bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting trend of early childhood caries in mainland China: a combined meta-analytic and mathematical modelling approach based on epidemiological surveys
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yonghong , Liao Zhaoying , Song Jinlin
Published: July 2017

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common chronic disease in young children. A reliable predictive model for ECC prevalence is needed in China as a decision supportive tool for planning health resources. In this study, we first established the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and grey predictive model (GM) based on the estimated national prevalence of ECC with meta-analysis from the published articles. The pooled data from 1988 to 2010 were used to establish the model, while the data from 2011 to 2013 were used to validate the models. The fitting and prediction accuracy of the two models were evaluated by mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Then, we forecasted the annual prevalence from 2014 to 2018, which was 55.8%, 53.5%, 54.0%, 52.9%, 51.2% by ARIMA model and 52.8%, 52.0%, 51.2%, 50.4%, 49.6% by GM. The declining trend in ECC prevalence may be attributed to the socioeconomic developments and improved public health service in China. In conclusion, both ARIMA and GM models can be well applied to forecast and analyze the trend of ECC; the fitting and testing errors generated by the ARIMA model were lower than those obtained from GM.
Comparative Analysis of Four Buckwheat Species Based on Morphology and Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences
Authors: Wang Cheng-Long , Ding Meng-Qi , Zou Chen-Yan , Zhu Xue-Mei , Tang Yu , Zhou Mei-Liang , Shao Ji-Rong
Published: July 2017

Buckwheat is a nutritional and economically crop belonging to Polygonaceae, Fagopyrum. To better understand the mutation patterns and evolution trend in the chloroplast (cp) genome of buckwheat, and found sufficient number of variable regions to explore the phylogenetic relationships of this genus, two complete cp genomes of buckwheat including Fagopyrum dibotrys (F. dibotrys) and Fagopyrum luojishanense (F. luojishanense) were sequenced, and other two Fagopyrum cp genomes were used for comparative analysis. After morphological analysis, the main difference among these buckwheat were height, leaf shape, seeds and flower type. F. luojishanense was distinguishable from the cultivated species easily. Although the F. dibotrys and two cultivated species has some similarity, they different in habit and component contents. The cp genome of F. dibotrys was 159,320 bp while the F. luojishanense was 159,265 bp. 48 and 61 SSRs were found in F. dibotrys and F. luojishanense respectively. Meanwhile, 10 highly variable regions among these buckwheat species were located precisely. The phylogenetic relationships among four Fagopyrum species based on complete cp genomes was showed. The results suggested that F. dibotrys is more closely related to Fagopyrum tataricum. These data provided valuable genetic information for Fagopyrum species identification, taxonomy, phylogenetic study and molecular breeding.
Molecular Characterization of Viral Responsive Protein 15 and Its Possible Role in Nuclear Export of Virus in Black Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon
Authors: Jaturontakul Krisadaporn , Jatuyosporn Thapanan , Laohawutthichai Pasunee , Kim Sun-Yong , Mori Tomoyuki , Supungul Premruethai , Hakoshima Toshio , Tassanakajon Anchalee , Krusong Kuakarun
Published: July 2017

A viral responsive protein 15 from Penaeus monodon (PmVRP15) has been reported to be important for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in vivo. This work aims to characterize PmVRP15 and investigate its possible role in nuclear import/export of the virus. Circular dichroism spectra showed that PmVRP15 contains high helical contents (82%). Analytical ultracentrifugation suggested that PmVRP15 could possibly form oligomers in solution. A subcellular fractionation study showed that PmVRP15 was found in heavy and light membrane fractions, indicating that PmVRP15 may be associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Double-stranded RNAi-mediated knockdown of PmVRP15 gene expression in vitro showed no effect on WSSV copy number in whole hemocyte cells. However, PmVRP15 silencing resulted in an accumulation of WSSV DNA in the nucleus of PmVRP15-silenced hemocytes. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed that PmVRP15 knockdown hemocytes had a much lower level of VP28 (WSSV envelope protein), in comparison to that in the control. It is likely that PmVRP15 may play a role in viral nuclear egress.
Large-scale differences in microbial biodiversity discovery between 16S amplicon and shotgun sequencing
Authors: Tessler Michael , Neumann Johannes S. , Afshinnekoo Ebrahim , Pineda Michael , Hersch Rebecca , Velho Luiz Felipe M. , Segovia Bianca T. , Lansac-Toha Fabio A. , Lemke Michael , DeSalle Rob , Mason Christopher E. , Brugler Mercer R.
Published: July 2017

Modern metagenomic environmental DNA studies are almost completely reliant on next-generation sequencing, making evaluations of these methods critical. We compare two next-generation sequencing techniques – amplicon and shotgun – on water samples across four of Brazil’s major river floodplain systems (Amazon, Araguaia, Paraná, and Pantanal). Less than 50% of phyla identified via amplicon sequencing were recovered from shotgun sequencing, clearly challenging the dogma that mid-depth shotgun recovers more diversity than amplicon-based approaches. Amplicon sequencing also revealed ~27% more families. Overall the amplicon data were more robust across both biodiversity and community ecology analyses at different taxonomic scales. Our work doubles the sampling size in similar environmental studies, and novelly integrates environmental data (e.g., pH, temperature, nutrients) from each site, revealing divergent correlations depending on which data are used. While myriad variants on NGS techniques and bioinformatic pipelines are available, our results point to core differences that have not been highlighted in any studies to date. Given the low number of taxa identified when coupling shotgun data with clade-based taxonomic algorithms, previous studies that quantified biodiversity using such bioinformatic tools should be viewed cautiously or re-analyzed. Nonetheless, shotgun has complementary advantages that should be weighed when designing projects.
Glycoengineering of EphA4 Fc leads to a unique, long-acting and broad spectrum, Eph receptor therapeutic antagonist
Authors: Pegg Cassandra L. , Cooper Leanne T. , Zhao Jing , Gerometta Michael , Smith Fiona M. , Yeh Michael , Bartlett Perry F. , Gorman Jeffrey J. , Boyd Andrew W.
Published: July 2017

