bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodamine‐Isonicotinic Hydrazide Analogue: A Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Nanomolar Detection of Picric Acid in Aqueous Media
Authors: Sakthivel Perumal , Sekar Karuppannan , Singaravadivel Subramanian , Sivaraman Gandhi
Published: April 2019

Rhodamine dye containing Isonicotinic hydrazide (RBN‐1) is synthesized for the sensing of nitro aromatics, the probe showed turn‐on fluorescence with Picric acid in co‐existence with other interfering nitro aromatics. The sensor RBN‐1 can be used for naked eye detection of picric acid with the detection limit of 37.3 nM in solution. The RBN‐1+PA complexation involves intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the pyridine N and the hydroxyl group of PA. The observed photophysical changes of RBN‐1 with Picric acid is attributed to the spirolactam ring opening. The effective sensing ability of RBN‐1 is tested in real water samples and paper strip experiments, the results are in good agreement with the pilot analysis.
Development of One‐Step Water‐Repellent and Flame‐Retardant Finishes for Cotton
Authors: Abdelrahman Meram S. , Khattab Tawfik A.
Published: April 2019

Pyrovatex is a well‐known commercial flame‐retardant which is commonly applied for cotton fibers. Unfortunately, Pyrovatex has the concern of discharging toxic formaldehyde, and additionally it necessitates formaldehyde‐based cross‐linking agents to enhance the flame retardant character and durability. Thus, formaldehyde level is considerably increased in the treated cotton fabrics. Herein, we develop a simple approach toward superhydrophobic and flame‐retardant coating for cotton fabrics. We apply one‐bath pad‐dry‐cure technique in absence of formaldehyde which is usually applied as a cross‐linker for the application and fixation of the Pyrovatex flame‐retardant. Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone was employed as a formaldehyde free cross‐linking agent which allowed using Pyrovatex at lower concentration compared to commercial cross‐linkers. The flame retardancy of the fabric was improved as a result of the higher bonding of Pyrovatex with both cotton fibers and RTV which in turn was bonded to cotton fibers too. Only 150 g/L of Pyrovatex with RTV silicone introduced much better flame retardant efficiency than applying 450–500 g/L of Pyrovatex ACS alone. Furthermore, RTV silicone further improved the water‐repellent effect on the fabric surface. Washing properties of the treated cotton fabrics proved durability. The surface morphology and comfort properties of the treated cotton was explored.
An Intramolecular Charge Transfer Induced Fluorescent Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Mercury (II) and its Self‐Turn‐On Inside Live Cells at Physiological pH
Authors: Kumar Alok , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar , Jana Gourhari , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Nayak Santoshi , Ghosh Sudip K.
Published: April 2019

A new turn‐on fluorescence small‐molecular dicarboxylic acid functionalized chemosensor (L2) has been designed strategically. The bidentate ligand (L2) is exceedingly selective for the sensing of HgII ions over other heavy‐metal ions, and exhibits excellent resolution on imaging living cells in‐vitro. The HgII binding mechanism by the probe occurs selectively through lone pair of electrons from imine nitrogens, which was established by using 1H NMR titrations, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). The free acid protons facilitated enhanced fluorescence intensity upon shift at deprotonation and gave a 50 nm hypsochromic at slight basic medium. The para‐ and meta‐positions of imine nitrogen atoms with respect to the donor (NH2) inducing the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The designed probe has high sensitivity to mercury(II) ions, excellent cell membrane permeability and negligible cytotoxicity, which result in bright and specific detection of HgII in living cells (HeLa cells) by fluorescence turn‐on at physiological pH. Further, the strategic approach executed in this work would be useful to design new chemosensors for sensing of different molecules or ions in future.
Epitaxial Growth of 6 in. Single‐Crystalline Graphene on a Cu/Ni (111) Film at 750 °C via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhang Xuefu , Wu Tianru , Jiang Qi , Wang Huishan , Zhu Hailong , Chen Zhiying , Jiang Ren , Niu Tianchao , Li Zhuojun , Zhang Youwei , Qiu Zhijun , Yu Guanghui , Li Ang , Qiao Shan , Wang Haomin , Yu Qingkai , Xie Xiaoming
Published: April 2019

