bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global invasion network of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys
Authors: Valentin Rafael E. , Nielsen Anne L. , Wiman Nik G. , Lee Doo-Hyung , Fonseca Dina M.
Published: August 2017

Human mediated transportation into novel habitats is a prerequisite for the establishment of non-native species that become invasive, so knowledge of common sources may allow prevention. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB,Halyomorpha halys) is an East Asian species now established across North America and Europe, that in the Eastern United States of America (US) and Italy is causing significant economic losses to agriculture. After US populations were shown to originate from Northern China, others have tried to source BMSB populations now in Canada, Switzerland, Italy, France, Greece, and Hungary. Due to selection of different molecular markers, however, integrating all the datasets to obtain a broader picture of BMSB’s expansion has been difficult. To address this limitation we focused on a single locus, the barcode region in the cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial gene, and analyzed representative BMSB samples from across its current global range using an Approximate Bayesian Computation approach. We found that China is the likely source of most non-native populations, with at least four separate introductions in North America and three in Europe. Additionally, we found evidence of one bridgehead event: a likely Eastern US source for the central Italy populations that interestingly share enhanced pest status.
Peptide SS-31 upregulates frataxin expression and improves the quality of mitochondria: implications in the treatment of Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Zhao Hongting , Li Huihui , Hao Shuangying , Chen Jiping , Wu Jing , Song Chuanhui , Zhang Meng , Qiao Tong , Li Kuanyu
Published: August 2017

Friedreich ataxia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of GAA trinucleotide repeats within the first intron of the FXN gene, which encodes frataxin. The pathophysiology of the disease is thought to be derived from the decrease of Fe-S cluster biogenesis due to frataxin deficiency. There is currently no effective treatment for the disease. In our study, we demonstrated that treatment with the mitochondrion-targeted peptide SS-31 reduced frataxin deficiency-induced oxidative stress in lymphoblasts and fibroblasts derived from patients. Interestingly, SS-31 treatment translationally upregulated the protein level of frataxin in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, SS-31 treatment increased the enzymatic activities of the iron-sulphur enzymes, including aconitase and complex II and III of the respiratory chain. Further evaluation of the quality of mitochondria showed that mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, NAD+/NADH, and the morphology of mitochondria all improved. Our results suggest that SS-31 might potentially be a new drug for the early treatment of Friedreich ataxia.
BBS4 regulates the expression and secretion of FSTL1, a protein that participates in ciliogenesis and the differentiation of 3T3-L1
Authors: Prieto-Echagüe Victoria , Lodh Sukanya , Colman Laura , Bobba Natalia , Santos Leonardo , Katsanis Nicholas , Escande Carlos , Zaghloul Norann A. , Badano Jose L.
Published: August 2017

Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a model ciliopathy. Although the characterization of BBS proteins has evidenced their involvement in cilia, extraciliary functions for some of these proteins are also being recognized. Importantly, understanding both cilia and cilia-independent functions of the BBS proteins is key to fully dissect the cellular basis of the syndrome. Here we characterize a functional interaction between BBS4 and the secreted protein FSTL1, a protein linked to adipogenesis and inflammation among other functions. We show that BBS4 and cilia regulate FSTL1 mRNA levels, but BBS4 also modulates FSTL1 secretion. Moreover, we show that FSTL1 is a novel regulator of ciliogenesis thus underscoring a regulatory loop between FSTL1 and cilia. Finally, our data indicate that BBS4, cilia and FSTL1 are coordinated during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and that FSTL1 plays a role in this process, at least in part, by modulating ciliogenesis. Therefore, our findings are relevant to fully understand the development of BBS-associated phenotypes such as obesity.
Studies on the regulatory mechanism of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 using acetylation mimics
Authors: Xu Yuqun , Liu Lingwen , Nakamura Akira , Someya Shinichi , Miyakawa Takuya , Tanokura Masaru
Published: August 2017

Mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) converts NADP+ to NADPH and promotes regeneration of reduced glutathione (GSH) by supplying NADPH to glutathione reductase or thioredoxin reductase. We have previously shown that under calorie restriction, mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3 deacetylates and activates IDH2, thereby regulating the mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant defense system in mice. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of mIDH2 (mouse mitochondrial IDH2), we used lysine-to-glutamine (KQ) mutants to mimic acetylated lysines and screened 15 KQ mutants. Among these mutants, the activities of the K256Q and K413Q proteins were less than 50% of the wild-type value. We then solved the crystal structures of the wild-type mIDH2 and the K256Q mutant proteins, revealing conformational changes in the substrate-binding pocket. Structural data suggested that positively charged Lys256 was important in stabilizing the pocket because it repelled a lysine cluster on the other side. Glutamine (or acetylated lysine) was neutral and thus caused the pocket size to decrease, which might be the main reason for the lower activity of the K256Q mutant. Together, our data provide the first structure of an acetylation mimic of mIDH2 and new insights into the regulatory mechanism of acetylation of mIDH2.
Enrichment of Viral Nucleic Acids by Solution Hybrid Selection with Genus Specific Oligonucleotides
Authors: Deviatkin Andrei A. , Lukashev Alexander N. , Markelov Mikhail M. , Gmyl Larisa V. , Shipulin German A.
Published: August 2017

