bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequences of maladaptation: Preadolescent self-regulation, adolescent negative social interactions, and young adult psychopathology
Authors: Laceulle Odilia M. , Veenstra René , Vollebergh Wilma A. M. , Ormel Johan
Published: December 2017

This study aims to test whether adolescent negative social interactions mediate the relation between early adolescent self-regulatory capacities and young adult psychopathology, using a fully prospective mediation model. Data were derived from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey, a large population cohort of Dutch adolescents (n = 962). At age 11, three indicators of self-regulation were assessed: low frustration, high effortful control, and high response inhibition. Negative social interactions between ages 11 and 22 were captured twice using the Event History Calendar. Psychopathology (i.e., internalizing and externalizing problems) was assessed at ages 11 and 22. Findings indicate that adolescents’ frustration and effortful control but not response inhibition assessed at age 11 are related to both internalizing and externalizing problems at age 22, after controlling for psychopathology at age 11, sex, and socioeconomic status. These associations were partly (about 22%) mediated by the negative social interactions adolescents experienced. Effect sizes were all modest. This study shows that self-regulation is related to subsequent psychopathology in part through its effect on negative social interactions, providing evidence for sequences of self-regulatory capacities, life experiences, and developmental outcomes.
Children of parents with a history of depression: The impact of a preventive intervention on youth social problems through reductions in internalizing problems
Authors: Breslend Nicole Lafko , Parent Justin , Forehand Rex , Peisch Virginia , Compas Bruce E.
Published: December 2017

The current investigation examined if changes in youth internalizing problems as a result of a family group cognitive behavioral (FGCB) preventive intervention for families with a parent with a history of depression had a cascade effect on youth social problems over 24 months and the bidirectional nature of these effects. One hundred eighty families with a parent with a history of major depressive disorder (M age = 41.96; 88.9% mothers) and a youth age 9 to 15 years (49.4% females; M age = 11.46) participated. Findings from a panel model indicated that, compared to a minimum intervention condition, the FGCB intervention significantly reduced youth internalizing problems at 12 months that in turn were associated with lower levels of social problems at 18 months. Similarly, the FGCB intervention reduced internalizing problems at 18 months, which were associated with fewer social problems at 24 months. Changes in social problems were not related to reductions in subsequent internalizing problems. The findings suggest that reductions in youth internalizing problems can lead to lower levels of social problems. Youth social problems are difficult to change; therefore, targeting internalizing problems may be an effective way to reduce the social problems of children of parents with a history of depression.
In vitroeffect of various cryoprotectants on the semen quality of endangered Oravka chicken
Authors: Svoradová Andrea , Kuželová Lenka , Vašíček Jaromír , Baláži Andrej , Hanusová Emília , Chrenek Peter
Published: December 2017

We aimed to compare the effect of three different permeating cryoprotectants on the post-thaw spermatozoa quality. Pooled semen from Oravka cock line (n= 6) was diluted inKobidil+extender and frozen in cryoprotectant solutions containing 8% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 8% ethylene glycol (EG) or 8% glycerol (GL) in liquid nitrogen vapours before being plunged into the liquid nitrogen. Spermatozoa motility parameters were assessedin vitroafter freezing–thawing by a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system and viability status was examined using fluorescent probes. The lower percentage (P <0.05) of motile and progressively moving spermatozoa immediately after thawing were obtained in all experimental groups (DMSO, EG, GL) compared with the control. Significant (P< 0.05) differences in total motility and progressive movement between GL and DMSO, EG groups were observed. However, the higher number (P <0.05) of acrosome damaged spermatozoa was found in the DMSO and EG groups and no significant differences were observed in the GL group compared with the control. Differences (P< 0.05) between experimental groups and the control in the results of spermatozoa necrosis were observed. No significant differences in the percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa were found between control and experimental groups. However, significant differences (P< 0.05) in number of live and necrotic spermatozoa between GL and DMSO, EG groups were examined. The findings of the present study indicate that glycerol seems to be suitable for semen cryopreservation in the gene banks. In addition, fertility evaluationin vivois needed in order to evaluate the possible contribution for the bank of animal genetic resources.
Wenn die Therapie den Patienten bedroht
Authors: Brönnimann Alain , Rudofsky Gottfried , Paganoni Reto , Studhalter Michael
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über einen 72-jährigen Patienten mit progredienten Bauchschmerzen, Nausea und Dyspnoe seit Tagen bei vorbekannter Leberzirrhose und Diabetes mellitus. Trotz begonnener antibiotische Therapie bei spontan bakterieller Peritonitis verschlechterte sich der Zustand des Patienten weiter, sodass er in schwerstem Schockzustand auf die Intensivstation verlegt wurde. Bei schwerer Laktatazidose, Schock sowie Einnahme von Metformin wurde eine Metformin-assoziierte Laktatazidose diagnostiziert. Der Säure-Basen-Status liess sich unter kontinuierlicher Hämodiafiltration komplett korrigieren. Der Patient starb aber an einem Leberversagen bei vorbestehender Leberzirrhose.
Muskelkrämpfe – die neurologische Perspektive
Authors: Mihaylova Violeta , Jung Hans H.
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Muskelkrämpfe sind sehr häufig und treten sowohl bei gesunden Menschen als auch im Rahmen von verschiedenen internistischen, rheumatologischen und neurologischen krankhaften Zuständen auf. Muskelkrämpfe bei gesunden Menschen sind selbstlimitierend und in der Regel auf körperliche Überbelastung zurückzuführen. Bei persistierenden, heftigen und therapieresistenten Muskelkrämpfen sollte eine Abklärung durchgeführt werden, wobei hier die Suche nach behandelbaren Ursachen im Vordergrund steht (z.B. mangelhafte Hydratation, muskuläre Überbelastung, Elektrolytverschiebungen, Dysthyreose, Vitaminmangel, Niereninsuffizienz, Leberzirrhose, medikamentös-toxische Nebenwirkungen etc.). Nach Ausschluss solcher symptomatischer Ursachen kann eine neurologische Abklärung zur Suche nach spezifischen neuromuskulären und neurologischen Erkrankungen sinnvoll sein. Primär sollte immer eine kausale Behandlung angestrebt werden. Auch Allgemeinmassnahmen wie Vermeiden krampfauslösender Belastungen, ausreichende Flüssigkeitszufuhr und abendliche Dehnungsübungen sollten instruiert werden. Zur symptomatischen Behandlung von Muskelkrämpfen haben mehrere Medikamente, insbesondere Magnesiumpräparate und Chininsulfat, Wirksamkeit gezeigt. Allerdings stehen keine doppelblinden und Placebo-kontrollierten Studiendaten zur Verfügung.
Major Federal Tropical Research Project to Cease 7 Years Early
Authors: Popkin Gabriel
Published: December 2017

