bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGFA GENE variation influences hallucinations and frontotemporal morphology in psychotic disorders: a B-SNIP study
Authors: Lizano Paulo , Lutz Olivia , Ling George , Padmanabhan Jaya , Tandon Neeraj , Sweeney John , Tamminga Carol , Pearlson Godfrey , Ruaño Gualberto , Kocherla Mohan , Windemuth Andreas , Clementz Brett , Gershon Elliot , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: October 2018

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) dysfunction may contribute to a number of pathological processes that characterize psychotic disorders. However, the influence of VEGFA gene variants on clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes in psychotic disorders has yet to be shown. In the present study, we examined whether different VEGFA gene variants influence psychosis risk, symptom severity, cognition, and brain volume. The study group included 480 probands (Bipolar I disorder with psychosis, n = 205; Schizoaffective disorder, n = 112; Schizophrenia, n = 163) and 126 healthy controls that were recruited across six sites in the B-SNIP consortium. VEGFA variants identified for analysis (rs699947, rs833070, and rs2146323) were quantified via SNP chip array. We assessed symptoms and cognition using standardized clinical and neuropsychological batteries. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), medial temporal lobe, and hippocampal volumes were quantified using FreeSurfer. In our sample, VEGFA rs2146323 A- carriers showed reduced odds of being a proband (p = 0.037, OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.43–0.98) compared to noncarriers, but not for rs699947 or rs833070. In probands, rs2146323 A- carriers demonstrated fewer hallucinations (p = 0.035, Cohen’s d = 0.194), as well as significantly greater DLPFC (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = −0.21) and parahippocampal volumes (p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = −0.27). No clinical or neuroimaging associations were identified for rs699947 or rs833070. In general, we found that the three SNPs exhibited several significant negative relationships between psychosis symptoms and brain structure. In the probands and control groups, positive relationships were identified between several cognitive and brain volume measures. The findings suggest VEGFA effects in the DLPFC and hippocampus found in animals may also extend to humans. VEGFA variations may have important implications in identifying dimensional moderators of function that could be targeted through VEGFA-mediated interventions.
Rare truncating variants in the sarcomeric protein titin associate with familial and early-onset atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ahlberg Gustav , Refsgaard Lena , Lundegaard Pia R. , Andreasen Laura , Ranthe Mattis F. , Linscheid Nora , Nielsen Jonas B. , Melbye Mads , Haunsø Stig , Sajadieh Ahmad , Camp Lu , Olesen Søren-Peter , Rasmussen Simon , Lundby Alicia , Ellinor Patrick T. , Holst Anders G. , Svendsen Jesper H. , Olesen Morten S.
Published: October 2018

A family history of atrial fibrillation constitutes a substantial risk of developing the disease, however, the pathogenesis of this complex disease is poorly understood. We perform whole-exome sequencing on 24 families with at least three family members diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) and find that titin-truncating variants (TTNtv) are significantly enriched in these patients (P = 1.76 × 10−6). This finding is replicated in an independent cohort of early-onset lone AF patients (n = 399; odds ratio = 36.8;P = 4.13 × 10−6). A CRISPR/Cas9 modified zebrafish carrying a truncating variant of titin is used to investigate TTNtv effect in atrial development. We observe compromised assembly of the sarcomere in both atria and ventricle, longer PR interval, and heterozygous adult zebrafish have a higher degree of fibrosis in the atria, indicating that TTNtv are important risk factors for AF. This aligns with the early onset of the disease and adds an important dimension to the understanding of the molecular predisposition for AF.
Coordinated targeting of cold and nicotinic receptors synergistically improves obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Clemmensen Christoffer , Jall Sigrid , Kleinert Maximilian , Quarta Carmelo , Gruber Tim , Reber Josefine , Sachs Stephan , Fischer Katrin , Feuchtinger Annette , Karlas Angelos , Simonds Stephanie E. , Grandl Gerald , Loher Daniela , Sanchez-Quant Eva , Keipert Susanne , Jastroch Martin , Hofmann Susanna M. , Nascimento Emmani B. M. , Schrauwen Patrick , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Cowley Michael A. , Finan Brian , Müller Timo D. , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: October 2018

Pharmacological stimulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis to increase energy expenditure is progressively being pursued as a viable anti-obesity strategy. Here, we report that pharmacological activation of the cold receptor transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) with agonist icilin mimics the metabolic benefits of cold exposure. In diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, treatment with icilin enhances energy expenditure, and decreases body weight, without affecting food intake. To further potentiate the thermogenic action profile of icilin and add complementary anorexigenic mechanisms, we set out to identify pharmacological partners next to icilin. To that end, we specifically targeted nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype alpha3beta4 (α3β4), which we had recognized as a potential regulator of energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. Combinatorial targeting of TRPM8 and nAChR α3β4 by icilin and dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) orchestrates synergistic anorexic and thermogenic pathways to reverse diet-induced obesity, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance in DIO mice.
Decoding the intensity of sensory input by two glutamate receptors in one C. elegans interneuron
Authors: Zou Wenjuan , Fu Jiajun , Zhang Haining , Du Kang , Huang Wenming , Yu Junwei , Li Shitian , Fan Yuedan , Baylis Howard A. , Gao Shangbang , Xiao Rui , Ji Wei , Kang Lijun , Xu Tao
Published: October 2018