Despite recent advances, our knowledge of potential and rare human pathogens is far from exhaustive. Current molecular diagnostic tools mainly rely on the specific amplification of marker sequences and may overlook infections caused by unknown and rare pathogens. Using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) can solve this problem; but, due to the extremely low fraction of pathogen genetic material in clinical samples, its application is only cost-effective in special, rather than routine, cases. In this study, we present a method for the semi-specific enrichment of viral conservative sequences in a HTS library by hybridization in solution with genus-specific degenerate biotinylated oligonucleotides. Nucleic acids of the test viruses (yellow fever virus and Japanese encephalitis virus) were enriched by solution hybrid selection using pan-flavivirus oligonucleotides. Moreover, enterovirus (family: Picornaviridae, genus: Enterovirus) sequences were successfully enriched using foot-and-mouth disease virus (family: Picornaviridae, genus: Aphthovirus) oligonucleotide. The enrichment factor relative to the background nucleic acid was about 1,000-fold. As hybridization has less stringent oligonucleotide match requirements than PCR, few oligonucleotides are sufficient to cover the potential sequence variation in the whole genus and may even enrich nucleic acids of viruses of other related genera. Efficient enrichment of viral sequences makes its use in diagnostics cost-efficient.
Species composition and richness of aphid parasitoid wasps in cotton fields in northern China
Authors: Yang Fan , Wu Yue-Kun , Xu Lei , Wang Qian , Yao Zhi-Wen , Žikić Vladimir , Tomanović Željko , Ferrer-Suay Mar , Selfa Jesús , Pujade-Villar Juli , Lu Yan-Hui , Guo Yu-Yuan
Published: August 2017

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a serious pest of cotton across the globe, particularly in the cotton agroecosystems of northern China. Parasitic wasps are deemed to be important natural enemies of A. gossypii, but limited information exists about their species composition, richness and seasonal dynamics in northern China. In this study, we combine sampling over a broad geographical area with intensive field trials over the course of three cropping seasons to describe parasitoid-hyperparasitoid communities in cotton crops. We delineate a speciose complex of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with A. gossypii. Over 90% of the primary parasitoids were Binodoxys communis. Syrphophagus sp. and Pachyneuron aphidis made up most of the hyperparasitoids. Parasitism rates changed in a similar way following the fluctuation of the aphid population. Early in the growing period, there were more hyperparasitoids, while later, the primary parasitoids provided control of A. gossypii. The first systematic report of this cotton aphid parasitoid complex and their population dynamics in association with their hosts presented a comprehensive assessment of cotton parasitoid species and provided important information for the establishment and promotion of their biological control of cotton aphids.
The role of Nasoalveolar molding: A 3D Prospective analysis
Authors: Chou Pang-Yun , Hallac Rami R. , Ajiwe Tochi , Xie Xian-Jin , Liao Yu-Fang , Kane Alex A. , Park Yong Jong
Published: August 2017

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is commonly employed to reduce the alveolar segments into proper alignment and to improve nasal symmetry in patients with cleft lip and palate. This study examines the periodical progression of NAM treatment over time. 20 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate were prospectively recruited. A 2 stage NAM treatment protocol was applied. Stage 1 involved adjustment of the alveolar segments (mean age 15.6 days), while Stage 2 added nasal stents and started average 43 days after stage 1. 3D images (n = 241) were obtained prior to NAM initiation and weekly until the end of treatment. The cleft lip area, bilateral nostril areas, and the nostril height and width were measured. Treatment was assessed in the Cleft (C) side and the Non-cleft (N). There was significant difference in the C/N ratio of the nostril area, width, and height at pre-treatment (0.9 ± 0.3, 4.1 ± 1.1, and 0.5 ± 0.2), at the end of stage 1 (1.1 ± 0.3, 2.2 ± 0.6, and 0.8 ± 0.2), and at the end of stage 2 treatment (1.8 ± 0.3, 1.8 ± 0.4, and 1.2 ± 0.1); p < 0.05. Comparative 3D analysis with dense sampling offers a precise methodology for showing effects of NAM treatment. The morphological changes achieved with NAM therapy occur in early treatment phase.
Raman spectroscopy uncovers biochemical tissue-related features of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Gualerzi Alice , Niada Stefania , Giannasi Chiara , Picciolini Silvia , Morasso Carlo , Vanna Renzo , Rossella Valeria , Masserini Massimo , Bedoni Marzia , Ciceri Fabio , Bernardo Maria Ester , Brini Anna Teresa , Gramatica Furio
Published: August 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are emerging as valuable therapeutic agents for tissue regeneration and immunomodulation, but their clinical applications have so far been limited by the technical restraints of current isolation and characterisation procedures. This study shows for the first time the successful application of Raman spectroscopy as label-free, sensitive and reproducible means of carrying out the routine bulk characterisation of MSC-derived vesicles before their use in vitro or in vivo, thus promoting the translation of EV research to clinical practice. The Raman spectra of the EVs of bone marrow and adipose tissue-derived MSCs were compared with human dermal fibroblast EVs in order to demonstrate the ability of the method to distinguish the vesicles of the three cytotypes automatically with an accuracy of 93.7%. Our data attribute a Raman fingerprint to EVs from undifferentiated and differentiated cells of diverse tissue origin, and provide insights into the biochemical characteristics of EVs from different sources and into the differential contribution of sphingomyelin, gangliosides and phosphatidilcholine to the Raman spectra themselves.
Non-invasive three-dimension control of light between turbid layers using a surface quasi-point light source for precorrection
Authors: Qiao Mu , Liu Honglin , Pang Guanghui , Han Shensheng
Published: August 2017

