bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Hydrogen in Basaltic Materials With Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for Application to MSL ChemCam Data
Authors: Thomas N. H. , Ehlmann B. L. , Anderson D. E. , Clegg S. M. , Forni O. , Schröder S. , Rapin W. , Meslin P.‐Y. , Lasue J. , Delapp D. M. , Dyar M. D. , Gasnault O. , Wiens R. C. , Maurice S.
Published: July 2018

The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, is equipped with ChemCam, a laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument, to determine the elemental composition of nearby targets quickly and remotely. We use a laboratory sample set including prepared mixtures of basalt with systematic variation in hydrated mineral content and compositionally well‐characterized, altered basaltic volcanic rocks to measure hydrogen by characterizing the H‐alpha emission line in LIBS spectra under Martian environmental conditions. The H contents of all samples were independently measured using thermogravimetric analysis. We found that H peak area increases with weight percent H for our laboratory mixtures with basaltic matrices. The increase is linear with weight percent H in the mixtures with structurally bound H up to about 1.25 wt.% H and then steepens for higher H‐content samples, a nonlinear trend not previously reported but potentially important for characterizing high water content materials. To compensate for instrument, environmental, and target matrix‐related effects on quantification of H content from the LIBS signal, we examined multiple normalization methods. The best performing methods utilize O 778‐ and C 248‐nm emission lines. The methods return comparable results when applied to ChemCam data of H‐bearing materials on Mars. The calibration and normalization methods tested here will aid in investigations of H by LIBS on Mars with ChemCam and SuperCam. Further laboratory work will aid quantification across different physical matrices and heterogeneous textures because of differences we observed in H in pelletized and natural rock samples of the same composition.
Seismotectonics of the Tajik Basin and Surrounding Mountain Ranges
Authors: Kufner Sofia‐Katerina , Schurr Bernd , Ratschbacher Lothar , Murodkulov Shohrukh , Abdulhameed Sanaa , Ischuk Anatoly , Metzger Sabrina , Kakar Najibullah
Published: July 2018

Seismologic and geologic fault‐slip data characterize the active deformation of the intramontane Tajik basin and its margins, the Tian Shan, Pamir, and Hindu Kush at the northwestern tip of the India‐Asia collision zone. Within this complexly deforming region, the Tajik basin lithosphere forms the backstop for the north‐dipping Indian‐slab subduction beneath the Hindu Kush but itself delaminates and retreats west and northward beneath the Pamir. Herein, we link crustal deformation to these lithosphere‐scale processes, using data from recently deployed seismic networks and geologic observations. Transpressive strike‐slip deformation dominates the bounding fault zones along the basin's northern and eastern margins. Seismicity is most intense in the Garm region/Peter I. range of the northeastern basin, where these bounding faults converge and gain a dominant thrust component. Within the basin, seismically and geologically derived P axes align with the ~W‐trending GPS velocity vectors. Seismicity is concentrated in and at the base of a southward deepening, ∼9–15‐km‐thick wedge. Seismic deformation at the basin's southern margin occurs beneath the Afghan platform, where deep crustal earthquakes likely trace the western end of the Hindu Kush subduction zone. Roughly NNE‐striking sinistral strike‐slip events outline the Hindu Kush‐Pamir transfer system, a zone of distributed shear in the crust overlying the transition of the two oppositely dipping slabs at subcrustal depths. Our observations suggest that crustal deformation in the Pamir and Hindu Kush links with lithosphere‐scale processes, whereas deformation in the basin is controlled by the westward gravitational collapse of the Pamir and the resultant basin inversion.
Reconciling Drivers of Seasonal Terminus Advance and Retreat at 13 Central West Greenland Tidewater Glaciers
Authors: Fried M. J. , Catania G. A. , Stearns L. A. , Sutherland D. A. , Bartholomaus T. C. , Shroyer E. , Nash J.
Published: July 2018

The majority of Greenland tidewater glaciers undergo a seasonal cycle in terminus position, characterized by wintertime advance and summertime retreat. Understanding mechanisms that control seasonal cycles can help elucidate how tidewater glaciers regulate dynamic ice loss on longer timescales. However, controls on terminus position are numerous and complex. To address this, we compare time series of satellite‐derived terminus positions for tidewater glaciers in central west Greenland with observations of environmental forcings, including runoff at the grounding line, mélange presence, and, where available, ocean temperature in the proglacial fjord. We show that for most glaciers, seasonal terminus positions are more sensitive to glacial runoff than mélange or ocean thermal forcing. The strength of this relationship differs for two end‐member glacier types in the region, defined by their terminus geometry and dominant calving style. First, we find a strong relationship between magnitudes of runoff and terminus retreat at tidewater glaciers with shallow grounding lines (<400 m) that calve primarily through small‐magnitude serac failures. At these glaciers, subglacial plumes drive submarine melt and locally enhance retreat, causing heterogeneous position change across the terminus and local embayments where seasonal terminus changes are largest. In contrast, deep termini susceptible to buoyant flexure retreat sporadically through full ice thickness calving events less dependent on runoff. While less common, these glaciers deliver larger ice fluxes to the ocean. With predicted surface melt increases and diminished mélange coverage in a warming climate, our results reveal the impact of environmental forcings on diverse tidewater glacier systems in the region.
Nanostructured fibers as a versatile photonic platform: radiative cooling and waveguiding through transverse Anderson localization
Authors: Shi Norman Nan , Tsai Cheng-Chia , Carter Michael J. , Mandal Jyotirmoy , Overvig Adam C. , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Lu Ming , Craig Catherine L. , Bernard Gary D. , Yang Yuan , Yu Nanfang
Published: July 2018

