bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte-specific Smad7 deletion accelerates DEN-induced HCC via activation of STAT3 signaling in mice
Authors: Feng T , Dzieran J , Yuan X , Dropmann A , Maass T , Teufel A , Marhenke S , Gaiser T , Rückert F , Kleiter I , Kanzler S , Ebert M P , Vogel A , ten Dijke P , Dooley S , Meindl-Beinker N M
Published: January 2017

TGF-β signaling in liver cells has variant roles in the dynamics of liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously found a correlation of high levels of the important endogenous negative TGF-β signaling regulator SMAD7 with better clinical outcome in HCC patients. However, the underlying tumor-suppressive molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we show that conditional (TTR-Cre) hepatocyte-specific SMAD7 knockout (KO) mice develop more tumors than wild-type and corresponding SMAD7 transgenic mice 9 months after diethylnitrosamine (DEN) challenge, verifying SMAD7 as a tumor suppressor in HCC. In line with our findings in patients, Smad7 levels in both tumor tissue as well as surrounding tissue show a significant inverse correlation with tumor numbers. SMAD7 KO mice presented with increased pSMAD2/3 levels and decreased apoptosis in the tumor tissue. Higher tumor incidence was accompanied by reduced P21 and upregulated c-MYC expression in the tumors. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 signaling was found in Smad7-deficient mouse tumors and in patients with low tumoral SMAD7 expression as compared with surrounding tissue. Together, our results provide new mechanistic insights into the tumor-suppressive functions of SMAD7 in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor as a promising target for cancer cell repopulation after radiotherapy
Authors: da Silva-Jr I A , Chammas R , Lepique A P , Jancar S
Published: January 2017

A major drawback of radiotherapy is the accelerated growth of the surviving tumor cells. Radiotherapy generates a variety of lipids that bind to the receptor for platelet-activating factor, expressed by cells in the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, using the TC-1 tumor cell line, we found that irradiation induced a twofold increase in receptor expression and generated agonists of receptor. Irradiated cells induced a 20-fold increase in live TC-1 proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, subcutaneous co-injection of irradiated TC-1 cells with TC-1 expressing luciferase (TC-1 fluc+) markedly increased TC-1 fluc+ proliferation in a receptor-dependent way. Moreover we used a human carcinoma cell line not expressing the PAF receptor (KBM) and the same cell transfected with the receptor gene (KBP). Following co-injection of live KBP cells with irradiated KBM in RAG mice, the tumor growth was significantly increased compared with tumor formed following co-injection of live KBM with irradiated KBM. This tumor cell repopulation correlated with increased infiltration of tumor-promoting macrophages (CD206+). We propose that receptor represents a possible target for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy through inhibition of tumor repopulation.
Synaptic proteins in CSF relate to Parkinson’s disease stage markers
Authors: Bereczki Erika , Bogstedt Anna , Höglund Kina , Tsitsi Panagiota , Brodin Lovisa , Ballard Clive , Svenningsson Per , Aarsland Dag
Published: January 2017

Recent findings of morphological and functional changes in Parkinson’s disease brains have shown altered synapse formation, but their role in cognitive decline is still an area under exploration. Here we measured the concentration of three key synaptic proteins, Rab3A, SNAP25 and neurogranin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in cerebrospinal fluid from a total of 139 participants (87 controls and 52 Parkinson’s disease patients out of which 30 were drug-naïve) and explored their associations with motor and cognitive symptoms. Associations with motor disease stage (assessed by Hoehn and Yahr scale) and cognitive performance (assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores) were explored. An overall increase in the concentration of SNAP25 was found in Parkinson’s disease patients (p = 0.032). Increased neurogranin levels were found in the drug naïve patients subgroup (p = 0.023). Significant associations were observed between increased concentration of neurogranin and cognitive impairment in total Parkinson’s disease group (p = 0.017), as well as in the drug naïve (p = 0.021) and with motor disease stage (p = 0.041). There were no significant disease-driven changes observed in the concentration of Rab3a. Concentrations SNAP25 and neurogranin were increased in cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson’s disease patients in a disease specific manner and related to cognitive and motor symptom severity. Future longitudinal studies should explore whether cerebrospinal fluid synaptic proteins can predict cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease.
High resolution global gridded data for use in population studies
Authors: Lloyd Christopher T. , Sorichetta Alessandro , Tatem Andrew J.
Published: January 2017

Recent years have seen substantial growth in openly available satellite and other geospatial data layers, which represent a range of metrics relevant to global human population mapping at fine spatial scales. The specifications of such data differ widely and therefore the harmonisation of data layers is a prerequisite to constructing detailed and contemporary spatial datasets which accurately describe population distributions. Such datasets are vital to measure impacts of population growth, monitor change, and plan interventions. To this end the WorldPop Project has produced an open access archive of 3 and 30 arc-second resolution gridded data. Four tiled raster datasets form the basis of the archive: (i) Viewfinder Panoramas topography clipped to Global ADMinistrative area (GADM) coastlines; (ii) a matching ISO 3166 country identification grid; (iii) country area; (iv) and slope layer. Further layers include transport networks, landcover, nightlights, precipitation, travel time to major cities, and waterways. Datasets and production methodology are here described. The archive can be downloaded both from the WorldPop Dataverse Repository and the WorldPop Project website.
WorldPop, open data for spatial demography
Authors: Tatem Andrew J.
Published: January 2017

