bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of replica symmetry breaking in disordered nonlinear wave propagation
Authors: Pierangeli Davide , Tavani Andrea , Di Mei Fabrizio , Agranat Aharon J. , Conti Claudio , DelRe Eugenio
Published: November 2017

A landmark of statistical mechanics, spin-glass theory describes critical phenomena in disordered systems that range from condensed matter to biophysics and social dynamics. The most fascinating concept is the breaking of replica symmetry: identical copies of the randomly interacting system that manifest completely different dynamics. Replica symmetry breaking has been predicted in nonlinear wave propagation, including Bose-Einstein condensates and optics, but it has never been observed. Here, we report the experimental evidence of replica symmetry breaking in optical wave propagation, a phenomenon that emerges from the interplay of disorder and nonlinearity. When mode interaction dominates light dynamics in a disordered optical waveguide, different experimental realizations are found to have an anomalous overlap intensity distribution that signals a transition to an optical glassy phase. The findings demonstrate that nonlinear propagation can manifest features typical of spin-glasses and provide a novel platform for testing so-far unexplored fundamental physical theories for complex systems.
Ca2+ signals initiate at immobile IP3 receptors adjacent to ER-plasma membrane junctions
Authors: Thillaiappan Nagendra Babu , Chavda Alap P. , Tovey Stephen C. , Prole David L. , Taylor Colin W.
Published: November 2017

IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) release Ca2+ from the ER when they bind IP3 and Ca2+. The spatial organization of IP3Rs determines both the propagation of Ca2+ signals between IP3Rs and the selective regulation of cellular responses. Here we use gene editing to fluorescently tag endogenous IP3Rs, and super-resolution microscopy to determine the geography of IP3Rs and Ca2+ signals within living cells. We show that native IP3Rs cluster within ER membranes. Most IP3R clusters are mobile, moved by diffusion and microtubule motors. Ca2+ signals are generated by a small population of immobile IP3Rs. These IP3Rs are licensed to respond, but they do not readily mix with mobile IP3Rs. The licensed IP3Rs reside alongside ER-plasma membrane junctions where STIM1, which regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry, accumulates after depletion of Ca2+ stores. IP3Rs tethered close to ER-plasma membrane junctions are licensed to respond and optimally placed to be activated by endogenous IP3 and to regulate Ca2+ entry.
Structural basis of adaptor-mediated protein degradation by the tail-specific PDZ-protease Prc
Authors: Su Ming-Yuan , Som Nilanjan , Wu Chia-Yun , Su Shih-Chieh , Kuo Yi-Ting , Ke Lu-Chu , Ho Meng-Ru , Tzeng Shiou-Ru , Teng Ching-Hao , Mengin-Lecreulx Dominique , Reddy Manjula , Chang Chung-I
Published: November 2017

Peptidoglycan (PG) is a highly cross-linked, protective mesh-like sacculus that surrounds the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Expansion of PG is tightly coupled to growth of a bacterial cell and requires hydrolases to cleave the cross-links for insertion of nascent PG material. In Escherichia coli, a proteolytic system comprising the periplasmic PDZ-protease Prc and the lipoprotein adaptor NlpI contributes to PG enlargement by regulating cellular levels of MepS, a cross-link-specific hydrolase. Here, we demonstrate how NlpI binds Prc to facilitate the degradation of its substrate MepS by structural and mutational analyses. An NlpI homodimer binds two molecules of Prc and forms three-sided MepS-docking cradles using its tetratricopeptide repeats. Prc forms a monomeric bowl-shaped structure with a lid-like PDZ domain connected by a substrate-sensing hinge that recognizes the bound C terminus of the substrate. In summary, our study reveals mechanistic details of protein degradation by the PDZ-protease Prc bound to its cognate adaptor protein.
HIV-1 counteracts an innate restriction by amyloid precursor protein resulting in neurodegeneration
Authors: Chai Qingqing , Jovasevic Vladimir , Malikov Viacheslav , Sabo Yosef , Morham Scott , Walsh Derek , Naghavi Mojgan H.
Published: November 2017

While beta-amyloid (Aβ), a classic hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia, has long been known to be elevated in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected brain, why and how Aβ is produced, along with its contribution to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains ill-defined. Here, we reveal that the membrane-associated amyloid precursor protein (APP) is highly expressed in macrophages and microglia, and acts as an innate restriction against HIV-1. APP binds the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein, retains it in lipid rafts and blocks HIV-1 virion production and spread. To escape this restriction, Gag promotes secretase-dependent cleavage of APP, resulting in the overproduction of toxic Aβ isoforms. This Gag-mediated Aβ production results in increased degeneration of primary cortical neurons, and can be prevented by γ-secretase inhibitor treatment. Interfering with HIV-1’s evasion of APP-mediated restriction also suppresses HIV-1 spread, offering a potential strategy to both treat infection and prevent HAND.
Reverse stress testing interbank networks
Authors: Grigat Daniel , Caccioli Fabio
Published: November 2017

