bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Betulinic acid chemosensitizes breast cancer by triggering ER stress-mediated apoptosis by directly targeting GRP78
Authors: Cai Youli , Zheng Yifeng , Gu Jiangyong , Wang Shengqi , Wang Neng , Yang Bowen , Zhang Fengxue , Wang Dongmei , Fu Wenjun , Wang Zhiyu
Published: May 2018

Stress-induced cellular defense machinery has a critical role in mediating cancer drug resistance, and targeting stress-related signaling has become a novel strategy to improve chemosensitivity. Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid with potent anticancer bioactivities in multiple malignancies, whereas its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here in, we found that BA has synergistic effects with taxol to induce breast cancer cells G2/M checkpoint arrest and apoptosis induction, but had little cytotoxicity effects on normal mammary epithelial cells. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) strategy further identified glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) as the direct interacting target of BA. BA administration significantly elevated GRP78-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and resulted in the activation of protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2a/CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein apoptotic pathway. GRP78 silencing or ER stress inhibitor salubrinal administration was revealed to abolish the anticancer effects of BA, indicating the critical role of GRP78 in mediating the bioactivity of BA. Molecular docking and coimmunoprecipitation assay further demonstrated that BA might competitively bind with ATPase domain of GRP78 to interrupt its interaction with ER stress sensor PERK, thereby initiating the downstream apoptosis cascade. In vivo breast cancer xenografts finally validated the chemosensitizing effects of BA and its biofunction in activating GRP78 to trigger ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Taken together, our study not only uncovers GRP78 as a novel target underlying the chemosensitizing effects of BA, but also highlights GRP78-based targeting strategy as a promising approach to improve breast cancer prognosis.
Variability in the location of high frequency oscillations during prolonged intracranial EEG recordings
Authors: Gliske Stephen V. , Irwin Zachary T. , Chestek Cynthia , Hegeman Garnett L. , Brinkmann Benjamin , Sagher Oren , Garton Hugh J. L. , Worrell Greg A. , Stacey William C.
Published: May 2018

The rate of interictal high frequency oscillations (HFOs) is a promising biomarker of the seizure onset zone, though little is known about its consistency over hours to days. Here we test whether the highest HFO-rate channels are consistent across different 10-min segments of EEG during sleep. An automated HFO detector and blind source separation are applied to nearly 3000 total hours of data from 121 subjects, including 12 control subjects without epilepsy. Although interictal HFOs are significantly correlated with the seizure onset zone, the precise localization is consistent in only 22% of patients. The remaining patients either have one intermittent source (16%), different sources varying over time (45%), or insufficient HFOs (17%). Multiple HFO networks are found in patients with both one and multiple seizure foci. These results indicate that robust HFO interpretation requires prolonged analysis in context with other clinical data, rather than isolated review of short data segments.
Gondwana’s Apparent Polar Wander Path during the Permian-new insights from South America
Authors: Tomezzoli Renata N. , Tickyj Hugo , Rapalini Augusto E. , Gallo Leandro C. , Cristallini Ernesto O. , Arzadún Guadalupe , Chemale Farid
Published: May 2018

A long-standing debate regarding the configuration of Pangea during the Late Paleozoic has been going on among the paleomagnetic community concerning the validity of one of two significantly different Pangea reconstructions (Pangea A vs Pangea B) since the proposal of Pangea B. Although, Pangea B avoids any continental overlap marring classical Pangea A configuration (Wegener’s type), it requires a Carboniferous-Permian megashear of up to 1500 km to achieve the pre-Jurassic configuration. The existence of this megashear is controversial and has led to a wide range of hypotheses, in order to avoid Pangea A continental overlaps and consequently the need for major intra-Pangea movements and to accommodate the paleomagnetic database within a Pangea A reconstruction. We present paleomagnetic results from Permian volcanic rocks of the El Centinela, La Pampa, Argentina. Undeformed volcanic rocks are not affected by any inclination bias and are, therefore, ideal to test different paleogeographic models. The presence of two different paleopole positions, at the base and the top of the same stratigraphic sequence, makes this location optimal to constrain the track of the Gondwana’s path during the Late Paleozoic, which shows the transition from Pangea B during the Carboniferous-Permian, to Pangea A at the Permian – Triassic boundary.
Rainfall seasonality on the Indian subcontinent during the Cretaceous greenhouse
Authors: Ghosh Prosenjit , Prasanna K. , Banerjee Yogaraj , Williams Ian S. , Gagan Michael K. , Chaudhuri Atanu , Suwas Satyam
Published: May 2018

The Cretaceous greenhouse climate was accompanied by major changes in Earth’s hydrological cycle, but seasonally resolved hydroclimatic reconstructions for this anomalously warm period are rare. We measured the δ18O and CO2 clumped isotope Δ47 of the seasonal growth bands in carbonate shells of the mollusc Villorita cyprinoides (Black Clam) growing in the Cochin estuary, in southern India. These tandem records accurately reconstruct seasonal changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and seawater δ18O, allowing us to document freshwater discharge into the estuary, and make inferences about rainfall amount. The same analytical approach was applied to well-preserved fossil remains of the Cretaceous (Early Maastrichtian) mollusc Phygraea (Phygraea) vesicularis from the nearby Kallankuruchchi Formation in the Cauvery Basin of southern India. The palaeoenvironmental record shows that, unlike present-day India, where summer rainfall predominates, most rainfall in Cretaceous India occurred in winter. During the Early Maastrichtian, the Indian plate was positioned at ~30°S latitude, where present-day rainfall and storm activity is also concentrated in winter. The good match of the Cretaceous climate and present-day climate at ~30°S suggests that the large-scale atmospheric circulation and seasonal hydroclimate patterns were similar to, although probably more intense than, those at present.
Expression and Regulation of Deubiquitinase-Resistant, Unanchored Ubiquitin Chains in Drosophila
Authors: Blount Jessica R. , Libohova Kozeta , Marsh Gregory B. , Sutton Joanna R. , Todi Sokol V.
Published: May 2018