Eph receptors have emerged as targets for therapy in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic disease, however, particularly in non-neoplastic diseases, redundancy of function limits the effectiveness of targeting individual Eph proteins. We have shown previously that a soluble fusion protein, where the EphA4 ectodomain was fused to IgG Fc (EphA4 Fc), was an effective therapy in acute injuries and demonstrated that EphA4 Fc was a broad spectrum Eph/ephrin antagonist. However, a very short in vivo half-life effectively limited its therapeutic development. We report a unique glycoengineering approach to enhance the half-life of EphA4 Fc. Progressive deletion of three demonstrated N-linked sites in EphA4 progressively increased in vivo half-life such that the triple mutant protein showed dramatically improved pharmacokinetic characteristics. Importantly, protein stability, affinity for ephrin ligands and antagonism of cell expressed EphA4 was fully preserved, enabling it to be developed as a broad spectrum Eph/ephrin antagonist for use in both acute and chronic diseases.
Fractal scaling of particle-size distribution and associations with soil properties of Mongolian pine plantations in the Mu Us Desert, China
Authors: Deng Jifeng , Li Jinghao , Deng Ge , Zhu Hangyong , Zhang Ruohan
Published: July 2017

Mongolian pine plantations (MPPs) composed of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (P. sylvestris) are used for desertification control and restoration of degraded land in arid and semi-arid regions. We studied soil changes associated with P. sylvestris by comparing top (0–20 cm) and sub-top (20–40 cm) soil properties across 8 stand density gradients of MPPs ranging from 900 ± 5–2700 ± 50 trees ha–1. The study was conducted in the uncovered Sandy Land in the southern Mu Us Desert, China. The relationships between the volume fractal dimensions (D) of soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties were evaluated. D was determined using a laser diffraction technique and soil properties were measured. In the top layer, P. sylvestris significantly positively affected soil physicochemical properties except for bulk density and total nitrogen. These effects were not observed in the sub-top soil layer. D values ranged from 1.52 ± 0.29–2.08 ± 0.06 and were significantly correlated with stand density. Significant correlations were observed between D and soil properties (except total nitrogen) in the top soil layer. Given these results, we concluded that D is a sensitive and useful index because it quantifies changes in soil properties that additionally implies desertification in the studied area.
Easily Regenerated Readily Deployable Absorbent for Heavy Metal Removal from Contaminated Water
Authors: Alagappan Perry N. , Heimann Jessica , Morrow Lauren , Andreoli Enrico , Barron Andrew R.
Published: July 2017

Although clean and abundant water is the keystone of thriving communities, increasing demand and volatile climate patterns are depleting rivers and aquifers. Moreover, the quality of such water sources is threatened by noxious contaminants, of which heavy metals represents an area of growing concern. Recently, graphene oxide (GO) has been suggested as an adsorbent; however, a support is desirable to ensure a high surface area and an immobile phase. Herein, we described the preparation and characterization of a supported-epoxidized carbon nanotube (SENT) via the growth of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) onto a quartz substrate. Subsequent epoxidation provides sufficient functionality to enable adsorbent of heavy metals (Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+) from aqueous solution with initial concentrations (60–6000 ppm) chosen to simulate high industrial wastewater contamination. The SENT adsorption efficiency is >99.4% for all metals and the saturation concentration is significantly greater than observed for either GO or acid treated MWNTs. The SENT adsorbent may be readily regenerated under mild conditions using a globally available household chemical, vinegar. 1 g of SENT has the potential to treat 83,000 L of contaminated water down to WHO limits which would be sufficient for 11,000 people.
Small fire refugia in the grassy matrix and the persistence of Afrotemperate forest in the Drakensberg mountains
Authors: Adie Hylton , Kotze D. Johan , Lawes Michael J.
Published: July 2017

Afrotemperate forests situated in the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa are characteristically small (1–10 s ha) and widely dispersed in a vast fire-prone grassland. Compared with lowland forests, they are typically species poor with low levels of endemism and species turnover, patterns that are to date unexplained. Here we show that the richness, composition and functional traits of tree species distributed on extremely small (10–100 s m2) rocky fire-refugia situated in grassland are indistinguishable from that in forest. Afrotemperate forest tree species in the Drakensberg are widely dispersed and conform to the habitat generalist strategy. Most forest trees are bird dispersed; wind dispersal is rare and is associated only with species that resprout in response to fire. We present the ‘matrix refuge hypothesis’, which proposes that fire and extreme conditions associated with exposed rocky outcrops have filtered the Afrotemperate forest tree composition resulting in convergence in functional traits essential for trees to arrive, establish and persist on fire refugia in the grassland matrix. Most Afrotemperate forest tree diversity in the Drakensberg thus resides in the matrix where it may function as a recolonisation reservoir during climatic bottlenecks.
Hydro-dynamic Solute Transport under Two-Phase Flow Conditions
Authors: Karadimitriou Nikolaos K. , Joekar-Niasar Vahid , Brizuela Omar Godinez
Published: July 2017