The future electronic application of graphene highly relies on the production of large‐area high‐quality single‐crystal graphene. However, the growth of single‐crystal graphene on different substrates via either single nucleation or seamless stitching is carried out at a temperature of 1000 °C or higher. The usage of this high temperature generates a variety of problems, including complexity of operation, higher contamination, metal evaporation, and wrinkles owing to the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients between the substrate and graphene. Here, a new approach for the fabrication of ultraflat single‐crystal graphene using Cu/Ni (111)/sapphire wafers at lower temperature is reported. It is found that the temperature of epitaxial growth of graphene using Cu/Ni (111) can be reduced to 750 °C, much lower than that of earlier reports on catalytic surfaces. Devices made of graphene grown at 750 °C have a carrier mobility up to ≈9700 cm2V−1s−1at room temperature. This work shines light on a way toward a much lower temperature growth of high‐quality graphene in single crystallinity, which could benefit future electronic applications.
TNF-Stimulated Gene-6 Is a Key Regulator in Switching Stemness and Biological Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Romano Barbara , Elangovan Sudharshan , Erreni Marco , Sala Emanuela , Petti Luciana , Kunderfranco Paolo , Massimino Luca , Restelli Silvia , Sinha Shruti , Lucchetti Donatella , Anselmo Achille , Colombo Federico Simone , Stravalaci Matteo , Arena Vincenzo , D'Alessio Silvia , Ungaro Federica , Inforzato Antonio , Izzo Angelo A. , Sgambato Alessandro , Day Anthony J. , Vetrano Stefania
Published: April 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well established to have promising therapeutic properties. TNF-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a potent tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory factor, has been demonstrated to be responsible for a significant part of the tissue-protecting properties mediated by MSCs. Nevertheless, current knowledge about the biological function of TSG-6 in MSCs is limited. Here, we demonstrated that TSG-6 is a crucial factor that influences many functional properties of MSCs. The transcriptomic sequencing analysis of wild-type (WT) and TSG-6−/−-MSCs shows that the loss of TSG-6 expression leads to the perturbation of several transcription factors, cytokines, and other key biological pathways. TSG-6−/−-MSCs appeared morphologically different with dissimilar cytoskeleton organization, significantly reduced size of extracellular vesicles, decreased cell proliferative rate, and loss of differentiation abilities compared with the WT cells. These cellular effects may be due to TSG-6-mediated changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. The supplementation of ECM with exogenous TSG-6, in fact, rescued cell proliferation and changes in morphology. Importantly, TSG-6-deficient MSCs displayed an increased capacity to release interleukin-6 conferring pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic properties to the MSCs. Overall, our data provide strong evidence that TSG-6 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness and other biological properties of murine MSCs.
Navigating Award‐Winning Nonfiction Children's Literature
Authors: Smith Jennifer M. , Robertson Marla K.
Published: April 2019

Nonfiction children's literature has changed in recent years, including an increase in organizational, design, and text features. The authors conducted a content analysis of 112 nonfiction award‐winning and honor books from 2000 to 2018 to examine how the books have changed over time. The authors discuss the patterns, changes, and complexities found in nonfiction children's literature and provide text sets and guiding questions for classroom instruction and exploration of three features that appear in books in a variety of ways and may be challenging for students: atypical text, graphics with information, and supplemental expository information.
The Byzantine canonical scholia: a case study in reading Byzantine manuscript marginalia
Authors: Wagschal David
Published: April 2019

The scholia to the canonical manuscripts of theCollection in Fifty TitlesandCollection in Fourteen Titlesserve as an excellent case study in the potentials of marginalia to illuminate historical narratives and broaden our understanding of how the Byzantines encountered and read their traditional texts. This article explores these potentials by a) offering an overview and taxonomy of the canonical scholia; b) (re)discovering a Macedonian ‘proto-commentator’ hiding in plain sight in the margins of one manuscript; c) sketching some of the scholia's hermeneutic particularities in comparison to the twelfth-century canonical commentaries.
The naming of Byzantium and the Old FrenchPartonopeus de Blois
Authors: Černáková Zuzana
Published: April 2019

This paper draws attention to the twelfth-century French romance Partonopeus de Blois and its author's original use of the name ‘Byzantium’ instead of conventional ‘Greek’ or ‘Constantinopolitan Empire’. It investigates roots of the modern-day belief that the term has been applied as a designation of the medieval state only since the sixteenth century. A linguistic and literary analysis challenges the premise and explores possible scenarios of the name's introduction into the Old French text. A suggested interpretation de-emphasizes the popular east-west ideological context in favour of simpler story-telling concerns.
Strategic satisficing: Civil-military relations and French intervention in Africa
Authors: DeVore Marc R.
Published: April 2019

Few issues are more important yet less understood than outside interventions in intra-state conflicts. Under what circumstances do intervening states further their interests and when, contrarily, do they plunge into quagmires? France is a critical case. It is, statistically, the world’s second intervenor and earned the sobriquet of Africa’s gendarme through frequent interventions in African wars. The ability of such a medium-sized state to intervene with greater regularity and ostensible success than larger powers raises questions about how France manages its interventions. Do French interventions draw on the French Army’s distinctive ‘school’ of population-centric counterinsurgency, which emphasises the need to militarise governance in pursuit of comprehensive victories? Or do the French Fifth Republic’s civil-military institutions encourage policymakers to carefully regulate force’s employment in pursuit of limited ends? This study draws on declassified archives to test which approach most characterises French interventions. To preview my conclusions, strategic satisficing – the use of minimal force for short durations to produce satisfactory outcomes – distinguishes the Fifth Republic’s interventions from other powers’ practices and prior French counterinsurgencies. This particular form of interventionism enables France to influence a large number of intra-state conflicts and maintain a network of security agreements with African states.
KRIPKE COMPLETENESS OF STRICTLY POSITIVE MODAL LOGICS OVER MEET-SEMILATTICES WITH OPERATORS
Authors: KIKOT STANISLAV , KURUCZ AGI , TANAKA YOSHIHITO , WOLTER FRANK , ZAKHARYASCHEV MICHAEL
Published: April 2019

