bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold Pool‐Land Surface Interactions in a Dry Continental Environment
Authors: Grant Leah D. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: June 2018

Cold pools influence convective initiation and organization, dust lofting, and boundary layer properties, but little is known about their interactions with the land surface, particularly in dry continental environments. In this study, two‐way cold pool‐land surface interactions are investigated using high‐resolution idealized simulations of an isolated, transient cold pool evolving in a dry convective boundary layer. Results using a fully interactive land surface demonstrate that sensible heat fluxes are suppressed at the center of the cold pool but enhanced at the edge due to the spatial patterns of land surface cooling and the air temperature and wind speed perturbations. This leads to cold pool dissipation from the edge inward. Latent heat fluxes are primarily suppressed within the cold pool, and the magnitude of this suppression is controlled by competition between atmospheric and land surface effects. By comparing the fully interactive land surface simulation to a simulation with imposed surface fluxes, the land surface‐cold pool feedbacks are shown to reduce the cold pool lifetime, extent, and intensity by up to 50% and influence the pattern of boundary layer turbulent kinetic energy recovery, which have significant implications for cold pool‐induced convective initiation.
Ependymal cilia beating induces an actin network to protect centrioles against shear stress
Authors: Mahuzier Alexia , Shihavuddin Asm , Fournier Clémence , Lansade Pauline , Faucourt Marion , Menezes Nikita , Meunier Alice , Garfa-Traoré Meriem , Carlier Marie-France , Voituriez Raphael , Genovesio Auguste , Spassky Nathalie , Delgehyr Nathalie
Published: June 2018

Multiciliated ependymal cells line all brain cavities. The beating of their motile cilia contributes to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which is required for brain homoeostasis and functions. Motile cilia, nucleated from centrioles, persist once formed and withstand the forces produced by the external fluid flow and by their own cilia beating. Here, we show that a dense actin network around the centrioles is induced by cilia beating, as shown by the disorganisation of the actin network upon impairment of cilia motility. Moreover, disruption of the actin network, or specifically of the apical actin network, causes motile cilia and their centrioles to detach from the apical surface of ependymal cell. In conclusion, cilia beating controls the apical actin network around centrioles; the mechanical resistance of this actin network contributes, in turn, to centriole stability.
Finding influential nodes for integration in brain networks using optimal percolation theory
Authors: Del Ferraro Gino , Moreno Andrea , Min Byungjoon , Morone Flaviano , Pérez-Ramírez Úrsula , Pérez-Cervera Laura , Parra Lucas C. , Holodny Andrei , Canals Santiago , Makse Hernán A.
Published: June 2018

Global integration of information in the brain results from complex interactions of segregated brain networks. Identifying the most influential neuronal populations that efficiently bind these networks is a fundamental problem of systems neuroscience. Here, we apply optimal percolation theory and pharmacogenetic interventions in vivo to predict and subsequently target nodes that are essential for global integration of a memory network in rodents. The theory predicts that integration in the memory network is mediated by a set of low-degree nodes located in the nucleus accumbens. This result is confirmed with pharmacogenetic inactivation of the nucleus accumbens, which eliminates the formation of the memory network, while inactivations of other brain areas leave the network intact. Thus, optimal percolation theory predicts essential nodes in brain networks. This could be used to identify targets of interventions to modulate brain function.
Parallels between experimental and natural evolution of legume symbionts
Authors: Clerissi Camille , Touchon Marie , Capela Delphine , Tang Mingxing , Cruveiller Stéphane , Genthon Clémence , Lopez-Roques Céline , Parker Matthew A. , Moulin Lionel , Masson-Boivin Catherine , Rocha Eduardo P. C.
Published: June 2018