We reverse engineer dynamics of financial contagion to find the scenario of smallest exogenous shock that, should it occur, would lead to a given final systemic loss. This reverse stress test can be used to identify the potential triggers of systemic events, and it removes the arbitrariness in the selection of shock scenarios in stress testing. We consider in particular the case of distress propagation in an interbank market, and we study a network of 44 European banks, which we reconstruct using data collected from banks statements. By looking at the distribution across banks of the size of smallest exogenous shocks we rank banks in terms of their systemic importance, and we show the effectiveness of a policy with capital requirements based on this ranking. We also study the properties of smallest exogenous shocks as a function of the parameters that determine the endogenous amplification of shocks. We find that the size of smallest exogenous shocks reduces and that the distribution across banks becomes more localized as the system becomes more unstable.
Using a quantitative quadruple immunofluorescent assay to diagnose isolated mitochondrial Complex I deficiency
Authors: Ahmed Syeda T. , Alston Charlotte L. , Hopton Sila , He Langping , Hargreaves Iain P. , Falkous Gavin , Oláhová Monika , McFarland Robert , Turnbull Doug M. , Rocha Mariana C. , Taylor Robert W.
Published: November 2017

Isolated Complex I (CI) deficiency is the most commonly observed mitochondrial respiratory chain biochemical defect, affecting the largest OXPHOS component. CI is genetically heterogeneous; pathogenic variants affect one of 38 nuclear-encoded subunits, 7 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded subunits or 14 known CI assembly factors. The laboratory diagnosis relies on the spectrophotometric assay of enzyme activity in mitochondrially-enriched tissue homogenates, requiring at least 50 mg skeletal muscle, as there is no reliable histochemical method for assessing CI activity directly in tissue cryosections. We have assessed a validated quadruple immunofluorescent OXPHOS (IHC) assay to detect CI deficiency in the diagnostic setting, using 10 µm transverse muscle sections from 25 patients with genetically-proven pathogenic CI variants. We observed loss of NDUFB8 immunoreactivity in all patients with mutations affecting nuclear-encoding structural subunits and assembly factors, whilst only 3 of the 10 patients with mutations affecting mtDNA-encoded structural subunits showed loss of NDUFB8, confirmed by BN-PAGE analysis of CI assembly and IHC using an alternative, commercially-available CI (NDUFS3) antibody. The IHC assay has clear diagnostic potential to identify patients with a CI defect of Mendelian origins, whilst highlighting the necessity of complete mitochondrial genome sequencing in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected mitochondrial disease.
Evaluation of Critical Flicker-Fusion Frequency Measurement Methods for the Investigation of Visual Temporal Resolution
Authors: Eisen-Enosh Auria , Farah Nairouz , Burgansky-Eliash Zvia , Polat Uri , Mandel Yossi
Published: November 2017

Recent studies highlight the importance of the temporal domain in visual processing. Critical Flicker-Fusion Frequency (CFF), the frequency at which a flickering light is perceived as continuous, is widely used for evaluating visual temporal processing. However, substantial variability in the psychophysical paradigms, used for measuring CFF, leads to substantial variability in the reported results. Here, we report on a comprehensive comparison of CFF measurements through three different psychophysical paradigms: methods of limits; method of constant stimuli, and staircase method. Our results demonstrate that the CFF can be reliably measured with high repeatability by all three psychophysics methods. However, correlations (r = 0.92, p≪0.001) and agreement (Bland Altman test indicated 95% confidence limit variation of ±3.6 Hz), were highest between the staircase and the constant stimuli methods. The time required to complete the test was significantly longer for the constant stimuli method as compared to other methods (p < 0.001). Our results highlight the suitability of the adaptive paradigm for efficiently measuring temporal resolution in the visual system.
Blockade of CB1 cannabinoid receptor alters gut microbiota and attenuates inflammation and diet-induced obesity
Authors: Mehrpouya-Bahrami Pegah , Chitrala Kumaraswamy Naidu , Ganewatta Mitra S. , Tang Chuanbing , Murphy E. Angela , Enos Reilly T. , Velazquez Kandy T. , McCellan Jamie , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash
Published: November 2017

Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade, systemic inflammation, altered gut microbiota, and gut barrier disruption. Additionally, obesity is associated with increased activity of endocannabinoid system (eCB). However, the clear connection between gut microbiota and the eCB system in the regulation of energy homeostasis and adipose tissue inflammation and metabolism, remains to be established. We investigated the effect of treatment of mice with a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist on Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO), specifically whether such a treatment that blocks endocannabinoid activity can induce changes in gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory state in adipose tissue. Blockade of CB1 attenuated DIO, inflammatory cytokines and trafficking of M1 macrophages into adipose tissue. Decreased inflammatory tone was associated with a lower intestinal permeability and decreased metabolic endotoxemia as evidenced by reduced plasma LPS level, and improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing revealed that CB1 blockade dramatically increased relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and decreased Lanchnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae in the gut. Together, the current study suggests that blocking of CB1 ameliorates Diet-Induced Obesity and metabolic disorder by modulating macrophage inflammatory mediators, and that this effect is associated with alterations in gut microbiota and their metabolites.
SensorFRET: A Standardless Approach to Measuring Pixel-based Spectral Bleed-through and FRET Efficiency using Spectral Imaging
Authors: Arsenovic Paul T. , Mayer Carl R. , Conway Daniel E.
Published: November 2017

