bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Insights reveal Anti-microbial Gene Regulation of Piglet Intestine Immune in response to Clostridium perfringens Infection
Authors: Huang Xiao Yu , Sun Wen Yang , Yan Zun Qiang , Shi Hai Ren , Yang Qiao Li , Wang Peng Fei , Li Sheng Gui , Liu Li Xia , Zhao Sheng Guo , Gun Shuang Bao
Published: February 2019

LncRNA play important roles in regulation of host immune and inflammation responses in defending bacterial infection. Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) type C is one of primary bacteria leading to piglet diarrhea and other intestinal inflammatory diseases. For the differences of host immune capacity, individuals usually show resistance and susceptibility to bacterial infection. However, whether and how lncRNAs involved in modulating host immune resistance have not been reported. We have investigated the expression patterns of ileum lncRNAs of 7-day-old piglets infected by C. perfringens type C through RNA sequencing. A total of 16 lncRNAs and 126 mRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in resistance (IR) and susceptibility (IS) groups. Many lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified to regulate resistance and susceptibility of piglets through immune related pathways. Five lncRNAs may have potential function on regulating the expressions of cytokines, these lncRNAs and cytokines work together to co-regulated piglet immune response to C. perfringens, affecting host resistance and susceptibility. These results provide valuable information for understanding the functions of lncRNA and mRNA in affecting piglet diarrhea resistance of defensing to C. perfringens type C, these lncRNAs and mRNAs may be used as the important biomarkers for decreasing C. perfringens spread and diseases in human and piglets.
Effects of high intensity speed-based treadmill training on ambulatory function in people with chronic stroke: A preliminary study with long-term follow-up
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha , Lim Hyosok , Sivaramakrishnan Anjali , Iyer Pooja
Published: February 2019

High intensity treadmill training has shown to be beneficial for stroke survivors, yet the feasibility and long-term effects remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine whether a 4-week high intensity speed-based treadmill training (HISTT) is feasible for chronic stroke survivors, and we examined its effects on ambulatory function, and long-term retention. Sixteen individuals post-stroke participated in 40 minutes of HISTT for four weeks at a frequency of three sessions per week. Gait speed was measured using the 10-meter walk test, endurance was measured using the 6-minute walk test, and quality of life was assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) at baseline, post-training, and at 3-month follow-up. All participants successfully completed the training without any serious adverse events. Participants significantly increased fastest walking speed by 19%, self-selected walking speed by 18%, and walking endurance by 12% after the training. These improvements were maintained for 3 months after the intervention. Our results indicate that this modified speed-based high intensity walking program has the potential to be a feasible and effective method of gait training for stroke survivors. However, the small sample size and lack of a control group warrant caution in interpretation of results. Further studies are recommended to better understand effectiveness of this protocol in combination with other physical therapy interventions for functional recovery after stroke.
Leaf Disc Assays for Rapid Measurement of Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Kasote Deepak M. , Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: February 2019

Antioxidant levels are key parameters for studies of food quality, stress responses, and plant health. Herein, we have demonstrated that excised leaf disc has both radical scavenging activity and reducing power, and used this concept to develop 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and potassium permanganate reduction (PPR) leaf disc assays. Reaction time and reagent concentration for these assays were optimized using leaves from spinach, kale, collards, mustard, and watermelon. Further, these assays were validated for linearity and intra-assay precision. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC/ESI-HR-QTOFMS) was used for phytochemical profiling and studying relative abundances of certain phenolic compounds in various leaf discs suspended and cell-free extracts. The mass spectral analysis showed that leaf disc suspended methanolic extracts had almost same phytochemical profiles to those of cell-free extracts. The DPPH leaf disc assay demonstrated better radical scavenging potential than the conventional cell-free extract method. By contrast, the observed antioxidant activity values in ABTS and PPR leaf disc assays were lower than those of conventional cell-free extract-based methods. In conclusion, the developed leaf disc assays are simple and rapid for the qualitative and comparative assessment of the antioxidant potential of leaf samples, as well as can be a good alternative to conventional cell-free extract based methods.
The monoclonal antibody EPR1614Y against the stem cell biomarker keratin K15 lacks specificity and reacts with other keratins
Authors: Aldehlawi Hebah , Niemiec Katarzyna A. , Avisetti Deepa R. , Lalli Anand , Teh Muy-Teck , Waseem Ahmad
Published: February 2019

Keratin 15 (K15), a type I keratin, which pairs with K5 in epidermis, has been used extensively as a biomarker for stem cells. Two commercial antibodies, LHK15, a mouse monoclonal and EPR1614Y, a rabbit monoclonal, have been widely employed to study K15 expression. Here we report differential reactivity of these antibodies on epithelial cells and tissue sections. Although the two antibodies specifically recognised K15 on western blot, they reacted differently on skin sections and cell lines. LHK15 reacted in patches, whereas EPR1614Y reacted homogenously with the basal keratinocytes in skin sections. In cultured cells, LHK15 did not react with K15 deficient NEB-1, KEB-11, MCF-7 and SW13 cells expressing only exogenous K8 and K18 but reacted when these cells were transduced with K15. On the other hand, EPR1614Y reacted with these cells even though they were devoid of K15. Taken together these results suggest that EPR1614Y recognises a conformational epitope on keratin filaments which can be reconstituted by other keratins as well as by K15. In conclusion, this report highlights that all commercially available antibodies may not be equally specific in identifying the K15 positive stem cell.
Evaluation of novel nanoscaled metal fluorides on their ability to remineralize enamel caries lesions
Authors: Zirk Matthias , Schievelkamp Sandra , Kemnitz Erhard , Lausch Julian , Wierichs Richard J. , Esteves-Oliveira Marcella , Meyer-Lueckel Hendrik
Published: February 2019

