bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underestimated Male Prevalence of Primary Biliary Cholangitis in China: Results of a 16-yr cohort study involving 769 patients
Authors: Fan Xiaoli , Wang Tingting , Shen Yi , Xi Xiaotan , Yang Li
Published: July 2017

For primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a sex ratio was reported to be significantly lower than previously cited in the West; we sought to evaluate sex ratio and long-term outcomes in PBC by studying a PBC cohort at a high-volume hospital from January 2001 to July 2016. A retrospective analysis including 769 PBC patients was conducted. The gender ratio was 6.1:1. Of the patients, 30.6% had one or more extrahepatic autoimmune (EHA) conditions. The proportion of patients with decompensated PBC at diagnosis increased from 25.0% in period 1 to 47.0% in period 4 (p < 0.05). Of the 420 patients without complications on presentation, the Kaplan-Meier estimate revealed distinct outcomes between non-cirrhotic PBC and cirrhotic PBC, with estimated mean survival times of 145.1 months and 104.5 months, respectively (p < 0.001). According to a subgroup analysis, gender and anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) status did not affect long-term prognosis, whereas patients with EHA conditions showed better prognoses. This study reveals evolving trends in male prevalence similar to their Western counterparts. Cirrhotic PBC patients were distinct from those with non-cirrhotic PBC at diagnosis based on difference in long-term outcome.
Involvement of Monocyte Subsets in the Immunopathology of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: van Sleen Yannick , Wang Qi , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Westra Johanna , Abdulahad Wayel H. , Heeringa Peter , Boots Annemieke M. H. , Brouwer Elisabeth
Published: July 2017

Monocytes/macrophages are critical in systemic and local inflammation in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and possibly in clinically overlapping polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Therefore, we aimed to understand the contribution of monocyte subsets and the CX3CR1-CX3CL1 and CCR2-CCL2 migratory pathways, to the pathology of GCA. Peripheral blood monocytes were enumerated in samples from newly-diagnosed, untreated GCA and PMR patients and after prednisone-induced remission. The distribution of classical (CD14brightCD16neg) and the more pro-inflammatory, intermediate (CD14brightCD16+) and non-classical (CD14dimCD16+) monocyte subsets was analysed by flow cytometry. The phenotype of macrophages in temporal artery biopsies (TABs) from GCA patients was studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. A clear monocytosis was seen in newly diagnosed GCA and PMR patients caused by elevated numbers of classical monocytes. Prednisone treatment suppressed numbers of non-classical monocytes. Both chemokine CX3CL1 and CCL2 were highly expressed in the TAB. Most macrophages in the TAB of GCA patients expressed non-classical monocyte markers CD16 and CX3CR1 whereas co-localisation of CD16 with classical monocyte marker CCR2 was infrequent. In conclusion, we report an altered distribution of monocyte subsets in both GCA and PMR patients. The majority of macrophages in TABs of GCA patients were CD68 + CD16 + CX3CR1 + CCR2− and thereby resembled the phenotype of non-classical monocytes.
Trimethylamine N-oxide abolishes the chaperone activity of α-casein: an intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Bhat Mohd Younus , Singh Laishram Rajendrakumar , Dar Tanveer Ali
Published: July 2017

Osmolytes (small molecules that help in circumventing stresses) are known to promote protein folding and prevent aggregation in the case of globular proteins. However, the effect of such osmolytes on the structure and function of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) has not been clearly understood. Here we have investigated the effect of methylamine osmolytes on α-casein (an IDP present in mammalian milk) and discovered that TMAO (Trimethylamine-N-oxide) but not other methylamines renders α-casein functionless. We observed that the loss of chaperone activity of α-casein in presence of TMAO was due to the induction of an unstable aggregation-prone intermediate. The results indicate that different osmolytes may have different structural and functional consequences on IDPs, and therefore might have clinical implications for a large number of human diseases (e.g., amyloidosis, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration) where IDPs are involved.
DNA methylation signatures of chronic alcohol dependence in purified CD3+ T-cells of patients undergoing alcohol treatment
Authors: Brückmann Christof , Islam Sumaiya A. , MacIsaac Julia L. , Morin Alexander M. , Karle Kathrin N. , Di Santo Adriana , Wüst Richard , Lang Immanuel , Batra Anil , Kobor Michael S. , Nieratschker Vanessa
Published: July 2017

Several studies have shown an association of alcohol dependence with DNA methylation (DNAm), suggesting that environmentally-induced changes on epigenomic variation may play an important role in alcohol dependence. In the present study, we analysed genome-wide DNAm profiles of purified CD3+ T-cells from pre- and post-treatment alcohol dependent patients, as well as closely matched healthy controls. We identified 59 differentially methylated CpG sites comparing patients prior to treatment with healthy controls and were able to confirm 8 of those sites in additional analyses for differentially methylated regions. Comparing patients before and after a 3-week alcohol treatment program we revealed another unique set of 48 differentially methylated CpG sites. Additionally, we found that the mean global DNAm was significantly lower in patients prior to treatment compared to controls, but reverted back to levels similar to controls after treatment. We validated top-ranked hits derived from the epigenome-wide analysis by pyrosequencing and further replicated two of them in an independent cohort and confirmed differential DNAm of HECW2 and SRPK3 in whole blood. This study is the first to show widespread DNAm variation in a disease-relevant blood cell type and implicates HECW2 and SRPK3 DNAm as promising blood-based candidates to follow up in future studies.
A single amino acid substitution confers B-cell clonogenic activity to the HIV-1 matrix protein p17
Authors: Giagulli Cinzia , D’Ursi Pasqualina , He Wangxiao , Zorzan Simone , Caccuri Francesca , Varney Kristen , Orro Alessandro , Marsico Stefania , Otjacques Benoît , Laudanna Carlo , Milanesi Luciano , Dolcetti Riccardo , Fiorentini Simona , Lu Wuyuan , Caruso Arnaldo
Published: July 2017