Broadband high reflectance in nature is often the result of randomly, three-dimensionally structured materials. This study explores unique optical properties associated with one-dimensional nanostructures discovered in silk cocoon fibers of the comet moth, Argema mittrei. The fibers are populated with a high density of air voids randomly distributed across the fiber cross-section but are invariant along the fiber. These filamentary air voids strongly scatter light in the solar spectrum. A single silk fiber measuring ~50 μm thick can reflect 66% of incoming solar radiation, and this, together with the fibers’ high emissivity of 0.88 in the mid-infrared range, allows the cocoon to act as an efficient radiative-cooling device. Drawing inspiration from these natural radiative-cooling fibers, biomimetic nanostructured fibers based on both regenerated silk fibroin and polyvinylidene difluoride are fabricated through wet spinning. Optical characterization shows that these fibers exhibit exceptional optical properties for radiative-cooling applications: nanostructured regenerated silk fibers provide a solar reflectivity of 0.73 and a thermal emissivity of 0.90, and nanostructured polyvinylidene difluoride fibers provide a solar reflectivity of 0.93 and a thermal emissivity of 0.91. The filamentary air voids lead to highly directional scattering, giving the fibers a highly reflective sheen, but more interestingly, they enable guided optical modes to propagate along the fibers through transverse Anderson localization. This discovery opens up the possibility of using wild silkmoth fibers as a biocompatible and bioresorbable material for optical signal and image transport.
3D printed optics with nanometer scale surface roughness
Authors: Vaidya Nina , Solgaard Olav
Published: July 2018

Complex optical devices including aspherical focusing mirrors, solar concentrator arrays, and immersion lenses were 3D printed using commercial technology and experimentally demonstrated by evaluating surface roughness and shape. The as-printed surfaces had surface roughness on the order of tens of microns. To improve this unacceptable surface quality for creating optics, a polymer smoothing technique was developed. Atomic force microscopy and optical profilometry showed that the smoothing technique reduced the surface roughness to a few nanometers, consistent with the requirements of high-quality optics, while tests of optical functionality demonstrated that the overall shapes were maintained so that near theoretically predicted operation was achieved. The optical surface smoothing technique is a promising approach towards using 3D printing as a flexible tool for prototyping and fabrication of miniaturized high-quality optics.
In vivo screening identifies GATAD2B as a metastasis driver in KRAS-driven lung cancer
Authors: Grzeskowiak Caitlin L. , Kundu Samrat T. , Mo Xiulei , Ivanov Andrei A. , Zagorodna Oksana , Lu Hengyu , Chapple Richard H. , Tsang Yiu Huen , Moreno Daniela , Mosqueda Maribel , Eterovic Karina , Fradette Jared J. , Ahmad Sumreen , Chen Fengju , Chong Zechen , Chen Ken , Creighton Chad J. , Fu Haian , Mills Gordon B. , Gibbons Don L. , Scott Kenneth L.
Published: July 2018

Genetic aberrations driving pro-oncogenic and pro-metastatic activity remain an elusive target in the quest of precision oncology. To identify such drivers, we use an animal model of KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma to perform an in vivo functional screen of 217 genetic aberrations selected from lung cancer genomics datasets. We identify 28 genes whose expression promoted tumor metastasis to the lung in mice. We employ two tools for examining the KRAS-dependence of genes identified from our screen: 1) a human lung cell model containing a regulatable mutant KRAS allele and 2) a lentiviral system permitting co-expression of DNA-barcoded cDNAs with Cre recombinase to activate a mutant KRAS allele in the lungs of mice. Mechanistic evaluation of one gene, GATAD2B, illuminates its role as a dual activity gene, promoting both pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic activities in KRAS-mutant lung cancer through interaction with c-MYC and hyperactivation of the c-MYC pathway.
Mechanical architecture and folding of E. coli type 1 pilus domains
Authors: Alonso-Caballero Alvaro , Schönfelder Jörg , Poly Simon , Corsetti Fabiano , De Sancho David , Artacho Emilio , Perez-Jimenez Raul
Published: July 2018

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli attach to tissues using pili type 1. Each pilus is composed by thousands of coiled FimA domains followed by the domains of the tip fibrillum, FimF-FimG-FimH. The domains are linked by non-covalent β-strands that must resist mechanical forces during attachment. Here, we use single-molecule force spectroscopy to measure the mechanical contribution of each domain to the stability of the pilus and monitor the oxidative folding mechanism of a single Fim domain assisted by periplasmic FimC and the oxidoreductase DsbA. We demonstrate that pilus domains bear high mechanical stability following a hierarchy by which domains close to the tip are weaker than those close to or at the pilus rod. During folding, this remarkable stability is achieved by the intervention of DsbA that not only forms strategic disulfide bonds but also serves as a chaperone assisting the folding of the domains.
Root exudate metabolites drive plant-soil feedbacks on growth and defense by shaping the rhizosphere microbiota
Authors: Hu Lingfei , Robert Christelle A. M. , Cadot Selma , Zhang Xi , Ye Meng , Li Beibei , Manzo Daniele , Chervet Noemie , Steinger Thomas , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Schlaeppi Klaus , Erb Matthias
Published: July 2018