The modifier protein, ubiquitin (Ub) regulates various cellular pathways by controlling the fate of substrates to which it is conjugated. Ub moieties are also conjugated to each other, forming chains of various topologies. In cells, poly-Ub is attached to proteins and also exists in unanchored form. Accumulation of unanchored poly-Ub is thought to be harmful and quickly dispersed through dismantling by deubiquitinases (DUBs). We wondered whether disassembly by DUBs is necessary to control unanchored Ub chains in vivo. We generated Drosophila melanogaster lines that express Ub chains non-cleavable into mono-Ub by DUBs. These chains are rapidly modified with different linkages and represent various types of unanchored species. We found that unanchored poly-Ub is not devastating in Drosophila, under normal conditions or during stress. The DUB-resistant, free Ub chains are degraded by the proteasome, at least in part through the assistance of VCP and its cofactor, p47. Also, unanchored poly-Ub that cannot be cleaved by DUBs can be conjugated en bloc, in vivo. Our results indicate that unanchored poly-Ub species need not be intrinsically toxic; they can be controlled independently of DUB-based disassembly by being degraded, or through conjugation onto other proteins.
Author Correction: The atopic dermatitis blood signature is characterized by increases in inflammatory and cardiovascular risk proteins
Authors: Brunner Patrick M. , Suárez-Fariñas Mayte , He Helen , Malik Kunal , Wen Huei-Chi , Gonzalez Juana , Chan Tom Chih-Chieh , Estrada Yeriel , Zheng Xiuzhong , Khattri Saakshi , Dattola Annunziata , Krueger James G. , Guttman-Yassky Emma
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Ground-based measurements of column-averaged carbon dioxide molar mixing ratios in a peatland fire-prone area of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Iriana Windy , Tonokura Kenichi , Inoue Gen , Kawasaki Masahiro , Kozan Osamu , Fujimoto Kazuki , Ohashi Masafumi , Morino Isamu , Someya Yu , Imasu Ryuichi , Rahman Muhammad Arif , Gunawan Dodo
Published: May 2018

Tropical peatlands in Indonesia have been disturbed over decades and are a source of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere by peat respiration and peatland fire. With a portable solar spectrometer, we have performed measurements of column-averaged CO2 dry-air molar mixing ratios, XCO2, in Palangka Raya, Indonesia, and quantify the emission dynamics of the peatland with use of the data for weather, fire hotspot, ground water table, local airport operation visibility and weather radar images. Total emission of CO2 from surface and underground peat fires as well as from peatland ecosystem is evaluated by day-to-day variability of XCO2. We found that the peatland fire and the net ecosystem CO2 exchange contributed with the same order of magnitude to the CO2 emission during the non-El Niño Southern Oscillation year of July 2014-August 2015.
Pleasantness and trigeminal sensations as salient dimensions in organizing the semantic and physiological spaces of odors
Authors: Licon C. C. , Manesse C. , Dantec M. , Fournel A. , Bensafi M.
Published: May 2018

A major issue in human olfaction research is to characterize the main dimensions that organize the space of odors. The present study examines this question and shows that, beside pleasantness, trigeminal sensations, and particularly irritation, play an important role. These results were consistent along two different spaces constructed using semantic description and physiological responses to 105 odorants, smelled and described by human participants. Taken together, these findings suggest that salient trigeminal features, in conjunction with pleasantness, are involved in detecting relevant emotional stimuli, and modify the way organisms categorize smells. These results shed light on the importance of trigeminal sensitivity in the well-established defensive function of olfaction.
Thermal hysteresis measurement of the VO2 emissivity and its application in thermal rectification
Authors: Gomez-Heredia C. L. , Ramirez-Rincon J. A. , Ordonez-Miranda J. , Ares O. , Alvarado-Gil J. J. , Champeaux C. , Dumas-Bouchiat F. , Ezzahri Y. , Joulain K.
Published: May 2018

Hysteresis loops in the emissivity of VO2 thin films grown on sapphire and silicon substrates by a pulsed laser deposition process are experimentally measured through the thermal-wave resonant cavity technique. Remarkable variations of about 43% are observed in the emissivity of both VO2 films, within their insulator-to-metal and metal-to-insulator transitions. It is shown that: i) The principal hysteresis width (maximum slope) in the VO2 emissivity of the VO2 + silicon sample is around 3 times higher (lower) than the corresponding one of the VO2 + sapphire sample. VO2 synthesized on silicon thus exhibits a wider principal hysteresis loop with slower MIT than VO2 on sapphire, as a result of the significant differences on the VO2 film microstructures induced by the silicon or sapphire substrates. ii) The hysteresis width along with the rate of change of the VO2 emissivity in a VO2 + substrate sample can be tuned with its secondary hysteresis loop. iii) VO2 samples can be used to build a radiative thermal diode able to operate with a rectification factor as high as 87%, when the temperature difference of its two terminals is around 17 °C. This record-breaking rectification constitutes the highest one reported in literature, for a relatively small temperature change of diode terminals.
Carbapenem Nonsusceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan: Dissemination and Increasing Resistance of Carbapenemase Producers During 2012–2015
Authors: Chiu Sheng-Kang , Ma Ling , Chan Ming-Chin , Lin Yi-Tsung , Fung Chang-Phone , Wu Tsu-Lan , Chuang Yin-Ching , Lu Po-Liang , Wang Jann-Tay , Lin Jung-Chung , Yeh Kuo-Ming
Published: May 2018