The Department of Energy shutters a project aimed at improving climate models less than halfway through the expected decade-long run.
New Model Predicts Lightning Strikes; Alert System to Follow
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2017

Data from thousands of past storms help guide a new forecast model that predicts where and when lightning may hit.
Childhood behaviour problems show the greatest gap between DNA-based and twin heritability
Authors: Cheesman Rosa , Selzam Saskia , Ronald Angelica , Dale Philip S. , McAdams Tom A. , Eley Thalia C. , Plomin Robert
Published: December 2017

For most complex traits, DNA-based heritability (‘SNP heritability’) is roughly half that of twin-based heritability. A previous report from the Twins Early Development Study suggested that this heritability gap is much greater for childhood behaviour problems than for other domains. If true, this finding is important because SNP heritability, not twin heritability, is the ceiling for genome-wide association studies. With twice the sample size as the previous report, we estimated SNP heritabilities (N up to 4653 unrelated individuals) and compared them with twin heritabilities from the same sample (N up to 4724 twin pairs) for diverse domains of childhood behaviour problems as rated by parents, teachers, and children themselves at ages 12 and 16. For 37 behaviour problem measures, the average twin heritability was 0.52, whereas the average SNP heritability was just 0.06. In contrast, results for cognitive and anthropometric traits were more typical (average twin and SNP heritabilities were 0.58 and 0.28, respectively). Future research should continue to investigate the reasons why SNP heritabilities for childhood behaviour problems are so low compared with twin estimates, and find ways to maximise SNP heritability for genome-wide association studies.
Receptor-interacting protein 140 as a co-repressor of Heat Shock Factor 1 regulates neuronal stress response
Authors: Lin Yu-Lung , Tsai Hong-Chieh , Liu Pei-Yao , Benneyworth Michael , Wei Li-Na
Published: December 2017

Heat shock response (HSR) is a highly conserved transcriptional program that protects organisms against various stressful conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms modulating HSR, especially the suppression of HSR, is poorly understood. Here, we found that RIP140, a wide-spectrum cofactor of nuclear hormone receptors, acts as a co-repressor of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) to suppress HSR in healthy neurons. When neurons are stressed such as by heat shock or sodium arsenite (As), cells engage specific proteosome-mediated degradation to reduce RIP140 level, thereby relieving the suppression and activating HSR. RIP140 degradation requires specific Tyr-phosphorylation by Syk that is activated in stressful conditions. Lowering RIP140 level protects hippocampal neurons from As stress, significantly it increases neuron survival and improves spine density. Reducing hippocampal RIP140 in the mouse rescues chronic As-induced spatial learning deficits. This is the first study elucidating RIP140-mediated suppression of HSF1-activated HSR in neurons and brain. Importantly, degradation of RIP140 in stressed neurons relieves this suppression, allowing neurons to efficiently and timely engage HSR programs and recover. Therefore, stimulating RIP140 degradation to activate anti-stress program provides a potential preventive or therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration diseases.
Oxidative rearrangement of (+)-sesamin by CYP92B14 co-generates twin dietary lignans in sesame
Authors: Murata Jun , Ono Eiichiro , Yoroizuka Seigo , Toyonaga Hiromi , Shiraishi Akira , Mori Shoko , Tera Masayuki , Azuma Toshiaki , Nagano Atsushi J. , Nakayasu Masaru , Mizutani Masaharu , Wakasugi Tatsuya , Yamamoto Masayuki P. , Horikawa Manabu
Published: December 2017