High resolution, contemporary data on human population distributions, their characteristics and changes over time are a prerequisite for the accurate measurement of the impacts of population growth, for monitoring changes and for planning interventions. WorldPop aims to meet these needs through the provision of detailed and open access spatial demographic datasets built using transparent approaches. The Scientific Data WorldPop collection brings together descriptor papers on these datasets and is introduced here.
Bacterial translocation aggravates CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis by regulating CD4+ T cells in rats
Authors: Shi Haiyan , Lv Longxian , Cao Hongcui , Lu Haifeng , Zhou Ning , Yang Jiezuan , Jiang Haiyin , Dong Huihui , Hu Xinjun , Yu Wei , Jiang Xiawei , Zheng Beiwen , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2017

Bacterial translocation (BT) is thought to play an important role in the development of liver cirrhosis, but the mechanisms have not been fully explored. This study aims to investigate the distribution of Treg (CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+), Th17 (CD3+CD4+IL-17+), and Th1 (CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+) cells in the intestinal lamina propria, liver and blood and to explore their relationships with BT. Cirrhotic rats with ascites were induced by CCl4. We found that there were lower levels of total protein and albumin, lower albumin/globulin ratio, lower body weight and higher spleen weight and ascites volume in cirrhotic rats with than without BT. We found that BT may cause increase of Treg cells in the proximal small intestine and decrease of Th17 cells in the whole intestine and blood in cirrhotic rats. It may also aggravate the CCl4-induced decrease in Th1 cells in the whole intestine, liver, caecum, and blood and the CCl4-induced increase in Th17 cells in the liver and Tregs in the distal small intestine, colon, and liver. Our data suggest that BT may aggravate liver injury and decrease liver function via an interaction with CD4+ T Cells. The results of this study may be helpful for the development of new treatments for liver cirrhosis.
Expression and function of NKp46 W32R: the human homologous protein of mouse NKp46 W32R (Noé)
Authors: Glasner Ariella , Isaacson Batya , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: January 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells eradicate infected cells and tumors following the triggering of activating receptors, like the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs), which include NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46. NKp46 is the only NCR expressed in mice (mNKp46), and except for some Innate Lymphoid Cell (ILC) populations (ILC1/3 subsets), its expression is restricted to NK cells. Previously, a mouse named Noé was generated in which a random point mutation (W32R) impaired the cell surface expression of mNKp46. Interestingly, the Noé mice NK cells expressed twice as much of the transcription factor Helios, and displayed general non-NKp46 specific hyperactivity. We recently showed that the mNKp46 W32R (Noé) protein was expressed on the surface of various cells; albeit slowly and unstably, that it is aberrantly glycosylated and accumulates in the ER. Interestingly, the Tryptophan (Trp) residue in position 32 is conserved between humans and mice. Therefore, we studied here the human orthologue protein of mNKp46 W32R, the human NKp46 W32R. We demonstrated that NKp46 W32R is aberrantly glycosylated, accumulates in the ER, and is unstable on the cell surface. Furthermore, we showed that overexpression of NKp46 W32R or Helios resulted in augmented NK cell activation, which may be applied to boost NK activity for therapeutic applications.
Establishment and application of a novel isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of chloroquine resistance (K76T) in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chahar Madhvi , Mishra Neelima , Anvikar Anup , Dixit Rajnikant , Valecha Neena
Published: January 2017

Chloroquine (CQ) resistance inPlasmodium falciparumis determined by the mutations in the chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) gene. The point mutation at codon 76 (K76T), which has been observed in more than 91% ofP. falciparumisolates in India, is the major determinant of CQ resistance. To overcome the limitations and challenges of traditional methods, in this investigation we developed an easy to use loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocol for rapid detection of the K76T mutation associated with CQ resistance inP. falciparumwith naked eye visualization. In- house designed primers were synthesized and optimized to specifically distinguish the CQ resistant mutants ofP. falciparum.The LAMP reaction was optimal at 61 °C for 60 min and calcein dye was added prior to amplification to enable visual detection. We demonstrate the detection limit of <2 ng/μl respectively, supporting the high sensitivity of this calcein based LAMP method. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the establishment of an easy, reliable and cost effective LAMP assay for rapid and specific detection of highly CQ resistance inP. falciparummalaria.
Efficient Adhesion Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Laminin Fragments in an Uncoated Manner
Authors: Miyazaki Takamichi , Isobe Takehisa , Nakatsuji Norio , Suemori Hirofumi
Published: January 2017