There are abundant examples of natural, engineering and industrial applications, in which “solute transport” and “mixing” in porous media occur under multiphase flow conditions. Current state-of-the-art understanding and modelling of such processes are established based on flawed and non-representative models. Moreover, there is no direct experimental result to show the true hydrodynamics of transport and mixing under multiphase flow conditions while the saturation topology is being kept constant for a number of flow rates. With the use of a custom-made microscope, and under well-controlled flow boundary conditions, we visualized directly the transport of a tracer in a Reservoir-on-Chip (RoC) micromodel filled with two immiscible fluids. This study provides novel insights into the saturation-dependency of transport and mixing in porous media. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pore-scale experiment in which the saturation topology, relative permeability, and tortuosity were kept constant and transport was studied under different dynamic conditions in a wide range of saturation. The critical role of two-phase hydrodynamic properties on non-Fickian transport and saturation-dependency of dispersion are discussed, which highlight the major flaws in parametrization of existing models.
Pro-106-Ser mutation and EPSPS overexpression acting together simultaneously in glyphosate-resistant goosegrass (Eleusine indica)
Authors: Gherekhloo Javid , Fernández-Moreno Pablo T. , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , Sánchez-González Eduardo , Cruz-Hipolito Hugo E. , Domínguez-Valenzuela José A. , De Prado Rafael
Published: July 2017

Glyphosate has been used for more than 15 years for weed management in citrus groves in the Gulf of Mexico, at up to 3–4 applications per year. Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) control has sometimes failed. In this research, the mechanisms governing three goosegrass biotypes (Ein-Or from an orange grove, and Ein-Pl1 and Ein-Pl2 from Persian lime groves) with suspected resistance to glyphosate were characterized and compared to a susceptible biotype (Ein-S). Dose-response and shikimate accumulation assays confirmed resistance of the resistant (R) biotypes. There were no differences in glyphosate absorption, but the R biotypes retained up to 62–78% of the herbicide in the treated leaf at 96 h after treatment (HAT), in comparison to the Ein-S biotype (36%). The 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) activity in the Ein-Or and Ein-S biotypes was over 100-fold lower than the Ein-Pl1 and Ein-Pl2 ones. The latter showed a high EPSPS-basal activity, a mutation at Pro-106-Ser position in the EPSPS gene, and EPSPS overexpression. The EPSPS basal and EPSPS overexpression were positively correlated. The R goosegrass biotypes displayed poor glyphosate translocation. Furthermore, this grassweed showed, for the first time, two mechanisms at the target-site level (Pro-106-Ser mutation + EPSPS overexpression) acting together simultaneously against glyphosate.
TGFβ-induced osteogenic potential of human amniotic fluid stem cells via CD73-generated adenosine production
Authors: Hau Kwan-Leong , Ranzoni Anna Maria , Vlahova Filipa , Hawkins Kate , De Coppi Paolo , David Anna L. , Guillot Pascale V.
Published: July 2017

The human amniotic fluid stem cell (hAFSC) population consists of two morphologically distinct subtypes, spindle-shaped and round-shaped cells (SS-hAFSCs and RS-hAFSCs). Whilst SS-hAFSCs are routinely expanded in mesenchymal-type (MT) conditions, we previously showed that they acquire broader differentiation potential when cultured under embryonic-type (ET) conditions. However, the effects of culture conditions on RS-hAFSCs have not been determined. Here, we show that culturing RS-hAFSCs under ET conditions confers faster proliferation and enhances the efficiency of osteogenic differentiation of the cells. We show that this occurs via TGFβ-induced activation of CD73 and the associated increase in the generation of extracellular adenosine. Our data demonstrate that culture conditions are decisive for the expansion of hAFSCs and that TGFβ present in ET conditions causes the phenotype of RS-hAFSCs to revert to an earlier state of stemness. Cultivating RS-hAFSCs in ET conditions with TGFβ may therefore increase their therapeutic potential for clinical applications.
Enhanced efficiency of cell death by lysosome-specific photodamage
Authors: Tsubone Tayana Mazin , Martins Waleska Kerllen , Pavani Christiane , Junqueira Helena Couto , Itri Rosangela , Baptista Maurício S.
Published: July 2017

Mobilization of specific mechanisms of regulated cell death is a promising alternative to treat challenging illness such as neurodegenerative disease and cancer. The use of light to activate these mechanisms may provide a route for target-specific therapies. Two asymmetric porphyrins with opposite charges, the negatively charged TPPS2aand the positively charged CisDiMPyP were compared in terms of their properties in membrane mimics and in cells. CisDiMPyP interacts to a larger extent with model membranes and with cells than TPPS2a, due to a favorable electrostatic interaction. CisDiMPyP is also more effective than TPPS2ain damaging membranes. Surprisingly, TPPS2ais more efficient in causing photoinduced cell death. The lethal concentration on cell viability of 50% (LC50) found for TPPS2awas ~3.5 (raw data) and ~5 (considering photosensitizer incorporation) times smaller than for CisDiMPyP. CisDiMPyP damaged mainly mitochondria and triggered short-term phototoxicity by necro-apoptotic cell death. Photoexcitation of TPPS2apromotes mainly lysosomal damage leading to autophagy-associated cell death. Our data shows that an exact damage in lysosome is more effective to diminish proliferation of HeLa cells than a similar damage in mitochondria. Precisely targeting organelles and specifically triggering regulated cell death mechanisms shall help in the development of new organelle-target therapies.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Z-Scheme Hydrogen Production over Oxygen-Deficient WO3–x Nanorods supported Zn0.3Cd0.7S Heterostructure
Authors: Yousaf Ammar Bin , Imran M. , Zaidi Syed Javaid , Kasak Peter
Published: July 2017