By changing soil properties, plants can modify their growth environment. Although the soil microbiota is known to play a key role in the resulting plant-soil feedbacks, the proximal mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. We found that benzoxazinoids, a class of defensive secondary metabolites that are released by roots of cereals such as wheat and maize, alter root-associated fungal and bacterial communities, decrease plant growth, increase jasmonate signaling and plant defenses, and suppress herbivore performance in the next plant generation. Complementation experiments demonstrate that the benzoxazinoid breakdown product 6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2-one (MBOA), which accumulates in the soil during the conditioning phase, is both sufficient and necessary to trigger the observed phenotypic changes. Sterilization, fungal and bacterial profiling and complementation experiments reveal that MBOA acts indirectly by altering root-associated microbiota. Our results reveal a mechanism by which plants determine the composition of rhizosphere microbiota, plant performance and plant-herbivore interactions of the next generation.
CD32 expression is associated to T-cell activation and is not a marker of the HIV-1 reservoir
Authors: Badia Roger , Ballana Ester , Castellví Marc , García-Vidal Edurne , Pujantell Maria , Clotet Bonaventura , Prado Julia G. , Puig Jordi , Martínez Miguel A. , Riveira-Muñoz Eva , Esté José A.
Published: July 2018

CD32 has been shown to be preferentially expressed in latently HIV-1-infected cells in an in vitro model of quiescent CD4 T cells. Here we show that stimulation of CD4+ T cells with IL-2, IL-7, PHA, and anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies induces T-cell proliferation, co-expression of CD32 and the activation of the markers HLA-DR and CD69. HIV-1 infection increases CD32 expression. 79.2% of the CD32+/CD4+ T cells from HIV+ individuals under antiretroviral treatment were HLA-DR+. Resting CD4+ T cells infected in vitro generally results in higher integration of provirus. We observe no difference in provirus integration or replication-competent inducible latent HIV-1 in CD32+ or CD32− CD4+ T cells from HIV+ individuals. Our results demonstrate that CD32 expression is a marker of CD4+ T cell activation in HIV+ individuals and raises questions regarding the immune resting status of CD32+ cells harboring HIV-1 proviruses.
ZNF506-dependent positive feedback loop regulates H2AX signaling after DNA damage
Authors: Nowsheen Somaira , Aziz Khaled , Luo Kuntian , Deng Min , Qin Bo , Yuan Jian , Jeganathan Karthik B. , Yu Jia , Zhang Henan , Ding Wei , van Deursen Jan M. , Lou Zhenkun
Published: July 2018

Cells respond to cytotoxic DNA double-strand breaks by recruiting repair proteins to the damaged site. Phosphorylation of the histone variant H2AX at S139 and Y142 modulate its interaction with downstream DNA repair proteins and their recruitment to DNA lesions. Here we report ATM-dependent ZNF506 localization to the lesion through MDC1 following DNA damage. ZNF506, in turn, recruits the protein phosphatase EYA, resulting in dephosphorylation of H2AX at Y142, which further facilitates the recruitment of MDC1 and other downstream repair factors. Thus, ZNF506 regulates the early dynamic signaling in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and controls progressive downstream signal amplification. Cells lacking ZNF506 or harboring mutations found in cancer patient samples are more sensitive to radiation, offering a potential new therapeutic option for cancers with mutations in this pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrate how the DDR pathway is orchestrated by ZNF506 to maintain genomic integrity.
Publisher Correction: Spatio-temporal variability of processes across Antarctic ice-bed–ocean interfaces
Authors: Colleoni Florence , De Santis Laura , Siddoway Christine S. , Bergamasco Andrea , Golledge Nicholas R. , Lohmann Gerrit , Passchier Sandra , Siegert Martin J.
Published: July 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Florence Colleoni, which was incorrectly given as Florence Colloni. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Gene expression drives the evolution of dominance
Authors: Huber Christian D. , Durvasula Arun , Hancock Angela M. , Lohmueller Kirk E.
Published: July 2018

Dominance is a fundamental concept in molecular genetics and has implications for understanding patterns of genetic variation, evolution, and complex traits. However, despite its importance, the degree of dominance in natural populations is poorly quantified. Here, we leverage multiple mating systems in natural populations ofArabidopsisto co-estimate the distribution of fitness effects and dominance coefficients of new amino acid changing mutations. We find that more deleterious mutations are more likely to be recessive than less deleterious mutations. Further, this pattern holds across gene categories, but varies with the connectivity and expression patterns of genes. Our work argues that dominance arises as a consequence of the functional importance of genes and their optimal expression levels.
Insulin/Snail1 axis ameliorates fatty liver disease by epigenetically suppressing lipogenesis
Authors: Liu Yan , Jiang Lin , Sun Chengxin , Ireland Nicole , Shah Yatrik M. , Liu Yong , Rui Liangyou
Published: July 2018