Fluorescence microscopy of FRET-based biosensors allow nanoscale interactions to be probed in living cells. This paper describes a novel approach to spectrally resolved fluorescence microscopy, termed sensorFRET, that enables quantitative measurement of FRET efficiency. This approach is an improvement on existing methods (FLIM, sRET, luxFRET, pFRET), as it does not require single fluorophore standards to be measured with every experiment and the acquisition is intensity independent, allowing the laser power to be optimized for varying levels of fluorophore expression. Additionally, it was found that all spectral based methods, including sensorFRET, fail at specific fluorophore-excitation wavelength combinations. These combinations can be determined a priori using sensorFRET, whereas other methods would give no indication of inaccuracies. This method was thoroughly validated and compared to existing methods using simulated spectra, Fluorescein and TAMRA dye mixtures as a zero FRET control, and Cerulean-Venus FRET standards as positive FRET controls. Simulations also provided a means of quantifying the uncertainty in each measurement by relating the fit residual of noisy spectra to the standard deviation of the measured FRET efficiency. As an example application, Teal-Venus force sensitive biosensors integrated into E-cadherin were used to resolve piconewton scale forces along different parts of an individual cell junction.
Proteotoxicity in cardiac amyloidosis: amyloidogenic light chains affect the levels of intracellular proteins in human heart cells
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Gnecchi Massimiliano , Rognoni Paola , Sabidò Eduard , Ciuffreda Maria Chiara , Palladini Giovanni , Espadas Guadalupe , Mancuso Francesco Mattia , Bozzola Margherita , Malpasso Giuseppe , Valentini Veronica , Palladini Giuseppina , Orrù Stefania , Ferraro Giovanni , Milani Paolo , Perlini Stefano , Salvatore Francesco , Merlini Giampaolo , Lavatelli Francesca
Published: November 2017

AL amyloidosis is characterized by widespread deposition of immunoglobulin light chains (LCs) as amyloid fibrils. Cardiac involvement is frequent and leads to life-threatening cardiomyopathy. Besides the tissue alteration caused by fibrils, clinical and experimental evidence indicates that cardiac damage is also caused by proteotoxicity of prefibrillar amyloidogenic species. As in other amyloidoses, the damage mechanisms at cellular level are complex and largely undefined. We have characterized the molecular changes in primary human cardiac fibroblasts (hCFs) exposedin vitroto soluble amyloidogenic cardiotoxic LCs from AL cardiomyopathy patients. To evaluate proteome alterations caused by a representative cardiotropic LC, we combined gel-based with label-free shotgun analysis and performed bioinformatics and data validation studies. To assess the generalizability of our results we explored the effects of multiple LCs on hCF viability and on levels of a subset of cellular proteins. Our results indicate that exposure of hCFs to cardiotropic LCs translates into proteome remodeling, associated with apoptosis activation and oxidative stress. The proteome alterations affect proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization, protein synthesis and quality control, mitochondrial activity and metabolism, signal transduction and molecular trafficking. These results support and expand the concept that soluble amyloidogenic cardiotropic LCs exert toxic effects on cardiac cells.
NF-κB Protects NKT Cells from Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1-induced Death
Authors: Kumar Amrendra , Gordy Laura E. , Bezbradica Jelena S. , Stanic Aleksandar K. , Hill Timothy M. , Boothby Mark R. , Van Kaer Luc , Joyce Sebastian
Published: November 2017

Semi-invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes with immunoregulatory properties. NKT cell survival during development requires signal processing by activated RelA/NF-κB. Nonetheless, the upstream signal(s) integrated by NF-κB in developing NKT cells remains incompletely defined. We show that the introgression of Bcl-xL-codingBcl2l1transgene into NF-κB signalling-deficientIκBΔNtransgenic mouse rescues NKT cell development and differentiation in this mouse model. We reasoned that NF-κB activation was protecting developing NKT cells from death signals emanating either from high affinity agonist recognition by the T cell receptor (TCR) or from a death receptor, such as tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) or Fas. Surprisingly, the single and combined deficiency in PKC-θ or CARMA-1—the two signal transducers at the NKT TCR proximal signalling node—only partially recapitulated the NKT cell deficiency observed inIκBΔNtgmouse. Accordingly, introgression of theBcl2l1transgene into PKC-θ null mouse failed to rescue NKT cell development. Instead, TNFR1-deficiency, but not the Fas-deficiency, rescued NKT cell development inIκBΔNtgmice. Consistent with this finding, treatment of thymocytes with an antagonist of the inhibitor of κB kinase —which blocks downstream NF-κB activation— sensitized NKT cells to TNF-α-induced cell deathin vitro. Hence, we conclude that signal integration by NF-κB protects developing NKT cells from death signals emanating from TNFR1, but not from the NKT TCR or Fas.
Selective Blocking Property of Microporous Polymer Membranes Fabricated by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Shii Takeshi , Hatori Masaru , Yokota Kazuma , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Kimura Mutsumi
Published: November 2017

Poly-p-xylylene films have been utilized as protective and barrier layers for gases and solvents on electronic and implantable devices. Here we report a new approach to create highly permeable and selective nanofiltration membranes coated with microporous poly-p-xylylene nanofilms fabricated through a dry chemical vapor deposition process by using [2.2]paracyclophanes derivatives on ultrafiltration membranes. The introduction of crosslinking points into rigid poly-p-xylylenes enhanced microporosity and mechanical strength due to insufficient packing and depression of structural relaxation among polymer chains in three-dimensional networks. Crosslinked nanofilms with thicknesses down to 50 nm showed outstanding permeability for water and alcohols at a pressure difference of 0.5 MPa and exhibited higher rejection ratios for water-soluble organic dyes than non-crosslinked nanofilms. Poly-p-xylylene nanofilms also showed an excellent blocking property for non-polar organic solvent permeation through specific interaction of hydrophilic pores with organic solvents.
Sedentary behavior and altered metabolic activity by AgNPs ingestion in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Raj Akanksha , Shah Prasanna , Agrawal Namita
Published: November 2017

