bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environment-dependent striatal gene expression in the BACHD rat model for Huntington disease
Authors: Novati Arianna , Hentrich Thomas , Wassouf Zinah , Weber Jonasz J. , Yu-Taeger Libo , Déglon Nicole , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Schulze-Hentrich Julia M.
Published: April 2018

Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene which results in progressive neurodegeneration in the striatum, cortex, and eventually most brain areas. Despite being a monogenic disorder, environmental factors influence HD characteristics. Both human and mouse studies suggest that mutant HTT (mHTT) leads to gene expression changes that harbor potential to be modulated by the environment. Yet, the underlying mechanisms integrating environmental cues into the gene regulatory program have remained largely unclear. To better understand gene-environment interactions in the context of mHTT, we employed RNA-seq to examine effects of maternal separation (MS) and environmental enrichment (EE) on striatal gene expression during development of BACHD rats. We integrated our results with striatal consensus modules defined on HTT-CAG length and age-dependent co-expression gene networks to relate the environmental factors with disease progression. While mHTT was the main determinant of expression changes, both MS and EE were capable of modulating these disturbances, resulting in distinctive and in several cases opposing effects of MS and EE on consensus modules. This bivalent response to maternal separation and environmental enrichment may aid in explaining their distinct effects observed on disease phenotypes in animal models of HD and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Sorbent Film-Coated Passive Samplers for Explosives Vapour Detection Part B: Deployment in Semi-Operational Environments and Alternative Applications
Authors: McEneff Gillian L. , Richardson Alexandra , Webb Tony , Wood Dan , Murphy Bronagh , Irlam Rachel , Mills Jim , Green David , Barron Leon P.
Published: April 2018

The application of new sorbent-film coated passive samplers for capture of bulk commercial and military explosives vapours in operationally relevant spaces such as luggage, rooms, vehicles and shipping containers is presented. Samplers were easily integrated with in-service detection technologies with little/no sample preparation required. Ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) was detected within 4 h in a container holding a suitcase packed with 0.2 kg Perunit 28E. Within a 22,000 dm3 room, 1 kg of concealed Seguridad was detected within 24 h and in an adjoining room within 7 days. Exposed samplers also successfully captured components of 1 kg TNT after 72 h and 1 kg concealed Perunit 28E after 6 h in both a furnished room and a large, partially filled shipping container. For the latter, samplers captured detectable residues outside the container after 24 h and were stable during wet weather for 72 h. A one-week trial at three operationally relevant venues including a university, a theatre and a government building revealed a nuisance positive rate of <1.4% (n = 72). Finally, two alternative applications are presented for extraction of liquid samples and use a particulate contact swab showing flexibility for a range of different search activities.
Chasing genetic structure in coralligenous reef invertebrates: patterns, criticalities and conservation issues
Authors: Costantini Federica , Ferrario Filippo , Abbiati Marco
Published: April 2018

Conservation of coastal habitats is a global issue, yet biogenic reefs in temperate regions have received very little attention. They have a broad geographic distribution and are a key habitat in marine ecosystems impacted by human activities. In the Mediterranean Sea coralligenous reefs are biodiversity hot spots and are classified as sensitive habitats deserving conservation. Genetic diversity and structure influence demographic, ecological and evolutionary processes in populations and play a crucial role in conservation strategies. Nevertheless, a comprehensive view of population genetic structure of coralligenous species is lacking. Here, we reviewed the literature on the genetic structure of sessile and sedentary invertebrates of the Mediterranean coralligenous reefs. Linear regression models and meta-analytic approaches are used to assess the contributions of genetic markers, phylum, pelagic larval duration (PLD) and geographical distance to the population genetic structure. Our quantitative approach highlight that 1) most species show a significant genetic structure, 2) structuring differs between phyla, and 3) PLD does not appear to be a major driver of the structuring. We discuss the implication of these finding for the management and conservation, suggesting research areas that deserve attention, and providing recommendations for broad assessment and monitoring of genetic diversity in biogenic reefs species.
Use of statins and the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chu Che-Sheng , Tseng Ping-Tao , Stubbs Brendon , Chen Tien-Yu , Tang Chia-Hung , Li Dian-Jeng , Yang Wei-Cheng , Chen Yen-Wen , Wu Ching-Kuan , Veronese Nicola , Carvalho Andre F. , Fernandes Brisa S. , Herrmann Nathan , Lin Pao-Yen
Published: April 2018

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate whether the use of statins could be associated with the risk of all-caused dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Major electronic databases were searched until December 27th, 2017 for studies investigating use of statins and incident cognitive decline in adults. Random-effects meta-analyses calculating relative risks (RRs) were conducted to synthesize effect sizes of individual studies. Twenty-five studies met eligibility criteria. Use of statins was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all-caused dementia (k = 16 studies, adjusted RR (aRR) = 0.849, 95% CI = 0.787–0.916, p = 0.000), AD (k = 14, aRR = 0.719, 95% CI = 0.576–0.899, p = 0.004), and MCI (k = 6, aRR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.556–0.976, p = 0.033), but no meaningful effects on incident VaD (k = 3, aRR = 1.012, 95% CI = 0.620–1.652, p = 0.961). Subgroup analysis suggested that hydrophilic statins were associated with reduced risk of all-caused dementia (aRR = 0.877; CI = 0.818–0.940; p = 0.000) and possibly lower AD risk (aRR = 0.619; CI = 0.383–1.000; p = 0.050). Lipophilic statins were associated with reduced risk of AD (aRR = 0.639; CI = 0.449–0.908; p = 0.013) but not all-caused dementia (aRR = 0.738; CI = 0.475–1.146; p = 0.176). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that the use of statins may reduce the risk of all-type dementia, AD, and MCI, but not of incident VaD.
Sirtuin 7 Deficiency Ameliorates Cisplatin-induced Acute Kidney Injury Through Regulation of the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Miyasato Yoshikazu , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Sato Yoshifumi , Nakagawa Terumasa , Miyasato Yuko , Kakizoe Yutaka , Kuwabara Takashige , Adachi Masataka , Ianni Alessandro , Braun Thomas , Komohara Yoshihiro , Mukoyama Masashi , Yamagata Kazuya
Published: April 2018

Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized as one of cisplatin’s serious side effects, limiting its use in cancer therapy. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and SIRT3 play protective roles against cisplatin-induced kidney injury. However, the role of SIRT7 in cisplatin-induced kidney injury is not yet known. In this study, we found that Sirt7 knockout (KO) mice were resistant to cisplatin-induced AKI. Furthermore, our studies identified that loss of SIRT7 decreases the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by regulating the nuclear expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. It has been reported that cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is mediated by TNF-α. Our results indicate that SIRT7 plays an important role in cisplatin-induced AKI and suggest the possibility of SIRT7 as a novel therapeutic target for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Cas Adaptor Proteins Coordinate Sensory Axon Fasciculation
Authors: Vahedi-Hunter Tyler A. , Estep Jason A. , Rosette Kylee A. , Rutlin Michael L. , Wright Kevin M. , Riccomagno Martin M.
Published: April 2018

Development of complex neural circuits like the peripheral somatosensory system requires intricate mechanisms to ensure axons make proper connections. While much is known about ligand-receptor pairs required for dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axon guidance, very little is known about the cytoplasmic effectors that mediate cellular responses triggered by these guidance cues. Here we show that members of the Cas family of cytoplasmic signaling adaptors are highly phosphorylated in central projections of the DRG as they enter the spinal cord. Furthermore, we provide genetic evidence that Cas proteins regulate fasciculation of DRG sensory projections. These data establish an evolutionarily conserved requirement for Cas adaptor proteins during peripheral nervous system axon pathfinding. They also provide insight into the interplay between axonal fasciculation and adhesion to the substrate.
Isolation and characterization of a multifunctional flavonoid glycosyltransferase from Ornithogalum caudatum with glycosidase activity
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Yin Sen , Liu Ming , Kong Jian-Qiang
Published: April 2018

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are bidirectional biocatalysts catalyzing the glycosylation of diverse molecules. However, the extensive applications of GTs in glycosides formation are limited due to their requirements of expensive nucleotide diphosphate (NDP)-sugars or NDP as the substrates. Here, in an effort to characterize flexible GTs for glycodiversification of natural products, we isolated a cDNA, designated as OcUGT1 from Ornithogalum caudatum, which encoded a flavonoid GT that was able to catalyze the trans-glycosylation reactions, allowing the formation of glycosides without the additions of NDP-sugars or NDP. In addition, OcUGT1 was observed to exhibit additional five types of functions, including classical sugar transfer reaction and three reversible reactions namely NDP-sugar synthesis, sugars exchange and aglycons exchange reactions, as well as enzymatic hydrolysis reaction, suggesting OcUGT1 displays both glycosyltransferase and glycosidase activities. Expression profiles revealed that the expression of OcUGT1 was development-dependent and affected by environmental factors. The unusual multifunctionality of OcUGT1 broadens the applicability of OcUGT1, thereby generating diverse carbohydrate-containing structures.
Prospective Comparison of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB Assays for Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Du Fengjiao , Xie Li , Zhang Yonghong , Gao Fei , Zhang Huibin , Chen Wei , Sun Bingqi , Sha Wei , Fang Yong , Jia Hongyan , Xing Aiying , Du Boping , Zheng Li , Gao Mengqiu , Zhang Zongde
Published: April 2018

T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) tests, as two commercial blood assays for diagnosing active tuberculosis (ATB), are not yet fully validated. Especially, there are no reports on comparing the efficacy between the two tests in the same population in China. A multicenter, prospective comparison study was undertaken at four hospitals specializing in pulmonary diseases. A total of 746 suspected pulmonary TB were enrolled and categorized, including 185 confirmed TB, 298 probable TB and 263 non-TB. Of 32 patients with indeterminate test results (ITRs), age and underlying disease were associated with the rate of ITRs. Furthermore, the rate of ITRs determined by T-SPOT.TB was lower than QFT-GIT (0.4% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01). When excluding ITRs, the sensitivities of T-SPOT.TB and QFT-GIT were 85.2% and 84.8%, and specificities of 63.4% and 60.5%, respectively in the diagnosis of ATB. The two assays have an overall agreement of 92.3%, but exhibited a poor linear correlation (r2 = 0.086) between the levels of interferon-γ release detected by the different assays. Although having some heterogeneity in detecting interferon-γ release, both the QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB demonstrated high concordance in diagnosing ATB. However, neither of them showed suitability in the definitive diagnosis of the disease.
Hybrid cluster precursors of the LaZrO insulator for transistors: lowering the processing temperature
Authors: Zhu Peixin , Li Jinwang , Tue Phan Trong , Inoue Satoshi , Shimoda Tatsuya
Published: April 2018

