bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes and aortic remodelling after proximal thoracic endovascular aortic repair of post type B aortic dissection thoracic aneurysm
Authors: Shi Zhenyu , Yang Jun , Fu Weiguo , Guo Daqiao , Xu Xin , Chen Bin , Jiang Junhao , Yang Jue , Zhu Ting , Dong Zhihui , Wang Lixin , Shi Yun , Tang Xiao , Yue Jianing
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Background: The objective was to explore the outcomes and aortic remodelling after proximal thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in post type B aortic dissection thoracic aneurysm with a maximal diameter ≥ 5.5cm. Patients and methods: 34 cases of type B aortic dissection thoracic aneurysm undergoing proximal TEVAR (coverage of the primary entry and the aneurysm extent) from 2008 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed with follow-up for at least 2 years. The primary endpoints were 30-day mortality and survival at 2 years. The secondary endpoints were major complication and re-intervention. The aortic remodelling was investigated by comparison of the maximum diameter of the aneurysm and the diameter of true and false lumen at the same level between baseline and 2 years after TEVAR. Besides, we also analysed the possible relevant factors of aortic remodelling including the course of dissection, the involvement of dissection, and the length and shape of the stent graft. Results: The 30 day mortality was 2.9 % (1/34). The paraplegia rate post-TEVAR was 2.9 % (1/34). Overall, 32 out of the 34 cases were followed-up for 24 - 79 months. At 2 years, the overall and aortic specific survival were 87.5 % and 90.3 % respectively. The two year freedom from re-intervention rate was 87.5 %. Compared to the preoperative data, maximum diameter of descending aorta at 2 years demonstrated a slight increase (65.4±14.1mm Vs 63.9±9.1mm), but without significance (P>0.05). Meanwhile, we noticed a significant increase of true lumen (P < 0.01) and decrease of false lumen (P < 0.01) at the same level. Relevant analysis showed that positive aortic remodelling of the maximum diameter was associated with chronic phase (≥ 90 days of dissection onset) (P < 0.05) and the application of 150 - 170mm stent grafts (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Proximal TEVAR of post type B dissection thoracic aneurysm had generally favourable short- and mid-term outcomes with low paraplegia rate. Besides, it can achieve a certain extent of aortic remodelling.
Understanding Slow Slip and Tremor on Plate Boundaries
Authors: Husker Allen , Houston Heidi , Campillo Michel
Published: June 2016

Chapman Conference on Slow Slip Phenomena; Ixtapa, Mexico, 21–25 February 2016
Making a Better Magnetic Map
Authors: Catalán Manuel , Dyment Jérôme , Choi Yujin , Hamoudi Mohamed , Lesur Vincent , Thébault Erwan , de Santis Angelo , Ishihara Takemi , Korhonen Juha , Litvinova Tamara , Luis Joaquim , Meyer Brian , Milligan Peter , Nakanishi Masao , Okuma Shigeo , Pilkington Mark , Purucker Michael , Ravat Dhananjay , Gaina Carmen , Maus Stefan , Quesnel Yoann , Saltus Richard , Taylor Patrick
Published: June 2016

A new version of the World Digital Magnetic Anomaly Map, released last summer, gives greater insight into the structure and history of Earth's crust and upper mantle.
Solar Wind Disconnects Venus's Magnetotail
Authors: Higginson Aleida
Published: June 2016

Polarity reversals in the solar wind magnetic field disconnect the magnetic field trailing behind Venus, allowing ions from the atmosphere to escape.
External fixation is more suitable for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients
Authors: Ma Chuang , Deng Qiang , Pu Hongwei , Cheng Xinchun , Kan Yuhua , Yang Jing , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang , Cao Li
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, psychological impact, and complication rates associated with external fixation and volar or dorsal plating in relation to the functional parameters following treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius (IFDR) in patients older than 65 years. We hypothesized that using volar or dorsal plating would improve functional outcomes, but that it would be associated with more complications and equivalent functional outcomes when compared with the external fixation group. A total of 123 consecutive patients suffering from IFDR were recruited into the study. The patients were measured for clinical, radiological, and psychosocial functioning outcomes and were followed up after 1 week and 3, 6 and 12 months. After 3 months, the plating group had better pronation (P=0.001), supination, (P=0.047) and extension (P=0.043) scores. These differences were somewhat attenuated by 6 months and disappeared at 1 year. The plating group had a greater occurrence of wound infection (P=0.043), tendonitis, (P=0.024) and additional surgery compared with the external fixation group. The only TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life scores in the plating group that were lower than those in the external fixation group were in the “gross motor” category (walking upstairs, bending over, walking 500 yards; P=0.023). Internal fixation was more advantageous than external fixation in the early rehabilitation period; after 1 year the outcomes were similar. The plating group showed significantly higher levels of wound infection and tendonitis and had a greater need for additional surgeries.
TRAIP regulates replication fork recovery and progression via PCNA
Authors: Feng Wanjuan , Guo Yingying , Huang Jun , Deng Yiqun , Zang Jianye , Huen Michael Shing-Yan
Published: June 2016