How neurons are capable of decoding stimulus intensity and translate this information into complex behavioral outputs is poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that the C. elegans interneuron AIB regulates two types of behaviors: reversal initiation and feeding suppression in response to different concentrations of quinine. Low concentrations of quinine are decoded in AIB by a low-threshold, fast-inactivation glutamate receptor GLR-1 and translated into reversal initiation. In contrast, high concentrations of quinine are decoded by a high-threshold, slow-inactivation glutamate receptor GLR-5 in AIB. After activation, GLR-5 evokes sustained Ca2+ release from the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ stores and triggers neuropeptide secretion, which in turn activates the downstream neuron RIM and inhibits feeding. Our results reveal that distinct signal patterns in a single interneuron AIB can encode differential behavioral outputs depending on the stimulus intensity, thus highlighting the importance of functional mapping of information propagation at the single-neuron level during connectome construction.
Limitation of Fermi level shifts by polaron defect states in hematite photoelectrodes
Authors: Lohaus Christian , Klein Andreas , Jaegermann Wolfram
Published: October 2018

The optical band gap is a major selection criterion for an absorber in photocatalytic water splitting. Due to its ideal value hematite has been intensively investigated without reaching the expectation, yet. In this work, the Fermi level positions in hematite due to doping and contact formation are investigated. An upper boundary for the Fermi level position at 1.8 eV above the valence band maximum due to the formation of polarons is identified. This results in a different concept of the effective band gap for hematite which we believe is transferable to any material with competing polaron formation after optical excitation: the optical band gap of 2.2 eV deviates from an effective electronic band gap of 1.75 eV. The polaron state acts as a limit in (quasi-)Fermi level shift, restricting the potential of charge transfer reactions. Additionally, it has led to an incorrect determination of the band edge positions of hematite in electrochemical contacts.
Author Correction: Experimental observation of bulk nodal lines and electronic surface states in ZrB2
Authors: Lou Rui , Guo Pengjie , Li Man , Wang Qi , Liu Zhonghao , Sun Shanshan , Li Chenghe , Wu Xuchuan , Wang Zilu , Sun Zhe , Shen Dawei , Huang Yaobo , Liu Kai , Lu Zhong-Yi , Lei Hechang , Ding Hong , Wang Shancai
Published: October 2018

The original version of this Article did not acknowledge Qi Wang as an equally contributing author. This has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the Article.
Growth and longevity in giant barrel sponges: Redwoods of the reef or Pines in the Indo-Pacific?
Authors: McGrath Emily C. , Woods Lisa , Jompa Jamaluddin , Haris Abdul , Bell James J.
Published: October 2018

Describing life history dynamics of functionally important species is critical for successful management. Barrel sponges (Xestospongia spp.) fill ecologically important roles on coral reefs due to their large size and water column interactions. Studies of Caribbean X. muta suggest they may be up to 1000 s of years old. However, nothing is known of barrel sponge growth rates outside the Caribbean. We assessed Indo-Pacific barrel sponge demography with a focus on specific growth rate (SGR), density, and mean volume across four sites of varying habitat quality. Four growth models were compared using Akaike’s Information Criterion using a multi-model inference approach. Age was extrapolated and validated based on sponge size on a shipwreck of known age. Sponges from different sites showed differences in density, volume gained, and mean volume, but not growth rates. Interestingly, SGRs were slightly slower than that of X. muta, yet growth models supported rapid growth; published estimates of comparably sized X. muta were over twice as old as Indo-Pacific sponges (53–55 as compared to 23 years of age, respectively), although extrapolation errors are likely to increase with sponge size. This suggests that barrel sponge growth rates in the Indo-Pacific might be more comparable to Pines rather than Redwoods.
Age-related waning of immune responses to BCG in healthy children supports the need for a booster dose of BCG in TB endemic countries
Authors: Whittaker Elizabeth , Nicol Mark P. , Zar Heather J. , Tena-Coki Nontobeko G. , Kampmann Beate
Published: October 2018

In the absence of a more effective vaccine against TB and in the interest of developing one, it is essential to understand immune responses associated with BCG protection. We comprehensively characterized T cell populations in BCG-vaccinated children over time. Blood from 78 healthy, BCG-vaccinated children representing four age groups (<1 yr, ≥1 yr <2 yr, ≥2 yr <5 yr, ≥5 yr), was stimulated in vitro for 24 hours and 6 days with live BCG to induce effector and central memory responses. Antigen-specific CD4, CD8, γδ and regulatory T cell populations were phenotyped and intracellular and secreted cytokines measured by flow cytometry and multiplex ELISA respectively. Our results demonstrated that populations of naïve T cells predominated in infants, compared to older children. However, BCG-specific effector CD4 T cell responses were equivalent and antigen-specific CD4 T cell proliferative capacity was increased in infants compared to older children. Increases in innate immune responses including γδ T cell responses and secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines were noted with increasing age. In conclusion, we identified that the capacity to expand and differentiate effector T cells in response to BCG stimulation wanes with increasing age, which may indicate waning central memory immunity. Booster vaccination could be considered to maintain the antigen-specific central memory pool and possibly enhance the duration of protection.
Anisotropic Dirac Fermions in BaMnBi2 and BaZnBi2
Authors: Ryu Hyejin , Park Se Young , Li Lijun , Ren Weijun , Neaton Jeffrey B. , Petrovic Cedomir , Hwang Choongyu , Mo Sung-Kwan
Published: October 2018