Manipulating light non-invasively through inhomogeneous media is an attractive goal in many disciplines. Wavefront shaping and optical phase conjugation can focus light to a point. Transmission matrix method can control light on multiple output modes simultaneously. Here we report a non-invasive approach which enables three-dimension (3D) light control between two turbid layers. A digital optical phase conjugation mirror measured and conjugated the diffused wavefront, which originated from a quasi-point source on the front turbid layer and passed through the back turbid layer. And then, because of memory effect, the phase-conjugated wavefront could be used as a carrier wave to transport a pre-calculated wavefront through the back turbid layer. The pre-calculated wavefront could project a desired 3D light field inside the sample, which, in our experiments, consisted of two 220-grid ground glass plates spaced by a 20 mm distance. The controllable range of light, according to the memory effect, was calculated to be 80 mrad in solid angle and 16 mm on z-axis. Due to the 3D light control ability, our approach may find applications in photodynamic therapy and optogenetics. Besides, our approach can also be combined with ghost imaging or compressed sensing to achieve 3D imaging between turbid layers.
An enhanced C. elegans based platform for toxicity assessment
Authors: Xiong Huajiang , Pears Catherine , Woollard Alison
Published: August 2017

There is a well-defined regulatory framework governing the approval of chemicals for use as pharmaceuticals or release into the environment. Toxicity assessment is thus a major hurdle in the compound discovery pipeline, currently involving large scale animal testing. The search for alternative testing platforms is therefore an important priority. We have developed a convenient, low cost assay utilising the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, to rapidly assess both acute toxicity and developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART). However the worm is protected by a robust cuticle that forms a barrier to chemical uptake. We assessed mutants with altered cuticle properties to identify sensitized strains optimized for toxicity assays. Evaluating the trade-off between increased permeability and reduced fitness identifies bus-5(br19) as the most suitable strain for chemical exposure. We demonstrate the applicability of this assay for a range of chemicals with differing properties, including a modified exposure protocol for volatile or less soluble compounds. This work enhances the effectiveness of C. elegans for convenient toxicity assessment, which could contribute to a reduction in the use of vertebrates particularly at the crucial early stages of product development. Strains identified in this work will also enhance the sensitivity of C. elegans based drug discovery platforms.
A Dynamic Metabolic Flux Analysis of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Confirms Immunosuppression-Related Metabolic Plasticity
Authors: Goffaux Guillaume , Hammami Iness , Jolicoeur Mario
Published: August 2017

Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest at understanding the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in cancer-induced immunosuppression, with efforts to inhibit their maturation and/or their activity. We have thus modelled MDSCs central carbon metabolism and bioenergetics dynamic, calibrating the model using experimental data on in vitro matured mice bone marrow cells into MDSCs. The model was then used to probe the cells metabolic state and dynamics, performing a dynamic metabolic flux analysis (dMFA) study. Indeed, MDSCs maturation correlates with a high glycolytic flux contributing to up to 95% of the global ATP turnover rate, while most of the glucose-derived carbon enters the TCA cycle. Model simulations also reveal that pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation activities were kept at minimal levels to ensure NADPH production and anabolic precursors synthesis. Surprisingly, MDSCs immunosuppressive activity, i.e. L-arginine uptake, metabolism and endogenous synthesis, only consumes sparse quantities of energy-rich nucleotides (ATP and NADPH). Therefore, model simulations suggest that MDSCs exhibit a heterogeous metabolic profile similar to tumour cells. This behavior is probably an indirect immunosuppressive mechanism where MDSCs reduce the availability of carbon sources in the tumour periphery microenvironment, which could explain the dysfuntion and death of immune effector cells.
Temporal Stability and Composition of the Ocular Surface Microbiome
Authors: Ozkan Jerome , Nielsen Shaun , Diez-Vives Cristina , Coroneo Minas , Thomas Torsten , Willcox Mark
Published: August 2017

To determine if there is a core ocular surface microbiome and whether there are microbial community changes over time, the conjunctiva of 45 healthy subjects were sampled at three time points over three months and processed using culture-dependent and -independent methods. Contaminant taxa were removed using a linear regression model using taxa abundances in negative controls as predictor of taxa abundances in subject samples. Both cultured cell counts and sequencing indicated low microbial biomass on the ocular surface. No cultured species was found in all subjects at all times or in all subjects at any one time. After removal of contaminant taxa identified in negative controls using a statistical model, the most commonly detected taxon was Corynebacterium (11.1%). No taxa were found in all subjects at all times or in all subjects in any one time, but there were 26 taxa present in at least one or more subjects at all times including Corynebacterium and Streptococcus. The ocular surface contains a low diversity of microorganisms. Using culture dependent and independent methods, the ocular surface does not appear to support a substantial core microbiome. However, consistently present taxa could be observed within individuals suggesting the possibility of individual-specific core microbiomes.
In vivo Confocal Microscopy of Posner-Schlossman Syndrome: Comparison with herpes simplex keratitis, HLA-B27 anterior uveitis and acute attack of primary angle closure
Authors: Hong Ying , Wang Miao , Wu Lingling
Published: August 2017

