bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective role of trehalose during radiation and heavy metal stress in Aureobasidium subglaciale F134
Authors: Liu Tingting , Zhu Liying , Zhang Zhiping , Huang He , Zhang Zhidong , Jiang Ling
Published: December 2017

An isolated black yeast-like strain was obtained from radiation-polluted soil collected from Xinjiang province in northwest China. On the basis of ITS and LSU rDNA sequence analysis, in combination with the colony morphology and phenotypic properties, the isolated strain was revealed to represent a novel variety of Aureobasidium subglaciale, designated as A. subglaciale F134. Compared to other yeasts and bacteria, this isolate displayed superior resistance to gamma irradiation, UV light, and heavy metal ions. It was discovered that the resistance of the isolate was correlated with the stress protector trehalose. Through the overexpression of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene tps1 and the deletion of acid trehalase gene ath1, the APT∆A double mutant exhibited a survival rate of 1% under 20 kGy of gamma-radiation, 2% survival rate at a UV dosage of 250 J/m2, and tolerance towards Pb2+ as high as 1500 mg/L, which was in agreement with the high accumulation of intracellular trehalose compared to the wild-type strain. Finally, the protective effects and the mechanism of trehalose accumulation in A. subglaciale F134 were investigated, revealing a significant activation of the expression of many of the stress tolerance genes, offering new perspectives on the adaptations of radioresistant microorganisms.
Anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody inhibited tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chiu Yi-Shu , Hsing Chung-Hsi , Li Chien-Feng , Lee Chon-Yee , Hsu Yu-Hsiang , Chang Ming-Shi
Published: December 2017

Interleukin (IL)-20 is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. However, the role of IL-20 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We explored the function of IL-20 in HCC. Tumor tissue samples were analyzed the expression of IL-20 and cyclin D1 by using immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. To examine the role of anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody (7E) in tumor growth, BALB/c mice was injected with ML-1 cells and treated with 7E. HCC tumor tissue expressed higher levels of IL-20 than did non-tumor tissue. High IL-20 expression in HCC was correlated with poor overall survival (relative risk:>3). IL-20 and cyclin D1 expression were also highly correlated in HCC patient specimens and 3 human HCC cell lines. IL-20 also increased cell proliferation and migration, and it regulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclin D1, and p21WAF1 expression in ML-1 cells. 7E attenuated tumor growth in mice inoculated with ML-1 cells. The expression of cyclin D1, TNF-α, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly inhibited after 7E treatment. The findings of this study suggest that IL-20 plays a role in the tumor progression of HCC.
Author Correction: Evolutionary morphology of the lizard chemosensory system
Authors: Baeckens Simon , Herrel Anthony , Broeckhoven Chris , Vasilopoulou-Kampitsi Menelia , Huyghe Katleen , Goyens Jana , Van Damme Raoul
Published: December 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
A Coxiella mutualist symbiont is essential to the development of Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Guizzo Melina Garcia , Parizi Luís Fernando , Nunes Rodrigo Dutra , Schama Renata , Albano Rodolpho M. , Tirloni Lucas , Oldiges Daiane Patrícia , Vieira Ricardo Pilz , Oliveira Wanderson Henrique Cruz , Leite Milane de Souza , Gonzales Sergio A. , Farber Marisa , Martins Orlando , Vaz Itabajara da Silva , Oliveira Pedro L.
Published: December 2017

The cattle tickRhipicephalus microplusis a hematophagous ectoparasite that causes important economic losses in livestock. Different species of ticks harbor a symbiont bacterium of the genusCoxiella. It was showed that aCoxiellaendosymbiont fromR.microplus(CERM) is a vertically transmitted mutualist symbiont, comprising 98% of the 16S rRNA sequences in both eggs and larvae. Sequencing of the bacterial genome revealed genes for biosynthetic pathways for several vitamins and key metabolic cofactors that may provide a nutritional complement to the tick host. The CERM was abundant in ovary and Malpighian tubule of fully engorged female. Tetracycline treatment of either the tick or the vertebrate host reduced levels of bacteria in progeny in 74% for eggs and 90% for larvae without major impact neither on the reproductive fitness of the adult female or on embryo development. However, CERM proved to be essential for the tick to reach the adult life stage, as under antibiotic treatment no tick was able to progress beyond the metanymph stage. Data presented here suggest that interference in the symbiotic CERM-R.microplusrelationship may be useful to the development of alternative control methods, highlighting the interdependence between ticks and their endosymbionts.
Correlated production and consumption of chloromethane in the Arabidopsis thaliana phyllosphere
Authors: Farhan Ul Haque Muhammad , Besaury Ludovic , Nadalig Thierry , Bringel Françoise , Mutterer Jérôme , Schaller Hubert , Vuilleumier Stéphane
Published: December 2017

