bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbes in Infant Gut Development: Placing Abundance Within Environmental, Clinical and Growth Parameters
Authors: Obermajer Tanja , Grabnar Iztok , Benedik Evgen , Tušar Tina , Robič Pikel Tatjana , Fidler Mis Nataša , Bogovič Matijašić Bojana , Rogelj Irena
Published: September 2017

Sound and timely microbial gut colonization completes newborn’s healthy metabolic programming and manifests in infant appropriate growth and weight development. Feces, collected at 3, 30, and 90 days after birth from 60 breastfed Slovenian newborns, was submitted to microbial DNA extraction and qPCR quantification of selected gut associated taxa. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to evaluate microbial dynamics with respect to infant demographic, environmental, clinical characteristics and first year growth data. Early microbial variability was marked by the proportion of Bacilli, but diminished and converged in later samples, as bifidobacteria started to prevail. The first month proportions of enterococci were associated with maternity hospital locality and supplementation of breastfeeding with formulae, while Enterococcus faecalis proportion reflected the mode of delivery. Group Bacteroides-Prevotella proportion was associated with infant weight and ponderal index at first month. Infant mixed feeding pattern and health issues within the first month revealed the most profound and extended microbial perturbations. Our findings raise concerns over the ability of the early feeding supplementation to emulate and support the gut microbiota in a way similar to the exclusively breastfed infants. Additionally, practicing supplementation beyond the first month also manifested in higher first year weight and weight gain Z-score.
Carbon sequestration potential and physicochemical properties differ between wildfire charcoals and slow-pyrolysis biochars
Authors: Santín Cristina , Doerr Stefan H. , Merino Agustin , Bucheli Thomas D. , Bryant Rob , Ascough Philippa , Gao Xiaodong , Masiello Caroline A.
Published: September 2017

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC), produced naturally (wildfire charcoal) and anthropogenically (biochar), is extensively studied due to its importance in several disciplines, including global climate dynamics, agronomy and paleosciences. Charcoal and biochar are commonly used as analogues for each other to infer respective carbon sequestration potentials, production conditions, and environmental roles and fates. The direct comparability of corresponding natural and anthropogenic PyC, however, has never been tested. Here we compared key physicochemical properties (elemental composition, δ13C and PAHs signatures, chemical recalcitrance, density and porosity) and carbon sequestration potentials of PyC materials formed from two identical feedstocks (pine forest floor and wood) under wildfire charring- and slow-pyrolysis conditions. Wildfire charcoals were formed under higher maximum temperatures and oxygen availabilities, but much shorter heating durations than slow-pyrolysis biochars, resulting in differing physicochemical properties. These differences are particularly relevant regarding their respective roles as carbon sinks, as even the wildfire charcoals formed at the highest temperatures had lower carbon sequestration potentials than most slow-pyrolysis biochars. Our results challenge the common notion that natural charcoal and biochar are well suited as proxies for each other, and suggest that biochar’s environmental residence time may be underestimated when based on natural charcoal as a proxy, and vice versa.
Stress behaviours buffer macaques from aggression
Authors: Whitehouse Jamie , Micheletta Jérôme , Waller Bridget M.
Published: September 2017

Primates (including humans) scratch when stressed. So far, such scratching has been seen as a by-product of physiological processes associated with stress, and attributed proximate, regulatory function. However, it is possible that others could use this relationship between scratching and stress as an indication of the animal’s stress state, and thus scratching could potentially have social function. As a test of this theory, we measured the production of, and social responses to scratching in a group of free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Firstly, we found that the likelihood of scratching was greater around periods of heightened social stress, such as being in proximity to high-ranking individuals, or non-friends. Secondly, when macaques scratched, subsequent interactions were less likely to be aggressive and more likely to be affiliative. Potential attackers may avoid attacking stressed individuals as stressed individuals could behave unpredictably or be weakened by their state of stress (rendering aggression risky and/or unnecessary). Observable stress behaviour could therefore have additional adaptive value by reducing the potential for escalated aggression, benefiting both senders and receivers by facilitating social cohesion. This basic ability to recognise stress in others could also be an important component in the evolution of social cognition such as empathy.
ECG features and methods for automatic classification of ventricular premature and ischemic heartbeats: A comprehensive experimental study
Authors: Maršánová Lucie , Ronzhina Marina , Smíšek Radovan , Vítek Martin , Němcová Andrea , Smital Lukas , Nováková Marie
Published: September 2017

Accurate detection of cardiac pathological events is an important part of electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluation and subsequent correct treatment of the patient. The paper introduces the results of a complex study, where various aspects of automatic classification of various heartbeat types have been addressed. Particularly, non-ischemic, ischemic (of two different grades) and subsequent ventricular premature beats were classified in this combination for the first time. ECGs recorded in rabbit isolated hearts under non-ischemic and ischemic conditions were used for analysis. Various morphological and spectral features (both commonly used and newly proposed) as well as classification models were tested on the same data set. It was found that: a) morphological features are generally more suitable than spectral ones; b) successful results (accuracy up to 98.3% and 96.2% for morphological and spectral features, respectively) can be achieved using features calculated without time-consuming delineation of QRS-T segment; c) use of reduced number of features (3 to 14 features) for model training allows achieving similar or even better performance as compared to the whole feature sets (10 to 29 features); d) k-nearest neighbours and support vector machine seem to be the most appropriate models (accuracy up to 98.6% and 93.5%, respectively).
Molecular details of secretory phospholipase A2 from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) provide insight into its structure and function
Authors: Gupta Payal , Dash Prasanta K.
Published: September 2017

