bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of mutational processes and selection on driver mutations across cancer types
Authors: Temko Daniel , Tomlinson Ian P. M. , Severini Simone , Schuster-Böckler Benjamin , Graham Trevor A.
Published: May 2018

Epidemiological evidence has long associated environmental mutagens with increased cancer risk. However, links between specific mutation-causing processes and the acquisition of individual driver mutations have remained obscure. Here we have used public cancer sequencing data from 11,336 cancers of various types to infer the independent effects of mutation and selection on the set of driver mutations in a cancer type. First, we detect associations between a range of mutational processes, including those linked to smoking, ageing, APOBEC and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and the presence of key driver mutations across cancer types. Second, we quantify differential selection between well-known alternative driver mutations, including differences in selection between distinct mutant residues in the same gene. These results show that while mutational processes have a large role in determining which driver mutations are present in a cancer, the role of selection frequently dominates.
Multidimensional heuristic process for high-yield production of astaxanthin and fragrance molecules in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Congqiang , Seow Vui Yin , Chen Xixian , Too Heng-Phon
Published: May 2018

Optimization of metabolic pathways consisting of large number of genes is challenging. Multivariate modular methods (MMMs) are currently available solutions, in which reduced regulatory complexities are achieved by grouping multiple genes into modules. However, these methods work well for balancing the inter-modules but not intra-modules. In addition, application of MMMs to the 15-step heterologous route of astaxanthin biosynthesis has met with limited success. Here, we expand the solution space of MMMs and develop a multidimensional heuristic process (MHP). MHP can simultaneously balance different modules by varying promoter strength and coordinating intra-module activities by using ribosome binding sites (RBSs) and enzyme variants. Consequently, MHP increases enantiopure 3S,3′S-astaxanthin production to 184 mg l−1 day−1 or 320 mg l−1. Similarly, MHP improves the yields of nerolidol and linalool. MHP may be useful for optimizing other complex biochemical pathways.
Regulatory protein SrpA controls phage infection and core cellular processes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: You Jiajia , Sun Li , Yang Xiaojing , Pan Xuewei , Huang Zhiwei , Zhang Xixi , Gong Mengxin , Fan Zheng , Li Lingyan , Cui Xiaoli , Jing Zhaoyuan , Jin Shouguang , Rao Zhiming , Wu Weihui , Yang Hongjiang
Published: May 2018

Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind bacteria-phage interactions remains limited. Here we report that a small protein, SrpA, controls core cellular processes in response to phage infection and environmental signals in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that SrpA is essential for efficient genome replication of phage K5, and controls transcription by binding to a palindromic sequence upstream of the phage RNA polymerase gene. We identify potential SrpA-binding sites in 66 promoter regions across the P. aeruginosa genome, and experimentally validate direct binding of SrpA to some of these sites. Using transcriptomics and further experiments, we show that SrpA, directly or indirectly, regulates many cellular processes including cell motility, chemotaxis, biofilm formation, pyocyanin synthesis and protein secretion, as well as virulence in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of infection. Further research on SrpA and similar proteins, which are widely present in many other bacteria, is warranted.
Diffusion in translucent media
Authors: Shi Zhou , Genack Azriel Z.
Published: May 2018

Diffusion is the result of repeated random scattering. It governs a wide range of phenomena from Brownian motion, to heat flow through window panes, neutron flux in fuel rods, dispersion of light in human tissue, and electronic conduction. It is universally acknowledged that the diffusion approach to describing wave transport fails in translucent samples thinner than the distance between scattering events such as are encountered in meteorology, astronomy, biomedicine, and communications. Here we show in optical measurements and numerical simulations that the scaling of transmission and the intensity profiles of transmission eigenchannels have the same form in translucent as in opaque media. Paradoxically, the similarities in transport across translucent and opaque samples explain the puzzling observations of suppressed optical and ultrasonic delay times relative to predictions of diffusion theory well into the diffusive regime.
Publisher Correction: Discovery of coding regions in the human genome by integrated proteogenomics analysis workflow
Authors: Zhu Yafeng , Orre Lukas M. , Johansson Henrik J. , Huss Mikael , Boekel Jorrit , Vesterlund Mattias , Fernandez-Woodbridge Alejandro , Branca Rui M. M. , Lehtiö Janne
Published: May 2018

In the original version of this Article, extraneous text not belonging to the Article was accidentally appended to the results section. This error has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Structural basis for cofilin binding and actin filament disassembly
Authors: Tanaka Kotaro , Takeda Shuichi , Mitsuoka Kaoru , Oda Toshiro , Kimura-Sakiyama Chieko , Maéda Yuichiro , Narita Akihiro
Published: May 2018

Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) and cofilin accelerate actin dynamics by severing and disassembling actin filaments. Here, we present the 3.8 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of cofilactin (cofilin-decorated actin filament). The actin subunit structure of cofilactin (C-form) is distinct from those of F-actin (F-form) and monomeric actin (G-form). During the transition between these three conformations, the inner domain of actin (subdomains 3 and 4) and the majority of subdomain 1 move as two separate rigid bodies. The cofilin–actin interface consists of three distinct parts. Based on the rigid body movements of actin and the three cofilin–actin interfaces, we propose models for the cooperative binding of cofilin to actin, preferential binding of cofilin to ADP-bound actin filaments and cofilin-mediated severing of actin filaments.
Ultrafast probes of electron–hole transitions between two atomic layers
Authors: Wen Xiewen , Chen Hailong , Wu Tianmin , Yu Zhihao , Yang Qirong , Deng Jingwen , Liu Zhengtang , Guo Xin , Guan Jianxin , Zhang Xiang , Gong Yongji , Yuan Jiangtan , Zhang Zhuhua , Yi Chongyue , Guo Xuefeng , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Zhuang Wei , Liu Zhirong , Lou Jun , Zheng Junrong
Published: May 2018