Chloromethane (CH3Cl) is a toxic gas mainly produced naturally, in particular by plants, and its emissions contribute to ozone destruction in the stratosphere. Conversely, CH3Cl can be degraded and used as the sole carbon and energy source by specialised methylotrophic bacteria, isolated from a variety of environments including the phyllosphere, i.e. the aerial parts of vegetation. The potential role of phyllospheric CH3Cl-degrading bacteria as a filter for plant emissions of CH3Cl was investigated using variants of Arabidopsis thaliana with low, wild-type and high expression of HOL1 methyltransferase previously shown to be responsible for most of CH3Cl emissions by A. thaliana. Presence and expression of the bacterial chloromethane dehalogenase cmuA gene in the A. thaliana phyllosphere correlated with HOL1 genotype, as shown by qPCR and RT-qPCR. Production of CH3Cl by A. thaliana paralleled HOL1 expression, as assessed by a fluorescence-based bioreporter. The relation between plant production of CH3Cl and relative abundance of CH3Cl-degrading bacteria in the phyllosphere suggests that CH3Cl-degrading bacteria co-determine the extent of plant emissions of CH3Cl to the atmosphere.
Comparative analysis of the genomes of Stylophora pistillata and Acropora digitifera provides evidence for extensive differences between species of corals
Authors: Voolstra Christian R. , Li Yong , Liew Yi Jin , Baumgarten Sebastian , Zoccola Didier , Flot Jean-François , Tambutté Sylvie , Allemand Denis , Aranda Manuel
Published: December 2017

Stony corals form the foundation of coral reef ecosystems. Their phylogeny is characterized by a deep evolutionary divergence that separates corals into a robust and complex clade dating back to at least 245 mya. However, the genomic consequences and clade-specific evolution remain unexplored. In this study we have produced the genome of a robust coral, Stylophora pistillata, and compared it to the available genome of a complex coral, Acropora digitifera. We conducted a fine-scale gene-based analysis focusing on ortholog groups. Among the core set of conserved proteins, we found an emphasis on processes related to the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. Genes associated with the algal symbiosis were also independently expanded in both species, but both corals diverged on the identity of ortholog groups expanded, and we found uneven expansions in genes associated with innate immunity and stress response. Our analyses demonstrate that coral genomes can be surprisingly disparate. Future analyses incorporating more genomic data should be able to determine whether the patterns elucidated here are not only characteristic of the differences between S. pistillata and A. digitifera but also representative of corals from the robust and complex clade at large.
Impact of Electrode Position on the Elicitation of Sodium Spikes in Retinal Bipolar Cells
Authors: Rattay Frank , Bassereh Hassan , Fellner Andreas
Published: December 2017

Bipolar cells of the magnocellular pathway in the primate retina can generate action potentials because they have an axonal segment with high sodium channel density, comparable to the sodium channel band in retinal ganglion cells or pyramidal cells. The similarity between the non-human primate and the human retina is of interest for the research on retinal implants for the blind, and especially, the conditions to elicit sodium spikes in bipolar cells using extracellular stimulation. A comparison of excitation characteristics of three model neurons, a bipolar cell, a retinal ganglion cell, and a cortical pyramidal cell, demonstrates the similarities and differences regarding stimulation with microelectrodes. Moving a microelectrode parallel to the axon of a neuron commonly allows to generate spikes for every position – and this rule holds both for cathodic and anodic pulses. However, for the simulated bipolar cell anodic pulses cannot generate sodium spikes directly. Further, there is only a small region for electrode placing where extracellular cathodic stimulation causes direct spike initiation in the sodium channel band. For all other positions, a sodium spike can only be generated by antidromic current flow originating from strongly depolarized terminals.
High internal noise and poor external noise filtering characterize perception in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Park Woon Ju , Schauder Kimberly B. , Zhang Ruyuan , Bennetto Loisa , Tadin Duje
Published: December 2017

An emerging hypothesis postulates that internal noise is a key factor influencing perceptual abilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given fundamental and inescapable effects of noise on nearly all aspects of neural processing, this could be a critical abnormality with broad implications for perception, behavior, and cognition. However, this proposal has been challenged by both theoretical and empirical studies. A crucial question is whether and how internal noise limits perception in ASD, independently from other sources of perceptual inefficiency, such as the ability to filter out external noise. Here, we separately estimated internal noise and external noise filtering in ASD. In children and adolescents with and without ASD, we computationally modeled individuals’ visual orientation discrimination in the presence of varying levels of external noise. The results revealed increased internal noise and worse external noise filtering in individuals with ASD. For both factors, we also observed high inter-individual variability in ASD, with only the internal noise estimates significantly correlating with severity of ASD symptoms. We provide evidence for reduced perceptual efficiency in ASD that is due to both increased internal noise and worse external noise filtering, while highlighting internal noise as a possible contributing factor to variability in ASD symptoms.
Surveillance of Live Poultry Markets for Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Guangxi Province, Southern China, from 2012–2015
Authors: Luo Sisi , Xie Zhixun , Xie Zhiqin , Xie Liji , Huang Li , Huang Jiaoling , Deng Xianwen , Zeng Tingting , Wang Sheng , Zhang Yanfang , Liu Jiabo
Published: December 2017

Infections with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) can be mild or asymptomatic in poultry; however, in humans, LPAIVs can cause severe infections and death, as demonstrated by the H7N9 and H10N8 human infection outbreaks in 2013 in China. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of LPAIVs at live poultry markets (LPMs) in Guangxi Province, Southern China, which is near several Southeast Asian countries. From January 2012 to December 2015, we collected 3,813 swab samples from poultry at LPMs in Guangxi. Viral isolation, hemagglutination inhibition assay and viral sequencing were utilized to identify LPAIVs in the collected samples. Among the samples, 622 (16.3%) were positive for LPAIVs. Six subtypes (H1, H3, H4, H6, H9 and H11) were individually isolated and identified. Of these subtypes, H3, H6 and H9 were predominant in ducks, geese and chickens, respectively. Among the 622 positive samples, 160 (25.7%) contained more than one subtype, and H8, H10, H12, H13, and H16 were identified among them, which highlights the continuous need for enhanced surveillance of AIVs. These results provide detailed information regarding the epidemic situation of LPAIVs in the area, which can aid efforts to prevent and control AIV transmission in humans and animals.
Cell cycle synchronisation of Trypanosoma brucei by centrifugal counter-flow elutriation reveals the timing of nuclear and kinetoplast DNA replication
Authors: Benz Corinna , Dondelinger Frank , McKean Paul G. , Urbaniak Michael D.
Published: December 2017

