bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High acetylsalicylic acid dosing in infants after modified Blalock–Taussig shunt
Authors: Saini Arun , Joshi Ashwini D. , Cowan Krista M. , Wayne Gatewood Connor , Kumar Susheel T. K. , Allen Jerry , Shah Samir H. , Nouer Simonne S. , Jones Tamekia , Knott-Craig Christopher J. , Boston Umar S.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Shunt-related adverse events are frequent in infants after modified Blalock–Taussig despite use of acetylsalicylic acid prophylaxis. A higher incidence of acetylsalicylic acid-resistance and sub-therapeutic acetylsalicylic acid levels has been reported in infants. We evaluated whether using high-dose acetylsalicylic acid can decrease shunt-related adverse events in infants after modified Blalock–Taussig.

Methods

In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, we included infants ⩽1-year-old who underwent modified Blalock–Taussig placement and received acetylsalicylic acid in the ICU. We defined acetylsalicylic acid treatment groups as standard dose (⩽7 mg/kg/day) and high dose (⩾8 mg/kg/day) based on the initiating dose.

Results

There were 34 infants in each group. Both groups were similar in age, gender, cardiac defect type, ICU length of stay, and time interval to second stage or definitive repair. Shunt interventions (18 versus 32%, p=0.16), shunt thrombosis (14 versus 17%, p=0.74), and mortality (9 versus 12%, p=0.65) were not significantly different between groups. On multiple logistic regression analysis, single-ventricle morphology (odds ratio 5.2, 95% confidence interval of 1.2–23, p=0.03) and post-operative red blood cells transfusion ⩾24 hours [odds ratio 15, confidence interval of (3–71), p<0.01] were associated with shunt-related adverse events. High-dose acetylsalicylic acid treatment [odds ratio 2.6, confidence interval of (0.7–10), p=0.16] was not associated with decrease in these events.

Conclusions

High-dose acetylsalicylic acid may not be sufficient in reducing shunt-related adverse events in infants after modified Blalock–Taussig. Post-operative red blood cells transfusion may be a modifiable risk factor for these events. A randomised trial is needed to determine appropriate acetylsalicylic acid dosing in infants with modified Blalock–Taussig.
The Uighur Word Materials in a Manuscript ofHuá-yí-yì-yǔ(華夷譯語) in the Library of Seoul National University (V) — 天文門tianwenmen‘the category of astronomy’ —
Authors: LI YONG-SŎNG
Published: February 2019

The Huá-yí-yì-yǔ is a general name for the various wordbooks between the Chinese language and its neighbouring languages compiled from the beginning of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). It has broadly 4 different classes. In the wordbooks of the third class the words of each foreign language were transliterated only in Chinese characters and the letters of the language in question were not used. To this third class belongs the manuscript in the collection of the library of Seoul National University. Its seventh volume is for the Uighur language. It contains 19 categories. In this paper the first category of astronomy with 85 entries is treated.

There are many scribal errors in these materials. Apart from the shortcomings of the Chinese characters, this may be the main reason why the Uighur word materials in the wordbooks of this class are not highly regarded.
The habitable zone for Earth-like exomoons orbiting Kepler-1625b
Authors: Forgan Duncan H.
Published: February 2019

The recent announcement of a Neptune-sized exomoon candidate orbiting the Jupiter-sized object Kepler-1625b has forced us to rethink our assumptions regarding both exomoons and their host exoplanets. In this paper, I describe calculations of the habitable zone for Earth-like exomoons in the orbit of Kepler-1625b under a variety of assumptions. I find that the candidate exomoon, Kepler-1625b-i, does not currently reside within the exomoon habitable zone, but may have done so when Kepler-1625 occupied the main sequence. If it were to possess its own moon (a ‘moon–moon’) that was Earth-like, this could potentially have been a habitable world. If other exomoons orbit Kepler-1625b, then there are a range of possible semi-major axes/eccentricities that would permit a habitable surface during the main sequence phase, while remaining dynamically stable under the perturbations of Kepler-1625b-i. This is however contingent on effective atmospheric CO2regulation.
Populism, participation, and political equality
Authors: Anduiza Eva , Guinjoan Marc , Rico Guillem
Published: February 2019

This article analyses the relationship between populist attitudes and political participation. We argue that populist attitudes can be a motivation for participation through their identity, emotional, and moral components, and that they have the potential to narrow socioeconomic gaps in participation. Using survey data from nine European countries, our results show that populist attitudes are positively related to expressive non-institutionalized modes of participation (petition signing, online participation and, in some contexts, demonstrating), but not to turnout. In addition, populist attitudes are found to reduce education-based gaps and even reverse income-based inequalities in political participation. The implications of these findings are discussed.
A Possible Second Large Subglacial Impact Crater in Northwest Greenland
Authors: MacGregor Joseph A. , Bottke William F. , Fahnestock Mark A. , Harbeck Jeremy P. , Kjær Kurt H. , Paden John D. , Stillman David E. , Studinger Michael
Published: February 2019