Phase transitions of electron–hole pairs on semiconductor/conductor interfaces determine fundamental properties of optoelectronics. To investigate interfacial dynamical transitions of charged quasiparticles, however, remains a grand challenge. By employing ultrafast mid-infrared microspectroscopic probes to detect excitonic internal quantum transitions and two-dimensional atomic device fabrications, we are able to directly monitor the interplay between free carriers and insulating interlayer excitons between two atomic layers. Our observations reveal unexpected ultrafast formation of tightly bound interlayer excitons between conducting graphene and semiconducting MoSe2. The result suggests carriers in the doped graphene are no longer massless, and an effective mass as small as one percent of free electron mass is sufficient to confine carriers within a 2D hetero space with energy 10 times larger than the room-temperature thermal energy. The interlayer excitons arise within 1 ps. Their formation effectively blocks charge recombination and improves charge separation efficiency for more than one order of magnitude.
Two new cellulolytic fungal species isolated from a 19th-century art collection
Authors: Coronado-Ruiz Carolina , Avendaño Roberto , Escudero-Leyva Efraín , Conejo-Barboza Geraldine , Chaverri Priscila , Chavarría Max
Published: May 2018

The archive of the Universidad de Costa Rica maintains a nineteenth-century French collection of drawings and lithographs in which the biodeterioration by fungi is rampant. Because of nutritional conditions in which these fungi grew, we suspected that they possessed an ability to degrade cellulose. In this work our goal was to isolate and identify the fungal species responsible for the biodegradation of a nineteenth-century art collection and determine their cellulolytic activity. Fungi were isolated using potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and water-agar with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The identification of the fungi was assessed through DNA sequencing (nrDNA ITS and α-actin regions) complemented with morphological analyses. Assays for cellulolytic activity were conducted with Gram’s iodine as dye. Nineteen isolates were obtained, of which seventeen were identified through DNA sequencing to species level, belonging mainly to genera Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Penicillium and Trichoderma. For two samples that could not be identified through their ITS and α-actin sequences, a morphological analysis was conducted; they were identified as new species, named Periconia epilithographicola sp. nov. and Coniochaeta cipronana sp. nov. Qualitative tests showed that the fungal collection presents important cellulolytic activity.
Author Correction: High-quality AlN grown with a single substrate temperature below 1200 °C
Authors: Huang Chun-Pin , Gupta Kapil , Wang Chao-Hung , Liu Chuan-Pu , Lai Kun-Yu
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Decadal surface temperature trends in India based on a new high-resolution data set
Authors: Ross Robert S. , Krishnamurti T. N. , Pattnaik Sandeep , Pai D. S.
Published: May 2018

A new comprehensive surface temperature data set for India is used to document changes in Indian temperature over seven decades, in order to examine the patterns and possible effects of global warming. The data set is subdivided into pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon categories in order to study the temperature patterns in each of these periods. When the decade means in maximum, minimum and daily mean temperature for the 2000s are compared to those of the 1950s, a consistent pattern of warming is found over northwestern and southern India, and a pattern of cooling is seen in a broad zone anchored over northeastern India and extending southwestward across central India. These patterns are explained by the presence of a large region of anthropogenic brown haze over India and adjacent ocean regions. These aerosols absorb solar radiation, leading to warming of the haze layer over northeastern and central India and to cooling of the surface air beneath. The heated air rises and then sinks to the north and south of the haze region over northwestern and southern India, warming the air by compression as it sinks in those regions. The possible impact of these temperature patterns on Indian agriculture is considered.
Relationship Between Homodimeric Glucocorticoid Receptor and Transcriptional Regulation Assessed via an In Vitro Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy-Microwell System
Authors: Oasa Sho , Mikuni Shintaro , Yamamoto Johtaro , Kurosaki Tsumugi , Yamashita Daisuke , Kinjo Masataka
Published: May 2018

