiuhong , Qi Shenggui , Li Tengyan , Liu Beihong , Liu Shiming , Ma Xu , Wang Binbin
Published: November 2018

EPAS1 encodes HIF2 and is closely related to high altitude chronic hypoxia. Mutations in the EPAS1 coding sequence are associated with several kinds of human diseases, including syndromic congenital heart disease (CHD). However, whether there are rare EPAS1 coding variants related to Tibetan non-syndromic CHD have not been fully investigated. A group of 286 Tibetan patients with non-syndromic CHD and 250 unrelated Tibetan healthy controls were recruited from Qinghai, China. Sanger sequencing was performed to identify variations in the EPAS1 coding sequence. The novelty of identified variants was confirmed by the examination of 1000G and ExAC databases. Control samples were screened to establish that the rare candidate variants were specific to the Tibetan patients with non-syndromic CHD. Bioinformatics software was used to assess the conservation of the mutations and to predict their effects. The effect of EPAS1 mutations on the transcription of its target gene, VEGF, was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The mammalian two-hybrid assay was used to study the protein interactions between HIF2 and PHD2 or pVHL. We identified two novel EPAS1 mutations (NM_001430: c.607A>C, p.N203H; c.2170G>T, p.G724W) in two patients. The N203H mutation significantly affected the transcription activity of the VEGF promoter, especially in conditions of hypoxia. The N203H mutation also showed enhanced protein–protein interactions between HIF2 and PHD2, and HIF2 and pVHL, especially in conditions of hypoxia. However, the G724W mutation did not demonstrate the same effects. Our results indicate that EPAS1 mutations might have a potential causative effect on the development of Tibetan non-syndromic CHD.
LipG a bifunctional phospholipase/thioesterase involved in mycobacterial envelope remodeling
Authors: Santucci Pierre , Point Vanessa , Poncin Isabelle , Guy Alexandre , Crauste Céline , Serveau-Avesque Carole , Galano Jean Marie , Spilling Chistopher D. , Cavalier Jean-François , Canaan Stéphane
Published: November 2018

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is currently one of the leading causes of death from an infectious agent. The main difficulties encountered in eradicating this bacteria are mainly related to (i) a very complex lipid composition of the bacillus cell wall, (ii) its ability to hide from the immune system inside the granulomas, and (iii) the increasing number of resistant strains. In this context, we were interested in the Rv0646c (lipGMTB) gene located upstream to the mmaA cluster which is described as being crucial for the production of cell wall components and required for the bacilli adaptation and survival in mouse macrophages. Using biochemical experiments combined with the construction of deletion and overexpression mutant strains in Mycobacterium smegmatis, we found that LipGMTB is a cytoplasmic membrane-associated enzyme that displays both phospholipase and thioesterase activities. Overproduction of LipGMTB decreases the glycopeptidolipids (GPL) level concomitantly to an increase in phosphatidylinositol (PI) which is the precursor of the PI mannoside (PIM), an essential lipid component of the bacterial cell wall. Conversely, deletion of the lipGMS gene in M. smegmatis leads to an overproduction of GPL, and subsequently decreases the strain susceptibility to various antibiotics. All these findings demonstrate that LipG is involved in cell envelope biosynthesis/remodeling, and consequently this enzyme may thus play an important role in mycobacterial physiology.
Direct torque control strategy of five‐phase PMSM with load capacity enhancement
Authors: Zhou Yangzhong , Yan Zhen , Duan Qingtao , Wang Lingbo , Wu Xin
Published: November 2018

A direct torque control (DTC) strategy of five‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is proposed in this study. The proposed DTC scheme uses five‐phase inverter to output basic voltage vector or discrete synthesised voltage vectors in one control period to realise the direct control of torque and flux on the fundamental and third harmonic planes simultaneously, and then realise the third harmonic current injection to enhance the load capacity. In order to realise the third harmonic current injection with maximum torque outputting and minimum peak of stator current, the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) scheme is proposed in which the minimum copper loss and the same phase relation between fundamental and third harmonic currents are taken as the constraint conditions, and the amplitude of the fundamental and third harmonic fluxes and the optimal torque distribution ratio are derived in MTPA. A TMS320F2812‐based digital controller is adopted as a core to construct the DTC experimental platform of the five‐phase PMSM with 800 W rated power. The results of experiment and simulation show that the proposed DTC strategy can improve the maximum load torque of the motor, reduce the flux density of the stator and improve the core utilisation rate of the stator.
Erratum to: On the relation between pole and running heavy quark masses beyond the four-loop approximation
Authors: Kataev A. L. , Molokoedov V. S.
Published: November 2018

Citations in the original article are corrupted due to error made by Editors QUARKS-2018.
See the Full text with correct citations in PDF file.
Emanzipierte Digitalisierung
Authors: Tribelhorn Thomas
Published: November 2018

Millionen werden in Bildungstechnologien investiert, da in Zeiten der „digitalen
Transformation in der Bildung“ niemand den Anschluss verlieren will – wo immer
sich dieser auch befinden mag. Werden Lehrende künftig durch Lernanalyse und
Erklärvideos ersetzt? Nicht, wenn sie die Erkenntnisse aus der Lernforschung
konsequenter berücksichtigen und die Mittel wirklich lernförderlich
einsetzen.
Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Rajaram Priyanka , Subramanian Ram
Published: November 2018

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition that can rapidly progress to multiorgan failure. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of ALF. We provide a detailed review of the common etiologies of ALF, including acetaminophen overdose, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, Wilson's disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. The article then addresses how to recognize ALF and reviews the role of common laboratory and imaging tests in establishing this diagnosis. The remainder of the article details the management of hepatic and extrahepatic organ dysfunctions in ALF. The article concludes with a discussion regarding the prognostication of patients with ALF and the criteria for considering liver transplantation.
Energy management strategy for integrating photovoltaic energy in AC microgrid
Authors: Khalil Fazli Amin , Anwar Shahzad , Asif Muhammad , ul Haq Sana , Ahmad Naveed , Ashraf Majid , Kamran Muhammad , Khan Atif , Arshad Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Nature offers an enormous amount of free energy in the form of Sun [Photovoltaic (PV)]. Therefore, it is interesting to integrate this renewable, everlasting, and echo friendly energy into traditional grid connected power supply. In this study, an energy management system (EMS) is proposed for the proper PV energy integration and utilization into microgrids. For prototype, simulations were performed for 1 kW PV array, 1.5 kV A inverter, and 1.5 kW load employing Lab VIEW. Boolean algebraic operators were incorporated for decisions. A sine wave frequency generator with the desired voltage and frequency measurements was introduced for both grid and PV sources. Numerical indicators are used for current, voltage, and frequency display. The proposed system offers integration and management of PV and national grid power for domestic power utilization. To test the capabilities of the developed EMS, the results were compared with the already established methods. In the developed method, PV is considered as a primary power source for domestic appliances (load) during daytime along with the national grid as a secondary power source. Moreover, to establish its feasibility, economic implications are also discussed.