We describe highly effective adhesion culture of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) using laminin fragments without precoating. Culture substrates have been generally thought to exert a cell adhesion effect when they are precoated onto culture vessels. However, simple addition of laminin fragments to a cell suspension during passaging accelerated the adhesion of single dissociated hPSCs onto culture vessels that were not precoated with any culture substrate. Interestingly, similar to conventional precoating, the uncoated addition of laminin fragments supported robust adhesion of single hPSCs and maximum adhesion at a much lower concentration compared with precoating. Similar to precoating laminin fragments, hPSCs seeded with uncoated laminin fragments grew well without cell detachment and maintained pluripotency after continuous subculture. We tested other culture substrates, including full-length laminin and vitronectin, to support hPSC adhesion in the uncoated manner, but only laminin fragments had the potential for application in the uncoated manner. This cost-effective and time-efficient method may contribute to expansion of culture of hPSCs and accelerate the development of regenerative medicine using hPSCs.
SWATH label-free proteomics analyses revealed the roles of oxidative stress and antioxidant defensing system in sclerotia formation of Polyporus umbellatus
Authors: Li Bing , Tian Xiaofang , Wang Chunlan , Zeng Xu , Xing Yongmei , Ling Hong , Yin Wanqiang , Tian Lixia , Meng Zhixia , Zhang Jihui , Guo Shunxing
Published: January 2017

Understanding the initiation and maturing mechanisms is important for rational manipulating sclerotia differentiation and growth from hypha of Polyporus umbellatus. Proteomes in P. umbellatus sclerotia and hyphae at initial, developmental and mature phases were studied. 1391 proteins were identified by nano-liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in Data Dependant Acquisition mode, and 1234 proteins were quantified successfully by Sequential Window Acquisition of all THeoretical fragment ion spectra-MS (SWATH-MS) technology. There were 347 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in sclerotia at initial phase compared with those in hypha, and the DEP profiles were dynamically changing with sclerotia growth. Oxidative stress (OS) in sclerotia at initial phase was indicated by the repressed proteins of respiratory chain, tricarboxylic acid cycle and the activation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways were determined based on DEPs. The impact of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis on sclerotium induction was further verified by glycerol addition assays, in which 5% glycerol significantly increased sclerotial differentiation rate and biomass. It can be speculated that OS played essential roles in triggering sclerotia differentiation from hypha of P. umbellatus, whereas antioxidant activity associated with glycolysis is critical for sclerotia growth. These findings reveal a mechanism for sclerotial differentiation in P. umbellatus, which may also be applicable for other fungi.
Candida albicans stimulates Streptococcus mutans microcolony development via cross-kingdom biofilm-derived metabolites
Authors: Kim Dongyeop , Sengupta Arjun , Niepa Tagbo H. R. , Lee Byung-Hoo , Weljie Aalim , Freitas-Blanco Veronica S. , Murata Ramiro M. , Stebe Kathleen J. , Lee Daeyeon , Koo Hyun
Published: January 2017

Candida albicans is frequently detected with heavy infection of Streptococcus mutans in plaque-biofilms from children affected with early-childhood caries, a prevalent and costly oral disease. The presence of C. albicans enhances S. mutans growth within biofilms, yet the chemical interactions associated with bacterial accumulation remain unclear. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate how microbial products from this cross-kingdom association modulate S. mutans build-up in biofilms. Our data revealed that bacterial-fungal derived conditioned medium (BF-CM) significantly increased the growth of S. mutans and altered biofilm 3D-architecture in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in enlarged and densely packed bacterial cell-clusters (microcolonies). Intriguingly, BF-CM induced S. mutans gtfBC expression (responsible for Gtf exoenzymes production), enhancing Gtf activity essential for microcolony development. Using a recently developed nanoculture system, the data demonstrated simultaneous microcolony growth and gtfB activation in situ by BF-CM. Further metabolites/chromatographic analyses of BF-CM revealed elevated amounts of formate and the presence of Candida-derived farnesol, which is commonly known to exhibit antibacterial activity. Unexpectedly, at the levels detected (25–50 μM), farnesol enhanced S. mutans-biofilm cell growth, microcolony development, and Gtf activity akin to BF-CM bioactivity. Altogether, the data provide new insights on how extracellular microbial products from cross-kingdom interactions stimulate the accumulation of a bacterial pathogen within biofilms.
Ultrafiltration membrane for effective removal of chromium ions from potable water
Authors: Muthumareeswaran M. R. , Alhoshan Mansour , Agarwal Gopal Prasad
Published: January 2017

