bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
c-Jun N-terminal kinases differentially regulate TNF- and TLRs-mediated necroptosis through their kinase-dependent and -independent activities
Authors: Cao Mengtao , Chen Fei , Xie Ni , Cao Meng-Yao , Chen Pengfei , Lou Qi , Zhao Yanli , He Chen , Zhang Shuyuan , Song Xinyang , Sun Yu , Zhu Weimin , Mou Lisha , Luan Shaodong , Gao Hanchao
Published: November 2018

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)3/TLR4 activation trigger necroptotic cell death through downstream signaling complex containing receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase-domain-like (MLKL). However, the regulation of necroptotic signaling pathway is far less investigated. Here we showed that c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1 and JNK2) displayed kinase-dependent and -independent functions in regulating TNF- and TLRs-mediated necroptosis. We found that RIPK1 and RIPK3 promoted cell-death-independent JNK activation in macrophages, which contributed to pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Meanwhile, blocking the kinase activity of JNK dramatically reduced TNF and TLRs-induced necroptotic cell death. Consistently, inhibition of JNK activity protected mice from TNF-induced death and Staphylococcus aureus-mediated lung damage. However, depletion of JNK protein using siRNA sensitized macrophages to necroptosis that was triggered by LPS or poly I:C but still inhibited TNF-induced necroptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that RIPK1 recruited JNK to the necrosome complex and their kinase activity was required for necrosome formation and the phosphorylation of MLKL in TNF- and TLRs-induced necroptosis. Loss of JNK protein consistently suppressed the phosphorylation of MLKL and necrosome formation in TNF-triggered necroptosis, but differentially promoted the phosphorylation of MLKL and necrosome formation in poly I:C-triggered necroptosis by promoting the oligomeration of TRIF. In conclusion, our findings define a differential role for JNK in regulating TNF- and TLRs-mediated necroptosis by their kinase or scaffolding activities.
Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 promotes the survival of photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Lin Bin , Xiong Guoyin , Yang Wei
Published: November 2018

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in genes that are mostly expressed by rod photoreceptors, which results in initial death of rods followed by cone photoreceptors. The molecular mechanisms that lead to both rod and cone degeneration are not yet fully understood. The mTOR pathway is implicated in RP. However, it remains unclear whether S6K1 plays an essential role downstream of the mTOR pathway in mediating photoreceptor survival in RP. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) overexpression deactivated mTOR activity and induced 661W cone cell apoptosis. In addition, we identified that S6K1 but not 4EBP1 was the downstream effector of PTEN neurotoxicity using gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Moreover, our in vivo data corroborated the results of our in vitro studies. S6K1 overexpression either in rods or cones promoted these cell survival and function and improved visual performance in the rd10 mouse model of RP. Our data demonstrated that S6K1 was the downstream effector of mTOR and that S6K1 was critical for both rod and cone survival in RP. Our findings make a strong case for targeting S6K1 as a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting the survival of photoreceptors in RP.
Resolving orbital pathways for intermolecular electron transfer
Authors: Kellett Cameron W. , Swords Wesley B. , Turlington Michael D. , Meyer Gerald J. , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: November 2018

Over 60 years have passed since Taube deduced an orbital-mediated electron transfer mechanism between distinct metal complexes. This concept of an orbital pathway has been thoroughly explored for donor–acceptor pairs bridged by covalently bonded chemical residues, but an analogous pathway has not yet been conclusively demonstrated for formally outer-sphere systems that lack an intervening bridge. In our present study, we experimentally resolve at an atomic level the orbital interactions necessary for electron transfer through an explicit intermolecular bond. This finding was achieved using a homologous series of surface-immobilized ruthenium catalysts that bear different terminal substituents poised for reaction with redox active species in solution. This arrangement enabled the discovery that intermolecular chalcogen⋯iodide interactions can mediate electron transfer only when these interactions bring the donor and acceptor orbitals into direct contact. This result offers the most direct observation to date of an intermolecular orbital pathway for electron transfer.
Electrochemical surface passivation of LiCoO2 particles at ultrahigh voltage and its applications in lithium-based batteries
Authors: Qian Jiawei , Liu Lei , Yang Jixiang , Li Siyuan , Wang Xiao , Zhuang Houlong L. , Lu Yingying
Published: November 2018

Lithium cobalt oxide, as a popular cathode in portable devices, delivers only half of its theoretical capacity in commercial lithium-ion batteries. When increasing the cut-off voltage to release more capacity, solubilization of cobalt in the electrolyte and structural disorders of lithium cobalt oxide particles are severe, leading to rapid capacity fading and limited cycle life. Here, we show a class of ternary lithium, aluminum, fluorine-modified lithium cobalt oxide with a stable and conductive layer using a facile and scalable hydrothermal-assisted, hybrid surface treatment. Such surface treatment hinders direct contact between liquid electrolytes and lithium cobalt oxide particles, which reduces the loss of active cobalt. It also forms a thin doping layer that consists of a lithium-aluminum-cobalt-oxide-fluorine solid solution, which suppresses the phase transition of lithium cobalt oxide when operated at voltages >4.55 V.
Apparent self-heating of individual upconverting nanoparticle thermometers
Authors: Pickel Andrea D. , Teitelboim Ayelet , Chan Emory M. , Borys Nicholas J. , Schuck P. James , Dames Chris
Published: November 2018