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) are low molecular weight proteins (12–18 kDa) involved in a suite of plant cellular processes imparting growth and development. With myriad roles in physiological and biochemical processes in plants, detailed analysis of sPLA2 in flax/linseed is meagre. The present work, first in flax, embodies cloning, expression, purification and molecular characterisation of two distinct sPLA2s (I and II) from flax. PLA2 activity of the cloned sPLA2s were biochemically assayed authenticating them as bona fide phospholipase A2. Physiochemical properties of both the sPLA2s revealed they are thermostable proteins requiring di-valent cations for optimum activity.While, structural analysis of both the proteins revealed deviations in the amino acid sequence at C- & N-terminal regions; hydropathic study revealed LusPLA2I as a hydrophobic protein and LusPLA2II as a hydrophilic protein. Structural analysis of flax sPLA2s revealed that secondary structure of both the proteins are dominated by α-helix followed by random coils. Modular superimposition of LusPLA2 isoforms with rice sPLA2 confirmed monomeric structural preservation among plant phospholipase A2 and provided insight into structure of folded flax sPLA2s.
Probing microwave fields and enabling in-situ experiments in a transmission electron microscope
Authors: Goncalves F. J. T. , Paterson G. W. , McGrouther D. , Drysdale T. , Togawa Y. , Schmool D. S. , Stamps R. L.
Published: September 2017

A technique is presented whereby the performance of a microwave device is evaluated by mapping local field distributions using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (L-TEM). We demonstrate the method by measuring the polarisation state of the electromagnetic fields produced by a microstrip waveguide as a function of its gigahertz operating frequency. The forward and backward propagating electromagnetic fields produced by the waveguide, in a specimen-free experiment, exert Lorentz forces on the propagating electron beam. Importantly, in addition to the mapping of dynamic fields, this novel method allows detection of effects of microwave fields on specimens, such as observing ferromagnetic materials at resonance.
5-methoxytryptophan protects MSCs from stress induced premature senescence by upregulating FoxO3a and mTOR
Authors: Chang Tzu-Ching , Hsu Min-Fen , Shih Chiu-Yueh , Wu Kenneth K.
Published: September 2017

5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is a newly discovered tryptophan metabolite which controls stress-induced inflammatory signals. To determine whether 5-MTP protects against stress-induced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) senescence, we incubated bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) in high-glucose medium or regular medium for 2 weeks followed by addiction of 5-MTP (10 μM) or vehicle for 48 h. 5-MTP reduced p16 and p21 expression, senescence-associated β-Gal (SA-β-Gal) and IL-6 secretion and increased BrdU incorporation. 5-MTP exerted a similar effect on BM-MSC senescence induced by a sublethal concentration of H2O2. 5-MTP enhanced FoxO3a expression and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in HG BM-MSCs. Silencing of FoxO3a with siRNA abrogated 5-MTP-mediated reduction of SA-β-Gal and IL-6 secretion but not p21 or p16. Since mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is involved in cellular senescence, we determined whether 5-MTP influences mTOR expression. Our data reveal that mTOR protein level was depressed in HG-MSC which was rescued by 5-MTP. Rapamycin abrogated 5-MTP-mediated suppression of p16, p21, SA-β-Gal and IL-6 and rise of BrdU incorporation. Our findings suggest that 5-MTP protects MSCs against stress-induced senescence via FoxO3a and mTOR upregulation and has potential to improve cell expansion for cell therapy.
Investigating the Relationship between Cerebrospinal Fluid and Magnetic Induction Phase Shift in Rabbit Intracerebral hematoma expansion Monitoring by MRI
Authors: Chen Mingsheng , Yan Qingguang , Sun Jian , Jin Gui , Qin Mingxin
Published: September 2017

In a prior study of intracerebral hemorrhage monitoring using magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS), we found that MIPS signal changes occurred prior to those seen with intracranial pressure. However, the characteristic MIPS alert is not yet fully explained. Combining the brain physiology and MIPS theory, we propose that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be the primary factor that leads to hematoma expansion being alerted by MIPS earlier than with intracranial pressure monitoring. This paper investigates the relationship between CSF and MIPS in monitoring of rabbit intracerebral hemorrhage models, which is based on the MIPS measurements data, the quantified data on CSF from medical images and the amount of injected blood in the rabbit intracerebral hemorrhage model. In the investigated results, a R value of 0.792 with a significance of 0.019 is observed between the MIPS and CSF, which is closer than MIPS and injected blood. Before the reversal point of MIPS, CSF is the leading factor in MIPS signal changing in an early hematoma expansion stage. Under CSF compensation, CSF reduction compensates for hematoma expansion in the brain to keep intracranial pressure stable. MIPS decrease results from the reducing CSF volume. This enables MIPS to detect hematoma expansion earlier than intracranial pressure.
Designing functionality in perovskite thin films using ion implantation techniques: Assessment and insights from first-principles calculations
Authors: Sharma Vinit , Herklotz Andreas , Ward Thomas Zac , Reboredo Fernando A.
Published: September 2017