Among several nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively used in a wide variety of consumer products due to its unique antimicrobial property. However, dosage effect of AgNPs on behavior and metabolic activity in an in vivo condition is not well studied. Therefore, to elucidate the impact of AgNPs on behavior and metabolism, systematic and detailed dosages study of AgNPs was performed by rearing Drosophila melanogaster on food without and with AgNPs. We found that dietary intake of AgNPs at early larval stage leads to behavioral abnormalities such as poor crawling and climbing ability of larvae and adults respectively. Interestingly, intake of higher dosage of AgNPs at larval stage significantly altered metabolic activity that includes lipid, carbohydrate and protein levels in adult flies. Further, detailed analysis revealed that AgNPs causes remarkable reduction in the number of lipid droplets (LDs) which are lipid storage organelles in Drosophila. We also observed an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AgNPs ingested larval tissues. These results strongly imply that higher dosage of AgNPs ingestion from early larval stage of Drosophila is inimical and thereby draws concern towards the usage of AgNPs in consumer goods.
Population genetic structure of the land snail Camaena cicatricosa (Stylommatophora, Camaenidae) in China inferred from mitochondrial genes and ITS2 sequences
Authors: Zhou Weichuan , Yang Haifang , Ding Hongli , Yang Shanping , Lin Junhong , Wang Pei
Published: November 2017

The phylogeographic structure of the land snailCamaena cicatricosawas analyzed in this study based on mitochondrial gene (COIand16srRNA, mt DNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) sequences in 347 individuals. This snail is the vector of the zoonotic food-borne parasiteAngiostrongylus cantonensisand one of the main harmful snails distributed exclusively in China. The results revealed significant fixation indices of genetic differentiation and high gene flow between most populations except several populations. An isolation-by-distance test showed no significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance amongC. cicatricosapopulations, which suggested that gene flow was not restricted by distance. The levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity ofC. cicatricosawere generally high, except those in some special populations, according to the mt DNA and ITS2 data. Furthermore, the phylogenetic trees and asteroid networks of haplotypes indicated nonobvious genetic structure, the same as results got based on the synonymous and non synonymous sites of 347 sequences of theCOIgene. All lines of evidence indicated that climatic changes and geographical and human barriers do not substantially affect the current population structure and distribution of the investigated snails.
A mobile device-based imaging spectrometer for environmental monitoring by attaching a lightweight small module to a commercial digital camera
Authors: Cai Fuhong , Lu Wen , Shi Wuxiong , He Sailing
Published: November 2017

Spatially-explicit data are essential for remote sensing of ecological phenomena. Lately, recent innovations in mobile device platforms have led to an upsurge in on-site rapid detection. For instance, CMOS chips in smart phones and digital cameras serve as excellent sensors for scientific research. In this paper, a mobile device-based imaging spectrometer module (weighing about 99 g) is developed and equipped on a Single Lens Reflex camera. Utilizing this lightweight module, as well as commonly used photographic equipment, we demonstrate its utility through a series of on-site multispectral imaging, including ocean (or lake) water-color sensing and plant reflectance measurement. Based on the experiments we obtain 3D spectral image cubes, which can be further analyzed for environmental monitoring. Moreover, our system can be applied to many kinds of cameras, e.g., aerial camera and underwater camera. Therefore, any camera can be upgraded to an imaging spectrometer with the help of our miniaturized module. We believe it has the potential to become a versatile tool for on-site investigation into many applications.
5-Aminolevulinic Acid Guided Sampling of Glioblastoma Microenvironments Identifies Pro-Survival Signaling at Infiltrative Margins
Authors: Ross James L. , Cooper Lee A. D. , Kong Jun , Gutman David , Williams Merete , Tucker-Burden Carol , McCrary Myles R. , Bouras Alexandros , Kaluzova Milota , Dunn William D. , Duong Duc , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G. , Brat Daniel J.
Published: November 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) contains diverse microenvironments with uneven distributions of oncogenic alterations and signaling networks. The diffusely infiltrative properties of GBM result in residual tumor at neurosurgical resection margins, representing the source of relapse in nearly all cases and suggesting that therapeutic efforts should be focused there. To identify signaling networks and potential druggable targets across tumor microenvironments (TMEs), we utilized 5-ALA fluorescence-guided neurosurgical resection and sampling, followed by proteomic analysis of specific TMEs. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) was performed on 205 proteins isolated from the tumor margin, tumor bulk, and perinecrotic regions of 13 previously untreated, clinically-annotated and genetically-defined high grade gliomas. Differential protein and pathway signatures were established and then validated using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and comparable TCGA RPPA datasets. We identified 37 proteins differentially expressed across high-grade glioma TMEs. We demonstrate that tumor margins were characterized by pro-survival and anti-apoptotic proteins, whereas perinecrotic regions were enriched for pro-coagulant and DNA damage response proteins. In both our patient cohort and TCGA cases, the data suggest that TMEs possess distinct protein expression profiles that are biologically and therapeutically relevant.
A Nonredundant Role for the TRPM6 Channel in Neural Tube Closure
Authors: Komiya Yuko , Bai Zhiyong , Cai Na , Lou Liping , Al-Saadi Namariq , Mezzacappa Courtney , Habas Raymond , Runnels Loren W.
Published: November 2017