Insulin stimulates lipogenesis but insulin resistance is also associated with increased hepatic lipogenesis in obesity. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly characterized. Here, we show a noncanonical insulin-Snail1 pathway that suppresses lipogenesis. Insulin robustly upregulates zinc-finger protein Snail1 in a PI 3-kinase-dependent manner. In obesity, the hepatic insulin-Snail1 cascade is impaired due to insulin resistance. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Snail1 enhances insulin-stimulated lipogenesis in hepatocytes, exacerbates dietary NAFLD in mice, and attenuates NAFLD-associated insulin resistance. Liver-specific overexpression of Snail1 has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, Snail1 binds to the fatty acid synthase promoter and recruits HDAC1/2 to induce deacetylation of H3K9 and H3K27, thereby repressing fatty acid synthase promoter activity. Our data suggest that insulin pathways bifurcate into canonical (lipogenic) and noncanonical (anti-lipogenesis by Snail1) two arms. The noncanonical arm counterbalances the canonical arm through Snail1-elicited epigenetic suppression of lipogenic genes. Impairment in the insulin-Snail1 arm may contribute to NAFLD in obesity.
Using machine learning and a data-driven approach to identify the small fatigue crack driving force in polycrystalline materials
Authors: Rovinelli Andrea , Sangid Michael D. , Proudhon Henry , Ludwig Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

The propagation of small cracks contributes to the majority of the fatigue lifetime for structural components. Despite significant interest, criteria for the growth of small cracks, in terms of the direction and speed of crack advancement, have not yet been determined. In this work, a new approach to identify the microstructurally small fatigue crack driving force is presented. Bayesian network and machine learning techniques are utilized to identify relevant micromechanical and microstructural variables that influence the direction and rate of the fatigue crack propagation. A multimodal dataset, combining results from a high-resolution 4D experiment of a small crack propagating in situ within a polycrystalline aggregate and crystal plasticity simulations, is used to provide training data. The relevant variables form the basis for analytical expressions thus representing the small crack driving force in terms of a direction and a rate equation. The ability of the proposed expressions to capture the observed experimental behavior is quantified and compared to the results directly from the Bayesian network and from fatigue metrics that are common in the literature. Results indicate that the direction of small crack propagation can be reliably predicted using the proposed analytical model and compares more favorably than other fatigue metrics.
Post-treatment with PT302, a long-acting Exendin-4 sustained release formulation, reduces dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a 6-Hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Shuchun , Yu Seong-Jin , Li Yazhou , Lecca Daniela , Glotfelty Elliot , Kim Hee Kyung , Choi Ho-Il , Hoffer Barry J. , Greig Nigel H. , Kim Dong Seok , Wang Yun
Published: July 2018

We previously demonstrated that pretreatment with Exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, reduces 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) –mediated dopaminergic neurodegeneration. The use of GLP-1 or Exendin-4 for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients is limited by their short half-lives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new extended release Exendin-4 formulation, PT302, in a rat model of PD. Subcutaneous administration of PT302 resulted in sustained elevations of Exendin-4 in plasma for >20 days in adult rats. To define an efficacious dose within this range, rats were administered PT302 once every 2 weeks either before or following the unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine lesioning. Pre- and post-treatment with PT302 significantly reduced methamphetamine–induced rotation after lesioning. For animals given PT302 post lesion, blood and brain samples were collected on day 47 for measurements of plasma Exendin-4 levels and brain tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (TH-IR). PT302 significantly increased TH-IR in the lesioned substantia nigra and striatum. There was a significant correlation between plasma Exendin-4 levels and TH-IR in the substantia nigra and striatum on the lesioned side. Our data suggest that post-treatment with PT302 provides long-lasting Exendin-4 release and reduces neurodegeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of PD at a clinically relevant dose.
Decreased expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 is correlated with biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer: Immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Tae Bum Sik , Cho Seok , Kim Hyun Cheol , Kim Cheol Hwan , Kang Seok Ho , Lee Jeong Gu , Kim Je Jong , Park Hong Seok , Cheon Jun , Oh Mi Mi , Kang Sung Gu
Published: July 2018

We evaluated the prognostic value of BMP-2 expression in prostate cancer tissue via immunohistochemistry in prostate cancer patients. From July 2007 to August 2010, radical prostatectomy specimens from 90 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (mean age, 62.7 years, mean follow-up 90.4 months) were assessed for BMP-2 expression using immunohistochemistry. We used stepwise multivariate Cox regression models stratified by study to assess the independent effects of the predictive factors and estimated hazard ratios (HRs). There were significant differences in the baseline characteristics of Gleason score (GS) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) between the groups with decreased and normal BMP-2 expression. Univariate analysis revealed GS, T stage (≥T3), and decreased BMP-2 expression as significant predictive determinants of BCR. In addition, GS (7: HR 2.836, p = 0.022; ≥8: HR 3.506, p = 0.048) and decreased BMP-2 expression (HR 2.007, p = 0.047) were significantly correlated with BCR in multivariate analysis. Overall five-year BCR-free survival rates in the group with decreased BMP-2 expression were worse than those in the group with normal expression. Therefore, decreased BMP-2 expression in prostate cancer tissue was correlated with the prognostic factors for BCR-free survival in patients with prostate cancer.
Blast-induced cochlear synaptopathy in chinchillas
Authors: Hickman T. T. , Smalt C. , Bobrow J. , Quatieri T. , Liberman M. C.
Published: July 2018