Recent data highlight the presence, in HIV-1-seropositive patients with lymphoma, of p17 variants (vp17s) endowed with B-cell clonogenicity, suggesting a role of vp17s in lymphomagenesis. We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the functional disparity on B cells between a wild-type p17 (refp17) and a vp17 named S75X. Here, we show that a single Arginine (R) to Glycine (G) mutation at position 76 in the refp17 backbone (p17R76G), as in the S75X variant, isper sesufficient to confer a B-cell clonogenic potential to the viral protein and modulate, through activation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, different molecules involved in apoptosis inhibition (CASP-9, CASP-7, DFF-45, NPM, YWHAZ, Src, PAX2, MAPK8), cell cycle promotion and cancer progression (CDK1, CDK2, CDK8, CHEK1, CHEK2, GSK-3 beta, NPM, PAK1, PP2C-alpha). Moreover, the only R to G mutation at position 76 was found to strongly impact on protein folding and oligomerization by altering the hydrogen bond network. This generates a conformational shift in the p17 R76G mutant which enables a functional epitope(s), masked in refp17, to elicit B-cell growth-promoting signals after its interaction with a still unknown receptor(s). Our findings offer new opportunities to understand the molecular mechanisms accounting for the B-cell growth-promoting activity of vp17s.
Possibly scalable solar hydrogen generation with quasi-artificial leaf approach
Authors: Patra Kshirodra Kumar , Bhuskute Bela D. , Gopinath Chinnakonda S.
Published: July 2017

Any solar energy harvesting technology must provide a net positive energy balance, and artificial leaf concept provided a platform for solar water splitting (SWS) towards that. However, device stability, high photocurrent generation, and scalability are the major challenges. A wireless device based on quasi-artificial leaf concept (QuAL), comprising Au on porous TiO2 electrode sensitized by PbS and CdS quantum dots (QD), was demonstrated to show sustainable solar hydrogen (490 ± 25 µmol/h (corresponds to 12 ml H2 h−1) from ~2 mg of photoanode material coated over 1 cm2 area with aqueous hole (S2−/SO32−) scavenger. A linear extrapolation of the above results could lead to hydrogen production of 6 L/h.g over an area of ~23 × 23 cm2. Under one sun conditions, 4.3 mA/cm2 photocurrent generation, 5.6% power conversion efficiency, and spontaneous H2 generation were observed at no applied potential (see S1). A direct coupling of all components within themselves enhances the light absorption in the entire visible and NIR region and charge utilization. Thin film approach, as in DSSC, combined with porous titania enables networking of all the components of the device, and efficiently converts solar to chemical energy in a sustainable manner.
One-step purification and immobilization of extracellularly expressed sortase A by magnetic particles to develop a robust and recyclable biocatalyst
Authors: Zhao Xinrui , Hong Haofei , Cheng Xiaozhong , Liu Shaozhong , Deng Tao , Guo Zhongwu , Wu Zhimeng
Published: July 2017

Sortase A (SrtA) is a transpeptidase widely used to site-specifically modify peptides and proteins and shows promise for industrial applications. In this study, a novel strategy was developed for constructing immobilized-SrtA as a robust and recyclable enzyme via direct immobilization of extracellularly expressed SrtA in the fermentation supernatant using magnetic particles. Efficient extracellular SrtA expression was achieved in Escherichia coli through molecular engineering, including manipulation of the protein transport pathway, codon optimization, and co-expression of molecular chaperones to promote expressed SrtA secretion into the medium at high levels. Subsequently, a simple one-step protocol was established for the purification and immobilization of SrtA containing a His-tag from the fermentation supernatant onto a nickel-modified magnetic particle. The immobilized SrtA was proved to retain full enzymatic activity for peptide-to-peptide ligation and protein modification, and was successfully reused for five cycles without obvious activity loss.
Multi-year predictability of climate, drought, and wildfire in southwestern North America
Authors: Chikamoto Yoshimitsu , Timmermann Axel , Widlansky Matthew J. , Balmaseda Magdalena A. , Stott Lowell
Published: July 2017

Past severe droughts over North America have led to massive water shortages and increases in wildfire frequency. Triggering sources for multi-year droughts in this region include randomly occurring atmospheric blocking patterns, ocean impacts on atmospheric circulation, and climate’s response to anthropogenic radiative forcings. A combination of these sources translates into a difficulty to predict the onset and length of such droughts on multi-year timescales. Here we present results from a new multi-year dynamical prediction system that exhibits a high degree of skill in forecasting wildfire probabilities and drought for 10–23 and 10–45 months lead time, which extends far beyond the current seasonal prediction activities for southwestern North America. Using a state-of-the-art earth system model along with 3-dimensional ocean data assimilation and by prescribing the external radiative forcings, this system simulates the observed low-frequency variability of precipitation, soil water, and wildfire probabilities in close agreement with observational records and reanalysis data. The underlying source of multi-year predictability can be traced back to variations of the Atlantic/Pacific sea surface temperature gradient, external radiative forcings, and the low-pass filtering characteristics of soils.
Efficacy and Safety of Very Early Mobilization in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Tao , Yu Xinyuan , Ou Shu , Liu Xi , Yuan Jinxian , Chen Yangmei
Published: July 2017