In humans, germline mutations in Trpm6 cause autosomal dominant hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia disorder. Loss of Trpm6 in mice also perturbs cellular magnesium homeostasis but additionally results in early embryonic lethality and neural tube closure defects. To define the mechanisms by which TRPM6 influences neural tube closure, we functionally characterized the role of TRPM6 during early embryogenesis in Xenopus laevis. The expression of Xenopus TRPM6 (XTRPM6) is elevated at the onset of gastrulation and is concentrated in the lateral mesoderm and ectoderm at the neurula stage. Loss of XTRPM6 produced gastrulation and neural tube closure defects. Unlike XTRPM6′s close homologue XTRPM7, whose loss interferes with mediolateral intercalation, depletion of XTRPM6 but not XTRPM7 disrupted radial intercalation cell movements. A zinc-influx assay demonstrated that TRPM6 has the potential to constitute functional channels in the absence of TRPM7. The results of our study indicate that XTRPM6 regulates radial intercalation with little or no contribution from XTRPM7 in the region lateral to the neural plate, whereas XTRPM7 is mainly involved in regulating mediolateral intercalation in the medial region of the neural plate. We conclude that both TRPM6 and TRPM7 channels function cooperatively but have distinct and essential roles during neural tube closure.
The effects of artocarpin on wound healing: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Yeh Chung-Ju , Chen Chin-Chuan , Leu Yann-Lii , Lin Ming-Wei , Chiu Mei-Miao , Wang Shu-Huei
Published: November 2017

The skin protects the body against harmful substances and microorganisms. When the skin is damaged, wound healing must be finely regulated to restore the normal function of skin tissue. Artocarpin (ARTO), a prenylated flavonoid purified from the plant Artocarpus communis, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the wound healing potential and therapeutic mechanism of ARTO. Immunohistochemical staining of neutrophils and macrophages and mouse cytokine array analysis demonstrated that ARTO accelerates inflammatory progression and subsequently decreases persistent inflammation. ARTO increases collagen production and increases human fibroblast proliferation and migration by activating the P38 and JNK pathways. Moreover, ARTO increases the proliferation and migration of human keratinocytes through the ERK and P38 pathways and augments human endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation through the Akt and P38 pathways. Together, our data suggested that ARTO enhances skin wound healing, possibly by accelerating the inflammatory phase and by increasing myofibroblast differentiation, proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, collagen synthesis and maturation, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. These findings indicate that ARTO has potential as a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin wounds.
Detecting the relevance to performance of whole-body movements
Authors: Furuki Daisuke , Takiyama Ken
Published: November 2017

Goal-directed whole-body movements are fundamental in our daily life, sports, music, art, and other activities. Goal-directed movements have been intensively investigated by focusing on simplified movements (e.g., arm-reaching movements or eye movements); however, the nature of goal-directed whole-body movements has not been sufficiently investigated because of the high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics and redundancy inherent in whole-body motion. One open question is how to overcome high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics and redundancy to achieve the desired performance. It is possible to approach the question by quantifying how the motions of each body part at each time point contribute to movement performance. Nevertheless, it is difficult to identify an explicit relation between each motion element (the motion of each body part at each time point) and performance as a result of the high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics and redundancy inherent in whole-body motion. The current study proposes a data-driven approach to quantify the relevance of each motion element to the performance. The current findings indicate that linear regression may be used to quantify this relevance without considering the high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics of whole-body motion.
Loss of lamin B1 is a biomarker to quantify cellular senescence in photoaged skin
Authors: Wang Audrey Shimei , Ong Peh Fern , Chojnowski Alexandre , Clavel Carlos , Dreesen Oliver
Published: November 2017

Skin ageing is an inevitable consequence of life and accelerated by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Senescence is an irreversible growth arrest and senescent cells accumulate in ageing tissues, at sites of age-related pathologies and in pre-neoplastic lesions. Conventionally, senescent cells have been detected by senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, a procedure that requires enzymatic activity, which is lost in fixed tissue samples. We previously demonstrated that loss of lamin B1 is a novel marker to identify senescent cells. Here, we demonstrate that loss of lamin B1 facilitates the detection and quantification of senescent cells upon UV-exposure in vitro and upon chronic UV-exposure and skin regeneration in vivo. Taken together, this marker enables the study of environmental conditions on tissue ageing and regeneration in vivo, serves as a diagnostic tool to distinguish senescent from proliferating cells in pre-neoplastic lesions, and facilitates investigating the role of senescent cells in various age-related pathologies.
A standardized herbal extract mitigates tumor inflammation and augments chemotherapy effect of docetaxel in prostate cancer
Authors: Tsai Chin-Hsien , Tzeng Sheue-Fen , Hsieh Shih-Chuan , Yang Yu-Chih , Hsiao Yi-Wen , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Hsiao Pei-Wen
Published: November 2017

Activation of the NFκB pathway is often associated with advanced cancer and has thus been regarded as a rational therapeutic target. Wedelia chinensis is rich in luteolin, apigenin, and wedelolactone that act synergistically to suppress androgen receptor activity in prostate cancer. Interestingly, our evaluation of a standardized Wedelia chinensis herbal extract (WCE) concluded its efficacy on hormone-refractory prostate cancer through systemic mechanisms. Oral administration of WCE significantly attenuated tumor growth and metastasis in orthotopic PC-3 and DU145 xenografts. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of these tumors revealed that WCE suppressed the expression of IKKα/β phosphorylation and downstream cytokines/chemokines, e.g., IL6, CXCL1, and CXCL8. Through restraining the cytokines expression, WCE reduced tumor-elicited infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and endothelial cells into the tumors, therefore inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. In MDSCs, WCE also reduced STAT3 activation, downregulated S100A8 expression and prevented their expansion. Use of WCE in combination with docetaxel significantly suppressed docetaxel-induced NFκB activation, boosted the therapeutic effect and reduced the systemic toxicity caused by docetaxel monotherapy. These data suggest that a standardized preparation of Wedelia chinensis extract improved prostate cancer therapy through immunomodulation and has potential application as an adjuvant agent for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Effects of exosome on the activation of CD4+ T cells in rhesus macaques: a potential application for HIV latency reactivation
Authors: Hong Xiaowu , Schouest Blake , Xu Huanbin
Published: November 2017