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of two nanoscaled metal fluorides (NMF) to remineralize shallow (SL) and deep (DL) artificial enamel caries lesions. NMF are synthesized via a non-aqueous fluorolytic sol-gel-synthesis and dissolve low fluoride concentration in aqueous solutions (n-CaF2: 7 ppm, n-MgF2: 70 ppm), whilst containing a nominal fluoride concentration of 3,400 ppm. For comparison, an aqueous sodium fluoride solution (NaF: 3,400 ppm), a sodium fluoride containing varnish (Duraphat: 22,600 ppm) and a fluoride-free negative control were investigated. Bovine enamel specimens with SL (n = 86, 4649–4795 vol%xμm) or DL (n = 145, 9091–9304 vol%xμm) were prepared and allocated to five groups each. In each group the respective agent was applied and pH-cycling was performed for 14 days (SL) and 90 days (DL), respectively. Mineral loss and lesion depth were assessed by transversal microradiography. For SL, all fluoride agents significantly remineralized the specimens compared to baseline (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney test) to a similar extent. For DL, both NMF showed significantly higher mineral gain compared to the other fluoride agents (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the novel NMF- showing relatively low free fluoride concentrations- bear at least the similar potential for remineralization of early caries lesions as highly fluoridated agents being commonly used.
The mechanism of bensulfuron-methyl complexation with β-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and effect on soil adsorption and bio-activity
Authors: Geng Qianqian , Li Tian , Wang Xin , Chu Weijing , Cai Mengling , Xie Jingchan , Ni Hanwen
Published: February 2019

In this work, the inclusion complexes of hydrophobic herbicide bensulfuron-methyl (BSM) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-CD (2-HP-β-CD) were prepared and characterized. Phase solubility study showed that both β-CD and 2-HP-β-CD increased the solubility of BSM. Three-dimensional structures of the inclusion complexes were simulated by the molecular docking method. The docking results indicated that guest BSM could enter into the cavities of host CDs, folded, and centrally aligned inside the inclusion complexes. The benzene ring of the guest molecule was close to the wide rim of the host molecules; the pyrimidine ring and side chains of the guest molecule were oriented toward the narrow rim of the host molecule. The inclusion complexes were successfully prepared by the coprecipitation method. The physiochemical characterization data of 1H NMR, FT-IR, XRD, and DSC showed that the guest and host molecules were well included. BSM had lower soil adsorption and higher herbicidal activity in the complexation form with β-CD or 2-HP-β-CD than in the pure form. The present study provides an approach to develop a novel CDs-based formulation for hydrophobic herbicides.
Attenuated Lymphatic Proliferation Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy and High-Fat Diet-Induced Renal Lipotoxicity
Authors: Kim Yaeni , Hwang Seun Deuk , Lim Ji Hee , Kim Min Young , Kim Eun Nim , Choi Bum Soon , Kim Yong-Soo , Kim Hye Won , Park Cheol Whee
Published: February 2019

Lymphangiogenesis occurs in response to renal injury and is correlated with interstitial fibrosis. Diabetes- and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced intrarenal lipotoxicity and their relationships with lymphangiogenesis are not established. We used PPARα agonist, fenofibrate, to unravel the linkage between lipotoxicity and lymphangiogenesis. Eight-week-old male C57BLKS/J db/db mice and HFD Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were fed fenofibrate for 12 weeks. HK-2 and RAW264.7 cells were used to investigate their lymphangiogenic capacity in relation to lipotoxicity. Fenofibrate improved intrarenal lipotoxicity by increasing expression of PPARα and phosphorylation of AMPK. Lymphatic proliferation was attenuated; expression of lymphatic endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), podoplanin, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) was decreased. In parallel, extent of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced. In HK2 cells, palmitate- and high glucose-induced over expression of lymphatic makers was diminished by fenofibrate via activation of PPARα-AMPK-pACC signaling. Enhanced expression of M1 phenotype in RAW264.7 cells correlated with increased lymphatic growth. A causal relationship between lipotoxicity and lymphatic proliferation with a cellular link to macrophage activation can be speculated; pro-inflammatory M1 type macrophage is involved in the development of lymphangiogenesis through stimulation of VEGF-C and by its transdifferentiation into lymphatic endothelial cells.
Nanostructured TiO2 anatase-rutile-carbon solid coating with visible light antimicrobial activity
Authors: Krumdieck Susan P. , Boichot Raphaël , Gorthy Rukmini , Land Johann G. , Lay Sabine , Gardecka Aleksandra J. , Polson Matthew I. J. , Wasa Alibe , Aitken Jack E. , Heinemann Jack A. , Renou Gilles , Berthomé Grégory , Charlot Frédéric , Encinas Thierry , Braccini Muriel , Bishop Catherine M.
Published: February 2019