Recent experimental findings have demonstrated that low doses of low energy helium ions can be used to tailor the structural and electronic properties of single crystal films. These initial studies have shown that changes to lattice expansion were proposed to be the direct result of chemical pressure originating predominantly from the implanted He applying chemical pressure at interstitial sites. However, the influence of possible secondary knock-on damage arising from the He atoms transferring energy to the lattice through nuclear-nuclear collision with the crystal lattice remains largely unaddressed. Here, we study SrRuO3 to provide a comprehensive examination of the impact of common defects on structural and electronic properties. We found that, while interstitial He can modify the properties, a dose significantly larger than those reported in experimental studies would be required. Our study suggests that true origin of the observed changes is from combination of secondary defects created during He implantation. Of particular importance, we observe that different defect types can generate greatly varied local electronic structures and that the formation energies and migration energy barriers vary by defect type. Thus, we may have identified a new method of selectively inducing controlled defect complexes into single crystal materials.
Molecular insights into photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in Jatropha curcas grown under elevated CO2 using transcriptome sequencing and assembly
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Sreeharsha Rachapudi Venkata , Mudalkar Shalini , Sarashetti Prasad M. , Reddy Attipalli Ramachandra
Published: September 2017

Jatropha curcas L. (Family – Euphorbiaceae) is a perennial tree of special interest due to its potential as a biofuel plant with high carbon sequestration. In this study, physiological investigations coupled with transcriptomics in relation to photosynthesis were evaluated in Jatropha grown under ambient (395 ppm) and elevated (550 ppm) CO2 atmosphere. Morphophysiological analysis revealed that Jatropha sustained enhanced photosynthesis during its growth under elevated CO2 for one year which might be linked to improved CO2 assimilation physiology and enhanced sink activity. We sequenced and analyzed the leaf transcriptome of Jatropha after one year of growth in both conditions using Illumina HiSeq platform. After optimized assembly, a total of 69,581 unigenes were generated. The differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed 3013 transcripts differentially regulated in elevated CO2 conditions. The photosynthesis regulatory genes were analysed for temporal expression patterns at four different growth phases which highlighted probable events contributing to enhanced growth and photosynthetic capacity including increased reducing power, starch synthesis and sucrose mobilization under elevated CO2. Overall, our data on physiological and transcriptomic analyses suggest an optimal resource allocation to the available and developing sink organs thereby sustaining improved photosynthetic rates during long-term growth of Jatropha under CO2 enriched environment.
The behaviour of stacking fault energy upon interstitial alloying
Authors: Lee Jee-Yong , Koo Yang Mo , Lu Song , Vitos Levente , Kwon Se Kyun
Published: September 2017

Stacking fault energy is one of key parameters for understanding the mechanical properties of face-centered cubic materials. It is well known that the plastic deformation mechanism is closely related to the size of stacking fault energy. Although alloying is a conventional method to modify the physical parameter, the underlying microscopic mechanisms are not yet clearly established. Here, we propose a simple model for determining the effect of interstitial alloying on the stacking fault energy. We derive a volumetric behaviour of stacking fault energy from the harmonic approximation to the energy-lattice curve and relate it to the contents of interstitials. The stacking fault energy is found to change linearly with the interstitial content in the usual low concentration domain. This is in good agreement with previously reported experimental and theoretical data.
High-Capacitance Hybrid Supercapacitor Based on Multi-Colored Fluorescent Carbon-Dots
Authors: Genc Rukan , Alas Melis Ozge , Harputlu Ersan , Repp Sergej , Kremer Nora , Castellano Mike , Colak Suleyman Gokhan , Ocakoglu Kasim , Erdem Emre
Published: September 2017

Multi-colored, water soluble fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-Dots) with quantum yield changing from 4.6 to 18.3% were synthesized in multi-gram using dated cola beverage through a simple thermal synthesis method and implemented as conductive and ion donating supercapacitor component. Various properties of C-Dots, including size, crystal structure, morphology and surface properties along with their Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra were analyzed and compared by means of their fluorescence and electronic properties. α-Manganese Oxide-Polypyrrole (PPy) nanorods decorated with C-Dots were further conducted as anode materials in a supercapacitor. Reduced graphene oxide was used as cathode along with the dicationic bis-imidazolium based ionic liquid in order to enhance the charge transfer and wetting capacity of electrode surfaces. For this purpose, we used octyl-bis(3-methylimidazolium)diiodide (C8H16BImI) synthesized by N-alkylation reaction as liquid ionic membrane electrolyte. Paramagnetic resonance and impedance spectroscopy have been undertaken in order to understand the origin of the performance of hybrid capacitor in more depth. In particular, we obtained high capacitance value (C = 17.3 μF/cm2) which is exceptionally related not only the quality of synthesis but also the choice of electrode and electrolyte materials. Moreover, each component used in the construction of the hybrid supercapacitor is also played a key role to achieve high capacitance value.
Streptococcus salivarius MS-oral-D6 promotes gingival re-epithelialization in vitro through a secreted serine protease
Authors: Fernandez-Gutierrez Marcela M. , Roosjen Peter P. J. , Ultee Eveline , Agelink Maarten , Vervoort Jacques J. M. , Keijser Bart , Wells Jerry M. , Kleerebezem Michiel
Published: September 2017

