bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Lutein Plus Zeaxanthin Intake and DICER1 rs3742330 A > G Polymorphism Relative to Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Kim Jimi , Lee Jeonghee , Oh Jae Hwan , Chang Hee Jin , Sohn Dae Kyung , Kwon Oran , Shin Aesun , Kim Jeongseon
Published: March 2019

It is unclear whether dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake in colorectal cancer is associated with microRNA processing involved in DICER1 cleavage for messenger RNA translation. We investigated whether dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake affects colorectal cancer risk in patients with a DICER1 rs3742330 polymorphism. In this hospital-based case-control study, we recruited 923 colorectal cancer patients and 1,846 controls based on eligibility criteria, a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and the DICER1 rs3742330 genotype. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusted for confounders. The highest quartile of lutein/zeaxanthin consumption was inversely associated with a reduced colorectal cancer risk (OR, 95% CI = 0.25, 0.18–0.36). Carrying G allele (AG + GG) showed a significantly reduced colorectal cancer incidence compared with that of AA carriers (OR, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.55–0.91). Those carrying the G allele (AG + GG) along with high lutein/zeaxanthin consumption were markedly associated with a decreased colorectal cancer risk (OR, 95% CI = 0.32, 0.22–0.46, P for interaction = 0.018), particularly for rectal cancer (OR, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.15–0.39, P for interaction = 0.004), compared with that of AA carriers with low lutein/zeaxanthin intakes. In conclusion, colorectal cancer risk was related to an interactive effect between dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake and the DICER1 rs3742330 polymorphism.
Crystal structure investigation of La5.4W1−yMoyO12−δ for gas separation by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Ran K. , Deibert W. , Ivanova M. E. , Meulenberg W. A. , Mayer J.
Published: March 2019

Lanthanum tungstate (LWO) and LWO with 20 at.% and 35 at.% molybdenum substituting tungsten were prepared by the Pechini method. Phase purity and successful Mo substitution inside these dense LWO membrane materials were confirmed by conventional and high resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. The split of La2/W2 site by around 0.3 Å was proven. Extra reflections show up in the diffraction patterns from Mo-substituted LWO, and together with simulations, these reflections were recognized as forbidden reflections in a non-substituted LWO system, while the extinction rules are broken by Mo substitution due to the different scattering factors of W and Mo. Energy-dispersive X-ray chemical mapping allowed direct visualization of individual atomic columns, and revealed that all Mo is located at the W1 sites in the Mo-substituted LWO. Moreover, the diffuse scattering in diffraction patterns provides direct evidence of short range clustering of oxygen vacancies and could be further related to the oxygen conduction of the LWO membranes.
Coherence and pulse duration characterization of the PAL-XFEL in the hard X-ray regime
Authors: Yun Kyuseok , Kim Sungwon , Kim Dongjin , Chung Myungwoo , Jo Wonhyuk , Hwang Hyerim , Nam Daewoong , Kim Sangsoo , Kim Jangwoo , Park Sang-Youn , Kim Kyung Sook , Song Changyong , Lee Sooheyong , Kim Hyunjung
Published: March 2019

We characterize the spatial and temporal coherence properties of hard X-ray pulses from the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory X-ray Free Electron Laser (PAL-XFEL, Pohang, Korea). The measurement of the single-shot speckle contrast, together with the introduction of corrections considering experimental conditions, allows obtaining an intrinsic degree of transverse coherence of 0.85 ± 0.06. In the Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission regime, the analysis of the intensity distribution of X-ray pulses also provides an estimate for the number of longitudinal modes. For monochromatic and pink (i.e. natural bandwidth provided by the first harmonic of the undulator) beams, we observe that the number of temporal modes is 6.0 ± 0.4 and 90.0 ± 7.2, respectively. Assuming a coherence time of 2.06 fs and 0.14 fs for the monochromatic and pink beam respectively, we estimate an average X-ray pulse duration of 12.6 ± 1.0 fs.
Deletion of Limk1 and Limk2 in mice does not alter cochlear development or auditory function
Authors: Fang Qiaojun , Zhang Yuhua , Da Peng , Shao Buwei , Pan Haolai , He Zuhong , Cheng Cheng , Li Dan , Guo Jiaqi , Wu Xiaohan , Guan Ming , Liao Menghui , Zhang Yuan , Sha Suhua , Zhou Zikai , Wang Jian , Wang Tian , Su Kaiming , Chai Renjie , Chen Fangyi
Published: March 2019

Inherited hearing loss is associated with gene mutations that result in sensory hair cell (HC) malfunction. HC structure is defined by the cytoskeleton, which is mainly composed of actin filaments and actin-binding partners. LIM motif-containing protein kinases (LIMKs) are the primary regulators of actin dynamics and consist of two members: LIMK1 and LIMK2. Actin arrangement is directly involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal structure and the maturation of synapses in the central nervous system, and LIMKs are involved in structural plasticity by controlling the activation of the actin depolymerization protein cofilin in the olfactory system and in the hippocampus. However, the expression pattern and the role of LIMKs in mouse cochlear development and synapse function also need to be further studied. We show here that the Limk genes are expressed in the mouse cochlea. We examined the morphology and the afferent synapse densities of HCs and measured the auditory function in Limk1 and Limk2 double knockout (DKO) mice. We found that the loss of Limk1 and Limk2 did not appear to affect the overall development of the cochlea, including the number of HCs and the structure of hair bundles. There were no significant differences in auditory thresholds between DKO mice and wild-type littermates. However, the expression of p-cofilin in the DKO mice was significantly decreased. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the number or distribution of ribbon synapses between the DKO and wild-type mice. In summary, our data suggest that the Limk genes play a different role in the development of the cochlea compared to their role in the central nervous system.
Feature-tracking myocardial strain in healthy adults- a magnetic resonance study at 3.0 tesla
Authors: Mangion Kenneth , Burke Nicole M. M. , McComb Christie , Carrick David , Woodward Rosemary , Berry Colin
Published: March 2019