We report an optimised centrifugal counter-flow elutriation protocol for the rapid and direct isolation of G1 cell cycle synchronised populations of both the procyclic and bloodstream form stages of Trypanosoma brucei that yields viable and proliferative cells. The high quality of the synchronisation achieved can be judged by the uniform DNA content, narrow size distribution, synchronous division, and the maintenance of synchronicity into subsequent cell cycles. We show that early-eluting fractions represent different G1 subpopulations that progress through the cell cycle with distinct temporal profiles post-elutriation, as exemplified by the observation of the maturation of a second flagellar basal body in late G1 phase, DNA replication in S phase, and dimethylation of histone H3 in mitosis/cytokinesis. We use our temporal observations to construct a revised model of the relative timing and duration of the nuclear and kinetoplast cell cycle that differs from the current model.
CK2 modulates adipocyte insulin-signaling and is up-regulated in human obesity
Authors: Borgo Christian , Milan Gabriella , Favaretto Francesca , Stasi Fabio , Fabris Roberto , Salizzato Valentina , Cesaro Luca , Belligoli Anna , Sanna Marta , Foletto Mirto , Prevedello Luca , Vindigni Vincenzo , Bardini Romeo , Donella-Deana Arianna , Vettor Roberto
Published: December 2017

Insulin plays a major role in glucose metabolism and insulin-signaling defects are present in obesity and diabetes. CK2 is a pleiotropic protein kinase implicated in fundamental cellular pathways and abnormally elevated in tumors. Here we report that in human and murine adipocytes CK2-inhibition decreases the insulin-induced glucose-uptake by counteracting Akt-signaling and GLUT4-translocation to the plasma membrane. In mice CK2 acts on insulin-signaling in adipose tissue, liver and skeletal muscle and its acute inhibition impairs glucose tolerance. Notably, CK2 protein-level and activity are greatly up-regulated in white adipose tissue from ob/ob and db/db mice as well as from obese patients, regardless the severity of their insulin-resistance and the presence of pre-diabetes or overt type 2 diabetes. Weight loss obtained by both bariatric surgery or hypocaloric diet reverts CK2 hyper-activation to normal level. Our data suggest a central role of CK2 in insulin-sensitivity, glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue remodeling. CK2 up-regulation is identified as a hallmark of adipose tissue pathological expansion, suggesting a new potential therapeutic target for human obesity.
Dual repression of endocytic players by ESCC microRNAs and the Polycomb complex regulates mouse embryonic stem cell pluripotency
Authors: Mote Ridim Dadasaheb , Mahajan Gaurang , Padmanabhan Anup , Ambati Ramaraju , Subramanyam Deepa
Published: December 2017

Cell fate determination in the early mammalian embryo is regulated by multiple mechanisms. Recently, genes involved in vesicular trafficking have been shown to play an important role in cell fate choice, although the regulation of their expression remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate for the first time that multiple endocytosis associated genes (EAGs) are repressed through a novel, dual mechanism in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). This involves the action of the Polycomb Repressive Complex, PRC2, as well as post-transcriptional regulation by the ESC-specific cell cycle-regulating (ESCC) family of microRNAs. This repression is relieved upon differentiation. Forced expression of EAGs in mESCs results in a decrease in pluripotency, highlighting the importance of dual repression in cell fate regulation. We propose that endocytosis is critical for cell fate choice, and dual repression may function to tightly regulate levels of endocytic genes.
Heavy rainfall triggers increased nocturnal flight in desert populations of the Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa)
Authors: McEvoy J. F. , Ribot R. F. H. , Wingfield J. C. , Bennett A. T. D.
Published: December 2017

