bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent macrophage responses to Mycobacterium bovis among naturally exposed uninfected and infected cattle
Authors: Alcaraz‐López Omar A , García‐Gil Cindy , Morales‐Martínez Claudia , López‐Rincón Gonzalo , Estrada‐Chávez Ciro , Gutiérrez‐Pabello José A , Esquivel‐Solís Hugo
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB), is a successful pathogen that remains an important global threat to livestock. Cattle naturally exposed to M. bovis normally become reactive to the M. bovis‐purified protein derivative (tuberculin) skin test; however, some individuals remain negative, suggesting that they may be resistant to infection. To better understand host innate resistance to infection, 26 cattle from herds with a long history of high TB prevalence were included in this study. We investigated the bactericidal activity, the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and the TB‐related gene expression profile after in vitro M. bovis challenge of monocyte‐derived macrophages from cattle with TB (n=17) and from non‐infected, exposed cattle (in‐contacts, n=9). The disease status was established based on the tuberculin skin test and blood interferon‐gamma test responses, the presence of visible lesions at inspection on abattoirs and the histopathology and culture of M. bovis. Although macrophages from TB‐infected cattle enabled M. bovis replication, macrophages from healthy, exposed cattle had twofold lower bacterial loads, overproduced nitric oxide and had lower interleukin (IL)‐10 gene expression (P⩽0.05). Higher mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 and IL‐12 were observed in macrophages from all in‐contact cattle than in macrophages from their TB‐infected counterparts, which expressed more tumour necrosis factor‐α; however, the differences were not statistically significant owing to individual variation. These results confirm that macrophage bactericidal responses have a crucial role in innate resistance to M. bovis infection in cattle.
Wearable energy-smart ribbons for synchronous energy harvest and storage
Authors: Li Chao , Islam Md. Monirul , Moore Julian , Sleppy Joseph , Morrison Caleb , Konstantinov Konstantin , Dou Shi Xue , Renduchintala Chait , Thomas Jayan
Published: November 2016

A promising energy source for many current and future applications is a ribbon-like device that could simultaneously harvest and store energy. Due to the high flexibility and weavable property, a fabric/matrix made using these ribbons could be highly beneficial for powering wearable electronics. Unlike the approach of using two separate devices, here we report a ribbon that integrates a solar cell and a supercapacitor. The electrons generated by the solar cell are directly transferred and stored on the reverse side of its electrode which in turn also functions as an electrode for the supercapacitor. When the flexible solar ribbon is illuminated with simulated solar light, the supercapacitor holds an energy density of 1.15 mWh cm−3and a power density of 243 mW cm−3. Moreover, these ribbons are successfully woven into a fabric form. Our all-solid-state ribbon unveils a highly flexible and portable self-sufficient energy system with potential applications in wearables, drones and electric vehicles.
Experimental demonstration of anomalous Floquet topological insulator for sound
Authors: Peng Yu-Gui , Qin Cheng-Zhi , Zhao De-Gang , Shen Ya-Xi , Xu Xiang-Yuan , Bao Ming , Jia Han , Zhu Xue-Feng
Published: November 2016

Time-reversal invariant topological insulator is widely recognized as one of the fundamental discoveries in condensed matter physics, for which the most fascinating hallmark is perhaps a spin-based topological protection, the absence of scattering of conduction electrons with certain spins on matter surface. Recently, it has created a paradigm shift for topological insulators, from electronics to photonics, phononics and mechanics as well, bringing about not only involved new physics but also potential applications in robust wave transport. Despite the growing interests in topologically protected acoustic wave transport, T-invariant acoustic topological insulator has not yet been achieved. Here we report experimental demonstration of anomalous Floquet topological insulator for sound: a strongly coupled metamaterial ring lattice that supports one-way propagation of pseudo-spin-dependent edge states under T-symmetry. We also demonstrate the formation of pseudo-spin-dependent interface states due to lattice dislocations and investigate the properties of pass band and band gap states.
High-performance shape-engineerable thermoelectric painting
Authors: Park Sung Hoon , Jo Seungki , Kwon Beomjin , Kim Fredrick , Ban Hyeong Woo , Lee Ji Eun , Gu Da Hwi , Lee Se Hwa , Hwang Younghun , Kim Jin-Sang , Hyun Dow-Bin , Lee Sukbin , Choi Kyoung Jin , Jo Wook , Son Jae Sung
Published: November 2016

Output power of thermoelectric generators depends on device engineering minimizing heat loss as well as inherent material properties. However, the device engineering has been largely neglected due to the limited flat or angular shape of devices. Considering that the surface of most heat sources where these planar devices are attached is curved, a considerable amount of heat loss is inevitable. To address this issue, here, we present the shape-engineerable thermoelectric painting, geometrically compatible to surfaces of any shape. We prepared Bi2Te3-based inorganic paints using the molecular Sb2Te3 chalcogenidometalate as a sintering aid for thermoelectric particles, with ZT values of 0.67 for n-type and 1.21 for p-type painted materials that compete the bulk values. Devices directly brush-painted onto curved surfaces produced the high output power of 4.0 mW cm−2. This approach paves the way to designing materials and devices that can be easily transferred to other applications.
Amazonian chemical weathering rate derived from stony meteorite finds at Meridiani Planum on Mars
Authors: Schröder Christian , Bland Phil A. , Golombek Matthew P. , Ashley James W. , Warner Nicholas H. , Grant John A.
Published: November 2016