To investigate in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) findings in patients with Posner-Schlossman Syndrome (PSS), we compared the IVCM findings from the eyes of patients with: PSS (44 eyes); herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) (45 eyes); HLA-B27 anterior uveitis (B27AU) (45 eyes); and with acute attack of primary angle closure (aPAC) (43 eyes). The central Langerhans cells (LCs) grade at the level of corneal basal epithelial cells of the PSS group (2.33 ± 0.55) was similar to that of the HSK group (2.63 ± 0.67) (χ2 = −1.435, P = 0.174) but was significantly higher than those of the B27AU group (1.80 ± 0.79) (χ2 = 2.311, P = 0.023) and the aPAC group (1.75 ± 0.46) (χ2 = 2.701, P = 0.022). The keratocyte activation grade of the PSS group (1.55 ± 0.76) was similar to that of the HSK group (1.65 ± 0.81) (χ2 = 1.104, P = 0.675) but was significantly higher than those of the B27AU group (1.00 ± 0.71) (χ2 = 2.364, P = 0.025) and aPAC group (1.75 ± 0.46) (χ2 = 2.532, P = 0.027). The LCs and keratocyte activation grades observed by IVCM in patients with PSS were higher than those in patients with B27AU and with aPAC, but they were similar to those in patients with HSK. This implies that PSS might be related to viral infection.
Numerical simulation of seasonality in the distribution and fate of pyrene in multimedia aquatic environments with Markov chains
Authors: Sun Caiyun , Xu Liang , Sun Dazhi , Chen Libo , Zou Jiying , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: August 2017

This case study investigated the distribution and fate of organic pollutants in aquatic environments based on laboratory experiments and modeling. Pyrene (Pyr) is a hydrocarbon pollutant with adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health, and was thus selected for this case study. The movement of Pyr was primarily influenced by its sorption from water onto sediment, and its desorption from sediment into water. Its elimination was mainly via biodegradation by microorganisms in sediment and by volatilization from water into air. The transport and elimination rates for Pyr were considerably influenced by temperature and moisture. Results of modeling with Markov chains revealed that the elimination of Pyr from water/sediment systems was the most rapid under wet conditions. Under average conditions, a Pyr concentration of 100 μg/L of in water in such a system declined to a negligible level over 250 h. Under wet conditions, this decrease occurred over 120 h. Finally, under dry conditions, it took 550 h to achieve the same degree of elimination.
Risk factors for postoperative surgical site infections in patients with Crohn’s disease receiving definitive bowel resection
Authors: Liu Song , Miao Ji , Wang Gefei , Wang Meng , Wu Xiuwen , Guo Kun , Feng Min , Guan Wenxian , Ren Jianan
Published: August 2017

Surgical site infection presents as a significant problem that limits the potential benefits of surgical interventions. This study is to investigate risk factors for postoperative SSI in patients with Crohn’s disease receiving definitive bowel resection. A case-control study including 49 patients with SSI and 105 patients without SSI was performed. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory information, medical and surgical data were compared between groups. Significant elements were subsequently brought into logistic regression analysis for further identification. Patients with SSI exhibited higher tobacco usage rate (p = 0.03), lower preoperative hemoglobin (p = 0.02) and pre-albumin level (p = 0.02). Bowel penetration instead of stricture was more frequent in patients with SSI (p = 0.04). Longer duration of operation (p = 0.03) and higher intraoperative lactate level (p = 0.02) were observed in patients with SSI. Logistic analysis identified that preoperative pre-albumin (95% CI: 0.2~0.7; OR = 0.5; p = 0.03), duration of operation (95% CI: 2.3~9.5; OR = 3.8; p = 0.03) and intraoperative lactate level (95% CI: 1.7~7.2; OR = 3.4; p = 0.04) were associated with postoperative surgical site outcome. Our data has identified that lower preoperative pre-albumin, longer duration of operation and higher intraoperative lactate level are risk factors for SSI in patients with Crohn’s disease receiving definitive bowel resection.
Unveiling the gut microbiota composition and functionality associated with constipation through metagenomic analyses
Authors: Mancabelli Leonardo , Milani Christian , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Turroni Francesca , Mangifesta Marta , Viappiani Alice , Ticinesi Andrea , Nouvenne Antonio , Meschi Tiziana , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: August 2017

Functional constipation (FC) is a gastrointestinal disorder with a high prevalence among the general population. The precise causes of FC are still unknown and are most likely multifactorial. Growing evidence indicates that alterations of gut microbiota composition contribute to constipation symptoms. Nevertheless, many discrepancies exist in literature and no clear link between FC and gut microbiota composition has as yet been identified. In this study, we performed 16 S rRNA-based microbial profiling analysis of 147 stool samples from 68 FC individuals and compared their microbial profiles with those of 79 healthy subjects (HS). Notably, the gut microbiota of FC individuals was shown to be depleted of members belonging to Bacteroides, Roseburia and Coprococcus 3. Furthermore, the metabolic capabilities of the gut microbiomes of five FC and five HS individuals were evaluated through shotgun metagenomics using a MiSeq platform, indicating that HS are enriched in pathways involved in carbohydrate, fatty acid and lipid metabolism as compared to FC. In contrast, the microbiomes corresponding to FC were shown to exhibit high abundance of genes involved in hydrogen production, methanogenesis and glycerol degradation. The identified differences in bacterial composition and metabolic capabilities may play an important role in development of FC symptoms.
Temperature and pressure limits of guanosine monophosphate self-assemblies
Authors: Gao Mimi , Harish Balasubramanian , Berghaus Melanie , Seymen Rana , Arns Loana , McCallum Scott A. , Royer Catherine A. , Winter Roland
Published: August 2017