Whether very early mobilization (VEM) improves outcomes in stroke patients and reduces immobilization-related complications (IRCs) is currently unknown. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VEM in acute stroke patients following admission. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy or safety of VEM in patients with acute stroke. VEM was defined as out of bed activity commencing within 24 or 48 hours after the onset of stroke. A total of 9 RCTs with 2,803 participants were included. Upon analysis, VEM was not associated with favorable functional outcomes (modified Ranking Scale: 0–2) at 3 months [relative risk (RR): 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.06]; VEM did not reduce the risk of IRCs during follow up. With respect to safety outcomes, VEM was not associated with a higher risk of death (RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.52–2.09) and did not increase the risk of neurological deterioration or incidence of falls with injury. In conclusion, pooled data from RCTs concluded that VEM is not associated with beneficial effects when carried out in patients 24 or 48 hours after the onset of a stroke.
Early functional network alterations in asymptomatic elders at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nakamura Akinori , Cuesta Pablo , Kato Takashi , Arahata Yutaka , Iwata Kaori , Yamagishi Misako , Kuratsubo Izumi , Kato Kimiko , Bundo Masahiko , Diers Kersten , Fernández Alberto , Maestú Fernando , Ito Kengo
Published: July 2017

Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is known to starts decades before the onset of clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, the detailed pathophysiological processes underlying this preclinical period are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate functional network alterations in cognitively intact elderly individuals at risk for AD, and assessed the association between these network alterations and changes in Aβ deposition, glucose metabolism, and brain structure. Forty-five cognitively normal elderly subjects, who were classified into Aβ-positive (CN+) and Aβ-negative (CN−) groups using 11C-Pittsburgh compound B PET, underwent resting state magnetoencephalography measurements, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG-PET) and structural MRI. Results demonstrated that in the CN+ group, functional connectivity (FC) within the precuneus was significantly decreased, whereas it was significantly enhanced between the precuneus and the bilateral inferior parietal lobules in the low-frequency bands (theta and delta). These changes were suggested to be associated with local cerebral Aβ deposition. Most of Aβ+ individuals in this study did not show any metabolic or anatomical changes, and there were no significant correlations between FC values and FDG-PET or MRI volumetry data. These results demonstrate that functional network alterations, which occur in association with Aβ deposition, are detectable using magnetoencephalography before metabolic and anatomical changes are seen.
Non-ionising UV light increases the optical density of hygroscopic self assembled DNA crystal films
Authors: Gasperini Alexandria E. , Sanchez Susy , Doiron Amber L. , Lyles Mark , German Guy K.
Published: July 2017

We report on ultraviolet (UV) light induced increases in the UV optical density of thin and optically transparent crystalline DNA films formed through self assembly. The films are comprised of closely packed, multi-faceted and sub micron sized crystals. UV-Vis spectrophotometry reveals that DNA films with surface densities up to 0.031 mg/mm2 can reduce the transmittance of incident UVC and UVB light by up to 90%, and UVA transmittance by up to 20%. Subsequent and independent film irradiation with either UVA or UVB dosages upwards of 80 J/cm2 both reduce UV transmittance, with reductions scaling monotonically with UV dosage. To date the induction of a hyperchromic effect has been demonstrated using heat, pH, high salt mediums, and high energy ionising radiation. Both hyperchromicity and increased light scattering could account for the increased film optical density after UV irradiation. Additional characterisation of the films reveal they are highly absorbent and hygroscopic. When coated on human skin, they are capable of slowing water evaporation and keeping the tissue hydrated for extended periods of time.
Overcoming blood brain barrier with a dual purpose Temozolomide loaded Lactoferrin nanoparticles for combating glioma (SERP-17-12433)
Authors: Kumari Sonali , Ahsan Saad M. , Kumar Jerald M. , Kondapi Anand K. , Rao Nalam M.
Published: July 2017

Targeted delivery of drugs to the brain is challenging due to the restricted permeability across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Gliomas are devastating cancers and their positive treatment outcome using Temozolomide (TMZ) is limited due to its short plasma half-life, systemic toxicity and limited access through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles made of Lactoferrin (Lf) protein, have been shown to enhance the pharmacological properties of drugs. Here, we report the specific ability of Lf nanoparticles to cross BBB and target over-expressed Lf receptors on glioma for enhanced TMZ delivery. TMZ-loaded Lf nanoparticles (TMZ-LfNPs) were prepared by our previously reported sol-oil method. While the Lf protein in the NP matrix aids in transcytosis across the BBB and preferential tumor cell uptake, the pH responsiveness leads to TMZ release exclusively in the tumor microenvironment. Delivery through LfNPs results in an enhanced and sustained intracellular concentration of TMZ in GL261 cells in vitro along with improving its in vivo pharmacokinetics and brain accumulation. TMZ-LfNPs treatment results in a significant reduction of tumor volume, higher tumor cell apoptosis and improved median survival in glioma bearing mice. These results demonstrate that LfNPs present an efficient TMZ delivery platform for an effective treatment of gliomas.
Protected surface state in stepped Fe (0 18 1)
Authors: Izquierdo Manuel , Torelli Piero , Fujii Jun , Panaccione Giancarlo , Vobornik Ivana , Rossi Giorgio , Sirotti Fausto
Published: July 2017

Carbon (C) surface segregation from bulk stabilizes the Fe(0 18 1) vicinal surface by forming a c(3$$\sqrt{2}$$