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a hormone-activated transcription regulatory protein involved in metabolism as well as adrenocortical responses to psychosocial stress. Ligand-activated GR localizes to the nucleus, where GR homodimers regulate gene transcription via direct binding to glucocorticoid response elements (GREs). The role of GR homodimers in transcriptional activation has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we determined the concentration of GR homodimer, and its dissociation constant (Kd), at the single-cell level, by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) combined with a microwell system. Results from dissociation constant analysis and diffusion analysis suggested that GR forms complexes with other proteins as well as homodimers. We determined the relationship between the concentration of GR homodimer and transcriptional activity using a triple-color FCS-microwell system-based fluorescent reporter assay. The binding affinity of GR to GREs was analyzed via fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). Our findings indicate that the GR homodimer is essential for activating target gene transcription.
Network recovery based on system crash early warning in a cascading failure model
Authors: Zhou Dong , Elmokashfi Ahmed
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates the possibility of saving a network that is predicted to have a cascading failure that will eventually lead to a total collapse. We model cascading failures using the recently proposed KQ model. Then predict an impending total collapse by monitoring critical slowing down indicators and subsequently attempt to prevent the total collapse of the network by adding new nodes. To this end, we systematically evaluate five node addition rules, the effect of intervention delay and network degree heterogeneity. Surprisingly, unlike for random homogeneous networks, we find that a delayed intervention is preferred for saving scale free networks. We also find that for homogeneous networks, the best strategy is to wire newly added nodes to existing nodes in a uniformly random manner. For heterogeneous networks, however, a random selection of nodes based on their degree mostly outperforms a uniform random selection. These results provide new insights into restoring networks by adding nodes after observing early warnings of an impending complete breakdown.
Virulent PB1-F2 residues: effects on fitness of H1N1 influenza A virus in mice and changes during evolution of human influenza A viruses
Authors: Alymova Irina V. , McCullers Jonathan A. , Kamal Ram P. , Vogel Peter , Green Amanda M. , Gansebom Shane , York Ian A.
Published: May 2018

Specific residues of influenza A virus (IAV) PB1-F2 proteins may enhance inflammation or cytotoxicity. In a series of studies, we evaluated the function of these virulence-associated residues in the context of different IAV subtypes in mice. Here, we demonstrate that, as with the previously assessed pandemic 1968 (H3N2) IAV, PB1-F2 inflammatory residues increase the virulence of H1N1 IAV, suggesting that this effect might be a universal feature. Combining both inflammatory and cytotoxic residues in PB1-F2 enhanced virulence further, compared to either motif alone. Residues from these virulent motifs have been present in natural isolates from human seasonal IAV of all subtypes, but there has been a trend toward a gradual reduction in the number of virulent residues over time. However, human IAV of swine and avian origin tend to have more virulent residues than do the human-adapted seasonal strains, raising the possibility that donation of PB1 segments from these zoonotic viruses may increase the severity of some seasonal human strains. Our data suggest the value of surveillance of virulent residues in both human and animal IAV to predict the severity of influenza season.
Turning Biodiesel Waste Glycerol into 1,3-Propanediol: Catalytic Performance of Sulphuric acid-Activated Montmorillonite Supported Platinum Catalysts in Glycerol Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Samudrala Shanthi Priya , Kandasamy Shalini , Bhattacharya Sankar
Published: May 2018

Direct C-O hydrogenolysis of bioglycerine to produce 1,3-propanediol selectively is a vital technology that can expand the scope of biodiesel industry and green chemical production from biomass. Herein we report sulphuric acid-activated montmorillonite clay supported platinum nanoparticles as highly effective solid acid catalysts for the selective production of 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. The catalytic performances of the catalysts were investigated in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol with a fixed bed reactor under ambient pressure. The results were found promising and showed that the activation of montmorillonite by sulphuric acid incorporated Brønsted acidity in the catalyst and significantly improved the selectivity to 1,3-propanediol. The catalytic performance of different platinum loaded catalysts was examined and 2 wt% Pt/S-MMT catalyst presented superior activity among others validating 62% 1,3-propanediol selectivity at 94% glycerol conversion. The catalytic activity of 2Pt/S-MMT was systematically investigated under varying reaction parameters including reaction temperature, hydrogen flow rate, glycerol concentration, weight hourly space velocity, and contact time to derive the optimum conditions for the reaction. The catalyst stability, reusability and structure-activity correlation were also elucidated. The high performance of the catalyst could be ascribed to well disperse Pt nanoparticles immobilized on acid-activated montmorillonite, wider pore-structure and appropriate acid sites of the catalyst.
Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4 Gamma 1 (eIF4G1) is upregulated during Prostate cancer progression and modulates cell growth and metastasis
Authors: Jaiswal Praveen Kumar , Koul Sweaty , Shanmugam Prakash S. T. , Koul Hari K.
Published: May 2018

eIF4G1, a critical component of the eIF4F complex, is required for cap-dependent mRNA translation, a process necessary for tumor growth and survival. However, the role of eIF4G1 has not been evaluated in Prostate Cancer (PCa). We observed an increased eIF4G1 protein levels in PCa tissues as compared to normal tissues. Analysis of the TCGA data revealed that eIF4G1 gene expression positively correlated with higher tumor grade and stage. Furthermore, eIF4G1 was over-expressed and or amplified, in 16% patients with metastatic PCa (SU2C/PCF Dream Team dataset) and in 59% of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients (Trento/Cornell/Broad dataset). We showed for the first time that eIF4G1 expression was increased in PCa and that increased eIF4G1 expression associated with tumor progression and metastasis. We also observed high protein levels of eIF4G1 in PCa cell lines and prostate tissues from the TRAMP model of PCa as compared to normal prostate cell line and prostate tissues from the wild type mice. Knockdown of eIF4G1 in PCa cells resulted in decreased Cyclin D1 and p-Rb protein level, cell cycle delay, reduced cell viability and proliferation, impaired clonogenic activity, reduced cell migration and decreased mRNA loading to polysomes. Treatment with eIF4G complex inhibitor also impaired prostasphere formation. eIF4G1 knockdown or treatment with eIF4G complex inhibitor sensitized CRPC cells to Enzalutamide and Bicalutamide. Our results showed that eIF4G1 plays an important role in PCa growth and therapeutic resistance. These data suggested that eIF4G1 functions as an oncoprotein and may serve as a novel target for intervention in PCa and CRPC.
Advantageous environment of micro-patterned, high-density complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor electrode array for spiral ganglion neurons cultured in vitro
Authors: Radotić Viktorija , Braeken Dries , Drviš Petar , Mattotti Marta , Kovačić Damir
Published: May 2018