TiO2photocatalyst is of interest for antimicrobial coatings on hospital touch-surfaces. Recent research has focused on visible spectrum enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Here, we report TiO2with a high degree of nanostructure, deposited on stainless steel as a solid layer more than 10 μm thick by pulsed-pressure-MOCVD. The TiO2coating exhibits a rarely-reported microstructure comprising anatase and rutile in a composite with amorphous carbon. Columnar anatase single crystals are segmented into 15–20 nm thick plates, resulting in amille-feuillesnanostructure. Polycrystalline rutile columns exhibit dendrite generation resembling pine treestrobili. We propose that high growth rate and co-deposition of carbon contribute to formation of the unique nanostructures. High vapor flux produces step-edge instabilities in the TiO2, and solid carbon preferentially co-deposits on certain high energy facets. The equivalent effective surface area of the nanostructured coating is estimated to be 100 times higher than standard TiO2coatings and powders. The coatings prepared on stainless steel showed greater than 3-log reduction in viableE coliafter 4 hours visible light exposure. The pp-MOCVD approach could represent an up-scalable manufacturing route for supported catalysts of functional nanostructured materials without having to make nanoparticles.
Phencynonate S-isomer as a eutomer is a novel central anticholinergic drug for anti-motion sickness
Authors: Xu Pingxiang , Liu Ying , Wang Liyun , Wu Yi , Zhou Xuelin , Xiao Junhai , Zheng Jianquan , Xue Ming
Published: February 2019

To compare and evaluate the differences of stereoselective activity, the binding affinity, metabolism, transport and molecular docking of phencynonate isomers to muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) were investigated in this study. The rotation stimulation and locomotor experiments were used to evaluate anti-motion sickness effects. The competitive affinity with [3H]-QNB and molecular docking were used for studying the interactions between the two isomers and mAChR. The stereoselective mechanism of isomers was investigated by incubation with rat liver microsomes, a protein binding assay and membrane permeability assay across a Caco-2 cell monolayer using a chiral column HPLC method. The results indicated that S-isomer was more effective against motion sickness and had not anxiogenic action at therapeutic doses. S-isomer has the higher affinity and activity for mAChR in cerebral cortex and acted as a competitive mAChR antagonist. The stereoselective elimination of S-isomer was primarily affected by CYP1B1 and 17A1 enzymes, resulting in a higher metabolic stability and slower elimination. Phencynonate S isomer, as a eutomer and central anticholinergic chiral drug, is a novel anti-motion sickness drug with higher efficacy and lower central side effect. Our data assisted the development of a novel drug and eventual use of S-isomer in clinical practice.
Establishment, molecular and biological characterization of HCB-514: a novel human cervical cancer cell line
Authors: Rosa Marcela Nunes , Evangelista Adriane Feijó , Leal Letícia Ferro , De Oliveira Cristina Mendes , Silva Viviane Aline Oliveira , Munari Carla Carolina , Munari Fernanda Franco , Matsushita Graziela De Macêdo , Dos Reis Ricardo , Andrade Carlos Eduardo , Souza Cristiano de Pádua , Reis Rui Manuel
Published: February 2019

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Although cure rates are high for early stage disease, clinical outcomes for advanced, metastatic, or recurrent disease remain poor. To change this panorama, a deeper understanding of cervical cancer biology and novel study models are needed. Immortalized human cancer cell lines such as HeLa constitute crucial scientific tools, but there are few other cervical cancer cell lines available, limiting our understanding of a disease known for its molecular heterogeneity. This study aimed to establish novel cervical cancer cell lines derived from Brazilian patients. We successfully established one (HCB-514) out of 35 cervical tumors biopsied. We confirmed the phenotype of HCB-514 by verifying its’ epithelial and tumor origin through cytokeratins, EpCAM and p16 staining. It was also HPV-16 positive. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) showed relevant somatic mutations in several genes includingBRCA2,TGFBR1andIRX2. A copy number variation (CNV) analysis by nanostring and WES revealed amplification of genes mainly related to kinases proteins involved in proliferation, migration and cell differentiation, such asEGFR,PIK3CA, andMAPK7. Overexpression of EGFR was confirmed by phospho RTK-array and validated by western blot analysis. Furthermore, the HCB-514 cell line was sensitive to cisplatin. In summary, this novel Brazilian cervical cancer cell line exhibits relevant key molecular features and constitutes a new biological model for pre-clinical studies.
Synthesis of salt-stable fluorescent nanoparticles (quantum dots) by polyextremophile halophilic bacteria
Authors: Bruna N. , Collao B. , Tello A. , Caravantes P. , Díaz-Silva N. , Monrás J. P. , Órdenes-Aenishanslins N. , Flores M. , Espinoza-Gonzalez R. , Bravo D. , Pérez-Donoso J. M.
Published: February 2019