Spacecraft exploring Mars such as the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, as well as the Mars Science Laboratory or Curiosity rover, have accumulated evidence for wet and habitable conditions on early Mars more than 3 billion years ago. Current conditions, by contrast, are cold, extremely arid and seemingly inhospitable. To evaluate exactly how dry today’s environment is, it is important to understand the ongoing current weathering processes. Here we present chemical weathering rates determined for Mars. We use the oxidation of iron in stony meteorites investigated by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity at Meridiani Planum. Their maximum exposure age is constrained by the formation of Victoria crater and their minimum age by erosion of the meteorites. The chemical weathering rates thus derived are ∼1 to 4 orders of magnitude slower than that of similar meteorites found in Antarctica where the slowest rates are observed on Earth.
Proteomic Characterization of the World Trade Center dust-activated mdig and c-myc signaling circuit linked to multiple myeloma
Authors: Wu Kai , Li Lingzhi , Thakur Chitra , Lu Yongju , Zhang Xiangmin , Yi Zhengping , Chen Fei
Published: November 2016

Several epidemiological studies suggested an increased incidence rate of multiple myeloma (MM) among first responders and other individuals who exposed to World Trade Center (WTC) dust. In this report, we provided evidence showing that WTC dust is potent in inducing mdig protein and/or mRNA in bronchial epithelial cells, B cells and MM cell lines. An increased mdig expression in MM bone marrow was observed, which is associated with the disease progression and prognosis of the MM patients. Through integrative genomics and proteomics approaches, we further demonstrated that mdig directly interacts with c-myc and JAK1 in MM cell lines, which contributes to hyperactivation of the IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signaling important for the pathogenesis of MM. Genetic silencing of mdig reduced activity of the major downstream effectors in the IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that WTC dust may be one of the key etiological factors for those who had been exposed for the development of MM by activating mdig and c-myc signaling circuit linked to the IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway essential for the tumorigenesis of the malignant plasma cells.
Correction: Corrigendum: Trading off stability against activity in extremophilic aldolases
Authors: Dick Markus , Weiergräber Oliver H. , Classen Thomas , Bisterfeld Carolin , Bramski Julia , Gohlke Holger , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 17908; published online: 19 January 2016; updated: 11 November 2016
Ni-Co bimetal nanowires filled multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the highly sensitive and selective non-enzymatic glucose sensor applications
Authors: Ramachandran K. , Raj kumar T. , Babu K. Justice , Gnana kumar G.
Published: November 2016

The facile, time and cost efficient and environmental benign approach has been developed for the preparation of Nickel (Ni)-Cobalt (Co) alloy nanowires filled multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with the aid of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN)/Ni-Co catalyst. The controlled incorporation of Ni-Co nanostructures in the three dimensional (3D) pore structures of MSN yielded the catalytically active system for the MWCNT growth. The inner surface of MWCNTs was quasi-continuously filled with face-centered cubic (fcc) structured Ni-Co nanowires. The as-prepared nanostructures were exploited as non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor probes for the reliable detection of glucose. The electrochemical measurements illustrated that the fabricated sensor exhibited an excellent electrochemical performance toward glucose oxidation with a high sensitivity of 0.695 mA mM−1 cm−2, low detection limit of 1.2 μM, a wide linear range from 5 μM–10 mM and good selectivity. The unprecedented electrochemical performances obtained for the prepared nanocomposite are purely attributed to the synergistic effects of Ni-Co nanowires and MWCNTs. The constructed facile, selective and sensitive glucose sensor has also endowed its reliability in analyzing the human serum samples, which wide opened the new findings for exploring the novel nanostructures based glucose sensor devices with affordable cost and good stability.
Erlotinib-Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Smart Cancer-Targeted Theranostic Probe for MRI
Authors: Ali Ahmed Atef Ahmed , Hsu Fei-Ting , Hsieh Chia-Ling , Shiau Chia-Yang , Chiang Chiao-Hsi , Wei Zung-Hang , Chen Cheng-Yu , Huang Hsu-Shan
Published: November 2016

We designed and synthesized novel theranostic nanoparticles that showed the considerable potential for clinical use in targeted therapy, and non-invasive real-time monitoring of tumors by MRI. Our nanoparticles were ultra-small with superparamagnetic iron oxide cores, conjugated to erlotinib (FeDC-E NPs). Such smart targeted nanoparticles have the preference to release the drug intracellularly rather than into the bloodstream, and specifically recognize and kill cancer cells that overexpress EGFR while being non-toxic to EGFR-negative cells. MRI, transmission electron microscopy and Prussian blue staining results indicated that cellular uptake and intracellular accumulation of FeDC-E NPs in the EGFR overexpressing cells was significantly higher than those of the non-erlotinib-conjugated nanoparticles. FeDC-E NPs inhibited the EGFR–ERK–NF-κB signaling pathways, and subsequently suppressed the migration and invasion capabilities of the highly invasive and migrative CL1-5-F4 cancer cells. In vivo tumor xenograft experiments using BALB/c nude mice showed that FeDC-E NPs could effectively inhibit the growth of tumors. T2-weighted MRI images of the mice showed significant decrease in the normalized signal within the tumor post-treatment with FeDC-E NPs compared to the non-targeted control iron oxide nanoparticles. This is the first study to use erlotinib as a small-molecule targeting agent for nanoparticles.
Macrophages form functional vascular mimicry channels in vivo
Authors: Barnett Faith H. , Rosenfeld Mauricio , Wood Malcolm , Kiosses William B. , Usui Yoshihiko , Marchetti Valentina , Aguilar Edith , Friedlander Martin
Published: November 2016