Individual luminescent nanoparticles enable thermometry with sub-diffraction limited spatial resolution, but potential self-heating effects from high single-particle excitation intensities remain largely uninvestigated because thermal models predict negligible self-heating. Here, we report that the common “ratiometric” thermometry signal of individual NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles unexpectedly increases with excitation intensity, implying a temperature rise over 50 K if interpreted as thermal. Luminescence lifetime thermometry, which we demonstrate for the first time using individual NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles, indicates a similar temperature rise. To resolve this apparent contradiction between model and experiment, we systematically vary the nanoparticle’s thermal environment: the substrate thermal conductivity, nanoparticle-substrate contact resistance, and nanoparticle size. The apparent self-heating remains unchanged, demonstrating that this effect is an artifact, not a real temperature rise. Using rate equation modeling, we show that this artifact results from increased radiative and non-radiative relaxation from higher-lying Er3+ energy levels. This study has important implications for single-particle thermometry.
Strain-mediated voltage-controlled switching of magnetic skyrmions in nanostructures
Authors: Hu Jia-Mian , Yang Tiannan , Chen Long-Qing
Published: November 2018

Magnetic skyrmions are swirling spin structures stabilized typically by the Dyzaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. The existing control of magnetic skyrmions has often relied on the use of an electric current, which may cause overheating in densely packed devices. Here we demonstrate, using phase-field simulations, that an isolated Néel skyrmion in a magnetic nanodisk can be repeatedly created and deleted by voltage-induced strains from a juxtaposed piezoelectric. Such a skyrmion switching is non-volatile, and consumes only ~0.5 fJ per switching which is about five orders of magnitude smaller than that by current-induced spin-transfer-torques. It is found that the strain-mediated skyrmion creation occurs through an intermediate vortex-like spin structure, and that the skyrmion deletion occurs though a homogenous shrinkage during which the Néel wall is temporarily transformed to a vortex-wall. These findings are expected to stimulate experimental research into strain-mediated voltage control of skyrmions, as well as other chiral spin structures for low-power spintronics.
Genome-wide prediction of bacterial effector candidates across six secretion system types using a feature-based statistical framework
Authors: Dhroso Andi , Eidson Samantha , Korkin Dmitry
Published: November 2018

Gram-negative bacteria are responsible for hundreds of millions infections worldwide, including the emerging hospital-acquired infections and neglected tropical diseases in the third-world countries. Finding a fast and cheap way to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the bacterial infections is critical for efficient diagnostics and treatment. An important step towards understanding these mechanisms is the discovery of bacterial effectors, the proteins secreted into the host through one of the six common secretion system types. Unfortunately, current prediction methods are designed to specifically target one of three secretion systems, and no accurate “secretion system-agnostic” method is available. Here, we present PREFFECTOR, a computational feature-based approach to discover effector candidates in Gram-negative bacteria, without prior knowledge on bacterial secretion system(s) or cryptic secretion signals. Our approach was first evaluated using several assessment protocols on a manually curated, balanced dataset of experimentally determined effectors across all six secretion systems, as well as non-effector proteins. The evaluation revealed high accuracy of the top performing classifiers in PREFFECTOR, with the small false positive discovery rate across all six secretion systems. Our method was also applied to six bacteria that had limited knowledge on virulence factors or secreted effectors. PREFFECTOR web-server is freely available at: http://korkinlab.org/preffector.
Anti-obesity activity of OBEX is regulated by activation of thermogenesis and decreasing adiposity gain
Authors: Carreira Marcos C. , Andrade Sara , Gonzalez-Izquierdo Andrea , Amil Maria , Folgueira Cintia , Monteiro Mariana P. , Sanz Eduardo , Crujeiras Ana B. , Casanueva Felipe F.
Published: November 2018

The incidence of obesity has been increasing dramatically worldwide over the past decades, thus requiring novel and effective therapeutic approaches. OBEX is an oral nutritional supplement composed of antioxidants with antiobesity activity. The effects of OBEX have been testedin vivoandin vitro.In vivo, OBEX reduces weight gain by decreasing adiposity gain and increasing energy expenditure in high fat diet-fed mice through the activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) independent of eating behaviors.In vitroanalysis with 3T3-F442A cells revealed anti-proliferative and anti-differentiation effects of OBEX. In addition, OBEX induced a clear reduction of the lipid load in mature adipocytes obtained from 3T3-F442A cells. Overall, our findings suggest that OBEX has a protective effect against an obesogenic environment.
Benefits of pallidal stimulation in dystonia are linked to cerebellar volume and cortical inhibition
Authors: Fečíková Anna , Jech Robert , Čejka Václav , Čapek Václav , Šťastná Daniela , Štětkářová Ivana , Mueller Karsten , Schroeter Matthias L. , Růžička Filip , Urgošík Dušan
Published: November 2018