The emergence of symbiotic interactions has been studied using population genomics in nature and experimental evolution in the laboratory, but the parallels between these processes remain unknown. Here we compare the emergence of rhizobia after the horizontal transfer of a symbiotic plasmid in natural populations ofCupriavidus taiwanensis, over 10 MY ago, with the experimental evolution of symbioticRalstonia solanacearumfor a few hundred generations. In spite of major differences in terms of time span, environment, genetic background, and phenotypic achievement, both processes resulted in rapid genetic diversification dominated by purifying selection. We observe no adaptation in the plasmid carrying the genes responsible for the ecological transition. Instead, adaptation was associated with positive selection in a set of genes that led to the co-option of the same quorum-sensing system in both processes. Our results provide evidence for similarities in experimental and natural evolutionary transitions and highlight the potential of comparisons between both processes to understand symbiogenesis.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Targeted Site-Directed Antibody-Conjugated Apoferritin Nanovehicle Favorably Influences In Vivo Side Effects of Doxorubicin
Authors: Dostalova Simona , Polanska Hana , Svobodova Marketa , Balvan Jan , Krystofova Olga , Haddad Yazan , Krizkova Sona , Masarik Michal , Eckschlager Tomas , Stiborova Marie , Heger Zbynek , Adam Vojtech
Published: June 2018

Herein, we describe the in vivo effects of doxorubicin (DOX) encapsulated in ubiquitous protein apoferritin (APO) and its efficiency and safety in anti-tumor treatment. APODOX is both passively (through Enhanced Permeability and Retention effect) and actively targeted to tumors through prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) via mouse antibodies conjugated to the surface of horse spleen APO. To achieve site-directed conjugation of the antibodies, a HWRGWVC heptapeptide linker was used. The prostate cancer-targeted and non-targeted nanocarriers were tested using subcutaneously implanted LNCaP cells in athymic mice models, and compared to free DOX. Prostate cancer-targeted APODOX retained the high potency of DOX in attenuation of tumors (with 55% decrease in tumor volume after 3 weeks of treatment). DOX and non-targeted APODOX treatment caused damage to liver, kidney and heart tissues. In contrast, no elevation in liver or kidney enzymes and negligible changes were revealed by histological assessment in prostate cancer-targeted APODOX-treated mice. Overall, we show that the APO nanocarrier provides an easy encapsulation protocol, reliable targeting, high therapeutic efficiency and very low off-target toxicity, and is thus a promising delivery system for translation into clinical use.
Phase diagram of hard squares in slit confinement
Authors: Bautista-Carbajal Gustavo , Gurin Péter , Varga Szabolcs , Odriozola Gerardo
Published: June 2018

This work shows a complete phase diagram of hard squares of side length σ in slit confinement for H < 4.5, H being the wall to wall distance measured in σ units, including the maximal packing fraction limit. The phase diagram exhibits a transition between a single-row parallel 1-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
and a zigzag 2-$$\hat{\diamond }$$

◇
ˆ

structures for H
c
(2) = (2$$\sqrt{{\bf{2}}}$$

2

 − 1) < H < 2, and also another one involving the 1-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
and 2-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
structures (two parallel rows) for 2 < H < H
c
(3) (H
c
(n) = n − 1 + $$\sqrt{{\bf{2}}{\boldsymbol{n}}-{\bf{1}}}$$

2
n
−
1

/n is the critical wall-to-wall distance for a (n − 1)-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
to n-$${\diamond }$$
◇
transition and where n-$${\diamond }$$
◇
represents a structure formed by tilted rectangles, each one clustering n stacked squares), and a triple point for H
t
 $${\boldsymbol{\simeq }}$$
≃
 2.005. In this triple point there coexists the 1-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
, 2-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
, and 2-$$\hat{\diamond }$$

◇
ˆ

structures. For regions H
c
(3) < H < H
c
(4) and H
c
(4) < H < H
c
(5), very similar pictures arise. There is a (n − 1)-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
to a n-$${\diamond }$$
◇
strong transition for H
c
(n) < H < n, followed by a softer (n − 1)-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
to n-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
transition for n < H < H
c
(n + 1). Again, at H $${\boldsymbol{\gtrsim }}$$
≳
 n there appears a triple point, involving the (n − 1)-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
, n-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
, and n-$${\diamond }$$
◇
structures. The similarities found for n = 2, 3 and 4 lead us to propose a tentative phase diagram for H
c
(n) < H < H
c
(n + 1) (n ∈ $${\boldsymbol{{\mathbb{N}}}}$$
ℕ
, n > 2), where structures (n − 1)-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
, n-$${\boldsymbol{\square }}$$
□
, and n-$${\diamond }$$
◇
fill the phase diagram. Simulation and Onsager theory results are qualitatively consistent.
Iodine Deficiency in Zhejiang Pregnant Women in the Context of Universal Salt Iodization Programme
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Xing Mingluan , Zhu Wenming , Mao Guangming , Mo Zhe , Wang Yuanyang , Chen Zhijian , Lou Xiaoming , Xia Shichang , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2018