We analyzed feature-tracking derived circumferential and longitudinal strain in healthy volunteers who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at 3.0 T. 88 healthy adults (44.6 ± 18.0 years old, 49% male), without prior cardiovascular disease, underwent CMR at 3.0 T including cine, and late gadolinium enhancement in subjects >45 years. LV functional analysis and feature-tracking strain analyses were carried out. Global strain had better reproducibility than segmental strain. There was a sex specific difference global longitudinal strain (mean ± SD, −18.48 ± 3.65% (male), −21.91 ± 3.01% (female), p < 0.001), but not global circumferential strain (mean ± SD, −25.41 ± 4.50% (male), −27.94 ± 3.48% (female), p = 0.643). There was no association of strain with ageing after accounting for sex for both global longitudinal and circumferential strain. Feature-tracking strain analysis is feasible at 3.0 T. Healthy female volunteers demonstrated higher magnitudes of global longitudinal strain when compared to male counterparts. Whilst global cine-strain has good reproducibility, segmental strain does not.
Mutational convergence acts as a major player in adaptive parallel evolution of Shigella spp.
Authors: Thomas Achsah K. , Preetha Sruthy , Omanakuttan Anjana , Vidyullata Lakkaraju , Ashokan Anjaly , Rajachandran Vyshakh , Chattopadhyay Sujay
Published: March 2019

Shigella spp., emerging from multiple origins of Escherichia coli, poses a significant health threat as a causative agent of bacillary dysentery. While multiple serotypes of four different species have evolved via independent lineages, Shigella spp. are designated as a single pathotype, primarily because of their common mode of pathogenesis. Convergent horizontal transfer events have so far been attributed to the commonalities in the evolution of virulence across diverse lineages. However, the role of mutational convergence in such parallel evolution is not yet well understood. Here we have carried out a genome-wide analysis of Shigella strains from all four species to detect the core genes (i.e. the ones present in all analyzed strains) acquiring convergent mutations of evolutionarily recent origin. Simulation studies show non-neutral accumulation of these convergent mutations across species, suggesting their adaptive role in the evolution of Shigella virulence. S. dysenteriae strain 197, representing highly virulent type 1 (Sd1) clone, carries excessively high number of core genes with recent convergent mutations compared to other analyzed strains. We propose that this high frequency of adaptive convergence in S. dysenteriae strain 197 could be linked to recent re-emergence of the Sd1 clone and its increased resistance to antimicrobials.
Fe-Sn nanocrystalline films for flexible magnetic sensors with high thermal stability
Authors: Satake Y. , Fujiwara K. , Shiogai J. , Seki T. , Tsukazaki A.
Published: March 2019

The interplay of magnetism and spin-orbit coupling on an Fe kagome lattice in Fe3Sn2 crystal produces a unique band structure leading to an order of magnitude larger anomalous Hall effect than in conventional ferromagnetic metals. In this work, we demonstrate that Fe-Sn nanocrystalline films also exhibit a large anomalous Hall effect, being applicable to magnetic sensors that satisfy both high sensitivity and thermal stability. In the films prepared by a co-sputtering technique at room temperature, the partial development of crystalline lattice order appears as nanocrystals of the Fe-Sn kagome layer. The tangent of Hall angle, the ratio of Hall resistivity to longitudinal resistivity, is maximized in the optimal alloy composition of close to Fe3Sn2, implying the possible contribution of the kagome origin even though the films are composed of nanocrystal and amorphous-like domains. These ferromagnetic Fe-Sn films possess great advantages as a Hall sensor over semiconductors in thermal stability owing to the weak temperature dependence of the anomalous Hall responses. Moreover, the room-temperature fabrication enables us to develop a mechanically flexible Hall sensor on an organic substrate. These demonstrations manifest the potential of ferromagnetic kagome metals as untapped reservoir for designing new functional devices.
Haida Gwaii (British Columbia, Canada): a Phanerozoic analogue of a subduction-unrelated Archean greenstone belt
Authors: Shellnutt J. Gregory , Dostal Jaroslav
Published: March 2019