Following the discovery of the Hiawatha impact crater beneath the northwest margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet, we explored satellite and aerogeophysical data in search of additional such craters. Here we report the discovery of a possible second subglacial impact crater that is 36.5‐km wide and 183 km southeast of the Hiawatha impact crater. Although buried by 2 km of ice, the structure's rim induces a conspicuously circular surface expression, it possesses a central uplift, and it causes a negative gravity anomaly. The existence of two closely spaced and similarly sized complex craters raises the possibility that they formed during related impact events. However, the second structure's morphology is shallower, its overlying ice is conformal and older, and such an event can be explained by chance. We conclude that the identified structure is very likely an impact crater, but it is unlikely to be a twin of the Hiawatha impact crater.
Seismic Structure of Marine Sediments and Upper Oceanic Crust Surrounding Hawaii
Authors: Doran A. K. , Laske G.
Published: February 2019

We present models of compressional and shear velocity structure of the oceanic sediments and upper crust surrounding the Hawaiian islands. The models were derived from analysis of seafloor compliance data and measurements of Ps converted phases originating at the sediment‐bedrock interface. These data were estimated from continuous broadband ocean bottom seismometer acceleration and pressure records collected during the Plume‐Lithosphere Undersea Mantle Experiment, an amphibious array of wideband and broadband instruments with an aperture of over 1,000 km. Our images result from a joint inversion of compliance and Ps delay data using a nonlinear inversion scheme whereby deviation from a priori constraints is minimized. In our final model, sediment thickness increases from 50 m at distal sites to over 1.5 km immediately adjacent to the islands. The sedimentary shear velocity profiles exhibit large regional variations. While sedimentary structure accounts for the majority of the compliance signal, we infer variations in shear velocity in the uppermost bedrock on the order of ±5%. We also require relatively high values of Poisson's ratio in the uppermost crust. Lower crustal velocities are generally seen to the north and west of the islands but do not appear well correlated with the Hawaiian Swell bathymetry. A region of strong low velocity anomalies to the northeast of Hawaii may be associated with the Molokai fracture zone.
Source Estimate for the 1960 Chile Earthquake From Joint Inversion of Geodetic and Transoceanic Tsunami Data
Authors: Ho Tung‐Cheng , Satake Kenji , Watada Shingo , Fujii Yushiro
Published: February 2019

The slip distribution of the 1960 Chile earthquake was estimated using geodetic data, local tsunami data, and newly usable transoceanic tsunami data. The large slips triggered a significant tsunami which was recorded by the tide gauges around the Pacific Ocean. We performed a two‐step inversion to estimate the slip distribution. In the first step, we jointly inverted the tsunami waveforms and local geodetic data to recover the ground and seafloor vertical displacement. The transoceanic tsunami data could not be used for waveform inversions until the wave phase and arrival time discrepancies were recently reconciled by improving the long‐wave theory with the phase correction method. The random arrival time discrepancy due to inaccurate local bathymetry and/or instrumental problems was considered by the optimal time alignment. In the second step, we estimated the slip distribution on the plate interface by inverting the vertical displacement obtained in the first step. Checkerboard tests showed that our method and data can resolve displacement at a spatial resolution of at least ~100 km but cannot estimate the rupture velocity. The result for actual data shows a rupture extended about 800 km with a width of about 150 km and three asperities. The large slips are concentrated in the offshore shallow plate interface. Our results indicate that the central and south patches contribute to the large coastal elevation changes at southern source area and high tsunami waves at far field. The estimated moment ranges 1.3–1.9 × 1023 Nm (Mw 9.3–9.4) for rake angles of 90–140°.
Physical and Numerical Modeling of Infragravity Wave Generation and Transformation on Coral Reef Platforms
Authors: Masselink Gerd , Tuck Megan , McCall Robert , van Dongeren Ap , Ford Murray , Kench Paul
Published: February 2019

Wave transformation across reef platforms strongly controls sediment transport processes and coral reef island morphodynamics with infragravity (IG) waves playing an important contributing role. A small‐scale (1:50) laboratory experiment and prototype numerical modeling are used to explore the characteristics of IG wave motion on coral reefs. The slope of the fore reef is the key factor controlling the mechanism of IG wave generation. Steep slopes (>1/10) are dominated by landward and seaward propagating breakpoint‐forced long waves, whereas incoming and then released bound long waves become increasingly important for slopes <1/20. The breakpoint‐forced long wave mechanism is the more effective generator of IG energy, and the most energetic IG motion (normalized by incident wave motion) is generated on reef platforms with a fore reef slope > 1/6. The water level relative to the reef platform hreef is also a key factor, and the largest IG waves are generated for a ratio between hreef and offshore significant wave height Hs,o of −0.25 to 0.75, that is, when most waves break across the reef slope and a fully saturated surf zone extends across the reef platform. An island on the reef platform substantially increases the contribution of IG waves to the total wave spectrum, but increased reef surface roughness reduces IG importance. Under the most optimal conditions, the IG wave height averaged across the platform is 20–30% of the incident offshore wave height. The geomorphic influence of IG waves is considered most significant for reef platforms with energetic waves breaking on the steepest fore reefs.
Targeting the CALCB/RAMP1 axis inhibits growth of Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Dallmayer Marlene , Li Jing , Ohmura Shunya , Alba Rubio Rebeca , Baldauf Michaela C. , Hölting Tilman L. B. , Musa Julian , Knott Max M. L. , Stein Stefanie , Cidre-Aranaz Florencia , Wehweck Fabienne S. , Romero-Pérez Laura , Gerke Julia S. , Orth Martin F. , Marchetto Aruna , Kirchner Thomas , Bach Horacio , Sannino Giuseppina , Grünewald Thomas G. P.
Published: February 2019

Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is an aggressive cancer characterized by chromosomal translocations generating fusions of the EWSR1 gene with ETS transcription factors (in 85% FLI1). EWSR1-FLI1 induces gene expression via binding to enhancer-like GGAA-microsatellites, whose activity correlates with the number of consecutive GGAA-repeats. Herein we investigate the role of the secretory neuropeptide CALCB (calcitonin-related polypeptide β) in EwS, which signals via the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptor complex, containing RAMP1 (receptor activity modifying protein 1) as crucial part for receptor specificity. Analysis of 2678 gene expression microarrays comprising 50 tumor entities and 71 normal tissue types revealed that CALCB is specifically and highly overexpressed in EwS. Time-course knockdown experiments showed that CALCB expression is tightly linked to that of EWSR1-FLI1. Consistently, gene set enrichment analyses of genes whose expression in primary EwS is correlated to that of CALCB indicated that it is co-expressed with other EWSR1-FLI1 target genes and associated with signatures involved in stemness and proliferation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) data for FLI1 and histone marks from EwS cell lines demonstrated that EWSR1-FLI1 binds to a GGAA-microsatellite close to CALCB, which exhibits characteristics of an active enhancer. Reporter assays confirmed the strong EWSR1-FLI1- and length-dependent enhancer activity of this GGAA-microsatellite. Mass spectrometric analyses of EwS cell culture supernatants demonstrated that CALCB is secreted by EwS cells. While short-term RNA interference-mediated CALCB knockdown had no effect on proliferation and clonogenic growth of EwS cells in vitro, its long-term knockdown decreased EwS growth in vitro and in vivo. Similarly, knockdown of RAMP1 reduced clonogenic/spheroidal growth and tumorigenicity, and small-molecule inhibitors directed against the RAMP1-comprising CGRP receptor reduced growth of EwS. Collectively, our findings suggest that CALCB is a direct EWSR1-FLI1 target and that targeting the CALCB/RAMP1 axis may offer a new therapeutic strategy for inhibition of EwS growth.
Targeting KPNB1 overcomes TRAIL resistance by regulating DR5, Mcl-1 and FLIP in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Chuan , Liu Ji-Wei , Yang Can , Li Ming-Jie , Wu Rong-Jie , Xiong Zhi-Qi
Published: February 2019

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a cytokine with potential anticancer effect, but innate and adaptive TRAIL resistance in majority of cancers limit its clinical application. Karyopherin β1 (KPNB1) inhibition in cancer cells has been reported to abrogate the nuclear import of TRAIL receptor DR5 and facilitate its localization on the cell surface ready for TRAIL stimulation. However, our study reveals a more complicated mechanism. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of KPNB1 potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis selectively in glioblastoma cells mainly by unfolded protein response (UPR). First, it augmented ATF4-mediated DR5 expression and promoted the assembly of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Second, it freed Bax and Bak from Mcl-1. Third, it downregulated FLIPLand FLIPS, inhibitors of caspase-8 cleavage, partly through upregulating ATF4–induced 4E-BP1 expression and disrupting the cap-dependent translation initiation. Meanwhile, KPNB1 inhibition-induced undesirable autophagy and accelerated cleaved caspase-8 clearance. Inhibition of autophagic flux maintained cleaved caspase-8 and aggravated apoptosis induced by KPNB1 inhibitor plus TRAIL, which were abolished by caspase-8 inhibitor. These results unveil new molecular mechanism for optimizing TRAIL-directed therapeutic efficacy against cancer.
Neurotrophins and their involvement in digestive cancers
Authors: Blondy Sabrina , Christou Niki , David Valentin , Verdier Mireille , Jauberteau Marie-Odile , Mathonnet Muriel , Perraud Aurélie
Published: February 2019

Cancers of the digestive system, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, and colorectal cancers, have a high incidence and mortality worldwide. Efficient therapies have improved patient care; however, many challenges remain including late diagnosis, disease recurrence, and resistance to therapies. Mechanisms responsible for these aforementioned challenges are numerous. This review focuses on neurotrophins, including NGF, BDNF, and NT3, and their specific tyrosine kinase receptors called tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk A, B, C, respectively), associated with sortilin and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), and their implication in digestive cancers. Globally, p75NTR is a frequently downregulated tumor suppressor. On the contrary, Trk and their ligands are considered oncogenic factors. New therapies which target NT and/or their receptors, or use them as diagnosis biomarkers could help us to combat digestive cancers.
Drosophila Pif1A is essential for spermatogenesis and is the homolog of human CCDC157, a gene associated with idiopathic NOA
Authors: Yuan Xin , Zheng Huimei , Su Yang , Guo Pengfei , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Qiang , Ge Wanzhong , Li Chen , Xi Yongmei , Yang Xiaohang
Published: February 2019