Guanosine monophosphate, among the nucleotides, has the unique property to self-associate and form nanoscale cylinders consisting of hydrogen-bonded G-quartet disks, which are stacked on top of one another. Such self-assemblies describe not only the basic structural motif of G-quadruplexes formed by, e.g., telomeric DNA sequences, but are also interesting targets for supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. The G-quartet stacks serve as an excellent model to understand the fundamentals of their molecular self-association and to unveil their application spectrum. However, the thermodynamic stability of such self-assemblies over an extended temperature and pressure range is largely unexplored. Here, we report a combined FTIR and NMR study on the temperature and pressure stability of G-quartet stacks formed by disodium guanosine 5′-monophosphate (Na25′-GMP). We found that under abyssal conditions, where temperatures as low as 5 °C and pressures up to 1 kbar are reached, the self-association of Na25′-GMP is most favoured. Beyond those conditions, the G-quartet stacks dissociate laterally into monomer stacks without significantly changing the longitudinal dimension. Among the tested alkali cations, K+ is the most efficient one to elevate the temperature as well as the pressure limits of GMP self-assembly.
Comprehensive in situ co-detection of aneuploid circulating endothelial and tumor cells
Authors: Lin Peter Ping , Gires Olivier , Wang Daisy Dandan , Li Linda , Wang Hongxia
Published: August 2017

Conventional circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection strategies rely on cell surface marker EpCAM and intracellular cytokeratins (CKs) for isolation and identification, respectively. Application of such methods is considerably limited by inherent heterogeneous and dynamic expression or absence of EpCAM and/or CKs in CTCs. Here, we report a novel strategy, integrating antigen-independent subtraction enrichment and immunostaining-FISH (SE-iFISH), to detect a variety of aneuploid circulating rare cells (CRCs), including CTCs and circulating tumor endothelial cells (CECs). Enriched CRCs, maintained at high viability and suitable for primary tumor cell culture, are comprehensively characterized by in situ co-examination of chromosome aneuploidy by FISH and immunostaining of multiple biomarkers displayed in diverse fluorescence channels. We described and quantified for the first time the existence of individual aneuploid CD31+ CECs and co-existence of “fusion clusters” of endothelial-epithelial aneuploid tumor cells among enriched non-hematopoietic CRCs. Hence, SE-iFISH is feasible for efficient co-detection and in situ phenotypic and karyotypic characterization as well as quantification of various CRCs, allowing for their classification into diverse subtypes upon biomarker expression and chromosome ploidy. Enhanced SE-iFISH technology, assisted by the Metafer-iFISH automated CRC imaging system, provides a platform for the analysis of potential contributions of each subtype of CRCs to distinct clinical outcome.
Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy for in vivo evaluation of the tumor vasculature in gastric and rectal carcinomas
Authors: Spessotto Paola , Fornasarig Mara , Pivetta Eliana , Maiero Stefania , Magris Raffaella , Mongiat Maurizio , Canzonieri Vincenzo , De Paoli Paolo , De Paoli Antonino , Buonadonna Angela , Serraino Diego , Panato Chiara , Belluco Claudio , Cannizzaro Renato
Published: August 2017

Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a powerful imaging technique that allows to perform gastrointestinal endomicroscopy at subcellular resolution. The aim of this study was to assess the use of pCLE to evaluate tumor angiogenesis in rectal and gastric cancers. A total of 35 consecutive patients with gastric and 91 with rectal carcinomas underwent endoscopy and pCLE during the same examination. Vascular assessment was based on vessel shape and size, vessel permeability and blood flow, and allowed the creation of an angiogenic score ranging from 0, for normal vasculature, to 4, for aberrant vasculature. A significant difference for the presence of vessels with large diameter and defective blood flow was found between rectal and gastric cancers. Overall, rectal cancers displayed a higher angiogenic score compared to gastric cancers. Conventional therapy induced a striking reduction in the angiogenic score only in rectal cancer patients. Taken together, our findings suggest that the pCLE technology is suitable for the evaluation of the tumor microvasculature abnormalities. Therefore, the real-time assessment of the vasculature status may represent a promising approach to predict the efficacy of the treatments and improve the clinical management of patients with gastric or rectal carcinomas.
Online monitoring of hepatic rat metabolism by coupling a liver biochip and a mass spectrometer
Authors: Merlier Franck , Jellali Rachid , Leclerc Eric
Published: August 2017

A microfluidic liver biochip was coupled with a mass spectrometer to detect in real time the drug metabolism of hepatocytes.
Construction of dye-stapled Quenchbodies by photochemical crosslinking to antibody nucleotide-binding sites
Authors: Jeong Hee-Jin , Matsumoto Kenji , Itayama Shuya , Kodama Kozue , Abe Ryoji , Dong Jinhua , Shindo Mitsuru , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

We successfully converted an antibody and its variable region fragment to Quenchbodies, by photochemical crosslinking.
Intelligent identification of multi-level nanopore signatures for accurate detection of cancer biomarkers
Authors: Zhang Jian-Hua , Liu Xiu-Ling , Hu Zheng-Li , Ying Yi-Lun , Long Yi-Tao
Published: August 2017

We combined a modified DBSCAN algorithm with the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) for the intelligent recognition of multi-level current blockage events from the measured nanopore data of serum samples.
Robust synthesis of green fuels from biomass-derived ethyl esters over a hierarchically core/shell-structured ZSM-5@(Co/SiO2) catalyst
Authors: Wang Darui , Wang Bo , Ding Yu , Yuan Qingqing , Wu Haihong , Guan Yejun , Wu Peng
Published: August 2017