Before 2011, the prevalence rates of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP) among carbapenem nonsusceptible K. pneumoniae (CnSKP) isolates were below 10% in Taiwan. The study presents the dissemination and increased antimicrobial resistance of CPKP from January 2012 to August 2015, as shown by Taiwanese multicenter surveillance. Isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of >1 μg/mL for imipenem or meropenem were collected, screened for various carbapenemase genes by PCR, and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Among 1,457 CnSKP isolates, 1,250 were collected from medical centers. The CnSKP prevalence in medical centers increased by 1.7-fold during the study. Among all CnSKP isolates, 457 were CPKP. The CPKP rate among CnSKP increased by 1.5-fold and reached 36.8% in 2015. The CPKP nonsusceptibility rate to aztreonam, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides increased yearly. Six CPKP isolates carried dual carbapenemase genes. Three Ambler classes were identified in 451 isolates with a single carbapenemase: classes A (315 blaKPC-2, 2 blaKPC-3, 28 blaKPC-17, 2 blaKPC-34), B (26 blaIMP-8, 2 blaNDM-1, 36 blaVIM-1), and D (40 blaOXA-48). The blaOXA-48 rate among CPKP increased by 6-fold over three years. Most KPC and OXA-48 producers were ST11. CnSKP was increasingly prevalent, owing to CPKP dissemination. Additionally, CPKP became more resistant during the study period.
Electric-field-controlled interface dipole modulation for Si-based memory devices
Authors: Miyata Noriyuki
Published: May 2018

Various nonvolatile memory devices have been investigated to replace Si-based flash memories or emulate synaptic plasticity for next-generation neuromorphic computing. A crucial criterion to achieve low-cost high-density memory chips is material compatibility with conventional Si technologies. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a new memory concept, interface dipole modulation (IDM) memory. IDM can be integrated as a Si field-effect transistor (FET) based memory device. The first demonstration of this concept employed a HfO2/Si MOS capacitor where the interface monolayer (ML) TiO2 functions as a dipole modulator. However, this configuration is unsuitable for Si-FET-based devices due to its large interface state density (D
it
). Consequently, we propose, a multi-stacked amorphous HfO2/1-ML TiO2/SiO2 IDM structure to realize a low D
it
and a wide memory window. Herein we describe the quasi-static and pulse response characteristics of multi-stacked IDM MOS capacitors and demonstrate flash-type and analog memory operations of an IDM FET device.
Relationship between KCNQ1 (LQT1) and KCNH2 (LQT2) gene mutations and sudden death during illegal drug use
Authors: Nagasawa Sayaka , Saitoh Hisako , Kasahara Shiori , Chiba Fumiko , Torimitsu Suguru , Abe Hiroko , Yajima Daisuke , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: May 2018

Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a congenital genetic disorder, can cause torsades de pointes (TdP), and lethal cardiac arrhythmia may result from ingestion of cardiotoxic drugs. Methamphetamine (MP) and new psychoactive substances (NPSs) can trigger TdP due to QT prolongation, leading to sudden death. We therefore analysed variations in the LQTS-associated genes KCNQ1 (LQT1) and KCNH2 (LQT2) using cardiac blood and myocardial tissue from subjects having died suddenly during MP or NPS use to investigate the relationship between congenital genetic abnormalities and sudden death during illegal drug use. We amplified and sequenced all exons of these genes using samples from 20 subjects, half of whom had died taking MP and half after using NPSs. G643S, a KCNQ1 missense polymorphism, was significantly more common among sudden deaths involving NPSs (6 subjects) than those involving MP (1 subject) and healthy Japanese subjects (P = 0.001). Notably, synthetic cathinones were detected in 2 of 3 cases involving G643S carriers. Previous functional analyses have indicated that the G643S polymorphism in the KCNQ1 potassium channel gene causes mild IKs channel dysfunction. Our data suggest that use of NPSs, particularly synthetic cathinones, is associated with elevated risk of serious cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death for subjects carrying KCNQ1 G643S.
Exceptional preservation of a Cretaceous intestine provides a glimpse of the early ecological diversity of spiny-rayed fishes (Acanthomorpha, Teleostei)
Authors: Davesne Donald , Gueriau Pierre , Dutheil Didier B. , Bertrand Loïc
Published: May 2018

Acanthomorph teleosts (spiny-rayed fishes) account for approximately a third of extant vertebrate species. They appeared during the Late Cretaceous and have been a major component of aquatic biodiversity since the early Cenozoic. They occupy today most trophic levels and ecological niches in aquatic environments, however very little is known about those that were adopted by the earliest representatives of the group. Here, we report on an exceptional glimpse into the ecological diversity of early spiny-rayed fishes provided by the unusual preservation of a newly discovered specimen of the freshwater acanthomorphSpinocaudichthysfrom the Upper Cretaceous of Morocco. A combination of major-to-trace elemental mapping methods reveals that the gross morphology of the specimen’s intestine has been remarkably preserved owing to the rapid mineralization of iron hydroxides around it. Differing with the typically short and straight intestinal tract of carnivorous teleosts, the intestine inSpinocaudichthysis long and highly convoluted, indicating a probable herbivorous diet. Acanthomorphs would therefore have conquered various ecological niches in their early evolutionary history, prior to their subsequent phylogenetic diversification in both marine and freshwater environments that followed the K-Pg extinction event.
Targeted Delivery of Cell Penetrating Peptide Virus-like Nanoparticles to Skin Cancer Cells
Authors: Gan Bee Koon , Yong Chean Yeah , Ho Kok Lian , Omar Abdul Rahman , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Tan Wen Siang
Published: May 2018