Clinical benefits of pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi DBS) in dystonia increase relatively slowly suggesting slow plastic processes in the motor network. Twenty-two patients with dystonia of various distribution and etiology treated by chronic GPi DBS and 22 healthy subjects were examined for short-latency intracortical inhibition of the motor cortex elicited by paired transcranial magnetic stimulation. The relationships between grey matter volume and intracortical inhibition considering the long-term clinical outcome and states of the GPi DBS were analysed. The acute effects of GPi DBS were associated with a shortening of the motor response whereas the grey matter of chronically treated patients with a better clinical outcome showed hypertrophy of the supplementary motor area and cerebellar vermis. In addition, the volume of the cerebellar hemispheres of patients correlated with the improvement of intracortical inhibition which was generally less effective in patients than in controls regardless of the DBS states. Importantly, good responders to GPi DBS showed a similar level of short-latency intracortical inhibition in the motor cortex as healthy controls whereas non-responders were unable to increase it. All these results support the multilevel impact of effective DBS on the motor networks in dystonia and suggest potential biomarkers of responsiveness to this treatment.
A computational model of internal representations of chemical gradients in environments for chemotaxis of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Soh Zu , Sakamoto Kazuma , Suzuki Michiyo , Iino Yuichi , Tsuji Toshio
Published: November 2018

The small roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans employs two strategies, termed pirouette and weathervane, which are closely related to the internal representation of chemical gradients parallel and perpendicular to the travelling direction, respectively, to perform chemotaxis. These gradients must be calculated from the chemical information obtained at a single point, because the sensory neurons are located close to each other at the nose tip. To formulate the relationship between this sensory input and internal representations of the chemical gradient, this study proposes a simple computational model derived from the directional decomposition of the chemical concentration at the nose tip that can generate internal representations of the chemical gradient. The ability of the computational model was verified by using a chemotaxis simulator that can simulate the body motions of pirouette and weathervane, which confirmed that the computational model enables the conversion of the sensory input and head-bending angles into both types of gradients with high correlations of approximately r > 0.90 (p < 0.01) with the true gradients. In addition, the chemotaxis index of the model was 0.64, which is slightly higher than that in the actual animal (0.57). In addition, simulation using a connectome-based neural network model confirmed that the proposed computational model is implementable in the actual network structure.
Machine learning based classification of cells into chronological stages using single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Singh Sumeet Pal , Janjuha Sharan , Chaudhuri Samata , Reinhardt Susanne , Kränkel Annekathrin , Dietz Sevina , Eugster Anne , Bilgin Halil , Korkmaz Selçuk , Zararsız Gökmen , Ninov Nikolay , Reid John E.
Published: November 2018

Age-associated deterioration of cellular physiology leads to pathological conditions. The ability to detect premature aging could provide a window for preventive therapies against age-related diseases. However, the techniques for determining cellular age are limited, as they rely on a limited set of histological markers and lack predictive power. Here, we implement GERAS (GEnetic Reference for Age of Single-cell), a machine learning based framework capable of assigning individual cells to chronological stages based on their transcriptomes. GERAS displays greater than 90% accuracy in classifying the chronological stage of zebrafish and human pancreatic cells. The framework demonstrates robustness against biological and technical noise, as evaluated by its performance on independent samplings of single-cells. Additionally, GERAS determines the impact of differences in calorie intake and BMI on the aging of zebrafish and human pancreatic cells, respectively. We further harness the classification ability of GERAS to identify molecular factors that are potentially associated with the aging of beta-cells. We show that one of these factors, junba, is necessary to maintain the proliferative state of juvenile beta-cells. Our results showcase the applicability of a machine learning framework to classify the chronological stage of heterogeneous cell populations, while enabling detection of candidate genes associated with aging.
Eight-month-old infants’ behavioral responses to peers’ emotions as related to the asymmetric frontal cortex activity
Authors: Crespo-Llado Maria M. , Vanderwert Ross , Roberti Elisa , Geangu Elena
Published: November 2018

Infants are sensitive to and converge emotionally with peers’ distress. It is unclear whether these responses extend to positive affect and whether observing peer emotions motivates infants’ behaviors. This study investigates 8-month-olds’ asymmetric frontal EEG during peers’ cry and laughter, and its relation to approach and withdrawal behaviors. Participants observed videos of infant crying or laughing during two separate sessions. Frontal EEG alpha power was recorded during the first, while infants’ behaviors and emotional expressions were recorded during the second session. Facial and vocal expressions of affect suggest that infants converge emotionally with their peers’ distress, and, to a certain extent, with their happiness. At group level, the crying peer elicited right lateralized frontal activity. However, those infants with reduced right and increased left frontal activity in this situation, were more likely to approach their peer. Overall, 8-month-olds did not show asymmetric frontal activity in response to peer laughter. But, those infants who tended to look longer at their happy peer were more likely to respond with left lateralized frontal activity. The link between variations in left frontal activity and simple approach behaviors indicates the presence of a motivational dimension to infants’ responses to distressed peers.
Quantum fluctuation theorem for error diagnostics in quantum annealers
Authors: Gardas Bartłomiej , Deffner Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Near term quantum hardware promises unprecedented computational advantage. Crucial in its development is the characterization and minimization of computational errors. We propose the use of the quantum fluctuation theorem to benchmark the accuracy of quantum annealers. This versatile tool provides simple means to determine whether the quantum dynamics are unital, unitary, and adiabatic, or whether the system is prone to thermal noise. Our proposal is experimentally tested on two generations of the D-Wave machine, which illustrates the sensitivity of the fluctuation theorem to the smallest aberrations from ideal annealing. In addition, for the optimally operating D-Wave machine, our experiment provides the first experimental verification of the integral fluctuation in an interacting, many-body quantum system.
Plant pathogen responses to Late Pleistocene and Holocene climate change in the central Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Díaz Francisca P. , Latorre Claudio , Wilmshurst Janet M. , Burge Olivia R. , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A.
Published: November 2018