We investigate the electronic structure of BaMnBi2 and BaZnBi2 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. Although they share similar structural properties, we show that their electronic structure exhibit dramatic differences. A strong anisotropic Dirac dispersion is revealed in BaMnBi2 with a decreased asymmetry factor compared with other members of AMnBi2 (A = alkali earth or rare earth elements) family. In addition to the Dirac cones, multiple bands crossing the Fermi energy give rise to a complex Fermi surface topology for BaZnBi2. We further show that the strength of hybridization between Bi-p and Mn-d/Zn-s states is the main driver of the differences in electronic structure for these two related compounds.
Transposon mutagenesis screen in mice identifies TM9SF2 as a novel colorectal cancer oncogene
Authors: Clark Christopher R. , Maile Makayla , Blaney Patrick , Hellweg Stefano R. , Strauss Anna , Durose Wilaiwan , Priya Sambhawa , Habicht Juri , Burns Michael B. , Blekhman Ran , Abrahante Juan E. , Starr Timothy K.
Published: October 2018

New therapeutic targets for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) are critically needed. Our laboratory recently performed an insertional mutagenesis screen in mice to identify novel CRC driver genes and, thus, potential drug targets. Here, we define Transmembrane 9 Superfamily 2 (TM9SF2) as a novel CRC oncogene. TM9SF2 is an understudied protein, belonging to a well conserved protein family characterized by their nine putative transmembrane domains. Based on our transposon screen we found that TM9SF2 is a candidate progression driver in digestive tract tumors. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data revealed that approximately 35% of CRC patients have elevated levels of TM9SF2 mRNA, data we validated using an independent set of CRC samples. RNAi silencing of TM9SF2 reduced CRC cell growth in an anchorage-independent manner, a hallmark of cancer. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of TM9SF2 substantially diminished CRC tumor fitness in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome analysis of TM9SF2 knockout cells revealed a potential role for TM9SF2 in cell cycle progression, oxidative phosphorylation, and ceramide signaling. Lastly, we report that increased TM9SF2 expression correlates with disease stage and low TM9SF2 expression correlate with a more favorable relapse-free survival. Taken together, this study provides evidence that TM9SF2 is a novel CRC oncogene.
The relationship between plasma ferritin levels and body mass index among adolescents
Authors: Shattnawi Khulood K. , Alomari Mahmoud A. , Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Bani Salameh Ayman
Published: October 2018

Circulatory Ferritin concentration varies with age, sex, and body composition. Studies that determine the relationship of different body weight measurements with plasma ferritin concentration in adolescents are lacking. A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized. Data collection involved self-reporting demographics, blood samples, and body composition measures for a sample of 814 healthy Jordanian adolescents. Ferritin deficiency was observed in 55.8% of the study population. Simple linear regression showed that BMI, gender, location, and smoking status 2.5%, 3.9%, 0.4%, and 0.4%, respectively, associated positively with plasma ferritin level (p < 0.05). After controlling for gender, location, and smoking status, additional hierarchal multiple linear regression showed that BMI explained 2.2% of plasma ferritin (p < 0.000). However, the obesity-stratified hierarchal multiple linear regression, showed that BMI explained 2.1% of plasma ferritin in the overweight and obese (HI) adolescents (p = 0.02), but not in the under and normal weight (LO) adolescents (p = 0.91). After controlling for gender, location, and smoking status, the ANCOVA showed that plasma ferritin level was greater (p < 0.000) in the HI (19.00 ± 13.6) versus the LO (15.20 ± 10.4) obesity group. Our results indicated that normal ferritin level among obese people does not necessarily indicate normal iron storage.
The consequences of porcine IVM medium supplementation with follicular fluid become reflected in embryo quality, yield and gene expression patterns
Authors: Pawlak Piotr , Warzych Ewelina , Cieslak Adam , Malyszka Natalia , Maciejewska Eliza , Madeja Zofia Eliza , Lechniak Dorota
Published: October 2018

Oocyte and embryo developmental competence are shaped by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors. One of the most extensive research areas in the last decade is the regulation of lipid metabolism in oocytes and embryos of different species. We hypothesized that differences in developmental competence of oocytes and embryos between prepubertal and cyclic gilts may arise due to distinct fatty acid profiles in follicular fluid. We found that supplementation of oocyte maturation media with follicular fluid from prepubertal pigs affected quality and development of embryos from prepubertal pigs while embryos of cyclic pigs were not affected. PLIN2, SCD and ACACA transcripts involved in lipid metabolism were upregulated in embryos originating from oocytes of prepubertal pigs matured with autologous follicular fluid. The surface occupied by lipid droplets tend to increase in oocytes matured with follicular fluid from prepubertal pigs regardless oocyte origin. The change into follicular fluid of cyclic pigs increased the efficiency of embryo culture and improved quality, while gene expression was similar to embryos obtained from cyclic gilts. We assume that the follicular fluids of prepubertal and cyclic pigs influenced the quality of oocytes and embryos obtained from prepubertal pigs which are more susceptible to suboptimal in vitro culture conditions.
Choosing appropriate prosthetic ankle work to reduce the metabolic cost of individuals with transtibial amputation
Authors: Ingraham Kimberly A. , Choi Hwan , Gardinier Emily S. , Remy C. David , Gates Deanna H.
Published: October 2018