Our concern is the completeness problem for spi-logics, that is, sets of implications between strictly positive formulas built from propositional variables, conjunction and modal diamond operators. Originated in logic, algebra and computer science, spi-logics have two natural semantics: meet-semilattices with monotone operators providing Birkhoff-style calculi and first-order relational structures (aka Kripke frames) often used as the intended structures in applications. Here we lay foundations for a completeness theory that aims to answer the question whether the two semantics define the same consequence relations for a given spi-logic.
Consumption of plant extract supplement reduces platelet activating factor-induced platelet aggregation and increases platelet activating factor catabolism: a randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gavriil Lamprini , Detopoulou Maria , Petsini Filio , Antonopoulou Smaragdi , Fragopoulou Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent mediator of inflammation that plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement containing mainly plant extracts on PAF actions and metabolism in healthy volunteers. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8 weeks’ duration study was performed. Healthy volunteers were randomly allocated into the supplement or the placebo group and fifty-eight of them completed the study. The supplement contained plant extracts (Aloe gel, grape juice, Polygonum cuspidatum) and vitamins. The activities of PAF metabolic enzymes: the two isoforms of acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase, cytidine 5’-diphospho-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-cholinephosphotransferase) and platelet-activating factor–acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in leucocytes and lipoprotein associated phospholipase-A2 in plasma were measured along with several markers of endothelial function. Platelet aggregation against PAF, ADP and thrombin receptor activating peptide was measured in human platelet-rich plasma by light transmission aggregometry. No difference was observed on soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, sP-selectin and IL-6 levels at the beginning or during the study period between the two groups. Concerning PAF metabolism enzymes’ activity, no difference was observed at baseline between the groups. PAF-AH activity was only increased in the supplement group at 4 and 8 weeks compared with baseline levels. In addition, supplement consumption led to lower platelet sensitivity against PAF and ADP compared with baseline levels. However, a trial effect was only observed when platelets were stimulated by PAF. In conclusion, supplementation with plant extracts and vitamins ameliorates platelet aggregation primarily against PAF and secondarily against ADP and affects PAF catabolism by enhancing PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in healthy subjects.
Sieyès versus Bicameralism
Authors: Rubinelli Lucia
Published: April 2019

Bicameralism is traditionally considered necessary to the principle of the limitation of power and, as such, a key feature of the liberal constitutional state. Yet the history of the French Revolution reveals that this has not always been the case and that bicameralism's relationship to liberal constitutionalism is more complex than is traditionally assumed. This article will discuss how the Abbé Sieyès, one of the founding fathers of modern constitutionalism, rejected bicameralism not only because it was contrary to the revolutionary principle of equality, but also because it did not actually succeed at limiting power. Even worse, bicameralism would threaten the constitutional system by forcing the legislative power into procedural impasses that would eventually open the way to despotism. Putting Sieyès's claims in historical perspective, the paper aims to offer some historical nuance and insights into bicameralism's relationship to liberal constitutionalism.
Analysing child linear growth trajectories among under-5 children in two Nairobi informal settlements
Authors: Faye Cheikh Mbacké , Fonn Sharon , Levin Jonathan , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Objective

We sought to identify factors associated with linear growth among under-5 children in two urban informal settlements in Nairobi.

Design

We used longitudinal data for the period 2007–2012 from under-5 children recruited in the two sites between birth and 23 months and followed up until they reached 5 years of age. We fitted a generalized linear model on height-for-age Z-scores using the generalized estimating equations method to model linear growth trajectories among under-5 children. Known for its flexibility, the model provides strong parameter estimates and accounts for correlated observations on the same child.

Setting

Two urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

Participants

Under-5 children (n 1917) and their mothers (n 1679).

Results

The findings show that child weight at birth, exclusive breast-feeding and immunization status were key determinants of linear growth among under-5 children. Additionally, maternal characteristics (mother’s age, marital status) and household-level factors (socio-economic status, size of household) were significantly associated with child linear growth. There were biological differences in linear growth, as female children were more likely to grow faster than males. Finally, the model captured significant household-level effects to investigate further.

Conclusions

Findings from the study point to the need to improve the targeting of child health programmes directed at the urban poor population in Nairobi. Specific modifiable determinants of child linear growth, particularly child weight at birth, exclusive breast-feeding, immunization status and mother’s background characteristics, should be considered when designing interventions aiming at addressing child health inequities in these settings.
Validation of a semi-quantitative FFQ for 18-month-old toddlers: the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study
Authors: Lim Hui Xian , Toh Jia Ying , Tan Kok Hian , Chong Yap-Seng , Yap Fabian , Godfrey Keith M , Lee Yung Seng , Chong Mary Foong-Fong
Published: April 2019

Objective

Dietary intake of toddlers has been of growing interest due to its long-term consequences on health. However, previous works have focused largely on Caucasian populations and less is known about Asian toddlers. We aimed to validate a semi-quantitative FFQ designed to assess dietary intakes of 18-month-old toddlers in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort.

Design

An FFQ of ninety-four food items, identified based on food records of 12-month-old GUSTO children, the Southampton Women’s Survey 12 Month Infancy Questionnaire and inputs from paediatric dietitians, was filled out two weeks before the 18th-month clinic visit. As the reference method, two non-consecutive 24 h recalls (24HR) were administered during and two weeks after the clinic visit. FFQ nutrient intakes were validated against averaged 24HR nutrient intakes, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, cross-classification and the Bland–Altman method.

Setting

Data from the Singapore Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother–offspring birth cohort.