The objective of the present work was to investigate the efficacy of indigenously developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for chromium ions removal from potable water. The hydrolyzed PAN membranes effectively rejected chromium anions in the feed ranging from 250 ppb to 400 ppm and a rejection of ≥90% was achieved for pH ≥ 7 at low chromate concentration (≤25 ppm) in feed. The rejection mechanism of chromium ions was strongly dependent on Donnan exclusion principle, while size exclusion principle for UF did not play a major role on ions rejection. Feed pH played a vital role in changing porosity of membrane, which influenced the retention behavior of chromate ions. Cross-flow velocity, pressure did not play significant role for ions rejection at low feed concentration. However, at higher feed concentration (≥400 ppm), concentration polarization became important and it reduced the chromate rejection to 32% at low cross flow and high pressure. Donnan steric-partitioning pore and dielectric exclusion model (DSPM-DE) was applied to evaluate the chromate ions transport through PAN UF membrane as a function of flux by using optimized model parameters and the simulated data matched well with experimental results.
Aqueous extract of Polygonum bistorta modulates proteostasis by ROS-induced ER stress in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Liu Yu-Huei , Weng Yui-Ping , Lin Hsuan-Yuan , Tang Sai-Wen , Chen Chao-Jung , Liang Chi-Jung , Ku Chung-Yu , Lin Jung-Yaw
Published: January 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the leading cause of cancer mortality with limited therapeutic targets. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a pivotal role in maintaining proteostasis in normal cells. However, alterations in proteostasis are often found in cancer cells, making it a potential target for therapy. Polygonum bistorta is used in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its anticancer activities, but the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. Using hepatoma cells as a model system, this study demonstrated that P. bistorta aqueous extract (PB) stimulated ER stress by increasing autophagosomes but by blocking degradation, followed by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and cell apoptosis. In addition, an autophagy inhibitor did not enhance ubiquitinated protein accumulation whereas a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger diminished both ubiquitinated protein accumulation and ligand-stimulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, suggesting that ROS generation by PB may be upstream of PB-triggered cell death. Nevertheless, PB-exerted proteostasis impairment resulted in cytoskeletal changes, impairment of cell adhesion and motility, and inhibition of cell cycle progression. Oral administration of PB delayed tumour growth in a xenograft model without significant body weight loss. These findings indicate that PB may be a potential new alternative or complementary medicine for HCC.
Chaoticons described by nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Zhong Lanhua , Li Yuqi , Chen Yong , Hong Weiyi , Hu Wei , Guo Qi
Published: January 2017

It is shown that the unstable evolutions of the Hermite-Gauss-type stationary solutions for the nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the exponential-decay response function can evolve into chaotic states. This new kind of entities are referred to as chaoticons because they exhibit not only chaotic properties (with positive Lyapunov exponents and spatial decoherence) but also soliton-like properties (with invariant statistic width and interaction of quasi-elastic collisions).
Signal mingle: Micropatterns of BMP-2 and fibronectin on soft biopolymeric films regulate myoblast shape and SMAD signaling
Authors: Fitzpatrick Vincent , Fourel Laure , Destaing Olivier , Gilde Flora , Albigès-Rizo Corinne , Picart Catherine , Boudou Thomas
Published: January 2017

In vivo, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) exists both in solution and bound to the extracellular matrix (ECM). While these two modes of presentation are known to influence cell behavior distinctly, their role in the niche microenvironment and their functional relevance in the genesis of a biological response has sparsely been investigated at a cellular level. Here we used the natural affinity of BMP-2 for fibronectin (FN) to engineer cell-sized micropatterns of BMP-2. This technique allowed the simultaneous control of the spatial presentation of fibronectin-bound BMP-2 and cell spreading. These micropatterns induced a specific actin and adhesion organization around the nucleus, and triggered the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD1/5/8 in C2C12 myoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, an early indicator of their osteoblastic trans-differentiation. We found that cell spreading itself potentiated a BMP-2-dependent phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8. Finally, we demonstrated that FN/BMP-2-mediated early SMAD signaling depended on LIM kinase 2 and ROCK, rather than myosin II activation. Altogether, our results show that FN/BMP-2 micropatterns are a useful tool to study the mechanisms underlying BMP-2-mediated mechanotransduction. More broadly, our approach could be adapted to other combinations of ECM proteins and growth factors, opening an exciting avenue to recreate tissue-specific niches in vitro.
CD133+ cancer stem cells promoted by VEGF accelerate the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Kai , Hao Meijun , Ouyang Yabo , Zheng Jiasheng , Chen Dexi
Published: January 2017

The role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in inducing the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains unclear. Here, we found that a dramatic increase in plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and an induction of local CD133+ CSCs are associated with early HCC recurrence, suggesting that VEGF expression and tumour stemness contribute to the relapse. In vitro studies demonstrated that VEGF, via activation of VEGFR2, increased the number of CD133+ CSCs and enhanced their capacity for self-renewal by inducing the expression of Nanog. In vivo studies further demonstrated that VEGF-treated CD133+ CSCs formed tumours larger than those developing from unstimulated cells and VEGF pre-treatment increased the tumorigenic cell frequency of primary HCC cells dependently on the presence of Nanog and VEGFR2. In HCC tissue derived from patients with early recurrence, almost all CD133+ cells were Nanog and p-VEGFR2 positive, suggesting that activation of VEGFR2 is critical for RFA-induced tumour stemness in HCC. In summary, RFA-induced VEGF promotes tumour stemness and accelerates tumourigenesis in HCC in a manner dependent on Nanog and VEGFR2, which is valuable for the prediction of HCC recurrence after RFA and the development of novel therapeutics.
Carotid Intima-media Thickness and its Association with Conventional Risk Factors in Low-income Adults: A Population-based Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Liu Bin , Ni Jingxian , Shi Min , Bai Lingling , Zhan Changqing , Lu Hongyan , Wu Yanan , Tu Jun , Ning Xianjia , Hao Junwei , Wang Jinghua
Published: January 2017