(+)-Sesamin, (+)-sesamolin, and (+)-sesaminol glucosides are phenylpropanoid-derived specialized metabolites called lignans, and are rich in sesame (Sesamum indicum) seed. Despite their renowned anti-oxidative and health-promoting properties, the biosynthesis of (+)-sesamolin and (+)-sesaminol remained largely elusive. Here we show that (+)-sesamolin deficiency in sesame is genetically associated with the deletion of four C-terminal amino acids (Del4C) in a P450 enzyme CYP92B14 that constitutes a novel clade separate from sesamin synthase CYP81Q1. Recombinant CYP92B14 converts (+)-sesamin to (+)-sesamolin and, unexpectedly, (+)-sesaminol through an oxygenation scheme designated as oxidative rearrangement of α-oxy-substituted aryl groups (ORA). Intriguingly, CYP92B14 also generates (+)-sesaminol through direct oxygenation of the aromatic ring. The activity of CYP92B14 is enhanced when co-expressed with CYP81Q1, implying functional coordination of CYP81Q1 with CYP92B14. The discovery of CYP92B14 not only uncovers the last steps in sesame lignan biosynthesis but highlights the remarkable catalytic plasticity of P450s that contributes to metabolic diversity in nature.
Evolutionary action and structural basis of the allosteric switch controlling β2AR functional selectivity
Authors: Schönegge Anne-Marie , Gallion Jonathan , Picard Louis-Philippe , Wilkins Angela D. , Le Gouill Christian , Audet Martin , Stallaert Wayne , Lohse Martin J. , Kimmel Marek , Lichtarge Olivier , Bouvier Michel
Published: December 2017

Functional selectivity of G-protein-coupled receptors is believed to originate from ligand-specific conformations that activate only subsets of signaling effectors. In this study, to identify molecular motifs playing important roles in transducing ligand binding into distinct signaling responses, we combined in silico evolutionary lineage analysis and structure-guided site-directed mutagenesis with large-scale functional signaling characterization and non-negative matrix factorization clustering of signaling profiles. Clustering based on the signaling profiles of 28 variants of the β2-adrenergic receptor reveals three clearly distinct phenotypical clusters, showing selective impairments of either the Gi or βarrestin/endocytosis pathways with no effect on Gs activation. Robustness of the results is confirmed using simulation-based error propagation. The structural changes resulting from functionally biasing mutations centered around the DRY, NPxxY, and PIF motifs, selectively linking these micro-switches to unique signaling profiles. Our data identify different receptor regions that are important for the stabilization of distinct conformations underlying functional selectivity.
Curcumin activates DNA repair pathway in bone marrow to improve carboplatin-induced myelosuppression
Authors: Chen Xiao , Wang Jigang , Fu Zhongping , Zhu Bo , Wang Jie , Guan Shengwen , Hua Zichun
Published: December 2017

Carboplatin, a second-generation platinum agent, has been used as a cancer therapy for decades and exhibits strong anti-tumor activity. However, the wide application of carboplatin is largely limited due to its side effects, especially myelosuppression. Here, we combined carboplatin with curcumin, a natural product that improves tumor-induced anemia, for the treatment of fibrosarcoma to improve the side effects of carboplatin. We first examined the synergistic and attenuated effects of the two agents in a T241-bearing mouse model. The combination therapy caused no obvious synergistic effect, but curcumin significantly improved the survival rate of carboplatin-treated mice. Histologic analysis of the kidney and bone marrow revealed that curcumin improved carboplatin-induced myelosuppression but did not affect the kidney. To determine the mechanism involved, we introduced a probe derived from curcumin to identify its targets in bone marrow cells and the results provided us a clue that curcumin might affect the DNA repair pathway. Western blot analysis revealed that curcumin up-regulated BRCA1, BRCA2 and ERCC1 expression in bone marrow. In conclusion, curcumin attenuates carboplatin-induced myelosuppression by activating the DNA repair pathway in bone marrow cells.
Feed gas effect on plasma inactivation mechanism of Salmonella Typhimurium in onion and quality assessment of the treated sample
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saiful Islam , Lee Eun-Jung , Hong Seok-In , Kim Yun-Ji
Published: December 2017

A submerged dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor was used to inactivate artificially inoculated reference strains of Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 on sliced onion (3 cm × 3 cm). Salmonella Typhimurium reductions obtained after 10 min of treatment were 3.96 log CFU/slice and 1.64 log CFU/slice for clean dry air and N2 feed gas, respectively. Variations observed in Optical Emission Spectra (OES) for different feed gases are responsible for the inactivation level variations of Salmonella Typhimurium. The physiochemical properties of the onion slices, such as quercetin content, ascorbic acid content and color parameters, were monitored before and after treatment and the changes that occurred were measured to be in the acceptable range. Quercetin content was reduced only 3.74–5.07% for 10 min treatment, higher reduction was obtained for the use of clean dry air than that of N2 feed gas. Ascorbic acid loss was measured to be 11.82% and 7.98% for a 10 min treatment with clean dry air and N2 feed gas, respectively. The color parameters did not show significant changes upon treatment (p > 0.05) of the same duration for the uses of different feed gases.
Genome-Wide Identification of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Cascade Genes and Transcriptional Profiling Analysis during Organ Development in Eucommia ulmoides
Authors: Jing Teng , Wang Lin , Liu Huimin , Wuyun Ta-na , Du Hongyan
Published: December 2017

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, which play crucial roles in plant development processes, are universal modules of signal transduction in eukaryotes and consist of a core module of three sequentially phosphorylated kinases: MAPK, MAPK kinase (MAPKK), and MAPKK kinase (MAPKKK). This is the first report on the identification and analysis of MAPK cascades in Eucommia ulmoides. We conducted a genome-wide screening and identified 13 EuMAPKs, five EuMAPKKs, and 57 EuMAPKKKs. The construction of phylogenetic trees revealed that EuMAPKs and EuMAPKKs were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D), and EuMAPKKKs were divided into three subfamilies (MEKK, RAF, and ZIK). These subfamilies were further confirmed by conserved domain/motif analysis and gene structure analysis. Based on the expression profiles of all identified EuMAPK cascades in various organs at different developmental stages, three genes (EuRAF22-2, EuRAF34-1, and EuRAF33-2) with stable expression patterns at all stages of fruit or leaf development, three genes (EuRAF2-3, EuMPK11, and EuMEKK21) with differential expression patterns, and two highly expressed genes (EuZIK1 and EuMKK2) were screened and validated by qRT-PCR. Overall, our results could be used for further research on the precise role of MAPK cascades during organ development in E. ulmoides.
A basal ursine bear (Protarctos abstrusus) from the Pliocene High Arctic reveals Eurasian affinities and a diet rich in fermentable sugars
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Rybczynski Natalia , Harington C. Richard , White Stuart C. , Tedford Richard H.
Published: December 2017