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by a wide variety of cell types, carry donor origin-proteins, cytokines, and nucleic acids, transport these cargos to adjacent or distant specific recipient cells, and thereby regulate gene expression and activation of target cells. In this study, we isolated and identified exosomes in rhesus macaques, and investigated their effects on cell tropism and activation, especially their potential to reactivate HIV latency. The results indicated that plasma-derived exosomes preferentially fuse to TCR-activated T cells and autologous parent cells. Importantly, the uptake of exosomes, derived from IL-2 stimulated CD4+ T cells, effectively promoted reactivation of resting CD4+ T-cell, as indicated by an increased viral transcription rate in these cells. These findings provide premise for the potential application of exosome in the reactivation of HIV latency, in combination its use as functional delivery vehicles with antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Bilateral 5 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation on fronto-temporal areas modulates resting-state EEG
Authors: D’Atri Aurora , Romano Claudia , Gorgoni Maurizio , Scarpelli Serena , Alfonsi Valentina , Ferrara Michele , Ferlazzo Fabio , Rossini Paolo Maria , De Gennaro Luigi
Published: November 2017

Rhythmic non-invasive brain stimulations are promising tools to modulate brain activity by entraining neural oscillations in specific cortical networks. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility to influence the neural circuits of the wake-sleep transition in awake subjects via a bilateral transcranial alternating current stimulation at 5 Hz (θ-tACS) on fronto-temporal areas. 25 healthy volunteers participated in two within-subject sessions (θ-tACS and sham), one week apart and in counterbalanced order. We assessed the stimulation effects on cortical EEG activity (28 derivations) and self-reported sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale). θ-tACS induced significant increases of the theta activity in temporo-parieto-occipital areas and centro-frontal increases in the alpha activity compared to sham but failed to induce any online effect on sleepiness. Since the total energy delivered in the sham condition was much less than in the active θ-tACS, the current data are unable to isolate the specific effect of entrained theta oscillatory activity per se on sleepiness scores. On this basis, we concluded that θ-tACS modulated theta and alpha EEG activity with a topography consistent with high sleep pressure conditions. However, no causal relation can be traced on the basis of the current results between these rhythms and changes on sleepiness.
Targeted next generation sequencing in Italian patients with Usher syndrome: phenotype-genotype correlations
Authors: Eandi Chiara M. , Dallorto Laura , Spinetta Roberta , Micieli Maria Pia , Vanzetti Mario , Mariottini Alessandro , Passerini Ilaria , Torricelli Francesca , Alovisi Camilla , Marchese Cristiana
Published: November 2017

We report results of DNA analysis with next generation sequencing (NGS) of 21 consecutive Italian patients from 17 unrelated families with clinical diagnosis of Usher syndrome (4 USH1 and 17 USH2) searching for mutations in 11 genes: MYO7A, CDH23, PCDH15, USH1C, USH1G, USH2A, ADGVR1, DFNB31, CLRN1, PDZD7, HARS. Likely causative mutations were found in all patients: 25 pathogenic variants, 18 previously reported and 7 novel, were identified in three genes (USH2A, MYO7A, ADGRV1). All USH1 presented biallelic MYO7A mutations, one USH2 exhibited ADGRV1 mutations, whereas 16 USH2 displayed USH2A mutations. USH1 patients experienced hearing problems very early in life, followed by visual impairment at 1, 4 and 6 years. Visual symptoms were noticed at age 20 in a patient with homozygous novel MYO7A missense mutation c.849G > A. USH2 patients’ auditory symptoms, instead, arose between 11 months and 14 years, while visual impairment occurred later on. A homozygous c.5933_5940del;5950_5960dup in USH2A was detected in one patient with early deafness. One patient with homozygous deletion from exon 23 to 32 in USH2A suffered early visual symptoms. Therefore, the type of mutation in USH2A and MYO7A genes seems to affect the age at which both auditory and visual impairment occur in patients with USH.
Electrospun flexible poly(bisphenol A carbonate) nanofibers decorated with Ag nanoparticles as effective 3D SERS substrates for trace TNT detection
Authors: Li Yi , Lu Rui , Shen Jinyou , Han Weiqing , Sun Xiuyun , Li Jiansheng , Wang Lianjun
Published: November 2017

A flexible 3D hybrid PC/Ag surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate was fabricated through the combination of electrospinning and in situ chemical reduction.
CVD graphene incorporating polymerized l-cysteine as an electrochemical sensing platform for simultaneous determination of dopamine and ascorbic acid
Authors: He Danyu , Li Shehong , Zhang Pu , Luo Hongxia
Published: November 2017

A novel electrochemical sensor based on a poly-l-cysteine/graphene platform was developed for the simultaneous determination of dopamine and ascorbic acid.
Coordination-driven assembly of catechol-modified chitosan for the kidney-specific delivery of salvianolic acid B to treat renal fibrosis
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Cuiting , He Weiming , Qiao Hongzhi , Chen Jiahui , Wang KaiKai , Oupický David , Sun Minjie
Published: November 2017