Powered ankle prostheses have been designed to reduce the energetic burden that individuals with transtibial amputation experience during ambulation. There is an open question regarding how much power the prosthesis should provide, and whether approximating biological ankle kinetics is optimal to reduce the metabolic cost of users. We tested 10 individuals with transtibial amputation walking on a treadmill wearing the BiOM powered ankle prosthesis programmed with 6 different power settings (0–100%), including a prosthetist-chosen setting, chosen to approximate biological ankle kinetics. We measured subjects’ metabolic cost of transport (COT) and the BiOM’s net ankle work during each condition. Across participants, power settings greater than 50% resulted in lower COT than 0% or 25%. The relationship between power setting, COT, and net ankle work varied considerably between subjects, possibly due to individual adaptation and exploitation of the BiOM’s reflexive controller. For all subjects, the best tested power setting was higher than the prosthetist-chosen setting, resulting in a statistically significant and meaningful difference in COT between the best tested and prosthetist-chosen power settings. The results of this study demonstrate that individuals with transtibial amputation may benefit from prescribed prosthetic ankle push-off work that exceeds biological norms.
Association between circulating tumor necrosis factor-related biomarkers and estimated glomerular filtration rate in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kamei Nozomu , Yamashita Mami , Nishizaki Yuji , Yanagisawa Naotake , Nojiri Shuko , Tanaka Kanako , Yamashita Yoshinori , Shibata Terumi , Murakoshi Maki , Suzuki Yusuke , Gohda Tomohito
Published: October 2018

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development/progression of diabetic kidney disease. The involvement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related biomarkers [TNFα, progranulin (PGRN), TNF receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2)] and uric acid (UA) in renal function decline was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Serum TNF-related biomarkers and UA levels were measured in 594 Japanese patients with T2D and an eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Four TNF-related biomarkers and UA were negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In a logistic multivariate model, each TNF-related biomarker and UA was associated with lower eGFR (eGFR <60mL /min/1.73 m2) after adjustment for relevant covariates (basic model). Furthermore, UA and TNF-related biomarkers other than PGRN added a significant benefit for the risk factors of lower eGFR when measured together with a basic model (UA, ΔAUC, 0.049, p < 0.001; TNFα, ΔAUC, 0.022, p = 0.007; TNFR1, ΔAUC, 0.064, p < 0.001; TNFR2, ΔAUC, 0.052, p < 0.001) in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. TNFR ligands were associated with lower eGFR, but the associations were not as strong as those with TNFRs or UA in patients with T2D and an eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2.
The Cancer/Testes (CT) Antigen HORMAD1 promotes Homologous Recombinational DNA Repair and Radioresistance in Lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Gao Yanzhe , Kardos Jordan , Yang Yang , Tamir Tigist Y. , Mutter-Rottmayer Elizabeth , Weissman Bernard , Major Michael B. , Kim William Y. , Vaziri Cyrus
Published: October 2018

The Cancer/Testes (CT) Antigen HORMAD1 is germ cell-restricted and plays developmental roles in generation and processing of meiotic DNA Double Strand Breaks (DSB). Many tumors aberrantly overexpress HORMAD1 yet the potential impact of this CT antigen on cancer biology is unclear. We tested a potential role of HORMAD1 in genome maintenance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. We show that HORMAD1 re-distributes to nuclear foci and co-localizes with the DSB marker γH2AX in response to ionizing radiation (IR) and chemotherapeutic agents. The HORMA domain and C-term disordered oligomerization motif are necessary for localization of HORMAD1 to IR-induced foci (IRIF). HORMAD1-depleted cells are sensitive to IR and camptothecin. In reporter assays, Homologous Recombination (HR)-mediated repair of targeted ISce1-induced DSBs is attenuated in HORMAD1-depleted cells. In Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) reporter assays, HORMAD1-depletion does not affect repair of ISce1-induced DSB. Early DSB signaling events (including ATM phosphorylation and formation of γH2AX, 53BP1 and NBS1 foci) are intact in HORMAD1-depleted cells. However, generation of RPA-ssDNA foci and redistribution of RAD51 to DSB are compromised in HORMAD1-depleted cells, suggesting that HORMAD1 promotes DSB resection. HORMAD1-mediated HR is a neomorphic activity that is independent of its meiotic partners (including HORMAD2 and CCDC36. Bioinformatic analysis of TCGA data show that similar to known HR pathway genes HORMAD1 is overexpressed in lung adenocarcinomas. Overexpression of HR genes is associated with specific mutational profiles (including copy number variation). Taken together, we identify HORMAD1-dependent DSB repair as a new mechanism of radioresistance and a probable determinant of mutability in lung adenocarcinoma.
Non-contrast agent based small vessel imaging of human thyroid using motion corrected power Doppler imaging
Authors: Nayak Rohit , Kumar Viksit , Webb Jeremy , Gregory Adriana , Fatemi Mostafa , Alizad Azra
Published: October 2018