Macrophages, key cells of the innate immune system, are known to support angiogenesis but are not believed to directly form vessel walls. Here we show that macrophages structurally form primitive, NON-ENDOTHELIAL “vessels” or vascular mimicry (VM) channels in both tumor and angiogenesis in vivo models. These channels are functionally connected to the systemic vasculature as they are perfused by intravenously injected dye. Since both models share hypoxic micro-environments, we hypothesized that hypoxia may be an important mediator of VM formation. Indeed, conditional genetic depletion of myeloid-specific HIF-1α results in decreased VM network formation, dye perfusion and tumor size. Although the macrophage VM network shares some features with an endothelial vasculature, it is ultrastructurally different. Cancer stem cells have been shown to form vascular mimicry channels. Our data demonstrates that tumor-associated macrophages also form them. The identification of this novel type of vascular mimicry may help in the development of targeted cancer therapeutics.
Erratum: Map-based Cloning and Characterization of the BPH18 Gene from Wild Rice Conferring Resistance to Brown Planthopper (BPH) Insect Pest
Authors: Ji Hyeonso , Kim Sung-Ryul , Kim Yul-Ho , Suh Jung-Pil , Park Hyang-Mi , Sreenivasulu Nese , Misra Gopal , Kim Suk-Man , Hechanova Sherry Lou , Kim Hakbum , Lee Gang-Seob , Yoon Ung-Han , Kim Tae-Ho , Lim Hyemin , Suh Suk-Chul , Yang Jungil , An Gynheung , Jena Kshirod K.
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34376; published online: 29 September 2016; updated: 11 November 2016
Freeze-Dried Platelet-Rich Plasma Accelerates Bone Union with Adequate Rigidity in Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion Surgery Model in Rats
Authors: Shiga Yasuhiro , Orita Sumihisa , Kubota Go , Kamoda Hiroto , Yamashita Masaomi , Matsuura Yusuke , Yamauchi Kazuyo , Eguchi Yawara , Suzuki Miyako , Inage Kazuhide , Sainoh Takeshi , Sato Jun , Fujimoto Kazuki , Abe Koki , Kanamoto Hirohito , Inoue Masahiro , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Aoki Yasuchika , Toyone Tomoaki , Furuya Takeo , Koda Masao , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: November 2016

Fresh platelet-rich plasma (PRP) accelerates bone union in rat model. However, fresh PRP has a short half-life. We suggested freeze-dried PRP (FD-PRP) prepared in advance and investigated its efficacy in vivo. Spinal posterolateral fusion was performed on 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into six groups based on the graft materials (n = 10 per group): sham control, artificial bone (A hydroxyapatite–collagen composite) –alone, autologous bone, artificial bone + fresh-PRP, artificial bone + FD-PRP preserved 8 weeks, and artificial bone + human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP) as a positive control. At 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, we investigated their bone union–related characteristics including amount of bone formation, histological characteristics of trabecular bone at remodeling site, and biomechanical strength on 3-point bending. Comparable radiological bone union was confirmed at 4 weeks after surgery in 80% of the FD-PRP groups, which was earlier than in other groups (p < 0.05). Histologically, the trabecular bone had thinner and more branches in the FD-PRP. Moreover, the biomechanical strength was comparable to that of autologous bone. FD-PRP accelerated bone union at a rate comparable to that of fresh PRP and BMP by remodeling the bone with thinner, more tangled, and rigid trabecular bone.
3-D EM exploration of the hepatic microarchitecture – lessons learned from large-volume in situ serial sectioning
Authors: Shami Gerald John , Cheng Delfine , Huynh Minh , Vreuls Celien , Wisse Eddie , Braet Filip
Published: November 2016

To-date serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) dominates as the premier technique for generating three-dimensional (3-D) data of resin-embedded biological samples at an unprecedented depth volume. Given the infancy of the technique, limited literature is currently available regarding the applicability of SBF-SEM for the ultrastructural investigation of tissues. Herein, we provide a comprehensive and rigorous appraisal of five different SBF-SEM sample preparation protocols for the large-volume exploration of the hepatic microarchitecture at an unparalleled X, Y and Z resolution. In so doing, we qualitatively and quantitatively validate the use of a comprehensive SBF-SEM sample preparation protocol, based on the application of heavy metal fixatives, stains and mordanting agents. Employing the best-tested SBF-SEM approach, enabled us to assess large-volume morphometric data on murine parenchymal cells, sinusoids and bile canaliculi. Finally, we integrated the validated SBF-SEM protocol with a correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) approach. The combination of confocal scanning laser microscopy and SBF-SEM provided a novel way to picture subcellular detail. We appreciate that this multidimensional approach will aid the subsequent research of liver tissue under relevant experimental and disease conditions.
Streaming current magnetic fields in a charged nanopore
Authors: Mansouri Abraham , Taheri Peyman , Kostiuk Larry W.
Published: November 2016