The dynamic process of spermatogenesis shows little variation between invertebrate models such as Drosophila, and vertebrate models such as mice and rats. In each case, germ stem cells undergo mitotic division to proliferate and then continue, via meiosis, through various stages of elongation and individualization from spermatogonia to spermatid to finally to form mature sperm. Mature sperm are then stored in the seminal vesicles for fertilization. Errors in any of these stages can lead to male infertility. Here, we identify that Drosophila Pif1A acts as a key regulator for sperm individualization. Loss of Pif1A leads to male sterility associated with irregular individualization complex and empty seminal vesicles without mature sperm. Pif1A is highly expressed in the testes of mated male adult flies and the Pif1A protein is expressed at a higher level in male than in female flies. Pif1A is homologous to mammalian coiled-coil domain-containing protein 157 (CCDC157), which is also enriched in the testes of humans and mice. Human CCDC157, with unknown function, was identified to be downregulated in men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We map the function of Drosophila Pif1A during spermatogenesis, showing that Pif1A is essential for spermatide individualization and involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism genes. Our findings might be applicable for studying the function of CCDC157 in spermatogenesis and other aspects of human male fertility.
Oxidation induced strain and defects in magnetite crystals
Authors: Yuan Ke , Lee Sang Soo , Cha Wonsuk , Ulvestad Andrew , Kim Hyunjung , Abdilla Bektur , Sturchio Neil C. , Fenter Paul
Published: February 2019

Oxidation of magnetite (Fe3O4) has broad implications in geochemistry, environmental science and materials science. Spatially resolving strain fields and defect evolution during oxidation of magnetite provides further insight into its reaction mechanisms. Here we show that the morphology and internal strain distributions within individual nano-sized (~400 nm) magnetite crystals can be visualized using Bragg coherent diffractive imaging (BCDI). Oxidative dissolution in acidic solutions leads to increases in the magnitude and heterogeneity of internal strains. This heterogeneous strain likely results from lattice distortion caused by Fe(II) diffusion that leads to the observed domains of increasing compressive and tensile strains. In contrast, strain evolution is less pronounced during magnetite oxidation at elevated temperature in air. These results demonstrate that oxidative dissolution of magnetite can induce a rich array of strain and defect structures, which could be an important factor that contributes to the high reactivity observed on magnetite particles in aqueous environment.
Clothianidin seed-treatment has no detectable negative impact on honeybee colonies and their pathogens
Authors: Osterman Julia , Wintermantel Dimitry , Locke Barbara , Jonsson Ove , Semberg Emilia , Onorati Piero , Forsgren Eva , Rosenkranz Peter , Rahbek-Pedersen Thorsten , Bommarco Riccardo , Smith Henrik G. , Rundlöf Maj , de Miranda Joachim R.
Published: February 2019

Interactions between multiple stressors have been implicated in elevated honeybee colony losses. Here, we extend our landscape-scale study on the effects of placement at clothianidin seed-treated oilseed rape fields on honeybees with an additional year and new data on honeybee colony development, swarming, mortality, pathogens and immune gene expression. Clothianidin residues in pollen, nectar and honeybees were consistently higher at clothianidin-treated fields, with large differences between fields and years. We found large variations in colony development and microbial composition and no observable negative impact of placement at clothianidin-treated fields. Clothianidin treatment was associated with an increase in brood, adult bees and Gilliamella apicola (beneficial gut symbiont) and a decrease in Aphid lethal paralysis virus and Black queen cell virus - particularly in the second year. The results suggest that at colony level, honeybees are relatively robust to the effects of clothianidin in real-world agricultural landscapes, with moderate, natural disease pressure.
A phenome-wide association study to discover pleiotropic effects of PCSK9, APOB, and LDLR
Authors: Safarova Maya S. , Satterfield Benjamin A. , Fan Xiao , Austin Erin E. , Ye Zhan , Bastarache Lisa , Zheng Neil , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Borthwick Kenneth M. , Williams Marc S. , Larson Eric B. , Scrol Aaron , Jarvik Gail P. , Crosslin David R. , Leppig Kathleen , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J. , Pendergrass Sarah A. , Sturm Amy C. , Namjou Bahram , Shah Amy Sanghavi , Carroll Robert J. , Chung Wendy K. , Wei Wei-Qi , Feng QiPing , Stein C. Michael , Roden Dan M. , Manolio Teri A. , Schaid Daniel J. , Denny Joshua C. , Hebbring Scott J. , de Andrade Mariza , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: February 2019

We conducted an electronic health record (EHR)-based phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to discover pleiotropic effects of variants in three lipoprotein metabolism genesPCSK9,APOB, andLDLR. Using high-density genotype data, we tested the associations of variants in the three genes with 1232 EHR-derived binary phecodes in 51,700 European-ancestry (EA) individuals and 585 phecodes in 10,276 African-ancestry (AA) individuals; 457PCSK9, 730APOB, and 720LDLRvariants were filtered by imputation quality (r2 > 0.4), minor allele frequency (>1%), linkage disequilibrium (r2 < 0.3), and association with LDL-C levels, yielding a set of twoPCSK9, threeAPOB, and fiveLDLRvariants in EA but no variants in AA. Cases and controls were defined for each phecode using the PheWAS package in R. Logistic regression assuming an additive genetic model was used with adjustment for age, sex, and the first two principal components. Significant associations were tested in additional cohorts from Vanderbilt University (n = 29,713), the Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project (n = 9562), and UK Biobank (n = 408,455). We identified onePCSK9, twoAPOB, and twoLDLRvariants significantly associated with an examined phecode. Only one of the variants was associated with a non-lipid disease phecode, (“myopia”) but this association was not significant in the replication cohorts. In this large-scale PheWAS we did not find LDL-C-related variants inPCSK9,APOB, andLDLRto be associated with non-lipid-related phenotypes including diabetes, neurocognitive disorders, or cataracts.
The effects of Co on the enhancement of magnetic properties by modifying the intergranular phase in Nd-Fe-B alloys
Authors: Liang Y. , Deng Q. , Tan X. H. , Li H. , Xu H.
Published: February 2019