Future climate change has the potential to alter the distribution and prevalence of plant pathogens, which may have significant implications for both agricultural crops and natural plant communities. However, there are few long-term datasets against which modelled predictions of pathogen responses to climate change can be tested. Here, we use 18S metabarcoding of 28 rodent middens (solidified deposits of rodent coprolites and nesting material) from the Central Atacama, spanning the last ca. 49 ka, to provide the first long-term late Quaternary record of change in plant pathogen communities in response to changing climate. Plant pathogen richness was significantly greater in middens deposited during the Central Andean Pluvial Event (CAPE); a period of increased precipitation between 17.5–8.5 ka. Moreover, the occurrence frequency of Pucciniaceae (rust fungi) was significantly greater during the CAPE, and the highest relative abundances for five additional potentially pathogenic taxa also occurred during this period. The results demonstrate the promising potential for ancient DNA analysis of late Quaternary samples to reveal insights into how plant pathogens responded to past climatic and environmental change, which could help predict how pathogens may responded to future change.
Impact of preanalytical conditions on plasma concentration and size distribution of extracellular vesicles using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Authors: Jamaly Simin , Ramberg Cathrine , Olsen Randi , Latysheva Nadezhda , Webster Paul , Sovershaev Timofey , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: November 2018

Optimal pre-analytical handling is essential for valid measurements of plasma concentration and size distribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs). We investigated the impact of plasma preparation, various anticoagulants (Citrate, EDTA, CTAD, Heparin), and fasting status on concentration and size distribution of EVs measured by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). Blood was drawn from 10 healthy volunteers to investigate the impact of plasma preparation and anticoagulants, and from 40 individuals from a population-based study to investigate the impact of postprandial lipidemia. Plasma concentration of EVs was measured by NTA after isolation by high-speed centrifugation, and size distribution of EVs was determined using NTA and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Plasma concentrations and size distributions of EVs were essentially similar for the various anticoagulants. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of EVs. TEM and SEM-analyses showed that the EVs retained spherical morphology after high-speed centrifugation. Plasma EVs were not changed in postprandial lipidemia, but the mean sizes of VLDL particles were increased and interfered with EV measurements (explained 66% of the variation in EVs-concentration in the postprandial phase). Optimization of procedures for separating VLDL particles and EVs is therefore needed before NTA-assessment of EVs can be used as biomarkers of disease.
Impact of uranium uptake on isotopic fractionation and endogenous element homeostasis in human neuron-like cells
Authors: Paredes Eduardo , Avazeri Emilie , Malard Véronique , Vidaud Claude , Reiller Pascal E. , Ortega Richard , Nonell Anthony , Isnard Hélène , Chartier Frédéric , Bresson Carole
Published: November 2018

The impact of natural uranium (U) on differentiated human neuron-like cells exposed to 1, 10, 125, and 250 µM of U for seven days was assessed. In particular, the effect of the U uptake on the homeostatic modulation of several endogenous elements (Mg, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu), the U isotopic fractionation upon its incorporation by the cells and the evolution of the intracellular Cu and Zn isotopic signatures were studied. The intracellular accumulation of U was accompanied by a preferential uptake of 235U for cells exposed to 1 and 10 µM of U, whereas no significant isotopic fractionation was observed between the extra- and the intracellular media for higher exposure U concentrations. The U uptake was also found to modulate the homeostasis of Cu, Fe, and Mn for cells exposed to 125 and 250 µM of U, but the intracellular Cu isotopic signature was not modified. The intracellular Zn isotopic signature was not modified either. The activation of the non-specific U uptake pathway might be related to this homeostatic modulation. All together, these results show that isotopic and quantitative analyses of toxic and endogenous elements are powerful tools to help deciphering the toxicity mechanisms of heavy metals.
Evaluation of Structure-Function Relationships in Longitudinal Changes of Glaucoma using the Spectralis OCT Follow-Up Mode
Authors: Suda Kenji , Akagi Tadamichi , Nakanishi Hideo , Noma Hisashi , Ikeda Hanako Ohashi , Kameda Takanori , Hasegawa Tomoko , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: November 2018

The detection of glaucoma progression is an essential part of glaucoma management. Subjectivity of standard automated perimetry (SAP) prevents the accurate evaluation of progression, thus the detection of structural changes by optical coherence tomography (OCT) is attracting attention. Despite its objectivity, there is controversy about the appropriateness of the use of OCT, because many previous studies have indicated OCT results may not reflect the deterioration of visual field. A reason for this dissociation may be the test-retest variability of OCT, a major cause of which is misplacement of the measurement location. Recent advantages of spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), especially Spectralis OCT with an eye-tracking system (follow-up mode) enable measurement at approximately the same location as previous examinations. In addition to utilizing Spectralis follow-up mode, we introduced structure-function relationship map and nonlinear relationship between SAP and OCT results in considering structure-function relationship in longitudinal changes. The introduction of these two ideas in our study population improved the correlation between the SAP and OCT (R = 0.589 at most). The results of this study support the practical use of OCT in glaucoma progression but also stress the importance of focus on the corresponding focal changes and the consideration of disease severity.
Investigating social-contextual determinants of cooperation in incarcerated violent offenders
Authors: Scheeff Jonathan , Jusyte Aiste , Schönenberg Michael
Published: November 2018