The demand for clean renewable energy is increasing due to depleting fossil fuels and environmental concerns. Photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting is one such promising route to meet global energy demands with carbon free technology. Alternative photocatalysts avoiding noble metals are highly demanded. Herein, we fabricated heterostructure consist of oxygen-deficient WO3–x nanorods with Zn0.3Cd0.7S nanoparticles for an efficient Z-Scheme photocatalytic system. Our as obtained heterostructure showed photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 352.1 μmol h−1 with apparent quantum efficiency (AQY) of 7.3% at λ = 420 nm. The photocatalytic hydrogen production reaches up to 1746.8 μmol after 5 hours process in repeatable manner. The UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra show strong absorption in the visible region which greatly favors the photocatalytic performance. Moreover, the efficient charge separation suggested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photocurrent response curves exhibit enhancement in H2 evolution rate. The strong interface contact between WO3–x nanorods and Zn0.3Cd0.7S nanoparticles ascertained from HRTEM images also play an important role for the emigration of electron. Our findings provide possibilities for the design and development of new Z-scheme photocatalysts for highly efficient hydrogen production.
Soil natural capital in europe; a framework for state and change assessment
Authors: Robinson David A. , Panagos Panos , Borrelli Pasquale , Jones Arwyn , Montanarella Luca , Tye Andrew , Obst Carl G.
Published: July 2017

Soils underpin our existence through food production and represent the largest terrestrial carbon store. Understanding soil state-and-change in response to climate and land use change is a major challenge. Our aim is to bridge the science-policy interface by developing a natural capital accounting structure for soil, for example, attempting a mass balance between soil erosion and production, which indicates that barren land, and woody crop areas are most vulnerable to potential soil loss. We test out our approach using earth observation, modelling and ground based sample data from the European Union’s Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey (LUCAS) soil monitoring program. Using land cover change data for 2000–2012 we are able to identify land covers susceptible to change, and the soil resources most at risk. Tree covered soils are associated with the highest carbon stocks, and are on the increase, while areas of arable crops are declining, but artificial surfaces are increasing. The framework developed offers a substantial step forward, demonstrating the development of biophysical soil accounts that can be used in wider socio-economic and policy assessment; initiating the development of an integrated soil monitoring approach called for by the United Nations Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils.
Fabrication of three-dimensional suspended, interlayered and hierarchical nanostructures by accuracy-improved electron beam lithography overlay
Authors: Yoon Gwanho , Kim Inki , So Sunae , Mun Jungho , Kim Minkyung , Rho Junsuk
Published: July 2017

Nanofabrication techniques are essential for exploring nanoscience and many closely related research fields such as materials, electronics, optics and photonics. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) nanofabrication techniques have been actively investigated through many different ways, however, it is still challenging to make elaborate and complex 3D nanostructures that many researchers want to realize for further interesting physics studies and device applications. Electron beam lithography, one of the two-dimensional (2D) nanofabrication techniques, is also feasible to realize elaborate 3D nanostructures by stacking each 2D nanostructures. However, alignment errors among the individual 2D nanostructures have been difficult to control due to some practical issues. In this work, we introduce a straightforward approach to drastically increase the overlay accuracy of sub-20 nm based on carefully designed alignmarks and calibrators. Three different types of 3D nanostructures whose designs are motivated from metamaterials and plasmonic structures have been demonstrated to verify the feasibility of the method, and the desired result has been achieved. We believe our work can provide a useful approach for building more advanced and complex 3D nanostructures.
Deformability based Cell Sorting using Microfluidic Ratchets Enabling Phenotypic Separation of Leukocytes Directly from Whole Blood
Authors: Guo Quan , Duffy Simon P. , Matthews Kerryn , Islamzada Emel , Ma Hongshen
Published: July 2017

The separation of leukocytes from whole blood is a prerequisite for many biological assays. Traditional methods require significant sample volumes and are often undesirable because they expose leukocytes to harsh physical or chemical treatment. Existing microfluidic approaches can work with smaller volumes, but lack selectivity. In particular, the selectivity of microfluidic systems based on microfiltration is limited by fouling due to clogging. Here, we developed a method to separate leukocytes from whole blood using the microfluidic ratchet mechanism, which filters the blood sample using a matrix of micrometer-scale tapered constrictions. Deforming single cells through such constrictions requires directionally asymmetrical forces, which enables oscillatory flow to create a ratcheting transport that depends on cell size and deformability. Simultaneously, oscillatory flow continuously agitates the cells to limit the contact time with the filter microstructure to prevent adsorption and clogging. We show this device is capable of isolating leukocytes from whole blood with 100% purity (i.e. no contaminant erythrocytes) and <2% leukocytes loss. We further demonstrate the potential to phenotypically sort leukocytes to enrich for granulocytes and lymphocytes subpopulations. Together, this process provides a sensitive method to isolate and sort leukocytes directly from whole blood based on their biophysical properties.
Distribution and genotype-phenotype correlation of GDAP1 mutations in Spain
Authors: Sivera Rafael , Frasquet Marina , Lupo Vincenzo , García-Sobrino Tania , Blanco-Arias Patricia , Pardo Julio , Fernández-Torrón Roberto , de Munain Adolfo López , Márquez-Infante Celedonio , Villarreal Liliana , Carbonell Pilar , Rojas-García Ricard , Segovia Sonia , Illa Isabel , Frongia Anna Lia , Nascimento Andrés , Ortez Carlos , García-Romero María del Mar , Pascual Samuel Ignacio , Pelayo-Negro Ana Lara , Berciano José , Guerrero Antonio , Casasnovas Carlos , Camacho Ana , Esteban Jesús , Chumillas María José , Barreiro Marisa , Díaz Carmen , Palau Francesc , Vílchez Juan Jesús , Espinós Carmen , Sevilla Teresa
Published: July 2017