Understanding of avian nocturnal flight comes mainly from northern hemisphere species in seasonal temperate ecosystems where nocturnal flight is often precisely timed and entrained by annual photoperiod. Here we investigate patterns of nocturnal flight in waterbirds of Australian desert ecosystems that fly considerable distances to find temporary water bodies formed from rainfall which is highly unpredictable seasonally and spatially, and when there is sufficient water, they then breed. How they perform these feats of navigation and physiology remain poorly known. Using GPS tracking of 38 satellite tagged Pacific black ducks (Anas superciliosa) in two contrasting ecosystems, before and after heavy rainfall we revealed a key role for facultative nocturnal flight in the movement ecology of this species. After large rainfall events, birds rapidly increased nocturnal flight activity in the arid aseasonal ecosystem, but not in the mesic seasonal one. Nocturnal flights occurred throughout the night in both ecosystems. Long range flights (>50 km in 2 hours) occurred almost exclusively at night; at night the distance flown was higher than during the day, birds visited more locations, and the locations were more widely dispersed. Our work reveals that heavy rainfall triggers increased nocturnal flight activity in desert populations of waterbirds.
A functional variant in the OAS1 gene is associated with Sjögren’s syndrome complicated with HBV infection
Authors: Liu Xianjun , Xing Hongcun , Gao Wenjing , Yu Di , Zhao Yuming , Shi Xiaoju , Zhang Kun , Li Pingya , Yu Jiaao , Xu Wei , Shan Hongli , Zhang Kaiyu , Bao Wanguo , Fu Xueqi , Yang Sirui , Wang Shaofeng
Published: December 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been suspected to contribute to several autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), although the exact mechanism is unknown. The 2′–5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS1) is one of the most important components of the immune system and has significant antiviral functions. We studied a polymorphism rs10774671 of OAS1 gene in Han Chinese descent. The minor allele G was significantly associated with a decreased risk for SS, anti-SSA-positive SS, and anti-SSA-positive SS complicated with HBV infection, which have not been seen in anti-SSA-negative SS and HBcAb-negative SS patients. Gene expression analysis showed that the risk-conferring A allele was correlated with lower expression of p46 and increased expression of p42, p48, and p44. A functional study of enzymatic activities revealed that the p42, p44, and p48 isoforms display a reduced capacity to inhibit HBV replication in HepG2 cells compared to the normal p46 isoform. Our data demonstrated that the functional variant, rs10774671, is associated with HBV infection and anti-SSA antibody-positive SS. The SAS variant switches the primary p46 isoform to three alternatives with decreased capacities to inhibit HBV replication. These data indicated that individuals harboring the risk allele might be susceptible to hepatitis B infection and SS development.
Diversity of vaginal microbiota increases by the time of labor onset
Authors: Avershina Ekaterina , Slangsvold Silje , Simpson Melanie Rae , Storrø Ola , Johnsen Roar , Øien Torbjørn , Rudi Knut
Published: December 2017

Vaginal microbiota is an important early source of bacterial colonization for newborns. However, only a few small studies have investigated the composition of vaginal microbiota during labor. In this work, we analyzed vaginal swabs collected at 36 weeks gestation and at the onset of labor from 256 women participating in a randomized placebo-controlled study of probiotic supplementation for the prevention of atopic dermatitis in offspring. Although individuals’ vaginal microbiota was stable over time, several bacterial families, which are characteristic of mixed community state type (CST) IV, were overrepresented in vaginal swabs sampled at labor. Alpha-diversity also tended to increase by between 36 weeks gestation and the onset of birth. In the majority of women, CST remained the same throughout the study. Among the women who switched their vaginal microbiota from one CST to another, approximately half shifted towards CST IV. Although CST IV is often associated with bacterial vaginosis, which in turn may lead to preterm birth, in our cohort this shift was not associated with self-reported vaginosis, preterm delivery or birthweight. Probiotic consumption did not alter vaginal microbiota.
Functional redundancy and sensitivity of fish assemblages in European rivers, lakes and estuarine ecosystems
Authors: Teichert Nils , Lepage Mario , Sagouis Alban , Borja Angel , Chust Guillem , Ferreira Maria Teresa , Pasquaud Stéphanie , Schinegger Rafaela , Segurado Pedro , Argillier Christine
Published: December 2017

The impact of species loss on ecosystems functioning depends on the amount of trait similarity between species, i.e. functional redundancy, but it is also influenced by the order in which species are lost. Here we investigated redundancy and sensitivity patterns across fish assemblages in lakes, rivers and estuaries. Several scenarios of species extinction were simulated to determine whether the loss of vulnerable species (with high propensity of extinction when facing threats) causes a greater functional alteration than random extinction. Our results indicate that the functional redundancy tended to increase with species richness in lakes and rivers, but not in estuaries. We demonstrated that i) in the three systems, some combinations of functional traits are supported by non-redundant species, ii) rare species in rivers and estuaries support singular functions not shared by dominant species, iii) the loss of vulnerable species can induce greater functional alteration in rivers than in lakes and estuaries. Overall, the functional structure of fish assemblages in rivers is weakly buffered against species extinction because vulnerable species support singular functions. More specifically, a hotspot of functional sensitivity was highlighted in the Iberian Peninsula, which emphasizes the usefulness of quantitative criteria to determine conservation priorities.
Quantitative assessment of cell fate decision between autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Bing , Oltvai Zoltán N. , Bayır Hülya , Silverman Gary A. , Pak Stephen C. , Perlmutter David H. , Bahar Ivet
Published: December 2017

Autophagy and apoptosis are cellular processes that regulate cell survival and death, the former by eliminating dysfunctional components in the cell, the latter by programmed cell death. Stress signals can induce either process, and it is unclear how cells ‘assess’ cellular damage and make a ‘life’ or ‘death’ decision upon activating autophagy or apoptosis. A computational model of coupled apoptosis and autophagy is built here to analyze the underlying signaling and regulatory network dynamics. The model explains the experimentally observed differential deployment of autophagy and apoptosis in response to various stress signals. Autophagic response dominates at low-to-moderate stress; whereas the response shifts from autophagy (graded activation) to apoptosis (switch-like activation) with increasing stress intensity. The model reveals that cytoplasmic Ca2+ acts as a rheostat that fine-tunes autophagic and apoptotic responses. A G-protein signaling-mediated feedback loop maintains cytoplasmic Ca2+ level, which in turn governs autophagic response through an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mediated feedforward loop. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) emerges as a determinant of the competing roles of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in autophagy regulation. The study demonstrates that the proposed model can be advantageously used for interrogating cell regulation events and developing pharmacological strategies for modulating cell decisions.
NGQD active sites as effective collectors of charge carriers for improving the photocatalytic performance of Z-scheme g-C3N4/Bi2WO6heterojunctions
Authors: Che Huinan , Liu Chunbo , Hu Wei , Hu Hao , Li Jinqiao , Dou Jianying , Shi Weidong , Li Chunmei , Dong Hongjun
Published: December 2017