Skin cancer or cutaneous carcinoma, is a pre-eminent global public health problem with no signs of plateauing in its incidence. As the most common treatments for skin cancer, surgical resection inevitably damages a patient’s appearance, and chemotherapy has many side effects. Thus, the main aim of this study was to screen for a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) for the development of a targeting vector for skin cancer. In this study, we identified a CPP with the sequence NRPDSAQFWLHH from a phage displayed peptide library. This CPP targeted the human squamous carcinoma A431 cells through an interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr). Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) and chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) inhibited the internalisation of the CPP into the A431 cells, suggesting the peptide entered the cells via clathrin-dependent endocytosis. The CPP displayed on hepatitis B virus-like nanoparticles (VLNPs) via the nanoglue successfully delivered the nanoparticles into A431 cells. The present study demonstrated that the novel CPP can serve as a ligand to target and deliver VLNPs into skin cancer cells.
Understanding Trap Effects on Electrical Treeing Phenomena in EPDM/POSS Composites
Authors: Du Boxue , Su Jingang , Tian Meng , Han Tao , Li Jin
Published: May 2018

POSS (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) provides an interesting alternative nano-silica and has the potential of superior dielectric properties to restrain electrical degradation. By incorporating POSS into EPDM to suppress electrical tree, one of precursors to dielectric failure, is promising to improve the lifetime of insulation materials. This paper focuses on the electrical treeing phenomena in EPDM/OVPOSS (ethylene propylene diene monomer/octavinyl-POSS) composites based on their physicochemical properties and trap distributions. ATR-IR and SEM characteristics are investigated to observe the chemical structure and physical dispersion of EPDM/OVPOSS composites. Electrical treeing characteristics are studied by the needle-plane electrode, and the trap level distributions are characterized by surface potential decay (SPD) tests. The results show that the 3 wt% EPDM/OVPOSS is more effective to restrain the electrical tree growth than the neat EPDM in this paper. It is indicated that the EPDM/OVPOSS with a filler content of 3 wt% introduces the largest energy level and trap density of deep trapped charges, which suppress the transportation of charge carriers injected from the needle tip and further prevent the degradation of polymer molecules. The polarity effects are obvious during the electrical treeing process, which is dependent on the trap level differences between positive and negative voltage.
Input-dependent modulation of MEG gamma oscillations reflects gain control in the visual cortex
Authors: Orekhova Elena V. , Sysoeva Olga V. , Schneiderman Justin F. , Lundström Sebastian , Galuta Ilia A. , Goiaeva Dzerasa E. , Prokofyev Andrey O. , Riaz Bushra , Keeler Courtney , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Gillberg Christopher , Stroganova Tatiana A.
Published: May 2018

Gamma-band oscillations arise from the interplay between neural excitation (E) and inhibition (I) and may provide a non-invasive window into the state of cortical circuitry. A bell-shaped modulation of gamma response power by increasing the intensity of sensory input was observed in animals and is thought to reflect neural gain control. Here we sought to find a similar input-output relationship in humans with MEG via modulating the intensity of a visual stimulation by changing the velocity/temporal-frequency of visual motion. In the first experiment, adult participants observed static and moving gratings. The frequency of the MEG gamma response monotonically increased with motion velocity whereas power followed a bell-shape. In the second experiment, on a large group of children and adults, we found that despite drastic developmental changes in frequency and power of gamma oscillations, the relative suppression at high motion velocities was scaled to the same range of values across the life-span. In light of animal and modeling studies, the modulation of gamma power and frequency at high stimulation intensities characterizes the capacity of inhibitory neurons to counterbalance increasing excitation in visual networks. Gamma suppression may thus provide a non-invasive measure of inhibitory-based gain control in the healthy and diseased brain.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of environmental-scanning electron microscopy on collagenous tissues
Authors: Lee Woowon , Toussaint Kimani C.
Published: May 2018

Environmental-scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) is routinely applied to various biological samples due to its ability to maintain a wet environment while imaging; moreover, the technique obviates the need for sample coating. However, there is limited research carried out on electron-beam (e-beam) induced tissue damage resulting from using the ESEM. In this paper, we use quantitative second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy to examine the effects of e-beam exposure from the ESEM on collagenous tissue samples prepared as either fixed, frozen, wet or dehydrated. Quantitative SHG analysis of tissues, before and after ESEM e-beam exposure in low-vacuum mode, reveals evidence of cross-linking of collagen fibers, however there are no structural differences observed in fixed tissue. Meanwhile wet-mode ESEM appears to radically alter the structure from a regular fibrous arrangement to a more random fiber orientation. We also confirm that ESEM images of collagenous tissues show higher spatial resolution compared to SHG microscopy, but the relative tradeoff with collagen specificity reduces its effectiveness in quantifying collagen fiber organization. Our work provides insight on both the limitations of the ESEM for tissue imaging, and the potential opportunity to use as a complementary technique when imaging fine features in the non-collagenous regions of tissue samples.
Comparative genomic analysis of a naturally competent Elizabethkingia anophelis isolated from an eye infection
Authors: Bulagonda Eswarappa Pradeep , Manivannan Bhavani , Mahalingam Niranjana , Lama Manmath , Chanakya Pachi Pulusu , Khamari Balaram , Jadhao Sudhir , Vasudevan Madavan , Nagaraja Valakunja
Published: May 2018