Here we report the biological synthesis of CdS fluorescent nanoparticles (Quantum Dots, QDs) by polyextremophile halophilic bacteria isolated from Atacama Salt Flat (Chile), Uyuni Salt Flat (Bolivia) and the Dead Sea (Israel). In particular, a Halobacillus sp. DS2, a strain presenting high resistance to NaCl (3–22%), acidic pH (1–4) and cadmium (CdCl2 MIC: 1,375 mM) was used for QDs biosynthesis studies. Halobacillus sp. synthesize CdS QDs in presence of high NaCl concentrations in a process related with their capacity to generate S2− in these conditions. Biosynthesized QDs were purified, characterized and their stability at different NaCl concentrations determined. Hexagonal nanoparticles with highly defined structures (hexagonal phase), monodisperse size distribution (2–5 nm) and composed by CdS, NaCl and cysteine were determined by TEM, EDX, HRXPS and FTIR. In addition, QDs biosynthesized by Halobacillus sp. DS2 displayed increased tolerance to NaCl when compared to QDs produced chemically or biosynthesized by non-halophilic bacteria. This is the first report of biological synthesis of salt-stable QDs and confirms the potential of using extremophile microorganisms to produce novel nanoparticles. Obtained results constitute a new alternative to improve QDs properties, and as consequence, to increase their industrial and biomedical applications.
Gram-scale fermentative production of ergothioneine driven by overproduction of cysteine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Tanaka Naoyuki , Kawano Yusuke , Satoh Yasuharu , Dairi Tohru , Ohtsu Iwao
Published: February 2019

Ergothioneine (ERG), a unique thiol compound, is suggested to function as an antioxidant and cytoprotectant. Despite several recent attempts to produce ERG using various organisms, its yield was still very low and the costs remained high. Since the level of ERG produced depends strictly on the availability of three distinct precursor amino acids (l-cysteine (Cys), l-histidine, and l-methionine (Met)), metabolic engineering for enhancement of the flux toward ERG biosynthesis is required. Herein, we took advantage of a high-Cys production system using Escherichia coli cells, in which Cys biosynthesis and excretion were activated, and applied it to the fermentative production of ERG from glucose. The Cys overproduction in E. coli cells carrying the egtBCDE genes from Mycobacterium smegmatis was effective for ERG production. Furthermore, coexpression of the egtA gene, which encodes γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase that synthesizes the γ-glutamylcysteine used as a sulfur source of ERG biosynthesis, enhanced ERG production even though E. coli intrinsically has γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Additionally, disruption of the metJ gene that encodes the transcriptional repressor involved in Met metabolism was effective in further increasing the production of ERG. Finally, we succeeded in the high-level production of 1.31 g/L ERG in a fed-batch culture process using a jar fermenter.
Dysregulation of autophagy in the central nervous system of sheep naturally infected with classical scrapie
Authors: López-Pérez Óscar , Otero Alicia , Filali Hicham , Sanz-Rubio David , Toivonen Janne M. , Zaragoza Pilar , Badiola Juan J. , Bolea Rosa , Martín-Burriel Inmaculada
Published: February 2019

Autophagy is a dynamic cellular mechanism involved in protein and organelle turnover through lysosomal degradation. Autophagy regulation modulates the pathologies associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Using sheep naturally infected with scrapie as a natural animal model of prion diseases, we investigated the regulation of autophagy in the central nervous system (CNS) during the clinical phase of the disease. We present a gene expression and protein distribution analysis of different autophagy-related markers and investigate their relationship with prion-associated lesions in several areas of the CNS. Gene expression of autophagy markers ATG5 and ATG9 was downregulated in some areas of scrapie brains. In contrast, ATG5 protein accumulates in medulla oblongata and positively correlates with prion deposition and scrapie-related lesions. The accumulation of this protein and p62, a marker of autophagy impairment, suggests that autophagy is decreased in the late phases of the disease. However, the increment of LC3 proteins and the mild expression of p62 in basal ganglia and cerebellum, primarily in Purkinje cells, suggests that autophagy machinery is still intact in less affected areas. We hypothesize that specific cell populations of the CNS may display neuroprotective mechanisms against prion-induced toxicity through the induction of PrPSc clearance by autophagy.
Origin and evolution of plexins, semaphorins, and Met receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Junqueira Alves Chrystian , Yotoko Karla , Zou Hongyan , Friedel Roland H.
Published: February 2019

The transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms poses the question as to when genes that regulate cell-cell interactions emerged during evolution. The receptor and ligand pairing of plexins and semaphorins regulates cellular interactions in a wide range of developmental and physiological contexts. We surveyed here genomes of unicellular eukaryotes and of non-bilaterian and bilaterian Metazoa and performed phylogenetic analyses to gain insight into the evolution of plexin and semaphorin families. Remarkably, we detected plexins and semaphorins in unicellular choanoflagellates, indicating their evolutionary origin in a common ancestor of Choanoflagellida and Metazoa. The plexin domain structure is conserved throughout all clades; in contrast, semaphorins are structurally diverse. Choanoflagellate semaphorins are transmembrane proteins with multiple fibronectin type III domains following the N-terminal Sema domain (termed Sema-FN). Other previously not yet described semaphorin classes include semaphorins of Ctenophora with tandem immunoglobulin domains (Sema-IG) and secreted semaphorins of Echinoderamata (Sema-SP, Sema-SI). Our study also identified Met receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which carry a truncated plexin extracellular domain, in several bilaterian clades, indicating evolutionary origin in a common ancestor of Bilateria. In addition, a novel type of Met-like RTK with a complete plexin extracellular domain was detected in Lophotrochozoa and Echinodermata (termed Met-LP RTK). Our findings are consistent with an ancient function of plexins and semaphorins in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion that predates their role as axon guidance molecules.
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (rubber dandelion) genomic microsatellite loci reveal modest genetic diversity and cross-amplify broadly to related species
Authors: Nowicki Marcin , Zhao Yichen , Boggess Sarah L. , Fluess Helge , Payá-Milans Miriam , Staton Margaret E. , Houston Logan C. , Hadziabdic Denita , Trigiano Robert N.
Published: February 2019