The skeletal remains of a small bear (Protarctos abstrusus) were collected at the Beaver Pond fossil site in the High Arctic (Ellesmere I., Nunavut). This mid-Pliocene deposit has also yielded 12 other mammals and the remains of a boreal-forest community. Phylogenetic analysis reveals this bear to be basal to modern bears. It appears to represent an immigration event from Asia, leaving no living North American descendants. The dentition shows only modest specialization for herbivory, consistent with its basal position within Ursinae. However, the appearance of dental caries suggest a diet high in fermentable-carbohydrates. Fossil plants remains, including diverse berries, suggests that, like modern northern black bears,P.abstrususmay have exploited a high-sugar diet in the fall to promote fat accumulation and facilitate hibernation. A tendency toward a sugar-rich diet appears to have arisen early in Ursinae, and may have played a role in allowing ursine lineages to occupy cold habitats.
Central European Woolly Mammoth Population Dynamics: Insights from Late Pleistocene Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Fellows Yates James A. , Drucker Dorothée G. , Reiter Ella , Heumos Simon , Welker Frido , Münzel Susanne C. , Wojtal Piotr , Lázničková-Galetová Martina , Conard Nicholas J. , Herbig Alexander , Bocherens Hervé , Krause Johannes
Published: December 2017

The population dynamics of the Pleistocene woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) has been the subject of intensive palaeogenetic research. Although a large number of mitochondrial genomes across Eurasia have been reconstructed, the available data remains geographically sparse and mostly focused on eastern Eurasia. Thus, population dynamics in other regions have not been extensively investigated. Here, we use a multi-method approach utilising proteomic, stable isotope and genetic techniques to identify and generate twenty woolly mammoth mitochondrial genomes, and associated dietary stable isotopic data, from highly fragmentary Late Pleistocene material from central Europe. We begin to address region-specific questions regarding central European woolly mammoth populations, highlighting parallels with a previous replacement event in eastern Eurasia ten thousand years earlier. A high number of shared derived mutations between woolly mammoth mitochondrial clades are identified, questioning previous phylogenetic analysis and thus emphasizing the need for nuclear DNA studies to explicate the increasingly complex genetic history of the woolly mammoth.
No evolutionary change in the mating system of Solanum rostratum (Solanaceae) during its invasion in China
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Yu Ling , Lou Anru
Published: December 2017

The mating system of flowering plants plays a key role during the process of invasion. Evolution from outcrossing to selfing can allow rapid regeneration of a population after long-distance dispersal by providing reproductive assurance. Solanum rostratum is a self-compatible annual herb that exhibits a high level of outcrossing in its native populations. However, the mating system of invasive populations of S. rostratum has never been assessed. Here, we investigated the mating system based on 11 microsatellite loci and explored ecological factors that may influence the outcrossing rate among 10 invasive populations of S. rostratum in China. We found that the mean outcrossing rate was 0.69 ± 0.12 (range 0.49 to 0.83) with multiple paternity within progeny arrays (average effective number of sires = 7.86), which suggests a mixed mating system dominated by outcrossing. Combined with the uniformly high outcrossing rate (0.70 ± 0.03) previously reported in its native range, these results indicate that there has been no evolutionary shift in mating system during the invasion in China by S. rostratum. There were no relationships between outcrossing and population size, population density, altitude, latitude or longitude. Furthermore, high outcrossing of S. rostratum in China may be facilitated by enantiostyly and heteranthery.
Downregulation of Deiodinase 3 is the earliest event in photoperiodic and photorefractory activation of the gonadotropic axis in seasonal hamsters
Authors: Milesi Sébastien , Simonneaux Valérie , Klosen Paul
Published: December 2017

In seasonal rodents, reproduction is activated by a long photoperiod. Furthermore, maintaining an inhibitory short photoperiod for over 20 weeks triggers a spontaneous reactivation of the gonadotropic axis called photorefractoriness. Photoactivation is proposed to involve melatonin, hypothalamic thyroid hormones (TH) and (Arg) (Phe)-amide peptides. The mechanisms involved in photorefractoriness are so far unknown. We analyzed the dynamic changes in long photoperiod- and photorefractory-induced activation of reproduction in both Syrian and Djungarian hamsters to validate the current model of photoactivation and to uncover the mechanisms involved in photorefractoriness. We detected a conserved early inhibition of expression of the TH catabolizing enzyme deiodinase 3 (Dio3) in tanycytes, associated with a late decrease of the TH transporter MCT8. This suggests that an early peak of hypothalamic TH may be involved in both photoinduced and photorefractory reactivation. In photoactivation, Dio3 downregulation is followed by an upregulation of Dio2, which is not observed in photorefraction. The upregulation of (Arg) (Phe)-amides occurs several weeks after the initial Dio3 inhibition. In conclusion, we uncovered a so far unreported early inhibition of Dio3. This early downregulation of Dio3 is reinforced by an upregulation of Dio2 in photoactivated hamsters. In photorefractoriness, the Dio3 downregulation might be sufficient to reactivate the gonadotropic axis.
Enzymatic production of all fourteen partially acetylated chitosan tetramers using different chitin deacetylases acting in forward or reverse mode
Authors: Hembach Lea , Cord-Landwehr Stefan , Moerschbacher Bruno M.
Published: December 2017

