bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Massively parallel whole genome amplification for single-cell sequencing using droplet microfluidics
Authors: Hosokawa Masahito , Nishikawa Yohei , Kogawa Masato , Takeyama Haruko
Published: July 2017

Massively parallel single-cell genome sequencing is required to further understand genetic diversities in complex biological systems. Whole genome amplification (WGA) is the first step for single-cell sequencing, but its throughput and accuracy are insufficient in conventional reaction platforms. Here, we introduce single droplet multiple displacement amplification (sd-MDA), a method that enables massively parallel amplification of single cell genomes while maintaining sequence accuracy and specificity. Tens of thousands of single cells are compartmentalized in millions of picoliter droplets and then subjected to lysis and WGA by passive droplet fusion in microfluidic channels. Because single cells are isolated in compartments, their genomes are amplified to saturation without contamination. This enables the high-throughput acquisition of contamination-free and cell specific sequence reads from single cells (21,000 single-cells/h), resulting in enhancement of the sequence data quality compared to conventional methods. This method allowed WGA of both single bacterial cells and human cancer cells. The obtained sequencing coverage rivals those of conventional techniques with superior sequence quality. In addition, we also demonstrate de novo assembly of uncultured soil bacteria and obtain draft genomes from single cell sequencing. This sd-MDA is promising for flexible and scalable use in single-cell sequencing.
An ant-coccid mutualism affects the behavior of the parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei, but not that of the ghost ant Tetramorium bicarinatum
Authors: Huang Jun , Zhang Peng-Jun , Zhang Juan , Tang Ya-Yuan
Published: July 2017

Mutualisms between honeydew-producing insects and ants change the emission of volatiles from plants, but whether such changes alter the behaviors of ants that tend honeydew-producing insects or wasps that parasitize honeydew-producing insects remain unknown. This study compared the behavioral responses of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum and the parasitoid wasp Aenasius bambawalei to odors from cotton plants infested with the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis or infested with the mealybug and the ant, which tends the mealybug. The ant could not distinguish between the volatiles from plants infested with the mealybug alone and those from plants infested with the mealybug and the ant. Likewise, naïve wasps failed to distinguish between volatiles from the two treatments. In contrast, experienced wasps preferred volatiles from plants infested with the mealybug and the ant. Volatile analysis showed that the amounts of MeSA were increased and those of methyl nicotinate were decreased when plants were infested by the mealybug and the ant rather than when plants were uninfested or were infested by the mealybug alone. Thus, the mutualism between the mealybug and ant changed the volatiles emitted by cotton plants such that the attraction of A. bambawalei (but not that of the ant) to the plants was increased.
Genotypic variability based association identifies novel non-additive loci DHCR7 and IRF4 in sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wei Wen-Hua , Viatte Sebastien , Merriman Tony R. , Barton Anne , Worthington Jane
Published: July 2017

Sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly heterogeneous disorder with only a few additive loci identified to date. We report a genotypic variability-based genome-wide association study (vGWAS) of six cohorts of sero-negative RA recruited in Europe and the US that were genotyped with the Immunochip. A two-stage approach was used: (1) a mixed model to partition dichotomous phenotypes into an additive component and non-additive residuals on the liability scale and (2) the Levene’s test to assess equality of the residual variances across genotype groups. The vGWAS identified rs2852853 (P = 1.3e-08, DHCR7) and rs62389423 (P = 1.8e-05, near IRF4) in addition to two previously identified loci (HLA-DQB1 and ANKRD55), which were all statistically validated using cross validation. DHCR7 encodes an enzyme important in cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D and DHCR7 mutations are believed to be important for early humans to adapt to Northern Europe where residents have reduced ultraviolet-B exposure and tend to have light skin color. IRF4 is a key locus responsible for skin color, with a vitamin D receptor-binding interval. These vGWAS results together suggest that vitamin D deficiency is potentially causal of sero-negative RA and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of the disorder.
BLOC-1 deficiency causes alterations in amino acid profile and in phospholipid and adenosine metabolism in the postnatal mouse hippocampus
Authors: van Liempd S. M. , Cabrera D. , Lee F. Y. , González E. , Dell’Angelica E. C. , Ghiani C. A. , Falcon-Perez J. M.
Published: July 2017

Biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1) is a protein complex involved in the formation of endosomal tubular structures that mediates the sorting of protein cargoes to specialised compartments. In this study, we present insights into the metabolic consequences caused by BLOC-1 deficiency in pallid mice, which carry a null mutation in the Bloc1s6 gene encoding an essential component of this complex. The metabolome of the hippocampus of pallid mice was analysed using an untargeted, liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometric approach. After data pre-treatment, statistical analysis and pathway enrichment, we have identified 28 metabolites that showed statistically significant changes between pallid and wild-type control. These metabolites included amino acids, nucleobase-containing compounds and lysophospholipids. Interestingly, pallid mice displayed increased hippocampal levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid (NAAG) and their precursor glutamine. Expression of the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SNAT1), which transports glutamine into neurons, was also upregulated. Conversely, levels of the neurotransmitter precursors phenylalanine and tryptophan were decreased. Interestingly, many of these changes could be mapped to overlapping metabolic pathways. The observed metabolic alterations are likely to affect neurotransmission and neuronal homeostasis and in turn could mediate the memory and behavioural impairments observed in BLOC-1-deficient mice.
Epibiotic pressure contributes to biofouling invader success
Authors: Leonard Kaeden , Hewitt Chad L. , Campbell Marnie L. , Primo Carmen , Miller Steven D.
Published: July 2017