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) carries great potential as alternative natural rubber source. To better inform future breeding efforts with TKS and gain a deeper understanding of its genetic diversity, we utilized de novo sequencing to generate novel genomic simple sequence repeats markers (gSSRs). We utilized 25 gSSRs on a collection of genomic DNA (gDNA) samples from germplasm bank, and two gDNA samples from historical herbarium specimens. PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis and an array of population genetics tools were employed to analyze the dataset of our study as well as a dataset of the recently published genic SSRs (eSSRs) generated on the same germplasm. Our results using both gSSRs and eSSRs revealed that TKS has low- to- moderate genetic diversity with most of it partitioned to the individuals and individuals within populations, whereas the species lacked population structure. Nineteen of the 25 gSSR markers cross-amplified to other Taraxacum spp. collected from Southeastern United States and identified as T. officinale by ITS sequencing. We used a subset of 14 gSSRs to estimate the genetic diversity of the T. officinale gDNA collection. In contrast to the obligatory outcrossing TKS, T. officinale presented evidence for population structure and clonal reproduction, which agreed with the species biology. We mapped the molecular markers sequences from this study and several others to the well-annotated sunflower genome. Our gSSRs present a functional tool for the biodiversity analyses in Taraxacum, but also in the related genera, as well as in the closely related tribes of the Asteraceae.
Impact of HIV-ART on the restoration of Th17 and Treg cells in blood and female genital mucosa
Authors: Caruso María Paula , Falivene Juliana , Holgado María Pía , Zurita Diego Hernán , Laufer Natalia , Castro Carina , Nico Ángeles , Maeto Cynthia , Salido Jimena , Pérez Héctor , Salomón Horacio , Cahn Pedro , Sued Omar , Fink Valeria , Turk Gabriela , Gherardi María Magdalena
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on the proportion and functions of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood and female genital tract (FGT) respectively. To this aim, samples from 41 HIV-neg, 33 HIV+ ART-naïve and 32 HIV+ ART+ subjects were obtained. In peripheral blood, altered Th17 and Th17/Treg proportions were normalized in HIV+ ART+, but certain abnormal Treg and activated T-cell proportions were still observed. In FGT, abnormal patterns of secretion for Th17-related cytokines were observed in cervical mononuclear cells (CMCs) from HIV+ women, even in those from HIV+ ART+, compared to the HIV-neg group. Moreover, these altered patterns of secretion were associated with diminished levels of CXCL5 and CXCL1 chemokines and with an immunoregulatory skew in the CCL17/CCL20 ratio in ectocervix samples of these women. Finally, ART did not restore proportions of Th17-precursor cells with gut-homing potential in PBMCs, and positive correlations between these cells and the levels of IL-17F and IL-21 production by CMCs may suggest that a better homing of these cells to the intestine could also imply a better restoration of these cells in the female genital tract. These results indicate that antiretroviral treatment did not restore Th17-related immune functions completely at the female mucosal level.
The neural correlates of integrated aesthetics between moral and facial beauty
Authors: Luo Qiuling , Yu Mengxia , Li You , Mo Lei
Published: February 2019

Facial beauty and moral beauty have been suggested to be two significant forms of social aesthetics. However, it remains unknown the extent to which there are neural underpinnings of the integration of these two forms of beauty. In the present study, participants were asked to make general aesthetic judgments of facial portraits and moral descriptions while collecting fMRI data. The facial portrait and moral description were randomly paired. Neurally, the appreciation of facial beauty and moral beauty recruited a common network involving the middle occipital gyrus (MOG) and medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC). The activities of the mOFC varied across aesthetic conditions, while the MOG was specifically activated in the most beautiful condition. In addition, there was a bilateral insular cortex response to ugliness specifically in the congruent aesthetic conditions, while SMA was selectively responsive to the most ugly condition. Activity associated with aesthetic conflict between facial and moral aesthetic information was limited to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), with enhanced response to the incongruent condition compared to the congruent condition. These findings provide novel neural evidence for the integrated aesthetics of social beauty and suggest that integrated aesthetics is a more complex cognitive process than aesthetics restricted to a single modality.
Tritium trapping and migration mechanisms in Li2O: a first-principles study
Authors: Xiang Xin , Zhang Guikai , Yang Feilong , Tang Tao
Published: February 2019

The tritium migration mechanism in Li2O is that the bred tritium is firstly trapped by oxygen vacancies, the tritium detrapped from oxygen vacancies subsequently forms tritium substituents, which then migrate by hopping along the lithium lattice.
Synthesis of new Mn19 analogues and their structural, electrochemical and catalytic properties
Authors: Chevallot-Beroux Elodie , Ako Ayuk M. , Schmitt Wolfgang , Twamley Brendan , Moran Joseph , Corinne Boudon , Ruhlmann Laurent , Mameri Samir
Published: February 2019