Participants

Toddlers (n 188) aged 18 months.

Results

Absolute nutrient intakes from the FFQ were significantly higher than from the 24HR, except for vitamin A. After energy adjustments, r range was 0·56–0·78 (macronutrients) and 0·40–0·54 (micronutrients). De-attenuation increased r to 0·58–0·96 and 0·45–0·65 for macro- and micronutrients, respectively. Of participants, ≥82·4 % (macronutrients) and ≥77·7 % (micronutrients) were classified in the same and adjacent quartiles. No clear systematic increase in intake differences with increasing mean intake was observed in Bland–Altman plots.

Conclusions

This FFQ can provide a satisfactory assessment of toddlers’ energy-adjusted nutrient intakes, as well as accurately rank them in a group.
Psychisches Strukturniveau im Jugendalter und der Zusammenhang mit späterer psychischer Erkrankung – eine Langzeitstudie
Authors: Bock Astrid , Huber Eva , Müller Steffen , Henkel Miriam , Sevecke Kathrin , Schopper Alexander , Steinmayr-Gensluckner Maria , Wieser Elke , Benecke Cord
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Psychische Krankheiten manifestieren sich häufig bereits im Jugendalter. Die Krankheitsverläufe sind dabei aufgrund vielfältiger Einflussfaktoren heterogen, remittierend bis chronifizierend. Ziel der Studie war es, zu untersuchen, ob mit dem Strukturniveau der Operationalisierten Psychodynamischen Diagnostik im Kindes- und Jugendalter (OPD-KJ) ein Zusammenhang zu späterer psychischer Belastung besteht. Methodik: In der vorliegenden Langzeitstudie wurde das psychische Strukturniveau entsprechend der OPD-KJ von 60 Jugendlichen (M = 15.6 Jahre; SD = 0.9) erhoben. Bei einem zweiten Erhebungszeitpunkt 7 Jahre später wurden bei 73.3 % der damals Jugendlichen die symptomatische Belastung auf Achse I und II (SKID-Interviews) sowie die generelle Belastung (GAF, BSI-GSI) erhoben. Ergebnisse: Es zeigen sich hohe korrelative Zusammenhänge zwischen defizitärer Struktur im Jugendalter und psychischer Symptomatik und Belastung im jungen Erwachsenenalter. Schlussfolgerung: Bei der Nachuntersuchung 7 Jahre später fanden sich signifikante Zusammenhänge, die für einen prädiktiven Wert des Strukturniveaus sprechen. Dies legt nahe, dass ein gezieltes, frühes und spezifisches Eingreifen, durch zum Beispiel intensive Psychotherapie, dringend angezeigt ist, um diesem Verlauf entgegenzuwirken.
Latitudinal and Topographical Variabilities of Free Atmospheric Turbulence From High‐Resolution Radiosonde Data Sets
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Shao Dong , Huang Chun Ming , Huang Kai Ming , Gong Yun , Gan Quan , Zhang Ye Hui
Published: April 2019

This study aims to determine the latitudinal and topographical dependencies of turbulent flow by applying Thorpe analysis to abundant high‐resolution radiosonde data sets. Results show that turbulent energy dissipation rates are lognormally distributed with average central values of 2.7 × 10−4 and 2.9 × 10−4 m2/s3 in the troposphere and stratosphere, respectively. Moreover, they exhibit similar vertical variations at different latitudes from the lower free troposphere up to the tropopause region. Dissipation rates are quantitatively comparable at all latitudes but do exhibit significant seasonal variability. Thus, these rates have apparent seasonal cycles at middle latitudes but weak cycles at low and high latitudes. The influence of terrain is an important feature of turbulent motions. Turbulent activities over mountainous topographies exhibit larger variances than those over flat terrains in the lower troposphere and more outstanding enhancements in the tropopause region. In general, these results are comparable with those of radars in terms of magnitude, and the differences between them can be related to different measurement principles.
The role of phosphate-containing medications and low dietary phosphorus-protein ratio in reducing intestinal phosphorus load in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Jiameng , Wang Liya , Han Mei , Xiong Yuqin , Liao Ruoxi , Li Yupei , Sun Si , Maharjan Anil , Su Baihai
Published: April 2019