Solution processing of ternary and multinary amorphous metal oxide insulators at processing temperatures below 250 °C remains challenging. Here, we report that the synthesis of a hybrid cluster structure, where the metal oxide core is coordinated by ligands and the different metal elements are incorporated into one core, is an effective strategy for the low-temperature processing of the ternary LaZrO insulator. Solvothermal treatment at 160–180 °C facilitated the development of a cluster structure. From the cluster precursor, high-performance insulating LaZrO films were obtained at 200 °C under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. The analysis data indicate that the solvothermal treatment led to structural unification of the metal oxide network and facilitated stabilization of the residual organic ingredients in UV annealing, which both contributed to the improved insulating properties of LaZrO. Together with a solution-processed channel, we have been able to fabricate LaZrO-based transistors at 200 °C. Though the channel material has not been optimized, the transistor have showed a low gate leakage current around 10 pA at an operating voltage of 15 V, an on/off ratio of near 106, a field-effect saturation mobility of 0.37 cm2 V−1 s−1, a subthreshold swing factor of 0.61 V decade−1.
Validation of ultrasound bioimaging to predict worm burden and treatment efficacy in preclinical filariasis drug screening models
Authors: Marriott Amy E. , Sjoberg Hanna , Tyrer Hayley , Gamble Joanne , Murphy Emma , Archer John , Steven Andrew , Taylor Mark J. , Turner Joseph D.
Published: April 2018

Filariasis is a global health problem targeted for elimination. Curative drugs (macrofilaricides) are required to accelerate elimination. Candidate macrofilaricides require testing in preclinical models of filariasis. The incidence of infection failures and high intra-group variation means that large group sizes are required for drug testing. Further, a lack of accurate, quantitative adult biomarkers results in protracted timeframes or multiple groups for endpoint analyses. Here we evaluate intra-vital ultrasonography (USG) to identify B. malayi in the peritonea of gerbils and CB.17 SCID mice and assess prognostic value in determining drug efficacy. USG operators, blinded to infection status, could detect intra-peritoneal filarial dance sign (ipFDS) with 100% specificity and sensitivity, when >5 B. malayi worms were present in SCID mice. USG ipFDS was predictive of macrofilaricidal activity in randomized, blinded studies comparing flubendazole, albendazole and vehicle-treated SCID mice. Semi-quantification of ipFDS could predict worm burden >10 with 87–100% accuracy in SCID mice or gerbils. We estimate that pre-assessment of worm burden by USG could reduce intra-group variation, obviate the need for surgical implantations in gerbils, and reduce total SCID mouse use by 40%. Thus, implementation of USG may reduce animal use, refine endpoints and negate invasive techniques for assessing anti-filarial drug efficacy.
Drought and plant neighbourhood interactively determine herbivore consumption and performance
Authors: Castagneyrol Bastien , Moreira Xoaquín , Jactel Hervé
Published: April 2018

Both plant neighbourhood composition and drought have well-known independent effects on insect herbivore performance, but their interactive effects remain elusive. In this study we performed a laboratory experiment to investigate the independent and combined effects of plant neighbourhood composition and drought on the performance of Gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar) feeding on silver birch (Betula pendula) leaves. For this, we collected leaf samples from birch trees growing in a field experiment where we manipulated both host-tree species diversity (three levels: birch monocultures, two-species mixtures associating birch with the pedunculate oakQuercus roburor maritime pinePinus pinaster, and three-species mixture with pedunculate oak, the maritime pine and birch) and water availability (two levels: irrigated vs. non-irrigated). In most cases, plant neighbourhood composition and irrigation treatments independently and interactively affected herbivore performance traits, especially those related to growth and food (i.e. birch leaves) processing. By addressing the interactive effects of tree species diversity and drought on insect herbivory from the herbivore’s point of view, our study builds toward a better understanding of the multiple ecological drivers of plant-insect interactions.
Mutation status and prognostic values of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA in 353 Chinese colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Guo Fang , Gong Hai , Zhao Huanhuan , Chen Jing , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Lihua , Shi Xin , Zhang Aifeng , Jin Hui , Zhang Jianqiong , He Youji
Published: April 2018

Mutations in KRAS exon 2, BRAF and PIK3CA are commonly present in colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide, but few data about RAS mutations outside KRAS exon 2 are available for Chinese CRCs. We, therefore, determined the mutation frequencies and prognostic values of KRAS exon 2, 3 and 4, NRAS exon 2 and 3, PIK3CA exon 9 and 20, and BRAF exon 15 by PCR and direct sequencing in 353 CRC patients from two Chinese clinical centers. KRAS exon 2, BRAF, PIK3CA mutations were identified in 42.2%, 4.5%, 12.3% of the cases, respectively. We found “rare mutations” in RAS genes in nearly 14% of CRCs-i.e., in almost a quarter (24.0%) of KRAS exon 2 wild type CRCs, including 2.3% in KRAS exon 3, 8.2% in KRAS exon 4 and 3.4% in NRAS. Stage I-III patients with PIK3CA or NRAS mutations developed more distant metastases (3-year risk in PIK3CA mutated and wild type patients: 23.3% vs 11.5%, P = 0.03; multivariate Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.129, P = 0.003; 3-year risk in NRAS mutated and wild type patients: 40.0% vs 12.2%, P = 0.012; multivariate HR = 5.152, P = 0.003). Our data emphasizes the importance of these novel molecular features in CRCs.
Cardiac eccentric remodeling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pascale Valeria , Finelli Rosa , Giannotti Rocco , Coscioni Enrico , Izzo Raffaele , Rozza Francesco , Caputo Dario , Moscato Paolo , Iaccarino Guido , Ciccarelli Michele
Published: April 2018