Reduced competition is a frequent explanation for the success of many introduced species. In benthic marine biofouling communities, space limitation leads to high rates of overgrowth competition. Some species can utilise other living organisms as substrate (epibiosis), proffering a competitive advantage for the epibiont. Additionally, some species can prevent or reduce epibiotic settlement on their surfaces and avoid being basibionts. To test whether epibiotic pressure differs between native and introduced species, we undertookex situexperiments comparing bryozoan larval settlement to determine if introduced species demonstrate a greater propensity to settle as epibionts, and a reduced propensity to be basibionts, than native species. Here we report that introduced species opportunistically settle on any space (bare, native, or introduced), whereas native species exhibit a strong tendency to settle on and near other natives, but avoid settling on or near introduced basibionts. In addition, larvae of native species experience greater larval wastage (mortality) than introduced species, both in the presence and absence of living substrates. Introduced species’ ability to settle on natives as epibionts, and in turn avoid epibiosis as basibionts, combined with significantly enhanced native larval wastage, provides a comprehensive suite of competitive advantages contributing to the invasion success of these biofouling species.
GLYAT regulates JNK-mediated cell death in Drosophila
Authors: Ren Pu , Li Wenzhe , Xue Lei
Published: July 2017

Cell death is a fundamental progress that regulates cell number, tissue homeostasis and organ size in development. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway has been evolutionarily conserved from fly to human, and plays essential roles in regulating cell death. To characterize additional genes that regulate JNK signaling, we performed a genetic screen in Drosophila and identified dGLYAT, a novel gene whose function was previously unknown, as a modulator of JNK-mediated cell death. We found that loss of dGLYAT suppressed JNK activation and cell death triggered by over-expression of Egr or Hep, or depletion of puc or lgl in development, suggesting dGLYAT regulates both ectopic and physiological functions of JNK pathway. Furthermore, we showed that loss of dGLYAT inhibits JNK-mediated ROS production, suggesting dGLYAT regulates multiple functions of JNK signaling in vivo.
Racial and social disparities in the access to automated peritoneal dialysis - results of a national PD cohort
Authors: Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Ribeiro Silvia Carreira , Kirk Adam , da Silva Helder Sebastião , Pille Arthur , Falavinha Ricardo Sprenger , Filho Sandro Scolari , Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , Barretti Pasqual , de Moraes Thyago Proença
Published: July 2017

The prevalence of patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is increasing worldwide and may be guided by clinical characteristics, financial issues and patient option. Whether socioeconomic factors at the patient level may influence the decision for the initial peritoneal dialysis (PD) modality is unknown. This is a prospective cohort study. The primary outcome of interest was the probability to start PD on APD. The inclusion criteria were adult patients incident in PD. Exclusion criteria were missing data for either race or initial PD modality. We used a mixed-model analysis clustering patients according to their PD center and region of the country. We included 3,901 patients of which 1,819 (46.6%) had APD as their first modality. We found a significant disparity for race and educational level with African American patients less likely to start on APD (Odds ratio 0.74 CI95% 0.58–0.94) compared to Whites whilst those with greater educational levels were more likely to start on APD (Odds ratio 3.70, CI95% 2.25–6.09) compared to illiterate patients. Limiting the use of APD in disadvantaged population may be unethical. Demographics and socioeconomic status should not be necessarily part of the decision-making process of PD modality choice.
Adipose Tissue Formation Utilizing Fat Flap Distraction Technique
Authors: Lee Myung Chul , Lee Won Jai , Lee Byung Il , Chung Kee Yang , Kim Jae Woo , Kang Eun Hye , Kim Yong Oock
Published: July 2017

Co-regulation between adipocytes and supporting vasculature is considered an important process in adipose tissue generation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and biological effects of a distraction technique on adipose tissue formation and maintenance. Based on the hypothesis that fat flaps gradually receding from each other can develop an adipose tissue construct, perforated polycarbonate syringe-shaped chambers were implanted in a rabbit model. Latency (1 week) and distraction (3 weeks) periods were followed by a consolidation period in the experimental groups (4, 8, and 12 weeks). In the distraction group, the volume of fat pad gradually increased up to 16 weeks. A transition zone was observed at 8 weeks, indicating the initiation of tissue generation. Histomorphologic analysis showed adipose and collagen connective tissue at 8 weeks. At 16 weeks, the relative composition was altered significantly. Adipose components occupied most of the tissue, and connective tissue was reduced. Blood vessels with endothelial lining were noted adjacent to adipocyte clusters, as well as in inter-adipocyte areas. The vessels had increased in number and were evenly distributed by 16 weeks. Our distraction technique produced more balanced adipose tissue generation than a non-distraction method, with co-development of adipose and vascular tissues.
Terahertz Spectroscopic Diagnosis of Myelin Deficit Brain in Mice and Rhesus Monkey with Chemometric Techniques
Authors: Zou Yi , Li Jiang , Cui Yiyuan , Tang Peiren , Du Lianghui , Chen Tunan , Meng Kun , Liu Qiao , Feng Hua , Zhao Jianheng , Chen Mina , Zhu Li-Guo
Published: July 2017