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a common complication in patients experiencing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It includes abnormalities in bone and mineral metabolism and vascular calcification. Hyperphosphatemia is a major risk factor leading to morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Increased mortality has been observed in patients with ESRD, with serum phosphorus levels of >5.5 mg/dL. Therefore, control of hyperphosphatemia is a major therapeutic goal in the prevention and treatment of CKD-MBD. The treatment of hyperphosphatemia includes decreasing intestinal phosphorus load and increasing renal phosphorus removal. Decreasing the intestinal load of phosphorus plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of CKD-MBD. Among the dietary sources of phosphorus, some of the commonly prescribed medications have also been reported to contain phosphorus. However, drugs are often ignored even though they act as a potential source of phosphorus. Similarly, although proteins are the major source of dietary phosphorus, reducing protein intake can increase mortality in patients with CKD. Recently, the importance of phosphorus/protein ratio in food have been reported to be a sensitive marker for controlling dietary intake of phosphorus. This review summarizes the progress in the research on phosphate content in drugs as an excipient and the various aspects of dietary management of hyperphosphatemia in patients with CKD, with special emphasis on dietary restriction of phosphorus with low dietary phosphate/protein ratio.
Co-expression network modeling identifies key long non-coding RNA and mRNA modules in altering molecular phenotype to develop stress-induced depression in rats
Authors: Wang Qingzhong , Roy Bhaskar , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: April 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as one of the critical epigenetic controllers, which participate in several biological functions by regulating gene transcription, mRNA splicing, protein interaction, etc. In a previous study, we reported that lncRNAs may play a role in developing depression pathophysiology. In the present study, we have examined how lncRNAs are co-expressed with gene transcripts and whether specific lncRNA/mRNA modules are associated with stress vulnerability or resiliency to develop depression. Differential regulation of lncRNAs and coding RNAs were determined in hippocampi of three group of rats comprising learned helplessness (LH, depression vulnerable), non-learned helplessness (NLH, depression resilient), and tested controls (TC) using a single-microarray-based platform. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to correlate the expression status of protein-coding transcripts with lncRNAs. The associated co-expression modules, hub genes, and biological functions were analyzed. We found signature co-expression networks as well as modules that underlie normal as well as aberrant response to stress. We also identified specific hub and driver genes associated with vulnerability and resilience to develop depression. Altogether, our study provides evidence that lncRNA associated complex trait-specific networks may play a crucial role in developing depression.
Author Correction: Squaramide-based synthetic chloride transporters activate TFEB but block autophagic flux
Authors: Zhang Shaoyi , Wang Yan , Xie Wei , Howe Ethan N. W. , Busschaert Nathalie , Sauvat Allan , Leduc Marion , Gomes-da-Silva Lígia C. , Chen Guo , Martins Isabelle , Deng Xiaxing , Maiuri Luigi , Kepp Oliver , Soussi Thierry , Gale Philip A. , Zamzami Naoufal , Kroemer Guido
Published: April 2019

In the version of this article originally submitted, it was stated that the first three authors (Shaoyi_ Than, Yan Wang, Wei Xie) had contributed equally. However, in the published version this information was missing.
Inhibition of miR-155 reduces impaired autophagy and improves prognosis in an experimental pancreatitis mouse model
Authors: Wan Jianhua , Yang Xiaoyu , Ren Yuping , Li Xueyang , Zhu Yin , Haddock Ashley N , Ji Baoan , Xia Liang , Lu Nonghua
Published: April 2019

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. MiR-155 plays a role in promoting inflammation and inhibiting the activation of anti-inflammatory pathways. Impaired autophagy could promote zymogen activation, abnormal acinar cell secretion, cell death, and the inflammatory response to aggravate AP. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of silencing miR-155 on AP through its effects on inflammation and impaired autophagy in vivo. In this study, AAV(adeno-associated virus)-mediated miR-155 and miR-155 sponge were injected through the tail vein of mice. After 3 weeks, AP was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injections of cerulein. Pancreatic and pulmonary tissues were analyzed after 24 h. Silencing of miR-155 ameliorated pancreas and lung damage in three AP models of mice by preventing accumulation of autophagosomes that are unable to fuse with lysosomes and decreasing pancreatic inflammation by targeting TAB2. 3-MA could reduce the aberrant accumulation of autophagosomes, which alleviates the pancreas damage that was aggravated by increasing miR-155 levels. These findings demonstrate that the inhibition of miR-155 holds promise for limiting pancreatitis.
Core fucosylated glycan-dependent inhibitory effect of QSOX1-S on invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Fei , Wang Ji , Jia Hu-Liang , Zhu Wen-Wei , Lu Lu , Ye Qing-Hai , Nelson Peter J. , Qin Yi , Gao Dong-Mei , Zhou Hai-Jun , Qin Lun-Xiu
Published: April 2019

The goal of the present study was to identify glycoproteins associated with the postoperative relapse of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to investigate their potential role in HCC metastasis. A method for quantitating N-glycoproteome was used to screen for, and identify, recurrence-related N-linked glycoproteins from 100 serum samples taken from patients with early-stage HCC. The prognostic significance of candidate glycoproteins was then validated in 193 HCC tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Serum core fucosylated quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (cf-QSOX1) was identified as a leading prognostic glycoprotein that significantly correlated with HCC recurrence. Patients with high serum cf-QSOX1 levels had a significantly longer time to recurrence (TTR) as compared with those with low serum cf-QSOX1. As was seen with serum cf-QSOX1, QSOX1 in HCC tissues was further shown to be significantly associated with good patient outcome. Gain-functional and loss-functional analyses of QSOX1-S were performed in vitro and in vivo. QSOX1-S overexpression significantly increased in vitro apoptosis, but decreased the invasive capacity of HCC cells, and reduced lung metastasis in nude mice models bearing human HCC. Furthermore, overexpression of a mutant version of QSOX1-S, which had eliminated the core-fucosylated glycan at Asn-130, showed no demonstrable effect on invasion or metastasis of HCC cells. Our study suggests that serum cf-QSOX1-S and tumor QSOX1 levels are helpful for predicting recurrence in HCC patients, and its core-fucosylated glycan at Asn-130 is critical for the inhibitory effects of QSOX1-S on invasion and metastasis of HCC
Metascape provides a biologist-oriented resource for the analysis of systems-level datasets
Authors: Zhou Yingyao , Zhou Bin , Pache Lars , Chang Max , Khodabakhshi Alireza Hadj , Tanaseichuk Olga , Benner Christopher , Chanda Sumit K.
Published: April 2019