It is known that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Abnormalities in cardiac geometry appear to be involved in the setting of the cardiovascular risk, but it has never been specifically investigated in RA. We enrolled 44 patients with RA compared to 131 subjects without RA (normal, N): The RA aged between 18 and 70 years (mean 48.3 ± 2.1), 25 females, BMI 27.6 ± 0.9; N, of equal age (48.6 ± 1.2, n.s.), included 80 females (BMI 26.7 ± 0.2, ns). Cardiac Ultrasounds showed an increase of the diameter of the left ventricle but not in the septum with reduction of relative wall thickness (RWT) in the RA population compared to N. Relative wall thickness inversely correlates with biochemical parameters of inflammatory response (gamma globulin, p < 0.03; F = 5,660) and anti citrullinated peptides antibody (anti-CCP Ab) (p < 0.02; F = 7,1620) We conclude that unfavorable cardiac remodeling can increase cardiovascular risk in patients with RA.
Inhibition of the NLRP3-inflammasome as a potential approach for neuroprotection after stroke
Authors: Ismael Saifudeen , Zhao Liang , Nasoohi Sanaz , Ishrat Tauheed
Published: April 2018

Activation of the NOD-like receptor protein (NLRP3)-inflammasome has been postulated to mediate inflammatory responses to brain damage during ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We therefore hypothesized that MCC950, a selective NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor provides protection in mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 60 min tMCAO followed by intraperitoneal administration of MCC950 (50 mg/kg) or saline at 1 h and 3 h post-occlusion. After 24 h of I/R, mice were tested for neurological outcome and were sacrificed for the analysis of infarct size and estimating NLRP3-inflammasome and apoptotic markers as well. Spectrophotometric method was used to determine hemoglobin (Hb) content as a marker of intracerebral hemorrhage. MCC950-treated mice showed a substantial reduction in infarction, edema and Hb content compared to saline controls in parallel with improved neurological deficits. MCC950 reduced expression of NLRP3-inflammasome cleavage products Caspase-1 and interlukin-1β (IL-1β) in penumbral region. These protective effects of MCC950 were associated with decreased TNF-α levels as well as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Caspase-3 cleavage and paralleled less phosphrylated NFκBp65 and IκBα levels. Taken together, these data indicate that inhibition of NLRP3-inflammasome with MCC950 has therapeutic potential in ischemic stroke models. Further investigations into the therapeutic efficacy and protocols are needed to confirm whether MCC950 treatment could be a promising candidate for clinical trials.
New positive feedback mechanism between boundary layer meteorology and secondary aerosol formation during severe haze events
Authors: Liu Quan , Jia Xingcan , Quan Jiannong , Li Jiayun , Li Xia , Wu Yongxue , Chen Dan , Wang Zifa , Liu Yangang
Published: April 2018

Severe haze events during which particulate matter (PM) increases quickly from tens to hundreds of microgram per cubic meter in 1–2 days frequently occur in China. Although it has been known that PM is influenced by complex interplays among emissions, meteorology, and physical and chemical processes, specific mechanisms remain elusive. Here, a new positive feedback mechanism between planetary boundary layer (PBL), relative humidity (RH), and secondary PM (SPM) formation is proposed based on a comprehensive field experiment and model simulation. The decreased PBL associated with increased PM increases RH by weakening the vertical transport of water vapor; the increased RH in turn enhances the SPM formation through heterogeneous aqueous reactions, which further enhances PM, weakens solar radiation, and decreases PBL height. This positive feedback, together with the PM-Radiation-PBL feedback, constitutes a key mechanism that links PM, radiation, PBL properties (e.g. PBL height and RH), and SPM formation, This mechanism is self-amplifying, leading to faster PM production, accumulation, and more severe haze pollution.
Angular flux creep contributions in YBa2Cu3O7−δ nanocomposites from electrical transport measurements
Authors: Vallès F. , Palau A. , Rouco V. , Mundet B. , Obradors X. , Puig T.
Published: April 2018

The shape of the electric-field—current-density (E-J) curve is determined by flux pinning and also by dynamics of vortices. Here, we propose a novel methodology to study the normalized flux creep rate S in YBa2Cu3O7−δ measured from E-J curves obtained by electrical transport measurements that provides a fast and versatile way to foresee the flux magnetic relaxation in films and disentangle angular flux creep contributions by the scaling of the isotropic contribution of S. After a detailed comparison of various pristine and nanocomposite films with differentiated nanostructures, we focus on the roles that intrinsic pinning and stacking faults (YBa2Cu4O8-intergrowths) play when the magnetic field is applied parallel to the superconducting CuO2 planes. This study reveals that the emerging intergrowths provide advanced pinning properties that additionally reduce the thermal activated flux magnetic relaxation. For this purpose, creep analysis becomes a very appropriate tool to elucidate the dominance of the different pinning sites at different regions of the magnetic-field—temperature diagram.
Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Power Divider with large Isolation
Authors: Zhou Shiyan , Lin Jing-Yu , Wong Sai-Wai , Deng Fei , Zhu Lei , Yang Yang , He Yejun , Tu Zhi-Hong
Published: April 2018