Some of the most abundant biomolecules on earth are the polysaccharides chitin and chitosan of which especially the oligomeric fractions have been extensively studied regarding their biological activities. However, most of these studies have not been able to assess the activity of a single, defined, partially acetylated chitosan oligosaccharide (paCOS). Instead, they have typically analyzed chemically produced, rather poorly characterized mixtures, at best with a single, defined degree of polymerization (DP) and a known average degree of acetylation (DA), as no pure and well-defined paCOS are currently available. We here present data on the enzymatic production of all 14 possible partially acetylated chitosan tetramers, out of which four were purified (>95%) regarding DP, DA, and pattern of acetylation (PA). We used bacterial, fungal, and viral chitin deacetylases (CDAs), either to partially deacetylate the chitin tetramer; or to partially re-N-acetylate the glucosamine tetramer. Both reactions proceeded with surprisingly strong and enzyme-specific regio-specificity. These pure and fully defined chitosans will allow to investigate the particular influence of DP, DA, and PA on the biological activities of chitosans, improving our basic understanding of their modes of action, e.g. their molecular perception by patter recognition receptors, but also increasing their usefulness in industrial applications.
Functional characterization of the circadian clock in the Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba
Authors: Biscontin Alberto , Wallach Thomas , Sales Gabriele , Grudziecki Astrid , Janke Leonard , Sartori Elena , Bertolucci Cristiano , Mazzotta Gabriella , De Pittà Cristiano , Meyer Bettina , Kramer Achim , Costa Rodolfo
Published: December 2017

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a key species in Southern Ocean ecosystem where it plays a central role in the Antarctic food web. Available information supports the existence of an endogenous timing system in krill enabling it to synchronize metabolism and behavior with an environment characterized by extreme seasonal changes in terms of day length, food availability, and surface ice extent. A screening of our transcriptome database “KrillDB” allowed us to identify the putative orthologues of 20 circadian clock components. Mapping of conserved domains and phylogenetic analyses strongly supported annotations of the identified sequences. Luciferase assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments allowed us to define the role of the main clock components. Our findings provide an overall picture of the molecular mechanisms underlying the functioning of the endogenous circadian clock in the Antarctic krill and shed light on their evolution throughout crustaceans speciation. Interestingly, the core clock machinery shows both mammalian and insect features that presumably contribute to an evolutionary strategy to cope with polar environment’s challenges. Moreover, despite the extreme variability characterizing the Antarctic seasonal day length, the conserved light mediated degradation of the photoreceptor EsCRY1 suggests a persisting pivotal role of light as a Zeitgeber.
A gut pathobiont synergizes with the microbiota to instigate inflammatory disease marked by immunoreactivity against other symbionts but not itself
Authors: Gomes-Neto João Carlos , Kittana Hatem , Mantz Sara , Segura Munoz Rafael R. , Schmaltz Robert J. , Bindels Laure B. , Clarke Jennifer , Hostetter Jesse M. , Benson Andrew K. , Walter Jens , Ramer-Tait Amanda E.
Published: December 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are likely driven by aberrant immune responses directed against the resident microbiota. Although IBD is commonly associated with a dysbiotic microbiota enriched in putative pathobionts, the etiological agents of IBD remain unknown. Using a pathobiont-induced intestinal inflammation model and a defined bacterial community, we provide new insights into the immune-microbiota interactions during disease. In this model system, the pathobiontHelicobacter bilisinstigates disease following sub-pathological dextran sulfate sodium treatment. We show thatH. biliscauses mild inflammation in mono-associated mice, but severe disease in the presence of a microbiota, demonstrating synergy between the pathobiont and microbiota in exacerbating pathology. Remarkably, inflammation depends on the presence ofH. bilis, but is marked by a predominant Th17 response against specific members of the microbiota and not the pathobiont, even upon the removal of the most immune-dominant taxa. Neither increases in pathobiont burden nor unique changes in immune-targeted microbiota member abundances are observed during disease. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that a pathobiont instigates inflammation without being the primary target of a Th17 response or by altering the microbiota community structure. Moreover, our findings point toward monitoring pathobiont-induced changes in microbiota immune targeting as a new concept in IBD diagnotics.
Evidence for hippocampal dependence of value-based decisions
Authors: Enkavi A. Zeynep , Weber Bernd , Zweyer Iris , Wagner Jan , Elger Christian E. , Weber Elke U. , Johnson Eric J.
Published: December 2017

Consistent decisions are intuitively desirable and theoretically important for utility maximization. Neuroeconomics has established the neurobiological substrate of value representation, but brain regions that provide input to this network is less explored. The constructed-preference tradition within behavioral decision research gives a critical role to associative cognitive processes, suggesting a hippocampal role in making consistent decisions. We compared the performance of 31 patients with mediotemporal lobe (MTL) epilepsy and hippocampal lesions, 30 patients with extratemporal lobe epilepsy, and 30 healthy controls on two tasks: binary choices between candy bars based on their preferences and a number-comparison control task where the larger number is chosen. MTL patients made more inconsistent choices than the other two groups for the value-based choice but not the number-comparison task. These inconsistencies correlated with the volume of compromised hippocampal tissue. These results add to increasing evidence on a critical involvement of the MTL in preference construction and value-based choices.
Detection of Cystic Fibrosis Serological Biomarkers Using a T7 Phage Display Library
Authors: Talwar Harvinder , Hanoudi Samer Najeeb , Geamanu Andreea , Kissner Dana , Draghici Sorin , Samavati Lobelia
Published: December 2017