NGQDs as effective active sites and collectors of charge carriers in Z-scheme g-C3N4/Bi2WO6heterojunctions.
Two novel Dawson-like tungstoantimonates with difunctional photocatalytic and magnetic properties
Authors: Shi Lin , Gao Xiao-mei , Liu Ting-Yu , Huang Xiao-Hui , Gong Zhi-Hui , Chen Yi-Ping , Sun Yan-Qiong
Published: December 2017

Two novel inorganic–organic hybrids containing the pyramidal SbO3 group in Dawson-like polyoxotungstates were synthesized: {Ni(phen)3}3[SbW18O60]·(H3O)3·7H2O (1) and [CuI(phen)(H2O)3]{[CuII2(phen)2(H2O)2]2[SbW18O60]}·2H2O (2). The photocatalytic and magnetic properties of 1 were investigated.
The atomic level mechanism of white phosphorous demolition by di-iodine
Authors: Mealli Carlo , Ienco Andrea , Peruzzini Maurizio , Manca Gabriele
Published: December 2017

Multi-step reaction ofI2withP4occurs through dynamic halogen bonding evolutions to affordPI3molecules. Eachconcertedstep involves two I–I* diatomics with 3 + 3 bond breakings (one P–P and two I–I*) and makings (two P–I and one I*–I*), while organo-susbtituted P atoms behave differently.
Bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, biomagnification and trophic magnification: a modelling perspective
Authors: Mackay Donald , Celsie Alena K. D. , Powell David E. , Parnis J. Mark
Published: December 2017

The uptake and output processes and lipid content for an aquatic organism affects BCF, BAF, BMF, and TMF values.
Quercetin induces the selective uptake of HDL-cholesterolviapromoting SR-BI expression and the activation of the PPARγ/LXRα pathway
Authors: Ren Kun , Jiang Ting , Zhao Guo-Jun
Published: December 2017

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is the process to deliver cholesterol to the liver for further excretion and involves scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI)-mediated selective lipid uptake (SLU) from high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
Chicken breast muscle hydrolysates ameliorate acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice through alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activation and oxidative stress reduction
Authors: Xiao Chuqiao , Zhou Feibai , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan , Sun Baoguo
Published: December 2017

In this study, the ameliorative effect of chicken breast muscle hydrolysates (CBMHs) against acute alcohol-induced liver injury was investigated and its probable mechanism was further elucidated.
Extracts from the edible seaweed,Ascophyllum nodosum, inhibit lipase activityin vitro: contributions of phenolic and polysaccharide components
Authors: Austin Ceri , Stewart Derek , Allwood J. William , McDougall Gordon J.
Published: December 2017

Ascophyllum nodosum, inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in an oil-based turbidimetric assay. Polyphenols were potent inhibitors but mixtures of polyphenols with polysaccharides also provided substantial inhibition at achievable doses.
In depth analysis of kinase cross screening data to identify chemical starting points for inhibition of the Nek family of kinases
Authors: Wells C. I. , Kapadia N. R. , Couñago R. M. , Drewry D. H.
Published: December 2017

Potent, selective, and cell active small molecule kinase inhibitors are useful tools to help unravel the complexities of kinase signaling.
A SERRS/MRI multimodal contrast agent based on naked Au nanoparticles functionalized with a Gd(iii) loaded PEG polymer for tumor imaging and localized hyperthermia
Authors: Litti Lucio , Rivato Niccolò , Fracasso Giulio , Bontempi Pietro , Nicolato Elena , Marzola Pasquina , Venzo Alfonso , Colombatti Marco , Gobbo Marina , Meneghetti Moreno
Published: December 2017

MRI and bright SERRS images are obtained with efficient gold nanostructures useful also for photothermal therapy.
Environment-controlled sol–gel soft-NIL processing for optimized titania, alumina, silica and yttria-zirconia imprinting at sub-micron dimensions
Authors: Bottein Thomas , Dalstein Olivier , Putero Magali , Cattoni Andrea , Faustini Marco , Abbarchi Marco , Grosso David
Published: December 2017

Metal oxide (MOX) surface nanopatterns can be prepared using Soft-Nano-Imprint-Lithography (soft-NIL) combined with sol–gel deposition processing.
Mesoporous layered hexagonal platelets of Co3O4 nanoparticles with (111) facets for battery applications: high performance and ultra-high rate capability
Authors: Bhojane Prateek , Sinha Lichchhavi , Devan Rupesh S. , Shirage Parasharam M.
Published: December 2017

High performance battery behaviour (left panel) of mesoporous layered hexagonal platelets (middle panel) composed of highly crystalline Co3O4 nanoparticles with (111) facets (right panel) in an aqueous electrolyte of 2 M KOH.
Gold catalyzed Heck-coupling of arenediazonium o-benzenedisulfonimides
Authors: Barbero Margherita , Dughera Stefano
Published: December 2017

An efficient gold catalyzed Heck coupling of arenediazonium o-benzenedisulfonimides is proposed. An o-benzenedisulfonimide anion enables a radical pathway that does not require the presence of photocatalysts or external oxidants.
Synthesis of PEVE-b-P(CTFE-alt-EVE) block copolymers by sequential cationic and radical RAFT polymerization
Authors: Guerre Marc , Uchiyama Mineto , Lopez Gérald , Améduri Bruno , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: December 2017