Mutations in the GDAP1 gene can cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. These mutations are quite rare in most Western countries but not so in certain regions of Spain or other Mediterranean countries. This cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study analyzed the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with GDAP1 mutations across Spain. 99 patients were identified, which were distributed across most of Spain, but especially in the Northwest and Mediterranean regions. The most common genotypes were p.R120W (in 81% of patients with autosomal dominant inheritance) and p.Q163X (in 73% of autosomal recessive patients). Patients with recessively inherited mutations had a more severe phenotype, and certain clinical features, like dysphonia or respiratory dysfunction, were exclusively detected in this group. Dominantly inherited mutations had prominent clinical variability regarding severity, including 29% of patients who were asymptomatic. There were minor clinical differences between patients harboring specific mutations but not when grouped according to localization or type of mutation. This is the largest clinical series to date of patients with GDAP1 mutations, and it contributes to define the genetic distribution and genotype-phenotype correlation in this rare form of CMT.
RNA sequencing reveals resistance of TLR4 ligand-activated microglial cells to inflammation mediated by the selective jumonji H3K27 demethylase inhibitor
Authors: Das Amitabh , Arifuzzaman Sarder , Yoon Taeho , Kim Sun Hwa , Chai Jin Choul , Lee Young Seek , Jung Kyoung Hwa , Chai Young Gyu
Published: July 2017

Persistent microglial activation is associated with the production and secretion of various pro-inflammatory genes, cytokines and chemokines, which may initiate or amplify neurodegenerative diseases. A novel synthetic histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase JMJD3 inhibitor, GSK-J4, was proven to exert immunosuppressive activities in macrophages. However, a genome-wide search for GSK-J4 molecular targets has not been undertaken in microglia. To study the immuno-modulatory effects of GSK-J4 at the transcriptomic level, triplicate RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed with resting, GSK-J4-, LPS- and LPS + GSK-J4-challenged primary microglial (PM) and BV-2 microglial cells. Among the annotated genes, the transcriptional sequencing of microglia that were treated with GSK-J4 revealed a selective effect on LPS-induced gene expression, in which the induction of cytokines/chemokines, interferon-stimulated genes, and prominent transcription factors TFs, as well as previously unidentified genes that are important in inflammation was suppressed. Furthermore, we showed that GSK-J4 controls are important inflammatory gene targets by modulating STAT1, IRF7, and H3K27me3 levels at their promoter sites. These unprecedented results demonstrate that the histone demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4 could have therapeutic applications for neuroinflammatory diseases.
IL28B rs12979860 genotype as a predictor marker of progression to BKVirus Associated nephropathy, after kidney transplantation
Authors: Dvir Roee , Paloschi Vera , Canducci Filippo , Dell’Antonio Giacomo , Racca Sara , Caldara Rossana , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Clementi Massimo , Secchi Antonio
Published: July 2017

BK virus (BKV) associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is still an important cause of allograft dysfunction after kidney transplantation (KT). Recent data have shown that the new interferon (IFN)-λ family has been ascribed antiviral properties similar to IFNα, and that the response to IFNλ in kidney is restricted to epithelial cells, suggesting that the IFNλ system evolves as specific protection of the epithelia. We aimed to test the hypothesis of correlation between a single nucleotide polymorphism (C/T dimorphism rs12979860) in the genomic region of IL28B and BKVAN, in patients after KT. Fifty kidney-transplanted patients were included as follow: Group 1 (BKV+/BKVAN+): 11 patients with active BKV− replication and biopsy-proven BKVAN; Group 2 (BKV+/BKVAN−): 22 patients with active BKV− replication but without evidence of BKVAN; Group 3 (BKV−/BKVAN−): 17 patients without evidence of BKV− replication (control group). Here we show that the C/C genotype was statistically higher in group 2 than in group 1 and BKVAN was detected significantly more frequently in patients with C/T and T/T genotypes than in patients with C/C genotype. We therefore propose IL28B polymorphism (rs12979860), as a predictor-marker to differentiate between patients with self-limited, even if persistent, BKV− reactivation and patients with a high risk of progression towards BKVAN, and to modulate the clinical management of these patients accordingly.
Towards water-free biobanks: long-term dry-preservation at room temperature of desiccation-sensitive enzyme luciferase in air-dried insect cells
Authors: Kikuta Shingo , Watanabe Shunsuke J. , Sato Ryoichi , Gusev Oleg , Nesmelov Alexander , Sogame Yoichiro , Cornette Richard , Kikawada Takahiro
Published: July 2017