Elizabethkingia anophelis has now emerged as an opportunistic human pathogen. However, its mechanisms of transmission remain unexplained. Comparative genomic (CG) analysis of E. anopheles endophthalmitis strain surprisingly found from an eye infection patient with twenty-five other E. anophelis genomes revealed its potential to participate in horizontal gene transfer. CG analysis revealed that the study isolate has an open pan genome and has undergone extensive gene rearrangements. We demonstrate that the strain is naturally competent, hitherto not reported in any members of Elizabethkingia. Presence of competence related genes, mobile genetic elements, Type IV, VI secretory systems and a unique virulence factor arylsulfatase suggests a different lineage of the strain. Deciphering the genome of E. anophelis having a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors associated with diverse human infections may open up avenues to deal with the myriad of its human infections and devise strategies to combat the pathogen.
GWAS reveals loci associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction
Authors: Chernus Jonathan , Roosenboom Jasmien , Ford Matthew , Lee Myoung Keun , Emanuele Beth , Anderton Joel , Hecht Jacqueline T. , Padilla Carmencita , Deleyiannis Frederic W. B. , Buxo Carmen J. , Feingold Eleanor , Leslie Elizabeth J. , Shaffer John R. , Weinberg Seth M. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: May 2018

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) occurs when the muscular soft palate (velum) and lateral pharyngeal walls are physically unable to separate the oral and nasal cavities during speech production leading to hypernasality and abnormal speech reduction. Because VPD is often associated with overt or submucous cleft palate, it could be present as a subclinical phenotype in families with a history of orofacial clefting. A key assumption to this model is that the overt and subclinical manifestations of the orofacial cleft phenotype exist on a continuum and therefore share common etiological factors. We performed a genome-wide association study in 976 unaffected relatives of isolated CP probands, 54 of whom had VPD. Five loci were significantly (p < 5 × 10−8) associated with VPD: 3q29, 9p21.1, 12q21.31, 16p12.3 and 16p13.3. An additional 15 loci showing suggestive evidence of association with VPD were observed. Several genes known to be involved in orofacial clefting and craniofacial development are located in these regions, such as TFRC, PCYT1A, BNC2 and FREM1. Although further research is necessary, this could be an indication for a potential shared genetic architecture between VPD and cleft palate, and supporting the hypothesis that VPD is a subclinical phenotype of orofacial clefting.
A regionally-adapted implementation of conservation agriculture delivers rapid improvements to soil properties associated with crop yield stability
Authors: Williams Alwyn , Jordan Nicholas R. , Smith Richard G. , Hunter Mitchell C. , Kammerer Melanie , Kane Daniel A. , Koide Roger T. , Davis Adam S.
Published: May 2018

Climate models predict increasing weather variability, with negative consequences for crop production. Conservation agriculture (CA) may enhance climate resilience by generating certain soil improvements. However, the rate at which these improvements accrue is unclear, and some evidence suggests CA can lower yields relative to conventional systems unless all three CA elements are implemented: reduced tillage, sustained soil cover, and crop rotational diversity. These cost-benefit issues are important considerations for potential adopters of CA. Given that CA can be implemented across a wide variety of regions and cropping systems, more detailed and mechanistic understanding is required on whether and how regionally-adapted CA can improve soil properties while minimizing potential negative crop yield impacts. Across four US states, we assessed short-term impacts of regionally-adapted CA systems on soil properties and explored linkages with maize and soybean yield stability. Structural equation modeling revealed increases in soil organic matter generated by cover cropping increased soil cation exchange capacity, which improved soybean yield stability. Cover cropping also enhanced maize minimum yield potential. Our results demonstrate individual CA elements can deliver rapid improvements in soil properties associated with crop yield stability, suggesting that regionally-adapted CA may play an important role in developing high-yielding, climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Prioritizing monitoring and conservation efforts for fish spawning aggregations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Grüss Arnaud , Biggs Christopher , Heyman William D. , Erisman Brad
Published: May 2018

In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (U.S. GOM), the identification and characterization of transient fish spawning aggregation (FSA) sites is recognized as a regional priority for conservation, but progress is hindered by a lack of understanding of FSA distributions for most exploited species. We employed information compiled in regional databases on FSAs and monitoring for the U.S. GOM to fit species distribution models and produce maps showing the areas likely to host single- and multi-species transient FSA sites. Our results revealed two distinct regions of the U.S. GOM for prioritizing monitoring and conservation efforts for transient FSAs: the coastal waters surrounding major bay systems, particularly those of Texas and Louisiana, and portions of the continental shelf edge (the Flower Garden Banks area and the West Florida shelf edge). The next step would be to locate and characterize actual transient FSA sites in the U.S. GOM by surveying within the areas we identified.
Photonic machine learning implementation for signal recovery in optical communications
Authors: Argyris Apostolos , Bueno Julián , Fischer Ingo
Published: May 2018