Zhejiang introduced universal salt iodization (USI) programme in 1995 and has achieved the goal of elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) since 2011. However, no systematical data of iodine nutritional status in population in pregnancy is available. In this cross-sectional study, pregnant women were interviewed to complete questionnaires in addition to handing in samples of urine and household table salt between March 2016 to February 2017. Date of birth, age of pregnancy, ethnicity and dietary iodine habits were recorded. The overall median urinary iodine concentration in 8561 pregnant women was 130.47 µg/L, which was lower than the cut-off value of iodine sufficiency of 150 µg/L recommended by the WHO. Participants using non-iodized salt, taking non-iodine-containing supplements, in coastal and in Han group were independently associated with iodine deficiency. The current USI programme did not supply Zhejiang pregnant women with sufficient iodine intake. They are generally iodine deficient, which have great public health importance since even mild IDD in pregnancy have adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment. We strongly recommend urgent measures to improve iodine intake in pregnancy.
Assessing controls on mass budget and surface velocity variations of glaciers in Western Himalaya
Authors: Bhushan Shashank , Syed Tajdarul H. , Arendt Anthony A. , Kulkarni Anil V. , Sinha Debanjan
Published: June 2018

This study analyses spatially resolved estimates of mass budget and surface velocity of glaciers in the Zanskar Basin of Western Himalaya in the context of varying debris cover, glacier hypsometry and orientation. The regional glacier mass budget for the period of 1999–2014 is −0.38 ± 0.09 m w.e./a. Individual mass budgets of 10 major glaciers in the study area varied between −0.13 ± 0.07 and −0.66 ± 0.09 m w.e./a. Elevation changes on debris-covered ice are considerably less negative than over clean ice. At the same time, glaciers having >20% of their area covered by debris have more negative glacier-wide mass budgets than those with <20% debris cover. This paradox is likely explained by the comparatively larger ablation area of extensively debris-covered glaciers compared to clean-ice glaciers, as indicated by hypsometric analysis. Additionally, surface velocities computed for the 2013–14 period reveal near stagnant debris-covered snouts but dynamically active main trunks, with maximum recorded velocity of individual glaciers ranging between ~50 ± 5.58 and ~90 ± 5.58 m/a. The stagnant debris-covered extent, which varies from glacier-to-glacier, are also characterized by ice cliffs and melt ponds that appreciably increase the overall surface melting of debris-covered areas.
Optimizing the Synthesis of Core/shell Structure Au@Cu2S Nanocrystals as Contrast-enhanced for Bioimaging Detection
Authors: Liu Liwei , Hu Siyi , Wang Yue , Yang Shaozhuang , Qu Junle
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we reported Au@Cu2S nanocrystals in the aqueous phase with a core/shell structure and dBSA encapsulation. The dBSA-Au@Cu2S crystals formed with an average size of approximately 9 nm. There was a strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) field located at 1348 nm, and they exhibited low toxicity in the in vitro tests. Furthermore, we demonstrated that dBSA-Au@Cu2S could be used for optical coherence tomography (OCT). The in vivo experimental results show that the OCT signal increased as the concentration of nanocrystals increased. In this research, we revealed that these core/shell-structured nanocrystals along with their low toxicity and excellent biocompatibility could be a valuable tool for current and future contrast-enhanced in vivo studies.
Sublethal effects of the novel cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoid cycloxaprid on the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Cui Li , Yuan Huizhu , Wang Qiyuan , Wang Qinqin , Rui Changhui
Published: June 2018