While myelin deficit of the central nervous system leads to several severe diseases, the definitive diagnostic means are lacking. We proposed and performed terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) combined with chemometric techniques to discriminate and evaluate the severity of myelin deficit in mouse and rhesus monkey brains. The THz refractive index and absorption coefficient of paraffin-embedded brain tissues from both normal and mutant dysmyelinating mice are shown. Principal component analysis of time-domain THz signal (PCA-tdTHz) and absorption-refractive index relation of THz spectrum identified myelin deficit without exogenous labeling or any pretreatment. Further, with the established PCA-tdTHz, we evaluated the severity of myelin deficit lesions in rhesus monkey brain induced by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which is the most-studied animal model of multiple sclerosis. The results well matched the pathological analysis, indicating that PCA-tdTHz is a quick, powerful, evolving tool for identification and evaluation myelin deficit in preclinical animals and potentially in para-clinical human biopsy.
Global Mapping of the Macrophage-HIV-1 Transcriptome Reveals that Productive Infection Induces Remodeling of Host Cell DNA and Chromatin
Authors: Deshiere Alexandre , Joly-Beauparlant Charles , Breton Yann , Ouellet Michel , Raymond Frédéric , Lodge Robert , Barat Corinne , Roy Marc-André , Corbeil Jacques , Tremblay Michel J.
Published: July 2017

It has been proposed that macrophages could serve as long-lived compartments for HIV-1 infection under in vivo situations because these cells are resistant to the virus-mediated cytopathic effect, produce progeny virus over extended periods of time and are localized in tissues that are often less accessible by treatment. Comprehensive experimental studies are thus needed to characterize the HIV-1-induced modulation of host genes in these myeloid lineage cells. To shed light on this important issue, we performed comparative analyses of mRNA expression levels of host genes in uninfected bystander and HIV-1-infected human macrophages using an infectious reporter virus construct coupled with a large-scale RNA sequencing approach. We observed a rapid differential expression of several host factors in the productively infected macrophage population including genes regulating DNA replication factors and chromatin remodeling. A siRNA-mediated screening study to functionally identify host determinants involved in HIV-1 biology has provided new information on the virus molecular regulation in macrophages.
Calcium-activated SK channels control firing regularity by modulating sodium channel availability in midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Iyer Rajeshwari , Ungless Mark A. , Faisal Aldo A.
Published: July 2017

Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area regulate behaviours such as reward-related learning, and motor control. Dysfunction of these neurons is implicated in Schizophrenia, addiction to drugs, and Parkinson’s disease. While some dopamine neurons fire single spikes at regular intervals, others fire irregular single spikes interspersed with bursts. Pharmacological inhibition of calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels increases the variability in their firing pattern, sometimes also increasing the number of spikes fired in bursts, indicating that SK channels play an important role in maintaining dopamine neuron firing regularity and burst firing. However, the exact mechanisms underlying these effects are still unclear. Here, we develop a biophysical model of a dopamine neuron incorporating ion channel stochasticity that enabled the analysis of availability of ion channels in multiple states during spiking. We find that decreased firing regularity is primarily due to a significant decrease in the AHP that in turn resulted in a reduction in the fraction of available voltage-gated sodium channels due to insufficient recovery from inactivation. Our model further predicts that inhibition of SK channels results in a depolarisation of action potential threshold along with an increase in its variability.
Dynamic gene expression response to altered gravity in human T cells
Authors: Thiel Cora S. , Hauschild Swantje , Huge Andreas , Tauber Svantje , Lauber Beatrice A. , Polzer Jennifer , Paulsen Katrin , Lier Hartwin , Engelmann Frank , Schmitz Burkhard , Schütte Andreas , Layer Liliana E. , Ullrich Oliver
Published: July 2017

We investigated the dynamics of immediate and initial gene expression response to different gravitational environments in human Jurkat T lymphocytic cells and compared expression profiles to identify potential gravity-regulated genes and adaptation processes. We used the Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 containing 44,699 protein coding genes and 22,829 non-protein coding genes and performed the experiments during a parabolic flight and a suborbital ballistic rocket mission to cross-validate gravity-regulated ﻿gene expression through independent research platforms and different sets of control experiments to exclude other factors than alteration of gravity. We found that gene expression in human T cells rapidly responded to altered gravity in the time frame of 20 s and 5 min. The initial response to microgravity involved mostly regulatory RNAs. We identified three gravity-regulated genes which could be cross-validated in both completely independent experiment missions: ATP6V1A/D, a vacuolar H + -ATPase (V-ATPase) responsible for acidification during bone resorption, IGHD3-3/IGHD3-10, diversity genes of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus participating in V(D)J recombination, and LINC00837, a long intergenic non-protein coding RNA. Due to the extensive and rapid alteration of gene expression associated with regulatory RNAs, we conclude that human cells are equipped with a robust and efficient adaptation potential when challenged with altered gravitational environments.
NEAP/DUSP26 suppresses receptor tyrosine kinases and regulates neuronal development in zebrafish
Authors: Yang Chi-Hwa , Yeh Yu-Jung , Wang Jiz-Yuh , Liu Ya-Wen , Chen Yen-Lin , Cheng Hui-Wen , Cheng Chun-Mei , Chuang Yung-Jen , Yuh Chiou-Hwa , Chen Yi-Rong
Published: July 2017