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an established predictor of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, risk factors associated with CIMT remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with CIMT in a low-income Chinese population. Stroke-free and cardiovascular disease-free residents aged ≥45 years were recruited. B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure CIMT. The mean age of participants (n = 3789) was 59.92 years overall, 61.13 years in men, and 59.07 years in women (P < 0.001). Male sex, older age, low education level, smoking, hypertension, and high systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were independent determinants of mean CIMT. Mean CIMT was higher by 18.07 × 10−3 mm in hypertensive compared to normotensive participants (P < 0.001), by 19.03 × 10−3 mm in men compared to women (P < 0.001), and by 9.82 × 10−3 mm in smokers compared to never smokers (P < 0.001). However, mean CIMT decreased by 1.07, 0.37, and 2.36 × 10−3 mm per 1-unit increase in education level, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides, respectively. It is important to manage conventional risk factors in low-income populations to decrease stroke incidence.
DOE Optimization of Nano-based Carrier of Pregabalin as Hydrogel: New Therapeutic & Chemometric Approaches for Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Arafa Mona G. , Ayoub Bassam M.
Published: January 2017

Niosomes entrapping pregabalin (PG) were prepared using span 60 and cholesterol in different molar ratios by hydration method, the remaining PG from the hydrating solution was separated from vesicles by freeze centrifugation. Optimization of nano-based carrier of pregabalin (PG) was achieved. Quality by Design strategy was successfully employed to obtain PG-loaded niosomes with the desired properties. The optimal particle size, drug release and entrapment efficiency were attained by Minitab® program using design of experiment (DOE) that predicted the best parameters by investigating the combined effect of different factors simultaneously. Pareto chart was used in the screening step to exclude the insignificant variables while response surface methodology (RSM) was used in the optimization step to study the significant factors. Best formula was selected to prepare topical hydrogels loaded with niosomal PG using HPMC and Carbopol 934. It was verified, by means of mechanical and rheological tests, that addition of the vesicles to the gel matrix affected significantly gel network. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation experiments were carried out. Delivery of PG molecules followed a Higuchi, non Fickian diffusion. The present work will be of interest for pharmaceutical industry as a controlled transdermal alternative to the conventional oral route.
Weeding volatiles reduce leaf and seed damage to field-grown soybeans and increase seed isoflavones
Authors: Shiojiri Kaori , Ozawa Rika , Yamashita Ken-Ichi , Uefune Masayoshi , Matsui Kenji , Tsukamoto Chigen , Tokumaru Susumu , Takabayashi Junji
Published: January 2017

Field experiments were conducted over 3 years (2012, 2013, and 2015), in which half of the young stage soybean plants were exposed to volatiles from cut goldenrods three times over 2–3 weeks, while the other half remained unexposed. There was a significant reduction in the level of the total leaf damage on exposed soybean plants compared with unexposed ones. In 2015, the proportion of damage to plants by Spodoptera litura larvae, a dominant herbivore, was significantly less in the exposed field plots than in the unexposed plots. Under laboratory conditions, cut goldenrod volatiles induced the direct defenses of soybean plants against S. litura larvae and at least three major compounds, α-pinene, β-myrcene, and limonene, of cut goldenrod volatiles were involved in the induction. The number of undamaged seeds from the exposed plants was significantly higher than that from unexposed ones. Concentrations of isoflavones in the seeds were significantly higher in seeds from the exposed plants than in those from the unexposed plants. Future research evaluating the utility of weeding volatiles, as a form of plant–plant communications, in pest management programs is necessary.
Genomic and structural investigation on dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) in Mediterranean fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)
Authors: Beffagna Giorgia , Centelleghe Cinzia , Franzo Giovanni , Di Guardo Giovanni , Mazzariol Sandro
Published: January 2017

Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) has been deemed as one of the most relevant threats for fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) being responsible for a mortality outbreak in the Mediterranean Sea in the last years. Knowledge of the complete viral genome is essential to understand any structural changes that could modify virus pathogenesis and viral tissue tropism. We report the complete DMV sequence of N, P/V/C, M, F and H genes identified from a fin whale and the comparison of primary to quaternary structure of proteins between this fin whale strain and some of those isolated during the 1990–‘92 and the 2006–‘08 epidemics. Some relevant substitutions were detected, particularly Asn52Ser located on F protein and Ile21Thr on N protein. Comparing mutations found in the fin whale DMV with those occurring in viral strains of other cetacean species, some of them were proven to be the result of diversifying selection, thus allowing to speculate on their role in host adaptation and on the way they could affect the interaction between the viral attachment and fusion with the target host cells.
Enhanced vapor transport in membrane distillation via functionalized carbon nanotubes anchored into electrospun nanofibres
Authors: Kyoungjin An Alicia , Lee Eui-Jong , Guo Jiaxin , Jeong Sanghyun , Lee Jung-Gil , Ghaffour Noreddine
Published: January 2017

To ascertain membrane distillation (MD) as an emerging desalination technology to meet the global water challenge, development of membranes with ideal material properties is crucial. Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were anchored to nanofibres of electrospun membranes. Covalent modification and fluorination of CNTs improved their dispersibility and interfacial interaction with the polymer membrane, resulting in well-aligned CNTs inside crystalline fibres with superhydrophobicity. Consideration for the chemical/physical properties of the CNT composite membranes and calculation of their theoretical fluxes revealed the mechanism of MD: CNTs facilitated the repulsive force for Knudsen and molecular diffusions, reduced the boundary-layer effect in viscous flow, and assisted surface diffusion, allowing for fast vapor transport with anti-wetting. This study shows that the role of CNTs and an optimal composite ratio can be used to reduce the gap between theoretical and experimental approaches to desalination.
Clone and functional analysis of Seryl-tRNA synthetase and Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase from silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Hu Jingsheng , Tian Jianghai , Li Fanchi , Xue Bin , Hu Jiahuan , Cheng Xiaoyu , Li Jinxin , Shen Weide , Li Bing
Published: January 2017