Cycloxaprid is a novel cis-configuration neonicotinoid insecticide that is effective against a wide range of insect pests, including those that are resistant to conventional neonicotinoids. In this study, life table parameters were applied to estimate the cycloxaprid-induced sublethal effects on Aphis gossypii. The results indicated that the LC20 (0.81 mg a.i. L−1) of cycloxaprid significantly decreased the pre-oviposition period in first-progeny adults. Additionally, the life expectancy of F1 generation adults was reduced. However, no significant differences were observed for the intrinsic rate of increase (r
i
), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0), or mean generation time (T) of F1 individuals. Therefore, resurgence in the A. gossypii population induced by a low concentration of cycloxaprid might not occur. Additionally, the response of the detoxification enzymes showed that cycloxaprid at the LC20 inhibited cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities at 6 h after exposure. Such inhibition of P450 and GST activities could lead to a decrease in the metabolism of cycloxaprid, which would increase the efficacy of cycloxaprid. Therefore, our results contribute to the assessment of the overall effects of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii.
Effect of mammography screening on stage at breast cancer diagnosis: results from the Korea National Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Choi Kui Son , Yoon Minjoo , Song Seung Hoon , Suh Mina , Park Boyoung , Jung Kyu Won , Jun Jae Kwan
Published: June 2018

In Asian countries, breast densities and the proportion of younger women with breast cancer are higher than those in Western countries. This study was designed to determine differences in stage at diagnosis of breast cancer among Korean women according to screening history. The study population was derived from the Korea National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP). The study cohort comprised 17,689 women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and were invited to undergo breast cancer screening via the KNCSP between 2002 and 2011. Ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) and localized breast cancer were most frequent in both ever-screened and never-screened patients. Late stage cancer was significantly more frequent in never-screened patients, compared with ever-screened patients. Compared to never-screened women, the odds ratio (OR) for being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer among screened women was 1.41 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.28–1.55). The OR for being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer was highest among patients who underwent screening three times or more (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.57–2.29). Screening by mammography was associated with diagnosis of early stage breast cancer in Korean women. However, significant increases in the diagnosis of DCIS and localized breast cancers among ever-screened patients suggest the possibility of overdiagnosis due to screening.
Characterisation, Sources and Flux of Unmelted Micrometeorites on Earth During the Last ~50,000 Years
Authors: Prasad M. Shyam , Rudraswami N. G. , de Araujo Agnelo Alexandre , Khedekar V. D.
Published: June 2018

Dust dominates extraterrestrial flux on the earth (30,000 tonnes/yr), however only ~5% of the cosmic dust survives atmospheric entry which is basically in two forms: melted and unmelted. Melted micrometeorites undergo transformational changes due to heating during atmospheric entry which obliterate evidences regarding their precursors. Unmelted micrometeorites (UMM) survive atmospheric entry with minimal alteration, they provide direct evidence for their parent bodies. Recent investigations unravelled a wide range of UMM, there are however no quantitative estimates of sources that contribute to the cosmic dust accreted by the Earth.
A random forest learning assisted “divide and conquer” approach for peptide conformation search
Authors: Chen Xin , Yang Bing , Lin Zijing
Published: June 2018

Computational determination of peptide conformations is challenging as it is a problem of finding minima in a high-dimensional space. The “divide and conquer” approach is promising for reliably reducing the search space size. A random forest learning model is proposed here to expand the scope of applicability of the “divide and conquer” approach. A random forest classification algorithm is used to characterize the distributions of the backbone φ-ψ units (“words”). A random forest supervised learning model is developed to analyze the combinations of the φ-ψ units (“grammar”). It is found that amino acid residues may be grouped as equivalent “words”, while the φ-ψ combinations in low-energy peptide conformations follow a distinct “grammar”. The finding of equivalent words empowers the “divide and conquer” method with the flexibility of fragment substitution. The learnt grammar is used to improve the efficiency of the “divide and conquer” method by removing unfavorable φ-ψ combinations without the need of dedicated human effort. The machine learning assisted search method is illustrated by efficiently searching the conformations of GGG/AAA/GGGG/AAAA/GGGGG through assembling the structures of GFG/GFGG. Moreover, the computational cost of the new method is shown to increase rather slowly with the peptide length.
Environmental legacy contributes to the resilience of methane consumption in a laboratory microcosm system
Authors: Krause Sascha M. B. , Meima-Franke Marion , Veraart Annelies J. , Ren Gaidi , Ho Adrian , Bodelier Paul L. E.
Published: June 2018