When exposed to continuous high-level noise, cochlear neurons are more susceptible to damage than hair cells (HCs): exposures causing temporary threshold shifts (TTS) without permanent HC damage can destroy ribbon synapses, permanently silencing the cochlear neurons they formerly activated. While this “hidden hearing loss” has little effect on thresholds in quiet, the neural degeneration degrades hearing in noise and may be an important elicitor of tinnitus. Similar sensory pathologies are seen after blast injury, even if permanent threshold shift (PTS) is minimal. We hypothesized that, as for continuous-noise, blasts causing only TTS can also produce cochlear synaptopathy with minimal HC loss. To test this, we customized a shock tube design to generate explosive-like impulses, exposed anesthetized chinchillas to blasts with peak pressures from 160–175 dB SPL, and examined the resultant cochlear dysfunction and histopathology. We found exposures that cause large >40 dB TTS with minimal PTS or HC loss often cause synapse loss of 20–45%. While synaptopathic continuous-noise exposures can affect large areas of the cochlea, blast-induced synaptopathy was more focal, with localized damage foci in midcochlear and basal regions. These results clarify the pathology underlying blast-induced sensory dysfunction, and suggest possible links between blast injury, hidden hearing loss, and tinnitus.
FIB-FESEM and EMPA results on Antoninianus silver coins for manufacturing and corrosion processes
Authors: Doménech-Carbó María Teresa , Di Turo Francesca , Montoya Noemí , Catalli Fiorenzo , Doménech-Carbó Antonio , De Vito Caterina
Published: July 2018

A set of ancient Antoninianus silver coins, dating back between 249 and 274 A.D. and minted in Rome, Galliae, Orient and Ticinum, have been characterized. We use, for the first time, a combination of nano-invasive (focused ion beam-field emission scanning electron microscopy-X-ray microanalysis (FIB-FESEM-EDX), voltammetry of microparticles (VIMP)) and destructive techniques (scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA)) along with non-invasive, i.e., micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that, contrary to the extended belief, a complex Ag-Cu-Pb-Sn alloy was used. The use of alloys was common in the flourishing years of the Roman Empire. In the prosperous periods, Romans produced Ag-Cu alloys with relatively high silver content for the manufacture of both the external layers and inner nucleus of coins. This study also revealed that, although surface silvering processes were applied in different periods of crisis under the reign of Antoninii, even during crisis, Romans produced Antoninianus of high quality. Moreover, a first attempt to improve the silvering procedure using Hg-Ag amalgam has been identified.
Outcome and prognostic factors in 593 non-metastatic rectal cancer patients: a mono-institutional survey
Authors: Langrand-Escure Julien , Diao Peng , Garcia Max-Adrien , Wang Guoping , Guy Jean-Baptiste , Espenel Sophie , Guillaume Elodie , Rehailia-Blanchard Amel , Pigné Grégoire , de Laroche Guy , Kaczmarek David , Muron Thierry , Porcheron Jack , Phelip Jean-Marc , Vallard Alexis , Magné Nicolas
Published: July 2018

This retrospective study was undertaken to provide more modern data of real-life management of non-metastatic rectal cancer, to compare therapeutic strategies, and to identify prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of patients. Data on efficacy and on acute/late toxicity were retrospectively collected. Patients were diagnosed a non-metastatic rectal cancer between 2004 and 2015, and were treated at least with radiotherapy. OS was correlated with patient, tumor and treatment characteristics with univariate and multivariate analyses. Data of 593 consecutive non-metastatic rectal cancer patients were analyzed. Median follow-up was 41 months. Median OS was 9 years. Radiotherapy was delivered in pre-operative (n = 477, 80.5%), post-operative (n = 75, 12.6%) or exclusive (n = 41, 6.9%) setting. In the whole set of patients, age, nutritional condition, tumor stage, tumor differentiation, and surgery independently influenced OS. For patients experiencing surgery, OS was influenced by age, tumor differentiation and nodal status. Surgical resection is the cornerstone treatment for locally-advanced rectal cancer. Poor tumor differentiation and node involvement were identified as major predictive factor of poor OS. The research in treatment intensification and in identification of radioresistance biomarkers should therefore probably be focused on this particular subset of patients.
Structural dynamics of calmodulin-ryanodine receptor interactions: electron paramagnetic resonance using stereospecific spin labels
Authors: Her Cheng , Thompson Andrew R. , Karim Christine B. , Thomas David D.
Published: July 2018