PCNA is a central scaffold that coordinately assembles replication and repair machineries at DNA replication forks for faithful genome duplication. Here, we describe TRAIP (RNF206) as a novel PCNA-interacting factor that has important roles during mammalian replicative stress responses. We show that TRAIP encodes a nucleolar protein that migrates to stalled replication forks, and that this is accomplished by its targeting of PCNA via an evolutionarily conserved PIP box on its C terminus. Accordingly, inactivation of TRAIP or its interaction with the PCNA clamp compromised replication fork recovery and progression, and leads to chromosome instability. Together, our findings establish TRAIP as a component of the mammalian replicative stress response network, and implicate the TRAIP-PCNA axis in recovery of stalled replication forks.
Targeted proteomics identifies liquid-biopsy signatures for extracapsular prostate cancer
Authors: Kim Yunee , Jeon Jouhyun , Mejia Salvador , Yao Cindy Q , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Nyalwidhe Julius O , Gramolini Anthony O , Lance Raymond S , Troyer Dean A , Drake Richard R , Boutros Paul C , Semmes O. John , Kislinger Thomas
Published: June 2016

Biomarkers are rapidly gaining importance in personalized medicine. Although numerous molecular signatures have been developed over the past decade, there is a lack of overlap and many biomarkers fail to validate in independent patient cohorts and hence are not useful for clinical application. For these reasons, identification of novel and robust biomarkers remains a formidable challenge. We combine targeted proteomics with computational biology to discover robust proteomic signatures for prostate cancer. Quantitative proteomics conducted in expressed prostatic secretions from men with extraprostatic and organ-confined prostate cancers identified 133 differentially expressed proteins. Using synthetic peptides, we evaluate them by targeted proteomics in a 74-patient cohort of expressed prostatic secretions in urine. We quantify a panel of 34 candidates in an independent 207-patient cohort. We apply machine-learning approaches to develop clinical predictive models for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Our results demonstrate that computationally guided proteomics can discover highly accurate non-invasive biomarkers.
A peptide for targeted, systemic delivery of imaging and therapeutic compounds into acute brain injuries
Authors: Mann Aman P. , Scodeller Pablo , Hussain Sazid , Joo Jinmyoung , Kwon Ester , Braun Gary B. , Mölder Tarmo , She Zhi-Gang , Kotamraju Venkata Ramana , Ranscht Barbara , Krajewski Stan , Teesalu Tambet , Bhatia Sangeeta , Sailor Michael J. , Ruoslahti Erkki
Published: June 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health and socio-economic problem, but no pharmacological agent is currently approved for the treatment of acute TBI. Thus, there is a great need for advances in this field. Here, we describe a short peptide (sequence CAQK) identified by in vivo phage display screening in mice with acute brain injury. The CAQK peptide selectively binds to injured mouse and human brain, and systemically injected CAQK specifically homes to sites of brain injury in mouse models. The CAQK target is a proteoglycan complex upregulated in brain injuries. Coupling to CAQK increased injury site accumulation of systemically administered molecules ranging from a drug-sized molecule to nanoparticles. CAQK-coated nanoparticles containing silencing oligonucleotides provided the first evidence of gene silencing in injured brain parenchyma by systemically administered siRNA. These findings present an effective targeting strategy for the delivery of therapeutics in clinical management of acute brain injuries.
Mapping polaronic states and lithiation gradients in individual V2O5 nanowires
Authors: De Jesus Luis R. , Horrocks Gregory A. , Liang Yufeng , Parija Abhishek , Jaye Cherno , Wangoh Linda , Wang Jian , Fischer Daniel A. , Piper Louis F. J. , Prendergast David , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: June 2016

The rapid insertion and extraction of Li ions from a cathode material is imperative for the functioning of a Li-ion battery. In many cathode materials such as LiCoO2, lithiation proceeds through solid-solution formation, whereas in other materials such as LiFePO4 lithiation/delithiation is accompanied by a phase transition between Li-rich and Li-poor phases. We demonstrate using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) that in individual nanowires of layered V2O5, lithiation gradients observed on Li-ion intercalation arise from electron localization and local structural polarization. Electrons localized on the V2O5 framework couple to local structural distortions, giving rise to small polarons that serves as a bottleneck for further Li-ion insertion. The stabilization of this polaron impedes equilibration of charge density across the nanowire and gives rise to distinctive domains. The enhancement in charge/discharge rates for this material on nanostructuring can be attributed to circumventing challenges with charge transport from polaron formation.
Uncleaved prefusion-optimized gp140 trimers derived from analysis of HIV-1 envelope metastability
Authors: Kong Leopold , He Linling , de Val Natalia , Vora Nemil , Morris Charles D. , Azadnia Parisa , Sok Devin , Zhou Bin , Burton Dennis R. , Ward Andrew B. , Wilson Ian A. , Zhu Jiang
Published: June 2016

The trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is critical for host immune recognition and neutralization. Despite advances in trimer design, the roots of Env trimer metastability remain elusive. Here we investigate the contribution of two Env regions to metastability. First, we computationally redesign a largely disordered bend in heptad region 1 (HR1) of SOSIP trimers that connects the long, central HR1 helix to the fusion peptide, substantially improving the yield of soluble, well-folded trimers. Structural and antigenic analyses of two distinct HR1 redesigns confirm that redesigned Env closely mimics the native, prefusion trimer with a more stable gp41. Next, we replace the cleavage site between gp120 and gp41 with various linkers in the context of an HR1 redesign. Electron microscopy reveals a potential fusion intermediate state for uncleaved trimers containing short but not long linkers. Together, these results outline a general approach for stabilization of Env trimers from diverse HIV-1 strains.
Presenting native-like trimeric HIV-1 antigens with self-assembling nanoparticles
Authors: He Linling , de Val Natalia , Morris Charles D. , Vora Nemil , Thinnes Therese C. , Kong Leopold , Azadnia Parisa , Sok Devin , Zhou Bin , Burton Dennis R. , Wilson Ian A , Nemazee David , Ward Andrew B. , Zhu Jiang
Published: June 2016