We report the synthesis, structural characterisation, electrochemistry and catalytic activity in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol of new Mn19 and Mn18M analogues: [MnIII12MnII7(μ4-O)8(μ3-OCH3)2(μ3-Br)6(HLMe)12(MeOH)6]Br2 (2) and [MnIII12MnII6Sr(μ4-O8(μ3-Cl)8(HLMe)12(MeCN)6]Cl2 cluster (3), where H3LMe is 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol.
Atmospheric OH oxidation chemistry of trifluralin and acetochlor
Authors: Murschell Trey , Farmer Delphine K.
Published: February 2019

Herbicides react with atmospheric OH, producing multiple oxidation products, including HNCO; these products contribute little to secondary organic aerosol.
Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661 modulates bile acid enterohepatic circulation and increases lead excretion in mice
Authors: Zhai Qixiao , Liu Yang , Wang Chen , Qu Dingwu , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Tian Fengwei , Chen Wei
Published: February 2019

Probiotics modulate bile acid enterohepatic circulation and increases lead excretion.
Synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs from cardanol derived from cashew nut shell liquid
Authors: Shi Yiping , Kamer Paul C. J. , Cole-Hamilton David J.
Published: February 2019

Cardanol from cashew nut shell liquid extracted from cashew nut shells was successfully converted into various useful pharmaceutical drugs, such as norfenefrine,rac-phenylephrine, etilefrine and fenoprofene.
Small open reading frames and cellular stress responses
Authors: Khitun Alexandra , Ness Travis J. , Slavoff Sarah A.
Published: February 2019

Increasing evidence suggests that some small open reading frame-encoded polypeptides (SEPs) function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular stress responses.
A confinement strategy to prepare N-doped reduced graphene oxide foams with desired monolithic structures for supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Daoqing , Li Qianwei , Li Si , Hou Jinbao , Zhao Huazhang
Published: February 2019

N-Doped reduced graphene foam was obtained by one-step hydrothermal reaction by the confinement of solution ionic strength.
Topologically immobilized catalysis centre for long-term stable carbon dioxide reforming of methane
Authors: Shoji Shusaku , Peng Xiaobo , Imai Tsubasa , Murphin Kumar Paskalis Sahaya , Higuchi Kimitaka , Yamamoto Yuta , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Arai Shigeo , Ueda Shigenori , Hashimoto Ayako , Tsubaki Noritatsu , Miyauchi Masahiro , Fujita Takeshi , Abe Hideki
Published: February 2019

A rooted catalyst, Ni#Y2O3, successfully inhibits the growth of carbon nanotubes in DRM.
Structural and chemical insights into the covalent-allosteric inhibition of the protein kinase Akt
Authors: Uhlenbrock Niklas , Smith Steven , Weisner Jörn , Landel Ina , Lindemann Marius , Le Thien Anh , Hardick Julia , Gontla Rajesh , Scheinpflug Rebekka , Czodrowski Paul , Janning Petra , Depta Laura , Quambusch Lena , Müller Matthias P. , Engels Bernd , Rauh Daniel
Published: February 2019

Structure-based driven synthesis and biological evaluation provide innovative novel covalent-allosteric Akt inhibitors.
A two-photon excited red-emissive probe for imaging mitochondria with high fidelity and its application in monitoring mitochondrial depolarization via FRET
Authors: Sun Jie , Tian Minggang , Lin Weiying
Published: February 2019

Two-photon red-emissive fluorescent probes for imaging mitochondria with high-fidelity have been constructed, and mitochondrial depolarization has been visualized with the probe.
A new approach to enhancing the CO2 capture performance of defective UiO-66 via post-synthetic defect exchange
Authors: Koutsianos Athanasios , Kazimierska Ewa , Barron Andrew R. , Taddei Marco , Andreoli Enrico
Published: February 2019

The effect of post-synthetic incorporation of functional monocarboxylates at defective sites of UiO-66 is systematically investigated, observing enhanced CO2 capture performance.
Mixed er-NHC/phosphine Pd(ii) complexes and their catalytic activity in the Buchwald–Hartwig reaction under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Ageshina Alexandra A. , Sterligov Grigorii K. , Rzhevskiy Sergey A. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Chesnokov Gleb A. , Gribanov Pavel S. , Melnikova Elizaveta K. , Nechaev Mikhail S. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Bermeshev Maxim V.
Published: February 2019

A single catalyst for solvent-free Buchwald–Hartwig amination with both primary and secondary amines.
Tetrahydroxy-anthraquinone induced structural change of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks for asymmetric supercapacitor electrode material application
Authors: Sun Taotao , Guo Hao , Yue Liguo , Chen Huiqin , Wang Mingyue , Wu Ning , Liu Hui , Yang Yuying , Yang Wu
Published: February 2019

Tetrahydroxyanthraquinone zeolitic frameworks having a Viburnum blossom-like structure with excellent electrochemical performance were prepared via a simple solvothermal method.
Bio-inspired synthesis of mesoporous HfO2 nanoframes as reactors for piezotronic polymerization and Suzuki coupling reactions
Authors: Wang Haiqing , Sun Dehui , Lu Qichen , Wang Fulei , Zhao Lili , Zhang Zengfu , Wang Xun , Liu Hong
Published: February 2019