Magnetic fields induced by currents created in pressure driven flows inside a solid-state charged nanopore were modeled by numerically solving a system of steady state continuum partial differential equations, i.e., Poisson, Nernst-Planck, Ampere and Navier-Stokes equations (PNPANS). This analysis was based on non-dimensional transport governing equations that were scaled using Debye length as the characteristic length scale, and applied to a finite length cylindrical nano-channel. The comparison of numerical and analytical studies shows an excellent agreement and verified the magnetic fields density both inside and outside the nanopore. The radially non-uniform currents resulted in highly non-uniform magnetic fields within the nanopore that decay as 1/r outside the nanopore. It is worth noting that for either streaming currents or streaming potential cases, the maximum magnetic field occurred inside the pore in the vicinity of nanopore wall, as opposed to a cylindrical conductor that carries a steady electric current where the maximum magnetic fields occur at the perimeter of conductor. Based on these results, it is suggested and envisaged that non-invasive external magnetic fields readouts generated by streaming/ionic currents may be viewed as secondary electronic signatures of biomolecules to complement and enhance current DNA nanopore sequencing techniques.
Structural assemblies of the di- and oligomeric G-protein coupled receptor TGR5 in live cells: an MFIS-FRET and integrative modelling study
Authors: Greife Annemarie , Felekyan Suren , Ma Qijun , Gertzen Christoph G. W. , Spomer Lina , Dimura Mykola , Peulen Thomas O. , Wöhler Christina , Häussinger Dieter , Gohlke Holger , Keitel Verena , Seidel Claus A. M.
Published: November 2016

TGR5 is the first identified bile acid-sensing G-protein coupled receptor, which has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders. So far, structural and multimerization properties are largely unknown for TGR5. We used a combined strategy applying cellular biology, Multiparameter Image Fluorescence Spectroscopy (MFIS) for quantitative FRET analysis, and integrative modelling to obtain structural information about dimerization and higher-order oligomerization assemblies of TGR5 wildtype (wt) and Y111 variants fused to fluorescent proteins. Residue 111 is located in transmembrane helix 3 within the highly conserved ERY motif. Co-immunoprecipitation and MFIS-FRET measurements with gradually increasing acceptor to donor concentrations showed that TGR5 wt forms higher-order oligomers, a process disrupted in TGR5 Y111A variants. From the concentration dependence of the MFIS-FRET data we conclude that higher-order oligomers – likely with a tetramer organization - are formed from dimers, the smallest unit suggested for TGR5 Y111A variants. Higher-order oligomers likely have a linear arrangement with interaction sites involving transmembrane helix 1 and helix 8 as well as transmembrane helix 5. The latter interaction is suggested to be disrupted by the Y111A mutation. The proposed model of TGR5 oligomer assembly broadens our view of possible oligomer patterns and affinities of class A GPCRs.
Correction: Corrigendum: Lateral photovoltaic effect in flexible free-standing reduced graphene oxide film for self-powered position-sensitive detection
Authors: Moon In Kyu , Ki Bugeun , Yoon Seonno , Choi Jongwan , Oh Jungwoo
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 33525; published online: 16 September 2016; updated: 11 November 2016
Kinetics of recruitment and allosteric activation of ARHGEF25 isoforms by the heterotrimeric G-protein Gαq
Authors: van Unen Jakobus , Yin Taofei , Wu Yi I. , Mastop Marieke , Gadella Theodorus W. J. , Goedhart Joachim
Published: November 2016

Rho GTPases are master regulators of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. The activation of Rho GTPases is governed by Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Three RhoGEF isoforms are produced by the gene ARHGEF25; p63RhoGEF580, GEFT and a recently discovered longer isoform of 619 amino acids (p63RhoGEF619). The subcellular distribution of p63RhoGEF580 and p63RhoGEF619 is strikingly different in unstimulated cells, p63RhoGEF580 is located at the plasma membrane and p63RhoGEF619 is confined to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, we find that both P63RhoGEF580 and p63RhoGEF619 activate RhoGTPases to a similar extent after stimulation of Gαq coupled GPCRs. Furthermore, we show that p63RhoGEF619 relocates to the plasma membrane upon activation of Gαq coupled GPCRs, resembling the well-known activation mechanism of RhoGEFs activated by Gα12/13. Synthetic recruitment of p63RhoGEF619 to the plasma membrane increases RhoGEF activity towards RhoA, but full activation requires allosteric activation via Gαq. Together, these findings reveal a dual role for Gαq in RhoGEF activation, as it both recruits and allosterically activates cytosolic ARHGEF25 isoforms.
Neuronal GPCR OCTR-1 regulates innate immunity by controlling protein synthesis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Liu Yiyong , Sellegounder Durai , Sun Jingru
Published: November 2016

Upon pathogen infection, microbial killing pathways and cellular stress pathways are rapidly activated by the host innate immune system. These pathways must be tightly regulated because insufficient or excessive immune responses have deleterious consequences. Increasing evidence indicates that the nervous system regulates the immune system to confer coordinated protection to the host. However, the precise mechanisms of neural-immune communication remain unclear. Previously we have demonstrated that OCTR-1, a neuronal G protein-coupled receptor, functions in the sensory neurons ASH and ASI to suppress innate immune responses in non-neural tissues against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Caenorhabditis elegans. In the current study, by using a mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics approach, we discovered that OCTR-1 regulates innate immunity by suppressing translation and the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways at the protein level. Functional assays revealed that OCTR-1 inhibits specific protein synthesis factors such as ribosomal protein RPS-1 and translation initiation factor EIF-3.J to reduce infection-triggered protein synthesis and UPR. Translational inhibition by chemicals abolishes the OCTR-1-controlled innate immune responses, indicating that activation of the OCTR-1 pathway is dependent on translation upregulation such as that induced by pathogen infection. Because OCTR-1 downregulates protein translation activities, the OCTR-1 pathway could function to suppress excessive responses to infection or to restore protein homeostasis after infection.
Inflammatory cytokine IL6 cooperates with CUDR to aggravate hepatocyte-like stem cells malignant transformation through NF-κB signaling
Authors: Zheng Qidi , Lin Zhuojia , Li Xiaonan , Xin Xiaoru , Wu Mengying , An Jiahui , Gui Xin , Li Tianming , Pu Hu , Li Haiyan , Lu Dongdong
Published: November 2016