The increase of extreme drought and precipitation events due to climate change will alter microbial processes. Perturbation experiments demonstrated that microbes are sensitive to environmental alterations. However, only little is known on the legacy effects in microbial systems. Here, we designed a laboratory microcosm experiment using aerobic methane-consuming communities as a model system to test basic principles of microbial resilience and the role of changes in biomass and the presence of non-methanotrophic microbes in this process. We focused on enrichments from soil, sediment, and water reflecting communities with different legacy with respect to exposure to drought. Recovery rates, a recently proposed early warning indicator of a critical transition, were utilized as a measure to detect resilience loss of methane consumption during a series of dry/wet cycle perturbations. We observed a slowed recovery of enrichments originating from water samples, which suggests that the community’s legacy with a perturbation is a contributing factor for the resilience of microbial functioning.
Perfect chronic skeletal muscle regeneration in adult spiny mice, Acomys cahirinus
Authors: Maden Malcolm , Brant Jason Orr , Rubiano Andres , Sandoval Aaron Gabriel W. , Simmons Chelsey , Mitchell Robert , Collin-Hooper Henry , Jacobson Jason , Omairi Saleh , Patel Ketan
Published: June 2018

The spiny mouse, Acomys cahirinus, is an adult mammal capable of remarkable feats of scar-free tissue regeneration after damage to several organs including the skin and the heart. Here we investigate the regenerative properties of the skeletal muscle of A. cahirinus tibialis anterior in comparison to the lab mouse, Mus musculus. The A. cahirinus TA showed a similar distribution of myosin heavy chain fibre types and a reduced proportion of oxidative fibres compared to M. musculus. There were differences in the matrix components of the TA with regard to collagen VI and the biomechanical properties. A. cahirinus TA regenerated faster with a more rapid induction of embryonic myosin and higher levels of dystrophin than in M. musculus fibres. There were lower levels of inflammation (NF-kB), fibrosis (TGFβ-1, collagens) and higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Cxcl12. There was a difference in macrophage profile between the two species. After multiple rounds of muscle regeneration the M. musculus TA failed to regenerate muscle fibres and instead produced a large numbers of adipocytes whereas the A. cahirinus TA regenerated perfectly. This clearly improved regeneration performance can be explained by differing levels of growth factors such as adiponectin between the two species.
Lipoxin A4 Attenuates the Inflammatory Response in Stem Cells of the Apical Papilla via ALX/FPR2
Authors: Gaudin A. , Tolar M. , Peters O. A.
Published: June 2018

Similar to the onset phase of inflammation, its resolution is a process that unfolds in a manner that is coordinated and regulated by a panel of mediators. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has been implicated as an anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving mediator. We hypothesized that LXA4attenuates or prevents an inflammatory response via the immunosuppressive activity of Stem Cells of the Apical Papilla (SCAP). Here, we report for the first timein vitrothat in a SCAP population, lipoxin receptor ALX/FPR2 was constitutively expressed and upregulated after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and/or TNF-α. Moreover, LXA4significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and wound healing capacity of SCAP through the activation of its receptor, ALX/FPR2. Cytokine, chemokine and growth factor secretion by SCAP was inhibited in a dose dependent manner by LXA4. Finally, LXA4enhanced immunomodulatory properties of SCAP towards Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. These findings provide the first evidence that the LXA4-ALX/FPR2 axis in SCAP regulates inflammatory mediators and enhances immunomodulatory properties. Such features of SCAP may also support the role of these cells in the resolution phase of inflammation and suggest a novel molecular target for ALX/FPR2 receptor to enhance a stem cell-mediated pro-resolving pathway.
Non-Toxic Gold Nanoclusters for Solution-Processed White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chao Yu-Chiang , Cheng Kai-Ping , Lin Ching-Yi , Chang Yu-Li , Ko Yi-Yun , Hou Tzu-Yin , Huang Cheng-Yi , Chang Walter H. , Lin Cheng-An J.
Published: June 2018

Solution-processed optoelectronic devices are attractive because of the potential low-cost fabrication and the compatibility with flexible substrate. However, the utilization of toxic elements such as lead and cadmium in current optoelectronic devices on the basis of colloidal quantum dots raises environmental concerns. Here we demonstrate that white-light-emitting diodes can be achieved by utilizing non-toxic and environment-friendly gold nanoclusters. Yellow-light-emitting gold nanoclusters were synthesized and capped with trioctylphosphine. These gold nanoclusters were then blended with the blue-light-emitting organic host materials to form the emissive layer. A current efficiency of 0.13 cd/A was achieved. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.27, 0.33) were obtained from our experimental analysis, which is quite close to the ideal pure white emission coordinates (0.33, 0.33). Potential applications include innovative lighting devices and monitor backlight.
The silkrose of Bombyx mori effectively prevents vibriosis in penaeid prawns via the activation of innate immunity
Authors: Ali Muhammad Fariz Zahir , Yasin Indri Afriani , Ohta Takashi , Hashizume Atsushi , Ido Atsushi , Takahashi Takayuki , Miura Chiemi , Miura Takeshi
Published: June 2018