In Nd2Fe14B-based permanent materials, the intergranular phase has a strong influence on magnetic properties. Here, we study the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Co on the microstructure to gain insight into the mechanism of enhancing magnetic properties of (Nd0.8Pr0.2)2.2Fe14−xCoxB (x = 0, 1.75, 2, 2.25) alloys. Our results show that the substitution Co for Fe changes the magnetic properties obviously by tuning the chemistry and distribution of the intergranular phase between hard magnetic grains. In particular, for (Nd0.8Pr0.2)2.2Fe12Co2B (x = 2) alloy, no obvious intergranular phase is observed. And the through-thickness homogeneity and ultrafine microstructure with an average size of ~25 nm is obtained, which produces maximum product ((BH)max) of 141 kJ/m3, 29% higher than that of quaternary alloy. Our findings provide a new idea to design prospective permanent alloys with increased magnetic properties by tuning the distribution and chemical composition of the intergranular phase.
Metabolomics Approach Based on Multivariate Techniques for Blood Transfusion Reactions
Authors: Lee Seul Ji , Wang Haiping , Ahn Soo Hyun , Son Mi Kwon , Hyun Gyu Hwan , Yoon Sang Jun , Lee Jeongmi , Park Jeong Hill , Lim Johan , Hong Soon-Sun , Kwon Sung Won
Published: February 2019

Blood transfusions temporarily improve the physical state of the patient but exert widespread effects on immune and non-immune systems. Perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT) are associated with various risks, including coagulopathy, incompatibility, transmission of infectious agents, and allergic reactions. Nevertheless, little is known about the global metabolic alterations that reflect the possible reactions of blood transfusions. In this study, we investigated metabolite changes generated by ABT in a rat model using metabolomics technology. To further profile the “metabolome” after blood transfusions, we used both liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight high-definition mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. ABT promoted a stimulatory microenvironment associated with a relative increase in glucose transporter 1/4 (GLUT1/GLUT4) expression. Supporting this result, glucose metabolism-related enzyme IRS1 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were abnormally expressed, and levels of lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and its related enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were significantly altered in allogeneic groups compared to those in autologous groups. Finally, amino acid metabolism was also altered following ABT. Taken together, our results show a difference between autologous and allogeneic blood transfusions and demonstrate correlations with cancer-associated metabolic changes. Our data provide endogenous information for a better understanding of blood transfusion reactions.
A comparative in vitro study of the osteogenic and adipogenic potential of human dental pulp stem cells, gingival fibroblasts and foreskin fibroblasts
Authors: Monterubbianesi Riccardo , Bencun Mladen , Pagella Pierfrancesco , Woloszyk Anna , Orsini Giovanna , Mitsiadis Thimios A.
Published: February 2019

Human teeth contain a variety of mesenchymal stem cell populations that could be used for cell-based regenerative therapies. However, the isolation and potential use of these cells in the clinics require the extraction of functional teeth, a process that may represent a significant barrier to such treatments. Fibroblasts are highly accessible and might represent a viable alternative to dental stem cells. We thus investigated and compared the in vitro differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and foreskin fibroblasts (hFFs). These cell populations were cultured in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation media, followed by Alizarin Red S and Oil Red O staining to visualize cytodifferentiation. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess the expression of markers specific for stem cells (NANOG, OCT-4), osteogenic (RUNX2, ALP, SP7/OSX) and adipogenic (PPAR-γ2, LPL) differentiation. While fibroblasts are more prone towards adipogenic differentiation, hDPSCs exhibit a higher osteogenic potential. These results indicate that although fibroblasts possess a certain mineralization capability, hDPSCs represent the most appropriate cell population for regenerative purposes involving bone and dental tissues.
Cytotoxicity of apo bovine α-lactalbumin complexed with La3+ on cancer cells supported by its high resolution crystal structure
Authors: Yarramala Deepthi S. , Prakash Prem , Ranade Dnyanesh S. , Doshi Sejal , Kulkarni Prasad P. , Bhaumik Prasenjit , Rao Chebrolu Pulla
Published: February 2019

Cancer remains one of the biggest threats to human society. There are massive demands for compounds to selectively kill cancerous cells. Earlier studies have shown that bovine α -lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells (BAMLET) becomes cytotoxic against cancer cells in complex with oleic acid {Hoque, M. et. al., PLoSOne8, e68390 (2013)}. In our study, we obtained bovine α-lactalbumin complexed with lanthanum ion (La3+-B-α-LA) and determined its high resolution crystal structure. The natural calcium binding site of bovine α-lactalbumin is replaced by lanthanum. The La3+ complex formation by B-α-apo-LA was also supported by various biophysical methods. Interestingly, our complex, La3+-B-α-LA exhibits much greater anticancer activity against breast cancer cells as compared to the reported BAMLET-oleic acid complex. This study shows that La3+-B-α-LA complex is preferentially more toxic to MCF-7 cells as compared to KB (oral cancer) and HeLa (cervical) cells, while almost non-toxic to the healthy cells that we studied. Our data indicates that the cytotoxicity of La3+-B-α-LA against cancer cells is through apoptotic path way. The higher anticancer activity of La3+-B-α-LA is attributable to the requisite structural changes induced in the protein by La3+ binding as supported by the crystal structure of the complex.
Ultra-Short Pulse Generation in a Three Section Tapered Passively Mode-Locked Quantum-Dot Semiconductor Laser
Authors: Meinecke Stefan , Drzewietzki Lukas , Weber Christoph , Lingnau Benjamin , Breuer Stefan , Lüdge Kathy
Published: February 2019