Antisocial and psychopathic personality traits constitute a severe and treatment resistant form of externalizing psychopathology. While deficits in social information processing have been extensively investigated in these individuals, less is known about their capacity for altruism and cooperation. In particular, no studies to date have investigated whether established social-contextual determinants of cooperation, e.g., group affiliation and number of expected interactions, can motivate cooperative behaviour in antisocial individuals. The present study compared cooperative behaviour of incarcerated violent offenders (N = 52) and controls (N = 46) by using an established social interaction paradigm (Give Some Dilemma) where two players divide monetary units between themselves and the counterpart. Group affiliation (in- vs. out-group) and number of expected interactions (single-trial vs. repeated-trial interactions) were manipulated. Violent offenders as compared to controls shared less monetary units with their counterparts, indicating an overall reduced cooperation. Both groups showed increased cooperation rates towards in-group members and in repeated interactions. Higher psychopathic traits were associated with lower cooperation in single-trial interactions in the violent offender group. Although cooperation was comparably reduced in violent offenders, behaviour in both groups was determined by the number of expected interactions as well as group affiliation, thus providing evidence for equivalent social-contextual determinants.
Epidemiology of Breakthrough Varicella after the Implementation of a Universal Varicella Vaccination Program in Taiwan, 2004–2014
Authors: Cheng Hao-Yuan , Chang Luan-Yin , Lu Chun-Yi , Huang Li-Min
Published: November 2018

National one-dose varicella vaccination at 12 months of age was implemented in Taiwan since 2004.Our study aimed to evaluate breakthrough varicella (BV) in post-vaccine era and its associated risk factors. We retrospectively identified children vaccinated against varicella between 12–23 months of age during 2004–2008. Their vaccination information was extracted from the national vaccination registry system and linked to the 2004–2014 National Health Insurance database. BV was defined as a diagnosis of varicella (ICD-9-CM codes 052 and 052.0–052.9) beyond 42 days post-vaccination. Multiple Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors for BV. Among 932,874 enrolled vaccinees, 26,446 (2.8%) had BV and 219 (0.024%) required hospitalization over the study period. Varicella incidence declined from 4.71 per 1000 person-year (PY) in 2004 to 0.81/1000 PY in 2014. BV incidence decreased from 3.90/1000 PY at first year to 1.94/1000 PY at 11th year after vaccination. Females had a lower risk for BV than males (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85, 95% CI, 0.83–0.87); Varivax® recipients had a lower risk for BV than Varilrix® recipients (HR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.72–0.78). Our study showed the incidence of varicella, BV and varicella-related hospitalizations in Taiwan were kept low in post-vaccine era.
Identifying chondroprotective diet-derived bioactives and investigating their synergism
Authors: Davidson Rose K. , Green Jonathan , Gardner Sarah , Bao Yongping , Cassidy Aedin , Clark Ian M.
Published: November 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease and nutrition is a modifiable factor that may contribute to disease onset or progression. A detailed understanding of mechanisms through which diet-derived bioactive molecules function and interact in OA is needed. We profiled 96 diet-derived, mainly plant-based bioactives using an in vitro model in chondrocytes, selecting four candidates for further study. We aimed to determine synergistic interactions between bioactives that affected the expression of key genes in OA. Selected bioactives, sulforaphane, apigenin, isoliquiritigenin and luteolin, inhibited one or more interleukin-1-induced metalloproteinases implicated in OA (MMP1, MMP13, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5). Isoliquiritigenin and luteolin showed reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in chondrocytes whereas sulforaphane had no effect and apigenin showed only a weak trend. Sulforaphane inhibited the IL-1/NFκB and Wnt3a/TCF/Lef pathways and increased TGFβ/Smad2/3 and BMP6/Smad1/5/8 signalling. Apigenin showed potent inhibition of the IL-1/NFκB and TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathways, whereas luteolin showed only weak inhibition of the IL-1/NFκB pathway. All four bioactives inhibited cytokine-induced aggrecan loss from cartilage tissue explants. The combination of sulforaphane and isoliquiritigenin was synergistic for inhibiting MMP13 gene expression in chondrocytes. We conclude that dietary-derived bioactives may be important modulators of cartilage homeostasis and synergistic relationships between bioactives may have an anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective role.
The absence of SigX results in impaired carbon metabolism and membrane fluidity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fléchard Maud , Duchesne Rachel , Tahrioui Ali , Bouffartigues Emeline , Depayras Ségolène , Hardouin Julie , Lagy Coralie , Maillot Olivier , Tortuel Damien , Azuama Cecil Onyedikachi , Clamens Thomas , Duclairoir-Poc Cécile , Catel-Ferreira Manuella , Gicquel Gwendoline , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Lesouhaitier Olivier , Heipieper Hermann J. , Groleau Marie-Christine , Déziel Éric , Cornelis Pierre , Chevalier Sylvie
Published: November 2018