Block copolymers containing chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) are relatively rare.
Side-chain engineering in naphthalenediimide-based n-type polymers for high-performance all-polymer photodetectors
Authors: Hu Liuyong , Han Jinfeng , Qiao Wenqiang , Zhou Xiaokang , Wang Canglong , Ma Dongge , Li Yuning , Wang Zhi Yuan
Published: December 2017

Optimization of the all-polymer photodetector performance by tuning the size of side chains in NDI-based acceptor polymers.
Chelating agents as coating molecules for iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Bonvin Debora , Bastiaansen Jessica A. M. , Stuber Matthias , Hofmann Heinrich , Mionić Ebersold Marijana
Published: December 2017

Iron oxide nanoparticles coated with chelating agents with different numbers of –COOH dentates (2 to 5) behave differently.
The large-area preparation and photoelectrochemical properties of graphene/ZnO nanorod composite film
Authors: Wu Hongyan , Zhao Xingming , Li Jianliang , Dong Songtao
Published: December 2017

We proposed a new method for preparing a single-crystalline (002)-oriented ZnO nanorod (ZnONR) array and graphene/ZnO nanorod (GZN) composite film on quartz plates using double glow plasma surface alloying (DGPSA) technology.
Early detection of Alzheimer's disease using a biosensor based on electrochemically-reduced graphene oxide and gold nanowires for the quantification of serum microRNA-137
Authors: Azimzadeh Mostafa , Nasirizadeh Navid , Rahaie Mahdi , Naderi-Manesh Hossein
Published: December 2017

Serum miR-137 is quantified for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease using a electrochemically reduced graphene oxide and gold nanowire modified electrode.
Effect of meteorological factors on photovoltaic power forecast based on the neural network
Authors: Xiao Wenbo , Dai Jin , Wu Huaming , Nazario Gina , Cheng Feng
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the effects of meteorological factors (including air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) on photovoltaic (PV) power forecast using neural network models have been studied.
Post-polymerization modification reactions of poly(glycidyl methacrylate)s
Authors: Muzammil Ezzah M. , Khan Anzar , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: December 2017

Single and multiple post-polymerization modifications of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) scaffold through the nucleophilic ring-opening reactions of the pendent epoxide groups are described.
A novel fluorescence polarization assay for copper ions based on DNA-templated click chemistry and amplification of nanoparticles
Authors: Liao Suqi , Zhao Jingjin , Qin Yingfeng , Zhao Shulin
Published: December 2017

An amplified FP assay for Cu2+ based on DNA-templated click chemistry and SA-SiO2 was developed.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C–O bond formation for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles from enone oximes
Authors: Sun Yadong , Abdukader Ablimit , Zhang Haiyan , Yang Wanle , Liu Chenjiang
Published: December 2017

An efficient copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C–O bond formation for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles from enone oximes is presented.
Pr3+ doped tellurite glasses incorporated with silver nanoparticles for laser illumination
Authors: Hua Chenxiao , Zhao Xin , Bun Pun Edwin Yue , Lin Hai
Published: December 2017

Enhanced red fluorescence emissions of Pr3+ were observed in heavy metal germanium tellurite (HGT) glasses containing silver nanoparticles (NPs).
Understanding the cooperative atomic motion and shape change of ultrasmall Au nanoparticles below the premelting temperature
Authors: Yang Ying , Yan Ning
Published: December 2017

Surface melting is widely observed in crystalline materials, which has a significant influence on their interfacial properties.
Controllable fabrication of metallic photonic crystals for ultra-sensitive SERS and photodetectors
Authors: Cai Zihe , Yan Yang , Liu Lin , Lin Shengxuan , Hu Xiaobin
Published: December 2017

Metallic photonic crystals with strong light harvesting capabilities for SERS and photodetectors.
Exploring the mechanism of the Pd-catalyzed spirocyclization reaction: a combined DFT and experimental study
Authors: Franzoni Ivan , Yoon Hyung , García-López José-Antonio , Poblador-Bahamonde Amalia Isabel , Lautens Mark
Published: December 2017

The mechanism of the palladium-catalyzed spirocyclization of acrylamides with arynes and alkynes has been computationally and experimentally studied.
Electric-field assisted perovskite crystallization for high-performance solar cells
Authors: Zhang Cong-Cong , Wang Zhao-Kui , Li Meng , Liu Zhi-Yong , Yang Ji-En , Yang Ying-Guo , Gao Xing-Yu , Ma Heng
Published: December 2017

We develop an external-electric-field (EEF)-assisted annealing treatment to improve the photoelectric performance of planar organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
High-performance perfluorodioxolane copolymer membranes for gas separation with tailored selectivity enhancement
Authors: Fang Minfeng , He Zhenjie , Merkel Timothy C. , Okamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2017

A new family of amorphous perfluorodioxolane copolymers shows gas permselectivities above the current polymer upper bound and exhibits tunable transport properties.
Selenium-infiltrated metal–organic framework-derived porous carbon nanofibers comprising interconnected bimodal pores for Li–Se batteries with high capacity and rate performance
Authors: Park Seung-Keun , Park Jin-Sung , Kang Yun Chan
Published: December 2017

Novel porous carbon nanofibers with bimodal pores were synthesized by carbonization of electrospun zeolitic imidazole framework-8/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and further chemical activation.
Motivation to Address Self-Reported Hearing Problems in Adults With Normal Hearing Thresholds
Authors: Alicea Carly C. M. , Doherty Karen A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the motivation to change in relation to hearing problems in adults with normal hearing thresholds but who report hearing problems and that of adults with a mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Factors related to their motivation were also assessed.