Mesoporous HfO2 nanoframes were elaborately fabricated, inspired by the flexible assembly principles in the biomolecules, and were demonstrated as nanoreactors for piezotronic polymerization and Suzuki coupling reactions.
The bio-based methyl coumalate involved Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction
Authors: Chang Liang , Thorimbert Serge , Dechoux Luc
Published: February 2019

An efficient and sustainable method to prepare pharmaceutically important pyrone derivatives under very mild conditions, from bio-based methyl coumalate, is reported.
Correction: One fold, two functions: cytochrome P460 and cytochrome c′-β from the methanotroph Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)
Authors: Adams Hannah R. , Krewson Callie , Vardanega Jenny E. , Fujii Sotaro , Moreno-Chicano Tadeo , Sambongi Yoshihiro , Svistunenko Dimitri , Paps Jordi , Andrew Colin R. , Hough Michael A.
Published: February 2019

Correction for ‘One fold, two functions: cytochrome P460 and cytochrome c′-β from the methanotroph Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)’ by Hannah R. Adams et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8sc05210g.
Increase of glandular epithelial cell clusters by an external volume expansion device promotes adipose tissue regeneration by recruiting macrophages
Authors: Chen Xihang , He Yunfan , Xu Anqi , Deng Zilong , Feng Jingwei , Lu Feng , Yuan Yi
Published: February 2019

Background: There is a clinical need for the use of engineered adipose tissue in place of surgical reconstruction. We previously found that the external volume expansion (EVE) device increased special cell clusters in well-vascularized connective stroma during adipose regeneration. However, the origin of these cell clusters and their role in adipose tissue regeneration remain unknown. Aim: In the present study, we evaluated EVE in the construction of expanded prefabricated adipose tissue (EPAT) in a rat model. Methods: Rats were randomized into an EVE suction group and a control group, with 24 rats in each group. The structure and origin of the special cell clusters were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry; their role in adipose tissue regeneration was investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. Results: Special cell clusters began to increase at week 1 with a peak at week 4, and then receded from weeks 8 to 12. Clusters were identified as glandular epithelial cells as determined by their gland-like structure and expression of specific markers. The cell clusters induced significant infiltration of macrophage antigen-2 (Mac-2) positive macrophages by secreting monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) at the early stage of suction. Subsequently, these infiltrated macrophages expressed massive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promoted angiogenesis. Conclusion: EVE generated glandular epithelial cell clusters, which recruited macrophages to promote angiogenesis and subsequent adipose tissue regeneration. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the effects of EVE devices on adipose tissue regeneration.
Human G protein-coupled receptor 30 is N-glycosylated and N-terminal domain asparagine 44 is required for receptor structure and activity
Authors: Gonzalez de Valdivia Ernesto , Sandén Caroline , Kahn Robin , Olde Björn , Leeb-Lundberg L.M. Fredrik
Published: February 2019

G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is currently attracting considerable attention in breast cancer and cardiometabolic regulation. The receptor was reported to be a novel membrane estrogen receptor mediating rapid non-genomic responses. However, questions remain about both the cognate ligand and the subcellular localization of receptor activity. Here, we used human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 (HEK293) cells ectopically expressing N-terminally FLAG-tagged human GPR30 and three unique antibodies (Ab) specifically targetting the receptor N-terminal domain (N-domain) to investigate the role of N-glycosylation in receptor maturation and activity, the latter assayed by constitutive receptor-stimulated extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity. GPR30 expression was complex with receptor species spanning from approximately 40 kDa to higher molecular masses and localized in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), the plasma membrane (PM), and endocytic vesicles. The receptor contains three conserved asparagines, Asn25, Asn32, and Asn44, in consensus N-glycosylation motifs, all in the N-domain, and PNGase F treatment showed that at least one of them is N-glycosylated. Mutating Asn44 to isoleucine inactivated the receptor, yielding a unique receptor species at approximately 20 kDa that was recognized by Ab only in a denatured state. On the other hand, mutating Asn25 or Asn32 either individually or in combination, or truncating successively N-domain residues 1–42, had no significant effect either on receptor structure, maturation, or activity. Thus, Asn44 in the GPR30 N-domain is required for receptor structure and activity, whereas N-domain residues 1–42, including specifically Asn25 and Asn32, do not play any major structural or functional role(s).
Switched Z‐source networks: a review
Authors: Hasan Babayi Nozadian Mohsen , Babaei Ebrahim , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Shokati Asl Elias
Published: February 2019

This study reviews and categorises different structures of switched Z‐source networks. Generally, these structures are divided into two groups of basic switched Z‐source networks and switched Z‐source networks with the capability of high boost. Each of these groups is divided into several subgroups and different structures are introduced. For each subsection, the general power circuit is proposed and the extraction method from general power circuit for each structure is obtained. This study also provides a complete analysis of structures by using a conventional control method with two shoot‐through and non‐shoot‐through modes. Small signal analysis for structures with a basic switched Z‐source network is conducted and the general signal flow graph is extracted. A comprehensive analysis of all structures with a switched Z‐source network is done and the tree diagram for the division of these structures is provided. Finally, different industrial applications and outlook of Z‐source networks are introduced.
Virtual synchronous generator control strategy incorporating improved governor control and coupling compensation for AC microgrid
Authors: Peng Zishun , Wang Jun , Wen Yeting , Bi Daqiang , Dai Yuxing , Ning Yong
Published: February 2019