Desiccation-tolerant cultured cells Pv11 derived from the anhydrobiotic midge embryo endure complete desiccation in an ametabolic state and resume their metabolism after rehydration. These features led us to develop a novel dry preservation technology for enzymes as it was still unclear whether Pv11 cells could preserve an exogenous enzyme in the dry state. This study shows that Pv11 cells protect an exogenous desiccation-sensitive enzyme, luciferase (Luc), preserving the enzymatic activity even after dry storage for 372 days at room temperature. A process including preincubation with trehalose, dehydration, storage, and rehydration allowed Pv11 (Pv11-Luc) cells stably expressing luciferase to survive desiccation and still emit luminescence caused by luciferase after rehydration. Luminescence produced by luciferase in Pv11-Luc cells after rehydration did not significantly decrease in presence of a translation inhibitor, showing that the activity did not derive from de novo enzyme synthesis following the resumption of cell metabolism. These findings indicate that the surviving Pv11 cells almost completely protect luciferase during desiccation. Lacking of the preincubation step resulted in the loss of luciferase activity after rehydration. We showed that preincubation with trehalose associated to induction of desiccation tolerance-related genes in Pv11 cells allowed effective in vivo preservation of enzymes in the dry state.
Microfluidic Cell Retention Device for Perfusion of Mammalian Suspension Culture
Authors: Kwon Taehong , Prentice Holly , Oliveira Jonas De , Madziva Nyasha , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Hamel Jean-François P. , Han Jongyoon
Published: July 2017

Continuous production of biologics, a growing trend in the biopharmaceutical industry, requires a reliable and efficient cell retention device that also maintains cell viability. Current filtration methods, such as tangential flow filtration using hollow-fiber membranes, suffer from membrane fouling, leading to significant reliability and productivity issues such as low cell viability, product retention, and an increased contamination risk associated with filter replacement. We introduce a novel cell retention device based on inertial sorting for perfusion culture of suspended mammalian cells. The device was characterized in terms of cell retention capacity, biocompatibility, scalability, and long-term reliability. This technology was demonstrated using a high concentration (>20 million cells/mL) perfusion culture of an IgG1-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line for 18–25 days. The device demonstrated reliable and clog-free cell retention, high IgG1recovery (>99%) and cell viability (>97%). Lab-scale perfusion cultures (350 mL) were used to demonstrate the technology, which can be scaled-out with parallel devices to enable larger scale operation. The new cell retention device is thus ideal for rapid perfusion process development in a biomanufacturing workflow.
Gene-based Therapy in a Mouse Model of Blue Cone Monochromacy
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Deng Wen-Tao , Du Wei , Zhu Ping , Li Jie , Xu Fan , Sun Jingfen , Gerstner Cecilia D. , Baehr Wolfgang , Boye Sanford L. , Zhao Chen , Hauswirth William W. , Pang Ji-jing
Published: July 2017

Cones are responsible for daylight, central, high acuity and color vision. Three proteins found in human cones, i.e. long-wavelength (L)-, middle-wavelength (M)-, and short-wavelength sensitive (S)-opsins, are responsible for red, green and blue color recognition, respectively. Human blue cone monochromacy (BCM) is characterized by functional loss of both L- and M-cone opsins due to mutations in the OPN1LW/OPN1MW gene cluster on the X chromosome. BCM patients, who rely on their vision from only S-cones and rods, suffer severely reduced visual acuity and impaired color vision. Recent studies show that there is sufficient cone structure remaining in the central fovea of BCM patients to consider AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy. In contrast, mouse retina has only two opsins, S-opsin and M-opsin, but no L-opsin. We generated an M-opsin knockout mouse (Opn1mw−/−) expressing only S-opsin as a model for human BCM. We show that recombinant M-opsin delivered by AAV5 vectors rescues M-cone function in Opn1mw−/− mice. We also show that AAV delivered M-opsin localizes in the dorsal cone outer segments, and co-localizes with S-opsin in the ventral retina. Our study demonstrates that cones without M-opsin remain viable and respond to gene augmentation therapy, thereby providing proof-of-concept for cone function restoration in BCM patients.
Food Protective Effects of 3-Methylbenzaldehyde Derived from Myosotis arvensis and Its Analogues against Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Authors: Park Jun-Hwan , Lee Na-Hyun , Yang Young-Cheol , Lee Hoi-Seon
Published: July 2017

The potential abilities of 3-methylbenzaldehyde derived fromMyosotis arvensisoil and its structural analogues to act as new acaricide and mite kit (mite color deformation) againstTyrophagus putrescentiae(Schrank) were evaluated in the present study. Based on the LD50values, 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (0.78 μg/cm3) had highest vapor action againstT.putrescentiae, followed by 2,4-methylbenzaldehyde (1.14 μg/cm3), 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.29 μg/cm3), 2-methylbenzaldehyde (1.32 μg/cm3), 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.55 μg/cm3), 3-methylbenzaldehyde (1.97 μg/cm3), and 4-methylbenzaldehyde (2.34 μg/cm3). The color deformation of seven methylbenzaldehyde analogues mixed with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde againstT.putrescentiaeshowed mite color deformation, from coloress to reddish brown, and valuable to distinguish with the naked eye. In addition, there was no antagonistic interactions between 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and the methylbenzaldehyde analogues. These finding suggests that the methylbenzaldehyde analogues could be developed as dual functional agent to protect from fall in the commercial value of stored food products.
Bone matrix components activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and promote osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Alippe Yael , Wang Chun , Ricci Biancamaria , Xiao Jianqiu , Qu Chao , Zou Wei , Novack Deborah V. , Abu-Amer Yousef , Civitelli Roberto , Mbalaviele Gabriel
Published: July 2017