Gingival re-epithelialization represents an essential phase of oral wound healing in which epithelial integrity is re-establish. We developed an automated high-throughput re-epithelialization kinetic model, using the gingival epithelial cell line Ca9–22. The model was employed to screen 39 lactic acid bacteria, predominantly including oral isolates, for their capacity to accelerate gingival re-epithelialization. This screen identified several strains of Streptococcus salivarius that stimulated re-epithelialization. Further analysis revealed that S. salivarius strain MS-oral-D6 significantly promoted re-epithelialization through a secreted proteinaceous compound and subsequent experiments identified a secreted serine protease as the most likely candidate to be involved in re-epithelialization stimulation. The identification of bacteria or their products that stimulate gingival wound repair may inspire novel strategies for the maintenance of oral health.
Rigidly connected multispecific artificial binders with adjustable geometries
Authors: Wu Yufan , Batyuk Alexander , Honegger Annemarie , Brandl Fabian , Mittl Peer R. E. , Plückthun Andreas
Published: September 2017

Multivalent binding proteins can gain biological activities beyond what is inherent in the individual binders, by bringing together different target molecules, restricting their conformational flexibility or changing their subcellular localization. In this study, we demonstrate a method to build up rigid multivalent and multispecific scaffolds by exploiting the modular nature of a repeat protein scaffold and avoiding flexible linkers. We use DARPins (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins), synthetic binding proteins based on the Ankyrin-repeat protein scaffold, as binding units. Their ease of in vitro selection, high production yield and stability make them ideal specificity-conferring building blocks for the design of more complex constructs. C- and N-terminal DARPin capping repeats were re-designed to be joined by a shared helix in such a way that rigid connector modules are formed. This allows us to join two or more DARPins in predefined geometries without compromising their binding affinities and specificities. Nine connector modules with distinct geometries were designed; for eight of these we were able to confirm the structure by X-ray crystallography, while only one did not crystallize. The bispecific constructs were all able to bind both target proteins simultaneously.
The sinking of the El Faro: predicting real world rogue waves during Hurricane Joaquin
Authors: Fedele Francesco , Lugni Claudio , Chawla Arun
Published: September 2017

We present a study on the prediction of rogue waves during the 1-hour sea state of Hurricane Joaquin when the Merchant Vessel El Faro sank east of the Bahamas on October 1, 2015. High-resolution hindcast of hurricane-generated sea states and wave simulations are combined with novel probabilistic models to quantify the likelihood of rogue wave conditions. The data suggests that the El Faro vessel was drifting at an average speed of approximately 2.5 m/s prior to its sinking. As a result, we estimated that the probability that El Faro encounters a rogue wave whose crest height exceeds 14 meters while drifting over a time interval of 10 (50) minutes is ~1/400 (1/130). The largest simulated wave is generated by the constructive interference of elementary spectral components (linear dispersive focusing) enhanced by bound nonlinearities. Not surprisingly then, its characteristics are quite similar to those displayed by the Andrea, Draupner and Killard rogue waves.
Hypo-hydroxymethylation of rRNA genes in the precocious Eriocheir sinensis testes revealed using hMeDIP-seq
Authors: Li Genliang , Qian Hui
Published: September 2017

Precocious puberty is a common phenomenon in crab breeding that seriously reduces the economic benefits for crab farmers. To address this problem, this study aimed to explore the potential functions of both methylation and hydroxymethylation of testis rRNA genes with respect to precocious puberty in Eriocheir sinensis. The results showed that the rRNA genes in normally developing testes of E. sinensis had low levels of methylation and high levels of hydroxymethylation; however, although methylation levels were similar, the level of hydroxymethylation in precocious testes was lower than normal. Highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in the hydroxymethylation of the 18S and 28S rRNA genes were found between precocious and normal testes. Our results suggested that both the 18S and 28S rRNA genes, which are normally downregulated by hypo-hydroxymethylation, might be involved in the process of precocious puberty. Our results also implied that hydroxymethylation of the 18S and 28S rRNA genes might be used as an important epigenetic molecular marker to evaluate economically significant potential for growth and breeding in this species.
Identification of prognostic genes through expression differentiation during metastatic process in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: An Ning , Yang Xue
Published: September 2017

Cancer is a highly complicated biological process due to large scale heterogeneity. Identification of differentially expressed genes between normal and cancer samples is widely utilized in the discovery of prognostic factors. In this study, based on RNA sequencing data of lung adenocarcinoma, we focused on the expression differentiation during confined (with neither lymph node invasion nor distant metastasis) primary tumors and lymphnode (with only lymph node invasion but not distant metastasis) primary tumors. The result indicated that differentially expressed genes during confined-lymphnode transition were more closely related to patient’s overall survival comparing with those identified from normal-cancer transition. With the aid of public curated biological network, we successfully retrieved the biggest connected module composed of 135 genes, of which the expression was significantly associated with patient’s overall survival, confirmed by 9 independent microarray datasets.
First record of an Icacinaceae Miers fossil flower from Le Quesnoy (Ypresian, France) amber
Authors: Del Rio Cédric , Haevermans Thomas , De Franceschi Dario
Published: September 2017