We experimentally and theoretically investigate the pulsed emission dynamics of a three section tapered semiconductor quantum dot laser. The laser output is characterized in terms of peak power, pulse width, timing jitter and amplitude stability and a range of outstanding pulse performance is found. A cascade of dynamic operating regimes is identified and comprehensively investigated. We propose a microscopically motivated traveling-wave model, which optimizes the computation time and naturally allows insights into the internal carrier dynamics. The model excellently reproduces the measured results and is further used to study the pulse-generation mechanism as well as the influence of the geometric design on the pulsed emission. We identify a pulse shortening mechanism responsible for the device performance, that is unique to the device geometry and configuration. The results may serve as future guidelines for the design of monolithic high-power passively mode-locked quantum dot semiconductor lasers.
The structural characterization of a polysaccharide exhibiting antitumor effect from Pholiota adiposa mycelia
Authors: Zou Yajie , Du Fang , Hu Qingxiu , Wang Hexiang
Published: February 2019

PAP80-2a, purified from Pholiota adiposa mycelia, is a polysaccharide exhibiting prominent antitumor effects. However, the yield of PAP80-2a was low and its structure has not been characterized, impeding the exploration of its structure-function relationship, thus influencing the development of oral drugs for antitumor therapy and immunomodulation. In order to improve the yield of PAP80-2a, response surface methodology along with Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions for polysaccharides. Then, the structure of PAP80-2a exhibiting antitumor activity was determined from different angles. The results showed that the extraction yield of P. adiposa polysaccharides increased by 11.5% under optimized ultrasonic extraction conditions. Structural analysis showed that PAP80-2a was mainly composed of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and galactose in a ratio of 10.00: 2.09: 4.09: 1.13. The total amino acid content in the sugar chain was 69.92 μg/mL. The sugar chain structure was [α-Rha (1 → 3)-]n, and rhamnose was located at the non-reducing end of the sugar chain, while glucose was located at the non-reducing end or in the sugar chain in 1,2,6- and 1,3,6-linked forms. Our study clearly illuminates the primary structure of PAP80-2a, but 3D structure of PAP80-2a and its structure–function relationship is a future challenge.
Cytogenetic and agronomic characterization of intergeneric hybrids between Saccharum spp. hybrid and Erianthus arundinaceus
Authors: Pachakkil Babil , Terajima Yoshifumi , Ohmido Nobuko , Ebina Masumi , Irei Shin , Hayashi Hisayoshi , Takagi Hiroko
Published: February 2019

In sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) breeding, introgression of useful genes via intergeneric hybridization is a powerful strategy for improving the crop productivity. Erianthus arundinaceus shows great potential in terms of useful traits; however, little is known about the cytogenetic and agronomic characteristics of intergeneric hybrids between these two species. Here, we examine the cytogenetic and agronomic characteristics, and relationships between the two in intergeneric F1 hybrids between modern sugarcane cultivar and E. arundinaceus identified by amplification of 5S rDNA markers and morphological characteristics. The nuclear DNA content of the hybrids varied from 6.07 to 8.94 pg/2C, with intra-clonal variation in DNA content and 5S rDNA sites. Genomic in situ hybridization revealed 53 to 82 chromosomes in the hybrids, with 53 to 56 derived from sugarcane and 1 to 29 from E. arundinaceus. There were significant positive correlations between the number of E. arundinaceus chromosomes and dry matter yield, millable stalk weight, single stalk weight, and stalk diameter, but not sucrose content, reducing sugar content, sucrose/reducing sugar ratio or fiber content. This detailed information on intergeneric F1 hybrids between modern sugarcane cultivar and E. arundinaceus will contribute to effective utilization of E. arundinaceus in sugarcane breeding.
Functional expression of the mechanosensitive PIEZO1 channel in primary endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial organoids
Authors: Hennes Aurélie , Held Katharina , Boretto Matteo , De Clercq Katrien , Van den Eynde Charlotte , Vanhie Arne , Van Ranst Nele , Benoit Melissa , Luyten Catherine , Peeraer Karen , Tomassetti Carla , Meuleman Christel , Voets Thomas , Vankelecom Hugo , Vriens Joris
Published: February 2019