We previously identified novel bioactive polysaccharides from Bactrocera cucurbitae and Antheraea yamamai that activate innate immunity in RAW264 murine macrophages. However, in terms of potential applications in the cultivation of prawns, there were problems with the availability of these insects. However, we have now identified a polysaccharide from Bombyx mori that activates innate immunity in RAW264 cells and penaeid prawns. This purified polysaccharide, termed silkrose of B. mori (silkrose-BM), has a molecular weight of 1,150,000 and produces a single symmetrical peak on HPLC. Eight of nine constitutive monosaccharides of silkrose-BM are concomitant with dipterose of B. cucurbitae (dipterose-BC) and silkrose of A. yamamai (silkrose-AY). The major differences are found in the molar ratios of the monosaccharides. Silkrose-BM is approximately 500-fold less potent than silkrose-AY (EC50: 2.5 and 0.0043 μg/mL, respectively) in a nitrite oxide (NO) production assay using RAW264 cells. However, the maximum NO production for silkrose-BM and AY were comparable and higher than that of the lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli. The survival of penaeid prawns (Litopenaeus vannamei and Marsupenaeus japonicus) after infection with Vibrio penaecida was significantly improved by both dietary silkrose-BM and B. mori pupae. This suggests that silkrose-BM effectively prevents vibriosis in penaeid prawns via the activation of innate immunity.
The implication of DNA bending energy for nucleosome positioning and sliding
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Xing Yongqiang , Zhao Hongyu , Cai Lu , Wang Jianying
Published: June 2018

Nucleosome not only directly affects cellular processes, such as DNA replication, recombination, and transcription, but also severs as a fundamentally important target of epigenetic modifications. Our previous study indicated that the bending property of DNA is important in nucleosome formation, particularly in predicting the dyad positions of nucleosomes on a DNA segment. Here, we investigated the role of bending energy in nucleosome positioning and sliding in depth to decipher sequence-directed mechanism. The results show that bending energy is a good physical index to predict the free energy in the process of nucleosome reconstitution in vitro. Our data also imply that there are at least 20% of the nucleosomes in budding yeast do not adopt canonical positioning, in which underlying sequences wrapped around histones are structurally symmetric. We also revealed distinct patterns of bending energy profile for distinctly organized chromatin structures, such as well-positioned nucleosomes, fuzzy nucleosomes, and linker regions and discussed nucleosome sliding in terms of bending energy. We proposed that the stability of a nucleosome is positively correlated with the strength of the bending anisotropy of DNA segment, and both accessibility and directionality of nucleosome sliding is likely to be modulated by diverse patterns of DNA bending energy profile.
Association of Inflammatory Responses and ECM Disorganization with HMGB1 Upregulation and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in the Injured Rotator Cuff Tendon
Authors: Thankam Finosh G. , Roesch Zachary K. , Dilisio Matthew F. , Radwan Mohamed M. , Kovilam Anuradha , Gross R. Michael , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: June 2018

Inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization following the rotator cuff tendon injuries (RCTI) delay the repair and healing process and the molecular mechanisms underlying RCTI pathology are largely unknown. Here, we examined the role of HMGB1 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the inflammation and ECM disorganization in RCTI. This hypothesis was tested in a tenotomy-RCTI rat model by transecting the RC tendon from the humerus. H&E and pentachrome staining revealed significant changes in the morphology, architecture and ECM organization in RC tendon tissues following RCTI when compared with contralateral control. Severity of the injury was high in the first two weeks with improvement in 3–4 weeks following RCTI, and this correlated with the healing response. The expression of proteins associated with increased HMGB-1 and upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, TLR4, TLR2, TREM-1, RAGE, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β, in the first two weeks following RCTI followed by decline in 3–4 weeks. These results suggest the association of inflammatory responses and ECM disorganization with HMGB1 upregulation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the RC tendons and could provide novel target(s) for development of better therapeutic strategies in the management of RCTI.
Investigating jealous behaviour in dogs
Authors: Abdai Judit , Baño Terencio Cristina , Pérez Fraga Paula , Miklósi Ádám
Published: June 2018