Method

The motivation to change in relation to self-reported hearing problems was measured using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (McConnaughy, Prochaska, & Velicer, 1983). The relationship between objective and subjective measures and an adult's motivation was examined.

Results

The level of hearing handicap did not differ significantly between adults with normal hearing who reported problems hearing in background noise and adults who had a mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing handicap, personal distress, and minimization of hearing loss were factors significantly related to motivation. Age, degree of hearing loss, speech-in-noise scores, working memory, and extended high-frequency average thresholds were not significantly related to their motivation.

Conclusions

Adults with normal hearing thresholds but self-reported hearing problems had the same level of hearing handicap and were equally motivated to take action for their hearing problems as age-matched adults with a mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing handicap, personal distress, and minimization of hearing loss were most strongly correlated with an individual's motivation to change.
Ferrofluidic actuation of liquid metal for radio‐frequency applications
Authors: Combs A.W. , Shiroma W.A. , Ohta A.T.
Published: December 2017

A new method is presented for actuating liquid metals, based on the physical deformation of ferrofluid in response to an applied magnetic field. Using this ferrofluidic actuation, a liquid‐metal slug was moved through a channel at an average velocity of 15.6 mm/s. The hydrocarbon‐based ferrofluid exhibits negligible loss from 50 MHz to 20 GHz, and can thus serve as an alternative carrier fluid to hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide for liquid‐metal‐based reconfigurable radio‐frequency circuits.
Retracted: Robust Retinal Vessel Segmentation using Vessel's Location Map and Frangi Enhancement Filter
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Taj Imtiaz Ahmad
Published: December 2017

The following article published in IET Image Processing, Shahid, Muhammad; Taj, Imtiaz A.:‘Robust retinal vessel segmentation using vessels location map and Frangienhancement filter’, IET Image Processing, 2018, DOI: 10.1049/ietipr. 2017.0457on 16th January 2018 has been retracted due to a breach of the IET's Policy inRelation to Plagiarism, Infringement of Copyright and Infringement of MoralRights and Submission to Multiple Publications. Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed Taj wasunaware of and not complicit in any misconduct.
Dual‐phase DC–DC buck converter with light‐load performance enhancement for portable applications
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Zhao Menglian , Wu Xiaobo , Zhang Haozhou
Published: December 2017

In modern portable devices, except during short periods of busy time, application processors work at low‐power state most of the time to prolong battery life. Thus, high efficiency and low consumption are essential for their power management under light‐load conditions. This study presents a dual‐phase DC–DC buck converter with light‐load performance enhancement for power supply. As load decreases, the converter could transfer the adaptive‐on‐time‐based control strategy from pulse‐width modulation to pulse‐frequency modulation to enhance efficiency. An extra power‐save mode is introduced into design to minimise the power consumption at extremely light load. Besides, a novel current‐balance circuit with additional offset elimination block is implemented, which results in equal distribution of load current between phases over wide load range. Moreover, instead of a conventional high precision and fast response comparator, a simple comparator with self‐calibration is used in zero‐current switching circuit to reduce design complexity, as well as to improve light‐load efficiency. The converter is fabricated in 0.18‐μm Globalfoundry CMOS process. Experimental results show that91% peak efficiency and 6 µA standby quiescent current is achieved. With the aid of mode switching, current‐balance and zero‐current switching, the light‐load performance enhancement is verified by measurements.
Maiden application of an sine–cosine algorithm optimised FO cascade controller in automatic generation control of multi‐area thermal system incorporating dish‐Stirling solar and geothermal power plants
Authors: Tasnin Washima , Saikia Lalit C.
Published: December 2017

The present study highlights an attempt of integrating the geothermal power plant (GTPP) in automatic generation control of an interconnected system comprising of dish‐Stirling solar–thermal system (DSTS) and the conventional thermal system (TS). Generation rate constraints of 3%/min are considered for the TSs. A new fractional‐order (FO) cascade controller named as FO proportional (P)–integral (I)–FOP–derivative (D) (FOPI–FOPD) is proposed as secondary controller and performance is compared with commonly used classical controllers. Controller gains and other parameters are optimised using a novel stochastic algorithm called sine–cosine algorithm. The analysis reveals the superiority of FOPI–FOPD over others. The effect of inclusion of GTPP and DSTS is also analysed on the conventional TS, both in a combined manner and separately. Sensitivity analysis reflects the robustness of optimum FOPI–FOPD controller gains and other parameters obtained at nominal and recommend that the optimised parameters do not suffer much deviations and are able to withstand wide fluctuations in system operating conditions, system loading and inertia constant. The dynamic behaviour of the system is studied with 1% step load perturbation in area1.
Measurements of Forbush decreases at Mars: both by MSL on ground and by MAVEN in orbit
Authors: Guo Jingnan , Lillis Robert , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert F. , Zeitlin Cary , Simonson Patrick , Rahmati Ali , Posner Arik , Papaioannou Athanasios , Lundt Niklas , Lee Christina O. , Larson Davin , Halekas Jasper , Hassler Donald M. , Ehresmann Bent , Dunn Patrick , Böttcher Stephan
Published: December 2017