Successful pregnancy requires the establishment of a complex dialogue between the implanting embryo and the endometrium. Knowledge regarding molecular candidates involved in this early communication process is inadequate due to limited access to primary human endometrial epithelial cells (EEC). Since pseudo-pregnancy in rodents can be induced by mechanical scratching of an appropriately primed uterus, this study aimed to investigate the expression of mechanosensitive ion channels in EEC. Poking of EEC provoked a robust calcium influx and induced an increase in current densities, which could be blocked by an inhibitor of mechanosensitive ion channels. Interestingly, RNA expression studies showed high expression of PIEZO1 in EEC of mouse and human. Additional analysis provided further evidence for the functional expression of PIEZO1 since stimulation with Yoda1, a chemical agonist of PIEZO1, induced increases in intracellular calcium concentrations and current densities in EEC. Moreover, the ion channel profile of human endometrial organoids (EMO) was validated as a representative model for endometrial epithelial cells. Mechanical and chemical stimulation of EMO induced strong calcium responses supporting the hypothesis of mechanosensitive ion channel expression in endometrial epithelial cells. In conclusion, EEC and EMO functionally express the mechanosensitive PIEZO1 channel that could act as a potential target for the development of novel treatments to further improve successful implantation processes.
Downregulation of PRMT1 promotes the senescence and migration of a non-MYCN amplified neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells
Authors: Lee Yu-Jen , Chang Wen-Wei , Chang Chien-Ping , Liu Tsung-Yun , Chuang Chun-Yi , Qian Kun , Zheng Y. George , Li Chuan
Published: February 2019

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) catalyzing the formation of asymmetric dimethylarginines has been implicated in cancer development, metastasis, and prognosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of low PRMT1 levels on a non-MYCN amplified neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell line. Stable PRMT1-knockdown (PRMT1-KD) cells showed reduced growth rates and cell cycle arrest at G2/M. They also exhibited senescent phenotypes and increased p53 expression. p21 and PAI-1, which are two p53 downstream targets critical for senescence, were significantly induced in SK-N-SH cells subjected to either PRMT1-KD or inhibitor treatment. The induction was suppressed by a p53 inhibitor and marginal in a p53-null SK-N-AS cell line, suggesting dependence on p53. In general, the DNA damage and ROS levels of the PRMT1-KD SK-N-SH cells were slightly increased. Their migration activity also increased with the induction of PAI-1. Thus, PRMT1 downregulation released the repression of cellular senescence and migration activity in SK-N-SH cells. These results might partially explain the poor prognostic outcome of low PRMT1 in a non-MYCN-amplified cohort and indicate the multifaceted complexity of PRMT1 as a biological regulator of neuroblastoma.
Transcriptional responses of wheat roots inoculated with Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus to salt stress
Authors: Safdarian Maryam , Askari Hossein , Shariati J. Vahid , Nematzadeh Ghorbanali
Published: February 2019

It is commonly accepted that bacteria actively interact with plant host and have beneficial effects on growth and adaptation and grant tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the mechanisms of plant growth promoting bacteria to communicate and adapt to the plant environment are not well characterized. Among the examined bacteria isolates from different saline soils, Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus was selected as the best plant growth-promoting bacteria under salt stress. To study the effect of bacteria on wheat tolerance to salinity stress, bread wheat seeds were inoculated with A. nitroguajacolicus and grown under salt stress condition. Comparative transcriptome analysis of inoculated and un-inoculated wheat roots under salt stress showed up-regulation of 152 genes whereas 5 genes were significantly down-regulated. Many genes from phenylpropanoid, flavonoid and terpenoid porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid metabolism pathways were differentially expressed within inoculated roots under salt stress. Also, a considerable number of genes encoding secondary metabolites such as phenylpropanoids was detected. They are known to take part in lignin biosynthesis of the cell wall as well as antioxidants.
Social context effects on error-related brain activity are dependent on interpersonal and achievement-related traits
Authors: García Alanis José C. , Baker Travis E. , Peper Martin , Chavanon Mira-Lynn
Published: February 2019

Brain correlates of performance monitoring, such as the Error-Related Negativity (ERN), are considerably influenced by situational factors. For instance, errors committed during social interaction typically elicit enhanced ERNs. While individual differences in ERN magnitude have been implicated in a wide variety of psychopathologies, it remains unclear how individual dispositions may interact with situational incentives to influence performance monitoring. Here, we analysed how interpersonal (Affiliation) and achievement-related (Agency) traits moderated the effects of interpersonal competition and interpersonal cooperation on the ERN. For this purpose, electroencephalography was collected from 78 participants while they performed a Flanker Task either in a competitive or in a cooperative social context (i.e., between-subjects design). We found that competition predicted enhanced error-related activity patterns compared to cooperation. Furthermore, participants who scored high in Affiliation elicited enhanced error-related activity. Conversely, high Agency scores were associated with reduced error-related activity, but this was only observed in the competitive context. These results indicate that the brain’s response to error commission is not only sensitive to social incentives. Rather, the activity of the evaluative system that produces error signals appears to be crucially determined by the personal relevance of the incentives present in the context in which performance is evaluated.
Alfalfa polysaccharide prevents H2O2-induced oxidative damage in MEFs by activating MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways and suppressing NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Lixue , Xie Yuhuai , Yang Weiren , Yang Zaibin , Jiang Shuzhen , Zhang Chongyu , Zhang Guiguo
Published: February 2019