Understanding the formation and evolution of Precambrian greenstone belts is hampered by gaps in the rock record and the uncertainty of the tectonic regime that was operating at the time. Thus identifying a modern analogue of a Precambrian greenstone belt can be problematic. In this paper we present geological, geochemical and petrological evidence outlining the case for Haida Gwaii (British Columbia, Canada) as a modern example of a greenstone belt. Haida Gwaii is comprised of two rift-related volcano-sedimentary sequences. The older (Early Triassic) Karmutsen volcanic sequence consists of subaqueous ultramafic-mafic volcanic rocks that are capped by marine carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. The younger (Paleogene) Masset bimodal volcanic sequence consists of tholeiitic and calc-alkaline basalt along with calc-alkaline silicic volcanic and intrusive rocks that are capped by epiclastic sandstones. The Karmutsen and Masset volcanic rocks have indistinguishable Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes demonstrating they were derived from a similar mantle source. Some of the Masset calc-alkaline rocks are compositionally similar to magnesian andesites (SiO2 = 56–64 wt%; Mg# = 0.50–0.64) that are typical of subduction-related Archean greenstone belts. We show that the calc-alkaline signature observed in the bimodal sequence of the Masset Formation is likely due to fractional crystallization of a tholeiitic parental magma under relatively oxidizing (ΔFMQ + 0.7) conditions indicating that a calc-alkaline signature is not prima facie evidence of a subduction setting. Given the geological and geochemical evidence, Haida Gwaii represents one of the best analogues of a modern subduction-unrelated Archean greenstone belt.
Self-assembled Bismuth Selenide (Bi2Se3) quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Claro Marcel S. , Levy Ido , Gangopadhyay Abhinandan , Smith David J. , Tamargo Maria C.
Published: March 2019

We report the growth of self-assembled Bi2Se3 quantum dots (QDs) by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates using the droplet epitaxy technique. The QD formation occurs after anneal of Bismuth droplets under Selenium flux. Characterization by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray reflectance spectroscopy is presented. Raman spectra confirm the QD quality. The quantum dots are crystalline, with hexagonal shape, and have average dimensions of 12-nm height (12 quintuple layers) and 46-nm width, and a density of 8.5 × 109 cm−2. This droplet growth technique provides a means to produce topological insulator QDs in a reproducible and controllable way, providing convenient access to a promising quantum material with singular spin properties.
Development of T cell immunity to norovirus and rotavirus in children under five years of age
Authors: Malm Maria , Hyöty Heikki , Knip Mikael , Vesikari Timo , Blazevic Vesna
Published: March 2019

Most of the research effort to understand protective immunity against norovirus (NoV) has focused on humoral immunity, whereas immunity against another major pediatric enteric virus, rotavirus (RV), has been studied more thoroughly. The aim of this study was to investigate development of cell-mediated immunity to NoV in early childhood. Immune responses to NoV GI.3 and GII.4 virus-like particles and RV VP6 were determined in longitudinal blood samples of 10 healthy children from three months to four years of age. Serum IgG antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and production of interferon-gamma by peripheral blood T cells was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. NoV-specific T cells were detected in eight of 10 children by the age of four, with some individual variation. T cell responses to NoV GII.4 were higher than those to GI.3, but these responses were generally lower than responses to RV VP6. In contrast to NoV-specific antibodies, T cell responses were transient in nature. No correlation between cell-mediated and antibody responses was observed. NoV exposure induces vigorous T cell responses in children under five years of age, similar to RV. A role of T cells in protection from NoV infection in early childhood warrants further investigation.
Long term safety of targeted internalization of cell penetrating peptide crotamine into renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in vivo
Authors: Campeiro Joana Darc , Dam Wendy , Monte Gabriela Guilherme , Porta Lucas Carvalho , Oliveira Lilian Caroline Gonçalves de , Nering Marcela Bego , Viana Gustavo Monteiro , Carapeto Fernando Cintra , Oliveira Eduardo Brandt , van den Born Jacob , Hayashi Mirian A. F.
Published: March 2019

Activated proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) play a crucial role in progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in native and transplanted kidneys. Targeting PTECs by non-viral delivery vectors might be useful to influence the expression of important genes and/or proteins in order to slow down renal function loss. However, no clinical therapies that specifically target PTECs are available at present. We earlier showed that a cationic cell penetrating peptide isolated from South American rattlesnake venom, named crotamine, recognizes cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans and accumulates in cells. In healthy mice, crotamine accumulates mainly in kidneys after intraperitoneal (ip) injection. Herein we demonstrate for the first time, the overall safety of acute or long-term treatment with dailyipadministrated crotamine for kidneys functions. Accumulation ofipinjected crotamine in the kidney brush border zone of PTECs, and its presence inside these cells were observed. In addition, significant lowerin vitrocrotamine binding, uptake and reporter gene transport and expression could be observed in syndecan-1 deficient HK-2 PTECs compared to wild-type cells, indicating that the absence of syndecan-1 impairs crotamine uptake into PTECs. Taken together, our present data show the safety ofin vivolong-term treatment with crotamine, and its preferential uptake into PTECs, which are especially rich in HSPGs such as syndecan-1. In addition to the demonstratedin vitrogene delivery mediated by crotamine in HK-2 cells, the potential applicability of crotamine as prototypic non-viral (gene) delivery nanocarrier to modulate PTEC gene and/or protein expression was confirmed.
Ablation of glucocorticoid receptor in the hindbrain of the mouse provides a novel model to investigate stress disorders
Authors: Gannon Anne-Louise , O’Hara Laura , Mason J. Ian , Rebourcet Diane , Smith Sarah , Traveres Adriana , Alcaide-Corral Carlos Jose , Frederiksen Hanne , Jørgensen Anne , Milne Laura , Mitchell Rod T. , Smith Lee B.
Published: March 2019