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CF is characterized by repeated lung infections leading to respiratory failure. Using a high-throughput method, we developed a T7 phage display cDNA library derived from mRNA isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and leukocytes of sarcoidosis patients. This library was biopanned to obtain 1070 potential antigens. A microarray platform was constructed and immunoscreened with sera from healthy (n = 49), lung cancer (LC) (n = 31) and CF (n = 31) subjects. We built 1,000 naïve Bayes models on the training sets. We selected the top 20 frequently significant clones ranked with student t-test discriminating CF antigens from healthy controls and LC at a False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.01. The performances of the models were validated on an independent validation set. The mean of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the classifiers was 0.973 with a sensitivity of 0.999 and specificity of 0.959. Finally, we identified CF specific clones that correlate highly with sweat chloride test, BMI, and FEV1% predicted values. For the first time, we show that CF specific serological biomarkers can be identified through immunocreenings of a T7 phage display library with high accuracy, which may have utility in development of molecular therapy.
The kinematics of handwriting movements as expression of cognitive and sensorimotor impairments in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bisio Ambra , Pedullà Ludovico , Bonzano Laura , Tacchino Andrea , Brichetto Giampaolo , Bove Marco
Published: December 2017

Handwriting is an important activity of daily living, which requires sensorimotor and cognitive skills that could deteriorate in presence of neurological diseases. Handwriting impairments are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Aims of the present study were to characterize handwriting movement features of PwMS in comparison with those of healthy adults, and to evaluate the relationship between kinematic parameters of handwriting movements and the results of the assessment of cognitive and motor domains. A new handwriting evaluation methodology was applied to quantify handwriting features of 19 PwMS and 22 age-matched healthy controls who were required to write a sentence on a digitizing tablet. Kinematic parameters of the sentence and of the strokes were used to evaluate handwriting performance. PwMS showed an altered handwriting kinematics with respect to healthy controls: higher movement duration, fragmented velocity profile and higher jerk. Furthermore, motor abilities and cognitive status of PwMS were related to handwriting parameters in accordance with the evidence that MS is a multifactorial disease affecting different domains. These results suggested that the proposed methodology might be a valuable tool to quantitatively assess handwriting impairments and the efficacy of handwriting treatments in PwMS.
Hormonal Contraceptives Differentially Suppress TFV and TAF Inhibition of HIV Infection and TFV-DP in Blood and Genital Tract CD4+ T cells
Authors: Shen Zheng , Rodriguez-Garcia Marta , Patel Mickey V. , Bodwell Jack , Kashuba Angela D. M. , Wira Charles R.
Published: December 2017

HIV prevention research is focused on combining antiretrovirals (ARV) and progestin contraceptives to prevent HIV infection and pregnancy. The possibility that progestins compromise ARV anti-HIV activity prompted us to evaluate the effects of progestins on tenofovir (TFV) and TFV-alafenamide (TAF) on HIV infection and intracellular TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in blood and genital CD4+ T cells. Following incubation of blood CD4+ T cells with TFV or TAF, Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), but not Levonorgestrel, Norethisterone or progesterone, suppressed the anti-HIV effect of TFV by reducing intracellular TFV-DP, but had no effect on TAF inhibition of infection or TFV-DP. In contrast, with genital CD4+ T cells, MPA suppressed TAF inhibition of HIV infection and lowered of TFV-DP concentrations without affecting TFV protection. These findings demonstrate that MPA selectively compromises TFV and TAF protection in blood and genital CD4+ T cells and suggests that MPA may decrease ARV protection in individuals who use ARV intermittently for prevention.
3-D Modelling and Experimental Comparison of Reactive Flow in Carbonates under Radial Flow Conditions
Authors: Liu Piyang , Yao Jun , Couples Gary Douglas , Ma Jingsheng , Iliev Oleg
Published: December 2017

We use a two-scale continuum model to simulate reactive flow and wormhole formation in carbonate rocks under 3-D radial flow conditions. More specifically, we present a new structure-property relationship based on the fractal geometry theory, to describe the evolution of local permeability, pore radius, and specific area with porosity variation. In the numerical calculation, to improve the convergence rate, the heterogeneous medium in question is extended by adding a thin layer of homogeneous porous medium to its inlet. We compare the simulation results with the available experimental observations and find that they are qualitatively consistent with each other. Additionally, sensitivity analysis of the dissolution process with respect to acid injection rate and rock heterogeneity, including heterogeneity magnitude and correlation length, is presented.
Gene expression profiling in the intestinal mucosa of obese rats administered probiotic bacteria
Authors: Plaza-Díaz Julio , Robles-Sánchez Cándido , Abadía-Molina Francisco , Sáez-Lara María José , Vilchez-Padial Laura María , Gil Ángel , Gómez-Llorente Carolina , Fontana Luis
Published: December 2017