A critical component in the interpretation of systems-level studies is the inference of enriched biological pathways and protein complexes contained within OMICs datasets. Successful analysis requires the integration of a broad set of current biological databases and the application of a robust analytical pipeline to produce readily interpretable results. Metascape is a web-based portal designed to provide a comprehensive gene list annotation and analysis resource for experimental biologists. In terms of design features, Metascape combines functional enrichment, interactome analysis, gene annotation, and membership search to leverage over 40 independent knowledgebases within one integrated portal. Additionally, it facilitates comparative analyses of datasets across multiple independent and orthogonal experiments. Metascape provides a significantly simplified user experience through a one-click Express Analysis interface to generate interpretable outputs. Taken together, Metascape is an effective and efficient tool for experimental biologists to comprehensively analyze and interpret OMICs-based studies in the big data era.
Perinatal factors affect the gut microbiota up to four years after birth
Authors: Fouhy Fiona , Watkins Claire , Hill Cian J. , O’Shea Carol-Anne , Nagle Brid , Dempsey Eugene M. , O’Toole Paul W. , Ross R. Paul , Ryan C. Anthony , Stanton Catherine
Published: April 2019

Perinatal factors impact gut microbiota development in early life, however, little is known on the effects of these factors on microbes in later life. Here we sequence DNA from faecal samples of children over the first four years and reveal a perpetual evolution of the gut microbiota during this period. The significant impact of gestational age at birth and delivery mode on gut microbiota progression is evident in the first four years of life, while no measurable effects of antibiotics are found in the first year. Microbiota profiles are also characteristic in children dependant on gestational age and maturity. Full term delivery is characterised byBacteroides(year one),Parabacteroides(year two) andChristensenellaceae (year four). Preterm delivery is characterised byLactobacillus(year one),Streptococcus(year two) andCarnobacterium(year four). This study reveals that the gut retains distinct microbial profiles of perinatal factors up to four years of age.
The photospheric origin of the Yonetoku relation in gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Ito Hirotaka , Matsumoto Jin , Nagataki Shigehiro , Warren Donald C. , Barkov Maxim V. , Yonetoku Daisuke
Published: April 2019

Long duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), the brightest events since the Big Bang itself, are believed to originate in an ultra-relativistic jet breaking out from a massive stellar envelope. Despite decades of study, there is still no consensus on their emission mechanism. One unresolved question is the origin of the tight correlation between the spectral peak energy and peak luminosity discovered in observations. This Yonetoku relation is the tightest correlation found in the properties of the prompt phase of GRB emission, providing the best diagnostic for the radiation mechanism. Here we present three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations, and post-process radiation transfer calculations, of photospheric emission from a relativistic jet. Our simulations reproduce the Yonetoku relation as a natural consequence of viewing angle. Although jet dynamics depend sensitively on luminosity, the correlation holds regardless. This result strongly suggests that photospheric emission is the dominant component in the prompt phase of GRBs.
Assessment of corneal substrate biomechanics and its effect on epithelial stem cell maintenance and differentiation
Authors: Gouveia Ricardo M. , Lepert Guillaume , Gupta Suneel , Mohan Rajiv R. , Paterson Carl , Connon Che J.
Published: April 2019

Whilst demonstrated extensively in vitro, the control of cell behaviour via modulation of substrate compliance in live tissues has not been accomplished to date. Here we propose that stem cells can be regulated solely through in situ modulation of tissue biomechanics. By first establishing, via high-resolution Brillouin spectro-microscopy, that the outer edge (limbus) of live human corneas has a substantially lower bulk modulus compared to their centre, we then demonstrate that this difference is associated with limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) residence and YAP-dependent mechanotransduction. This phenotype-through-biomechanics correlation is further explored in vivo using a rabbit alkali burn model. Specifically, we show that treating the burnt surface of the cornea with collagenase effectively restores the tissue’s mechanical properties and its capacity to support LESCs through mechanisms involving YAP suppression. Overall, these findings have extended implications for understanding stem cell niche biomechanics and its impact on tissue regeneration.
Mechanical stretch induces hair regeneration through the alternative activation of macrophages
Authors: Chu Szu-Ying , Chou Chih-Hung , Huang Hsien-Da , Yen Meng-Hua , Hong Hsiao-Chin , Chao Po-Han , Wang Yu-Hsuan , Chen Po-Yu , Nian Shi-Xin , Chen Yu-Ru , Liou Li-Ying , Liu Yu-Chen , Chen Hui-Mei , Lin Feng-Mao , Chang Yun-Ting , Chen Chih-Chiang , Lee Oscar K.
Published: April 2019