Structures of BG505 SOSIP.664 trimer in complex with broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have revealed the critical role of trimeric context for immune recognition of HIV-1. Presentation of trimeric HIV-1 antigens on nanoparticles may thus provide promising vaccine candidates. Here we report the rational design, structural analysis and antigenic evaluation of HIV-1 trimer-presenting nanoparticles. We first demonstrate that both V1V2 and gp120 can be presented in native-like trimeric conformations on nanoparticles. We then design nanoparticles presenting various forms of stabilized gp140 trimer based on ferritin and a large, 60-meric E2p that displays 20 spikes mimicking virus-like particles (VLPs). Particle assembly is confirmed by electron microscopy (EM), while antigenic profiles are generated using representative bNAbs and non-NAbs. Lastly, we demonstrate high-yield gp140 nanoparticle production and robust stimulation of B cells carrying cognate VRC01 receptors by gp120 and gp140 nanoparticles. Together, our study provides an arsenal of multivalent immunogens for HIV-1 vaccine development.
Sub-kBT micro-electromechanical irreversible logic gate
Authors: López-Suárez M. , Neri I. , Gammaitoni L.
Published: June 2016

In modern computers, computation is performed by assembling together sets of logic gates. Popular gates like AND, OR and XOR, processing two logic inputs and yielding one logic output, are often addressed as irreversible logic gates, where the sole knowledge of the output logic value is not sufficient to infer the logic value of the two inputs. Such gates are usually believed to be bounded to dissipate a finite minimum amount of energy determined by the input–output information difference. Here we show that this is not necessarily the case, by presenting an experiment where a OR logic gate, realized with a micro-electromechanical cantilever, is operated with energy well below the expected limit, provided the operation is slow enough and frictional phenomena are properly addressed.
Learning and memory under stress: implications for the classroom
Authors: Vogel Susanne , Schwabe Lars
Published: June 2016

Exams, tight deadlines and interpersonal conflicts are just a few examples of the many events that may result in high levels of stress in both students and teachers. Research over the past two decades identified stress and the hormones and neurotransmitters released during and after a stressful event as major modulators of human learning and memory processes, with critical implications for educational contexts. While stress around the time of learning is thought to enhance memory formation, thus leading to robust memories, stress markedly impairs memory retrieval, bearing, for instance, the risk of underachieving at exams. Recent evidence further indicates that stress may hamper the updating of memories in the light of new information and induce a shift from a flexible, ‘cognitive’ form of learning towards rather rigid, ‘habit’-like behaviour. Together, these stress-induced changes may explain some of the difficulties of learning and remembering under stress in the classroom. Taking these insights from psychology and neuroscience into account could bear the potential to facilitate processes of education for both students and teachers.
Sol-gel synthesis of thorn-like ZnO nanoparticles endorsing mechanical stirring effect and their antimicrobial activities: Potential role as nano-antibiotics
Authors: Khan Mohd Farhan , Ansari Akhter H. , Hameedullah M. , Ahmad Ejaz , Husain Fohad Mabood , Zia Qamar , Baig Umair , Zaheer Mohd Rehan , Alam Mohammad Mezbaul , Khan Abu Mustafa , AlOthman Zeid A. , Ahmad Iqbal , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: June 2016

The effect of mechanical stirring on sol-gel synthesis of thorn-like ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and antimicrobial activities is successfully reported in this study. The in-house synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC and UV-visible spectroscopy. The X-Ray Diffraction analysis revealed the wurtzite crystal lattice for ZnO-NPs with no impurities present. The diametric measurements of the synthesized thorn-like ZnO-NPs (morphology assessed by SEM) were well accounted to be less than 50 nm with the help of TEM. Relative decrease in aspect ratio was observed on increasing the agitation speed. The UV-visible spectroscopy showed the absorption peaks of the ZnO-NPs existed in both UVA and UVB region. A hypsochromic shift in λmax was observed when stirring pace was increased from 500 rpm to 2000 rpm. The FTIR spectroscopy showed the absorption bands of the stretching modes of Zn-O between 500 cm−1 to 525 cm−1. The Thermal analysis studies revealed better stability for ZnO-NPs prepared at 2000 rpm (ZnO-2000 rpm). TGA revealed the weight loss between two main temperatures ranges viz. around (90 °C–120 °C) and (240 °C–280 °C). Finally, the effect of ZnO-NPs prepared at different stirring conditions on the growth of Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and a fungi (Candida albicans) were examined; which showed good antibacterial as well as antifungal properties. These findings introduce a simple, inexpensive process to synthesize ZnO-NPs using conventional methods without the use of sophisticated equipments and its application as a potent nano-antibiotic.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1152 is a Novel GntR Family Transcriptional Regulator Involved in Intrinsic Vancomycin Resistance and is a Potential Vancomycin Adjuvant Target
Authors: Zeng Jie , Deng Wanyan , Yang Wenmin , Luo Hongping , Duan Xiangke , Xie Longxiang , Li Ping , Wang Rui , Fu Tiwei , Abdalla Abualgasim Elgaili , Xie Jianping
Published: June 2016