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates responses to internal and external stressors. Many patients diagnosed with conditions such as depression or anxiety also have hyperactivity of the HPA axis. Hyper-stimulation of the HPA axis results in sustained elevated levels of glucocorticoids which impair neuronal function and can ultimately result in a psychiatric disorder. Studies investigating Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR/NR3C1) in the brain have primarily focused on the forebrain, however in recent years, the hindbrain has become a region of interest for research into the development of anxiety and depression, though the role of GR signalling in the hindbrain remains poorly characterised. To determine the role of glucocorticoid signalling in the hindbrain we have developed a novel mouse model that specifically ablates hindbrain GR to ascertain its role in behaviour, HPA-axis regulation and adrenal structure. Our study highlights that ablation of GR in the hindbrain results in excessive barbering, obsessive compulsive digging and lack of cage exploration. These mice also develop kyphosis, elevated circulating corticosterone and severe adrenal cortex disruption. Together, this data demonstrates a role for hindbrain GR signalling in regulating stress-related behaviour and identifies a novel mouse model to allow further investigation into the pathways impacting stress and anxiety.
Interaction of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and tobacco smoking during pregnancy in susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mandic-Maravic Vanja , Coric Vesna , Mitkovic-Voncina Marija , Djordjevic Miroslav , Savic-Radojevic Ana , Ercegovac Marko , Matic Marija , Simic Tatjana , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica , Toskovic Oliver , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Pljesa-Ercegovac Marija , Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica
Published: March 2019

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex psychiatric disorders, with a proposed gene-environment interaction in their etiology. One mechanism that could explain both the genetic and environmental component is oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential role of common polymorphisms in genes for glutathione transferase A1, M1, T1 and P1 in susceptibility to ASD. We also aimed to explore the possible oxidative stress - specific gene-environment interaction, regarding GST polymorphisms, maternal smoking tobacco during pregnancy (TSDP) and the risk of ASD. This case-control study included 113 children with ASD and 114 age and sex-matched controls. The diagnosis was made based on ICD-10 criteria and verified by Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R). We investigatedGSTA1,GSTM1,GSTP1andGSTT1genotypes and explored their individual and combined effects in individuals with ASD. Individual effect of GST genotypes was shown forGSTM1 activegenotype decreasing the risk of ASD (OR = 0.554, 95%CI: 0.313–0.983, p = 0.044), and forGSTA1 CCgenotype, increasing susceptibility to ASD (OR = 4.132, 95%CI: 1.219–14.012, p = 0.023); the significance was lost when genotype-genotype interactions were added into the logistic regression model. The combination ofGSTM1 activeandGSTT1 activegenotype decreased the risk of ASD (OR = 0.126, 95%CI: 0.029–0.547, p = 0.006), as well as combination ofGSTT1 activeandGSTP1 llelle(OR = 0.170, 95%CI: 0.029–0.992, p = 0.049). Increased risk of ASD was observed if combination ofGSTM1 activeandGSTP1 llellewas present (OR = 11.088, 95%CI: 1.745–70.456, p = 0.011). The effect of TSDP was not significant for the risk of ASD, neither individually, nor in interaction with specific GST genotypes. Specific combination of GST genotypes might be associated with susceptibility to ASD, while it appears that maternal smoking during pregnancy does not increase the risk of ASD.
Distribution of organic and inorganic mercury across the pelts of Canadian river otter (Lontra canadensis)
Authors: Eccles Kristin M. , Littlewood Eric S. , Thomas Philippe J. , Chan Hing Man
Published: March 2019

Fur is a common biomarker of environmental mercury (Hg) exposure. Further, there are well-established relationships between total mercury (THg) in fur and organs. However, these models assumed that THg is uniformly distributed across the fur in a pelt. In this study, we assess the distribution of THg and methylmercury (MeHg) across the pelts of four river otters (Lontra canadensis). THg concentrations were measured in the topcoat (n = 95) and undercoat fur (n = 95). MeHg was measured in a subset of these samples (n = 10). Patterns of THg and MeHg were explored using cluster analyses and ANOVAs. Significant differences existed between THg in topcoat and undercoat and between anatomical region (head/body/tail/legs) and fur regions (dorsal/ventral/furline). The cluster analysis showed significant THg clusters in undercoat fur and to a lesser extent topcoat fur. Further, the error rate for predicting internal THg is lowest in the forebody region of the topcoat, thus, making this the optimal region to sample for biomonitoring. Fur samples taken outside of this region could result in prediction error as high as 140% when estimating internal organ THg. The ratio of MeHg in THg in topcoat fur was measured at 95.7 ± 3.4% indicating THg concentrations can be used to assess MeHg exposure.
The Late Positive Potentials Evoked by Cigarette-Related and Emotional Images Show no Gender Differences in Smokers
Authors: Stevens Elise M. , Frank David , Codispoti Maurizio , Kypriotakis George , Cinciripini Paul M. , Claiborne Kimberly , Deweese Menton M. , Engelmann Jeffrey M. , Green Charles E. , Karam-Hage Maher , Minnix Jennifer A. , Ng Jennifer , Robinson Jason D. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Vidrine Damon J. , Versace Francesco
Published: March 2019