Tissues and cells in organism are continuously exposed to complex mechanical cues from the environment. Mechanical stimulations affect cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, as well as determining tissue homeostasis and repair. By using a specially designed skin-stretching device, we discover that hair stem cells proliferate in response to stretch and hair regeneration occurs only when applying proper strain for an appropriate duration. A counterbalance between WNT and BMP-2 and the subsequent two-step mechanism are identified through molecular and genetic analyses. Macrophages are first recruited by chemokines produced by stretch and polarized to M2 phenotype. Growth factors such as HGF and IGF-1, released by M2 macrophages, then activate stem cells and facilitate hair regeneration. A hierarchical control system is revealed, from mechanical and chemical signals to cell behaviors and tissue responses, elucidating avenues of regenerative medicine and disease control by demonstrating the potential to manipulate cellular processes through simple mechanical stimulation.
Author Correction: Generation and characterization of ultrathin free-flowing liquid sheets
Authors: Koralek Jake D. , Kim Jongjin B. , Brůža Petr , Curry Chandra B. , Chen Zhijiang , Bechtel Hans A. , Cordones Amy A. , Sperling Philipp , Toleikis Sven , Kern Jan F. , Moeller Stefan P. , Glenzer Siegfried H. , DePonte Daniel P.
Published: April 2019

The original version of this Article contained an error in Eq. (1). This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Dynamic vulnerability revealed in the collapse of an Arctic tidewater glacier
Authors: Nuth Christopher , Gilbert Adrien , Köhler Andreas , McNabb Robert , Schellenberger Thomas , Sevestre Heïdi , Weidle Christian , Girod Luc , Luckman Adrian , Kääb Andreas
Published: April 2019

Glacier flow instabilities can rapidly increase sea level through enhanced ice discharge. Surge-type glacier accelerations often occur with a decadal to centennial cyclicity suggesting internal mechanisms responsible. Recently, many surging tidewater glaciers around the Arctic Barents Sea region question whether external forces such as climate can trigger dynamic instabilities. Here, we identify a mechanism in which climate change can instigate surges of Arctic tidewater glaciers. Using satellite and seismic remote sensing observations combined with three-dimensional thermo-mechanical modeling of the January 2009 collapse of the Nathorst Glacier System (NGS) in Svalbard, we show that an underlying condition for instability was basal freezing and associated friction increase under the glacier tongue. In contrast, continued basal sliding further upstream increased driving stresses until eventual and sudden till failure under the tongue. The instability propagated rapidly up-glacier, mobilizing the entire 450 km2 glacier basin over a few days as the till entered an unstable friction regime. Enhanced mass loss during and after the collapse (5–7 fold compared to pre-collapse mass losses) combined with regionally rising equilibrium line altitudes strongly limit mass replenishment of the glacier, suggesting irreversible consequences. Climate plays a paradoxical role as cold glacier thinning and retreat promote basal freezing which increases friction at the tongue by stabilizing an efficient basal drainage system. However, with some of the most intense atmospheric warming on Earth occurring in the Arctic, increased melt water can reduce till strength under tidewater glacier tongues to orchestrate a temporal clustering of surges at decadal timescales, such as those observed in Svalbard at the end of the Little Ice Age. Consequently, basal terminus freezing promotes a dynamic vulnerability to climate change that may be present in many Arctic tidewater glaciers.
Impact of drought stress on simultaneously occurring pathogen infection in field-grown chickpea
Authors: Sinha Ranjita , Irulappan Vadivelmurugan , Mohan-Raju Basavaiah , Suganthi Angappan , Senthil-Kumar Muthappa
Published: April 2019

Drought stress and pathogen infection simultaneously occur in the field. In this study, the interaction of these two stresses with chickpea, their individual and combined effect and the net impact on plant growth and yield traits were systematically assessed under field and confined pot experiments. The field experiments were conducted for four consecutive years from 2014–15 to 2017–18 at different locations of India. Different irrigation regimes were maintained to impose mild to severe drought stress, and natural incidence of the pathogen was considered as pathogen stress. We observed an increased incidence of fungal diseases namely, dry root rot (DRR) caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola, black root rot (BRR) caused by Fusarium solani under severe drought stress compared to well-irrigated field condition. Similar to field experiments, pot experiments also showed severe disease symptoms of DRR and BRR in the presence of drought compared to pathogen only stress. Overall, the results from this study not only showed the impact of combined drought and DRR stress but also provided systematic data, first of its kind, for the use of researchers.
Warm hole in Pacific Arctic sea ice cover forced mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere cooling during winter 2017–18
Authors: Tachibana Yoshihiro , Komatsu Kensuke K. , Alexeev Vladimir A. , Cai Lei , Ando Yuta
Published: April 2019

In North America and Asia, extreme cold weather characterized the winter of 2017–18. At the same time, the Pacific, the Bering Sea, and the Atlantic Arctic regions experienced anomalously low sea ice extent in the early winter. The jet stream dividing cold Arctic air from warm air deviated from normal zonal patterns northward into the ice-free areas north of the Bering Strait. Large southward jet stream pathways formed over Asia and America, allowing cold air to spread into Asia and the southern areas of North America. We hypothesise that the late autumn Bering Strait sea-ice anomaly and Pacific atmospheric rivers were partially responsible for the cold winter. We used data analyses and numerical experiments to test this hypothesis. We propose a positive feedback mechanism between the sea ice anomaly and atmospheric river activity, with anomalous south winds toward the sea ice anomaly potentially leading to more warm water injected by the wind-driven current through the Bering Strait. Our findings suggest that Poleward propagation of the atmospheric rivers made upper air warm, leading to their upgliding, which further heated the overlying air, causing poleward jet meanders. As a part of this response the jet stream meandered southward over Asia and North America, resulting in cold intrusions. We speculate that the positive feedback mechanism observed during the 2017–18 winter could recur in future years when the sea-ice reduction in the Pacific Arctic interacts with enhanced atmospheric river activity.
In vitro neuronal network activity as a new functional diagnostic system to detect effects of Cerebrospinal fluid from autoimmune encephalitis patients
Authors: Koch Henner , Niturad Cristina E. , Theiss Stephan , Bien Christian G. , Elger Christian , Wandinger Klaus-Peter , Vincent Angela , Malter Michael , Körtvelyessy Peter , Lerche Holger , Dihné Marcel
Published: April 2019