Novel factors involved in Mycobacteria antibiotics resistance are crucial for better targets to combat the ever-increasing drug resistant strains. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1152, a novel GntR family transcriptional regulator and a promising vancomycin adjuvant target, was firstly characterized in our study. Overexpression of Rv1152 in Mycobacterium smegmatis decreased bacterial susceptibility to vancomycin. Moreover, a deficiency in MSMEG_5174, an Rv1152 homolog made M. smegmatis more sensitive to vancomycin, which was reverted by complementing the MSMEG_5174 deficiency with Rv1152 of M. tuberculosis. Rv1152 negatively regulated four vancomycin responsive genes, namely genes encoding the ribosome binding protein Hsp, small unit of sulfate adenylyltransferase CysD, L-lysine-epsilon aminotransferase Lat and protease HtpX. Taken together, Rv1152 controls the expression of genes required for the susceptibility to vancomycin. This is the first report that links the GntR family transcriptional factor with vancomycin susceptibility. Inhibitors of Rv1152 might be ideal vancomycin adjuvants for controlling multi-drug resistant Mycobacterial infections.
A history-based method to estimate animal preference
Authors: Maia Caroline Marques , Volpato Gilson Luiz
Published: June 2016

Giving animals their preferred items (e.g., environmental enrichment) has been suggested as a method to improve animal welfare, thus raising the question of how to determine what animals want. Most studies have employed choice tests for detecting animal preferences. However, whether choice tests represent animal preferences remains a matter of controversy. Here, we present a history-based method to analyse data from individual choice tests to discriminate between preferred and non-preferred items. This method differentially weighs choices from older and recent tests performed over time. Accordingly, we provide both a preference index that identifies preferred items contrasted with non-preferred items in successive multiple-choice tests and methods to detect the strength of animal preferences for each item. We achieved this goal by investigating colour choices in the Nile tilapia fish species.
Direct Measurement of Polarization-Induced Fields in GaN/AlN by Nano-Beam Electron Diffraction
Authors: Carvalho Daniel , Müller-Caspary Knut , Schowalter Marco , Grieb Tim , Mehrtens Thorsten , Rosenauer Andreas , Ben Teresa , García Rafael , Redondo-Cubero Andrés , Lorenz Katharina , Daudin Bruno , Morales Francisco M.
Published: June 2016

The built-in piezoelectric fields in group III-nitrides can act as road blocks on the way to maximizing the efficiency of opto-electronic devices. In order to overcome this limitation, a proper characterization of these fields is necessary. In this work nano-beam electron diffraction in scanning transmission electron microscopy mode has been used to simultaneously measure the strain state and the induced piezoelectric fields in a GaN/AlN multiple quantum well system.
Laminar-Turbulent Transition in Raman Fiber Lasers: A First Passage Statistics Based Analysis
Authors: Chattopadhyay Amit K. , Nasiev Diar , Sugavanam Srikanth , Tarasov Nikita , Churkin Dmitry V.
Published: June 2016

Loss of coherence with increasing excitation amplitudes and spatial size modulation is a fundamental problem in designing Raman fiber lasers. While it is known that ramping up laser pump power increases the amplitude of stochastic excitations, such higher energy inputs can also lead to a transition from a linearly stable coherent laminar regime to a non-desirable disordered turbulent state. This report presents a new statistical methodology, based on first passage statistics, that classifies lasing regimes in Raman fiber lasers, thereby leading to a fast and highly accurate identification of a strong instability leading to a laminar-turbulent phase transition through a self-consistently defined order parameter. The results have been consistent across a wide range of pump power values, heralding a breakthrough in the non-invasive analysis of fiber laser dynamics.
DNA barcoding, species-specific PCR and real-time PCR techniques for the identification of six Tribolium pests of stored products
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Yi-Jiao , Guo Wei , Luo Dan , Wu Yi , Kučerová Zuzana , Stejskal Václav , Opit George , Cao Yang , Li Fu-Jun , Li Zhi-Hong
Published: June 2016

Flour beetles of the genus Tribolium Macleay (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are important stored product pests in China and worldwide. They are often found or are intercepted in grain depots, flour mills, and entry-exit ports, etc. Traditionally, Tribolium species are identified according to the morphological characteristics of the adult. However, it is almost impossible to rapidly identify adult fragments and non-adult stages based on external morphological characteristics. Molecular techniques for the rapid and accurate identification of Tribolium species are required, particularly for pest monitoring and the quarantine of stored products pests. Here, we establish DNA barcoding, species-specific PCR, and real-time PCR techniques for the identification of six stored-product pest Tribolium species including T. castaneum, T. confusum, T. destructor, T. madens, T. freemani and T. brevicornis. We detected the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes for Tribolium from 18 geographic populations and 101 individuals, built a Tribolium DNA barcode library, and designed species-specific primers and TaqMan probes for the above six Tribolium species. The three techniques were applied to identify Tribolium collected from stored samples and samples captured from quarantine ports. The results demonstrated that three techniques were all able to identify the six species of Tribolium both rapidly and accurately.
Insights into Intrinsic Brain Networks based on Graph Theory and PET in right- compared to left-sided Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Vanicek Thomas , Hahn Andreas , Traub-Weidinger Tatjana , Hilger Eva , Spies Marie , Wadsak Wolfgang , Lanzenberger Rupert , Pataraia Ekaterina , Asenbaum-Nan Susanne
Published: June 2016