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategy has been widely used in the AC microgrid in recent years. However, the VSG control strategy is lack of the decoupling ability, and its governor control is also lack of the inertia block and speed controller block, resulting in poor dynamic performance, steady‐state performance, and low accuracy of the power sharing of the AC microgrid. In this study, a novel VSG control strategy incorporating improved governor control and coupling compensation is proposed to improve the performance of the AC microgrid. Its improved governor control comprises the speed controller and inertia, which can enhance the inertia of the angular frequency and decrease the difference of the governor control between the novel VSG control strategy and diesel generator. Its coupling compensation comprises the angular frequency deviation compensation and voltage deviation compensation, which can reduce the influence of the uncontrollable coupling on the power regulation and increase the degree of freedom of the power regulation. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed VSG control strategy.
Role of power to liquids and biomass to liquids in a nearly renewable energy system
Authors: Ikäheimo Jussi , Pursiheimo Esa , Kiviluoma Juha , Holttinen Hannele
Published: February 2019

In order to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, decarbonisation of alleconomic sectors must be considered. Here, the authors study the provision ofrenewable energy for the power, district heating, transport and industrialsectors in nine North European countries by integrating a large amount of windand solar power into the system with power‐to‐gas and power‐to‐fuel plantsenabling balancing and sector coupling. Simultaneous optimisation of plantcapacities and operation was performed. Two different synthetic liquid fuelproduction pathways were compared. The cost of synthetic liquid fuel remained,depending on the production pathway and amount, 30–120% higher than estimatedfossil alternative cost. Biomass potential emerged as a limiting factor withhigh shares of biomass‐based synthetic liquid fuel production. The need forenergy storage system was estimated. The total optimal capacity of syntheticnatural gas, hydrogen, synthetic liquid fuel, and heat storages varied between37 and 54 TWh (1.7–2.5% of energy demand) depending on the scenario, whenemergency stocks were not included. The cost of energy storages remained smallcompared to the total system cost, with heat storages exhibiting the highestcost.
Local penetration‐free control approach against numerous changes in PV generation level in MAS‐based protection schemes
Authors: Bisheh Hadi , Fani Bahador
Published: February 2019

Despite the increasing attention paid to multi‐agent systems (MASs), their applications in protection schemes of distribution networks would face serious challenges when the generation level of photovoltaic (PV) systems is significantly increased, i.e. the inherent variable generation of PV systems would not only increase the communication burden, but it can also cause protection miscoordination. To solve this problem, this study first classifies the protection tasks into two hierarchical categories as the ‘first‐control‐level’ and ‘second‐control‐level’ functions, where the first group is responsible for the urgent task of fault clearing, and the second group updates protection settings in the event of network/generation changes. Given clearing the fault should be accomplished as soon as possible, the first‐control‐level functions are designed to require the least possible data communication. Presenting a penetration‐free approach, the study next describes the mechanism of managing the various generation‐change events through a first‐control‐level function. Therefore, communication failure, as well as protection miscoordination risks, would be mitigated. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using a practical PV‐integrated distribution network. This study tackles an important challenge in the protection of distribution systems with a high level of distributed generation penetration where MAS‐based schemes are applied.
Gas flow around a planet embedded in a protoplanetary disc
Authors: Kuwahara Ayumu , Kurokawa Hiroyuki , Ida Shigeru
Published: February 2019

Context. The ubiquity of short-period super-Earths remains a mystery in planet formation, as these planets are expected to become gas giants via runaway gas accretion within the lifetime of a protoplanetary disc. The cores of super-Earths should form in the late stage of disc evolution to avoid runaway gas accretion.

Aims. The three-dimensional structure of the gas flow around a planet is thought to influence the accretion of both gas and solid materials. In particular, the outflow in the midplane region may prevent the accretion of solid materials and delay the formation of the super-Earth cores. However, it is not yet understood how the nature of the flow field and outflow speed change as a function of the planetary mass. In this study, we investigate the dependence of gas flow around a planet embedded in a protoplanetary disc on the planetary mass.

Methods. Assuming an isothermal, inviscid gas disc, we perform three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations on the spherical polar grid, which has a planet located at its centre.

Results. We find that gas enters the Bondi or Hill sphere at high latitudes and exits through the midplane region of the disc regardless of the assumed dimensionless planetary mass m = RBondi∕H, where RBondi and H are the Bondi radius of the planet and disc scale height, respectively. The altitude from where gas predominantly enters the envelope varies with planetary mass. The outflow speed can be expressed as |uout| = √3/2mcs (RBondi ≤ RHill) or |uout| = √3/2(m/3)1/3cs (RBondi ≥ RHill), where cs is the isothermal sound speed and RHill is the Hill radius. The outflow around a planet may reduce the accretion of dust and pebbles onto the planet when m ≳ √St, where S t is the Stokes number.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that the flow around proto-cores of super-Earths may delay their growth and consequently help them to avoid runaway gas accretion within the lifetime of the gas disc.