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are the key enzymes for protein synthesis. Glycine, alanine, serine and tyrosine are the major amino acids composing fibroin of silkworm. Among them, the genes of alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AlaRS) and glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) have been cloned. In this study, the seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) genes from silkworm were cloned. Their full length are 1709 bp and 1868 bp and contain open reading frame (ORF) of 1485 bp and 1575 bp, respectively. RT-PCR examination showed that the transcription levels of SerRS, TyrRS, AlaRS and GlyRS are significantly higher in silk gland than in other tissues. In addition, their transcription levels are much higher in middle and posterior silk gland than in anterior silk gland. Moreover, treatment of silkworms with phoxim, an inhibitor of silk protein synthesis, but not TiO2 NP, an enhancer of silk protein synthesis, significantly reduced the transcription levels of aaRS and content of free amino acids in posterior silk gland, therefore affecting silk protein synthesis, which may be the mechanism of phoxim-silking disorders. Furthermore, low concentration of TiO2 NPs showed no effect on the transcription of aaRS and content of free amino acids, suggesting that TiO2 NPs promotes silk protein synthesis possibly by increasing the activity of fibroin synthase in silkworm.
Does von Willebrand factor improve the predictive ability of current risk stratification scores in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Authors: García-Fernández Amaya , Roldán Vanessa , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Hernández-Romero Diana , Valdés Mariano , Vicente Vicente , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Marín Francisco
Published: January 2017

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction. We investigated its role on prognosis in anticoagulated atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and determined whether its addition to clinical risk stratification schemes improved event-risk prediction. Consecutive outpatients with non-valvular AF were recruited and rates of thrombotic/cardiovascular events, major bleeding and mortality were recorded. The effect of vWF on prognosis was calculated using a Cox regression model. Improvements in predictive accuracy over current scores were determined by calculating the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), net reclassification improvement (NRI), comparison of receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). 1215 patients (49% males, age 76 (71–81) years) were included. Follow-up was almost 7 years. Significant associations were found between vWF and cardiovascular events, stroke, mortality and bleeding. Based on IDI and NRI, addition of vWF to CHA2DS2-VASc statistically improved its predictive value, but c-indexes were not significantly different. For major bleeding, the addition of vWF to HAS-BLED improved the c-index but not IDI or NRI. DCA showed minimal net benefit. vWF acts as a simple prognostic biomarker in AF and, whilst its addition to current scores statistically improves prediction for some endpoints, absolute changes and impact on clinical decision-making are marginal.
Composition dependent band offsets of ZnO and its ternary alloys
Authors: Yin Haitao , Chen Junli , Wang Yin , Wang Jian , Guo Hong
Published: January 2017

We report the calculated fundamental band gaps ofwurtziteternary alloys Zn1−xMxO (M = Mg, Cd) and the band offsets of the ZnO/Zn1−xMxO heterojunctions, these II-VI materials are important for electronics and optoelectronics. Our calculation is based on density functional theory within the linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) approach where the modified Becke-Johnson (MBJ) semi-local exchange is used to accurately produce the band gaps, and the coherent potential approximation (CPA) is applied to deal with configurational average for the ternary alloys. The combined LMTO-MBJ-CPA approach allows one to simultaneously determine both the conduction band and valence band offsets of the heterojunctions. The calculated band gap data of the ZnO alloys scale asEg = 3.35 + 2.33xandEg = 3.36 − 2.33x + 1.77x2for Zn1−xMgxO and Zn1−xCdxO, respectively, wherexbeing the impurity concentration. These scaling as well as the composition dependent band offsets are quantitatively compared to the available experimental data. The capability of predicting the band parameters and band alignments of ZnO and its ternary alloys with the LMTO-CPA-MBJ approach indicate the promising application of this method in the design of emerging electronics and optoelectronics.
DNA damage induced by Strontium-90 exposure at low concentrations in mesenchymal stromal cells: the functional consequences
Authors: Musilli S. , Nicolas N. , El Ali Z. , Orellana-Moreno P. , Grand C. , Tack K. , Kerdine-Römer S. , Bertho J. M.
Published: January 2017

90Sr is one of the radionuclides released after nuclear accidents that can significantly impact human health in the long term. 90Sr accumulates mostly in the bones of exposed populations. Previous research has shown that exposure induces changes in bone physiology both in humans and in mice. We hypothesize that, due to its close location with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), 90Sr could induce functional damage to stromal cells that may explain these biological effects due to chronic exposure to 90Sr. The aim of this work was to verify this hypothesis through the use of an in vitro model of MS5 stromal cell lines exposed to 1 and 10 kBq.mL−1 of 90Sr. Results indicated that a 30-minute exposure to 90Sr induced double strand breaks in DNA, followed by DNA repair, senescence and differentiation. After 7 days of exposure, MS5 cells showed a decreased ability to proliferate, changes in cytokine expression, and changes in their ability to support hematopoietic progenitor proliferation and differentiation. These results demonstrate that chronic exposure to a low concentration of 90Sr can induce functional changes in BMSCs that in turn may explain the health effects observed in following chronic 90Sr exposure.
Ultra-fast cell counters based on microtubular waveguides
Authors: Bausch Cornelius S. , Heyn Christian , Hansen Wolfgang , Wolf Insa M. A. , Diercks Björn-Philipp , Guse Andreas H. , Blick Robert H.
Published: January 2017