The human brain exhibits marked hemispheric differences, though it is not fully understood to what extent lateralization of the epileptic focus is relevant. Preoperative [18F]FDG-PET depicts lateralization of seizure focus in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and reveals dysfunctional metabolic brain connectivity. The aim of the present study was to compare metabolic connectivity, inferred from inter-regional [18F]FDG PET uptake correlations, in right-sided (RTLE; n = 30) and left-sided TLE (LTLE; n = 32) with healthy controls (HC; n = 31) using graph theory based network analysis. Comparing LTLE and RTLE and patient groups separately to HC, we observed higher lobar connectivity weights in RTLE compared to LTLE for connections of the temporal and the parietal lobe of the contralateral hemisphere (CH). Moreover, especially in RTLE compared to LTLE higher local efficiency were found in the temporal cortices and other brain regions of the CH. The results of this investigation implicate altered metabolic networks in patients with TLE specific to the lateralization of seizure focus, and describe compensatory mechanisms especially in the CH of patients with RTLE. We propose that graph theoretical analysis of metabolic connectivity using [18F]FDG-PET offers an important additional modality to explore brain networks.
Identification of SLC41A3 as a novel player in magnesium homeostasis
Authors: de Baaij Jeroen H.F. , Arjona Francisco J. , van den Brand Michiel , Lavrijsen Marla , Lameris Anke L.L. , Bindels René J.M. , Hoenderop Joost G.J.
Published: June 2016

Regulation of the body Mg2+ balance takes place in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), where transcellular reabsorption determines the final urinary Mg2+ excretion. The basolateral Mg2+ extrusion mechanism in the DCT is still unknown, but recent findings suggest that SLC41 proteins contribute to Mg2+ extrusion. The aim of this study was, therefore, to characterize the functional role of SLC41A3 in Mg2+ homeostasis using the Slc41a3 knockout (Slc41a3−/−) mouse. By quantitative PCR analysis it was shown that Slc41a3 is the only SLC41 isoform with enriched expression in the DCT. Interestingly, serum and urine electrolyte determinations demonstrated that Slc41a3−/− mice suffer from hypomagnesemia. The intestinal Mg2+ absorption capacity was measured using the stable 25Mg2+ isotope in mice fed a low Mg2+ diet. 25Mg2+ uptake was similar in wildtype (Slc41a3+/+) and Slc41a3−/− mice, although Slc41a3−/− animals exhibited increased intestinal mRNA expression of Mg2+ transporters Trpm6 and Slc41a1. Remarkably, some of the Slc41a3−/− mice developed severe unilateral hydronephrosis. In conclusion, SLC41A3 was established as a new factor for Mg2+ handling.
Prenatal maternal stress and wheeze in children: novel insights into epigenetic regulation
Authors: Trump Saskia , Bieg Matthias , Gu Zuguang , Thürmann Loreen , Bauer Tobias , Bauer Mario , Ishaque Naveed , Röder Stefan , Gu Lei , Herberth Gunda , Lawerenz Christian , Borte Michael , Schlesner Matthias , Plass Christoph , Diessl Nicolle , Eszlinger Markus , Mücke Oliver , Elvers Horst-Dietrich , Wissenbach Dirk K. , von Bergen Martin , Herrmann Carl , Weichenhan Dieter , Wright Rosalind J. , Lehmann Irina , Eils Roland
Published: June 2016

Psychological stress during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood wheeze and asthma. However, the transmitting mechanisms remain largely unknown. Since epigenetic alterations have emerged as a link between perturbations in the prenatal environment and an increased disease risk we used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to analyze changes in DNA methylation in mothers and their children related to prenatal psychosocial stress and assessed its role in the development of wheeze in the child. We evaluated genomic regions altered in their methylation level due to maternal stress based of WGBS data of 10 mother-child-pairs. These data were complemented by longitudinal targeted methylation and transcriptional analyses in children from our prospective mother-child cohort LINA for whom maternal stress and wheezing information was available (n = 443). High maternal stress was associated with an increased risk for persistent wheezing in the child until the age of 5. Both mothers and children showed genome-wide alterations in DNA-methylation specifically in enhancer elements. Deregulated neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter receptor interactions were observed in stressed mothers and their children. In children but not in mothers, calcium- and Wnt-signaling required for lung maturation in the prenatal period were epigenetically deregulated and could be linked with wheezing later in children’s life.
Role of Polar Phonons in the Photo Excited State of Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Bokdam Menno , Sander Tobias , Stroppa Alessandro , Picozzi Silvia , Sarma D. D. , Franchini Cesare , Kresse Georg
Published: June 2016