We have used electron paramagnetic resonance, with rigid and stereospecific spin labels, to resolve structural states in calmodulin (CaM), as affected by binding of Ca and a CaM-binding peptide (RyRp) derived from the ryanodine receptor (RyR), the Ca channel that triggers muscle contraction. CaM mutants containing a pair of cysteines in the N-lobe and/or C-lobe were engineered and labeled with a stereospecifically bound bifunctional spin label (BSL). RyRp was synthesized with and without TOAC (a stereospecifically attached spin-labeled amino acid) substituted for a single amino acid near the N-terminus. Intramolecular DEER distance measurements of doubly-labeled BSL-CaM revealed that CaM exists in dynamic equilibrium among multiple states, consistent with open, closed, and compact structural models. Addition of RyRp shifted the equilibrium partially toward the compact state in the absence of Ca, and completely toward the compact state in the presence of Ca, supporting a conformational selection model. Inter-protein distance measurements show that Ca stabilizes the compact state primarily by inducing ordered binding of the CaM N-lobe to RyRp, while only slightly affecting the C-lobe. The results provide insight into the structural mechanism of CaM-mediated RyR regulation, while demonstrating the power of using two types of rigidly and stereospecifically bound spin labels.
Dentinogenic effects of extracted dentin matrix components digested with matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Okamoto Motoki , Takahashi Yusuke , Komichi Shungo , Cooper Paul R. , Hayashi Mikako
Published: July 2018

Dentin is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite crystals within a rich organic matrix. The organic matrix comprises collagenous structural components, within which a variety of bioactive molecules are sequestered. During caries progression, dentin is degraded by acids and enzymes derived from various sources, which can release bioactive molecules with potential reparative activity towards the dentin-pulp complex. While these molecules’ repair activities in other tissues are already known, their biological effects are unclear in relation to degradation events during disease in the dentin-pulp complex. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of dentin matrix components (DMCs) that are partially digested by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)in vitroandin vivoduring wound healing of the dentin-pulp complex. DMCs were initially isolated from healthy dentin and treated with recombinant MMPs. Subsequently, their effects on the behaviour of primary pulp cells were investigatedin vitroandin vivo. Digested DMCs modulated a range of pulp cell functionsin vitro. In addition, DMCs partially digested with MMP-20 stimulated tertiary dentin formationin vivo, which exhibited a more regular tubular structure than that induced by treatment with other MMPs. Our results indicate that MMP-20 may be especially effective in stimulating wound healing of the dentin-pulp complex.
Population authentication of the traditional medicinal plant Cassia tora L. based on ISSR markers and FTIR analysis
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Roy Bijoy Krishna
Published: July 2018

Cassia torais a plant of medicinal importance. Medicinal plants from different localities are believed to differ in their therapeutic potency. In this study, six populations ofC. torawith different eco-geographical origins were investigated genotypically (ISSR) and phytochemically (FTIR) to establish an integrated approach for population discrimination and authentication of the origin of this medicinal herb.CHSgene expression analysis and determination of flavonoid content were carried out to substantiate the study. A total of 19 population-specific authentication bands were observed in 11 ISSR fingerprints. Authentication codes were generated using six highly polymorphic bands, including three authentication bands. FTIR spectra revealed that the peaks at wavenumber 1623 cm−1(carbonyl group) and 1034 cm−1(>CO- group) were powerful in separating the populations. These peaks are assigned to flavonoids and carbohydrates, respectively, were more intense for Ranchi (highland) population. Variation in the transcript level ofCHSgene was observed. The findings of FTIR and RT-PCR analyses were in agreement with the TFC analysis, where, the lowest amount of flavonoids observed for Lucknow (lowland) population. All the populations ofC. torahave been authenticated accurately by ISSR analyses and FTIR fingerprinting, and the Ranchi site was observed to be more suitable for the potential harvesting of therapeutic bioactive compounds.
Copper/iron co-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of unactivated alkyl bromides
Authors: Li Yahui , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: July 2018

Carbonylative transformations of alkyl bromides have been explored less than those of aryl halides, in part because of the high barrier to activation of aryl bromides. Additionally, alkyl-metal reagents formed in situ can tend to undergo β-hydride elimination. Here we describe a copper/iron co-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of unactivated alkyl bromides. In the presence of catalytic quantities of iron and copper catalysts, primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl bromides are carbonylatively transformed into the corresponding aliphatic esters in good yields. A potential reaction mechanism is proposed based on control experiments.
Correction: Transformation of the surface compositions of titanium during alkali and heat treatment at different vacuum degrees
Authors: Li Ning-bo , Xiao Gui-yong , Tsai I-Hsien , Zhao Jun-han , Chen Xin , Xu Wen-hua , Lu Yu-peng
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Transformation of the surface compositions of titanium during alkali and heat treatment at different vacuum degrees’ by Ning-bo Li et al., New J. Chem., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00201k.
Size-controllable ultrafine palladium nanoparticles immobilized on calcined chitin microspheres as efficient and recyclable catalysts for hydrogenation
Authors: Pei Xianglin , Deng Yi , Li Yan , Huang Yange , Yuan Kang , Lee Jyh-Fu , Chan Ting-Shan , Zhou Jinping , Lei Aiwen , Zhang Lina
Published: July 2018

Ultrafine palladium nanoparticles immobilized on calcined chitin microspheres as highly efficient and recyclable catalysts for hydrogenation.
Surface functionalisation significantly changes the physical and electronic properties of carbon nano-dots
Authors: Swift Thomas A. , Duchi Marta , Hill Stephen A. , Benito-Alifonso David , Harniman Robert L. , Sheikh Sadiyah , Davis Sean A. , Seddon Annela M. , Whitney Heather M. , Galan M. Carmen , Oliver Thomas A. A.
Published: July 2018