Periodic corrugated metal structure is designed to support and propagate spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) wave in the microwave frequencies. In this paper, firstly a plasmonic waveguide consisting of oval-ring shaped cells is proposed with the performance of high transmission efficiency in a wide frequency range. The coplanar waveguides (CPWs) with 50 Ω impedance are adopted to feed the energies or extract signals at both ends of the plasmonic waveguide. Then a well-isolated power divider is constructed based on the SSPPs waveguides aiming to equally split the energy of the SSPPs wave into two equal parts. The stepped-impedances are co-designed with the three input/output ports of the power divider to achieve the impedance-matching between the SSPPs waveguides and the coplanar waveguides. Besides, a single resistor is placed in the middle of two symmetrical half oval-rings to realize the isolation between the two output ports over the spectrum of 4.5–7.5 GHz. Finally, both plasmonic waveguide and the power divider are fabricated and tested to verify the predicted characteristics.
Versatile and efficient chromatin pull-down methodology based on DNA triple helix formation
Authors: Isogawa Asako , Fuchs Robert P. , Fujii Shingo
Published: April 2018

The goal of present paper is to develop a reliable DNA-based method for isolation of protein complexes bound to DNA (Isolation of DNA Associated Proteins: IDAP). We describe a robust and versatile procedure to pull-down chromatinized DNA sequences-of-interest by formation of a triple helix between a sequence tag present in the DNA and a complementary triple helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO) coupled to a desthiobiotin residue. Following optimization to insure efficient recovery of native plasmids via TFO probe in vitro, the procedure is shown to work under various experimental situations. For instance, it allows capture proteins associated to plasmids hosted in E. coli, and is also successfully applied to recovering nucleosomes in vitro opening many possibilities to study post translational modifications of histones in a genuine nucleosome context. Incubation in human nuclear extracts of a plasmid carrying a NF-κB model promoter is shown to pull-down a specific transcription factor. Finally, isolation of a specific locus from human genomic chromatin has been successfully achieved (Chromatin-of-Interest Fragment Isolation: CoIFI). In conclusion, the methodology can be implemented for capturing proteins that specifically bind to any sequence-of-interest, DNA adduct or secondary structure provided a short sequence tag for triple helix formation is located nearby.
In-vivo turnover frequency of the cyanobacterial NiFe-hydrogenase during photohydrogen production outperforms in-vitro systems
Authors: Gutekunst Kirstin , Hoffmann Dörte , Westernströer Ulrike , Schulz Rüdiger , Garbe-Schönberg Dieter , Appel Jens
Published: April 2018

Cyanobacteria provide all components for sunlight driven biohydrogen production. Their bidirectional NiFe-hydrogenase is resistant against low levels of oxygen with a preference for hydrogen evolution. However, until now it was unclear if its catalytic efficiency can keep pace with the photosynthetic electron transfer rate. We identified NikKLMQO (sll0381-sll0385) as a nickel transporter, which is required for hydrogen production. ICP-MS measurements were used to quantify hydrogenase molecules per cell. We found 400 to 2000 hydrogenase molecules per cell depending on the conditions. In-vivo turnover frequencies of the enzyme ranged from 62 H2/s in the wild type to 120 H2/s in a mutant during photohydrogen production. These frequencies are above maximum in-vivo photosynthetic electron transfer rates of 47 e−/s (equivalent to 24 H2/s). They are also above those of existing in-vitro systems working with unlimited electron supply and show that in-vivo photohydrogen production is limited by electron delivery to the enzyme.
Comparison of the life-history parameters and competition outcome with Moina macrocopa between two morphs of Brachionus forficula
Authors: Ge Ya-Li , Luo Tong , Ge Cui-Cui , Zhan Rong , Yu Jin-Hang , Xi Yi-Long , Zhang Gen
Published: April 2018

In rotifers, the costs of morphological defenses, especially the development of long spines, have been investigated for several decades. However, the obtained results were inconsistent and the underlying reasons were complicated. Investigations on more species might be helpful to find out the reasons. In the present study, Brachionus forficula was selected as the model organism. The differences in developmental durations, life-table demography, starvation resistant time and the competitive ability with Moina macrocopa were compared between B. forficula with long (LPS) and short (SPS) posterior spines. The results showed that LPS showed relatively longer durations of juvenile stage at 1.0 × 106, 2.0 × 106 and 4.0 × 106 cells/ml Scenedesmus obliquus, and longer embryo stage at 2.0 × 106 cells/ml S. obliquus than SPS. The intrinsic rate of population increase and net reproduction rate were lower in LPS than SPS, suggesting the energy input to reproduction decreased. The starvation resistant time was also reduced in LPS, in comparison to SPS, further supporting that LPS consumed more energy, which might be directed to the development of long spines. All these results revealed that LPS spent more energy for individual growth than SPS, which might be used to develop long spines. Moreover, the maximum population density and population growth rate of LPS were always lower than those of SPS, suggesting that LPS might have a weaker competition ability with M. macrocope than SPS.
Low serum levels of vitamin D are associated with anxiety in children and adolescents with dialysis
Authors: Han Bin , Zhu Fu-Xiang , Yu Hai-Feng , Liu Si , Zhou Jun-Liang
Published: April 2018