The development of high efficiency perovskite solar cells has sparked a multitude of measurements on the optical properties of these materials. For the most studied methylammonium(MA)PbI3 perovskite, a large range (6–55 meV) of exciton binding energies has been reported by various experiments. The existence of excitons at room temperature is unclear. For the MAPbX3 perovskites we report on relativistic Bethe-Salpeter Equation calculations (GW-BSE). This method is capable to directly calculate excitonic properties from first-principles. At low temperatures it predicts exciton binding energies in agreement with the reported ‘large’ values. For MAPbI3, phonon modes present in this frequency range have a negligible contribution to the ionic screening. By calculating the polarization in time from finite temperature molecular dynamics, we show that at room temperature this does not change. We therefore exclude ionic screening as an explanation for the experimentally observed reduction of the exciton binding energy at room temperature and argue in favor of the formation of polarons.
Phosphocholine – an agonist of metabotropic but not of ionotropic functions of α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Richter K. , Mathes V. , Fronius M. , Althaus M. , Hecker A. , Krasteva-Christ G. , Padberg W. , Hone A. J. , McIntosh J. M. , Zakrzewicz A. , Grau V.
Published: June 2016

We demonstrated previously that phosphocholine and phosphocholine-modified macromolecules efficiently inhibit ATP-dependent release of interleukin-1β from human and murine monocytes by a mechanism involving nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Interleukin-1β is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine of innate immunity that plays pivotal roles in host defence. Control of interleukin-1β release is vital as excessively high systemic levels cause life threatening inflammatory diseases. In spite of its structural similarity to acetylcholine, there are no other reports on interactions of phosphocholine with nAChR. In this study, we demonstrate that phosphocholine inhibits ion-channel function of ATP receptor P2X7 in monocytic cells via nAChR containing α9 and α10 subunits. In stark contrast to choline, phosphocholine does not evoke ion current responses in Xenopus laevis oocytes, which heterologously express functional homomeric nAChR composed of α9 subunits or heteromeric receptors containing α9 and α10 subunits. Preincubation of these oocytes with phosphocholine, however, attenuated choline-induced ion current changes, suggesting that phosphocholine may act as a silent agonist. We conclude that phophocholine activates immuno-modulatory nAChR expressed by monocytes but does not stimulate canonical ionotropic receptor functions.
The LIKE SEX FOUR2 regulates root development by modulating reactive oxygen species homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Pingzhi , Sokolov Lubomir N. , Ye Jian , Tang Cheng-Yi , Shi Jisen , Zhen Yan , Lan Wenzhi , Hong Zhi , Qi Jinliang , Lu Gui-Hua , Pandey Girdhar K. , Yang Yong-Hua
Published: June 2016

Maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis plays a central role in plants and is also critical for plant root development. Threshold levels of ROS act as signals for elongation and differentiation of root cells. The protein phosphatase LIKE SEX FOUR2 (LSF2) has been reported to regulate starch metabolism in Arabidopsis, but little is known about the mechanism how LSF2 affect ROS homeostasis. Here, we identified that LSF2 function as a component modulating ROS homeostasis in response to oxidative stress and, thus regulate root development. Compared with wild type Arabidopsis, lsf2-1 mutant exhibited reduced rates of superoxide generation and higher levels of hydrogen peroxide upon oxidative stress treatments. The activities of several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, were also affected in lsf2-1 mutant under these oxidative stress conditions. Consequently, lsf2-1 mutant exhibited the reduced root growth but less inhibition of root hair formation compared to wild type Arabidopsis plants. Importantly, protein phosphatase LSF2 interacted with mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MPK8), a known component of ROS homeostasis pathways in the cytoplasm. These findings indicated the novel function of LSF2 that controls ROS homeostasis to regulate root development.
Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-M) and serine biosynthetic pathway genes are co-ordinately increased during anabolic agent-induced skeletal muscle growth
Authors: Brown D. M. , Williams H. , Ryan K. J. P. , Wilson T. L. , Daniel Z. C. T. R. , Mareko M. H. D. , Emes R. D. , Harris D. W. , Jones S. , Wattis J. A. D. , Dryden I. L. , Hodgman T. C. , Brameld J. M. , Parr T.
Published: June 2016

We aimed to identify novel molecular mechanisms for muscle growth during administration of anabolic agents. Growing pigs (Duroc/(Landrace/Large-White)) were administered Ractopamine (a beta-adrenergic agonist; BA; 20 ppm in feed) or Reporcin (recombinant growth hormone; GH; 10 mg/48 hours injected) and compared to a control cohort (feed only; no injections) over a 27-day time course (1, 3, 7, 13 or 27-days). Longissimus Dorsi muscle gene expression was analyzed using Agilent porcine transcriptome microarrays and clusters of genes displaying similar expression profiles were identified using a modified maSigPro clustering algorithm. Anabolic agents increased carcass (p = 0.002) and muscle weights (Vastus Lateralis: p < 0.001; Semitendinosus: p = 0.075). Skeletal muscle mRNA expression of serine/one-carbon/glycine biosynthesis pathway genes (Phgdh, Psat1 and Psph) and the gluconeogenic enzyme, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-M (Pck2/PEPCK-M), increased during treatment with BA, and to a lesser extent GH (p < 0.001, treatment x time interaction). Treatment with BA, but not GH, caused a 2-fold increase in phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) protein expression at days 3 (p < 0.05) and 7 (p < 0.01), and a 2-fold increase in PEPCK-M protein expression at day 7 (p < 0.01). BA treated pigs exhibit a profound increase in expression of PHGDH and PEPCK-M in skeletal muscle, implicating a role for biosynthetic metabolic pathways in muscle growth.
Mycobacteriophage SWU1 gp39 can potentiate multiple antibiotics against Mycobacterium via altering the cell wall permeability
Authors: Li Qiming , Zhou Mingliang , Fan Xiangyu , Yan Jianlong , Li Weimin , Xie Jianping
Published: June 2016