This study investigated micro-patterned, high-density complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) electrode array to be used as biologically permissive environment for organization, guidance and electrical stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). SGNs extracted and isolated from cochleae of P5-P7 rat pups and adult guinea pigs were cultured 1, 4 and 7 days in vitro on glass coverslips (control) and CMOS electrode array. The cultures were analyzed visually and immunohistochemically for SGN presence, outgrowth, neurite alignment, neurite length, neurite asymmetry as well as the contact of a neuronal soma and neurites with the micro-electrodes. Our findings indicate that topographical environment of CMOS chip with micro-patterned pillars enhanced growth, survival, morphology, neural orientation and alignment of SGNs in vitro compared to control. Smaller spacing (0.8–1.6 µm) between protruding pillars on CMOS led SGNs to develop structured and guided neurites oriented along three topographical axes separated by 60°. We found morphological basis for positioning of the micro-electrodes on the chip that was appropriate for direct contact of SGNs with them. This configuration allowed CMOS electrode array to electrically stimulate the SGN whose responses were observed with live Fluo 4 calcium imaging.
Scalable Surface Microstructuring by a Fiber Laser for Controlled Nucleate Boiling Performance of High- and Low-Surface-Tension Fluids
Authors: Gregorčič Peter , Zupančič Matevž , Golobič Iztok
Published: May 2018

Nucleate boiling enables effective cooling and heat transfer at low temperature differences between a heated surface and the surrounding fluid. It is utilized in many applications, ranging from large power plants to small microelectronics. To enhance the boiling process by minimization of the surface temperature and increase the maximum attainable heat flux, several approaches for surface modifications were recently developed. However, each of them has at least one important drawback, including challenging and expensive production, mechanical and/or thermal instability or problematic scale-up. Herein, a straightforward, robust and flexible method using a nanosecond fiber laser for production of surfaces with multi-scale micro-cavities (with diameters ranging from 0.2 to 10 μm) is developed. Examination of these surfaces in two very contrasting fluids - water, which is polar, has high surface tension and high latent heat of vaporization; and non-polar, dielectric tetradecafluorohexane (FC-72) with low surface tension and much lower latent heat - confirms that such surfaces enable enhanced heat transfer and controlled boiling in combination with diverse fluids. This demonstration suggests that the developed method has the potential to overcome the current limitations for further miniaturization of microelectronic devices and to increase performance and safety in high heat flux systems.
Wettability and friction control of a stainless steel surface by combining nanosecond laser texturing and adsorption of superhydrophobic nanosilica particles
Authors: Conradi M. , Drnovšek A. , Gregorčič P.
Published: May 2018

In this work, we present functionalization of AISI 316 L surfaces by nanosecond Nd:YAG laser texturing and adsorption of superhydrophobic fluoroalkylsilane functionalized 30-nm silica nanoparticles. Surface modification by varying the distance between laser-produced micro(μ)-channels leads to different surface roughnesses. After nanosilica coating, the superhydrophilic laser-textured surfaces change into superhydrophobic surfaces with the same μ-roughness. A higher μ-channel density leads to more hydrophobic surfaces after coating. This enables a study of the combined effect of surface wettability and morphology on the friction coefficient and wear resistance. Experiments were performed in dry and water environments. In the case of dry friction, increased μ-roughness leads to a higher friction coefficient, and the water-repellency modification by nanosilica particles has no influence on the tribological behaviour. In contrast, in the water environment, the wettability presents an important contribution to the properties of contact surfaces: hydrophobic surfaces exhibit a lower friction coefficient, especially at higher densities of μ-channels. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of surfaces before and after the tribological experiments is performed, revealing the difference in weight % of Si in the worn surface compared to the unworn surface, which varies according to the nature of the surface morphology due to laser texturing in both dry and water environments.
Real-world use of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yi-Sheng , Lee Wan-Ju , Lim Chen-Chee , Wang Shih-Hao , Hsu Sheng-Min , Chen Yi-Chian , Cheng Chia-Yi , Teng Yu-Ti , Huang Yi-Hsun , Lai Chun-Chieh , Tseng Sung-Huei
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the “real-world” use of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in Taiwan and assessed the visual outcome. We reviewed the medical records at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan, during 2012–2014 for 264 consecutive eyes of 229 patients with nAMD, who applied for ranibizumab covered by national health insurance. A total of 194 eyes (73.5%) in 179 patients (65.5% men; mean ± standard deviation age 69.4 ± 10.7 years) were pre-approved for treatment. Applications for treatment increased year by year, but approval rates decreased during this time. The major causes of rejection for funding were diseases mimicking nAMD, including macular pucker/epiretinal membrane, macular scarring, dry-type AMD, and possible polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. After completion of three injections in 147 eyes, visual acuity significantly improved, gaining ≥1 line in 51.8% of eyes and stabilising in 38.3% of 141 eyes in which visual acuity was measured. The 114 eyes approved with only one application had a better visual outcome than the 27 eyes approved after the second or third applications. In conclusion, ranibizumab is effective for nAMD; however, approval after the second or third application for national health insurance cover is a less favourable predictor of visual outcome.
Nutrient depletion-induced production of tri-acylated glycerophospholipids in Acinetobacter radioresistens
Authors: Luo Yu , Javed Muhammad Afzal , Deneer Harry , Chen Xialu
Published: May 2018