The electronic structure of glycan functionalised carbon nano-dots is greatly affected by the choice of carbohydrate.
Low-voltage and high-performance field-effect transistors based on ZnxSn1−xO nanofibers with a ZrOx dielectric
Authors: Wang Zhen , Meng You , Cui Youchao , Fan Caixuan , Liu Guoxia , Shin Byoungchul , Feng Dejun , Shan Fukai
Published: July 2018

The electrical performance of FETs based on ZnxSn1−xO nanofibers can be precisely regulated by manipulating their composition ratios.
Ultrasmall Au nanocatalysts supported on nitrided carbon for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: the role of the carbon support in high selectivity
Authors: Jin Lei , Liu Ben , Wang Pu , Yao Huiqin , Achola Laura A. , Kerns Peter , Lopes Aaron , Yang Yue , Ho Josha , Moewes Alexander , Pei Yong , He Jie
Published: July 2018

Ultrasmall Au nanocatalysts supported on nitrided carbon show superior mass activity and high selectivity for CO2 electrochemical reduction as a result of the synergy of nitrogen sites of the carbon and electron-rich Au surface.
Potential use of kraft and organosolv lignins as a natural additive for healthcare products
Authors: Gordobil Oihana , Herrera René , Yahyaoui Marwa , İlk Sedef , Kaya Murat , Labidi Jalel
Published: July 2018

New opportunities for industrial and lab-scale isolated lignin as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and sunscreen product.
Surface modified composite nanofibers for the removal of indigo carmine dye from polluted water
Authors: Yazdi M. G. , Ivanic M. , Mohamed Alaa , Uheida A.
Published: July 2018

Surface coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) with 3-mercaptopropionic acid were immobilized on amidoximated polyacrilonitrile (APAN) nanofibers using electrospinning followed by crosslinking.
Electrorheological behavior of iron(ii) oxalate micro-rods
Authors: Kutalkova E. , Plachy T. , Osicka J. , Cvek M. , Mrlik M. , Sedlacik M.
Published: July 2018

The application of rod-like iron(ii) oxalates particles led to significant electrorheological effect as provede.g. viathe creep-recovery experiments under the application of an external electric field.
Molecular-scale structures of the surface and hydration shell of bioinert mixed-charged self-assembled monolayers investigated by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy
Authors: Araki Yuki , Sekine Taito , Chang Ryongsok , Hayashi Tomohiro , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Water molecules above a bioinert mixed-charged self-assembled monolayer (MC-SAM) surface are highly structured compared to those of bioactive SAM surfaces.
Co/Cu-MFF derived mesoporous ternary metal oxide microcubes for enhancing the catalytic activity of the CO oxidation reaction
Authors: Song Huijun , Zhang Li , Xu Guancheng , Zhang Chi , Ma Xin , Zhang Lu , Jia Dianzeng
Published: July 2018

The fabricated CuxCo3−xO4 microcubes with structure and component merits exhibit good performance for CO oxidation.
Controllable synthesis of coloured Ag0/AgCl with spectral analysis for photocatalysis
Authors: Fan Yingying , Bao Yu , Song Zhongqian , Sun Zhonghui , Wang Dandan , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: July 2018

Through surface state modification, distinctly coloured AgCl (blue and fuchsia) materials have been successfully fabricated and exhibit a broader absorption region than normal white-coloured AgCl crystals for photocatalytic reactions.
Correlation between electrochemical properties and stress corrosion cracking of super 13Cr under an HTHP CO2 environment
Authors: Yue Xiaoqi , Zhao Mifeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Huijuan , Li Dapeng , Lu Minxu
Published: July 2018

The degradation of a surface film induces pitting corrosion, which further increases SCC susceptibility.
Integrated plug flow synthesis and crystallisation of pyrazinamide
Authors: Scott C. Daniel , Labes Ricardo , Depardieu Martin , Battilocchio Claudio , Davidson Matthew G. , Ley Steven V. , Wilson Chick C. , Robertson Karen
Published: July 2018

Pure pyrazinamide has been produced in a coupled flow synthesis and crystallisation in high yield, pure polymorphic form (γ) and narrow particle size distribution.
High performance potassium–sulfur batteries based on a sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathode and polyacrylic acid binder
Authors: Hwang Jang-Yeon , Kim Hee Min , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: July 2018

A rechargeable potassium–sulfur battery based on SPAN cathode and PAA binder demonstrated high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability.
Ratiometric detection of Zn2+ and Cd2+ based on self-assembled nanoarchitectures with dual emissions involving aggregation enhanced emission (AEE) and its application
Authors: Qu Fei , Zhao Lingyun , Han Wenli , You Jinmao
Published: July 2018

Self-assembled nanospheres are fabricated by silicon nanoparticles and Au nanoclusters for the ratiometric detection of Zn2+ and are applied in cell imaging.
The near-nucleus gas coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko prior to the descent of the surface lander PHILAE
Authors: Zakharov V. V. , Crifo J.-F. , Rodionov A.V. , Rubin M. , Altwegg K.
Published: July 2018

Context.The European Space Agency (ESA) Rosetta mission was the most comprehensive study of a comet ever performed. In particular, the Rosetta orbiter, which carried many instruments for monitoring the evolution of the dusty gas emitted by the cometary nucleus, returned an enormous volume of observational data collected from the close vicinity of the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Aims.Such data are expected to yield unique information on the physical processes of gas and dust emission, using current physical model fits to the data. We present such a model (the RZC model) and our procedure of adjustment of this model to the data.