Anxiety is a frequent and serious complication of children and adolescents receiving dialysis. Low serum vitamin D levels have been associated with anxiety in non-pediatric patients. This study sought to examine the possible association between serum vitamin D levels and the presence of anxiety in children and adolescents with dialysis in China. A total of 156 pediatric patients who were on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and 100 healthy controls were included in the current study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured by using a competitive protein-binding assay. Anxiety was assessed by using the Chinese version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED, = 25 as cutoff). Among 156 patients, 110 had a current anxiety (70.5%) and 46 did not (29.5%). Serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in patients with anxiety than in normal controls (19.4 ± 10.3 vs. 38.6 ± 15.5 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D levels (≤15.0 ng/ml) were independently associated with the existent of anxiety in children and adolescents receiving dialysis (OR 4.650, 95% CI 1.663–13.001, P = 0.003). Our research demonstrates that low serum levels of vitamin D are independently associated with anxiety among children and adolescents on dialysis, which needs to be confirmed in future experimental and clinical studies.
Spin-orbit torques associated with ferrimagnetic order in Pt/GdFeCo/MgO layers
Authors: Kim JongHyuk , Lee DongJoon , Lee Kyung-Jin , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Koo Hyun Cheol , Min Byoung-Chul , Lee OukJae
Published: April 2018

We investigate spin orbit torque (SOT) efficiencies and magnetic properties of Pt/GdFeCo/MgO multilayers by varying the thicknesses of GdFeCo and MgO layers. Our studies indicate that the ferrimagnetism in the GdFeCo alloy is considerably influenced by both thicknesses due to the diffusion of Gd atoms toward the MgO layer. Comparing to conventional Pt/ferromagnet/MgO structures, the Pt/GdFeCo/MgO exhibits a lower efficiency of SOTs associated with ferrimagnetic order and a similar magnitude of magnetic damping. The previous models that have been developed for rigid ferromagnets are inappropriate to analyze our experimental data, leading to an unphysical consequence of spin transmission larger than unity. Our results imply that the heavy-metal/ferrimagnet system is quite different from heavy-metal/ferromagnet systems in terms of magnetic dynamical modes, spin angular momentum transfer, and relaxation processes.
Tranilast inhibits the expression of genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in neurofibromin-deficient cells
Authors: Harigai Ritsuko , Sakai Shigeki , Nobusue Hiroyuki , Hirose Chikako , Sampetrean Oltea , Minami Noriaki , Hata Yukie , Kasama Takashi , Hirose Takanori , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Kishi Kazuo , Saya Hideyuki , Arima Yoshimi
Published: April 2018

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by germline mutations in theNF1gene and is characterized by café au lait spots and benign tumours known as neurofibromas.NF1encodes the tumour suppressor protein neurofibromin, which negatively regulates the small GTPase Ras, with the constitutive activation of Ras signalling resulting fromNF1mutations being thought to underlie neurofibroma development. We previously showed that knockdown of neurofibromin triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signalling and that such signalling is activated in NF1-associated neurofibromas. With the use of a cell-based drug screening assay, we have now identified the antiallergy drug tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid) as an inhibitor of EMT and found that it attenuated the expression of mesenchymal markers and angiogenesis-related genes inNF1-mutated sNF96.2 cells and in neurofibroma cells from NF1 patients. Tranilast also suppressed the proliferation of neurofibromin-deficient cellsin vitromore effectively than it did that of intact cells. In addition, tranilast inhibited sNF96.2 cell migration and proliferationin vivo. Knockdown of type III collagen (COL3A1) also suppressed the proliferation of neurofibroma cells, whereas expression ofCOL3A1andSOX2was increased in tranilast-resistant cells, suggesting that COL3A1 and the transcription factor SOX2 might contribute to the development of tranilast resistance.
Automatic gain control of neural coupling during cooperative hand movements
Authors: Thomas F. A. , Dietz V. , Schrafl-Altermatt M.
Published: April 2018

Cooperative hand movements (e.g. opening a bottle) are controlled by a task-specific neural coupling, reflected in EMG reflex responses contralateral to the stimulation site. In this study the contralateral reflex responses in forearm extensor muscles to ipsilateral ulnar nerve stimulation was analyzed at various resistance and velocities of cooperative hand movements. The size of contralateral reflex responses was closely related to the level of forearm muscle activation required to accomplish the various cooperative hand movement tasks. This indicates an automatic gain control of neural coupling that allows a rapid matching of corrective forces exerted at both sides of an object with the goal ‘two hands one action’.
hTERT gene knockdown enhances response to radio- and chemotherapy in head and neck cancer cell lines through a DNA damage pathway modification
Authors: Barczak Wojciech , Sobecka Agnieszka , Golusinski Pawel , Masternak Michal M. , Rubis Blazej , Suchorska Wiktoria M. , Golusinski Wojciech
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of hTERT gene knockdown in HNSCC cells by using novel in vitro models of head and neck cancer (HNSCC), as well as improving its personalized therapy. To obtain the most efficient knockdown siRNA, shRNA-bearing lentiviral vectors were used. The efficiency of hTERT silencing was verified with qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, the type of cell death and DNA repair mechanism induction after hTERT knockdown was assessed with the same methods, followed by flow cytometry. The effect of a combined treatment with hTERT gene knockdown on Double-Strand Breaks levels was also evaluated by flow cytometry. Results showed that the designed siRNAs and shRNAs were effective in hTERT knockdown in HNSCC cells. Depending on a cell line, hTERT knockdown led to a cell cycle arrest either in phase G1 or phase S/G2. Induction of apoptosis after hTERT downregulation with siRNA was observed. Additionally, hTERT targeting with lentiviruses, followed by cytostatics administration, led to induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, an increase in Double-Strand Breaks accompanied by activation of the main DNA repair mechanism, NER, was also observed. Altogether, we conclude that hTERT knockdown significantly contributes to the efficacy of HNSCC treatment.
Long-Term Coffee Monoculture Alters Soil Chemical Properties and Microbial Communities
Authors: Zhao Qingyun , Xiong Wu , Xing Yizhang , Sun Yan , Lin Xingjun , Dong Yunping
Published: April 2018