Bifunctional ZSM-5@(Co/SiO2) with a hierarchical core/shell structure was successfully prepared through a novel method, which served as an excellent catalyst in the synthesis of green fuels.
Pushing to the low limits: tetraazaanthracenes with very low-lying LUMO levels and near-infrared absorption
Authors: Gampe Dominique Mario , Schramm Stefan , Nöller Florian , Weiß Dieter , Görls Helmar , Naumov Panče , Beckert Rainer
Published: August 2017

Here we explain the extensive changes which result by transforming benzothiadiazoles to highly electron-deficient tetraazaanthracenes.
Aggregation-induced accelerating peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoclusters and their applications for colorimetric Pb2+ detection
Authors: Liao Hong , Liu Guangjuan , Liu Yun , Li Rong , Fu Wensheng , Hu Lianzhe
Published: August 2017

In this study, we found that the peroxidase-like catalytic activities of Au-NCs are nearly 10-fold increased after Pb2+-induced aggregation.
Liposome-encoded magnetic beads initiated by padlock exponential rolling circle amplification for portable and accurate quantification of microRNAs
Authors: Xue Qingwang , Kong Yancong , Wang Huaisheng , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2017

In this work, we propose a strategy for glucoamylase-encapsulated liposome-encoded magnetic beads initiated by padlock exponential rolling circle amplification (P-ERCA) for portable and accurate quantification of miRNA by using a glucometer (GM) for readout.
Facile post-synthetic deamination of MOFs and the synthesis of the missing parent compound of the MIL-101 family
Authors: Chołuj Artur , Nikishkin Nicolai I. , Chmielewski Michał J.
Published: August 2017

A versatile method for the post-synthetic removal of primary amino groups from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed.
Molecular attochemistry in non-polar liquid environments: ultrafast charge migration dynamics through gold–thiolate and gold–selenolate linkages
Authors: Bag Sampad , Chandra Sankhabrata , Bhattacharya Atanu
Published: August 2017

Attosecond charge migration through gold/chalcogen linkage in benzene solvent environment.
Microfluidic bead trap as a visual bar for quantitative detection of oligonucleotides
Authors: Zhao Zichen , Bao Yuanye , Chu Lok Ting , Ho John Kin Lim , Chieng Ching-Chang , Chen Ting-Hsuan
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate a microfluidic bead trap capable of forming a dipstick-type bar visible to the naked eye for simple and quantitative detection of oligonucleotides.
A detailed investigation into the geometric and electronic structures of CoBQn (n = 2–10, Q = 0, −1) clusters
Authors: Li Peifang , Sun Guoliang , Bai Jianping , Wang Weihua , Bao Gang , Lu Cheng
Published: August 2017

The size dependence of HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of Co doped boron clusters.
Dinuclear rhenium pyridazine complexes containing bridging chalcogenide anions: synthesis, characterization and computational study
Authors: Veronese Lorenzo , Quartapelle Procopio Elsa , Maggioni Daniela , Mercandelli Pierluigi , Panigati Monica
Published: August 2017

Narrowing of the HOMO–LUMO gap on going down the chalcogen group makes the telluride derivative most promising for solar energy conversion.
Quantum dots: from fluorescence to chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, and electrochemistry
Authors: Yao Jun , Li Lin , Li Pingfan , Yang Mei
Published: August 2017

During the past decade, nanotechnology has become one of the major forces driving basic and applied research.
Preparation of poly(ionic liquid) nanoparticles through RAFT/MADIX polymerization-induced self-assembly
Authors: Zhang Qi , Fu Milin , Wang Chengjian , Wang Jianli , Zhu Shiping
Published: August 2017

The first RAFT/MADIX polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) system was successfully developed for the preparation of rod-like poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) nanoparticles.
Enhanced thermoelectric and mechanical properties of p-type skutterudites with in situ formed Fe3Si nanoprecipitate
Authors: Peng Shengyuan , Sun Jianhui , Cui Bo , Meng Xianfu , Qin Dandan , Liu Zihang , Cai Wei
Published: August 2017

Hardness and indentation fracture toughness of La0.8Ti0.1Ga0.1Fe3CoSb12can be improved byin situformed Fe3Si, without sacrificing thermoelectric properties.
One-step synthesis of CoO/g-C3N4 composites by thermal decomposition for overall water splitting without sacrificial reagents
Authors: Han Mumei , Wang Huibo , Zhao Siqi , Hu Lulu , Huang Hui , Liu Yang
Published: August 2017

10%CoO/g-C3N4 exhibits good photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation without any sacrificial reagents.
Preparation of PTFE/PDMS superhydrophobic coating and its anti-icing performance
Authors: Ruan Min , Zhan Yanlong , Wu Yuansheng , Wang Xiangjie , Li Wen , Chen Yue , Wei Maocai , Wang Xiuzhang , Deng Xiangyi
Published: August 2017

The superhydrophobic coating was obtained from PTFE, DOTL, PDMS and TEOS on aluminum substrate. a–d present SEM images of coatings without PTFE, with 0.6 g, 1.0 g and 0.6 g PTFE after 34 times icing/deicing experiments, respectively.
Drug and dye binding induced folding of the intrinsically disordered antimicrobial peptide CM15
Authors: Zsila Ferenc , Bősze Szilvia , Horváti Kata , Szigyártó Imola Cs. , Beke-Somfai Tamás
Published: August 2017