Inflammatory cytokines and lncRNAs are closely associated with tumorigenesis. Herein, we reveal inflammatory cytokines IL6 cooperates with long noncoding RNA CUDR to trigger the malignant transformation of human embryonic stem cells-derived hepatocyte-like stem cells. Mechanistically, IL6 cooperates with CUDR to cause MELLT3 to interact with SUV39h1 mRNA3′UTR and promote SUV39h1 expression. Moreover, the excessive SUV39h1 also increases tri-methylation of histone H3 on nineth lysine (H3K9me3). Intriguingly, under inflammatory conditions, H3K9me3 promotes the excessive expression and phosphorylation of NF-κB, and in turn, phorsphorylated NF-κB promotes the expression and phosphorylation of Stat3. Furthermore, that the phosphorylated Stat3 loads onto the promoter region of miRs and lncRNAs. Ultimately, the abnormal expression of miRs and lncRNAs increased telomerase activity, telomere length and microsatellite instability (MSI), leading to malignant transformation of hepatocyte-like stem cells.
Contributions of Streptococcus mutans Cnm and PA antigens to aggravation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Naka Shuhei , Hatakeyama Rina , Takashima Yukiko , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Nomura Ryota , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: November 2016

Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, can cause infective endocarditis after invading the bloodstream. Recently, intravenous administration of specific S. mutans strains was shown to aggravate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a mouse model fed a high-fat diet. Here, we investigated the mechanism of this aggravation in a NASH mouse model by focusing on the S. mutans cell surface collagen-binding protein (Cnm) and the 190-kDa protein antigen (PA). Mice that were intravenously administered a S. mutans strain with a defect in Cnm (TW871CND) or PA (TW871PD) did not show clinical or histopathological signs of NASH aggravation, in contrast to those administered the parent strain TW871. The immunochemical analyses demonstrated higher levels of interferon-γ and metallothionein expression in the TW871 group than in the TW871CND and TW871PD groups. Analysis of bacterial affinity to cultured hepatic cells in the presence of unsaturated fatty acids revealed that the incorporation rate of TW871 was significantly higher than those of TW871CND and TW871PD. Together, our results suggest that Cnm and PA are important cell surface proteins for the NASH aggravation caused by S. mutans adhesion and affinity for hepatic cells.
Periodontal tactile input activates the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Higaki Nobuaki , Goto Takaharu , Ichikawa Tetsuo
Published: November 2016

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a role in complex cognitive behavioural planning, decision-making, and social behaviours. However, the effects of sensory integration during motor tasks on PFC activation have not been studied to date. Therefore, we investigated the effect of peripheral sensory information and external information on PFC activation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was increased around bilateral Brodmann areas 46 and 10 during visual and auditory information integration during an occlusal force (biting) task. After local anesthesia, CBF values were significantly decreased, but occlusal force was similar. In conclusion, the effects of peripheral sensory information from the periodontal ligament and external information have minimal impacts on occlusal force maintenance but are important for PFC activation.
Selenium-binding lactoferrin is taken into corneal epithelial cells by a receptor and prevents corneal damage in dry eye model animals
Authors: Higuchi Akihiro , Inoue Hiroyoshi , Kaneko Yoshio , Oonishi Erina , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: November 2016

The ocular surface is strongly affected by oxidative stress, which causes many ocular diseases including dry eye. Previously, we showed that selenium compounds, e.g., selenoprotein P and Se-lactoferrin, were candidates for treatment of dry eye. This paper shows the efficacy of Se-lactoferrin for the treatment of dry eye compared with Diquas as a control drug using two dry eye models and incorporation of lactoferrin into corneal epithelial cells via lactoferrin receptors. We show the efficacy of Se-lactoferrin eye drops in the tobacco smoke exposure rat dry eye model and short-term rabbit dry eye model, although Diquas eye drops were only effective in the short-term rabbit dry eye model. These results indicate that Se-lactoferrin was useful in the oxidative stress-causing dry eye model. Se-lactoferrin was taken into corneal epithelium cells via lactoferrin receptors. We identified LRP1 as the lactoferrin receptor in the corneal epithelium involved in lactoferrin uptake. Se-lactoferrin eye drops did not irritate the ocular surface of rabbits. Se-lactoferrin was an excellent candidate for treatment of dry eye, reducing oxidative stress by a novel mechanism.
Controlled tip wear on high roughness surfaces yields gradual broadening and rounding of cantilever tips
Authors: Vorselen Daan , Kooreman Ernst S. , Wuite Gijs J. L. , Roos Wouter H.
Published: November 2016