Singular value based spatiotemporal clutter filtering (SVD-STF) can significantly improve the sensitivity of blood flow imaging in small vessels without using contrast agents. However, despite effective clutter filtering, large physiological motion in thyroid imaging can impact coherent integration of the Doppler signal and degrade the visualization of the underlying vasculature. In this study, we hypothesize that motion correction of the clutter filtered Doppler ensemble, prior to the power Doppler estimation, can considerably improve the visualization of smalls vessels in suspicious thyroid nodules. We corroborated this hypothesis by conducting in vivo experiments on 10 female patients in the age group 44–82 yrs, with at least one thyroid nodule suspicious of malignancy, with recommendation for fine needle aspiration biopsy. Ultrasound images were acquired using a clinical ultrasound scanner, implemented with compounded plane wave imaging. Axial and lateral displacements associated with the thyroid nodules were estimated using 2D normalized cross-correlation. Subsequently, the tissue clutter associated with the Doppler ensemble was suppressed using SVD-STF. Motion correction of the clutter-filtered Doppler ensemble was achieved using a spline based sub-pixel interpolation. The results demonstrated that power Doppler images of thyroid nodules were noticeably degraded due to large physiological motion of the pulsating carotid artery in the proximity. The resultant power Doppler images were corrupted with signal distortion, motion blurring and occurrence of artificial shadow vessels and displayed visibly low signal-to-background contrast. In contrast, the power Doppler images obtained from the motion corrected ultrasound data addressed the issue and considerabley improved the visualization of blood flow. The signal-to-noise ratio and the contrast-to-noise ratio increased by up to 15.2 dB and 12.1 dB, respectively. Across the ten subjects, the highest improvement was observed for the nodule with the largest motion. These preliminary results show the ability of using motion correction to improve the visualization of small vessel blood flow in thyroid, without using any contrast agents. The results of this feasibility study were encouraging, and warrant further development and more in vivo validation in moving tissues and organs.
Macro- and microplastics affect cold-water corals growth, feeding and behaviour
Authors: Chapron L. , Peru E. , Engler A. , Ghiglione J. F. , Meistertzheim A. L. , Pruski A. M. , Purser A. , Vétion G. , Galand P. E. , Lartaud F.
Published: October 2018

Plastic contamination is now recognized as one of the most serious environmental issues for oceans. Both macro- and microplastic debris are accumulating in surface and deep waters. However, little is known about their impact on deep marine ecosystems and especially on the deep-sea reefs built by emblematic cold-water corals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plastics affected the growth, feeding and behaviour of the main engineer species, Lophelia pertusa. Our experiments showed that both micro- and macroplastics significantly reduced skeletal growth rates. Macroplastics induced an increased polyp activity but decreased prey capture rates. They acted as physical barriers for food supply, likely affecting energy acquisition and allocation. Inversely, microplastics did not impact polyp behaviour or prey capture rates, but calcification was still reduced compared to control and in situ conditions. The exact causes are still unclear but they might involve possible physical damages or energy storage alteration. Considering the high local accumulation of macroplastics reported and the widespread distribution of microplastics in the world ocean, our results suggest that plastics may constitute a major threat for reef aggradation by inhibiting coral growth, and thus jeopardise the resilience of cold-water coral reefs and their associated biodiversity.
Experimental filtering effect on the daylight operation of a free-space quantum key distribution
Authors: Ko Heasin , Kim Kap-Joong , Choe Joong-Seon , Choi Byung-Seok , Kim Jong-Hoi , Baek Yongsoon , Youn Chun Ju
Published: October 2018

One of the challenges of implementing free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) systems working in daylight is to remove unwanted background noise photons from sunlight. Elaborate elimination of background photons in the spectral, temporal, and spatial domains is an indispensable requirement to decrease the quantum bit error rate (QBER), which guarantees the security of the systems. However, quantitative effects of different filtering techniques and performance optimization in terms of the secure key rate have not been investigated. In this study, we quantitatively analyze how the performance of the QBER and the key rates changes for different combinations of filtering techniques in a free-space BB84 QKD system in daylight. Moreover, we optimize the conditions of filtering techniques in order to obtain the maximum secure key rate.
Ventrolateral but not Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex tDCS effectively impact emotion reappraisal – effects on Emotional Experience and Interbeat Interval
Authors: Marques Lucas M. , Morello Letícia Y. N. , Boggio Paulo S.
Published: October 2018

Emotions can be understood as behavioral, physiological, and subjective individual’s alteration due to a given situation. Several times, an efficient regulation of these emotions can promote psychological and social survival. It has been demonstrated that the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) presents a relevant role in cognitive control, especially during emotion regulation strategies. However, evidence for the role of the PFC and emotional regulation comes mostly from neuroimaging experiments lacking from causal information. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to be an efficient noninvasive neuromodulation technique capable to address causal hypothesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of two regions of the PFC (Dorsolateral and Ventrolateral region) on different strategies of emotional reappraisal during the observation of negative images. 180 undergraduate students (mean age 21,75 ± 3,38) participated in this study, divided in two experiments (Dorsolateral PFC - n = 90; Ventrolateral PFC - n = 90). As not expected, DLPFC tDCS did not modulate the responses on the emotional regulation task. However, VLPFC tDCS resulted in less negative valence of negative images as well as decreased cardiac interbeat interval on earlier moments of emotional processing. These findings supports the general view about the role of the PFC on emotional regulation and, at the same time, advances the field by providing evidence that evaluation of negative stimuli is much more based on the VLPFC than on the DLPCF.
HBV induces inhibitory FcRL receptor on B cells and dysregulates B cell-T follicular helper cell axis
Authors: Poonia Bhawna , Ayithan Natarajan , Nandi Madhuparna , Masur Henry , Kottilil Shyam
Published: October 2018