Drug binding induces the disorder-to-order conformational transition of the natively unfolded antimicrobial peptide CM15.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorophthalocyanines bearing four 2-(2-thienyl)ethoxy moieties: from the optimization of the fluorine substitution to chemosensing
Authors: Wannebroucq Amélie , Meunier-Prest Rita , Chambron Jean-Claude , Brachais Claire-Hélène , Suisse Jean-Moïse , Bouvet Marcel
Published: August 2017

Tuning of the electron-donating/withdrawing balance in phthalocyanine complexes.
Efficient removal of Pb(ii) ions using manganese oxides: the role of crystal structure
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Wu Anbang , Fu Heyun , Zhang Ling , Liu Hui , Zheng Shourong , Wan Haiqin , Xu Zhaoyi
Published: August 2017

The adsorption of Pb(ii) by MnO2 depends on crystal structure; δ-MnO2 exhibited higher adsorption capacity than α-, β-, γ- and λ-MnO2.
Design and synthesis of bi-functional Co-containing zeolite ETS-10 catalyst with high activity in the oxidative coupling of alkenes with aldehydes for preparing α,β-epoxy ketones
Authors: Hu Jun , Xia Feifei , Yang Fengli , Weng Jushi , Yao Pengfei , Zheng Chunzhi , Zhu Chaojie , Tang Tiandi , Fu Wenqian
Published: August 2017

Developing highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for organic synthesis is of great importance in modern synthetic chemistry.
Mutual-stabilization in chemically bonded graphene oxide–TiO2 heterostructures synthesized by a sol–gel approach
Authors: Naknikham Usuma , Boffa Vittorio , Magnacca Giuliana , Qiao Ang , Jensen Lars Rosgaard , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: August 2017

The Ti–O–C interactions between GO and TiO2 are strong enough to induce mutual shaping during synthesis and thermal treatment.
BiFeO3 nanorings synthesized via AAO template-assisted pulsed laser deposition and ion beam etching
Authors: Tian Guo , Chen Deyang , Yao Junxiang , Luo Qiuyuan , Fan Zhen , Zeng Min , Zhang Zhang , Dai Jiyan , Gao Xingsen , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: August 2017

Well-ordered BiFeO3 nanorings with epitaxial structure, strong ferroelectricity and polarization reversal have been fabricated using this novel and facile method.
Shaping helical electrospun filaments: a review
Authors: Silva P. E. S. , Vistulo de Abreu F. , Godinho M. H.
Published: August 2017

Electrospinning is a simple and versatile technique that allows the production of micro and nanofibres with many different helical shapes. In this work, we review the different electrospinning procedures that can be used to obtain helical shapes similar to those found in natural materials.
Modeling of internal mechanical failure of all-solid-state batteries during electrochemical cycling, and implications for battery design
Authors: Bucci Giovanna , Swamy Tushar , Chiang Yet-Ming , Carter W. Craig
Published: August 2017

This is the first quantitative analysis of mechanical reliability of all-solid state batteries.
Impact of fullerene derivative isomeric purity on the performance of inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Castro Edison , Zavala Gerardo , Seetharaman Sairaman , D'Souza Francis , Echegoyen Luis
Published: August 2017

The effect of utilizing a pure cis-α-dimethoxy carbonyl fulleropyrrolidine C70 (DMEC70) isomer as the electron transporting material (ETM) in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) was evaluated.
Oriented SnS nanoflakes bound on S-doped N-rich carbon nanosheets with a rapid pseudocapacitive response as high-rate anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Sheng Jian , Yang Leping , Zhu Yuan-En , Li Feng , Zhang Yue , Zhou Zhen
Published: August 2017

Oriented SnS nanoflakes were bound on S-doped N-rich carbon nanosheets to increase pseudocapacitance, and this composite delivers high Na-storage capacity and excellent rate capability.
Solvent-cast based metal 3D printing and secondary metallic infiltration
Authors: Xu Chao , Bouchemit Arslane , L’Espérance Gilles , Laberge Lebel Louis , Therriault Daniel
Published: August 2017

A metal 3D printing method combining a room temperature 3D printing and subsequent heat-treatments: sintering and secondary metallic infiltration.
Nitric oxide stimulates cellular degradation of human CYP51A1, the highly conserved lanosterol 14α-demethylase
Authors: Park Ji Won , Byrd Aria , Lee Choon-myung , Morgan Edward T.
Published: August 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to down-regulate drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes in an enzyme-selective manner. Ubiquitin–proteasome-dependent and -independent pathways have been reported. Here, we studied the regulation of expression of human CYP51A1, the lanosterol 14α-demethylase required for synthesis of cholesterol and other sterols in mammals, which is found in every kingdom of life. In Huh7 human hepatoma cells, treatment with NO donors caused rapid post-translational down-regulation of CYP51A1 protein. Human NO synthase (NOS)-dependent down-regulation was also observed in cultured human hepatocytes treated with a cytokine mixture and in Huh7 cells expressing human NOS2 under control of a doxycycline-regulated promoter. This down-regulation was partially attenuated by proteasome inhibitors, but only trace levels of ubiquitination could be found. Further studies with inhibitors of other proteolytic pathways suggest a possible role for calpains, especially when the proteasome is inhibited. NO donors also down-regulated CYP51A1 mRNA in Huh7 cells, but to a lesser degree, than the down-regulation of the protein.
Mechanisms contributing to cardiac remodelling
Authors: Wu Qing-Qing , Xiao Yang , Yuan Yuan , Ma Zhen-Guo , Liao Hai-Han , Liu Chen , Zhu Jin-Xiu , Yang Zheng , Deng Wei , Tang Qi-zhu
Published: August 2017