Bacteria inhabit a vast range of biological niches and have evolved diverse mechanisms to cope with environmental stressors. The genus Acinetobacter comprises a complex group of Gram-negative bacteria. Some of these bacteria such as A. baumannii are nosocomial pathogens. They are often resistant to multiple antibiotics and are associated with epidemic outbreaks. A. radioresistens is generally considered to be a commensal bacterium on human skin or an opportunistic pathogen. Interestingly, this species has exceptional resistance to a range of environmental challenges which contributes to its persistence in clinical environment and on human skin. We studied changes in its lipid composition induced by the onset of stationary phase. This strain produced triglycerides (TG) as well as four common phospholipids: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), cardiolipin (CL) and lysocardiolipin (LCL). It also produced small amounts of acyl-phosphatidylglycerol (APG). As the bacterial growth entered the stationary phase, the lipidome switched from one dominated by PE and PG to another dominated by CL and LCL. Surprisingly, bacteria in the stationary phase produced N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) and another rare lipid we tentatively name as 1-phosphatidyl-2-acyl-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (PAGPE) based on tandem mass spectrometry. It is possible these tri-acylated lipids play an important role in coping with nutrient depletion.
Exploring DNA quality of single cells for genome analysis with simultaneous whole-genome amplification
Authors: Bäumer Christiane , Fisch Evelyn , Wedler Holger , Reinecke Frank , Korfhage Christian
Published: May 2018

Single cell genome analysis methods are powerful tools to define features of single cells and to identify differences between them. Since the DNA amount of a single cell is very limited, cellular DNA usually needs to be amplified by whole-genome amplification before being subjected to further analysis. A single nucleus only contains two haploid genomes. Thus, any DNA damage that prevents amplification results in loss of damaged DNA sites and induces an amplification bias. Therefore, the assessment of single cell DNA quality is urgently required. As of today, there is no simple method to determine the quality of a single cell DNA in a manner that will still retain the entire cellular DNA for amplification and downstream analysis. Here, we describe a method for whole-genome amplification with simultaneous quality control of single cell DNA by using a competitive spike-in DNA template.
Effect of Bmi1 over-expression on gene expression in adult and embryonic murine neural stem cells
Authors: Ganapathi Mythily , Boles Nathan C. , Charniga Carol , Lotz Steven , Campbell Melissa , Temple Sally , Morse Randall H.
Published: May 2018

The ability of isolated neural stem cells (NSCs) to proliferate as neurospheres is indicative of their competence as stem cells, and depends critically on the polycomb group (PcG) member Bmi1: knockdown of Bmi1 results in defective proliferation and self-renewal of isolated NSCs, whereas overexpression of Bmi1 enhances these properties. Here we report genome-wide changes in gene expression in embryonic and adult NSCs (eNSCs and aNSCs) caused by overexpression of Bmi1. We find that genes whose expression is altered by perturbations in Bmi1 levels in NSCs are mostly distinct from those affected in other multipotent stem/progenitor cells, such as those from liver and lung, aside from a small core of common targets that is enriched for genes associated with cell migration and mobility. We also show that genes differing in expression between prospectively isolated quiescent and activated NSCs are not affected by Bmi1 overexpression. In contrast, a comparison of genes showing altered expression upon Bmi1 overexpression in eNSCs and in aNSCs reveals considerable overlap, in spite of their different provenances in the brain and their differing developmental programs.
Frequency and Associated Factors of Bone Fractures in Russians: The Ural Eye and Medical Study
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Fayzrakhmanov Rinat R. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Zainullin Rinat M. , Salavatova Venera F. , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Arslangareeva Inga I. , Nikitin Nikolai A. , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Mukhamadieva Svetlana R. , Yakupova Dilya F. , Khikmatullin Renat I. , Aminev Said K. , Nuriev Ildar F. , Zaynetdinov Artur F. , Uzianbaeva Yulia V. , Jonas Jost B.
Published: May 2018