Long-term monoculture severely inhibits coffee plant growth, decreases its yield and results in serious economic losses in China. Here, we selected four replanted coffee fields with 4, 18, 26 and 57 years of monoculture history in Hainan China to investigate the influence of continuous cropping on soil chemical properties and microbial communities. Results showed long-term monoculture decreased soil pH and organic matter content and increased soil EC. Soil bacterial and fungal richness decreased with continuous coffee cropping. Principal coordinate analysis suggested monoculture time was a major determinant of bacterial and fungal community structures. Relative abundances of bacterial Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Nitrospira and fungal Ascomycota phyla decreased over time. At genus level, potentially beneficial microbes such as Nitrospira and Trichoderma, significantly declined over time and showed positive relationships with coffee plant growth in pots. In conclusion, continuous coffee cropping decreased soil pH, organic matter content, potentially beneficial microbes and increased soil EC, which might lead to the poor growth of coffee plants in pots and decline of coffee yields in fields. Thus, developing sustainable agriculture to improve soil pH, organic matter content, microbial activity and reduce the salt stress under continuous cropping system is important for coffee production in China.
The neural encoding of information prediction errors during non-instrumental information seeking
Authors: Brydevall Maja , Bennett Daniel , Murawski Carsten , Bode Stefan
Published: April 2018

In a dynamic world, accurate beliefs about the environment are vital for survival, and individuals should therefore regularly seek out new information with which to update their beliefs. This aspect of behaviour is not well captured by standard theories of decision making, and the neural mechanisms of information seeking remain unclear. One recent theory posits that valuation of information results from representation of informative stimuli within canonical neural reward-processing circuits, even if that information lacks instrumental use. We investigated this question by recording EEG from twenty-three human participants performing a non-instrumental information-seeking task. In this task, participants could pay a monetary cost to receive advance information about the likelihood of receiving reward in a lottery at the end of each trial. Behavioural results showed that participants were willing to incur considerable monetary costs to acquire early but non-instrumental information. Analysis of the event-related potential elicited by informative cues revealed that the feedback-related negativity independently encoded both an information prediction error and a reward prediction error. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that information seeking results from processing of information within neural reward circuits, and suggests that information may represent a distinct dimension of valuation in decision making under uncertainty.
Estimating system parameters for solvent–water and plant cuticle–water using quantum chemically estimated Abraham solute parameters
Authors: Liang Yuzhen , Torralba-Sanchez Tifany L. , Di Toro Dominic M.
Published: April 2018

Finding the best solute parameter set for new systems whose system parameters need to be developed from experimental data.
Preparation of high permeable alumina ceramic membrane with good separation performance via UV curing technique
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Weiya , Guan Kang , Peng Cheng , Wu Jianqing
Published: April 2018

The traditional dip-coating method for preparation of ceramic membranes requires a long drying time and easily produces drying defects. In this work, an improved dip-coating process was proposed.
A flyweight and superelastic graphene aerogel as a high-capacity adsorbent and highly sensitive pressure sensor
Authors: Xiao Jianliang , Tan Yeqiang , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: April 2018

A flyweight and superelastic silane-crossed graphene aerogel was prepared with multiple applications as a high-capacity adsorbent and highly sensitive pressure sensor.
Silicon nanowire-based multifunctional platform for chemo-photothermal synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Guo Daoxia , Ji Xiaoyuan , Wang Houyu , Bin Sun Bin Sun , Chu Binbin , Shi Yu , Su Yuanyuan , He Yao
Published: April 2018

The new type of silicon nanowire-based pH/NIR/magnetism triple-responsive system shows high-efficacy synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy on cancer cells.
Model molecules to classify CH⋯O hydrogen-bonds
Authors: Vibhute Amol M. , Deva Priyakumar U. , Ravi Arthi , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: April 2018

A set of molecules locked in the CH⋯O H-bonding conformation has been used to correlate the magnitude of the downfield shift of the1H NMR signal due to the bridging hydrogen with the hybridization state of the acceptor oxygen and the CH⋯O H-bond strength.
Electron-stimulated reactions in nanoscale water films adsorbed on α-Al2O3(0001)
Authors: Petrik Nikolay G. , Kimmel Greg A.
Published: April 2018

100 eV electrons are stopped in the H2O portion of the isotopically-layered nanoscale film on α-Al2O3(0001) but D2 is produced at the D2O/alumina interface by mobile electronic excitations and/or hydronium ions.
Time-resolved spectroscopy of the ensembled photoluminescence of nitrogen- and boron/nitrogen-doped carbon dots
Authors: Kim Sunghu , Yoo Byung-Kuk , Choi Yuri , Kim Byeong-Su , Kwon Oh-Hoon
Published: April 2018