A pH-sensitive nanocomplex HChi-Ca-Sal B was prepared through a coordination-driven assembly which showed a specific renal distribution after intravenous injection.
A novel homobimetallic nickel complex for the asymmetric direct Mannich reaction of imines: a practical method on a multi-gram scale
Authors: Zhang Shixiong , Deng Ping , Zhou Jing , Liu Mouxiong , Liang Guojuan , Xiong Yan , Zhou Hui
Published: November 2017

A practical asymmetric direct Mannich reaction catalyzed by a homobimetallic nickel complex with a low catalyst loading on a preparative scale.
A stage-by-stage phase-induction and nucleation of black phosphorus from red phosphorus under low-pressure mineralization
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Zhu Yabo , Lei Jia , Liu Wanying , Xu Yunke , Feng Peizhong
Published: November 2017

Herein, orthorhombic BP crystals were successfully synthesized by low-pressure mineralization and the phase transitions at every stage were revealed systematically and were accurately confirmed.
Two-dimensional (2D) self-assembly of oligo(phenylene-ethynylene) molecules and their triangular platinum(ii) diimine complexes studied using STM
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Geng Yanfang , Fan Yuanpeng , Duan Wubiao , Deng Ke , Zhao Dahui , Zeng Qingdao
Published: November 2017

The self-assembly of a series of cyclic oligo(phenylene-ethynylene) (OPE) molecules and their triangular Pt(ii) diimine complexes were studied using scanning tunneling microscope (STM).
Fluorescent probes for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in biology
Authors: Kolanowski Jacek L. , Liu Fei , New Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2017

This review identifies and discusses fluorescent sensors that are capable of simultaneously reporting on the presence of two analytes for biological application.
Practices for the collection and reporting of electrocatalytic performance and mechanistic information for the CO2reduction reaction
Authors: Pander III James E. , Ren Dan , Yeo Boon Siang
Published: November 2017

This work discusses how to best perform experiments and report data for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide.
Pushing the photodelivery of nitric oxide to the visible: are {FeNO}7 complexes good candidates?
Authors: Levin Natalia , Perdoménico Julián , Bill Eckhard , Weyhermüller Thomas , Slep Leonardo D.
Published: November 2017

The photoactivity displayed by the newly prepared [Fe((CH2Py2)2Me[9]aneN3)(NO)](BF4)2 suggests that {FeNO}7 octahedral coordination compounds may be employed for controlled NO-photorelease.
Bimetallic Ru(ii) and Os(ii) complexes based on a pyrene-bisimidazole spacer: synthesis, photophysics, electrochemistry and multisignalling DNA binding studies in the near infrared region
Authors: Mardanya Sourav , Mondal Debiprasad , Baitalik Sujoy
Published: November 2017

Pyrene and imidazole-functionalized bimetallic Ru(ii) and Os(ii) complexes function as efficient probes for DNA in the near infrared region.
Ferromagnetic coupling in copper benzimidazole chloride: structural, mass spectrometry, magnetism, and DFT studies
Authors: Shi Xing-Xing , Zhang Yuexing , Chen Qiu-Jie , Yin Zheng , Chen Xue-Li , Wang Zhenxing , Ouyang Zhong-Wen , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: November 2017

The square planar Cu(Hmbm)Cl2 form pseudo-hexagonal magnetic layers with ferromagnetic couplings of J(Cu–Cl2a⋯Cu1) = +0.99(30) cm−1, J′(π⋯π) = +0.35(16) cm−1, and g = 2.38(2).
Harnessing the power of microwaves for inactivatingPseudomonas aeruginosawith nanohybrids
Authors: Plazas-Tuttle Jaime , Das Dipesh , Sabaraya Indu V. , Saleh Navid B.
Published: November 2017

First report of a nano-enabled breakthrough that harnesses microwave energy for microbial inactivation.
Extracting pulmonary surfactants to form inverse micelles on suspended graphene nanosheets
Authors: Luo Zhen , Li Shixin , Xu Yan , Ren Hao , Zhang Xianren , Hu Guoqing , Huang Fang , Yue Tongtao
Published: November 2017

Graphene suspended in alveoli shows size-, oxidation- and curvature-dependent performance on extracting pulmonary surfactants (PS), further inducing the PS depletion and biophysical inhibition and starting formation of the PS corona.
Molecular targets and mechanisms of bioactive peptides against metabolic syndromes
Authors: Li Shanshan , Liu Ling , He Guoqing , Wu Jianping
Published: November 2017

Bioactive peptides have beneficial effects on blood pressure, inflammation, obesity, and T2D, indicating their great potential as functional foods/nutraceuticals against metabolic syndromes.
All-lignin approach to prepare cationic colloidal lignin particles: stabilization of durable Pickering emulsions
Authors: Sipponen Mika Henrikki , Smyth Matthew , Leskinen Timo , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Österberg Monika
Published: November 2017

Adsorption of cationic lignin on colloidal lignin particles is a green route to new types of Pickering emulsion applications.
Evaluation of affibody charge modification identified by synthetic consensus design in molecular PET imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Case Brett A. , Kruziki Max A. , Stern Lawrence A. , Hackel Benjamin J.
Published: November 2017

EGFR-binding affibodies engineered for different charge distributions exhibit differential performance in molecular PET imaging of EGFR.
The novel sulfonated polyaniline-decorated carbon nanosphere nanocomposites for electrochemical sensing of dopamine
Authors: Fu Yanyi , Sheng Qinglin , Zheng Jianbin
Published: November 2017