Spontaneous or treatment induced seroconversion in chronic HBV infection is rare and generation of anti-HBs antibodies is the current goal of HBV therapeutics. Here we investigated B and follicular T helper (Tfh) cell defects that persist in HBV infection despite long-term nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) treatment and possible mechanisms behind them. RNA sequencing revealed that patient B cells have upregulated expression of multiple inhibitory receptors including members of FcRL family and downregulation of genes involved in antigen presentation. An expansion of atypical memory CD19+CD10−CD27−CD21− subset of B cells, that express high levels of FcRL5, is persistently present in patients. HBs antigen specific IgG response is concentrated in classical memory and not in atypical memory subset, confirming dysfunction of this subset. Activated Tfh, which expressed excessive CD40L upon polyclonal stimulation, were present in patients. Incubation of B cells from healthy individuals with HBV core (HBc) or CD40L resulted in induction of inhibitory receptors FcRL4, FcRL5 and PD-1 on CD19+ cells and resulted in altered B cell phenotypes. Mechanistically, HBc binds B cells and causes proliferation specifically of FcRL5+ B cell subset. Our results provide evidence that HBV directly causes upregulation of inhibitory pathways in B cells resulting in an accumulation of atypical B cells that lack anti-HBs function.
Proteinaceous secretion of bioadhesive produced during crawling and settlement of Crassostrea gigas larvae
Authors: Foulon Valentin , Artigaud Sébastien , Buscaglia Manon , Bernay Benoit , Fabioux Caroline , Petton Bruno , Elies Philippe , Boukerma Kada , Hellio Claire , Guérard Fabienne , Boudry Pierre
Published: October 2018

Bioadhesion of marine organisms has been intensively studied over the last decade because of their ability to attach in various wet environmental conditions and the potential this offers for biotechnology applications. Many marine mollusc species are characterized by a two-phase life history: pelagic larvae settle prior to metamorphosis to a benthic stage. The oyster Crassostrea gigas has been extensively studied for its economic and ecological importance. However, the bioadhesive produced by ready to settle larvae of this species has been little studied. The pediveliger stage of oysters is characterized by the genesis of a specific organ essential for adhesion, the foot. Our scanning electron microscopy and histology analysis revealed that in C. gigas the adhesive is produced by several foot glands. This adhesive is composed of numerous fibres of differing structure, suggesting differences in chemical composition and function. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy indicated a mainly proteinaceous composition. Proteomic analysis of footprints was able to identify 42 proteins, among which, one uncharacterized protein was selected on the basis of its pediveliger transcriptome specificity and then located by mRNA in situ hybridization, revealing its potential role during substrate exploration before oyster larva settlement.
Mannosidase activity of EDEM1 and EDEM2 depends on an unfolded state of their glycoprotein substrates
Authors: Shenkman Marina , Ron Efrat , Yehuda Rivka , Benyair Ron , Khalaila Isam , Lederkremer Gerardo Z.
Published: October 2018

Extensive mannose trimming of nascent glycoprotein N-glycans signals their targeting to endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). ER mannosidase I (ERManI) and the EDEM protein family participate in this process. However, whether the EDEMs are truly mannosidases can be addressed only by measuring mannosidase activity in vitro. Here, we reveal EDEM1 and EDEM2 mannosidase activities in vitro. Whereas ERManI significantly trims free N-glycans, activity of the EDEMs is modest on free oligosaccharides and on glycoproteins. However, mannosidase activity of ERManI and the EDEMs is significantly higher on a denatured glycoprotein. The EDEMs associate with oxidoreductases, protein disulfide isomerase, and especially TXNDC11, enhancing mannosidase activity on glycoproteins but not on free N-glycans. The finding that substrate unfolded status increases mannosidase activity solves an important conundrum, as current models suggest general slow mannose trimming. As we show, misfolded or unfolded glycoproteins are subject to differentially faster trimming (and targeting to ERAD) than well-folded ones.
Towards establishing a minimal nanoparticle concentration for applications involving surface enhanced spatially offset resonance Raman spectroscopy (SESORRS) in vivo
Authors: Nicolson Fay , Jamieson Lauren E. , Mabbott Samuel , Plakas Konstantinos , Shand Neil C. , Detty Michael R. , Graham Duncan , Faulds Karen
Published: October 2018

Detection of SERRS nanotags at picomolar concentrations through 5 mm of tissue using SESORS.
Metal-free cycloisomerizations of o-alkynylbiaryls
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Li Siqi , Qiao Yan , Peng Cheng , Wang Xiao-Na , Chang Junbiao
Published: October 2018

A novel and efficient metal-free strategy is discribed to construct 9,9-disubstituted fluorenes and phenanthrenes via the TfOH-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of o-alkynylbiaryls.
Alkynylbis(alkylidynyl)phosphines: {LnMC}2PCCR
Authors: Frogley Benjamin J. , Hill Anthony F.
Published: October 2018

Synthetic strategies are presented for the formation of alkynylbis(alkylidynyl)phosphines which represent promising building blocks for unsaturated 2- and 3-dimensional assemblies. Parent ethynyl derivatives provide a means for installing further donor functionalities, e.g., AsPh2 as shown.
Lighting up alkaline phosphatase in drug-induced liver injury using a new chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer nanoprobe
Authors: Liu Xueting , Fan Nannan , Wu Lijie , Wu Chuanchen , Zhou Yongqing , Li Ping , Tang Bo
Published: October 2018