When trying to quit, women are less likely than men to achieve long-term smoking abstinence. Identifying the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying women’s higher relapse vulnerability will help clinicians to develop effective tailored smoking cessation interventions. Here we used event-related potentials (ERPs), a direct measure of brain activity, to evaluate the extent to which neurophysiological responses to cigarette-related and other emotional stimuli differ between female and male smokers. Both women and men showed similar patterns of brain reactivity across all picture categories; pleasant and unpleasant images prompted larger Late Positive Potentials (LPPs, a robust measure of motivational relevance) than neutral images in both groups, and cigarette-related images prompted lower LPPs than high arousing emotional images in both groups. Unlike previous studies, there were no differences between male and female smokers with regard to LPP responses to cigarette-related images. This suggests that the LPP may not be ideally suited to discriminate neurophysiological gender differences or that there are simply no gender differences in the neurophysiological responses to cigarette-related stimuli. We collected ERPs from 222 non-nicotine-deprived smokers (101 women) while they watched a slideshow that included high and low emotionally arousing pleasant and unpleasant pictures, cigarette-related, and neutral pictures. We used the mean amplitude of the LPP to assess the affective significance that participants attributed to these pictures.
A novel model for photothermal excitation of variable thermal conductivity semiconductor elastic medium subjected to mechanical ramp type with two-temperature theory and magnetic field
Authors: Lotfy Kh.
Published: March 2019

This article focuses on studying the dependence of the thermal conductivity of a semiconducting medium on temperature in context of photothermal transport process and variable thermal conductivity, chosen to be linear function in temperature. The effect of the initial magnetic field is introduced in the problem governing equations with the two-temperature theory. The complete solution in one dimension is obtained using Laplace transform technique. The thermal heating ramp type and mechanical load throughout the elastic-photothermal excitation are considered in the problem boundary conditions. Some physical fields are obtained by using numerical inversion of the Laplace transform and Riemann-sum approximation method. The thermo-dynamical temperature, conductive temperature, displacement, strain, normal stress and carrier density are discussed and shown graphically with some comparisons.
Audio motor training improves mobility and spatial cognition in visually impaired children
Authors: Cappagli Giulia , Finocchietti Sara , Cocchi Elena , Giammari Giuseppina , Zumiani Roberta , Cuppone Anna Vera , Baud-Bovy Gabriel , Gori Monica
Published: March 2019

Since it has been demonstrated that spatial cognition can be affected in visually impaired children, training strategies that exploit the plasticity of the human brain should be early adopted. Here we developed and tested a new training protocol based on the reinforcement of audio-motor associations and thus supporting spatial development in visually impaired children. The study involved forty-four visually impaired children aged 6–17 years old assigned to an experimental (ABBI training) or a control (classical training) rehabilitation conditions. The experimental training group followed an intensive but entertaining rehabilitation for twelve weeks during which they performed ad-hoc developed audio-spatial exercises with the Audio Bracelet for Blind Interaction (ABBI). A battery of spatial tests administered before and after the training indicated that children significantly improved in almost all the spatial aspects considered, while the control group didn’t show any improvement. These results confirm that perceptual development in the case of blindness can be enhanced with naturally associated auditory feedbacks to body movements. Therefore the early introduction of a tailored audio-motor training could potentially prevent spatial developmental delays in visually impaired children.
High accuracy, fiducial marker-based image registration of correlative microscopy images
Authors: Mohammadian Sajjad , Fokkema Jantina , Agronskaia Alexandra V. , Liv Nalan , de Heus Cecilia , van Donselaar Elly , Blab Gerhard A. , Klumperman Judith , Gerritsen Hans C.
Published: March 2019

Fluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM) are complementary techniques. FM affords examination of large fields of view and identifying regions of interest but has a low resolution. EM exhibits excellent resolution over a limited field of view. The combination of these two techniques, correlative microscopy, received considerable interest in the past years and has proven its potential in biology and material science. Accurate correlation of FM and EM images is, however, challenging due to the differences in contrast mechanism, size of field of view and resolution. We report an accurate, fast and robust method to correlate FM and EM images using low densities of fiducial markers. Here, 120 nm diameter fiducial markers consisting of fluorescently labelled silica coated gold nanoparticles are used. The method relies on recording FM, low magnification EM and high magnification EM images. Two linear transformation matrices are constructed, FM to low magnification EM and low magnification EM to high magnification EM. Combination of these matrices results in a high accuracy transformation of FM to high magnification EM coordinates. The method was tested using two different transmission electron microscopes and different Tokuyasu and Lowicryl sections. The overall accuracy of the correlation method is high, 5–30 nm.
Ameliorative effect of Silybin on bisphenol A induced oxidative stress, cell proliferation and steroid hormones oxidation in HepG2 cell cultures
Authors: Lama Stefania , Vanacore Daniela , Diano Nadia , Nicolucci Carla , Errico Sonia , Dallio Marcello , Federico Alessandro , Loguercio Carmelina , Stiuso Paola
Published: March 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) and silybin are considered xenoestrogens and could interfere with the action of endogenous hormones. It was demonstrated a higher level of BPA in plasma of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, compared to those with steatosis (NAFL). We investigated the effect of BPA and silybin, alone or in combination, on proliferation, oxidative stress and steroid metabolism in HepG2 grown in high glucose concentration medium (H-HepG2). Cell viability was assessed by adding 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). TBARS were quantified by spectrophotometry. The effect of BPA, silybin and their combination on the expression of phosphorilized extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), ERK and Caspase 3 was determined by Western blot analysis. The identifications of lipids and steroid hormones was performed by mass spectrometry. BPA elicited in H-HepG2 oxidative stress and steroid hormones oxidation leading to the formation of metabolite with estrogenic and genotoxic potentials. Silybin ameliorates the harmful BPA-induced effect decreasing glucose uptake and lipid peroxidation. Moreover silybin activates the synthesis of vitamin D3 metabolites and prevent the steroid hormones oxidation. BPA could be considered as an important risk factor in worsening and progression of NAFLD. At the same time silybin could be a valid support to counteract these effects in NASH patients.
Insights into individual variations in nematocyst venoms from the giant jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Yue Yang , Yu Huahua , Li Rongfeng , Liu Song , Xing Ronge , Li Pengcheng
Published: March 2019