We present a radio-frequency impedance-based biosensor embedded inside a semiconductor microtube for the in-flow detection of single cells. An impedance-matched tank circuit and a tight wrapping of the electrodes around the sensing region, which creates a close, leakage current-free contact between cells and electrodes, yields a high signal-to-noise ratio. We experimentally show a twofold improved sensitivity of our three-dimensional electrode structure to conventional planar electrodes and support these findings by finite element simulations. Finally, we report on the differentiation of polystyrene beads, primary mouse T lymphocytes and Jurkat T lymphocytes using our device.
Crosstalk between ABO and Forssman (FORS) blood group systems: FORS1 antigen synthesis by ABO gene-encoded glycosyltransferases
Authors: Yamamoto Miyako , Cid Emili , Yamamoto Fumiichiro
Published: January 2017

AandBalleles at theABOgenetic locus specify A and B glycosyltransferases that catalyze the biosynthesis of A and B oligosaccharide antigens, respectively, of blood group ABO system which is important in transfusion and transplantation medicine.GBGT1gene encodes Forssman glycolipid synthase (FS), another glycosyltransferase that produces Forssman antigen (FORS1). Humans are considered to be Forssman antigen-negative species without functional FS. However, rare individuals exhibiting Apaephenotype carry a dominant activeGBGT1gene and express Forssman antigen on RBCs. Accordingly, FORS system was recognized as the 31st blood group system. MouseABOgene encodes acis-AB transferase capable of producing both A and B antigens. This murine enzyme contains the same GlyGlyAla tripeptide sequence as FSs at the position important for the determination of sugar specificity. We, therefore, transfected the expression construct into appropriate recipient cells and examined whether mousecis-AB transferase may also exhibit FS activity. The result was positive, confirming the crosstalk between the ABO and FORS systems. Further experiments have revealed that the introduction of this tripeptide sequence to human A transferase conferred some, although weak, FS activity, suggesting that it is also involved in the recognition/binding of acceptor substrates, in addition to donor nucleotide-sugars.
Wide Field-of-view and Broadband Terahertz Beam Steering Based on Gap Plasmon Geodesic Antennas
Authors: Liu Kaipeng , Guo Yinghui , Pu Mingbo , Ma Xiaoliang , Li Xiong , Luo Xiangang
Published: January 2017

Despite a plethora of applications ranging from wireless communications to sensing and spectroscopy, the current terahertz beam steering technologies suffer from tremendous insert loss, stringent control of electric bias, limited scanning angle, relatively complicated configuration and narrow operation bandwidth, preventing further practical application. We propose and demonstrate a conceptually new approach for terahertz beam steering by virtue of gap plasmon geodesic antennas. By adjusting the geometric dimension of the gap plasmon geodesic antennas, all gap plasmon modes add coherently along a peculiar direction that depends on the geodesic mean surface. Consequently, high directive beams are generated through the antenna, whose direction could be changed within a wide-angle range spanning ±45° by lateral motion of the feed. Furthermore, an assembled antenna structure consisting of four-element geodesic antennas array is proposed for full 360° beam steering, which can operate in a broadband range from 0.8 THz to 1.2 THz.
Magnetocaloric effect and negative thermal expansion in hexagonal Fe doped MnNiGe compounds with a magnetoelastic AFM-FM-like transition
Authors: Xu Kun , Li Zhe , Liu Enke , Zhou Haichun , Zhang Yuanlei , Jing Chao
Published: January 2017

We report a detailed study of two successive first-order transitions, including a martensitic transition (MT) and an antiferromagnetic (AFM)-ferromagnetic (FM)-like transition, in Mn1-xFexNiGe (x = 0, 0.06, 0.11) alloys by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, magnetization and linear thermal expansion measurements. Such an AFM-FM-like transition occurring in the martensitic state has seldom been observed in the M(T) curves. The results of Arrott plot and linear relationship of the critical temperature with M2 provide explicit evidence of its first-order magnetoelastic nature. On the other hand, their performances as magnetocaloric and negative thermal expansion materials were characterized. The isothermal entropy change for a field change of 30 kOe reaches an impressive value of −25.8 J/kg K at 203 K for x = 0.11 compared to the other two samples. It demonstrates that the magneto-responsive ability has been significantly promoted since an appropriate amount of Fe doping can break the local Ni-6Mn AFM configuration. Moreover, the Fe-doped samples reveal both the giant negative thermal expansion and near-zero thermal expansion for different temperature ranges. For instance, the average thermal expansion coefficient ā of x = 0.06 reaches −60.7 × 10−6/K over T = 231–338 K and 0.6 × 10−6/K over T = 175–231 K during cooling.
Mixed forest plantations can efficiently filter rainfall deposits of sulfur and chlorine in Western China
Authors: Zhao Hairong , Yang Wanqin , Wu Fuzhong , Tan Bo
Published: January 2017