Ultra-sensitive imaging of the alkaline phosphatase levelin vivoin drug-induced liver injury with a new chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer nanoprobe.
Stereogenic cis-2-substituted-N-acetyl-3-hydroxy-indolines via ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution-asymmetric transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Luo Zhonghua , Sun Guodong , Zhou Zihong , Liu Guozhu , Luan Baolei , Lin Yicao , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhongqing
Published: October 2018

Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution-asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of racemic 2-substituted-N-acetyl-3-oxoindolines is reported, affording cis-2-substituted-N-acetyl-3-hydroxyindolines in high yields with excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity.
On-surface reactions of aryl chloride and porphyrin macrocyclesviamerging two reactive sites into a single precursor
Authors: Shu Chen-Hui , Xie Yu-Li , Wang An , Shi Ke-Ji , Zhang Wei-Feng , Li Deng-Yuan , Liu Pei-Nian
Published: October 2018

The reaction of aryl chloride and porphyrin macrocycles, which are merged into a single precursor, has been achieved on Cu(111).
Rational design and synthesis of SiC/TiC@SiOx/TiO2 porous core–shell nanostructure with excellent Li-ion storage performance
Authors: Li Chenyang , Qin Jiaqian , Sawangphruk Montree , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Riping
Published: October 2018

Porous SiC/TiC@TiO2/SiOx core–shell nanostructure can be fabricated by partial oxidation of Ti3SiC2-derived SiC/TiC nanostructured materials for excellent Li ion storage performance.
Ultrafast fluorescence dynamics of DNA-based silver clusters
Authors: Reveguk Zakhar , Lysenko Roman , Ramazanov Ruslan , Kononov Alexei
Published: October 2018

Major relaxation in the photoexcited Ag–DNA nanocluster takes place in faster than 100 fs, which results in a Stokes shift of 5000 cm−1.
Correction: Penetrating probability and cross section of the Li+–C60 encapsulation process through an ab initio molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Ho Thi H. , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Le Hung M.
Published: October 2018

Correction for ‘Penetrating probability and cross section of the Li+–C60 encapsulation process through an ab initio molecular dynamics investigation’ by Thi H. Ho et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 7007–7013.
New insights into the structure–performance relationships of mesoporous materials in analytical science
Authors: Wang Jie , Ma Qinqin , Wang Yingqian , Li Zhiheng , Li Zhihao , Yuan Quan
Published: October 2018

Structure–performance relationships: the structural properties of mesoporous materials that can be optimized to improve the analytical performance are discussed.
Bioprocess development for muconic acid production from aromatic compounds and lignin
Authors: Salvachúa Davinia , Johnson Christopher W. , Singer Christine A. , Rohrer Holly , Peterson Darren J. , Black Brenna A. , Knapp Anna , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: October 2018

This work shows parallel strain and bioreactor process development to improve muconic acid production from aromatic compounds and lignin.
Tetracyclic pyrazine-fused furazans as insensitive energetic materials: syntheses, structures, and properties
Authors: Sun Qi , Li Xin , Lin Qiuhan , Lu Ming
Published: October 2018

Tetracyclic pyrazine-fused furazans are promising candidates as insensitive energetic materials.
Wavelength dependent nonlinear optical response of tetraphenylethene aggregation-induced emission luminogens
Authors: Xiong Jianbo , Li Xinyue , Yuan Chunqing , Semin Sergey , Yao Zhaoquan , Xu Jialiang , Rasing Theo , Bu Xian-He
Published: October 2018

Studies of the non-linear optical properties of classical AIEgens are rare, despite their important potential applications in organic composite photonic circuits. Here, we present experimental results, supported by theoretical calculations, of the non-linear optical (NLO) properties of TPE and its halogenated derivates.
Pd/Gorlos-Phos-catalyzed cross-coupling between two different aryl chlorides in the presence of B2Pin2 and cytotoxicity studies of the products
Authors: Duan Xinyu , Li Pengbin , Zhu Guirong , Fu Chunling , Chen Qin , Huang Xin , Ma Shengming
Published: October 2018

With the readily available Gorlos-Phos as a ligand, unsymmetrical biaryls were prepared efficiently from Pd-catalyzed one-pot two-step cross-coupling of two different aryl chlorides in the presence of B2Pin2.
Diversified synthesis and α-selective glycosylation of 3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy sugars
Authors: Zeng Jing , Wang Ruobin , Yao Wang , Zhang Shuxin , Sun Guangfei , Liao Zhiwen , Meng Lingkui , Wan Qian
Published: October 2018

Quick access to various unnatural 3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy sugars was achieved by sequential functionalization of a glycal intermediate. This strategy and the further glycosylation method allowed the efficient late-stage modification of bioactive natural products and drugs.
Specific colorimetric detection of Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution by squaraine-based chemosensor
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian , Li Na , Xu Min-Min , Wang Jianhao , Jiang Chunhui , Song Guoqiang , Wang Yong
Published: October 2018

A squaraine based chemosensor can be applied for instant colorimetric detection (blue to green) of Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution.
Theoretical study of mechanisms for the hydrolytic deamination of cytosine via steered molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Tolosa S. , Sansón J. A. , Hidalgo A.
Published: October 2018

Gibbs free energy profiles of the cytosine deamination assisted by a water molecule in a discrete aqueous medium were obtained by the application of Steered Molecular Dynamic (SMD) simulations.
One step access to oxindole-based β-lactams through Ugi four-center three-component reaction
Authors: Rainoldi Giulia , Lesma Giordano , Picozzi Claudia , Lo Presti Leonardo , Silvani Alessandra
Published: October 2018