The NLRP3 inflammasome senses a variety of signals referred to as danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), including those triggered by crystalline particulates or degradation products of extracellular matrix. Since some DAMPs confer tissue-specific activation of the inflammasomes, we tested the hypothesis that bone matrix components function as DAMPs for the NLRP3 inflammasome and regulate osteoclast differentiation. Indeed, bone particles cause exuberant osteoclastogenesis in the presence of RANKL, a response that correlates with NLRP3 abundance and the state of inflammasome activation. To determine the relevance of these findings to bone homeostasis, we studied the impact of Nlrp3 deficiency on bone using pre-clinical mouse models of high bone turnover, including estrogen deficiency and sustained exposure to parathyroid hormone or RANKL. Despite comparable baseline indices of bone mass, bone loss caused by hormonal or RANKL perturbations is significantly reduced in Nlrp3 deficient than in wild type mice. Consistent with the notion that osteolysis releases DAMPs from bone matrix, pharmacologic inhibition of bone resorption by zoledronate attenuates inflammasome activation in mice. Thus, signals originating from bone matrix activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in the osteoclast lineage, and may represent a bone-restricted positive feedback mechanism that amplifies bone resorption in pathologic conditions of accelerated bone turnover.
A Facile and Flexible Method for On-Demand Directional Speed Tunability in the Miniaturised Lab-on-a-Disc
Authors: Tan Ming K. , Siddiqi Ariba , Yeo Leslie Y.
Published: July 2017

The Miniaturised Lab-on-a-Disc (miniLOAD) platform, which utilises surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to drive the rotation of thin millimeter-scale discs on which microchannels can be fabricated and hence microfluidic operations can be performed, offers the possibility of miniaturising its larger counterpart, the Lab-on-a-CD, for true portability in point-of-care applications. A significant limitation of the original miniLOAD concept, however, is that it does not allow for flexible control over the disc rotation direction and speed without manual adjustment of the disc’s position, or the use of multiple devices to alter the SAW frequency. In this work, we demonstrate the possibility of achieving such control with the use of tapered interdigitated transducers to confine a SAW beam such that the localised acoustic streaming it generates imparts a force, through hydrodynamic shear, at a specific location on the disc. Varying the torque that arises as a consequence by altering the input frequency to the transducers then allows the rotational velocity and direction of the disc to be controlled with ease. We derive a simple predictive model to illustrate the principle by which this occurs, which we find agrees well with the experimental measurements.
Test-retest reproducibility of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in healthy mice at 7-Tesla: effect of anesthetic procedures
Authors: Joubert Michael , Tager Pia , Legallois Damien , Defourneaux Estelle , Le Guellec Bastien , Gerber Bernhard , Morello Remy , Manrique Alain
Published: July 2017

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a powerful tool for in vivo assessments of cardiac parameters in experimental animal models of cardiovascular diseases, but its reproducibility in this setting remains poorly explored. To address this issue, we investigated the test-retest reproducibility of preclinical cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at 7 Tesla in healthy C57BL/6 mice, including an analysis of the impact of different anesthetic procedures (isoflurane or pentobarbital). We also analyzed the intra-study reproducibility and the intra- and inter-observer post-processing reproducibility of CMR images. Test-retest reproducibility was high for left ventricular parameters, especially with the isoflurane anesthetic procedure, whereas right ventricular parameters and deformation measurements were less reproducible, mainly due to physiological variability. Post-processing reproducibility of CMR images was high both within and between observers. These results highlight that anesthetic procedures might influence CMR test-retest reproducibility, an important ethical consideration for longitudinal studies in rodent models of cardiomyopathy to limit the number of animals used.
Experimental estimation and analysis of variance of the measured loss power of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Soetaert Frederik , Kandala Sri Kamal , Bakuzis Andris , Ivkov Robert
Published: July 2017

Magnetic nanoparticles dissipate heat when exposed to alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), making them suitable for cancer hyperthermia. Therapeutic heating applications demand accurate characterization of the heating power dissipated by the particles. Specific loss power (SLP) generated by magnetic nanoparticles is estimated from calorimetric heating measurements. Such measurements require adiabatic conditions, yet they are typically performed in an AMF device with non-adiabatic conditions. We have measured heating from four magnetic nanoparticle constructs using a range of frequencies (150–375 kHz) and magnetic fields (4–44 kA/m). We have extended a method developed to estimate SLP from the inherently non-adiabatic measurements, where we identify data ranges that conform to (quasi)-adiabatic conditions. Each time interval of measurement that met a predetermined criterion was used to generate a value of SLP, and the mean from all estimates was selected as the estimated SLP. Despite the application of rigorous selection criteria, measured temperature data displayed variability at specific heating loads resulting in larger variance of calculated mean SLP values. Overall, the results show a linear dependence of the SLP with AMF frequency, as anticipated by current models. Conversely, measured amplitude-dependent SLP profiles of all studied constructs conform to no predictions of current models.
Security enhanced memory for quantum state
Authors: Mukai Tetsuya
Published: July 2017