Forest filtering is a well-known and efficient method for diminishing atmospheric pollutant (such as SO42−and Cl−) inputs to soil and water; however, the filtering efficiencies of forests vary depending on the regional vegetation and climate. The rainy area of West China has suffered from heavy rainfall and human activity, which has potentially resulted in large amounts of sulfur and chlorine deposition, but little information is available regarding the filtering effects of typical plantations. Therefore, the migration of SO42−and Cl−from rainfall to throughfall, stemflow and runoff were investigated in a camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) plantation, a cryptomeria (Cryptomeria fortunei) plantation and a mixed plantation in a 9-month forest hydrology experiment. The results indicated the following: (i) The total SO42−and Cl−deposition was 43.05 kg ha−1and 5.25 kg ha−1, respectively. (ii) The cover layer had the highest interception rate (60.08%), followed by the soil layer (16.02%) and canopy layer (12.85%). (iii) The mixed plantation resulted in the highest SO42−(37.23%) and Cl−(51.91%) interception rates at the forest ecosystem scale, and the interception rate increased with increasing rainfall. These results indicate that mixed plantations can effectively filter SO42−and Cl−in this area and in similar areas.
Spatial Division Multiplexed Microwave Signal processing by selective grating inscription in homogeneous multicore fibers
Authors: Gasulla Ivana , Barrera David , Hervás Javier , Sales Salvador
Published: January 2017

The use of Spatial Division Multiplexing for Microwave Photonics signal processing is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, based on the selective inscription of Bragg gratings in homogeneous multicore fibers. The fabricated devices behave as sampled true time delay elements for radiofrequency signals offering a wide range of operation possibilities within the same optical fiber. The key to processing flexibility comes from the implementation of novel multi-cavity configurations by inscribing a variety of different fiber Bragg gratings along the different cores of a 7-core fiber. This entails the development of the first fabrication method to inscribe high-quality gratings characterized by arbitrary frequency spectra and located in arbitrary longitudinal positions along the individual cores of a multicore fiber. Our work opens the way towards the development of unique compact fiber-based solutions that enable the implementation of a wide variety of 2D (spatial and wavelength diversity) signal processing functionalities that will be key in future fiber-wireless communications scenarios. We envisage that Microwave Photonics systems and networks will benefit from this technology in terms of compactness, operation versatility and performance stability.
Neurophysiological correlates of altered response inhibition in internet gaming disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: Perspectives from impulsivity and compulsivity
Authors: Kim Minah , Lee Tak Hyung , Choi Jung-Seok , Kwak Yoo Bin , Hwang Wu Jeong , Kim Taekwan , Lee Ji Yoon , Lim Jae-A , Park Minkyung , Kim Yeon Jin , Kim Sung Nyun , Kim Dai Jin , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: January 2017

Although internet gaming disorder (IGD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) represent opposite ends of the impulsivity and compulsivity dimensions, the two disorders share common neurocognitive deficits in response inhibition. However, the similarities and differences in neurophysiological features of altered response inhibition between IGD and OCD have not been investigated sufficiently. In total, 27 patients with IGD, 24 patients with OCD, and 26 healthy control (HC) subjects participated in a Go/NoGo task with electroencephalographic recordings. N2-P3 complexes elicited during Go and NoGo condition were analyzed separately and compared among conditions and groups. NoGo-N2 latency at the central electrode site was delayed in IGD group versus the HC group and correlated positively with the severity of internet game addiction and impulsivity. NoGo-N2 amplitude at the frontal electrode site was smaller in OCD patients than in IGD patients. These findings suggest that prolonged NoGo-N2 latency may serve as a marker of trait impulsivity in IGD and reduced NoGo-N2 amplitude may be a differential neurophysiological feature between OCD from IGD with regard to compulsivity. We report the first differential neurophysiological correlate of the altered response inhibition in IGD and OCD, which may be a candidate biomarker for impulsivity and compulsivity.
Effects of jasmonic acid signalling on the wheat microbiome differ between body sites
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Carvalhais Lilia C. , Schenk Peer M. , Dennis Paul G.
Published: January 2017

Jasmonic acid (JA) signalling helps plants to defend themselves against necrotrophic pathogens and herbivorous insects and has been shown to influence the root microbiome of Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we determined whether JA signalling influences the diversity and functioning of the wheat (Triticum aestivum) microbiome and whether these effects are specific to particular parts of the plant. Activation of the JA pathway was achieved via exogenous application of methyl jasmonate and was confirmed by significant increases in the abundance of 10 JA-signalling-related gene transcripts. Phylogenetic marker gene sequencing revealed that JA signalling reduced the diversity and changed the composition of root endophytic but not shoot endophytic or rhizosphere bacterial communities. The total enzymatic activity and substrate utilisation profiles of rhizosphere bacterial communities were not affected by JA signalling. Our findings indicate that the effects of JA signalling on the wheat microbiome are specific to individual plant compartments.