The intent of this study was to investigate if cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from autoimmune encephalitis (AE) patients regulates in vitro neuronal network activity differentially to healthy human control CSF (hCSF). To this end, electrophysiological effects of CSF from AE patients or hCSF were measured by in vitro neuronal network activity (ivNNA) recorded with microelectrode arrays (MEA). CSF from patients with either N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor-antibody (pCSFNMDAR, n = 7) or Leucine-rich-glioma-inactivated-1-Ab (pCSFLGI1, n = 6) associated AE suppressed global spiking activity of neuronal networks by a factor of 2.17 (p < 0.05) or 2.42 (p < 0.05) compared to hCSF. The former also suppressed synchronous network bursting by a factor of 1.93 (p < 0.05) in comparison to hCSF (n = 13). As a functional diagnostic test, this parameter reached a sensitivity of 86% for NMDAR-Ab- and 100% for LGI1-Ab-associated AE vs. hCSF at a specificity of 85%. To explore if modulation at the NMDAR influences effects of hCSF or pathological CSF, we applied the NMDAR-antagonist 2-Amino-5-phosphono-pentanoic acid (AP5). In CSF from NMDAR-Ab-associated AE patients, spike rate reduction by AP5 was more than 2-fold larger than in hCSF (p < 0.05), and network burst rate reduction more than 18-fold (p < 0.01). Recording ivNNA might help discriminating between functional effects of CSF from AE patients and hCSF, and thus could be used as a functional diagnostic test in AE. The pronounced suppression of ivNNA by CSF from NMDAR-Ab-associated AE patients and simultaneous antagonism at the NMDAR by AP5, particularly in burst activity, compared to hCSF plus AP5, confirms that the former contains additional ivNNA-suppressing factors.
Aescin-Cholesterol Complexes in DMPC Model Membranes: A DSC and Temperature-Dependent Scattering Study
Authors: Sreij Ramsia , Dargel Carina , Schweins Ralf , Prévost Sylvain , Dattani Rajeev , Hellweg Thomas
Published: April 2019

The saponin aescin, a mixture of triterpenoid saponins, is obtained from the seeds of the horse chestnut tree Aesculus hippocastanum. The β-form employed in this study is haemolytically active. The haemolytic activity results from the ability of aescin to form strong complexes with cholesterol in the red blood cell membrane. In this study, we provide a structural analysis on the complex formation of aescin and cholesterol when embedded in a phospholipid model membrane formed by 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC). In this work, the temperatures investigated extend from DMPC’s Lβ′ to its Lα phase in dependence of different amounts of the saponin (0–6 mol% for calorimetric and 0–1 mol% for structural analyses) and the steroid (1–10 mol%). At these aescin contents model membranes are conserved in the form of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) and major overall structural modifications are avoided. Additionally, interactions between aescin and cholesterol can be studied for both phase states of the lipid, the gel and the fluid state. From calorimetric experiments by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), it could be shown that both, the steroid and the saponin content, have a significant impact on the cooperative phase transition behaviour of the DMPC molecules. In addition, it becomes clearly visible that the entire phase behaviour is dominated by phase separation which indeed also depends on the complexes formed between aescin and cholesterol. We show by various methods that the addition of cholesterol alters the impact of aescin on structural parameters ranging from the acyl chain correlation to vesicle-vesicle interactions. While the specific saponin-phospholipid interaction is reduced, addition of cholesterol leads to deformation of SUVs. The analyses of the structures formed were performed by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).
Stress transfer patterns and local seismicity related to reservoir water-level variations. A case study in central Costa Rica
Authors: Ruiz-Barajas S. , Santoyo M. A. , Benito Oterino M. B. , Alvarado G. E. , Climent A.
Published: April 2019

This study main aim was to analyse the spatio-temporal trend in seismicity recorded in the proximity of the Pirrís Reservoir (central Costa Rica), where impoundment for the purposes of filling the reservoir to its total volume (3,6 * 107 m3) started in 2011. We differentiated between the events that occurred before, during and after this filling operation. Using a seismic analysis, we sought to define and understand the effects which such reservoir operations have on seismic activity in the area. To this end, we evaluated the spatio-temporal evolution of Coulomb failure stress (ΔCFS) changes due to surface water load, and its correlation with seismicity. Overall, the results of this study provide a perspective of how the water load in the reservoir can affect the stress state in the close area. In our study case, we have detected: an increase in b-value after impoundment, an increment of rate for shallowest events (h ≤ 10 km), an increasing trend of higher magnitude events and a possible trigger effect on local faults. All these aspects could be useful to control the reservoir operations and to help in decision making in order to guarantee the safety of these critical emplacements.