A multicomponent Ugi reaction involving isatin, isocyanide and β-amino acid components has been developed.
A comprehensive chemical model for the preliminary steps of the thermal stabilization process in a carbon fibre manufacturing line
Authors: Badii Khashayar , Golkarnarenji Gelayol , S. Milani Abbas , Naebe Minoo , Khayyam Hamid
Published: October 2018

A multistage comprehensive chemical model predicts the kinetic parameters and simulates the thermal stabilisation process.
Effects of lipid composition on membrane permeation
Authors: Palaiokostas Michail , Ding Wei , Shahane Ganesh , Orsi Mario
Published: October 2018

Membrane permeation depends on fat content, and (permeant) size also matters.
Hydrothermally processed CuCrO2 nanoparticles as an inorganic hole transporting material for low-cost perovskite solar cells with superior stability
Authors: Akin Seckin , Liu Yuhang , Dar M. Ibrahim , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael , Turan Servet , Sonmezoglu Savas
Published: October 2018

Besides hysteresis-free promising efficiency (16.7%), cost effective CCO-based devices exhibited remarkable shelf-stability for 60 days and operational stability upon 500 hours.
Ultrathin IrRu nanowire networks with high performance and durability for the hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Qin Bowen , Yu Hongmei , Gao Xueqiang , Yao Dewei , Sun Xinye , Song Wei , Yi Baolian , Shao Zhigang
Published: October 2018

Developing highly active and stable HOR catalysts still remains a challenging task for alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
Bioceramic microneedle arrays are able to deliver OVA to dendritic cells in human skin
Authors: Vallhov Helen , Xia Wei , Engqvist Håkan , Scheynius Annika
Published: October 2018

Bioceramic arrays with high-aspect-ratio microneedles were able to penetrate human ex vivo skin and deliver their cargo to dendritic cells.
Self-supported Ni nanoparticles embedded on nitrogen-doped carbon derived from nickel polyphthalocyanine for high-performance non-enzymatic glucose detection
Authors: Gao Wenbin , Li Qin , Dou Meiling , Zhang Zhengping , Wang Feng
Published: October 2018

Ni nanoparticles self-supported on N-doped carbon derived from nickel-polyphthalocyanine exhibit a high sensitivity and long-term reusability for glucose detection.
Acidity-triggered charge-reversible multilayers for construction of adaptive surfaces with switchable bactericidal and bacteria-repelling functions
Authors: Wu Jindan , Zhao Sufang , Xu Shuting , Pang Xiaoyu , Cai Guoqiang , Wang Jiping
Published: October 2018

Microenvironment acidity of infected sites was utilized to control the surface charge, and therefore, manipulate bacterial behavior.
A dynamic microporous magnet exhibiting room-temperature thermal hysteresis, variable magnetic ordering temperatures and highly selective adsorption for CO2
Authors: Liu Zhong-Yi , Zhao Hong , Song Wei-Chao , Wang Xiu-Guang , Liu Zheng-Yu , Zhao Xiao-Jun , Yang En-Cui
Published: October 2018

A dynamic microporous magnet exhibits a room-temperature hysteresis loop, variable magnetic ordering temperatures and high adsorption selectivity for CO2 over N2.
Comparison of hepatotoxicity and mechanisms induced by triclosan (TCS) and methyl-triclosan (MTCS) in human liver hepatocellular HepG2 cells
Authors: Wang Lu , Mao Boyu , He Huixin , Shang Yu , Zhong Yufang , Yu Zhiqiang , Yang Yiting , Li Hui , An Jing
Published: October 2018

TCS and MTCS could induce oxidative DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest and initiate the DNA damage repair process by regulating different signal pathways.
Role of frataxin protein deficiency and metabolic dysfunction in Friedreich ataxia, an autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease
Authors: Clark Elisia , Johnson Joseph , Dong Yi Na , Mercado-Ayon Elizabeth , Warren Nathan , Zhai Mattieu , McMillan Emily , Salovin Amy , Lin Hong , Lynch David R.
Published: October 2018

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with developmental features caused by a genetic deficiency of frataxin, a small, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein. Frataxin deficiency leads to impairment of iron–sulphur cluster synthesis, and consequently, ATP production abnormalities. Based on the involvement of such processes in FRDA, initial pathophysiological hypotheses focused on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as a key component of the mechanism. With further study, a variety of other events appear to be involved, including abnormalities of mitochondrially related metabolism and dysfunction in mitochondrial biogenesis. Consequently, present therapies focus not only on free radical damage, but also on control of metabolic abnormalities and correction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Understanding the multitude of abnormalities in FRDA thus offers possibilities for treatment of this disorder.
Experimental evaluation of silicon photonics transceiver operating at 120°C for 5G antenna array systems
Authors: Testa F. , Giorgi L. , Bigongiari A. , Bianchi A.
Published: October 2018

The use of optical transceivers in antenna array system applications requires reliable operation at high temperature. The experimental characterisation of a silicon photonics transceiver operating in a harsh environment with temperatures up to 120°C is presented and discussed. The transceiver was placed inside a climatic chamber and it was fed by an external depolarised light source. The bit error rate was measured, and the impacts on transmission performances were analysed and discussed, including reliability aspects. The authors believe that silicon photonics transceivers with an optimised design and with improvements in the optical connector and fibre adhesive technology are suitable for this kind of applications.