Expression of neuroendocrine-associated phosphatase (NEAP, also named as dual specificity phosphatase 26, [DUSP26]) is restricted to neuroendocrine tissues. We found that NEAP, but not its phosphatase-defective mutant, suppressed nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) activation in PC12 cells upon NGF stimulation. Conversely, suppressing NEAP expression by RNA interference enhanced TrkA and FGFR1 phosphorylation. NEAP was capable of de-phosphorylating TrkA and FGFR1 directly in vitro. NEAP-orthologous gene existed in zebrafish. Morpholino (MO) suppression of NEAP in zebrafish resulted in hyper-phosphorylation of TrkA and FGFR1 as well as abnormal body postures and small eyes. Differentiation of retina in zebrafishes with NEAP MO treatment was severely defective, so were cranial motor neurons. Taken together, our data indicated that NEAP/DUSP26 have a critical role in regulating TrkA and FGFR1 signaling as well as proper development of retina and neuronal system in zebrafish.
The virulent, emerging genotype B of Deformed wing virus is closely linked to overwinter honeybee worker loss
Authors: Natsopoulou Myrsini E. , McMahon Dino P. , Doublet Vincent , Frey Eva , Rosenkranz Peter , Paxton Robert J.
Published: July 2017

Bees are considered to be threatened globally, with severe overwinter losses of the most important commercial pollinator, the Western honeybee, a major concern in the Northern Hemisphere. Emerging infectious diseases have risen to prominence due to their temporal correlation with colony losses. Among these is Deformed wing virus (DWV), which has been frequently linked to colony mortality. We now provide evidence of a strong statistical association between overwintering colony decline in the field and the presence of DWV genotype-B (DWV-B), a genetic variant of DWV that has recently been shown to be more virulent than the original DWV genotype-A. We link the prevalence of DWV-B directly to a quantitative measure of overwinter decline (workforce mortality) of honeybee colonies in the field. We demonstrate that increased prevalence of virus infection in individual bees is associated with higher overwinter mortality. We also observed a substantial reduction of infected colonies in the spring, suggesting that virus-infected individuals had died during the winter. Our findings demonstrate that DWV-B, plus possible A/B recombinants exhibiting DWV-B at PCR primer binding sites, may be a major cause of elevated overwinter honeybee loss. Its potential emergence in naïve populations of bees may have far-reaching ecological and economic impacts.
Preparation of mono-dispersed, high energy release, core/shell structure Al nanopowders and their application in HTPB propellant as combustion enhancers
Authors: Wang Fengyi , Wu Zhiguo , Shangguan Xushui , Sun Yunqiang , Feng Juanjuan , Li Zhongyou , Chen Luyang , Zuo Shiyong , Zhuo Renfu , Yan Pengxun
Published: July 2017

Mono-dispersed, spherical and core/shell structure aluminum nanopowders (ANPs) were produced massively by high energy ion beam evaporation (HEIBE). And the number weighted average particle size of the ANPs is 98.9 nm, with an alumina shell (3–5 nm). Benefiting from the passivation treatment, the friction, impact and electrostatic spark sensitivity of the ANPs are almost equivalent to those of aluminum micro powders. The result of TG-DSC indicates the active aluminum content of ANPs is 87.14%, the enthalpy release value is 20.37 kJ/g, the specific heat release S1/Δm1* (392–611 °C) which determined the ability of energy release is 19.95 kJ/g. And the value of S1/Δm1* is the highest compared with ANPs produced by other physical methods. Besides, the ANPs perfectly compatible with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 3 wt. % of ANPs were used in HTPB propellant replaced micron aluminum powders, and improved the burning rate in the 3–12 MPa pressure range and reduced the pressure exponential by more than 31% in the 3–16 MPa pressure range. The production technology of ANPs with excellent properties will greatly promote the application of ANPs in the field of energetic materials such as propellant, explosive and pyrotechnics.
Optimized analysis of blood flow and wall shear stress in the common carotid artery of rat model by phase-contrast MRI
Authors: Peng Shin-Lei , Shih Cheng-Ting , Huang Chiun-Wei , Chiu Shao-Chieh , Shen Wu-Chung
Published: July 2017

The present study systemically investigated the influence of gated/non-gated sequences, velocity encoding (VENC), and spatial resolution on blood flow, wall shear stress (WSS), and artery area evaluations when scanning the common carotid artery (CCA) in rats using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). We first tested whether or not non-gated PC-MRI was appropriate for evaluating blood flow and WSS in rats. For both gated and non-gated techniques, VENC values in the range of 60–120 cm/s with an interval of 10 cm/s were also tested. Second, we optimized the in-plane resolution of PC-MRI for blood flow and WSS measurements. Results showed the usage of a gated instrument can provide more reproducible assessments, whereas VENC had an insignificant influence on all hemodynamic measurements (all P > 0.05). Lower resolutions, such as 0.63 mm, led to significant overestimations in blood flow and artery area quantifications and to an underestimation in WSS measurements (all P < 0.05). However, a higher resolution of 0.16 mm slightly increased measurement variation. As a tradeoff between accuracy and scan time, we propose a gated PC-MRI sequence with a VENC of 120 cm/s and a resolution of 0.21 mm to be used to extract hemodynamic information about rat CCA.
Possible electric field induced indirect to direct band gap transition in MoSe2
Authors: Kim B. S. , Kyung W. S. , Seo J. J. , Kwon J. Y. , Denlinger J. D. , Kim C. , Park S. R.
Published: July 2017