The function of jealous behaviour is to facilitate the maintenance of an important social relationship that is threatened by a third-party, a rival individual. Although jealous behaviour has an important function in gregarious species, it has been investigated almost exclusively in humans. Based on functional similarity between dog-owner and mother-infant attachments, we hypothesised that jealous behaviour can be evoked in dogs, similarly to children. In our study owners focused their attention solely on the test partner, while they ignored their dog. We deployed familiar and unfamiliar dogs as social test partners, and familiar and unfamiliar objects as non-social test partners; all subjects encountered all test partners. Dogs showed more jealous behaviour, i.e. owner-oriented behaviour and attempts to separate the owner and test partner in case of social compared to non-social test partners. Results suggest that jealous behaviour emerges in dogs, and it is functionally similar to that in children observed in similar situations. Alternative explanations like territoriality, dominance rank can be excluded.
Reminder duration determines threat memory modification in humans
Authors: Hu Jingchu , Wang Wenqing , Homan Philipp , Wang Penggui , Zheng Xifu , Schiller Daniela
Published: June 2018

Memory reminders can return a memory into an unstable state such that it will decay unless actively restabilized into long-term memory through reconsolidation. Exposure to a memory reminder, however, does not always lead to destabilization. The ‘trace dominance’ principle posits that the extent of exposure to memory reminders governs memory susceptibility to disruption. Here, we provide a first systematic investigation of reminder duration effects on threat memory modification in humans. Reminder duration was parametrically varied across 155 participants in a three-day protocol. We found that short reminders (1 s and 4 s) made the memory prone to interference from post-retrieval extinction, suggesting that the memory had been updated. In contrast, no reminder or long reminders (30 s and 3 min) made the memory resistant to such interference, and robustly return. Reminder duration therefore influences memory stability and may be a critical determinant of therapeutic efficacy.
A Radiosensitizing Inhibitor of HIF-1 alters the Optical Redox State of Human Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Lee David E. , Alhallak Kinan , Jenkins Samir V. , Vargas Isaac , Greene Nicholas P. , Quinn Kyle P. , Griffin Robert J. , Dings Ruud P. M. , Rajaram Narasimhan
Published: June 2018

Treatment failure caused by a radiation-resistant cell phenotype remains an impediment to the success of radiation therapy in cancer. We recently showed that a radiation-resistant isogenic line of human A549 lung cancer cells had significantly elevated expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), and increased glucose catabolism compared with the parental, radiation-sensitive cell line. The objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal metabolic changes in radiation-resistant and sensitive A549 lung cancer cells after treatment with a combination of radiation therapy and YC-1, a potent HIF-1 inhibitor. Using label-free two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy, we determined changes in the optical redox ratio of FAD/(NADH and FAD) over a period of 24 hours following treatment with YC-1, radiation, and both radiation and YC-1. To complement the optical redox ratio, we also evaluated changes in mitochondrial organization, glucose uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reduced glutathione. We observed significant differences in the optical redox ratio of radiation-resistant and sensitive A549 cells in response to radiation or YC-1 treatment alone; however, combined treatment eliminated these differences. Our results demonstrate that the optical redox ratio can elucidate radiosensitization of previously radiation-resistant A549 cancer cells, and provide a method for evaluating treatment response in patient-derived tumor biopsies.
Tunable multiband directional electromagnetic scattering from spoof Mie resonant structure
Authors: Wu Hong-Wei , Chen Hua-Jun , Xu Hua-Feng , Fan Ren-Hao , Li Yang
Published: June 2018

We demonstrate that directional electromagnetic scattering can be realized in an artificial Mie resonant structure that supports electric and magnetic dipole modes simultaneously. The directivity of the far-field radiation pattern can be switched by changing wavelength of the incident light as well as tailoring the geometric parameters of the structure. In addition, we further design a quasiperiodic spoof Mie resonant structure by alternately inserting two materials into the slits. The results show that multi-band directional light scattering is realized by exciting multiple electric and magnetic dipole modes with different frequencies in the quasiperiodic structure. The presented design concept is suitable for microwave to terahertz region and can be applied to various advanced optical devices, such as antenna, metamaterial and metasurface.
Revised phylogeny and historical biogeography of the cosmopolitan aquatic plant genus Typha (Typhaceae)
Authors: Zhou Beibei , Tu Tieyao , Kong Fanjiao , Wen Jun , Xu Xinwei
Published: June 2018