We investigated whether the administration of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4034, Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-4035 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036 modulate the expression of genes in the intestinal mucosa of obese Zucker rats. Forty-eight Zucker-Leprfa/fa and 16 Zucker lean Lepr+/fa rats were used. Eight Zucker lean Lepr+/fa and 8 Zucker-Leprfa/fa rats were euthanized as a reference. The remaining 40 Zucker-Leprfa/fa rats were then assigned to receive 1010 colony forming units (CFU) of one of the three probiotic strains, a mixture of L. paracasei CNCM I-4034 and B. breve CNCM I-4035, or a placebo by oral administration for 30 days. An additional group of 8 Zucker lean Lepr+/fa rats received the placebo for 30 days. Over 27,000 rat genes were studied using a DNA array. Four animals per group were used. Total RNA was extracted from intestinal mucosa and cDNA was synthesized, fragmented and labeled. Labeled cDNA was hybridized using GeneChip kits, and the latter were scanned. Intensity values of each probe were processed and normalized to obtain an individual value for each set of probes.
Nickel-catalyzed amination of aryl fluorides with primary amines
Authors: Harada Tomoya , Ueda Yusuke , Iwai Tomohiro , Sawamura Masaya
Published: December 2017

The Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between aryl fluorides and primary amines was enabled by the 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)benzene (DCYPBz) or 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane (DCYPE) ligands.
Intriguing structural and magnetic properties correlation study on Fe3+-substituted calcium-copper-titanate
Authors: Pansara P. R. , Raval P. Y. , Vasoya N. H. , Dolia S. N. , Modi K. B.
Published: December 2017

This communication presents a detailed study on a Fe3+modified CaCu3Ti4O12cubic perovskite system (CaCu3−xTi4−xFe2xO12withx= 0.0–0.7) by performing X-ray powder diffractometry, DC SQUID magnetization and57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Electronic versus steric effects of pyridinophane ligands on Pd(iii) complexes
Authors: Tang Fengzhi , Park Sungho V. , Rath Nigam P. , Mirica Liviu M.
Published: December 2017

Reported herein is the study of the electronic and steric effects of pyridinophane ligands on the corresponding Pd(iii) complexes.
A pilot study of hybrid biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration-ultrafiltration process for water supply in rural areas: role of BAC pretreatment in alleviating membrane fouling
Authors: Qu Fangshu , Yan Zhongsen , Wang Hao , Wang Xiaobo , Liang Heng , Yu Huarong , He Junguo , Li Guibai
Published: December 2017

For decentralized drinking water treatment in rural areas, a hybrid process of biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration and ultrafiltration (UF) was applied to obtain potable water.
In vitromembrane damage induced by half-fin anchovy hydrolysates/glucose Maillard reaction products and the effects on oxidative statusin vivo
Authors: Song Ru , Shi Qingqing , Yang Peiyu , Wei Rongbian
Published: December 2017

Through induced H2O2generationin vitro, HAHp(9.0)-G MRPs increased the antioxidant status in normal mice after short-term intake.
Dextran-g-lauric acid as IKK complex inhibitor carrier
Authors: Su Chao-Ming , Lin Ching , Huang Chen-Yu , Yeh Jih-Chao , Tsai Tien-Yao , Ger Tzong Rong , Wang Ming-Chen , Lou Shyh-Liang
Published: December 2017

Copolymeric micelles made from dextran-g-lauric acid with different molecular weights were optimized to carry IκB kinase-β inhibitor, IMD-0354, for melanoma treatment.
Novel graphene capsule–aminoporphyrin nanohybrids: preparation and application in photodynamic therapy of cancer
Authors: Liu Guoli , Lv Hongying , Zhao Jing , Zhang Shen , Sun Shuqing
Published: December 2017

We report on the first preparation of graphene capsule–aminoporphyrin nanohybrids and their application in photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Front-face fluorescence spectroscopy of tryptophan and fluorescein using laser induced fluorescence and excitation emission matrix fluorescence
Authors: Mounier Stéphane , Redon Roland , Nicolodelli Gustavo , Milori Debora
Published: December 2017

Herein we study the responses of two standard molecules, tryptophan and fluorescein, over a large concentration range in boric acid via two front-face fluorescence spectroscopies: excitation emission matrix fluorescence and laser-induced fluorescence.
Green preparation of nitrogen doped carbon quantum dot films as fluorescent probes
Authors: He Yanfei , Liang Lina , Liu Qinghao , Guo Jinchun , Liang Dong , Liu Hongyan
Published: December 2017

A facile and economical hydrothermal method was developed for the preparation of highly luminescent NCDs by using cabbage juice as carbon source and PP as nitrogen source. The fluorescence intensity of CA-NCDs was quenched by Fe3+ with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Functional human 3D microvascular networks on a chip to study the procoagulant effects of ambient fine particulate matter
Authors: Li Yan , Pi Qing-Meng , Wang Peng-Cheng , Liu Lie-Ju , Han Zheng-Gang , Shao Yang , Zhai Ying , Zuo Zheng-Yu , Gong Zhi-Yong , Yang Xu , Wu Yang
Published: December 2017

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (FPM) has been thought to be associated with cardiovascular disease.
Investigation of optical absorption and photothermal conversion characteristics of binary CuO/ZnO nanofluids
Authors: Fang Junfei , Xuan Yimin
Published: December 2017

This work aimed at studying the optical absorption and photothermal conversion of binary CuO/ZnO nanofluids that can be used as catalysts in methanol reforming hydrogen production.
Thickness dependence of structure and superconductivity of the SmBa2Cu3O7 film by laser CVD
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Kaidong , Tu Rong , Zhang Song , Yang Meijun , Li Qizhong , Shi Ji , Li Haiwen , Goto Takashi , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: December 2017