Direct band-gap semiconductors play the central role in optoelectronics. In this regard, monolayer (ML) MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) has drawn increasing attention due to its novel optoelectronic properties stemming from the direct band-gap and valley degeneracy. Unfortunately, the more practically usable bulk and multilayer MX2 have indirect-gaps. It is thus highly desired to turn bulk and multilayer MX2 into direct band-gap semiconductors by controlling external parameters. Here, we report angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) results from Rb dosed MoSe2 that suggest possibility for electric field induced indirect to direct band-gap transition in bulk MoSe2. The Rb concentration dependent data show detailed evolution of the band-gap, approaching a direct band-gap state. As ionized Rb layer on the surface provides a strong electric field perpendicular to the surface within a few surface layers of MoSe2, our data suggest that direct band-gap in MoSe2 can be achieved if a strong electric field is applied, which is a step towards optoelectronic application of bulk materials.
Prognostic significance of the digit ratio after hormone therapy for prostate cancer: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Li Guanjian , Sun Ke , Guo Jie , Li Shixing , Li Bo , Cao Jing , Lu Pengfei , Yang Jiajia , Zhang Ying , Yang Xin , Gao Le , He Yi , Cui Tao , Ma Bin
Published: July 2017

The digit ratio has been used as a retrospective noninvasive biomarker to investigate the putative effects of prenatal exposure to androgens. In recent years, many scholars have paid attention to the association between 2D:4D (the second and fourth digits) and prostatic cancer. This study explored the prognostic significance of digit ratio in prostate cancer patients. We reviewed the progressive status and survival of 382 prostate cancer patients who had received hormone therapy at our institutions. Survival of clinicopathological variables analyzed as categorical variables were determined by the log-rank test. According to Cox’s proportional hazards analysis, R2D:4D, L2D:4D, PSA at 6 month,bone metastasis were significant independent factors for prostate cancer. The risk of any progression of prostate cancer similarly depressed with increasing 2D:4D, for any progression (R2D:4D HR = 0.71, p = 0.003; L2D:4D HR = 0.67, p = 0.001), for cancer-specific death (R2D:4D HR = 0.67, p = 0.025; L2D:4D HR = 0.74, p = 0.036). Digit ratio may not only have predictive value in risk but also prognosis of prostatic cancer. This finding suggests that low 2D:4D can be used as prognostic factors to identify patients with a poor prognosis. These patients may benefit from more aggressive management.
Vertically and horizontally transmitted microbial symbionts shape the gut microbiota ontogenesis of a skin-mucus feeding discus fish progeny
Authors: Sylvain François-Étienne , Derome Nicolas
Published: July 2017

Fish gut microbial communities play key functions for their hosts, but their ontogenesis is poorly understood. Recent studies on the zebrafish suggest that gut symbionts are recruited naturally through horizontal transmission from environmental water. We used an alternative fish model, the discus (Symphysodon aequifasciata), to identify the main factors driving fish gut microbiota ontogenesis. The discus exhibits a unique parenting behavior: both discus parents vertically feed their fry with a cutaneous mucus secretion during three weeks post-hatching. We hypothesized that vertical microbial transmission via parental mucus feeding, along with horizontal transmission of environmental microbial symbionts, helps to shape the taxonomic structure of the discus fry gut microbiota. To assess this premise, we thoroughly documented the gut microbiota ontogenesis of a discus progeny during 100 days post-hatching. The V4 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to assess taxonomic structure of fry gut, parent mucus, and water samples. Our main results suggest that specific microbial symbionts both from the parents skin mucus and environmental water play important roles in shaping the structure of the fry gut microbiota.
CaMK II γ down regulation protects dorsal root ganglion neurons from ropivacaine hydrochloride neurotoxicity
Authors: Wen Xian-Jie , Li Xiao-hong , Li Heng , Liang Hua , Yang Chen-Xiang , Wang Han-Bing
Published: July 2017

T-type calcium channels are intimately involved in the local anesthetics neurotoxicity. Does CaMKIIγ regulate T-type calcium currents in local anesthetics neurotoxicity? This study generated pAd-CaMKIIγ and pAd-shRNA adenovirus vectors to up- and down-regulate CaMKIIγ mRNA expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG). Normal DRG (Normal group), empty vector DRG (Empty vector group), pAd-CaMKIIγ DRG (pAd-CaMKIIγ group) and pAd-shRNA DRG (pAd-shRNA group) were treated or untreated with 3 mM ropivacaine hydrochloride for 4 h. Cell viability, apoptosis rate, CaMKIIγ, pCaMKIIγ, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3 expression were detected. Ultrastructural changes in DRG were observed under a transmission electron microscope. The results demonstrated that the cell viability of DRG treated with ropivacaine hydrochloride decreased markedly, the apoptosis rate, CaMKIIγ, pCaMKIIγ, Cav3.2, Cav3.3 expression increased significantly. CaMKIIγ up-regulation aggravated ropivacaine hydrochloride-induced cell damage and increased Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 expression. In conclusion, CaMKIIγ regulated Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 expression in DRG, which was involved with ropivacaine hydrochloride-induced cell injury.
Transcriptional Regulation of Cellulose Biosynthesis during the Early Phase of Nitrogen Deprivation in Nannochloropsis salina
Authors: Jeong Seok Won , Nam Seung Won , HwangBo Kwon , Jeong Won Joong , Jeong Byeong-ryool , Chang Yong Keun , Park Youn-Il
Published: July 2017