With information about frequency of bone fractures in Russia mostly missing, we assessed the frequency of previous bone fractures in a Russian population. The population-based study Ural Eye and Medical Study included 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible individuals (mean age: 59.0 ± 10.7 years; range: 40–94 years). The history of previous bone fractures was assessed in a standardized interview for 5397 (91.5%) individuals. Mean frequency of any previous bone fracture was 1650/5397 (30.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 29, 3, 31.8). In multivariate analysis, higher frequency of bone fractures was associated with male sex (P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 1.67; 95% CI: 1.41, 2.00), urban region (P < 0.001; OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.72), higher prevalence of vigorous activity during leisure (P < 0.001; OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.68), current smoking (P = 0.001; OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.82) and higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.007; OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.56), low blood pressure episodes with hospital admission (P = 0.001; OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.16), tumbling (P < 0.001; OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.16) and thoracic spine pain (P < 0.001; OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.73). In women, menopause (P < 0.001; OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.47, 3.22) was additionally associated. The most common single-bone fractures involved leg and knee (229/5397; 4.2%), hand in general (n = 169; 3.1%) or hand wrist only (n = 97; 1.8%), arm (n = 94; 1.7%) and ankle (n = 67; 1.2%). Severe fractures included spine (n = 35; 0.6%), os sacrum (n = 10; 0.2%), skull (n = 6; 0.1%), pelvis (n = 5; 0.1%) and hip (n = 22; 0.4%). Most frequent combined fractures included as most important part the leg (n = 90; 1.7%), spine (n = 18; 0.3%), and hip (n = 18; 0.3). These data give hints on the epidemiology of bone fractures in Russia.
Prognostic impact of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes on patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma receiving platinum based chemotherapy
Authors: Huang Hui-Shan , Su Harvey Yu-Li , Li Pei-Hsu , Chiang Po-Hui , Huang Cheng-Hua , Chen Chien-Hsu , Hsieh Meng-Che
Published: May 2018

The impact of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) on survival was confirmed in various cancer types. Our study aims to investigate the prognostic role of TILs on survival in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) receiving platinum based chemotherapy. Patients who were diagnosed to have pathologically proved mUC between 1997 and 2016 and received palliative chemotherapy with platinum based regimen were recruited into our study. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were constructed for overall survival (OS). A total of 259 mUC patients were enrolled into our study with median age 63 years and median follow-up visit 13.5 months. Of these patients, 179 (69%) had intense TILs and 80 (31%) had non-intense TILs. The median OS were 15.7 vs. 6.7 months (P = < 0.001) for patients with intense TILs and non-intense TILs, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that TILs was both prognostically significant no matter for urothelial carcinoma of bladder and upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Multivariate analysis showed that TILs were strongly prognostic factors related to OS. Our study suggested mUC patients with intense TILs were independently associated with survival. Based on our study, TILs is clinically useful for outcomes anticipation and risk stratification, as well as patients counseling.
Tailoring of structured hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-stabilized emulsions for encapsulation of nobiletin: modification of the oil and aqueous phases
Authors: Sun Gege , Lei Lingling , Chen Huanle , Li Bin , Cao YanPing , Li Yan
Published: May 2018

HPMC as emulsifier inhibited the migration of nobiletin crystals. The physical stability and digestion fate of nobiletin depended on the emulsion structure.
Rechargeable aqueous zinc–iodine batteries: pore confining mechanism and flexible device application
Authors: Li Yixin , Liu Luojia , Li Haixia , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: May 2018

Confining iodine in the micropores of carbon cloth suppresses unfavorable triiodide intermediates and enables superior performance of assembled flexible zinc–iodine batteries.
Bowl-in-bowl complex formation with mixed sized calixarenes: adaptivity towards guest binding
Authors: Dawn Arnab , Eisenhart Andrew , Mirzamani Marzieh , Beck Thomas L. , Kumari Harshita
Published: May 2018

Adaptive self-assembled host systems created by partial overlapping of C-methylresorcin[4]arene with either calix[6]arene or calix[8]arene supramolecularly in a tail-to-head manner are reported.
Pressure-induced strong ferroelectric polarization in tetra-phase perovskite CsPbBr3
Authors: Zhao Yu-Qing , Ma Qi-Rui , Liu Biao , Yu Zhuo-Liang , Cai Meng-Qiu
Published: May 2018

Ab initio simulations combined with the Berry phase method are employed to investigate ferroelectric polarization of tetragonal CsPbBr3 crystals by applying hydrostatic pressure varying from 0 to 19 GPa. We find 15 Gpa is the critical pressure to induce para-electric phase transition.
Ultrafast dissociation features in RIXS spectra of the water molecule
Authors: Ertan Emelie , Savchenko Viktoriia , Ignatova Nina , Vaz da Cruz Vinícius , Couto Rafael C. , Eckert Sebastian , Fondell Mattis , Dantz Marcus , Kennedy Brian , Schmitt Thorsten , Pietzsch Annette , Föhlisch Alexander , Gel'mukhanov Faris , Odelius Michael , Kimberg Victor
Published: May 2018

The “pseudo-atomic” peak is formed significantly faster than the atomic-like peak in water RIXS.
Open-cell voltage and electrical conductivity of a protonic ceramic electrolyte under two chemical potential gradients
Authors: Ji Ho-Il , Kim Hyoungchul , Lee Hae-Weon , Kim Byung-Kook , Son Ji-Won , Yoon Kyung Joong , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: May 2018

Theoretical open-circuit voltage and electrical conductivity of BZY20 at 500 °C under O2and H2O chemical potential gradients in a range of interest for protonic ceramic fuel cells are investigated.
Ultrafast excited state decay of natural UV filters: from intermolecular hydrogen bonds to a conical intersection
Authors: Sherin Peter S. , Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Vauthey Eric , Benassi Enrico
Published: May 2018

An unsaturated bond in the side chain leads to the ultrafast decay of the excited statesviaa conical intersection independent of solvent properties.
Catalyst-free lignin valorization by acetoacetylation. Structural elucidation by comparison with model compounds
Authors: Krall Eric M. , Serum Eric M. , Sibi Mukund P. , Webster Dean C.
Published: May 2018