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, SigX is an extra-cytoplasmic function σ factor that belongs to the cell wall stress response network. In previous studies, we made the puzzling observation that sigX mutant growth was severely affected in rich lysogeny broth (LB) but not in minimal medium. Here, through comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, we show that the absence of SigX results in dysregulation of genes, whose products are mainly involved in transport, carbon and energy metabolisms. Production of most of these genes is controlled by carbon catabolite repression (CCR), a key regulatory system than ensures preferential carbon source uptake and utilization, substrate prioritization and metabolism. The strong CCR response elicited in LB was lowered in a sigX mutant, suggesting altered nutrient uptake. Since the absence of SigX affects membrane composition and fluidity, we suspected membrane changes to cause such phenotype. The detergent polysorbate 80 (PS80) can moderately destabilize the envelope resulting in non-specific increased nutrient intake. Remarkably, growth, membrane fluidity and expression of dysregulated genes in the sigX mutant strain were restored in LB supplemented with PS80. Altogether, these data suggest that SigX is indirectly involved in CCR regulation, possibly via its effects on membrane integrity and fluidity.
Nitrogen acquisition and resource allocation strategies in temperate seagrass Zostera nigricaulis: Uptake, assimilation and translocation processes
Authors: Nayar S. , Loo M. G. K. , Tanner J. E. , Longmore A. R. , Jenkins G. P.
Published: November 2018

The dominant seagrass in Port Phillip Bay (PPB), Australia,Zostera nigricaulis, declined between 2000 and 2011, coinciding with the ‘Millennium drought’ that ended in 2009. These seagrasses are nitrogen-limited, underpinning the need to develop nitrogen budgets for better ecosystem management. Environmentally realistic measurements of specific uptake rates and resource allocation were undertaken to develop nitrogen budgets and test the hypothesis that the above-ground and below-ground compartments are able to re-mobilise ammonium and nitrate through uptake, translocation and assimilation to adapt to varying levels of nitrogen in the ecosystem. Uptake of15N labelled ammonium and nitrate by above- and below-ground seagrass biomass, epiphytes and phytoplankton was quantified in chambersin situ. Preferential uptake of ammonium over nitrate was observed, where the uptake rate for nitrate was about one sixth of that for ammonium. Epiphytes and phytoplankton also registered an increased affinity for ammonium over nitrate. Translocation experiments demonstrated the uptake by both the above-ground and below-ground biomass, respectively from the water column and pore water, and subsequent translocation to the opposite compartment. Acropetal translocation (below- to above-ground biomass) was more prevalent than basipetal translocation. This is a unique outcome given basipetal translocation has been widely reported forZosteraby other researchers.
Changes in retinal flow density measured by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with carotid artery stenosis after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Lahme Larissa , Marchiori Elena , Panuccio Giuseppe , Nelis Pieter , Schubert Friederike , Mihailovic Natasa , Torsello Giovanni , Eter Nicole , Alnawaiseh Maged
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study presented here was to evaluate retinal and optic nerve head (ONH) perfusion in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS) compared with healthy controls and to analyze the impact of carotid endarterectomy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). 25 eyes of 25 patients with CAS (study group) and 25 eyes of 25 healthy controls (control group) were prospectively included in this study. OCT-A was performed using RTVue XR Avanti (Optovue, Inc, Fremont, California, USA). The flow density data in the superficial and deep retinal OCT-angiogram of the macula and in the radial peripapillary capillary network (RPC) of the ONH were extracted and analyzed. The flow density in the superficial retinal OCT angiogram of the macula and in the ONH were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (macula: p = 0.003) (ONH: p = 0.013). The flow density in the ONH improved significantly after carotid endarterectomy (p = 0.004). A reduced flow density was observed in patients with CAS when compared with healthy controls. The flow density also improved after carotid endarterectomy. Quantitative changes in the microvascular density, as measured using OCT-A, could well be useful in the diagnosis of CAS and the evaluation of therapy success.
Nanotube-structured Na2V3O7 as a Cathode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries with High-rate and Stable Cycle Performances
Authors: Tanibata Naoto , Kondo Yuki , Yamada Shohei , Maeda Masaki , Takeda Hayami , Nakayama Masanobu , Asaka Toru , Kitajou Ayuko , Okada Shigeto
Published: November 2018

Sodium ion batteries meet the demand for large-scale energy storage, such as in electric vehicles, due to the material abundance of sodium. In this report, nanotube-type Na2V3O7 is proposed as a cathode material because of its fast sodium diffusivity, an important requirement for sodium ion batteries, through the investigation of ~4300 candidates via a high-throughput computation. High-rate performance was confirmed, showing ~65% capacity retention at a current density of 10C at room temperature, despite the large particle size of >5 μm. A good cycle performance of ca. 94% in capacity retention after 50 cycles was obtained owing to a small volumetric change of <0.4%.
DENV-1 Genotype V in Brazil: Spatiotemporal dispersion pattern reveals continuous co-circulation of distinct lineages until 2016
Authors: de Bruycker-Nogueira Fernanda , Souza Thiara Manuele Alves , Chouin-Carneiro Thaís , da Costa Faria Nieli Rodrigues , Santos Jaqueline Bastos , Torres Maria Celeste , Ramalho Izabel Letícia Cavalcante , de Aguiar Shirlei Ferreira , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , de Filippis Ana Maria Bispo , dos Santos Flavia Barreto
Published: November 2018