Cardiac remodelling is classified as physiological (in response to growth, exercise and pregnancy) or pathological (in response to inflammation, ischaemia, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, biomechanical stress, excess neurohormonal activation and excess afterload). Physiological remodelling of the heart is characterized by a fine-tuned and orchestrated process of beneficial adaptations. Pathological cardiac remodelling is the process of structural and functional changes in the left ventricle (LV) in response to internal or external cardiovascular damage or influence by pathogenic risk factors, and is a precursor of clinical heart failure (HF). Pathological remodelling is associated with fibrosis, inflammation and cellular dysfunction (e.g. abnormal cardiomyocyte/non-cardiomyocyte interactions, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy alterations, impairment of metabolism and signalling pathways), leading to HF. This review describes the key molecular and cellular responses involved in pathological cardiac remodelling.
Direct torque and flux control of interior permanent magnet synchronous machine in deep flux‐weakening region
Authors: Ekanayake Sithumini , Dutta Rukmi , Rahman M. Faz , Xiao Dan
Published: August 2017

Direct torque and flux control (DTFC) is known for its reduced torque and flux ripples compared to the classical direct torque control scheme. It can drive an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) in usual control regimes while satisfying current and voltage limits of the system. However, deep flux‐weakening control of an IPMSM under DTFC has not been investigated as extensively, especially operation along the maximum torque per voltage (MTPV) trajectory in the torque‐flux plane. This study proposes a simple and effective control method, which incorporates MTPV trajectory in the conventional flux‐weakening algorithm of DTFC. Performance of an IPMSM drive is analysed when operated with the proposed control method.
Depth extraction for a structured light system based on mismatched image pair rectification using a virtual camera
Authors: Du Qiuchen , Liu Rongke , Pan Yu
Published: August 2017

Structured light systems have become an effective tool for reconstructing three‐dimensional models of objects due to the advent of low‐price, high‐speed depth cameras such as Kinect. However, this kind of active depth sensor extracts low‐quality depth maps because of its inaccurate image matching process. This study proposes a depth extraction method based on image rectification for accurate image matching. Due to the sizes of the projected patterns and the captured images are usually different, a virtual camera is defined, through which the rectified images are generated to match the images in the real camera at pixel level. Experiments on simulated and hardware platforms demonstrate that the proposed method achieves efficient rectification and obtains better‐quality depth maps.
Integrated tone and structure refinement for high‐fidelity colour transfer
Authors: Xie Zhifeng , Ding Shouhong , Sheng Bin , Ma Lizhuang
Published: August 2017

A high‐fidelity colour transfer should align the colour distributions between images and meanwhile avoid the damage to the original structure. However, the traditional methods often fail to yield high‐fidelity transfer results due to some existing tone and structure artefacts. In this study, the authors propose a new framework to effectively integrate the tone and structure refinements of colour transfer. They develop the ideas of image decomposition and gradient guidance to perform tone reconstruction while protecting original structure. Its overall flow includes the five key steps: tone clustering, structure extraction, structure optimisation, gradient‐guided tone reconstruction, and structure restoration. Moreover, they propose an evaluation metric to measure the differences of tone and structure between images. They demonstrate the performance of the proposed method through a number of experiments in visual comparison and objective evaluation.
Cryptographic algorithm based on pixel shuffling and dynamical chaotic economic map
Authors: Askar Sameh S. , Karawia Abdelrahman A. , Alammar Fatmah S.
Published: August 2017

In the literature, different types of algorithms that are organised to encrypt and decrypt images have been introduced. Some of these depend on chaotic systems where bifurcation routes to chaos exist. Those algorithms have advantages and disadvantages so far as their security level and computational speed are concerned. This study proposes a robust algorithm based on a pixel shuffling and a one‐dimensional chaotic economic map for encrypting and decrypting images. The proposed algorithm is implemented on many images. The security and performance of the proposed method are analysed thoroughly by using key space, key‐sensitivity, correlation of two adjacent pixels, information entropy, contrast and differential attack. On the basis of the obtained experimental results, the proposed algorithm is characterised by a large size of key space, a high sensitivity to the secret key, very low correlation coefficients, a good information entropy and a high contrast. Finally, the experiments are confirmed that the proposed algorithm can resist statistical and differential attacks with high efficiency.
Secure chaotic dual encryption scheme for H.264/AVC video conferencing protection
Authors: Khlif Naziha , Masmoudi Atef , Kammoun Fahmi , Masmoudi Nouri
Published: August 2017

This study presents a chaos‐based crypto‐compression scheme to protect the H.264 advanced video coding (AVC) used for the applications of video conference. To this end, a selective encryption approach was adopted. The authors proposed to encrypt the inter‐prediction, the intra‐prediction and the context adaptive variable length coding. The format compliance and compression ratio are conserved. Their encryption method is based on two piecewise linear chaotic maps for pseudo‐random bit generators. The first is considered as a decision module to choose either to encrypt or not, whereas the second is used for the encryption. The proposed encryption techniques were developed and discussed, and their experimental results indicate that the scheme is secure and very efficient according to the computing times. Moreover, it is suitable for real‐time application and convenient for all the H.264/AVC profiles or even with other video compression standards.