The giant jellyfish, Nemopilema nomurai, is widely distributed from the Eastern China Sea to the northern part of the Yellow Sea and has resulted in numerous hospitalizations in coastal areas of China, especially in Northern China. Our previous studies have revealed sting-related proteins in the venom of the jellyfish N. nomurai by using experimental and omics-based approaches; however, the variable symptoms of patients who have been stung by N. nomurai are not fully understood. This limited knowledge led to an examination of whether intraspecific variations occur in the venom of different N. nomurai. In the present study, 13 specimens of N. nomurai were collected from the Yellow Sea, and their venom was characterized by profiling differences in biochemical properties and biological activities. SDS-PAGE analysis presented recognizable differences in the number, intensity and presence of some protein bands. Moreover, enzymatic assays revealed considerable quantitative variations in metalloproteinase activity and PLA2-like activity. In particular, zymography assays of proteases demonstrated the general presence of abundant metalloproteinases in jellyfish nematocyst venom; however, the catalytic activities varied greatly among some specific metalloproteinases in the 28–46 kDa or 57–83 kDa range. Hemolytic assays using sheep erythrocytes suggested a predominant variance in the toxicities of different individual jellyfish venoms, with the difference between the most hemolytic and the least hemolytic venom as large as 77-fold. The current data suggested remarkable variations in the nematocyst venoms of individual N. nomurai jellyfish. These observations will provide a new understanding of the clinical manifestations induced by N. nomurai jellyfish stings and will therefore have important implications for preventing and treating jellyfish envenomations.
Peptide Assembly on the Membrane Determines the HIV-1 Inhibitory Activity of Dual-Targeting Fusion Inhibitor Peptides
Authors: Gomara Maria J. , Perez Yolanda , Martinez Javier P. , Barnadas-Rodriguez Ramon , Schultz Anke , von Briesen Hagen , Peralvarez-Marin Alex , Meyerhans Andreas , Haro Isabel
Published: March 2019

Novel strategies in the design of HIV-1 fusion/entry inhibitors are based on the construction of dual-targeting fusion proteins and peptides with synergistic antiviral effects. In this work we describe the design of dual-targeting peptides composed of peptide domains of E2 and E1 envelope proteins from Human Pegivirus with the aim of targeting both the loop region and the fusion peptide domains of HIV-1 gp41. In a previous work, we described the inhibitory role of a highly conserved fragment of the E1 protein (domain 139–156) which interacts with the HIV-1 fusion peptide at the membrane level. Here, two different dual-targeting peptides, where this E1 peptide is located on the N- or the C-terminus respectively, have been chemically synthesized and their antiviral activities have been evaluated with HIV pseudotyped viruses from different clades. The study of the functional behaviour of peptides in a membranous environment attending to the peptide recognition of the target sites on gp41, the peptide conformation as well as the peptide affinity to the membrane, demonstrate that antiviral activity of the dual-targeting peptides is directly related to the peptide affinity and its subsequent assembly into the model membrane. The overall results point out to the necessity that fusion inhibitor peptides that specifically interfere with the N-terminal region of gp41 are embedded within the membrane in order to properly interact with their viral target.
Spatiotemporal patterns of extreme sea levels along the western North-Atlantic coasts
Authors: Muis Sanne , Lin Ning , Verlaan Martin , Winsemius Hessel C. , Ward Philip J. , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H.
Published: March 2019

The western North-Atlantic coast experienced major coastal floods in recent years. Coastal floods are primarily composed of tides and storm surges due to tropical (TCs) and extra-tropical cyclones (ETCs). We present a reanalysis from 1988 to 2015 of extreme sea levels that explicitly include TCs for the western North-Atlantic coastline. Validation shows a good agreement between modeled and observed sea levels and demonstrates that the framework can capture large-scale variability in extreme sea levels. We apply the 28-year reanalysis to analyze spatiotemporal patterns. Along the US Atlantic coasts the contribution of tides can be significant, with the average contribution of tides during the 10 largest events up to 55% in some locations, whereas along the Mexican Southern Gulf coast, the average contribution of tides over the largest 10 events is generally below 25%. At the US Atlantic coast, ETCs are responsible for 8.5 out of the 10 largest extreme events, whereas at the Gulf Coast and Caribbean TCs dominate. During the TC season more TC-driven events exceed a 10-year return period. During winter, there is a peak in ETC-driven events. Future research directions include coupling the framework with synthetic tropical cyclone tracks and extension to the global scale.
Long-lived compositional heterogeneities in magma chambers, and implications for volcanic hazard
Authors: Garg Deepak , Papale Paolo , Colucci Simone , Longo Antonella
Published: March 2019