Alfalfa polysaccharide (APS) is a bioactive component extracted from alfalfa that exhibits potent antioxidant properties. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these properties remain unclear. To explore the molecular mechanism by which APS exerts antioxidant effects, an H2O2-induced oxidative stress mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) model was established. Cell proliferation, antioxidant enzyme activity, immune cytokine expression, and related protein expression were examined in APS-supplemented or non-supplemented conditions. The results suggested that APS strengthened the antioxidative capacity of MEFs, increasing cell proliferation, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). In addition, APS reduced the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 as well as expression of the proinflammatory gene retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I). APS was also able to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which promoted the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) to the nucleus. However, expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was decreased after APS treatment. Overall, these results suggest that APS relieves H2O2-induced oxidative stress in MEFs by activating MAPK/Nrf2 signaling and suppressing NF-κB signaling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to link APS with MAPK/Nrf2, NF-κB and RIG-I, thus providing new perspectives regarding the mechanisms of the antioxidant activity of APS.
In-situ synthesized and pattern Ag/Bi2Se3 composite structure by LDW and photothermal conversion
Authors: Zhao Zejia , Jia Guozhi , Liu Yanling , Zhang Qiurui , Zhou Yaoyao
Published: February 2019

Bi2Se3 nanofilm has exhibited many promising potentials application in the field of photo-to-heat conversion. A highly-efficient photo-to-heat conversion system of Ag/Bi2Se3 composite nanofilm is successfully fabricated through laser direct writing (LDW) technique. The localized heat induced by laser simultaneously achieve Ag particles synthesis, transfer and patterning in a single processing step. The thermal reaction process includes the forming of nanoparticles based on the process of the thermal reduction, laser ablation, sputtering deposition and so on. The thermal storage capability and photothermal conversion stability have been greatly improved through preventing the heat from loss and efficient LSPR enhancing. The photothermal conversion mechanism of composition film is discussed in detail. This work suggests that the laser-assisted transfer technique give rise to a new expectation of functional composite nanofilm application for energy conversion.
See-through observation of malaria parasite behaviors in the mosquito vector
Authors: Mori Toshiyuki , Hirai Makoto , Mita Toshihiro
Published: February 2019

Although it is known that malaria parasites proliferate in the midgut of mosquito vector, their detailed behaviors, from gamete maturation to formation of next generation sporozoite, have not been fully understood at cellular or molecular level. This is mainly attributed to technical difficulties of dissection and whole-mount observation, of delicate and opaque mosquito body contents. In addition, blood pigment surrounding parasites immediately after blood meal also complicates tracing mosquito-stage parasites. Recent revolutionary studies have overcome such negative factors in tissue observation by clearing organisms. CUBIC reagents succeeded to remove both light scattering and blood pigment from various mouse tissues, and to whole-organ image fluorescence-labeled cell structures. In this study, we utilized the advanced version of CUBIC technology and high sensitivity fluorescent markers for see-through observation of mosquito vector after engulfment of rodent malaria parasites to clarify their behaviors during mosquito stage. As a result, we succeeded to visualize oocysts, sporozoites, female gametes and ookinetes in the mosquito bodies without any dissection.
Unravelling the contribution of early postseismic deformation using sub-daily GNSS positioning
Authors: Twardzik Cedric , Vergnolle Mathilde , Sladen Anthony , Avallone Antonio
Published: February 2019

After large earthquakes, parts of the fault continue to slip for days to months during the afterslip phase, a behaviour documented for many earthquakes. Yet, little is known about the early stage, i.e., from minutes to hours after the mainshock. Its detailed study requires continuous high-rate position time series close to the fault, and advanced signal processing to accurately extract the surface displacements. Here, we use refined kinematic precise point positioning processing to document the early postseismic deformation for three earthquakes along the South American subduction zone (2010 Mw8.8 Maule, Chile; 2015 Mw8.3 Illapel, Chile; 2016 Mw7.6 Pedernales, Ecuador). First, we show that early afterslip generates significant surface displacement as early as a few tens of minutes after the earthquake. Our analysis of the time series indicates that, over the first 36 hours, more than half of the displacement occurs within the first 12 hours, a time window often disregarded with daily positioning. Thus, estimates of coseismic offsets can be biased by more than 10% if early postseismic displacements are acknowledged as coseismic ones. Finally, these results highlight the difficulty to accurately evaluate the different contribution to the seismic cycle budget and thus the associated hazard on faults.
The cone-tetranitrocalix[4]arene tetraradical tetraanion as an electrochemically generated ligand for heavier alkali metal cations
Authors: Liška Alan , Vojtíšek Pavel , Ludvík Jiří
Published: February 2019

Tetranitrocalix[4]arene cathodically reduced to its stable tetraanion tetraradical represents an electrochemically generated ligand – a promising receptor/sensor – for alkali metal ions.
Boronate- and borinate-based π-systems for blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials
Authors: Matsuo Kyohei , Yasuda Takuma
Published: February 2019

Blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters based on boronate-ester, -thioester, and borinate-ester were developed.
Influence of temperature and oxygen on the growth of large-scale SiC nanowires
Authors: Lin Hongjiao , Li Hejun , Wang Tiyuan , Shen Qingliang , Shi Xiaohong , Feng Tao
Published: February 2019

This paper examines the influence of temperature and oxygen on the growth of large-scale silicon carbide nanowires by using a combination of sol–gel impregnation and carbothermal reduction methods.
Effect of intermediate phases on the optical properties of PbI2-rich CH3NH3PbI3 organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite
Authors: Sanches Alonso W. P. , da Silva Marco A. T. , Cordeiro Neusmar J. A. , Urbano Alexandre , Lourenço Sidney A.
Published: February 2019

Intermediate phases in the methylammonium lead halide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) films produced by the two-step spin coating method.