2

 × $$\sqrt{2}$$

2

reconstruction with C zig-zag chains oriented at 45° with respect to the iron surface steps. The iron surface electronic states as measured by high resolution ARPES at normal emission with polarized synchrotron radiation split in two peaks that follow distinct energy dispersion curves. One peak follows the dispersion of the carbon superstructure and is photoexcited only when the polarization vector is parallel to the steps, the second peak disperses similarly to the pristine Fe(0 0 1) surface. Such surface electronic structure is robust as it persists even after coating with an Ag overlayer. The robustness of this surface electronic structure and its similarity with that of the clean Fe(0 0 1) surface make this system of interest for magnetic and spintronic properties such as magneto tunnel junctions based on Fe/MgO interface.
Expression profile of intestinal stem cell markers in colitis-associated carcinogenesis
Authors: Kim Hye Sung , Lee Cheol , Kim Woo Ho , Maeng Young Hee , Jang Bo Gun
Published: July 2017

The intestinal epithelium has two distinct two stem cell populations, namely, crypt base columnar (CBC) cells and +4 cells. Several specific markers have been identified for each stem cell population. In this study, we examined the expression profiles of these markers in colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) to investigate whether they can be used as biomarkers for the early detection of dysplasia. The expression of intestinal stem cell (ISC) markers was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction during CAC that was induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate treatment. CBC stem cell markers increased continuously with tumor development, whereas a +4 cell expression profile was not present. CBC stem cell population was suppressed in the acute colitis and then expanded to repopulate the crypts during the regeneration period. Notably, RNA in situ hybridization revealed that all dysplasia and cancer samples showed increased expression of CBC stem cell markers in more than one-third of the tumor height, whereas regenerative glands had CBC stem cell markers confined to the lower one-third of the crypt. These results suggest that CBC stem cell markers could be a useful tool for the early detection of colitis-induced tumors.
Differential Signalling and Kinetics of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release Revealed by Quantitative Live Imaging
Authors: van der Linden Maarten , Westerlaken Geertje H. A. , van der Vlist Michiel , van Montfrans Joris , Meyaard Linde
Published: July 2017

A wide variety of microbial and inflammatory factors induce DNA release from neutrophils as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Consensus on the kinetics and mechanism of NET release has been hindered by the lack of distinctive methods to specifically quantify NET release in time. Here, we validate and refine a semi-automatic live imaging approach for quantification of NET release. Importantly, our approach is able to correct for neutrophil input and distinguishes NET release from neutrophil death by other means, aspects that are lacking in many NET quantification methods. Real time visualization shows that opsonizedS. aureusrapidly induces cell death by toxins, while actual NET formation occurs after 90 minutes, similar to the kinetics of NET release by immune complexes and PMA. Inhibition of SYK, PI3K and mTORC2 attenuates NET release upon challenge with physiological stimuli but not with PMA. In contrast, neutrophils from chronic granulomatous disease patients show decreased NET release only in response to PMA. With this refined method, we conclude that NET release in primary human neutrophils is dependent on the SYK-PI3K-mTORC2 pathway and that PMA stimulation should be regarded as mechanistically distinct from NET formation induced by natural triggers.
Generation and validation of novel adeno-associated viral vectors for the analysis of Ca2+ homeostasis in motor neurons
Authors: Norante Rosa Pia , Massimino Maria Lina , Lorenzon Paolo , De Mario Agnese , Peggion Caterina , Vicario Mattia , Albiero Mattia , Sorgato Maria Catia , Lopreiato Raffaele , Bertoli Alessandro
Published: July 2017

A finely tuned Ca2+ homeostasis in restricted cell domains is of fundamental importance for neurons, where transient Ca2+ oscillations direct the proper coordination of electro-chemical signals and overall neuronal metabolism. Once such a precise regulation is unbalanced, however, neuronal functions and viability are severely compromised. Accordingly, disturbed Ca2+ metabolism has often been claimed as a major contributor to different neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that is characterised by selective motor neuron (MN) damage. This notion highlights the need for probes for the specific and precise analysis of local Ca2+ dynamics in MNs. Here, we generated and functionally validated adeno-associated viral vectors for the expression of gene-encoded fluorescent Ca2+ indicators targeted to different cell domains, under the transcriptional control of a MN-specific promoter. We demonstrated that the probes are specifically expressed, and allow reliable local Ca2+ measurements, in MNs from murine primary spinal cord cultures, and can also be expressed in spinal cord MNs in vivo, upon systemic administration to newborn mice. Preliminary analyses using these novel vectors have shown larger cytosolic Ca2+ responses following stimulation of AMPA receptors in the cytosol of primary cultured MNs from a murine genetic model of ALS compared to the healthy counterpart.
Microbial planktonic communities in the Red Sea: high levels of spatial and temporal variability shaped by nutrient availability and turbulence
Authors: Pearman John K. , Ellis Joanne , Irigoien Xabier , Sarma Y. V. B. , Jones Burton H. , Carvalho Susana
Published: July 2017