Magmas discharged during individual volcanic eruptions commonly display compositional variations interpreted as new arrivals at shallow depth of more primitive, hotter, volatile-rich magma batches mixing with resident, colder, partially degassed magma. Heterogeneities in eruption products are often interpreted as evidence of short times of order tens of hours from new magma arrival to eruption, raising concerns for emergency planning. We show here, through numerical simulations, that magma convection and mixing in a shallow magma chamber can result in long-lived, dynamically stable configurations with coexistence of magmas from nearly pure to variably mixed end-member compositions. Short mixing time scales may therefore relate to sin-eruptive processes, as heterogeneities found in the eruptive products are not necessarily the fingerprint of new magma arrival shortly preceding or triggering the eruption.
p300/CBP-associated factor promotes autophagic degradation of δ-catenin through acetylation and decreases prostate cancer tumorigenicity
Authors: Zhou Rui , Yang Yi , Park So-Yeon , Seo Young-Woo , Jung Sang-Chul , Kim Kyung Keun , Kim Kwonseop , Kim Hangun
Published: March 2019

δ-Catenin shares common binding partners with β-catenin. As acetylation and deacetylation regulate β-catenin stability, we searched for histone acetyltransferases (HATs) or histone deacetylases (HDACs) affecting δ-catenin acetylation status and protein levels. We showed that p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) directly bound to and acetylated δ-catenin, whereas several class I and class II HDACs reversed this effect. Unlike β-catenin, δ-catenin was downregulated by PCAF-mediated acetylation and upregulated by HDAC-mediated deacetylation. The HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A attenuated HDAC1-mediated δ-catenin upregulation, whereas HAT or autophagy inhibitors, but not proteasome inhibitors, abolished PCAF-mediated δ-catenin downregulation. The results suggested that PCAF-mediated δ-catenin acetylation promotes its autophagic degradation in an Atg5/LC3-dependent manner. Deletions or point mutations identified several lysine residues in different δ-catenin domains involved in PCAF-mediated δ-catenin downregulation. PCAF overexpression in prostate cancer cells markedly reduced δ-catenin levels and suppressed cell growth and motility. PCAF-mediated δ-catenin downregulation inhibited E-cadherin processing and decreased the nuclear distribution of β-catenin, resulting in the suppression of β-catenin/LEF-1-mediated downstream effectors. These data demonstrate that PCAF downregulates δ-catenin by promoting its autophagic degradation and suppresses δ-catenin-mediated oncogenic signals.
Palladium based nanoparticles for the treatment of advanced melanoma
Authors: Elsey Justin , Bubley Jeffrey A. , Zhu Lei , Rao Shikha , Sasaki Maiko , Pollack Brian P. , Yang Lily , Arbiser Jack L.
Published: March 2019

IGF1R and CD44 are overexpressed in most advanced melanomas so we designed chemotherapeutic nanoparticles to target those receptors. Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium (Tris DBA-Pd) is a novel inhibitor of N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT-1) and has proven in vivo activity against melanoma. However, poor solubility impairs its effectiveness. To improve its therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance in advanced melanomas, we synthesized Tris DBA-Pd hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (Tris DBA-Pd HANP) and evaluated them against in vivo xenografts of LM36R, an aggressive BRAF mutant human melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors. We treated xenografted mice in four arms: empty HANPs, free Tris DBA-Pd, Tris DBA-Pd HANPs, and Tris DBA-Pd HANPs with IGF1R antibody. The Tris DBA-Pd HANP group was the most responsive to treatment and showed the greatest depletion of CD44-positive cells on IHC. Surprisingly, the HANP containing IGF1R antibody was less effective than particles without antibody, possibly due to steric hindrance of IGF1R and CD44 binding. Tris DBA-Pd nanoparticles are an effective therapy for CD44-positive tumors like melanoma, and further development of these nanoparticles should be pursued.
Morphological characteristics of vasculogenic mimicry and its correlation with EphA2 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Hee Sung , Won You Jin , Shim Ju Hee , Kim Hyun Ji , Kim Jihun , Hong Hea Nam , Kim Byung Sik
Published: March 2019

Genetically deregulated tumor cells generate vascular channels by vasculogenic mimicry (VM) that is independent of endothelial blood vessels. The morphological characteristics of VM and the role of EphA2 in the formation of VM were evaluated in 144 clinical samples of gastric adenocarcinoma and AGS gastric cancer cell line. It has long been believed that VM consists of PAS-positive basement membrane and CD31/CD34-negative cells. Interestingly, we found that the luminal surface of gastric tumor cells that form VM channels showed PAS-positive reaction, and that the involvement of CD31/CD34-positive tumor cells in the formation of VM channels. Highly aggressive tumor cells that formed VM were found to express CD31 or CD34, implicating the angiogenic and vasculogenic potential of the genetically deregulated tumor cells. VM occurrence was positively correlated with high expression of EphA2 in our patient cohort, and the indispensable role of EphA2 in VM formation was identified by gene silencing in AGS cells. We also report that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive tumor cells were involved in the formation of VM channels in EBV-associated gastric cancer samples. Overall, our results suggest that EphA2 signaling promotes tumor metastasis by inducing VM formation during gastric tumorigenesis.
On the processes influencing rapid intensity changes of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Bhalachandran Saiprasanth , Nadimpalli R. , Osuri K. K. , Marks F. D. , Gopalakrishnan S. , Subramanian S. , Mohanty U. C. , Niyogi D.
Published: March 2019