Tip size in atomic force microscopy (AFM) has a major impact on the resolution of images and on the results of nanoindentation experiments. Tip wear is therefore a key limitation in the application of AFM. Here we show, however, how wear can be turned into an advantage as it allows for directed tip shaping. We studied tip wear on high roughness polycrystalline titanium and diamond surfaces and show that tip wear on these surfaces leads to an increased tip size with a rounded shape of the apex. Next, we fitted single peaks from AFM images in order to track the changes in tip radius over time. This method is in excellent agreement with the conventional blind tip reconstruction method with the additional advantage that we could use it to demonstrate that the increase in tip size is gradual. Moreover, with our approach we can shape and control the tip size, while retaining identical chemical and cantilever properties. This significantly expands the reproducibility of AFM force spectroscopy data and is therefore expected to find a wide applicability.
Association between the p.Thr1406Asn polymorphism of the carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 gene and necrotizing enterocolitis: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Moonen Rob M. , Cavallaro Giacomo , Huizing Maurice J. , González-Luis Gema E. , Mosca Fabio , Villamor Eduardo
Published: November 2016

The p.Thr1406Asn (rs1047891) polymorphism of the carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) gene has been linked to functional consequences affecting the downstream availability of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine. L-arginine concentrations are decreased in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this multicenter prospective study, we investigated the association of the p.Thr1406Asn polymorphism with NEC in 477 preterm infants (36 cases of NEC) from 4 European neonatal intensive care units (Maastricht, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Mantova, and Milan). Allele and genotype frequencies of the p.Thr1406Asn polymorphism did not significantly differ between the infants with and without NEC. In contrast, the minor A-allele was significantly less frequent in the group of 64 infants with the combined outcome NEC or death before 34 weeks of corrected gestational age than in the infants without the outcome (0.20 vs. 0.31, P = 0.03). In addition, a significant negative association of the A-allele with the combined outcome NEC or death was found using the dominant (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.29–0.99) and the additive (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.93) genetic models. In conclusion, our study provides further evidence that a functional variant of the CPS1 gene may contribute to NEC susceptibility.
12-months metabolic changes among gender dysphoric individuals under cross-sex hormone treatment: a targeted metabolomics study
Authors: Auer Matthias K. , Cecil Alexander , Roepke Yasmin , Bultynck Charlotte , Pas Charlotte , Fuss Johannes , Prehn Cornelia , Wang-Sattler Rui , Adamski Jerzy , Stalla Günter K. , T’Sjoen Guy
Published: November 2016

Metabolomic analyses in epidemiological studies have demonstrated a strong sexual dimorphism for most metabolites. Cross-sex hormone treatment (CSH) in transgender individuals enables the study of metabolites in a cross-gender setting. Targeted metabolomic profiling of serum of fasting transmen and transwomen at baseline and following 12 months of CSH (N = 20/group) was performed. Changes in 186 serum metabolites and metabolite ratios were determined by targeted metabolomics analysis based on ESI-LC-MS/MS. RandomForest (RF) analysis was applied to detect metabolites of highest interest for grouping of transwomen and transmen before and after initiation of CSH. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to check whether group differentiation was achievable according to these variables and to see if changes in metabolite levels could be explained by a priori gender differences. PCA predicted grouping of individuals-determined by the citrulline/arginine-ratio and the amino acids lysine, alanine and asymmetric dimethylarginine - in addition to the expected grouping due to changes in sex steroids and body composition. The fact that most of the investigated metabolites did, however, not change, indicates that the majority of sex dependent differences in metabolites reported in the literature before may primarily not be attributable to sex hormones but to other gender-differences.
The Role of Posttraumatic Hypothermia in Preventing Dendrite Degeneration and Spine Loss after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wang Chuan-fang , Zhao Cheng-cheng , Jiang Gan , Gu Xiao , Feng Jun-feng , Jiang Ji-yao
Published: November 2016

Posttraumatic hypothermia prevents cell death and promotes functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, little is known regarding the effect of hypothermia on dendrite degeneration and spine loss after severe TBI. In the present study, we used thy1-GFP transgenic mice to investigate the effect of hypothermia on the dendrites and spines in layer V/VI of the ipsilateral cortex after severe TBI. We found that hypothermia (33 °C) dramatically prevented dendrite degeneration and spine loss 1 and 7 days after CCI. The Morris water maze test revealed that hypothermia preserved the learning and memory functions of mice after CCI. Hypothermia significantly increased the expression of the synaptic proteins GluR1 and PSD-95 at 1 and 7 days after CCI in the ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus compared with that of the normothermia TBI group. Hypothermia also increased cortical and hippocampal BDNF levels. These results suggest that posttraumatic hypothermia is an effective method to prevent dendrite degeneration and spine loss and preserve learning and memory function after severe TBI. Increasing cortical and hippocampal BDNF levels might be the mechanism through which hypothermia prevents dendrite degeneration and spine loss and preserves learning and memory function.
Exploring time- and frequency- dependent functional connectivity and brain networks during deception with single-trial event-related potentials
Authors: Gao Jun-feng , Yang Yong , Huang Wen-tao , Lin Pan , Ge Sheng , Zheng Hong-mei , Gu Ling-yun , Zhou Hui , Li Chen-hong , Rao Ni-ni
Published: November 2016