Security enhancement is important in terms of both classical and quantum information. The recent development of a quantum storage device is noteworthy, and a coherence time of one second or longer has been demonstrated. On the other hand, although the encryption of a quantum bit or quantum memory has been proposed theoretically, no experiment has yet been carried out. Here we report the demonstration of a quantum memory with an encryption function that is realized by scrambling and retrieving the recorded quantum phase. We developed two independent Ramsey interferometers on an atomic ensemble trapped below a persistent supercurrent atom chip. By operating the two interferometers with random phases, the quantum phase recorded by a pulse of the first interferometer was modulated by the second interferometer pulse. The scrambled quantum phase was restored by employing another pulse of the second interferometer with a specific time delay. This technique paves way for improving the security of quantum information technology.
Cell-cycle arrest in mature adipocytes impairs BAT development but not WAT browning, and reduces adaptive thermogenesis in mice
Authors: Okamatsu-Ogura Yuko , Fukano Keigo , Tsubota Ayumi , Nio-Kobayashi Junko , Nakamura Kyoko , Morimatsu Masami , Sakaue Hiroshi , Saito Masayuki , Kimura Kazuhiro
Published: July 2017

We previously reported brown adipocytes can proliferate even after differentiation. To test the involvement of mature adipocyte proliferation in cell number control in fat tissue, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice over-expressing cell-cycle inhibitory protein p27 specifically in adipocytes, using the aP2 promoter. While there was no apparent difference in white adipose tissue (WAT) between wild-type (WT) and Tg mice, the amount of brown adipose tissue (BAT) was much smaller in Tg mice. Although BAT showed a normal cellular morphology, Tg mice had lower content of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) as a whole, and attenuated cold exposure- or β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist-induced thermogenesis, with a decrease in the number of mature brown adipocytes expressing proliferation markers. An agonist for the β3-AR failed to increase the number of proliferating brown adipocytes, UCP1 content in BAT, and oxygen consumption in Tg mice, although the induction and the function of beige adipocytes in inguinal WAT from Tg mice were similar to WT mice. These results show that brown adipocyte proliferation significantly contributes to BAT development and adaptive thermogenesis in mice, but not to induction of beige adipocytes.
A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent nanosensor for dopamine based on formate bridged Tb(iii) complex and silver nanoparticles
Authors: Li Huihui , Shen Jin , Cui Rongwei , Sun Chongmei , Zhao Yanyan , Wu Xia , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: July 2017

The proposed fluorescent nanosensor can distinguish DA from EP.
Mechanochemically-assisted solid-state photocatalysis (MASSPC)
Authors: Štrukil Vjekoslav , Sajko Igor
Published: July 2017

Simultaneous milling and visible light irradiation have been utilised to perform the photocatalytic oxidation of an alkyne in the solid state.
A simple supramolecular assay for drug detection in urine
Authors: Sonzini Silvia , McCune Jade A. , Ravn Peter , Scherman Oren A. , van der Walle Christopher F.
Published: July 2017

A supramolecular colorimetric assay utilising the macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril with a commercial dye molecule, neutral red, was evaluated as a novel method for drug detection in urine of a model therapeutic peptide drug Octreotide.
Copper-catalyzed silylation reactions of propargyl epoxides: easy access to 2,3-allenols and stereodefined alkenes
Authors: Chang Xi-Hao , Liu Zheng-Li , Luo Yun-Cheng , Yang Chao , Liu Xiao-Wei , Da Bing-Chao , Li Jie-Jun , Ahmad Tanveer , Loh Teck-Peng , Xu Yun-He
Published: July 2017

Efficient silylation reactions of propargyl epoxides catalyzed by copper catalysts have been developed.
Regioselective 1,4-hydroboration of pyridines catalyzed by an acid-initiated boronium cation
Authors: Keyzer Evan N. , Kang Sky S. , Hanf Schirin , Wright Dominic S.
Published: July 2017

A simple methodology for the 1,4-regioselective hydroboration of pyridines has been developed using NH4BPh4 to initiate a borocation-catalyzed reaction.
Sulfur-directed carbon–sulfur bond cleavage for Rh-catalyzed regioselective alkynylthiolation of alkynes
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Mitake Akihito , Akiyama Yosuke , Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen
Published: July 2017

Sulfur-directed sp C–S bond cleavage along with a regioselective reaction with alkynes proceeded to give (Z)-enyne sulfides in high to excellent yields.
Freestanding CuS nanowalls: ionic liquid-assisted synthesis and prominent catalytic performance for the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Yao Kaisheng , Zhao Chenchen , Sun Nannan , Lu Weiwei , Zhang Yuan , Wang Huiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: July 2017

Freestanding CuS nanowalls, with excellent catalytic activity for AP thermal decomposition, were grown and assembled at the [C10mim]Br-modulated liquid–liquid interface.
Selective hydrogenation of unsaturated carbonyls by Ni–Fe-based alloy catalysts
Authors: Putro Wahyu S. , Kojima Takashi , Hara Takayoshi , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Shimazu Shogo
Published: July 2017

Ni–Fe alloy catalysts prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent H2 treatment were shown to be highly selective for the hydrogenation of various unsaturated carbonyls.
Solid sampling analysis of a Mg alloy using electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Scheffler G. L. , Makonnen Y. , Pozebon D. , Beauchemin D.
Published: July 2017

ETV-ICPOES is applied to the fast determination of trace and minor elements in a Mg alloy.