In Brazil, DENV-1 introduced in the 80’s, remained the prevalent serotype from 2012 to 2016. After its re-emergence in the country in 2009, the co-circulation of different viral lineages was identified, however, its transmission dynamics afterwards, was not fully characterized. In this study, we performed the continuous molecular surveillance after the reemergence period (2012 to 2016), covering the 30 years of circulation of DENV-1 in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis allowed confirmation of the continued presence of genotype V, as well as three distinct co-circulating lineages. The molecular characterization of the E gene presented two new amino acid substitutions previously unidentified in the country. Phylogeographic analysis has shown that a large flow of migrations has occurred between Brazil and Argentina in the last 10 years.
A novel hydrogen peroxide sensor based on electrodeposited copper/cuprous oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Han Long , Tang Li , Deng Dongmei , He Haibo , Zhou Mi , Luo Liqiang
Published: November 2018

Copper/cuprous oxide nanocomposites were electrodeposited on a fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate for sensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide.
Facile dual doping strategy via carbonization of covalent organic frameworks to prepare hierarchically porous carbon spheres for membrane capacitive deionization
Authors: Li Yuquan , Xu Xingtao , Hou Shujin , Ma Jiaqi , Lu Ting , Wang Jiachen , Yao Yefeng , Pan Likun
Published: November 2018

N,B dual-doped porous carbon synthesized by direct carbonization of covalent-organic frameworks exhibits excellent desalination performance for membrane capacitive deionization.
Unexpected wavelength dependency of the photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance of the well-known (bpy)Re(CO)3Cl complex
Authors: Lang Philipp , Giereth Robin , Tschierlei Stefanie , Schwalbe Matthias
Published: November 2018

The photocatalytic activity of bpyRe(CO)3Cl is highest when wavelengths larger than 450 nm are used – even if the compound hardly absorbs in this region. Mechanistic investigations suggest the wavelength-dependent involvement of different intermediates and reaction pathways.
Simple preparation of potassium sulfate nanoparticles
Authors: Dong Yan , Bian Xian , Fu Yibing , Shao Qiyue , Jiang Jianqing
Published: November 2018

Potassium sulfate nanoparticles were prepared by anti-solvent precipitation, and the particle size could be controlled within the range of 10–100 nm by adjusting the amount of polyacrylic acid. The obtained nanoparticles should be suitable as sacrificial template materials for preparing nanoporous materials, hollow nanomaterials, and other nanoparticles.
Surfactant assisted self-assembly of Ag+ containing nanocrystals and their facet dependent photocatalytic activity
Authors: Rahut Sibsankar , Basu Soumya Shankar , Basu Jayanta Kumar
Published: November 2018

This work demonstrates a general route for synthesis of nanocatalysts containing silver ions using surfactants.
Mapping the ultrafast vibrational dynamics of all-transand 13-cisretinal isomerization in Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin
Authors: Roy Partha Pratim , Kato Youshitoka , Abe-Yoshizumi Rei , Pieri Elisa , Ferré Nicolas , Kandori Hideki , Buckup Tiago
Published: November 2018

Photoinduced vibrational dynamics between two stereoisomers of the retinal chromophore bound inside the same protein cavity has been explored.
Pressure tuning of the thermal conductivity of gallium arsenide from first-principles calculations
Authors: Sun Zhehao , Yuan Kunpeng , Zhang Xiaoliang , Tang Dawei
Published: November 2018

Pressure tuning of the thermal transport properties of gallium arsenide.
Rate constants for collision-induced emission of O2(a1Δg) with He, Ne, Ar, Kr, N2, CO2 and SF6 as collisional partners
Authors: Pershin Andrey A. , Torbin Aleksei P. , Zagidullin Marsel V. , Mebel Alexander M. , Mikheyev Paul A. , Azyazov Valeriy N.
Published: November 2018

Rate constants for singlet oxygen collision induced emission of the a1Δg–X3Σ−g transition at 1.27 μm were measured for CO2, N2, SF6, and rare gases as collisional partners.
Imaging H abstraction dynamics in crossed molecular beams: O(3P) + propanol isomers
Authors: Li Hongwei , Kamasah Alexander , Suits Arthur G.
Published: November 2018

Direct rebound dynamics are revealed for bimolecular reaction of the ground state O(3P) atom with propanol isomers, involving the post transition state long-range dipole–dipole interaction between the dipolar OH and hydroxypropyl radicals.
PCN-224/rGO nanocomposite based photoelectrochemical sensor with intrinsic recognition ability for efficient p-arsanilic acid detection
Authors: Peng Miao , Guan Guijian , Deng Hong , Han Bin , Tian Chen , Zhuang Junyang , Xu Yunyun , Liu Weizhen , Lin Zhang
Published: November 2018

This work designed a novel photoelectrochemical sensor by employing porphyrinic MOF/rGO as both the photocathode and binding unit for efficient detection of p-ASA.
Gap-plasmon enhanced water splitting with ultrathin hematite films: the role of plasmonic-based light trapping and hot electrons
Authors: Dutta Aveek , Naldoni Alberto , Malara Francesco , Govorov Alexander O. , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Boltasseva Alexandra
Published: November 2018