Indulin AT Kraft lignin has been chemically modified without a catalyst by reaction with t-butyl acetoacetate.
Design, synthesis and bioactivity investigation of tetrandrine derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents
Authors: Song Junrong , Lan Junjie , Chen Chao , Hu Shengcao , Song Jialei , Liu Wulin , Zeng Xueyi , Lou Huayong , Ben-David Yaacov , Pan Weidong
Published: May 2018

Twenty-four 14-sulfonamide–tetrandrine derivatives were synthesized. Compound23exhibited growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50value of 1.18 ± 0.14 μM.
Quantifying conventional C–H⋯π(aryl) and unconventional C–H⋯π(chelate) interactions in dinuclear Cu(ii) complexes: experimental observations, Hirshfeld surface and theoretical DFT study
Authors: Maity Tithi , Mandal Haridas , Bauzá Antonio , Samanta Bidhan Chandra , Frontera Antonio , Seth Saikat Kumar
Published: May 2018

Conventional C–H⋯π(aryl) and unconventional C–H⋯π(chelate) interactions are explored in detail.
A non-invasive nanoparticle mediated delivery of triamcinolone acetonide ameliorates diabetic retinopathy in rats
Authors: Mahaling Binapani , Srinivasarao Dadi A. , Raghu G. , Kasam Rajesh K. , Bhanuprakash Reddy G. , Katti Dhirendra S.
Published: May 2018

A non-invasive, sustained release, polymeric nanoparticulate drug delivery system offers high retinal drug bioavailability so as to enable treatment of retinal complications effectively.
High-throughput optical thickness and size characterization of 2D materials
Authors: Dickinson William W. , Kumar Harish V. , Adamson Douglas H. , Schniepp Hannes C.
Published: May 2018

We describe a method using simple optical microscopy and image processing that simultaneously characterizes thousands of nanosheets in a sample area on the order of 1 mm2.
Biodegradable multi-walled carbon nanotubes trigger anti-tumoral effects
Authors: González-Lavado E. , Iturrioz-Rodríguez N. , Padín-González E. , González J. , García-Hevia L. , Heuts J. , Pesquera C. , González F. , Villegas J. C. , Valiente R. , Fanarraga M. L.
Published: May 2018

Mild oxidation treatments improve thein vitroandin vivomacrophage biodegradation of carbon nanotubes that trigger remarkable anti-tumoral effects in malignant melanoma solid tumors produced in mice.
AIE-active boron complexes based on benzothiazole–hydrazone chelates
Authors: Duan Wenzeng , Liu Qingsong , Huo Yanmin , Cui Jichun , Gong Shuwen , Liu Zhipeng
Published: May 2018

A new family of benzothiazole–hydrazone-based monoboron and bisboron complexes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was developed.
Mild and efficient synthesis of indoles and isoquinolonesviaa nickel-catalyzed Larock-type heteroannulation reaction
Authors: Weng Wei-Zhi , Xie Jian , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2018

A simple and mild approach for the preparation of substituted indoles and isoquinolonesviaa nickel-catalyzed Larock-type heteroannulation reaction is reported.
Synthesis and characterization of α-diamine palladium complexes and insight into hybridization effects of nitrogen donor atoms on norbornene (co)polymerizations
Authors: Zheng Ting , Liao Heng , Gao Jie , Zhong Liu , Gao Haiyang , Wu Qing
Published: May 2018

Hybridization effects of nitrogen donor atoms showed that the α-diamine palladium catalyst more easily produced highly active Pd2+cations for norbornene (co)polymerization.
Preparation of poly(lactic acid)/graphene oxide nanofiber membranes with different structures by electrospinning for drug delivery
Authors: Mao Zhou , Li Jialiang , Huang Wenjie , Jiang Hao , Zimba Bhahat Lawlley , Chen Li , Wan Jiangling , Wu Qingzhi
Published: May 2018

PLA/GO nanofiber membrane with the co-axial structure exhibited the improved mechanical properties, which is also beneficial to separately loading different drugs in core-/sheath-structure and suppressing the initial burst release of drugs.
Shape-dependent adjuvanticity of nanoparticle-conjugated RNA adjuvants for intranasal inactivated influenza vaccines
Authors: Tazaki Taiyu , Tabata Koshiro , Ainai Akira , Ohara Yuki , Kobayashi Shintaro , Ninomiya Takafumi , Orba Yasuko , Mitomo Hideyuki , Nakano Tetsuo , Hasegawa Hideki , Ijiro Kuniharu , Sawa Hirofumi , Suzuki Tadaki , Niikura Kenichi
Published: May 2018

Conjugation with gold nanorods enhanced the adjuvanticity of RNA adjuvant for intranasal inactivated influenza vaccines, providing efficient protection against infection in mice.
Latest perspectives of orally bioavailable 2,4-diarylaminopyrimidine analogues (DAAPalogues) as anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors: discovery and clinical developments
Authors: Latif Muhammad , Ashraf Zaman , Basit Sulman , Ghaffar Abdul , Zafar Muhammad Sohail , Saeed Aamer , Meo Sultan Ayoub
Published: May 2018