SmBa2Cu3O7 films deposited by novel laser CVD have excellent superconductive (IC = 204 A cm−1-W) at high deposition rates.
One-step purification and oriented attachment of protein A on silica and graphene oxide nanoparticles using sortase-mediated immobilization
Authors: Qafari Seyed Mehdi , Ahmadian Gholamreza , Mohammadi Mehdi
Published: December 2017

One-step purification and oriented immobilization of protein A on functionalized carriers.
Eugenol-modified polysiloxanes as effective anticorrosion additives for epoxy resin coatings
Authors: Chen Guang , Feng Jinghan , Qiu Wei , Zhao Yuming
Published: December 2017

Eugenol-modified polysiloxane additives can significantly increase the performance of epoxy resin coatings in terms of thermal stability, hydrophobicity and resistance to water penetration.
Theoretical investigation on donor–acceptor interaction between a carbonyl compound and an N,N′-dioxide–Sc(iii) complex
Authors: Su Zhishan , He Weiying , Wang Junming , Zuo Yini , Hu Changwei
Published: December 2017

The counterion and substituent on amide of the N,N′-dioxide ligand could affect electrostatic energy (ΔVelstat) as well as orbital energy (ΔEorb) between CH2O and Sc(iii)-based catalyst, adjusting the Lewis acidity of the metal centre.
Enhancing metallic lithium battery performance by tuning the electrolyte solution structure
Authors: Huang Feifei , Ma Guoqiang , Wen Zhaoyin , Jin Jun , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: December 2017

A concentrated electrolyte shows a series of outstanding properties including improved lithium plating/stripping performance and suppressed shuttle effect for Li–S batteries owing to its special solvation sheath of Li+.
Spectroscopic characterization of the structural properties of quinoxalinophenanthrophenazine thin films
Authors: Fratczak Ewelina Z. , Makowski Tomasz , Moustafa Rasha M. , El-Assaad Tarek H. , Moneta Marek E. , Uznanski Pawel , Kaafarani Bilal R.
Published: December 2017

Thin film structural features of TQPP-Me and TQPP-OC12 as explored by spectroscopic and ellipsometric techniques.
The stress sigma factor of RNA polymerase RpoS/σS is a solvent-exposed open molecule in solution
Authors: Cavaliere Paola , Brier Sébastien , Filipenko Petr , Sizun Christina , Raynal Bertrand , Bonneté Françoise , Levi-Acobas Fabienne , Bellalou Jacques , England Patrick , Chamot-Rooke Julia , Mayer Claudine , Norel Françoise
Published: December 2017

In bacteria, one primary and multiple alternative sigma (σ) factors associate with the RNA polymerase core enzyme (E) to form holoenzymes (Eσ) with different promoter recognition specificities. The alternative σ factor RpoS/σS is produced in stationary phase and under stress conditions and reprograms global gene expression to promote bacterial survival. To date, the three-dimensional structure of a full-length free σ factor remains elusive. The current model suggests that extensive interdomain contacts in a free σ factor result in a compact conformation that masks the DNA-binding determinants of σ, explaining why a free σ factor does not bind double-stranded promoter DNA efficiently. Here, we explored the solution conformation of σS using amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry, NMR, analytical ultracentrifugation and molecular dynamics. Our data strongly argue against a compact conformation of free σS. Instead, we show that σS adopts an open conformation in solution in which the folded σ2 and σ4 domains are interspersed by domains with a high degree of disorder. These findings suggest that E binding induces major changes in both the folding and domain arrangement of σS and provide insights into the possible mechanisms of regulation of σS activity by its chaperone Crl.
An unusual diphosphatase from the PhnP family cleaves reactive FAD photoproducts
Authors: Beaudoin Guillaume A.W. , Li Qiang , Bruner Steven D. , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: December 2017

Flavins are notoriously photolabile, but while the photoproducts derived from the iso-alloxazine ring are well known the other photoproducts are not. In the case of FAD, typically the main cellular flavin, the other photoproducts are predicted to include four- and five-carbon sugars linked to ADP. These FAD photoproducts were shown to be potent glycating agents, more so than ADP-ribose. Such toxic compounds would require disposal via an ADP-sugar diphosphatase or other route. Comparative analysis of bacterial genomes uncovered a candidate disposal gene that is chromosomally clustered with genes for FAD synthesis or transport and is predicted to encode a protein of the PhnP cyclic phosphodiesterase family. The representative PhnP family enzyme from Koribacter versatilis (here named Fpd, FAD photoproduct diphosphatase) was found to have high, Mn2+-dependent diphosphatase activity against FAD photoproducts, FAD, and ADP-ribose, but almost no phosphodiesterase activity against riboflavin 4′,5′-cyclic phosphate, a chemical breakdown product of FAD. To provide a structural basis of the unique Fpd activity, the crystal structure of K. versatilis Fpd was determined. The results place Fpd in the broad metallo-β-lactamase-like family of hydrolases, a diverse family commonly using two metals for hydrolytic catalysis. The active site of Fpd contains two Mn2+ ions and a bound phosphate, consistent with a diphosphatase mechanism. Our results characterize the first PhnP family member that is a diphosphatase rather than a cyclic phosphodiesterase and suggest its involvement in a cellular damage-control system that efficiently hydrolyzes the reactive, ADP-ribose-like products of FAD photodegradation.