We report the enhancement of the plasmon-assisted water oxidation photocurrent in ultrathin (10–20 nm) hematite films.
Spirulina platensisand silicon-enriched spirulina equally improve glucose tolerance and decrease the enzymatic activity of hepatic NADPH oxidase in obesogenic diet-fed rats
Authors: Vidé Joris , Bonafos Béatrice , Fouret Gilles , Benlebna Melha , Poupon Joël , Jover Bernard , Casas François , Jouy Nicolas , Feillet-Coudray Christine , Gaillet Sylvie , Coudray Charles
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome components, such as obesity, glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis, is rapidly increasing and becoming a major issue of public health.
The identification and use of robust transaminases from a domestic drain metagenome
Authors: Leipold Leona , Dobrijevic Dragana , Jeffries Jack W. E. , Bawn Maria , Moody Thomas S. , Ward John M. , Hailes Helen C.
Published: November 2018

Transaminases remain one of the most promising biocatalysts for use in chiral amine synthesis. Here, the identification, cloning and screening of novel transaminases from a drain metagenome is described, with some enzymes exhibiting outstanding properties such as 50% DMSO solvent tolerance.
Cytoprotective effects of imidazole-based [S1] and [S2]-donor ligands against mercury toxicity: a bioinorganic approach
Authors: Karri Ramesh , Chalana Ashish , Das Ranajit , Rai Rakesh Kumar , Roy Gouriprasanna
Published: November 2018

[S2]-Donor ligands L2 and L3 showed remarkable ability to protect liver cell against HgCl2induced toxicity and the strength of their efficacy is in the order of L3 > L2 > L1. Interestingly, 60% decrease of ROS production was observed in liver cells co-treated with HgCl2and L3 in comparison to the cells treated with HgCl2only.
In situ synthesis of PAA-b-PSt nano-assemblies via dispersion RAFT polymerization: effects of PEG in the medium
Authors: Wu Yong , Tan Mengting , Su Zhipeng , Shi Yan , Fu Zhifeng , Yang Wantai
Published: November 2018

A facile and efficient approach was proposed to adjust BCP assemblies in PISA by introduction of PEG in the medium. Both PEG amount and molecular weight have significant effects on PAA-b-PSt micelles.
One-pot synthesis of 3D Cu2S–MoS2 nanocomposites by an ionic liquid-assisted strategy with high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Chen Ya , Su Penghe , Liu Xiaotong , Liu Hongchi , Zhu Baolin , Zhang Shoumin , Huang Weiping
Published: November 2018

Cu2S–MoS2 nanocomposites are synthesised by a one-step hydrothermal method and show better catalytic activity than Cu2S and MoS2 monomers.
Customizable 3D-printed architecture with ZnO-based hierarchical structures for enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Son Soomin , Jung Pil-Hoon , Park Jaemin , Chae Dongwoo , Huh Daihong , Byun Minseop , Ju Sucheol , Lee Heon
Published: November 2018

ZnO-based hierarchical structures including nanoparticles (NPs), nanorods (NRs), and nanoflowers (NFs) on 3D-printed backbones were effectively fabricated via the combination of FDM 3D-printing technique and hydrothermal reaction.
Red emitting conjugated polymer based nanophotosensitizers for selectively targeted two-photon excitation imaging guided photodynamic therapy
Authors: Duan Xiangyan , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Hu Dehua , Liu Peng , Li Shuang , Huang Fei , Ma Yuguang , Xu Qing-Hua , Cao Yong
Published: November 2018

Two-photon excitation (2PE) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive technique for the treatment of cancer.
The interplay between Zeeman splitting and spin–orbit coupling in InAs nanowires
Authors: Kim Bum-Kyu , Choi Sang-Jun , Shin Jae Cheol , Kim Minsoo , Ahn Ye-Hwan , Sim H.-S. , Kim Ju-Jin , Bae Myung-Ho
Published: November 2018

The interplay between the Zeeman splitting and spin–orbit coupling was revealed by performing the transport spectroscopy of Landau levels in indium arsenide nanowires.
Synthesis and fluorescent properties of boroisoquinolines, a new family of fluorophores
Authors: Sóvári Dénes , Kormos Attila , Demeter Orsolya , Dancsó András , Keserű György Miklós , Milen Mátyás , Ábrányi-Balogh Péter
Published: November 2018

First representatives of a new family of isoquinolines, so called boroisoquinolines, were synthesized and characterized.
Catalytic farming: reaction rotation extends catalyst performance
Authors: Elhage Ayda , Lanterna Anabel E. , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: November 2018

Catalytic farming, through reaction rotation, can reactivate the catalyst increasing longevity and product yield.
Tunable pseudocapacitive contribution in nanosheet-constructed titania hierarchical tubes to achieve superior lithium-storage properties by phase control
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yan Xiaodong , Xu Bingqing , Lan Jinle , Liu Yaochun , Yang Xiaoping , Lin Yuanhua , Nan Cewen
Published: November 2018

A new nanosheet-constructed titania tubular hierarchical architecture has been prepared, which presents excellent lithium-storage performance.
Malleable organic/inorganic thermosetting hybrids enabled by exchangeable silyl ether interfaces
Authors: Wu Siwu , Yang Zhijun , Fang Shifeng , Tang Zhenghai , Liu Fang , Guo Baochun
Published: November 2018

Interfacial silyl ether networks can reshuffle the topological structure upon trans-oxyalkylation reactions, enabling malleability and recyclability to organic/inorganic hybrid vitrimers.