This review describes hit-to-drug evolution milestones, synthetic strategies and clinical significance of novel DAAPalogues discovered for ALK inhibition which are either progressing as investigational or preclinical candidates to treat the patients with ALK+-NSCLC.
Double-layered microsphere based dual growth factor delivery system for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Xu Chun , Xu Jia , Xiao Lan , Li Zhihao , Xiao Yin , Dargusch Matthew , Lei Chang , He Yan , Ye Qingsong
Published: May 2018

Microsphere based drug delivery systems show great advantages for tissue engineering.
Effect of graphene oxide inclusion on the optical reflection of a silica photonic crystal film
Authors: Lee Cheng Hao , Yu Jiali , Wang Yanming , Tang Alan Yiu Lun , Kan Chi Wai , Xin John H.
Published: May 2018

In this study, the inclusion of graphene oxide in silica photonic crystals was found to affect optical reflectance intensity and reflectance peak broadening.
Luminescence property tuning of Yb3+-Er3+ doped oxysulfide using multiple-band co-excitation
Authors: Wanga Hong , Yin Xiumei , Xing Mingming , Fu Yao , Tian Ying , Pang Tao , Feng Xin , Jiang Tao , Luo Xixian
Published: May 2018

The emission intensity of the sample excited by dual-wavelength (980 and 1510 nm) is 3.2 times than the sum of UCL emission under the two single wavelength excitation.
Tropylium-promoted carbonyl–olefin metathesis reactions
Authors: Tran Uyen P. N. , Oss Giulia , Pace Domenic P. , Ho Junming , Nguyen Thanh V.
Published: May 2018

The non-benzenoid aromatic tropylium ion acts as an efficient promoter for carbonyl–olefin metathesis reactions.
A DFT-based mechanistic proposal for the light-driven insertion of dioxygen into Pt(ii)–C bonds
Authors: Fernández-Alvarez Victor M. , Ho Sarah K. Y. , Britovsek George J. P. , Maseras Feliu
Published: May 2018

DFT calculations explain how substituents control dioxygen insertion in Pt(ii) methyl complexes.
Cobalt-catalysed alkene hydrogenation: a metallacycle can explain the hydroxyl activating effect and the diastereoselectivity
Authors: Morello Glenn R. , Zhong Hongyu , Chirik Paul J. , Hopmann Kathrin H.
Published: May 2018

A new non-redox metallacycle mechanism explains the substrate preference, the diastereoselectivity, and the hydroxyl activating effect in cobalt-catalyzed alkene hydrogenation.
Children's Speech Perception in Noise: Evidence for Dissociation From Language and Working Memory
Authors: Magimairaj Beula M. , Nagaraj Naveen K. , Benafield Natalie J.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

We examined the association between speech perception in noise (SPIN), language abilities, and working memory (WM) capacity in school-age children. Existing studies supporting the Ease of Language Understanding (ELU) model suggest that WM capacity plays a significant role in adverse listening situations.

Method

Eighty-three children between the ages of 7 to 11 years participated. The sample represented a continuum of individual differences in attention, memory, and language abilities. All children had normal-range hearing and normal-range nonverbal IQ. Children completed the Bamford–Kowal–Bench Speech-in-Noise Test (BKB-SIN; Etymotic Research, 2005), a selective auditory attention task, and multiple measures of language and WM.

Results

Partial correlations (controlling for age) showed significant positive associations among attention, memory, and language measures. However, BKB-SIN did not correlate significantly with any of the other measures. Principal component analysis revealed a distinct WM factor and a distinct language factor. BKB-SIN loaded robustly as a distinct 3rd factor with minimal secondary loading from sentence recall and short-term memory. Nonverbal IQ loaded as a 4th factor.

Conclusions

Results did not support an association between SPIN and WM capacity in children. However, in this study, a single SPIN measure was used. Future studies using multiple SPIN measures are warranted. Evidence from the current study supports the use of BKB-SIN as clinical measure of speech perception ability because it was not influenced by variation in children's language and memory abilities. More large-scale studies in school-age children are needed to replicate the proposed role played by WM in adverse listening situations.
Infant–Mother Acoustic–Prosodic Alignment and Developmental Risk
Authors: Seidl Amanda , Cristia Alejandrina , Soderstrom Melanie , Ko Eon-Suk , Abel Emily A. , Kellerman Ashleigh , Schwichtenberg A. J.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

One promising early marker for autism and other communicative and language disorders is early infant speech production. Here we used daylong recordings of high- and low-risk infant–mother dyads to examine whether acoustic–prosodic alignment as well as two automated measures of infant vocalization are related to developmental risk status indexed via familial risk and developmental progress at 36 months of age.

Method

Automated analyses of the acoustics of daylong real-world interactions were used to examine whether pitch characteristics of one vocalization by the mother or the child predicted those of the vocalization response by the other speaker and whether other features of infants' speech in daylong recordings were associated with developmental risk status or outcomes.

Results

Low-risk and high-risk dyads did not differ in the level of acoustic–prosodic alignment, which was overall not significant. Further analyses revealed that acoustic–prosodic alignment did not predict infants' later developmental progress, which was, however, associated with two automated measures of infant vocalizations (daily vocalizations and conversational turns).

Conclusions

Although further research is needed, these findings suggest that automated measures of vocalizations drawn from daylong recordings are a possible early identification tool for later developmental progress/concerns.

Supplemental Material

https://osf.io/cdn3v/