Microalgal photosynthesis provides energy and carbon-containing precursors for the biosynthesis of storage carbohydrates such as starch, chrysolaminarin, lipids, and cell wall components. Under mild nitrogen deficiency (N−), some Nannochloropsis species accumulate lipid by augmenting cytosolic fatty acid biosynthesis with a temporary increase in laminarin. Accordingly, biosynthesis of the cellulose-rich cell wall should change in response to N− stress because this biosynthetic pathway begins with utilisation of the hexose phosphate pool supplied from photosynthesis. However, few studies have characterised microalgal cell wall metabolism, including oleaginous Nannochloropsis sp. microalgae subjected to nitrogen deficiency. Here, we investigated N-induced changes in cellulose biosynthesis in N. salina. We observed that N− induced cell wall thickening, concurrently increased the transcript levels of genes coding for UDPG pyrophosphorylase and cellulose synthases, and increased cellulose content. Nannochloropsis salina cells with thickened cell wall were more susceptible to mechanical stress such as bead-beating and sonication, implicating cellulose metabolism as a potential target for cost-effective microalgal cell disruption.
Modular approach for bimodal antibacterial surfaces combining photo-switchable activity and sustained biocidal release
Authors: Pallavicini Piersandro , Bassi Barbara , Chirico Giuseppe , Collini Maddalena , Dacarro Giacomo , Fratini Emiliano , Grisoli Pietro , Patrini Maddalena , Sironi Laura , Taglietti Angelo , Moritz Marcel , Sorzabal-Bellido Ioritz , Susarrey-Arce Arturo , Latter Edward , Beckett Alison J. , Prior Ian A. , Raval Rasmita , Diaz Fernandez Yuri A.
Published: July 2017

Photo-responsive antibacterial surfaces combining both on-demand photo-switchable activity and sustained biocidal release were prepared using sequential chemical grafting of nano-objects with different geometries and functions. The multi-layered coating developed incorporates a monolayer of near-infrared active silica-coated gold nanostars (GNS) decorated by silver nanoparticles (AgNP). This modular approach also enables us to unravel static and photo-activated contributions to the overall antibacterial performance of the surfaces, demonstrating a remarkable synergy between these two mechanisms. Complementary microbiological and imaging evaluations on both planktonic and surface-attached bacteria provided new insights on these distinct but cooperative effects.
Familial Associations of Colorectal Cancer with Other Cancers
Authors: Yu Hongyao , Hemminki Akseli , Sundquist Kristina , Hemminki Kari
Published: July 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a strong familial component which extends to discordant cancers (ie non-CRC tumors). This is best seen in cancer syndromes such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) which predisposes to several tumor types. Population-based family studies have also found discordant associations for CRC but they have included cancers which manifest in HNPCC, and there is no convincing evidence of discordant associations beyond the known syndromes. We address familial associations of non-CRC tumors with CRC using the resources of the Swedish Family-Cancer Database and applying a powerful approach of assessing familial relative risks in families of increasing numbers of patients with discordant cancers. Among 1.8 million cancer patients and over 200,000 CRC cases consistent familial associations of CRC was observed for several HNPCC related cancers. However, for small intestinal, pancreatic and nervous system cancers RRs remained essentially unchanged when potential HNPCC families were excluded, suggesting involvement of genes not related to HNPCC. Two independent associations of CRC were found for melanoma, thyroid and eye cancers and these appeared not to be related to known syndromes. A number of other cancers associated with CRC in single analyses and independent studies are required to assess the relevance of such findings.
One-step synthesis of conjugated enynenitriles from bromocyanoacetylene
Authors: Ligny Romain , Gauthier Etienne S. , Yáñez Manuel , Roisnel Thierry , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Trolez Yann
Published: July 2017

Bromocyanoacetylene is able to provide conjugated enynenitriles stereoselectively in one step from alkynes, secondary amines and co-catalysts.
Correction: The presence of a 5′-abasic lesion enhances discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms while inducing an isothermal ligase chain reaction
Authors: Kausar Abu , Osman Eiman A. , Gadzikwa Tendai , Gibbs-Davis Julianne M.
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘The presence of a 5′-abasic lesion enhances discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms while inducing an isothermal ligase chain reaction’ by Abu Kausar et al., Analyst, 2016, 141, 4272–4277.
The microbial colonization of activated carbon block point-of-use (PoU) filters with and without chlorinated phenol disinfection by-products
Authors: Wu Chia-Chen , Ghosh Sudeshna , Martin Kelly J. , Pinto Ameet J. , Denef Vincent J. , Olson Terese M. , Love Nancy G.
Published: July 2017

Activated carbon based point-of-use drinking water filters change the bacterial community structure and increase the absolute abundance of genera, including those associated with opportunistic pathogens.
An efficient method to transcription factor binding sites imputation via simultaneous completion of multiple matrices with positional consistency
Authors: Guo Wei-Li , Huang De-Shuang
Published: July 2017

The tensor completion-based method is a novel and efficient approach for the imputation of transcription factor binding sites.
Modular interior loading and exterior decoration of a virus-like particle
Authors: Sharma Jhanvi , Uchida Masaki , Miettinen Heini M. , Douglas Trevor
Published: July 2017

Virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the bacteriophage P22 offer an interesting and malleable platform for encapsulation and multivalent presentation of cargo molecules.
A graphene oxide surface–molecularly imprinted polymer as a dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent for the determination of cefadroxil in water samples
Authors: Chen Xinwei , Ye Nengsheng
Published: July 2017

Graphene oxide–functionalized molecularly imprinted polymer particles have been prepared for specific selective extraction and determination of cefadroxil in environmental water samples.
Prussian blue derived iron oxide nanoparticles wrapped in graphene oxide sheets for electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Tanaka Shunsuke , Salunkhe Rahul R. , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Malgras Victor , Alshehri Saad M. , Ahamad Tansir , Zakaria Mohamed B. , Dou Shi Xue , Yamauchi Yusuke , Hossain Md. Shahriar A.
Published: July 2017

This work reports the synthesis of hybrid materials combining graphene oxide (GO) sheets with Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles which can be converted into porous GO/iron oxide hybrids for supercapacitor applications.
Characterization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) porous scaffolds prepared using selective enzymatic degradation for tissue engineering
Authors: Guo Ziqi , Yang Cheng , Zhou Zuping , Chen Shan , Li Fan
Published: July 2017

SEM images of MEF cells on PLA scaffolds prepared by selective enzymatic degradation after 7 days of culture. The results demonstrated that MEF cells attached more easily to the surface than in the interior of the PLA scaffolds.
Decoration of TiO2/g-C3N4 Z-scheme by carbon dots as a novel photocatalyst with improved visible-light photocatalytic performance for the degradation of enrofloxacin
Authors: Su Yuehan , Chen Ping , Wang Fengliang , Zhang Qianxin , Chen Tiansheng , Wang Yingfei , Yao Kun , Lv Wenying , Liu Guoguang
Published: July 2017

A novel visible-light-driven CDs/TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by doping CDs in TiO2 nanoparticles and the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets via a facile hydrothermal process and was confirmed by characterization methods.
Progress in polydimethylsiloxane-modified waterborne polyurethanes
Authors: Ji Xuan , Wang Hezhi , Ma Xiaolong , Hou Caiying , Ma Guozhang
Published: July 2017

Using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to modify waterborne polyurethane (WPU) has proved to be an effective and feasible way to improve some key properties of WPU.
A theoretical study about the excited state intermolecular proton transfer mechanisms for 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in methanol solvent
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Zhao Jinfeng , Jia Min , Song Xiaoyan
Published: July 2017

Within the framework of DFT and TDDFT methods, we have investigated the novel system 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PIP) with respect to the dynamical behavior of its excited state in methanol (MeOH) solvents.
Antisense oligonucleotide modified with serinol nucleic acid (SNA) induces exon skipping in mdx myotubes
Authors: Le Bao T. , Murayama Keiji , Shabanpoor Fazel , Asanuma Hiroyuki , Veedu Rakesh N.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the potential of SNA-modified antisense oligonucleotide (AO) for exon-skipping. We found that a 20-mer SNA-AO induced efficient exon-23 skipping in the mouse dystrophin gene transcript.
The m6A methylation perturbs the Hoogsteen pairing-guided incorporation of an oxidized nucleotide
Authors: Wang Shaoru , Song Yanyan , Wang Yafen , Li Xin , Fu Boshi , Liu Yinong , Wang Jiaqi , Wei Lai , Tian Tian , Zhou Xiang
Published: July 2017

This study describes the structural implications and properties of m6A in reducing the incorporation of an oxidized nucleotide into DNA.
Ag–Ni core–shell nanowires with superior electrocatalytic activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Cong , Liu Sijia , Mao Zhongzhang , Liang Xin , Chen Biaohua
Published: July 2017

Ag–Ni nanowires with high electrochemically active surface area and small impedances were synthesized to show enhanced alkaline HER activity.
Surfactant-mediated synthesis of single-crystalline Bi3O4Br nanorings with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xiong Xuyang , Zhou Tengfei , Liu Xiufan , Ding Shuoping , Hu Juncheng
Published: July 2017

We present a surfactant-mediated approach to the production of single-crystal Bi3O4Br nanorings via a simple solvothermal method.
A nickel-foam@carbon-shell with a pie-like architecture as an efficient polysulfide trap for high-energy Li–S batteries
Authors: Luo Liu , Chung Sheng-Heng , Chang Chi-Hao , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: July 2017

A novel nickel-foam@carbon-shell electrode with a high sulfur loading endows the lithium–sulfur cells with improved electrochemical performance.
5-Carboxyfluorescein: intrinsic peroxidase-like catalytic activity and its application in the biomimetic synthesis of polyaniline nanoplatelets
Authors: Hu Qiong , Li Li , Sun Gengzhi , Li Dali , Kong Jinming , Huang Wei , Zhang Xueji
Published: July 2017

5-Carboxyfluorescein possesses intrinsic peroxidase-like catalytic activity and can be used for the biomimetic synthesis of polyaniline nanoplatelets under harsh conditions.
Recent trends in multi-layered architectures towards screening electromagnetic radiation: challenges and perspectives
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhajit , Arief Injamamul , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: July 2017