M. tuberculosisis intrinsically tolerant to many antibiotics largely due to the imperviousness of its unusual mycolic acid-containing cell wall to most antimicrobials. The emergence and increasingly widespread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) revitalized keen interest in phage-inspired therapy. SWU1gp39 is a novel gene from mycobacteriophage SWU1 with unknown function. SWU1gp39 expressed inM. smegmatisconferred the host cell increased susceptibility to multiple antibiotics, including isoniazid, erythromycin, norfloxacin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, rifampicin and vancomycin, and multiple environment stresses such as H2O2, heat shock, low pH and SDS. By using EtBr/Nile red uptake assays, WT-pAL-gp39 strain showed higher cell wall permeability than control strain WT-pAL. Moreover, the WT-pAL-gp39 strain produced more reactive oxygen species and reduced NAD+/NADH ratio. RNA-Seq transcriptomes of the WT-pAL-gp39 and WT-pAL revealed that the transcription of 867 genes was differentially regulated, including genes associated with lipid metabolism. Taken together, our results implicated that SWU1gp39, a novel gene from mycobacteriophage, disrupted the lipid metabolism of host and increased cell wall permeability, ultimately potentiated the efficacy of multiple antibiotics and stresses against mycobacteria.
In-situ Isotopic Analysis at Nanoscale using Parallel Ion Electron Spectrometry: A Powerful New Paradigm for Correlative Microscopy
Authors: Yedra Lluís , Eswara Santhana , Dowsett David , Wirtz Tom
Published: June 2016

Isotopic analysis is of paramount importance across the entire gamut of scientific research. To advance the frontiers of knowledge, a technique for nanoscale isotopic analysis is indispensable. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is a well-established technique for analyzing isotopes, but its spatial-resolution is fundamentally limited. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is a well-known method for high-resolution imaging down to the atomic scale. However, isotopic analysis in TEM is not possible. Here, we introduce a powerful new paradigm for in-situ correlative microscopy called the Parallel Ion Electron Spectrometry by synergizing SIMS with TEM. We demonstrate this technique by distinguishing lithium carbonate nanoparticles according to the isotopic label of lithium, viz. 6Li and 7Li and imaging them at high-resolution by TEM, adding a new dimension to correlative microscopy.
Discriminating the Independent Influence of Cell Adhesion and Spreading Area on Stem Cell Fate Determination Using Micropatterned Surfaces
Authors: Wang Xinlong , Hu Xiaohong , Dulińska-Molak Ida , Kawazoe Naoki , Yang Yingnan , Chen Guoping
Published: June 2016

Adhesion and spreading are essential processes of anchorage dependent cells involved in regulation of cell functions. Cells interact with their extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in different degree of adhesion and spreading. However, it is not clear whether cell adhesion or cell spreading is more important for cell functions. In this study, 10 types of isotropical micropatterns that were composed of 2 μm microdots were prepared to precisely control the adhesion area and spreading area of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The respective influence of adhesion and spreading areas on stem cell functions was investigated. Adhesion area showed more significant influences on the focal adhesion formation, binding of myosin to actin fibers, cytoskeletal organization, cellular Young’s modulus, accumulation of YAP/TAZ in nuclei, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs than did the spreading area. The results indicated that adhesion area rather than spreading area played more important roles in regulating cell functions. This study should provide new insight of the influence of cell adhesion and spreading on cell functions and inspire the design of biomaterials to process in an effective manner for manipulation of cell functions.
Behavioral, blood and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of experimental mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wright David K. , Trezise Jack , Kamnaksh Alaa , Bekdash Ramsey , Johnston Leigh A. , Ordidge Roger , Semple Bridgette D. , Gardner Andrew J. , Stanwell Peter , O’Brien Terence J. , Agoston Denes V. , Shultz Sandy R.
Published: June 2016

Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) may lead to serious neurological consequences, especially if re-injury occurs within the period of increased cerebral vulnerability (ICV) triggered by the initial insult. MRI and blood proteomics might provide objective measures of pathophysiological changes in mTBI and indicate when the brain is no longer in a state of ICV. This study assessed behavioral, MRI and blood-based markers in a rat model of mTBI. Rats were given a sham or mild fluid percussion injury (mFPI) and behavioral testing, MRI and blood collections were conducted up to 30 days post-injury. There were cognitive impairments for three days post-mFPI, before normalizing by day 5 post-injury. In contrast, advanced MRI (i.e., tractography) and blood proteomics (i.e., vascular endothelial growth factor) detected a number of abnormalities, some of which were still present 30 days post-mFPI. These findings suggest that MRI and blood proteomics are sensitive measures of the molecular and subtle structural changes following mTBI. Of particular significance, this study identified novel tractography measures that are able to detect mTBI and may be more sensitive than traditional diffusion-tensor measures. Furthermore, the blood and MRI findings may have important implications in understanding ICV and are translatable to the clinical setting.
Can the co-cultivation of rice and fish help sustain rice production?
Authors: Hu Liangliang , Zhang Jian , Ren Weizheng , Guo Liang , Cheng Yongxu , Li Jiayao , Li Kexin , Zhu Zewen , Zhang Jiaen , Luo Shiming , Cheng Lei , Tang Jianjun , Chen Xin
Published: June 2016