The semi-enclosed nature of the Red Sea (20.2°N–38.5°N) makes it a natural laboratory to study the influence of environmental gradients on microbial communities. This study investigates the composition and structure of microbial prokaryotes and eukaryotes using molecular methods, targeting ribosomal RNA genes across different regions and seasons. The interaction between spatial and temporal scales results in different scenarios of turbulence and nutrient conditions allowing for testing of ecological theory that categorizes the response of the plankton community to these variations. The prokaryotic reads are mainly comprised of Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria (Alpha and Gamma), with eukaryotic reads dominated by Dinophyceae and Syndiniophyceae. Periodic increases in the proportion of Mamiellophyceae and Bacillariophyceae reads were associated with alterations in the physical oceanography leading to nutrient increases either through the influx of Gulf of Aden Intermediate Water (south in the fall) or through water column mixing processes (north in the spring). We observed that in general dissimilarity amongst microbial communities increased when nutrient concentrations were higher, whereas richness (observed OTUs) was higher in scenarios of higher turbulence. Maximum abundance models showed the differential responses of dominant taxa to temperature giving an indication how taxa will respond as waters become warmer and more oligotrophic.
Mitochondrial Genomes of Two Bombycoidea Insects and Implications for Their Phylogeny
Authors: Xin Zhao-Zhe , Yu Liu  , Zhu Xiao-Yu , Wang Ying , Zhang Hua-Bin , Zhang Dai-Zhen , Zhou Chun-Lin , Tang Bo-Ping , Liu Qiu-Ning
Published: July 2017

The mitochondrial genome (mt genome) provides important information for understanding molecular evolution and phylogenetics. As such, the two complete mt genomes of Ampelophaga rubiginosa and Rondotia menciana were sequenced and annotated. The two circular genomes of A. rubiginosa and R. menciana are 15,282 and 15,636 bp long, respectively, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and an A + T-rich region. The nucleotide composition of the A. rubiginosa mt genome is A + T rich (81.5%) but is lower than that of R. menciana (82.2%). The AT skew is slightly positive and the GC skew is negative in these two mt genomes. Except for cox1, which started with CGA, all other 12PCGs started with ATN codons. The A + T-rich regions of A. rubiginosa and R. menciana were 399 bp and 604 bp long and consist of several features common to Bombycoidea insects. The order and orientation of A. rubiginosa and R. menciana mitogenomes with the order trnM-trnI-trnQ-nad2 is different from the ancestral insects in which trnM is located between trnQ and nad2 (trnI-trnQ-trnM-nad2). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that A. rubiginosa belongs in the Sphingidae family, and R. menciana belongs in the Bombycidae family.
Fungal root symbionts of high-altitude vascular plants in the Himalayas
Authors: Kotilínek Milan , Hiiesalu Inga , Košnar Jiří , Šmilauerová Marie , Šmilauer Petr , Altman Jan , Dvorský Miroslav , Kopecký Martin , Doležal Jiří
Published: July 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) form symbiotic relationships with plants influencing their productivity, diversity and ecosystem functions. Only a few studies on these fungi, however, have been conducted in extreme elevations and none over 5500 m a.s.l., although vascular plants occur up to 6150 m a.s.l. in the Himalayas. We quantified AMF and DSE in roots of 62 plant species from contrasting habitats along an elevational gradient (3400–6150 m) in the Himalayas using a combination of optical microscopy and next generation sequencing. We linked AMF and DSE communities with host plant evolutionary history, ecological preferences (elevation and habitat type) and functional traits. We detected AMF in elevations up to 5800 m, indicating it is more constrained by extreme conditions than the host plants, which ascend up to 6150 m. In contrast, DSE were found across the entire gradient up to 6150 m. AMF diversity was unimodally related to elevation and positively related to the intensity of AMF colonization. Mid-elevation steppe and alpine plants hosted more diverse AMF communities than plants from deserts and the subnival zone. Our results bring novel insights to the abiotic and biotic filters structuring AMF and DSE communities in the Himalayas.
Generation of ribosome imprinted polymers for sensitive detection of translational responses
Authors: King Helen A. , El-Sharif Hazim F. , Matia-González Ana M. , Iadevaia Valentina , Fowotade Adeola , Reddy Subrayal M. , Gerber André P.
Published: July 2017

Whilst the profiling of the transcriptome and proteome even of single-cells becomes feasible, the analysis of the translatome, which refers to all messenger RNAs (mRNAs) engaged with ribosomes for protein synthesis, is still an elaborate procedure requiring millions of cells. Herein, we report the generation and use of “smart materials”, namely molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to facilitate the isolation of ribosomes and translated mRNAs from merely 1,000 cells. In particular, we show that a hydrogel-based ribosome imprinted polymer could recover ribosomes and associated mRNAs from human, simian and mice cellular extracts, but did not selectively enrich yeast ribosomes, thereby demonstrating selectivity. Furthermore, ribosome imprinted polymers enabled the sensitive measurement of an mRNA translational regulatory event, requiring 1,000-fold less cells than current methodologies. These results provide first evidence for the suitability of MIPs to selectively recover ribonucleoprotein complexes such as ribosomes, founding a novel means for sensitive detection of gene regulation.
Elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition have minimal influence on the rhizospheric effects of Bothriochloa ischaemum
Authors: Xiao Lie , Liu Guobin , Li Peng , Xue Sha
Published: July 2017