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), on board Mars Science Laboratory’s (MSL) Curiosity rover, has been measuring ground level particle fluxes along with the radiation dose rate at the surface of Mars since August 2012. Similar to neutron monitors at Earth, RAD sees many Forbush decreases (FDs) in the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) induced surface fluxes and dose rates. These FDs are associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and/or stream/corotating interaction regions (SIRs/CIRs). Orbiting above the Martian atmosphere, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft has also been monitoring space weather conditions at Mars since September 2014. The penetrating particle flux channels in the solar energetic particle (SEP) instrument onboard MAVEN can also be employed to detect FDs. For the first time, we study the statistics and properties of a list of FDs observed in-situ at Mars, seen both on the surface by MSL/RAD and in orbit detected by the MAVEN/SEP instrument. Such a list of FDs can be used for studying interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICME) propagation and SIR evolution through the inner heliosphere. The magnitudes of different FDs can be well-fitted by a power-law distribution. The systematic difference between the magnitudes of the FDs within and outside the Martian atmosphere may be mostly attributed to the energy-dependent modulation of the GCR particles by both the pass-by ICMEs/SIRs and the Martian atmosphere.
Was machen die ersten in der Schweiz wissenschaftlich ausgebildeten Physiotherapeuten heute?
Authors: Hegewald A. , Huber O. , Niedermann K. ,   Im Namen der Stiftung Physiotherapie Wissenschaften
Published: December 2017

Hintergrund: Der Studiengang Physiotherapie Wissenschaften (PTW) wurde zwischen 2002 und 2008 dreimal durchgeführt und schloss mit einem Master in Physiotherapy Science (MPTSc) ab. Er qualifizierte 53 Physiotherapeuten zu Forschungstätigkeit oder zum Transfer von wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen in die klinische Praxis.

Ziel: Untersuchung der beruflichen Entwicklung, heutigen Funktionen und Tätigkeiten der PTW-Absolventen.

Methode: Online-Querschnitt-Befragung.

Ergebnisse: Von den 34 antwortenden Absolventen (Rücklaufquote: 64 %) sind alle berufstätig, 24 (71 %) innerhalb der Physiotherapie. Die meisten hatten eine Funktion als Führungsperson, wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter, Physiotherapeuten oder Dozenten und hatten kombinierte Tätigkeiten in Klinik, Forschung und/oder Lehre. Bei 26 Personen (76 %) war für ihr Aufgabengebiet ein Master-Abschluss erforderlich. Die beste Passung zwischen im Studium erworbenen versus in der Berufstätigkeit geforderten Kenntnissen und Fähigkeiten betraf: (1) Forschungsergebnisse in die Praxis umzusetzen, (2) sich aktiv in Forschungsprojekte einzubringen, (3) Forschungsfragen aus der klinischen Praxis und anhand der wissenschaftliche Fachliteratur zu entwickeln, (4) ein aktives Wissensmanagement zu betreiben und Neuerungen im Team zu etablieren sowie (5) in einem interprofessionellen Projektteam mitzuarbeiten (40 – 79 % Zustimmung). Seit dem Master-Abschluss publizierten 23 Absolventen (68 %), und 9 Personen (26 %) schlossen ein Doktorat (PhD) ab oder waren dabei.

Schlussfolgerung: Der PTW-Abschluss bildet eine wichtige Grundlage für individuelle Berufskarrieren. Er verschafft Zugang zu Tätigkeiten in Forschung, Lehre und/oder Leitungspositionen und ermöglichte insbesondere eine wissenschaftliche Karriere einschließlich des möglichen Erwerbs eines Doktorats (PhD).
1.4.2 Radical Cyclizations
Authors: Devery J. J. , Douglas J. , Stephenson C. R. J.
Published: December 2017

This chapter details recent examples of domino radical reactions that are initiated via an intramolecular radical cyclization.
1.5.2 Lewis Acid/Base Induced Reactions
Authors: Wang S.-H. , Tu Y.-Q. , Tang M.
Published: December 2017

The efficient construction of complex molecular skeletons is always a hot topic in organic synthesis, especially in the field of natural product synthesis, where many cyclic structural motifs can be found. Under the assiduous efforts of synthetic chemists, more and more methodologies are being developed to achieve the construction of cyclic skeletons. In particular, the beauty and high efficiency of organic synthesis are expressed vividly among those transformations realized through a domino strategy. Based on these important methodologies, selected Lewis acid/base induced domino reactions leading to ring expansions, contractions, and closures are presented in this chapter.
1.6.1 Palladium-Mediated Domino Reactions
Authors: Anderson E. A.
Published: December 2017

Palladium catalysis offers excellent opportunities to engineer domino reactions, due to the ability of this transition metal to engage with a variety of electrophiles and to effect stereocontrolled bond formations in complex settings. This review covers palladium-catalyzed domino processes, categorized according to the initiating species (alkenyl-, aryl-, allyl-, allenyl-, or alkylpalladium complexes), with a particular focus on applications in natural product synthesis that exemplify more general methodology.
1.6.3 Gold-Mediated Reactions
Authors: Merino E. , Salvador A. , Nevado C.
Published: December 2017

In this review, a selection of the most relevant examples featuring gold-catalyzed domino transformations are presented. Processes catalyzed by both gold(I) and gold(III) complexes are described, including multicomponent reactions, annulations, cycloisomerizations, and cycloadditions. The scope, limitations, and mechanistic rationalization of these transformations are also provided.