To better characterize the cognitive processes and mechanisms that are associated with deception, wavelet coherence was employed to evaluate functional connectivity between different brain regions. Two groups of subjects were evaluated for this purpose: 32 participants were required to either tell the truth or to lie when facing certain stimuli, and their electroencephalogram signals on 12 electrodes were recorded. The experimental results revealed that deceptive responses elicited greater connectivity strength than truthful responses, particularly in the θ band on specific electrode pairs primarily involving connections between the prefrontal/frontal and central regions and between the prefrontal/frontal and left parietal regions. These results indicate that these brain regions play an important role in executing lying responses. Additionally, three time- and frequency-dependent functional connectivity networks were proposed to thoroughly reflect the functional coupling of brain regions that occurs during lying. Furthermore, the wavelet coherence values for the connections shown in the networks were extracted as features for support vector machine training. High classification accuracy suggested that the proposed network effectively characterized differences in functional connectivity between the two groups of subjects over a specific time-frequency area and hence could be a sensitive measurement for identifying deception.
In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy of transition metal based water oxidation catalysts
Authors: van Oversteeg Christina H. M. , Doan Hoang Q. , de Groot Frank M. F. , Cuk Tanja
Published: November 2016

X-ray absorption studies of the geometric and electronic structure of primarily heterogeneous Co, Ni, and Mn based water oxidation catalysts are reviewed.
The methanol-ethyl acetate partitioned fraction from Chinese olive fruits inhibits cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth by promoting apoptosis through the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Hsieh Shu-Chen , Hsieh Wang-Ju , Chiang An-Na , Su Nan-Wei , Yeh Yu-Te , Liao Yi-Chun
Published: November 2016

The anti-proliferation and anti-tumor effects on cancer cells mediated by MEO is due to inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
Increasing the stability of Mg2(dobpdc) metal–organic framework in air through solvent removal
Authors: Vitillo Jenny G. , Bordiga Silvia
Published: November 2016

A simple way to increase MOFs stability in air? Solvent removal. Counterintuitive? No, it is not. The condensation of water is delayed by removing all the solvent (polar) molecules from the pores.
Graphene oxide coupled carbon nitride homo-heterojunction photocatalyst for enhanced hydrogen production
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Ziaur , Zhang Jun , Tang Youhong , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: November 2016

A metal-free ternary homo-heterojunction is developed for the first time and demonstrated for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Lateral fluoro-substitution and chiral effects on supramolecular liquid crystals containing rod-like and H-bonded bent-core mesogens
Authors: Han Chun-Chieh , Yang Li-Han , Raghunath Putikam , Lin Ming-Chang , Kumar Rohit , Lin Hong-Cheu
Published: November 2016

We report the first series of liquid crystalline supramolecular diads containing asymmetric rod-like and H-bonded bent-core mesogens with a wide BPI range, where biaxial parameters and HTP values are the most important factors to stabilize the BPI.
Sugar based amphiphiles: easily accessible and efficient crude oil spill thickening agents
Authors: Samateh Malick , Vidyasagar Adiyala , Jadhav Swapnil R. , John George
Published: November 2016

This work demonstrates the use of biomass for the catalytic production of phase-selective gelators (PSGs) as a cost-effective, eco-friendly and ideal method for crude oil spill remediation, and the execution of the study exclusively in crude oil.
Magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS for rapid analysis of tyrosinase binders from San-Bai decoction by Box–Behnken statistical design
Authors: Tao Yi , Su Dandan , Du Yingshan , Li Weidong , Cai Baochang , Di Liuqing , Shi Liyun , Hu Lihong
Published: November 2016

Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme for controlling the production of melanin.
Isatin pentafluorophenylhydrazones: interesting conformational change during anion sensing
Authors: Horváth M. , Cigáň M. , Filo J. , Jakusová K. , Gáplovský M. , Šándrik R. , Gáplovský A.
Published: November 2016

Easily synthesized and highly efficient F− and CH3COO− anion sensors based on reversible keto (hydrazo)/enolate (azo) acid–base equilibrium followed by interesting conformational change in solution.
Stabilizing polysulfide-shuttle in a Li–S battery using transition metal carbide nanostructures
Authors: Al Salem Hesham , Chitturi Venkateswara Rao , Babu Ganguli , Santana Juan A. , Gopalakrishnan Deepesh , Reddy Arava Leela Mohana
Published: November 2016

Metal carbides nanostrcutures to stabilize polysulfide shuttle which is a key bottleneck for practical applications of Li–S battery.
Surface modification and porosimetry of vertically aligned hexagonal mesoporous silica films
Authors: Robertson Calum , Lodge Andrew W. , Basa Peter , Carravetta Marina , Hector Andrew L. , Kashtiban Reza J. , Sloan Jeremy , Smith David C. , Spencer Joseph , Walcarius Alain
Published: November 2016

Grafting vertically aligned mesoporous silica films with small organosilane precursors increases pore hydrophobicity, whereas larger reagents change only the film surfaces.
Polyaniline nanowhiskers induced low methanol permeability and high membrane selectivity in partially sulfonated PVdF-co-HFP membranes
Authors: Dutta Kingshuk , Das Suparna , Kundu Patit P.
Published: November 2016

Sulfonated poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro propylene)/polyaniline nanowhiskers polymer electrolyte membrane exhibited the best membrane properties in terms of methanol permeability and selectivity.
A promising screw-extrusion steam explosion pretreatment process: effects on the morphological and structural features of Eucalyptus woodchips
Authors: Liang Yong , Lei Bo , Zhong Hui-Ting , Feng Yan-Hong , Qu Jin-Ping
Published: November 2016