The influence of elevated CO2 and nitrogen (N) addition on soil microbial communities and the rhizospheric effects of Bothriochloa ischaemum were investigated. A pot-cultivation experiment was conducted in climate-controlled chambers under two levels of CO2 (400 and 800 μmol mol−1) and three levels of N addition (0, 2.5, and 5 g N m−2 y−1). Soil samples (rhizospheric and bulk soil) were collected for the assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N (TN), total phosphorus (TP), basal respiration (BR), and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) 106 days after treatments were conducted. Elevated CO2 significantly increased total and fungal PLFAs in the rhizosphere when combined with N addition, and N addition significantly increased BR in the rhizosphere and total, bacterial, fungal, Gram-positive (G+), and Gram-negative (G−) PLFAs in both rhizospheric and bulk soil. BR and total, bacterial, G+, and G+/G− PLFAs were significantly higher in rhizospheric than bulk soil, but neither elevated CO2 nor N addition affected the positive rhizospheric effects on bacterial, G+, or G+/G− PLFAs. N addition had a greater effect on soil microbial communities than elevated CO2, and elevated CO2 and N addition had minor contributions to the changes in the magnitude of the rhizospheric effects in B. ischaemum.
Removal of back-reflection noise at ultrathin imaging probes by the single-core illumination and wide-field detection
Authors: Yoon Changhyeong , Kang Munkyu , Hong Jin H. , Yang Taeseok D. , Xing Jingchao , Yoo Hongki , Choi Youngwoon , Choi Wonshik
Published: July 2017

Thin waveguides such as graded-index lenses and fiber bundles are often used as imaging probes for high-resolution endomicroscopes. However, strong back-reflection from the end surfaces of the probes makes it difficult for them to resolve weak contrast objects, especially in the reflectance-mode imaging. Here we propose a method to spatially isolate illumination pathways from detection channels, and demonstrate wide-field reflectance imaging free from back-reflection noise. In the image fiber bundle, we send illumination light through individual core fibers and detect signals from target objects through the other fibers. The transmission matrix of the fiber bundle is measured and used to reconstruct a pixelation-free image. We demonstrated that the proposed imaging method improved 3.2 times on the signal to noise ratio produced by the conventional illumination-detection scheme.
Open source software for automatic detection of cone photoreceptors in adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Cunefare David , Fang Leyuan , Cooper Robert F. , Dubra Alfredo , Carroll Joseph , Farsiu Sina
Published: July 2017

Imaging with an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) enables direct visualization of the cone photoreceptor mosaic in the living human retina. Quantitative analysis of AOSLO images typically requires manual grading, which is time consuming, and subjective; thus, automated algorithms are highly desirable. Previously developed automated methods are often reliant on ad hoc rules that may not be transferable between different imaging modalities or retinal locations. In this work, we present a convolutional neural network (CNN) based method for cone detection that learns features of interest directly from training data. This cone-identifying algorithm was trained and validated on separate data sets of confocal and split detector AOSLO images with results showing performance that closely mimics the gold standard manual process. Further, without any need for algorithmic modifications for a specific AOSLO imaging system, our fully-automated multi-modality CNN-based cone detection method resulted in comparable results to previous automatic cone segmentation methods which utilized ad hoc rules for different applications. We have made free open-source software for the proposed method and the corresponding training and testing datasets available online.
Phylogeny of locusts and grasshoppers reveals complex evolution of density-dependent phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Song Hojun , Foquet Bert , Mariño-Pérez Ricardo , Woller Derek A.
Published: July 2017

Locusts are grasshoppers that can form dense migrating swarms through an extreme form of density-dependent phenotypic plasticity, known as locust phase polyphenism. We present a comprehensive phylogeny of the genus Schistocerca, which contains both non-swarming grasshoppers and swarming locusts. We find that the desert locust, S. gregaria, which is the only Old World representative of the genus, is the earliest diverging lineage. This suggests that the common ancestor of Schistocerca must have been a swarming locust that crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to America approximately 6 million years ago, giving rise to the current diversity in the New World. This also implies that density-dependent phenotypic plasticity is an ancestral trait for the genus. Through ancestral character reconstruction of reaction norms, we show that colour plasticity has been largely retained in most species in the genus, but behavioural plasticity was lost and regained at least twice. Furthermore, we show that swarming species do not form a monophyletic group and non-swarming species that are closely related to locusts often express locust-like plastic reaction norms. Thus, we conclude that individual reaction norms have followed different evolutionary trajectories, which have led to the evolutionary transition between grasshoppers and locusts - and vice versa.
Molecular recognition and solvatomorphism of a cyclic peptoid: formation of a stable 1D porous framework
Authors: Macedi Eleonora , Meli Alessandra , De Riccardis Francesco , Rossi Patrizia , Smith Vincent J. , Barbour Leonard J. , Izzo Irene , Tedesco Consiglia
Published: July 2017

Molecular aggregation and the hydrophobic effect explain the solvatomorphism and sorption behavior of a cyclic hexapeptoid.
Switchable dielectric phase transition originating from disorder–order transformation and distortion in {[(C4H4N2)Co(H2O)4]SO4·2H2O}n
Authors: Mu Rong , Xu Guan-Cheng , Zhang Ying-Ying , Zhang Li , Jia Dian-Zeng
Published: July 2017

Disorder–order transition of the SO42− and distortion of the [(C4H4N2)Co(H2O)4]2+ chain induce the phase transition of {[(C4H4N2)Co(H2O)4]SO4·2H2O}n.
Structural diversity and catalytic properties of five Co2(COO)4cluster-based coordination polymers modified with R-isophthalic acid (R = H, NO2, CH3, OH andtBu)
Authors: Zhang Jian-Yong , Shi Jun-Xia , Cui Peng-Hui , Yao Zi-Jian , Deng Wei
Published: July 2017

By regulation the substituents on 5-position of isophthalic acid, we isolated five Co-based CPs with structural diversity, which all constructed from the Co2(COO)4unit. The catalytic properties for Knoevenagel condensation and selective epoxidation of styrene have also been investigated.
Effect of lipid shape on toroidal pore formation and peptide orientation in lipid bilayers
Authors: Woo Sun Young , Lee Hwankyu
Published: July 2017