Flowers embedded in amber are rare. Only about 70 flowers or inflorescences have been described among which only one lamiid is known. Nevertheless, these fossils are important to our understanding of evolutionary process and past diversity due to the exceptional preservation of fragile structures not normally preserved. In this work, a new flower named Icacinanthium tainiaphorum sp. nov. from Le Quesnoy (Houdancourt, Oise, France) is described. Our phylogenetic analysis with extant species suggests that the affinity of this flower lies with the family Icacinaceae, close to Natsiatum or Hosiea. The fossil shows a combination of features unknown in extant Icacinaceae and we thus propose the description of a new fossil genus. It reveals a previously unknown diversity in the family and demonstrates the complementarity of different types of fossil preservation for a better understanding of past floral diversity.
Positive feedback of the amphiregulin-EGFR-ERK pathway mediates PM2.5 from wood smoke-induced MUC5AC expression in epithelial cells
Authors: Huang Lingmei , Pu Jinding , He Fang , Liao Baoling , Hao Binwei , Hong Wei , Ye Xiuqin , Chen Jinglong , Zhao Jun , Liu Sha , Xu Juan , Li Bing , Ran Pixin
Published: September 2017

Biomass fuel smoke is thought to contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is characterized by mucous cell metaplasia and enhanced mucus secretion. We investigated the effect of particulate matter (PM) with a diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) from wood smoke (WSPM2.5) on the expression of the most prominent secreted mucin, MUC5AC. Wood smoke was able to induce MUC5AC expression in the rat respiratory tract after 3 months of exposure. WSPM2.5 could induce MUC5AC production in both primary human airway epithelial cells and the NCI-H292 cell line. This induction process was mediated by activation of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling through an EGFR ligand-dependent mechanism. Amphiregulin (AR) was identified as the major ligand responsible for EGFR-ERK signaling activation and MUC5AC expression. In turn, EGFR-ERK pathway activation was found to contribute to the de novo synthesis of AR. This positive feedback loop might play an important role in a sustained mucus hypersecretion response.
Optogenetic approach for targeted activation of global calcium transients in differentiated C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Sebille Stéphane , Ayad Oualid , Chapotte-Baldacci Charles-Albert , Cognard Christian , Bois Patrick , Chatelier Aurélien
Published: September 2017

Excitation-contraction coupling in muscle cells is initiated by a restricted membrane depolarization delimited within the neuromuscular junction. This targeted depolarization triggers an action potential that propagates and induces a global cellular calcium response and a consequent contraction. To date, numerous studies have investigated this excitation-calcium response coupling by using different techniques to depolarize muscle cells. However, none of these techniques mimic the temporal and spatial resolution of membrane depolarization observed in the neuromuscular junction. By using optogenetics in C2C12 muscle cells, we developed a technique to study the calcium response following membrane depolarization induced by photostimulations of membrane surface similar or narrower than the neuromuscular junction area. These stimulations coupled to confocal calcium imaging generate a global cellular calcium response that is the consequence of a membrane depolarization propagation. In this context, this technique provides an interesting, contactless and relatively easy way of investigation of calcium increase/release as well as calcium decrease/re-uptake triggered by a propagated membrane depolarization.
Development of Monetary and Social Reward Processes
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Tongran , Shi Jiannong
Published: September 2017

The current study investigated monetary and social reward processing in children, adolescents and adults with adapted incentive-delay tasks and self-report questionnaires. Both tasks had three levels of reward magnitudes (no, low, and high). Qualified participants received 15 Chinese Yuan and an honor certificate as monetary and social rewards, respectively. The results indicated that both monetary and social rewards effectively speeded up responses for all three age groups as reward magnitude increased in the choice reaction time task. Among adolescents and adults, males exhibited faster responses in high reward than in low reward condition, while females responded equally fast in both conditions. Among children, girls responded faster to high reward than low reward condition. However, boys committed more errors than girls in low and high reward conditions, and they had exhibited more errors in high reward than that in no reward condition for social reward. Regarding the subjective ratings, both children and adolescents reported higher motivation for social reward than for monetary reward. These findings indicated that the males in the adolescent and adult groups were more sensitive to reward than were the females. Moreover, tangible and quantitative social reward had stronger incentive power than monetary reward among children and adolescents.
The FAAH inhibitor URB597 suppresses hippocampal maximal dentate afterdischarges and restores seizure-induced impairment of short and long-term synaptic plasticity
Authors: Colangeli Roberto , Pierucci Massimo , Benigno Arcangelo , Campiani Giuseppe , Butini Stefania , Di Giovanni Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Synthetic cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids have been shown to suppress seizures both in humans and experimental models of epilepsy. However, they generally have a detrimental effect on memory and memory-related processes. Here we compared the effect of the inhibition of the endocannabinoid (eCB) degradation versus synthetic CB agonist on limbic seizures induced by maximal dentate activation (MDA) acute kindling. Moreover, we investigated the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell reactivity and synaptic plasticity in naïve and in MDA-kindled anaesthetised rats. We found that both the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 and the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 displayed AM251-sensitive anti-seizure effects. WIN55,212-2, dose-dependently (0.5–2 mg/kg, i.p.) impaired short-term plasticity (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) at perforant path-DG synapses in naïve rats. Strikingly, URB597 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was devoid of any deleterious effects in normal conditions, while it prevented seizure-induced alterations of both STP and LTP. Our evidence indicates that boosting the eCB tone rather than general CB1 activation might represent a potential strategy for the development of a new class of drugs for treatment of both seizures and comorbid memory impairments associated with epilepsy.
The ancient cline of haplogroup K implies that the Neolithic transition in Europe was mainly demic
Authors: Isern Neus , Fort Joaquim , de Rioja Víctor L.
Published: September 2017