We present a numerical investigation of the processes that influenced the contrasting rapid intensity changes in Tropical Cyclones (TC) Phailin and Lehar (2013) over the Bay of Bengal. Our emphasis is on the significant differences in the environments experienced by the TCs within a few weeks and the consequent differences in their organization of vortex-scale convection that resulted in their different rapid intensity changes. The storm-relative proximity, intensity, and depth of the subtropical ridge resulted in the establishment of a low-sheared environment for Phailin and a high-sheared environment for Lehar. Our primary finding here is that in Lehar’s sheared vortex, the juxtaposition in the azimuthal phasing of the asymmetrically distributed downward eddy flux of moist-entropy through the top of the boundary layer, and the radial eddy flux of moist-entropy within the boundary layer in the upshear left-quadrant of Lehar (40–80 km radius) establishes a pathway for the low moist-entropy air to intrude into the vortex from the environment. Conversely, when the azimuthal variations in boundary layer moist-entropy, inflow, and convection are weak in Phailin’s low-sheared environment, the inflow magnitude and radial location of boundary layer convergence relative to the radius of maximum wind dictated the rapid intensification.
Recent advances in and potential utilities of paper-based electrochemical sensors: beyond qualitative analysis
Authors: Gebretsadik Tesfay , Belayneh Tilahun , Gebremichael Sosina , Linert Wolfgang , Thomas Madhu , Berhanu Tarekegn
Published: March 2019

Paper based electrochemical sensors (PESs) are simple, low-cost, portable and disposable analytical sensing platforms that can be applied in clinical diagnostics, food quality control and environmental monitoring.
Structural transformations of graphene exposed to nitrogen plasma: quantum chemical molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Moon Seokjin , Hijikata Yuh , Irle Stephan
Published: March 2019

Non-equilbrium quantum chemical molecular dynamics simulations of graphene nitrogenation in plasma reveal the importance of cooperative nitrogen rearrangements.
Electrospun cobalt-ZIF micro-fibers for efficient water oxidation under unique pH conditions
Authors: Sankar S. Sam , Ede Sivasankara Rao , Anantharaj S. , Karthick K. , Sangeetha K. , Kundu Subrata
Published: March 2019

A unique electrospinning methodology to fabricate Co based ZIF microfibers has been developed which showed superior electrocatalytic water oxidation both in acidic and alkaline electrolytes.
Identification of α-glucosidase inhibitors fromcyclocarya paliurustea leaves using UF-UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS and molecular docking
Authors: Ning Zi-wan , Zhai Li-xiang , Huang Tao , Peng Jiao , Hu Die , Xiao Hai-tao , Wen Bo , Lin Cheng-yuan , Zhao Ling , Bian Zhao-xiang
Published: March 2019

11 potential α-glucosidase inhibitors in leaves ofCyclocarya paliuruswere quickly identified by UF-UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS, and their inhibitory activities were verifiedin vitroandin vivo, as well as docked with homology model.
Synthesis and discovery of asiatic acid based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as antitumor agents blocking NF-κB activation and cell migration
Authors: Huang Ri-Zhen , Liang Gui-Bin , Li Mei-Shan , Fang Yi-Lin , Zhao Shi-Feng , Zhou Mei-Mei , Liao Zhi-Xin , Sun Jing , Wang Heng-Shan
Published: March 2019

Asiatic acid based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as potential inhibitors of NF-κB with high binding affinity and apoptotic induction effects.
Ligand dynamics control structure, elasticity, and high-pressure behavior of nanoparticle superlattices
Authors: Patra Tarak K. , Chan Henry , Podsiadlo Paul , Shevchenko Elena V. , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S. , Narayanan Badri
Published: March 2019

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, and small angle X-ray scattering experiments illustrate that coverage density of capping ligands provides a route to engineer nanoparticle superlattices.
Post-synthesis isomorphous substitution of layered Co–Mn hydroxide nanocones with graphene oxide as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Hao , Chen Gen , Wan Hao , Zhang Ning , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi
Published: March 2019

Layered Co–Mn hydroxide nanocones (NCs) could be successfully prepared via post-synthesis isomorphous substitution. Layered Co–Mn hydroxide NCs and its composite both exhibit an outstanding electrochemical performance for supercapacitors.
A comparison of the characteristics of polyurethane-based sealers including various antimicrobial agents
Authors: Wang Jian , Mei Quanjing , Lin Lili , Sun Fuhua , Li Jidong , Zou Qin , Zuo Yi , Li Yubao
Published: March 2019

A novel polyurethane sealer has been fabricated and demonstrates good physicochemical and antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility.
Electrochemical performance of graphene-coated activated mesocarbon microbeads as a supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Xia Hongyan , Hu Jiajun , Li Jiajia , Wang Kai
Published: March 2019

Activated carbon/graphene materials are prospective candidates as high performance supercapacitor electrodes, due to the presence of aggregation resisted graphene on the surface of activated carbon.
Preparation and spectral characteristics of Tm3+/Ho3+ co-doped TeO2–B2O3–BaO glass
Authors: Wang Qingbo , Zhang Junying , Dong Weimin , Liu Lintao , Wen Hang , Yao Qian , Li Jing , Wang Jiyang
Published: March 2019

TeO2–B2O3–BaO glasses with different compositions and Tm3+/Ho3+ co-doped TeO2–B2O3–BaO glasses with different doping concentrations were prepared and studied.
Structure and properties of halogen-free flame retardant and phosphorus-containing aromatic poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole)s fiber
Authors: Liu Pengqing , Dong Linan , Wu Lei , Zeng Luxian , Xu Jianjun
Published: March 2019

The flame resistance of POD fibers can be improved significantly by introducing TPO units into the main chains.