Methods.The RZC model consists of two components: (1) a numerical three-dimensional time-dependent code solving the Eulerian/Navier-Stokes equations governing the gas outflow, and a direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) gaskinetic code with the same objective; and (2) an iterative procedure to adjust the assumed model parameters to best-fit the observational data at all times.

Results.We demonstrate that our model is able to reproduce the overall features of the local neutral number density and composition measurements of Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis (ROSINA) Comet Pressure Sensor (COPS) and Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) instruments in the period August 1–November 30, 2014. The results of numerical simulations show that illumination conditions on the nucleus are the main driver for the gas activity of the comet. We present the distribution of surface inhomogeneity best-fitted to the ROSINA COPS and DFMS in situ measurements.
Diabetes Mellitus and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Demographical and Clinical Description of a Relatively Rare Phenotype
Authors: de Sousa Gideon , Prinz Nicole , Becker Marianne , Dürr Renate , Faller Uta , Meraner Dagmar , Heise Nicolai , Engelmann Illa , Bruckmayer Herbert , Wiemann Dagobert , Fritsch Maria , Stratmann Bernd , Holl Reinhard
Published: July 2018

We studied demographic, metabolic, and clinical characteristics of patients with diabetes and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) from the German/Austrian DPV registry. A total of 139 patients with diabetes and AIH were analyzed and compared to 437 728 patients with diabetes without AIH. The prevalence of AIH in patients with T1DM (44.8/100 000) seems higher than in the general population, the prevalence of AIH in patients with T2DM (23.6/100 000) does not seem to be increased. Patients with T2DM and AIH had a shorter duration of diabetes (p=0.007) and a higher proportion of females (p<0.001) compared to T2DM without AIH. Patients with diabetes (T1DM or T2DM) and AIH required higher insulin doses (p<0.001 and p=0.03, respectively) and showed increased liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase) compared to diabetes patients without (all p<0.001). We detected a lower percentage of patients treated with oral antidiabetic drugs (p=0.01) and a higher percentage of patients treated by insulin in patients with T2DM and AIH (p<0.001) compared to patients with T2DM alone. We observed a higher incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT) in patients with diabetes (T1DM or T2DM) and AIH (p<0.001) compared to diabetes patients without AIH. AIH seems more frequent in patients with T1DM. Patients with diabetes and AIH require intensification of antidiabetic therapy and seem to have a higher prevalence of AIT.
Increased Plasma Thrombin-Antithrombin III Complex Levels in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients with Albuminuria Are Reduced by Ethyl Icosapentatenoate
Authors: Shimizu Hiroyuki , Ohtani Ken-Ichi , Tanaka Yoshito , Fukatsu Akira , Uehara Yutaka , Sato Noriyuki , Mori Masatomo
Published: July 2018

Hypercoagulability may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients with albuminuria. Plasma thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) levels, representing a functional state of clotting system, were studied in one hundred and fifteen non-insulin- dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to the urine albumin index (UAI: mg/g Cr): Group A; UAI<30, Group B; 30<UAI<300, Group C; UAI>300. The effect of albuminuria on plasma TAT levels was significant (p<0.02). Ethyl icosapentatenoate (EPA: 1800 mg/day) for 4 weeks significantly (p<0.0005) decreased plasma TAT levels. These data indicate that the degree of diabetic albuminuria is related to plasma TAT levels in NIDDM patients and that treatment with EPA may reduce TAT levels and possibly therefore the rate of development of CVD in patients with NIDDM.
Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin Reduces Endotoxin-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Injury Via Protein C Activation in Rats
Authors: Uchiba Mitsuhiro , Okajima Kenji , Murakami Kazunori , Nawa Katsuhico , Okabe Hiroaki , Takatsuki Kiyoshi
Published: July 2018

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious complication of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or multiple organ failure. To determine whether recombinant soluble human thrombomodulin (rsTM) may be useful in treating ARDS due to sepsis, we investigated the effect of rsTM on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary vascular injury in rats. The intravenous administration of rsTM prevented the increase in pulmonary vascular permeability induced by LPS. Neither heparin plus antithrombin III (AT III) nor dan- syl Glu Gly Arg chloromcthyl ketone-treated factor Xa (DEGR-Xa), a selective inhibitor of thrombin generation, prevented LPS-induced vascular injury. The agents rsTM, heparin plus AT III, and DEGR-Xa all significantly inhibited the LPS-induced intravascular coagulation. Recombinant soluble TM pretreated with a monoclonal antibody (moAb) that inhibits protein C activation by rsTM did not prevent the LPS-induced vascular injury; in contrast, rsTM pretreated with a moAb that does not affect thrombin binding or protein C activation by rsTM prevented vascular injury. Administration of activated protein C (APC) also prevented vascular injury. LPS-induced pulmonary vascular injury was significantly reduced in rats with leukopenia induced by nitrogen mustard and by ONO-5046, a potent inhibitor of granulocyte elastase.

Results suggest that rsTM prevents LPS-induced pulmonary vascular injury via protein C activation and that the APC-induced prevention of vascular injury is independent of its anticoagulant activity, but dependent on its ability to inhibit leukocyte activation.