Using a database with the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 513 Neolithic individuals, we quantify the space-time variation of the frequency of haplogroup K, previously proposed as a relevant Neolithic marker. We compare these data to simulations, based on a mathematical model in which a Neolithic population spreads from Syria to Anatolia and Europe, possibly interbreeding with Mesolithic individuals (who lack haplogroup K) and/or teaching farming to them. Both the data and the simulations show that the percentage of haplogroup K (%K) decreases with increasing distance from Syria and that, in each region, the %K tends to decrease with increasing time after the arrival of farming. Both the model and the data display a local minimum of the genetic cline, and for the same Neolithic regional culture (Sweden). Comparing the observed ancient cline of haplogroup K to the simulation results reveals that about 98% of farmers were not involved in interbreeding neither acculturation (cultural diffusion). Therefore, cultural diffusion involved only a tiny fraction (about 2%) of farmers and, in this sense, the most relevant process in the spread of the Neolithic in Europe was demic diffusion (i.e., the dispersal of farmers), as opposed to cultural diffusion (i.e., the incorporation of hunter-gatherers).
Control of antiferromagnetic spin axis orientation in bilayer Fe/CuMnAs films
Authors: Wadley P. , Edmonds K. W. , Shahedkhah M. R. , Campion R. P. , Gallagher B. L. , Železný J. , Kuneš J. , Novák V. , Jungwirth T. , Saidl V. , Němec P. , Maccherozzi F. , Dhesi S. S.
Published: September 2017

Using x-ray magnetic circular and linear dichroism techniques, we demonstrate a collinear exchange coupling between an epitaxial antiferromagnet, tetragonal CuMnAs, and an Fe surface layer. A small uncompensated Mn magnetic moment is observed which is antiparallel to the Fe magnetization. The staggered magnetization of the 5 nm thick CuMnAs layer is rotatable under small magnetic fields, due to the interlayer exchange coupling. This allows us to obtain the x-ray magnetic linear dichroism spectra for different crystalline orientations of CuMnAs in the (001) plane. This is a key parameter for enabling the understanding of domain structures in CuMnAs imaged using x-ray magnetic linear dichroism microscopy techniques.
High coercivity, anisotropic, heavy rare earth-free Nd-Fe-B by Flash Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Castle Elinor , Sheridan Richard , Zhou Wei , Grasso Salvatore , Walton Allan , Reece Michael J.
Published: September 2017

In the drive to reduce the critical Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) content of magnets for green technologies, HRE-free Nd-Fe-B has become an attractive option. HRE is added to Nd-Fe-B to enhance the high temperature performance of the magnets. To produce similar high temperature properties without HRE, a crystallographically textured nanoscale grain structure is ideal; and this conventionally requires expensive “die upset” processing routes. Here, a Flash Spark Plasma Sintering (FSPS) process has been applied to a Dy-free Nd30.0Fe61.8Co5.8Ga0.6Al0.1B0.9 melt spun powder (MQU-F, neo Magnequench). Rapid sinter-forging of a green compact to near theoretical density was achieved during the 10 s process, and therefore represents a quick and efficient means of producing die-upset Nd-Fe-B material. The microstructure of the FSPS samples was investigated by SEM and TEM imaging, and the observations were used to guide the optimisation of the process. The most optimal sample is compared directly to commercially die-upset forged (MQIII-F) material made from the same MQU-F powder. It is shown that the grain size of the FSPS material is halved in comparison to the MQIII-F material, leading to a 14% increase in coercivity (1438 kA m−1) and matched remanence (1.16 T) giving a BHmax of 230 kJ m−3.
ATM-deficiency increases genomic instability and metastatic potential in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Drosos Yiannis , Escobar David , Chiang Ming-Yi , Roys Kathryn , Valentine Virginia , Valentine Marc B. , Rehg Jerold E. , Sahai Vaibhav , Begley Lesa A. , Ye Jianming , Paul Leena , McKinnon Peter J. , Sosa-Pineda Beatriz
Published: September 2017