Because rice feeds half of the world’s population, a secure global food supply depends on sustainable rice production. Here we test whether the co-cultivation of rice and fish into one “rice-fish system” (RFS; fish refers to aquatic animals in this article) could help sustain rice production. We examined intensive and traditional RFSs that have been widely practiced in China. We found that rice yields did not decrease when fish yield was below a threshold value in each intensive RFS. Below the thresholds, moreover, fish yields in intensive RFSs can be substantially higher than those in traditional RFS without reducing rice yield. Relative to rice monoculture, the use of fertilizer-nitrogen and pesticides decreased and the farmers’ net income increased in RFSs. The results suggest that RFSs can help sustain rice production and suggest that development of co-culture technologies (i.e. proper field configuration for fish and rice) is necessary to achieve the sustainability.
Intranasal Administration of Chitosan Against Influenza A (H7N9) Virus Infection in a Mouse Model
Authors: Zheng Mei , Qu Di , Wang Haiming , Sun Zhiping , Liu Xueying , Chen Jianjun , Li Changgui , Li Xuguang , Chen Ze
Published: June 2016

Influenza virus evolves constantly in an unpredictable fashion, making it necessary to vaccinate people annually for effective prevention and control of influenza. In general, however, during the first wave of an influenza outbreak caused by a newly emerging virus strain, influenza morbidity and mortality have been observed to rise sharply due to the lack of a matching vaccine. This necessitates the exploration of novel intervention approaches, particularly those prophylactic or therapeutic agents that have a broad range of antiviral activities and are also proven to be non-toxic. Here, we reported that stimulation of the innate immune system by intranasal administration of chitosan as a single agent was sufficient to completely protect BALB/c mice from lethal infection by H7N9 virus, a newly emerged viral strain that is highly pathogenic to humans. Remarkably, animals could still be protected against lethal challenge by H7N9 (10×LD50), even ten days after the intranasal chitosan administration. The significantly enhanced infiltration of leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the bronchia/lung tissues revealed the potent activation of mucosal immune responses by intranasally delivered chitosan. We also observed that chitosan can protect mice from three other virus strains. The marked breadth and magnitude of protection against diverse viral strains makes chitosan an attractive candidate as a universal anti-influenza agent.
Controlling the corrosion and cathodic activation of magnesium via microalloying additions of Ge
Authors: Liu R. L. , Hurley M. F. , Kvryan A. , Williams G. , Scully J. R. , Birbilis N.
Published: June 2016

The evolution of corrosion morphology and kinetics for magnesium (Mg) have been demonstrated to be influenced by cathodic activation, which implies that the rate of the cathodic partial reaction is enhanced as a result of anodic dissolution. This phenomenon was recently demonstrated to be moderated by the use of arsenic (As) alloying as a poison for the cathodic reaction, leading to significantly improved corrosion resistance. The pursuit of alternatives to toxic As is important as a means to imparting a technologically safe and effective corrosion control method for Mg (and its alloys). In this work, Mg was microalloyed with germanium (Ge), with the aim of improving corrosion resistance by retarding cathodic activation. Based on a combined analysis herein, we report that Ge is potent in supressing the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (reduction of water) upon Mg, improving corrosion resistance. With the addition of Ge, cathodic activation of Mg subject to cyclic polarisation was also hindered, with beneficial implications for future Mg electrodes.
Pharmacological targeting of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in human erythrocytes by Bay 11–7082, parthenolide and dimethyl fumarate
Authors: Ghashghaeinia Mehrdad , Giustarini Daniela , Koralkova Pavla , Köberle Martin , Alzoubi Kousi , Bissinger Rosi , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Dreischer Peter , Bernhardt Ingolf , Lang Florian , Toulany Mahmoud , Wieder Thomas , Mojzikova Renata , Rossi Ranieri , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: June 2016

In mature erythrocytes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) yield NADPH, a crucial cofactor of the enzyme glutathione reductase (GR) converting glutathione disulfide (GSSG) into its reduced state (GSH). GSH is essential for detoxification processes in and survival of erythrocytes. We explored whether the anti-inflammatory compounds Bay 11–7082, parthenolide and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) were able to completely deplete a common target (GSH), and to impair the function of upstream enzymes of GSH recycling and replenishment. Treatment of erythrocytes with Bay 11–7082, parthenolide or DMF led to concentration-dependent eryptosis resulting from complete depletion of GSH. GSH depletion was due to strong inhibition of G6PDH activity. Bay 11–7082 and DMF, but not parthenolide, were able to inhibit the GR activity. This approach “Inhibitors, Detection of their common target that is completely depleted or inactivated when pharmacologically relevant concentrations of each single inhibitor are applied, Subsequent functional analysis of upstream enzymes for this target” (IDS), can be applied to a broad range of inhibitors and cell types according to the selected target. The specific G6PDH inhibitory effect of these compounds may be exploited for the treatment of human diseases with high NADPH and GSH consumption rates, including malaria, trypanosomiasis, cancer or obesity.