Machine learning techniques have proven very efficient in assorted classification tasks. Nevertheless, processing time-dependent high-speed signals can turn into an extremely challenging task, especially when these signals have been nonlinearly distorted. Recently, analogue hardware concepts using nonlinear transient responses have been gaining significant interest for fast information processing. Here, we introduce a simplified photonic reservoir computing scheme for data classification of severely distorted optical communication signals after extended fibre transmission. To this end, we convert the direct bit detection process into a pattern recognition problem. Using an experimental implementation of our photonic reservoir computer, we demonstrate an improvement in bit-error-rate by two orders of magnitude, compared to directly classifying the transmitted signal. This improvement corresponds to an extension of the communication range by over 75%. While we do not yet reach full real-time post-processing at telecom rates, we discuss how future designs might close the gap.
Thermooptical evidence of carrier-stabilized ferroelectricity in ultrathin electrodeless films
Authors: Pacherova O. , Chvostova D. , Kocourek T. , Jelinek M. , Dejneka A. , Eliseev E. , Morozovska A. , Tyunina M.
Published: May 2018

Ferroelectric films may lose polarization as their thicknesses decrease to a few nanometers because of the depolarizing field that opposes the polarization therein. The depolarizing field is minimized when electrons or ions in the electrodes or the surface/interface layers screen the polarization charge or when peculiar domain configuration is formed. Here, we demonstrate ferroelectric phase transitions using thermooptical studies in ∼5-nm-thick epitaxial Pb0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films grown on different insulating substrates. By comparing theoretical modeling and experimental observations, we show that ferroelectricity is stabilized through redistribution of charge carriers (electrons or holes) inside ultrathin films. The related high-density of screening carriers is confined within a few-nanometers-thick layer in the vicinity of the insulator, thus resembling a two-dimensional carrier gas.
Glutamate mediated metabolic neutralization mitigates propionate toxicity in intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Lee Jae Jin , Lim Juhyeon , Gao Shengjia , Lawson Christopher P. , Odell Mark , Raheem Saki , Woo JeongIm , Kang Sung-Ho , Kang Shin-Seok , Jeon Bo-Young , Eoh Hyungjin
Published: May 2018

Metabolic networks in biological systems are interconnected, such that malfunctioning parts can be corrected by other parts within the network, a process termed adaptive metabolism. Unlike Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) better manages its intracellular lifestyle by executing adaptive metabolism. Here, we used metabolomics and identified glutamate synthase (GltB/D) that converts glutamine to glutamate (Q → E) as a metabolic effort used to neutralize cytoplasmic pH that is acidified while consuming host propionate carbon through the methylcitrate cycle (MCC). Methylisocitrate lyase, the last step of the MCC, is intrinsically downregulated in BCG, leading to obstruction of carbon flux toward central carbon metabolism, accumulation of MCC intermediates, and interference with GltB/D mediated neutralizing activity against propionate toxicity. Indeed, vitamin B12 mediated bypass MCC and additional supplement of glutamate led to selectively correct the phenotypic attenuation in BCG and restore the adaptive capacity of BCG to the similar level of Mtb phenotype. Collectively, a defective crosstalk between MCC and Q → E contributes to attenuation of intracellular BCG. Furthermore, GltB/D inhibition enhances the level of propionate toxicity in Mtb. Thus, these findings revealed a new adaptive metabolism and propose GltB/D as a synergistic target to improve the antimicrobial outcomes of MCC inhibition in Mtb.
Piezoelectricity and valley chern number in inhomogeneous hexagonal 2D crystals
Authors: Rostami Habib , Guinea Francisco , Polini Marco , Roldán Rafael
Published: May 2018

Conversion of mechanical forces to electric signal is possible in non-centrosymmetric materials due to linear piezoelectricity. The extraordinary mechanical properties of two-dimensional materials and their high crystallinity make them exceptional platforms to study and exploit the piezoelectric effect. Here, the piezoelectric response of non-centrosymmetric hexagonal two-dimensional crystals is studied using the modern theory of polarization and k·p model Hamiltonians. An analytical expression for the piezoelectric constant is obtained in terms of topological quantities, such as the valley Chern number. The theory is applied to semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal Boron Nitride. We find good agreement with available experimental measurements for MoS2. We further generalize the theory to study the polarization of samples subjected to inhomogeneous strain (e.g., nanobubbles). We obtain a simple expression in terms of the strain tensor, and show that charge densities ≳1011cm−2 can be induced by realistic inhomogeneous strains, ϵ ≈ 0.01–0.03.
A low-cost ambient desorption/ionization source for mass-spectrometry based on a dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Furter Jasmine S. , Hauser Peter C.
Published: May 2018

The open source ionization device can easily be retrofitted to existing mass spectrometers.
Highly sensitive biosensing of phenol based on the adsorption of the phenol enzymatic oxidation product on the surface of an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-modified electrode
Authors: Kaffash Amir , Zare Hamid R. , Rostami Khosrow
Published: May 2018

An electrochemically reduced graphene oxide and horseradish peroxidase enzyme modified electrode has been used for phenol determination.
Quantitation of acute monocytic leukemia cells spiked in control monocytes using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Hassoun M. , Köse N. , Kiselev R. , Kirchberger-Tolstik T. , Schie I. W. , Krafft C. , Popp J.
Published: May 2018

Lysates were mixed with silver nanoparticles and seven concentration ratios were prepared to demonstrate quantitation of leukemia cells in a diagnostic relevant range.
Negative dendritic effect on enzymatic hydrolysis of dendrimer conjugates
Authors: Zhou Zhengwei , Cong Mei , Li Mengyao , Tintaru Aura , Li Jia , Yao Jianhua , Xia Yi , Peng Ling
Published: May 2018