Herein, a novel dopamine (DA) electrochemical sensor was developed by combining carbon nanospheres (CNSs) and sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) with their own excellent characteristics.
Highly stable and conductive PEDOT:PSS/graphene nanocomposites for biosensor applications in aqueous medium
Authors: Liu Dongtao , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Ge Chuangye , Kim Jaecheon , Lee Jae-Joon
Published: November 2017

A PEDOT:PSS/GNP electrode post-treated with H2SO4 stabilizes GNPs on an FTO substrate and improves the aqueous sensitivity and stability of dopamine detection.
Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic degradation properties of ZnO/ZnFe2O4 magnetic heterostructures
Authors: Xu Yan , Wu Shumin , Li Xianliang , Huang Yehang , Wang Zhuopeng , Han Yide , Wu Junbiao , Meng Hao , Zhang Xia
Published: November 2017

A nanosheet-constructed ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composite with high photocatalytic activity is obtained via the one-step pyrolysis of a Zn–Fe mixed-metal–organic framework precursor.
JESS, a Joint Expert Speciation System – VI: thermodynamically-consistent standard Gibbs energies of reaction for aqueous solutions
Authors: May Peter M. , Rowland Darren
Published: November 2017

A large, open-access, sustainable database of relative Gibbs energies is developed for over 50 000 aqueous chemical species, including many metal–ligand complexes.
Insight on the silver catalyst distribution during silicon nanowire array formation: an X-ray reflectivity study
Authors: Kremenak Jesse W. , Arendse Christopher J. , Cummings Franscious R. , Chen Yiyao , Miceli Paul F.
Published: November 2017

The metal catalyst depth distribution is determined for the first time in etched Si nanowire arrays using X-ray reflectivity.
Controlling Ag-doping in [AgxAu25−x(SC6H11)18]−nanoclusters: cryogenic optical, electronic and electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Jin Renxi , Zhao Shuo , Liu Chong , Zhou Meng , Panapitiya Gihan , Xing Yan , Rosi Nathaniel L. , Lewis James P. , Jin Rongchao
Published: November 2017

Synthesis of heavily Ag-doped [AgxAu25−x(SC6H11)18]−nanoclusters by a one-phase method and their cryogenic optical, electronic and electrocatalytic properties have been demonstrated.
Continuous wave random lasing in naturally occurring biocompatible pigments and reduction of lasing threshold using triangular silver nanostructures as scattering media
Authors: Biswas S , Kumbhakar P.
Published: November 2017

Bio-inspired continuous-wave Random lasing has been demonstrated at ca. 674 nm, pumped by a low power He–Ne laser, in naturally occurring pigments of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves extract.
Fast and scalable synthesis of uniform zirconium-, hafnium-based metal–organic framework nanocrystals
Authors: He Ting , Xu Xiaobin , Ni Bing , Wang Haiqing , Long Yong , Hu Wenping , Wang Xun
Published: November 2017

Here, we develop a versatile strategy to synthesize various Zirconium or hafnium-based MOF nanocrystals within 15 minutes at scale through controlling the hydrolysis and nucleation of metal salts.
Wrinkling formation in simply-supported graphenes under tension and compression loadings
Authors: Androulidakis Ch. , Koukaras E. N. , Pastore Carbone M. G. , Hadjinicolaou M. , Galiotis C.
Published: November 2017

Wrinkles in supported graphenes can be formed either by uniaxial compression or uniaxial tension beyond a certain critical load depending on the mode of loading.
Unprecedented carbon sub-microspheres with a porous hierarchy for highly efficient oxygen electrochemistry
Authors: Zhu Yun-Pei , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: November 2017

Dual doped carbon sub-microspheres with hierarchical pores synthesized through a soft-template strategy show high performance towards oxygen electrocatalysis.
Photo-stimulated triboelectric generation
Authors: Ye Byeong Uk , Lee Sang Yun , Jung Minbok , Sohn So-Dam , Shin Hyung-Joon , Song Myoung Hoon , Choi Kyoung Jin , Baik Jeong Min
Published: November 2017

We report a photo-stimulated triboelectric generation occurring on the metal–oxide/polyimide interface during instantaneous friction. The photogenerated electrons were accumulated at the surface of TiOx, reversing the charge transfer and enhancing the output signals of the nanogenerator by 5 times.
Enhanced broadband photoresponse of a self-powered photodetector based on vertically grown SnS layers via the pyro-phototronic effect
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Patel Malkeshkumar , Kim Joondong , Lim Donggun
Published: November 2017

A broadband pyro-phototronic effect in vertically grown SnS layers on a Si substrate is proposed, which in turn provides remarkable enhancements in the photoinduced current (370%), responsivity (340%) and detectivity (3960%) at a wavelength of 760 nm and an intensity of 7 mW cm−2.
A full-spectrum photocatalyst with strong near-infrared photoactivity derived from synergy of nano-heterostructured Er3+-doped multi-phase oxides
Authors: Chen Huabin , Liu Wenxia , Hu Bin , Qin Zhuozhuo , Liu Hong
Published: November 2017

A highly efficient near-infrared multi-phase photocatalyst was designed by tailoring its chemical composition and structure using a hydrotalcite-like compound as a precursor.
Palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and isocyanides
Authors: Shiri Morteza , Ranjbar Maryam , Yasaei Zahra , Zamanian Fatemeh , Notash Behrouz
Published: November 2017

A facile and domino reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes in one and two equivalents of isocyanide has been investigated. Three-component reactions of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes, isocyanides and amines are also described.