Germline mutations in ATM (encoding the DNA-damage signaling kinase, ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated) increase Familial Pancreatic Cancer (FPC) susceptibility, and ATM somatic mutations have been identified in resected human pancreatic tumors. Here we investigated how Atm contributes to pancreatic cancer by deleting this gene in a murine model of the disease expressing oncogenic Kras (KrasG12D). We show that partial or total ATM deficiency cooperates with KrasG12D to promote highly metastatic pancreatic cancer. We also reveal that ATM is activated in pancreatic precancerous lesions in the context of DNA damage and cell proliferation, and demonstrate that ATM deficiency leads to persistent DNA damage in both precancerous lesions and primary tumors. Using low passage cultures from primary tumors and liver metastases we show that ATM loss accelerates Kras-induced carcinogenesis without conferring a specific phenotype to pancreatic tumors or changing the status of the tumor suppressors p53, p16Ink4a and p19Arf. However, ATM deficiency markedly increases the proportion of chromosomal alterations in pancreatic primary tumors and liver metastases. More importantly, ATM deficiency also renders murine pancreatic tumors highly sensitive to radiation. These and other findings in our study conclusively establish that ATM activity poses a major barrier to oncogenic transformation in the pancreas via maintaining genomic stability.
Impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil microbial functional diversity and community structure in arid regions
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Feng Qi , Li Changsheng , Wei Yongping , Zhao Yan , Feng Yongjiu , Zheng Hang , Li Fengrui , Li Huiya
Published: September 2017

Aquaculture wastewater is one of the most important alternative water resources in arid regions where scarcity of fresh water is common. Irrigation with this kind of water may affect soil microbial functional diversity and community structure as changes of soil environment would be significant. Here, we conducted a field sampling to investigate these effects using Biolog and metagenomic methods. The results demonstrated that irrigation with aquaculture wastewater could dramatically reduce soil microbial functional diversity. The values of diversity indices and sole carbon source utilization were all significantly decreased. Increased soil salinity, especially Cl concentration, appeared primarily associated with the decreases. Differently, higher bacterial community diversity was obtained in aquaculture wastewater irrigated soils. More abundant phyla Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and fewer members of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes were found in this kind of soils. Changes in the concentration of soil Cl mainly accounted for the shifts of bacterial community composition. This research can improve our understanding of how aquaculture wastewater irrigation changes soil microbial process and as a result, be useful to manage soil and wastewater resources in arid regions.
Electroretinography Reveals Difference in Cone Function between Syndromic and Nonsyndromic USH2A Patients
Authors: Sengillo Jesse D. , Cabral Thiago , Schuerch Kaspar , Duong Jimmy , Lee Winston , Boudreault Katherine , Xu Yu , Justus Sally , Sparrow Janet R. , Mahajan Vinit B. , Tsang Stephen H.
Published: September 2017

Usher syndrome is an inherited and irreversible disease that manifests as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and bilateral neurosensory hearing loss. Mutations in Usherin 2A (USH2A) are not only a frequent cause of Usher syndrome, but also nonsyndromic RP. Although gene- and cell-based therapies are on the horizon for RP and Usher syndrome, studies characterizing natural disease are lacking. In this retrospective analysis, retinal function of USH2A patients was quantified with electroretinography. Both groups had markedly reduced rod and cone responses, but nonsyndromic USH2A patients had 30 Hz-flicker electroretinogram amplitudes that were significantly higher than syndromic patients, suggesting superior residual cone function. There was a tendency for Usher syndrome patients to have a higher distribution of severe mutations, and alleles in this group had a higher odds of containing nonsense or frame-shift mutations. These data suggest that the previously reported severe visual phenotype seen in syndromic USH2A patients could relate to a greater extent of cone dysfunction. Additionally, a genetic threshold may exist where mutation burden relates to visual phenotype and the presence of hearing deficits. The auditory phenotype and allelic hierarchy observed among patients should be considered in prospective studies of disease progression and during enrollment for future clinical trials.
Preferential synthesis of (6,4) single-walled carbon nanotubes by controlling oxidation degree of Co catalyst
Authors: Xu Bin , Kaneko Toshiro , Shibuta Yasushi , Kato Toshiaki
Published: September 2017

Chirality-selective synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been a research goal for the last two decades and is still challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the atomic structure in the one-dimensional material. Here, we develop an optimized approach for controlling the chirality of species by tuning the oxidation degree of Co catalyst. Predominant synthesis of (6,4) SWNTs is realized for the first time. The detailed mechanism is investigated through a systematic experimental study combined with first-principles calculations, revealing that the independent control of tube diameter and chiral angle achieved by changing the binding energy between SWNTs (cap and tube edge) and catalyst causes a drastic transition of chirality of SWNTs from (6,5) to (6,4). Since our approach of independently controlling the diameter and chiral angle can be applied to other chirality species, our results can be useful in achieving the on-demand synthesis of specific-chirality SWNTs.
A New Tactic for Label-Free Recognition of β-Trophin via Electrochemiluminescent Signalling on an AuNPs Supported Immuno-Interface
Authors: Zheng Lijuan , Fang Chen , Yan Jilin , Li Huiling , Tu Yifeng
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a new strategy is reported for preparing a label-free β-trophin electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunosensor with good specificity, reproducibility and stability. An aquagel polymer from the hydrolysis of (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane acted as the linker to catch the Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the indium-tin oxide (ITO) substrate by a two-step method. The AuNPs play an important role in enhancing ECL and immobilizing the β-trophin antibody. This immunosensor can test for β-trophin using luminol as an ECL probe. The ECL intensity at the resultant sensor, after the direct immuno-interaction, was proportional to the concentration of β-trophin and had a low limit of quantification as 4.2 ng mL−1. After deep discussions on the ECL mechanism of this immunosensor, we found that its sensitivity is greatly affected by the presence of oxygen and improved under deoxygenation. We believe that this sensor can be used for clinical cases.
Generation of a new mouse model of glaucoma characterized by reduced expression of the AP-2β and AP-2δ proteins
Authors: Barzago Maria Monica , Kurosaki Mami , Fratelli Maddalena , Bolis Marco , Giudice Chiara , Nordio Laura , Cerri Elisa , Domenici Luciano , Terao Mineko , Garattini Enrico
Published: September 2017