Herein, we attempt to summarize the scientific roadmap of various strategies adopted in the past few years towards screening EM radiation using multi-layered sandwich architectures.
Chronic high-dosage fish oil exacerbates gut–liver axis injury in alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice: the roles of endotoxin and IL-4 in Kupffer cell polarization imbalance
Authors: Li Xiao-Jun , Mu Yun-Mei , Qin Qiu-Fang , Zeng Zi-Xuan , Li Yu-Sang , Zhang Wei Kevin , Tang He-Bin , Tian Gui-Hua , Shang Hong-Cai
Published: July 2017

Chronic high fish oil exacerbated ALD via endotoxin translocation and interleukin-4 suppression, followed by Kupffer cell polarization imbalance.
Making the most of expert judgment in hazard and risk assessment of chemicals
Authors: Beronius A. , Ågerstrand M.
Published: July 2017

Evaluation of the reliability and relevance of toxicity and ecotoxicity studies is an integral step in the assessment of the hazards and risks of chemicals. This evaluation is inherently reliant on expert judgment, which often leads to differences between experts' conclusions regarding how individual studies can contribute to the body of evidence. The conclusions of regulatory assessment, such as establishing safe exposure levels for humans and the environment and calculations of margins of exposure, may have large consequences for which chemicals are permitted on the market and their allowed uses. It is therefore important that such assessments are based on all reliable and relevant scientific data, and that assessment principles and assumptions, such as expert judgment, are transparently applied. It is not possible nor desirable to completely eliminate expert judgment from the evaluation of (eco)toxicity studies. However, it is desirable to introduce measures that increase structure and transparency in the evaluation process so as to provide scientifically robust risk assessments that can be used for regulatory decision making. In this article we present results from workshop exercises with Nordic experts to illustrate how experts' evaluations regarding the reliability and relevance of (eco)toxicity studies for risk assessment may vary and discuss methods intended to promote structure and transparency in the evaluation process.
Curcumin mediates anticancer effects by modulating multiple cell signaling pathways
Authors: Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. , Bordoloi Devivasha , Harsha Choudhary , Banik Kishore , Gupta Subash C. , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: July 2017

Curcumin, a component of a spice native to India, was first isolated in 1815 by Vogel and Pelletier from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and, subsequently, the chemical structure of curcumin as diferuloylmethane was reported by Milobedzka et al. [(1910) 43., 2163-2170]. Since then, this polyphenol has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The current review primarily focuses on the anticancer potential of curcumin through the modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways. Curcumin modulates diverse transcription factors, inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, kinases, growth factors, receptors, and various other proteins with an affinity ranging from the pM to the mM range. Furthermore, curcumin effectively regulates tumor cell growth via modulation of numerous cell signaling pathways and potentiates the effect of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation against cancer. Curcumin can interact with most of the targets that are modulated by FDA-approved drugs for cancer therapy. The focus of this review is to discuss the molecular basis for the anticancer activities of curcumin based on preclinical and clinical findings.
Measuring Explicit Word Learning of Preschool Children: A Development Study
Authors: Kelley Elizabeth Spencer
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present preliminary results related to the development of a new measure of explicit word learning. The measure incorporated elements of explicit vocabulary instruction and dynamic assessment and was designed to be sensitive to differences in word learning skill and to be feasible for use in clinical settings.

Method

The explicit word learning measure included brief teaching trials and repeated fine-grained measurement of semantic knowledge and production of 3 novel words (2 verbs and 1 adjective). Preschool children (
N
= 23) completed the measure of explicit word learning; standardized, norm-referenced measures of expressive and receptive vocabulary; and an incidental word learning task.

Results

The measure of explicit word learning provided meaningful information about word learning. Performance on the explicit measure was related to existing vocabulary knowledge and incidental word learning.

Conclusions

Findings from this development study indicate that further examination of the measure of explicit word learning is warranted. The measure may have the potential to identify children who are poor word learners.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5170738
Primary Lactase Deficiency among Malnourished Children with Persistent Diarrhea in Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Nemsadze Ketevan , Liluashvili Eka , Kikodze N. , Bakhtadze T.
Published: July 2017

Persistent diarrhea became the major cause for diarrheal mortality in children from developing countries. This study was therefore designed to establish the prevalence of primary lactase deficiency and associated factors among mild malnourished children with persistent diarrhea. This was a prospective cohort study. The study population consisted of mild malnourished children with persistent diarrhea aged 3–24 months admitted between October 2014 and September 2015. The Gomez classification of malnutrition was used. A mild malnourished child was whose weight-for-height was less than 75%–90% of the median National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS)/WHO reference median. The study included 78 malnourished children with persistent diarrhea 3–24 months of age. The prevalence of primary lactase deficiency among the study children was 41.0%. The reasons of persistent diarrhea in lactose tolerant group were: Rotavirus infection – 33.3%, Bacterial gastroenteritis –20.5% (Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC) – 7.7%, Shigella – 6.4%, Yersinia enterocolitica – 3.8%, Salmonella – 2.6 %) and Gastroenteritis of unknown etiology – 5.1%. Only 4 children had Rotavirus infection in lactose intolerant group. The relationship between diarrhea and malnutrition is bidirectional: diarrhea leads to malnutrition while malnutrition aggravates the course of diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is a relatively common cause of persistent diarrhea. The most common cause of primary lactase deficiency is lactase enzyme non-persistence.