The “negative dendritic effect” observed during enzymatic hydrolysis of dendrimer conjugates can be positively exploited for tailored, generation-dependent drug release.
Molecular structure from a single NMR supersequence
Authors: Kupče Ēriks , Claridge Tim D. W.
Published: May 2018

New NOAH supersequences (NMR by Ordered Acquisition using 1H-detection) are introduced that allow fast structure elucidation of organic molecules from a single measurement.
Synthesis of Rh(iii) thiophosphinito pincer hydrido complexes by base-free C–H bond activation at room temperature
Authors: Vlahopoulou G. , Möller S. , Haak J. , Hasche P. , Drexler H.-J. , Heller D. , Beweries T.
Published: May 2018

Rhodium(iii) thiophosphinito pincer hydrido complexes were synthesised by C–H activation under exceptionally mild conditions at room temperature without additional base or irradiation and fully characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.
Crystallization and structural properties of a family of isotopological 3D-networks: the case of a 4,4′-bipy ligand–M2+ triflate system
Authors: Rizzato Silvia , Moret Massimo , Beghi Fabio , Lo Presti Leonardo
Published: May 2018

Desolvation process characterization of a flexible coordination network performed by time-resolved single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Influence of the metal centre on the network stability.
Initial stage of atomic layer deposition of 2D-MoS2 on a SiO2 surface: a DFT study
Authors: Shirazi M. , Kessels W. M. M. , Bol A. A.
Published: May 2018

In this study, we investigate the reactions involving Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of 2D-MoS2 from the heteroleptic precursor Mo(NMe2)2(NtBu)2 and H2S as the co-reagent on a SiO2(0001) surface by means of density functional theory (DFT).
Disentangling the photochemistry of benzocyclobutenedione
Authors: Ma Xiaonan , Wenzel Michael , Schmitt Hans-Christian , Flock Marco , Reusch Engelbert , Mitrić Roland , Fischer Ingo , Brixner Tobias
Published: May 2018

We combine transient absorption spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, and molecular dynamics to reveal multiple parallel and sequential channels of benzocyclobutenedione photochemistry.
A molecular dynamics investigation of actinyl–ligand speciation in aqueous solution
Authors: Newcomb Ken , Tiwari Surya Prakash , Rai Neeraj , Maginn Edward J.
Published: May 2018

Actinyl ions (AnO2n+), the form in which actinides are commonly found in aqueous solution, are important species in the nuclear fuel cycle.
A DFT study of RuO4interactions with porous materials: metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites
Authors: Chibani Siwar , Badawi Michael , Loiseau Thierry , Volkringer Christophe , Cantrel Laurent , Paul Jean-François
Published: May 2018

The potential use of zeolite and MOF materials for the capture of RuO4has been investigated for the first time. A hydrated form of HKUST-1 could be a promising sorbent due to its ability to form multiple hydrogen bonds.
Theoretical insights into the structural and fluorescence properties of DNA containing fluorescent nucleobases
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Sheng Xiehuang , Zhang Shaolong , Huang Fang , Sun Chuanzhi , Liu Jianbiao , Chen Dezhan
Published: May 2018

The structural and fluorescence properties of DNA containing fluorescent nucleobases are explored in detail. In particular, the effect of stacking with different neighboring bases on fluorescence properties is elucidated.
Bridging the gap between tight and loose contacts for soot oxidation by vanadium doping of cryptomelane nanorods catalyst using NO2 as an oxygen carrier
Authors: Kaspera Wojciech , Indyka Paulina , Sojka Zbigniew , Kotarba Andrzej
Published: May 2018

The effect of the V-doping of cryptomelane on bridging the tight-loose contact gap in NO-assisted catalytic soot oxidation was investigated.
Comparison of microwave and mechanochemical energy inputs in the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Ribeiro Ana P. C. , Alegria Elisabete C. B. A. , Kopylovich Maximilian N. , Ferraria Ana M. , Botelho do Rego Ana M. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: May 2018

The effect of microwave and mechanochemical ball milling energy inputs was studied for the peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane, over CoCl2and/or V2O5dispersed (μm scale) catalysts.
Viologen-modified electrodes for protection of hydrogenases from high potential inactivation while performing H2oxidation at low overpotential
Authors: Oughli Alaa A. , Vélez Marisela , Birrell James A. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Lubitz Wolfgang , Plumeré Nicolas , Rüdiger Olaf
Published: May 2018

In this work we present a viologen-modified electrode providing protection for hydrogenases against high potential inactivation.
Ferroelectric and luminescence properties of zinc(ii) and platinum(ii) soft complexes
Authors: Akiyoshi Ryohei , Hirota Yuma , Kosumi Daisuke , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: May 2018

Zinc(ii) and platinum(ii) complexes [M(X-4-C18-salmmen)] (M = Zn (1) and Pt (2), X = R, S (optical isomer) and rac (racemate), salmmen = N,N′-monomethylenebis-salicylideneimine) were synthesized and investigated.
Highly efficient hydrogen evolution triggered by a multi-interfacial Ni/WC hybrid electrocatalyst
Authors: Ma Yuan-Yuan , Lang Zhong-Ling , Yan Li-Kai , Wang Yong-Hui , Tan Hua-Qiao , Feng Kun , Xia Yu-Jian , Zhong Jun , Liu Yang , Kang Zhen-Hui , Li Yang-Guang
Published: May 2018