Disordered and thinner bilayer w/lyso-lipids; tilted orientation of peptides in bilayer w/lyso-lipids; toroidal pores stabilized by peptides and lyso-lipids.
Remote-control of the enantiomeric supramolecular recognition mediated by chiral azobenzenes bound to human serum albumin
Authors: Deiana M. , Pokladek Z. , Dudek M. , Mucha S. G. , Mazur L. M. , Pawlik K. , Mlynarz P. , Samoc M. , Matczyszyn K.
Published: July 2017

Chirooptical photoswitchable assemblies were obtained by incorporating photochromic units based on azobenzene motif into a human serum albumin scaffold.
Polarity control of GaN epitaxial films grown on LiGaO2(001) substrates and its mechanism
Authors: Zheng Yulin , Wang Wenliang , Li Xiaochan , Li Yuan , Huang Liegen , Li Guoqiang
Published: July 2017

The polarity control of a GaN epitaxial film grown on LiGaO2(001) substrates and its mechanism have been well studied. It is found that the GaN epitaxial film grown on nitrided LiGaO2(001) substrates reveals Ga-polarity, while the GaN epitaxial film grown on non-nitrided LiGaO2(001) substrates shows N-polarity.
Cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds
Authors: Cheng Qing-Qing , Deng Yongming , Lankelma Marianne , Doyle Michael P.
Published: July 2017

A comprehensive review on cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds is presented with emphasis on methodology development and mechanistic insight.
Syntheses of metallo-pseudorotaxanes, rotaxane and post-synthetically functionalized rotaxane: a comprehensive spectroscopic study and dynamic properties
Authors: Santra Saikat , Bej Somnath , Nandi Mandira , Mondal Partha , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: July 2017

Amido-amine macrocycle-based pseudorotaxanes, rotaxane, are investigatedviadifferent spectroscopic techniques, and post-synthetic functionalized rotaxane exhibits rotamer-induced reversible dynamic behaviour.
A mononuclear Co(ii) complex formed from pyridinedimethanol with manifold slow relaxation channels
Authors: Valigura Dušan , Rajnák Cyril , Moncol Ján , Titiš Ján , Boča Roman
Published: July 2017

A mononuclear hexacoordinate complex [Co(pydm)2](dnbz)2 formed from 2,6-pyridinedimethanol in the coordination sphere of Co(ii) and dinitrobenzoato anions exhibits magnetic anisotropy of an easy axis type and a field induced slow magnetic relaxation.
Suppressive effects of dietary EPA-rich fish oil on the degradation of elastin fibers in the aortic wall in nicotine-administered mice
Authors: Kugo Hirona , Zaima Nobuhiro , Onozato Megumi , Miyamoto Chie , Hashimoto Keisuke , Yanagimoto Kenichi , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: July 2017

The dietary fish oil can suppress the degradation of elastin fibers in nicotine administered mice.
Cerebrospinal fluid elemental analysis by using a total sample consumption system operated at high temperature adapted to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Cañabate Águeda , García-Ruiz Esperanza , Resano Martín , Todolí José-Luis
Published: July 2017

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples have been accurately analyzed by means of a total sample consumption system adapted to ICP-MS.
In situ generation of human brain organoids on a micropillar array
Authors: Zhu Yujuan , Wang Li , Yu Hao , Yin Fangchao , Wang Yaqing , Liu Haitao , Jiang Lei , Qin Jianhua
Published: July 2017

We present a simple and high throughput manner to generate brain organoids in situ from human induced pluripotent stem cells on micropillar arrays and to investigate long-term brain organogenesis in 3D culture in vitro.
Direct synthesis of isobutyraldehyde from methanol and ethanol on Cu–Mg/Ti-SBA-15 catalysts: the role of Ti
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Meng , Wang Xiaoxing , Zhang Qingde , Song Faen , Tan Yisheng , Han Yizhuo
Published: July 2017

An increase in the Ti content significantly improves catalyst durability due to its effect on Cu dispersion and the basicity of the catalyst.
A coordinatively saturated nickel complex supported by triazenido ligands: a new electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation via ligand-centered proton-transfer
Authors: Xue Dan , Luo Su-Ping , Zhan Shu-Zhong
Published: July 2017

The reaction of 1,3-bis[2-aminobenzothiazole]triazene (HL) with Ni(CH3CO2)2 affords a nickel complex, [NiII(L)2] 1, an electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation.
Photosensitizer localization in amphiphilic block copolymers controls photodynamic therapy efficacy
Authors: Ibrahimova Vusala , Denisov Sergey A. , Vanvarenberg Kevin , Verwilst Peter , Préat Véronique , Guigner Jean-Michel , McClenaghan Nathan D. , Lecommandoux Sébastien , Fustin Charles-André
Published: July 2017

The localization of the photosensitizer conjugation site in amphiphilic block copolymers has a great impact on photodynamic therapy efficiency.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative, decarbonylative and dehydrogenative C(sp2)–H acylation at room temperature
Authors: Hossian Asik , Manna Manash Kumar , Manna Kartic , Jana Ranjan
Published: July 2017

A practical and environmentally benign protocol for C(sp2)–H acylation at room temperature has been achieved via entropically favourable decarboxylative, decarbonylative and cross-dehydrogenative manifolds.
In situ fabrication of porous MnCoxOy nanocubes on Ti mesh as high performance monolith de-NOx catalysts
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Hongrui , Liu Yan , Huang Lei , Zhang Jianping , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: July 2017