We generated 6 transgenic lines with insertion of an expression plasmid for the R883/M xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) mutant protein. Approximately 20% of the animals deriving from one of the transgenic lines show ocular abnormalities and an increase in intra-ocular pressure which are consistent with glaucoma. The observed pathologic phenotype is not due to expression of the transgene, but rather the consequence of the transgene insertion site, which has been defined by genome sequencing. The insertion site maps to chromosome 1qA3 in close proximity to the loci encoding AP-2β and AP-2δ, two proteins expressed in the eye. The insertion leads to a reduction in AP-2β and AP-2δ levels. Down-regulation of AP-2β expression is likely to be responsible for the pathologic phenotype, as conditional deletion of the Tfap2b gene in the neural crest has recently been shown to cause defective development of the eye anterior segment and early-onset glaucoma. In these conditional knock-out and our transgenic mice, the morphological/histological features of the glaucomatous pathology are surprisingly similar. Our transgenic mouse represents a model of angle-closure glaucoma and a useful tool for the study of the pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Selectivity of solid phase extraction for dissolved organic matter in the hypersaline Da Qaidam Lake, China
Authors: Yang Keli , Zhang Yaoling , Dong Yaping , Li Wu
Published: September 2017

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was isolated from the hypersaline Da Qaidam Lake using solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods with five different adsorbents: ENVI-Carb (non-porous graphitized carbon), HLB, PPL, and XAD-8 (polymer based), and ENVI-18 (silica based).
A novel method for identifying potential disease-related miRNAs via a disease–miRNA–target heterogeneous network
Authors: Ding Liang , Wang Minghui , Sun Dongdong , Li Ao
Published: September 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a kind of important small endogenous single-stranded non-coding RNA, play critical roles in a large number of human diseases.
Regioselective oxidative cross-coupling of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles with styrenes: a novel route to C3-dicarbonylation
Authors: Shaik Siddiq Pasha , Sultana Faria , Ravikumar A. , Sunkari Satish , Alarifi Abdullah , Kamal Ahmed
Published: September 2017

Iodine promoted metal-free domino protocol has been developed for the C3-dicarbonylation of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles (IBTs) with styrenes via oxidative cleavage of the C(sp2)–H bond, followed by C3-nucleophilic attack of IBT and oxidation.
Disilanes as oxygen scavengers and surrogates of hydrosilanes suitable for selective reduction of nitroarenes, phosphine oxides and other valuable substrates
Authors: Gevorgyan Ashot , Mkrtchyan Satenik , Grigoryan Tatevik , Iaroshenko Viktor O.
Published: September 2017

In this report, we demonstrate that the reaction of nitroarenes with hexamethyldisilane under various conditions affords a different range of compounds with excellent selectivity.
Multiple noncovalent interaction constructed polymeric supramolecular crystals: recognition of butyl viologen by para-dicyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril and α,α′,δ,δ′-tetramethylcucurbit[6]uril
Authors: Xiao Zhi-You , Lin Rui-Lian , Tao Zhu , Liu Qing-Yun , Liu Jing-Xin , Xiao Xin
Published: September 2017

Binding interactions of butyl viologen (BV+) with two kinds of cucurbit[6]uril derivatives were investigated, showing the formation of polymeric supramolecular crystals through multiple noncovalent interactions.
Study on the fractal characteristics of rock in the prediction of rockburst
Authors: Mo-xiao Li , Ying-hua Song , Guang Zhang
Published: September 2017

Rockburst proneness was greater when the change of correlation dimensions exceeded 40%.
Effect of composition and macropore percentage on mechanical and in vitro cell proliferation and differentiation properties of 3D printed HA/β-TCP scaffolds
Authors: Zhao Ningbo , Wang Yanen , Qin Lei , Guo Zhengze , Li Dehua
Published: September 2017

HA/β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated by 3D printing and exhibited desirable biocompatibilityin vitro.
Rational fabrication of a graphitic-C3N4/Sr2KNb5O15nanorod composite with enhanced visible-light photoactivity for degradation of methylene blue and hydrogen production
Authors: Wang Ping , Sinev Ilya , Sun Feng , Li Huijun , Wang Ding , Li Qian , Wang XianYing , Marschall Roland , Wark Michael
Published: September 2017

Formation of proper interfaces between g-C3N4and Sr2KNb5O15by direct growth approach greatly enhanced the photodegradation and hydrogen production activity.
Glucuronoxylan-mediated silver nanoparticles: green synthesis, antimicrobial and wound healing applications
Authors: Muhammad Gulzar , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Amin Muhammad , Hussain Syed Zajif , Hussain Irshad , Abbas Bukhari Syed Nasir , Naeem-ul-Hassan Muhammad
Published: September 2017

Hydrogel forming polysaccharides are attracting attention for the design of diverse nature silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with potential biological applications.