A multi-interfacial Ni/WC@NC electrocatalyst exhibits highly efficient HER performance over a wide pH rangeviasynergistic electron and mass transfer processes.
Does cage quantum delocalisation influence the translation–rotational bound states of molecular hydrogen in clathrate hydrate?
Authors: Benoit David M. , Lauvergnat David , Scribano Yohann
Published: May 2018

In this study, we examine the effect of a flexible description of the clathrate hydrate framework on the translation–rotation (TR) eigenstates of guest molecules such as molecular hydrogen.
Enhanced H2 evolution from photocatalytic cellulose conversion based on graphitic carbon layers on TiO2/NiOx
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wang Wenzhong , Zeng Shuwen , Su Yang , Hao Hongchang
Published: May 2018

An enhanced photoreforming of biomass was achieved by loading a graphitic carbon layer on TiO2/NiOx nanoparticles.
Naturally occurring molecular species used for plasma diagnostics and signal correction in microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Williams Charles B. , Jones Bradley T. , Donati George L.
Published: May 2018

The N2+/OH signal ratio is used for plasma diagnostics, and molecular species are used for signal correction to improve accuracy.
Sigma-hole interactions in the molecular and crystal structures of N-boryl benzo-2,1,3-selenadiazoles
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Lee Lucia Myongwon , Arnott Zachary , Jenkins Hilary , Britten James F. , Vargas-Baca Ignacio
Published: May 2018

Crystallography and DFT reveal competition between chalcogen bonding and other intermolecular interactions.
The first report on the transition metal-free homocoupling of aryl halides in the presence ofl-cysteine
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Taherinia Zahra
Published: May 2018

A green and efficient methodology for the coupling of aryl halides without the addition of a transition metal catalyst has been presented.
Control of excimer phosphorescence by steric effects in cyclometalated platinum(ii) diketonate complexes bearing peripheral carbazole moieties towards application in non-doped white OLEDs
Authors: Okamura Naoki , Egawa Kazuaki , Maeda Takeshi , Yagi Shigeyuki
Published: May 2018

Non-doped multilayer OLEDs employing bulky platinum(ii) complexes exhibited white electroluminescence due to the combination of blue monomer and orange excimer emissions.
Single-ligand exchange on an Au–Cu bimetal nanocluster and mechanism
Authors: Song Yongbo , Lv Ying , Zhou Meng , Luo Tian-Yi , Zhao Shuo , Rosi Nathaniel L. , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou , Jin Rongchao
Published: May 2018

Single-ligand exchange between phosphine and selenolate on Au13Cu4 is achieved and the process exhibits high site specificity.
Steam treatment: a facile and effective process for the removal of PVP from shape-controlled palladium nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Lini , Cheng Guangzhen , Guo Yushu , Li Dan , Xia Lixin , Liu Hongyang
Published: May 2018

An effective process was developed to remove PVP from supported Pd nanocrystals by steam treatment in a lab-made reactor.
Hydrophilic tripeptide-functionalized magnetic metal–organic frameworks for the highly efficient enrichment of N-linked glycopeptides
Authors: Liu Qianjing , Deng Chun-hui , Sun Nianrong
Published: May 2018

The synthetic procedure of hydrophilic metal–organic frameworks by modifying glutathione on Au-immobilized magnetic MOFs.
A thiadiazole-capped nanoribbon with 18 linearly fused rings
Authors: Cortizo-Lacalle Diego , Gozalvez Cristian , Melle-Franco Manuel , Mateo-Alonso Aurelio
Published: May 2018

The synthesis of a stable bisthiadiazole-capped pyrene-containing nanoribbon with 18 linearly fused rings is reported. Thanks to its high solubility in organic solvents, its structure and fundamental optoelectronic, redox and electrical properties could be unambiguously established. This study illustrates that such bisthiadiazole-capped pyrene-containing nanoribbon is a promising n-type semiconductor.
Poly(allylamine)/tripolyphosphate coacervates enable high loading and multiple-month release of weakly amphiphilic anionic drugs: an in vitro study with ibuprofen
Authors: de Silva Udaka K. , Brown Jennifer L. , Lapitsky Yakov
Published: May 2018

Gel-like coacervates prepared through ionotropic gelation enable very high loading and multiple-month release of weakly amphiphilic small molecules. Conversely, strong amphiphile incorporation disrupts ionic crosslinking and strikingly alters the coacervate properties.
The depressor axis of the renin–angiotensin system and brain disorders: a translational approach
Authors: Gironacci Mariela M. , Vicario Augusto , Cerezo Gustavo , Silva Mauro G.
Published: May 2018

All the components of the classic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) have been identified in the brain. Today, the RAS is considered to be composed mainly of two axes: the pressor axis, represented by angiotensin (Ang) II/angiotensin-converting enzyme/AT1 receptors, and the depressor and protective one, represented by Ang-(1–7)/ angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/Mas receptors. Although the RAS exerts a pivotal role on electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure regulation, their components are also implicated in higher brain functions, including cognition, memory, anxiety and depression, and several neurological disorders. Overactivity of the pressor axis of the RAS has been implicated in stroke and several brain disorders, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer or Parkinson’s disease. The present review is focused on the role of the protective axis of the RAS in brain disorders beyond its effects on blood pressure regulation. Furthermore, the use of drugs targeting centrally RAS and its beneficial effects on brain disorders are also discussed.