The non-exponential decay of the photoluminescence of carbon dots are analyzed using stretched exponential fit functions to reflect the heterogeneity in their luminescent surface states.
J-Aggregation induced emission enhancement of a thienyl substituted bis(difluoroboron)-1,2-bis((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)hydrazine (BOPHY) dye
Authors: Jiang Liang , Gao Hu , Gai Lizhi , Shen Zhen
Published: April 2018

The synthesis and characterization of 2,7-diphenyl- and 2,7-dithienyl-1,3,6,8-tetramethyl bis(difluoroboron)-1,2-bis((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)hydrazine (BOPHY) derivatives 1 and 2 are described.
2,2′-Bipyridine and hydrazide containing peptides for cyclization and complex quaternary structural control
Authors: Hernandez Erik T. , Escamilla P. Rogelio , Kwon Sang-Yop , Partridge Jonathan , McVeigh Matthew , Rivera Sebastian , Reuther James F. , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: April 2018

Complex quaternary structure formation of bipy peptide ligands.
Crystal structure, physicochemical properties, Hirshfeld surface analysis and antibacterial activity assays of transition metal complexes of 6-methoxyquinoline
Authors: Villa-Pérez C. , Ortega I. C. , Vélez-Macías A. , Payán A. M. , Echeverría G. A. , Soria D. B. , Valencia-Uribe G. C.
Published: April 2018

Five complexes with 6-methoxyquinoline have been synthesized; their structural, spectroscopic, photophysical and biological properties have been studied.
Mechanistic studies of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of bicyclic thioisomünchnones with alkenes. A computational rationale focused on donor–acceptor interactions
Authors: García de la Concepción Juan , Ávalos Martín , Cintas Pedro , Jiménez José L. , Light Mark E.
Published: April 2018

Unlike monocyclic mesoionic dipoles, bicyclic thioisomünchnones provide high levels of regio- and stereoselection leading to heteroatom-rich polycycles.
Performance evaluation of non-ionic silicone surfactants OFX 0309 and DC 193C as a new approach in cloud point extraction – spectrophotometry for determination of atrazine in water samples
Authors: Mohd N. I. , Raoov M. , Mohamad S. , Zain N. N. M.
Published: April 2018

The principle of cloud point extraction (CPE) adopted for the separation of atrazine.
Extension and functionalization of an encapsulating macrobicyclic ligand using palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura and Sonogashira reactions of iron(ii) dihalogenoclathrochelates with inherent halogen substituents
Authors: Denisenko Irina N. , Varzatskii Oleg A. , Selin Roman A. , Belov Alexander S. , Lebed Ekaterina G. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Voloshin Yan Z.
Published: April 2018

A new approach for performing Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions of iron(ii) dihalogenoclathrochelates, optimizing their reaction conditions, is elaborated.
Synchronization in pairs of rotating active biomotors
Authors: Oliver Neus , Alpmann Christina , Barroso Álvaro , Dewenter Lena , Woerdemann Mike , Denz Cornelia
Published: April 2018

The emergence of synchronization between pairs of rotating bacteria is investigated as a function of the coupling strength,i.e.separation distance.
Synthesis and application of iron-based nanomaterials as anodes of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Yu Shijin , Hong Ng Vincent Ming , Wang Fajun , Xiao Zhuohao , Li Cuiyun , Kong Ling Bing , Que Wenxiu , Zhou Kun
Published: April 2018

The design, synthesis and application of iron-based materials (oxides Fe2O3/Fe3O4, hydroxide FeOOH, sulfides FeS2 and their nanocomposites) with 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructure are fully summarized in this review.
Heterogeneous NiS/NiO multi-shelled hollow microspheres with enhanced electrochemical performances for hybrid-type asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yaping , Pan Anqiang , Zhang Yifang , Shi Junrong , Lin Jiande , Liang Shuquan , Cao Guozhong
Published: April 2018

Heterogeneous NiS/NiO multi-shelled hollow microspheres exhibit excellent electrochemical performances as hybrid supercapacitor electrode materials.
A built-in electric field with nanoscale distinction for cell behavior regulation
Authors: Chen Junqi , Li Weiping , Zhou Lei , Zhou Zhengnan , Tan Guoxin , Chen Dafu , Wang Renxian , Yu Peng , Ning Chengyun
Published: April 2018

A regulatable built-in nanoscale electric field to mimic the electrical properties of piezoelectric collagen fibrils on a bone surface.
PLGA-based nanofibers with a biomimetic polynoradrenaline sheath for rapid in vivo sampling of tetrodotoxin and sulfonamides in pufferfish
Authors: Tang Yijia , Huang Siming , Xu Jianqiao , Ouyang Gangfeng , Liu Yuan
Published: April 2018

PLGA nanofibers with PNA sheath modification achieve enhanced extraction performance and antibiofouling capacity for in vivo sampling in pufferfish.
All-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots as a photoluminescent probe for ultrasensitive Cu2+ detection
Authors: Liu Yongfeng , Tang Xiaosheng , Zhu Tao , Deng Ming , Ikechukwu Iroegbu Paul , Huang Wei , Yin Guolu , Bai Yongzhong , Qu Dingrong , Huang Xianbin , Qiu Feng
Published: April 2018

Pollutions caused by heavy metals has become a wordwide concerned issue. Herein, CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots are used as fluorescent probe for selective detection of copper ions in organic phase with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.1 nM.