Porous MnCoxOy nanocubes on Ti mesh as monolith catalysts present enhanced de-NOx performance.
Bioreactors for low-pH iron(ii) oxidation remove considerable amounts of total iron
Authors: Sheng Yizhi , Kaley Bradley , Bibby Kyle , Grettenberger Christen , Macalady Jennifer L. , Wang Guangcai , Burgos William D.
Published: July 2017

Rates of Fe(ii) oxidation in chemostatic bioreactors can be predicted based only on the influent Fe(ii) concentration and pH value.
Ambient light induced antibacterial action of curcumin/graphene nanomesh hybrids
Authors: Marković Z. M. , Kepić D. P. , Matijašević D. M. , Pavlović V. B. , Jovanović S. P. , Stanković N. K. , Milivojević D. D. , Spitalsky Z. , Holclajtner-Antunović I. D. , Bajuk-Bogdanović D. V. , Nikšić M. P. , Todorović Marković B. M.
Published: July 2017

Antibacterial curcumin/graphene nanomesh hybrids are synthesized and tested.
On AunAt clusters as potential astatine carriers
Authors: Ostrowski Sławomir , Majkowska-Pilip Agnieszka , Bilewicz Aleksander , Dobrowolski Jan Cz.
Published: July 2017

To understand interactions between astatine atoms with gold clusters the AunAt and AunX clusters, n = 12 or 13, X = F, Cl, Br, and I, were calculated at the DFT level using basis sets with a quasi-relativistic pseudopotential.
Synthesis and characterization of a bifunctional nanoprobe for CGG trinucleotide repeat detection
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqian , Li Jiao , Lv Hehong , He Hanping , Liu Heng , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: July 2017

A novel bifunctional nanoprobe was designed and used in an electrochemical sensor to rapidly detect CGG trinucleotide repeats.
A facile method for cellular N-glycomic profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Wenjie , Jiang Yanhua , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Yifang , Liu Yanyan , Zhou Yanhong , Liu Xin
Published: July 2017

Rapid and highly sensitive analysis of cellular N-glycans with co-derivatization strategy using matrix-assisted laser/desorption mass spectrometry.
A biomimetic, multifunctional, superhydrophobic graphene film with self-sensing and fast recovery properties for microdroplet transportation
Authors: Ding Guomin , Jiao Weicheng , Wang Rongguo , Niu Yue , Hao Lifeng , Yang Fan , Liu Wenbo
Published: July 2017

A multifunctional, rose-petal-like, superhydrophobic graphene film is fabricated for the first time, and it has self-sensing and fast recovery properties for microdroplet transportation.
A non-fullerene acceptor with a diagnostic morphological handle for streamlined screening of donor materials in organic solar cells
Authors: McAfee Seth M. , Payne Abby-Jo , Dayneko Sergey V. , Kini Gururaj P. , Song Chang Eun , Lee Jong-Cheol , Welch Gregory C.
Published: July 2017

Utilizing the N-annulated PDI acceptor PDI–DPP–PDI, a simple air-processed and air-tested organic photovoltaic device fabrication procedure has been established to streamline the screening of donor materials.
Revitalizing carbon supercapacitor electrodes with hierarchical porous structures
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Zhang Feng , Song Yu , Li Yat
Published: July 2017

The review offers a comprehensive overview on the synthesis strategies and fundamental understandings of hierarchical porous carbons as supercapacitor electrodes.
Inorganic–organic hybrid switchable dielectric materials with the coexistence of magnetic anomalies induced by reversible high-temperature phase transition
Authors: Han Shiguo , Zhang Jing , Teng Bing , Ji Chengmin , Zhang Weichuan , Sun Zhihua , Luo Junhua
Published: July 2017

We reported an inorganic–organic switchable dielectric hybrid, which shows the coexistence of magnetic responses as another potential physical channel to structural phase transition.
Highly transparent polyhydroxyimide/TiO2 and ZrO2 hybrid films with high glass transition temperature (Tg) and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for optoelectronic application
Authors: Cheng Shun-Wen , Huang Tzu-Tien , Tsai Chia-Liang , Liou Guey-Sheng
Published: July 2017

Highly transparent polyhydroxyimide/TiO2 and ZrO2 hybrids films with high glass transition temperature and low thermal expansion coefficient for optoelectronic application.
Analysis of a seven‐level asymmetrical hybrid multilevel converter for traction systems
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Mansoor Muhammad , Tang Houjun , Rana Ahmad
Published: July 2017

A medium‐voltage high‐power electric traction system, due to its non‐linear nature results in serious power quality issues in power system such as low‐power factor and high‐harmonic distortion. To mitigate the aforementioned problems, this study presents a seven‐level asymmetrical hybrid multilevel converter that can be implemented using a single dc source and two capacitors. The proposed converter is a series connection of a five‐level cascaded module (CM) converter with an H‐bridge cell to meet the demand of medium‐voltage high‐power traction applications with improved power factor at minimum harmonic distortion. A modulation scheme presented will operate an H‐bridge cell and a CM with a fundamental frequency and high‐frequency switching, respectively. The unbalancing of dc‐link capacitors voltages due to active power transfer requires corrective control action including current control, voltage control and voltage balancing that has been proposed to keep the dc‐link capacitor voltage balanced. Working principle of the proposed topology and its mathematical analysis is presented in this work. The effectiveness of the controlled pulse‐width modulation strategy and stability of the proposed control method have been validated through simulation and experimental results.