SESE pretreatment is a continuous high-efficiency process that dramatically decreases fiber size and breaks structural recalcitrance.
Correction: Rapid biocompatible macrocyclization of peptides with decafluoro-diphenylsulfone
Authors: Kalhor-Monfared S. , Jafari M. R. , Patterson J. T. , Kitov P. I. , Dwyer J. J. , Nuss J. M. , Derda R.
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Rapid biocompatible macrocyclization of peptides with decafluoro-diphenylsulfone’ by S. Kalhor-Monfared et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, 3785–3790.
An ether bridge between cations to extend the applicability of ionic liquids in electric double layer capacitors
Authors: Huang Hsin-Chieh , Yen Yung-Che , Chang Jui-Cheng , Su Ching-Wen , Chang Pei-Yi , Sun I.-Wen , Hsieh Chien-Te , Lee Yuh-Lang , Teng Hsisheng
Published: November 2016

Linking 5% cations with an ether bridge prevents EMIm-TFSI crystallization at low temperatures and promotes the performance of the resultant EDLC.
Interwoven heterostructural Co3O4–carbon@FeOOH hollow polyhedrons with improved electrochemical performance
Authors: Xu Wangwang , Xie Zhiqiang , Wang Zi , Dietrich Grant , Wang Ying
Published: November 2016

This work displays well-defined Co3O4–carbon hollow polyhedrons that can serve as a growth platform for amorphous FeOOH nanowires, forming interwoven hollow polyhedrons that exhibit improved reversibility and high capacity as anode material for lithium ion batteries.
Ground states for fractional magnetic operators
Authors: d’Avenia Pietro , Squassina Marco
Published: November 2016

We study a class of minimization problems for a nonlocal operator involving an external magnetic potential. The notions are physically justified and consistent with the case of absence of magnetic fields. Existence of solutions is obtained via concentration compactness.
Effects of Prandtl number on the laminar cross flow past a heated cylinder
Authors: Ajith Kumar S. , Mathur Manikandan , Sameen A. , Anil Lal S.
Published: November 2016

Flow past a heated cylinder at constant surface temperature is computationally simulated and analyzed in the laminar regime at moderate buoyancy. The parameters governing the flow dynamics are the Reynolds number, Re, the Richardson number, Ri, and the Prandtl number, Pr. We perform our computations in the range 10 ≤ Re ≤ 35, for which the flow past an unheated cylinder results in a steady separation bubble, and vary the other two parameters in the range 0 ≤ Ri ≤ 2, 0.25 ≤ Pr ≤ 100. The heat transfer from the entire cylinder surface, quantified by the average Nusselt number Nuavg, is shown to obey Nuavg = 0.7435Re0.44Pr0.346 in the mixed convection regime we investigate. For a fixed Re and Pr, the flow downstream of the cylinder becomes asymmetric as Ri is increased from zero, followed by a complete disappearance of the vortices in the recirculation bubble beyond a threshold value of Ri. For a fixed Re and Ri, the vortices in the recirculation bubble are again observed to disappear beyond a threshold Pr, but with the reappearance of both the vortices above a larger threshold of Pr. In the limit of large Pr, the time-averaged flow outside the thermal boundary layer but within the near-wake region regains symmetry about the centerline and ultimately converges to a flow field similar to that of Ri = 0; in the far-wake region, however, we observe asymmetric vortex shedding for moderate Pr. The thermal plume structure in the cylinder wake is then discussed, and the plume generation is identified at points on the cylinder where the Nusselt number is a local minimum. The difference between the plume generation and the flow separation locations on the cylinder is shown to converge to zero in the limit of large Pr. We conclude by plotting the lift and drag coefficients as a function of Ri and Pr, observing that CD decreases with Ri for Pr < Prt (and vice versa for Pr > Prt), where Prt ≈ 7.5.
Risk measures for power failures in transmission systems
Authors: Cassidy Alex , Feinstein Zachary , Nehorai Arye
Published: November 2016

We present a novel framework for evaluating the risk of failures in power transmission systems. We use the concept of systemic risk measures from the financial mathematics literature with models of power system failures in order to quantify the risk of the entire power system for design and comparative purposes. The proposed risk measures provide the collection of capacity vectors for the components in the system that lead to acceptable outcomes. Keys to the formulation of our measures of risk are two elements: a model of system behavior that provides the (distribution of) outcomes based on component capacities and an acceptability criterion that determines whether a (random) outcome is acceptable from an aggregated point of view. We examine the effects of altering the line capacities on energy not served under a variety of networks, flow manipulation methods, load shedding schemes, and load profiles using Monte Carlo simulations. Our results provide a quantitative comparison of the performance of these schemes, measured by the required line capacity. These results provide more complete descriptions of the risks of power failures than the previous, one-dimensional metrics.
A new setup for high resolution fast X-ray reflectivity data acquisition
Authors: Lippmann Milena , Buffet Adeline , Pflaum Kathrin , Ehnes Anita , Ciobanu Anca , Seeck Oliver H.
Published: November 2016

A new method for fast x-ray reflectivity data acquisition is presented. The method is based on a fast rotating, slightly tilted sample reflecting to a stationary mounted position sensitive detector and it allows for measurements of reflectivity curves in a quarter of a second. The resolution in q-space mainly depends on the beam properties and the pixel size of the detector. Maximum qz-value of 1 Å−1 can be achieved. The time-temperature depending structure changes of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) thin films were investigated in situ by applying the fast-reflectivity setup. The results are presented in this paper as illustration of the method and proof of principle.