Typha is a cosmopolitan aquatic plant genus that includes species with widespread distributions. It is a relatively ancient genus with an abundant fossil record dating back to the Paleogene. However, the details of its biogeographic history have remained unclear until now. In this study, we present a revised molecular phylogeny using sequences of seven chloroplast DNA markers from nine species sampled from various regions in order to infer the biogeographic history of the genus. Two clades were recovered with robust support. Typha minima and T. elephantina comprised one clade, and the other clade included the remaining seven species, which represented a polytomy of four robustly supported subclades. Two widespread species, T. angustifolia and T. domingensis, were revealed to be paraphyletic, indicating the need for taxonomic revision. Divergence time estimation suggested that Typha had a mid-Eocene crown origin, and its diversification occurred in the Middle and Late Miocene. Ancestral area reconstruction showed that Typha possibly originated from eastern Eurasia. Both dispersal via the Beringian Land Bridge and recent transoceanic dispersal may have influenced the intercontinental distribution of Typha species.
Sensory dominance and multisensory integration as screening tools in aging
Authors: Murray Micah M. , Eardley Alison F. , Edginton Trudi , Oyekan Rebecca , Smyth Emily , Matusz Pawel J.
Published: June 2018

Multisensory information typically confers neural and behavioural advantages over unisensory information. We used a simple audio-visual detection task to compare healthy young (HY), healthy older (HO) and mild-cognitive impairment (MCI) individuals. Neuropsychological tests assessed individuals’ learning and memory impairments. First, we provide much-needed clarification regarding the presence of enhanced multisensory benefits in both healthily and abnormally aging individuals. The pattern of sensory dominance shifted with healthy and abnormal aging to favour a propensity of auditory-dominant behaviour (i.e., detecting sounds faster than flashes). Notably, multisensory benefits were larger only in healthy older than younger individuals who were also visually-dominant. Second, we demonstrate that the multisensory detection task offers benefits as a time- and resource-economic MCI screening tool. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that MCI diagnosis could be reliably achieved based on the combination of indices of multisensory integration together with indices of sensory dominance. Our findings showcase the importance of sensory profiles in determining multisensory benefits in healthy and abnormal aging. Crucially, our findings open an exciting possibility for multisensory detection tasks to be used as a cost-effective screening tool. These findings clarify relationships between multisensory and memory functions in aging, while offering new avenues for improved dementia diagnostics.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of electrophoresis-aided casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate remineralisation system on pH-cycling and acid-etching demineralised enamel
Authors: Zhang Yu Yuan , Wong Hai Ming , McGrath Colman P. J. , Li Quan Li
Published: June 2018

Casein phosphate-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), as a remineralisation agent, is extensively used in managing demineralised enamel; however, its remineralisation kinetics is low. This study aimed to improve remineralisation kinetics of CPP-ACP by introducing a rapid remineralisation method with electrophoresis. In vitro, a pH-cycling enamel model was used to test remineralisation potentials of electrophoresis-aided CPP-ACP. For verifying remineralisation potentials of electrophoresis-aided CPP-ACP in vivo in a rabbit model, acid-etched enamel surface on rabbit maxillary incisors was remineralised by electrophoresis-aided CPP-ACP with 1.0 mA (group A) or 0.5 mA (group B). Both in vitro and in vivo, it was observed that electrophoresis was benefit to improve remineralisation kinetics of CPP-ACP, and the demineralised enamel was completely remineralised after 5 h. The Ca/P ratio in remineralised enamel consisted with that of hydroxyapatite, the microstructure in native enamel. Meanwhile, in vivo the micro-hardness of acid-etched enamel in group A (322.55 ± 31.90) and group B (322.55 ± 31.90) recovered up to the value of native enamel after 5 h remineralisation (p > 0.05). The Hematoxylin-eosin stain demonstrated that the electric field used in this study was safe on rabbit dental pulp. Therefore, this efficient and safe method has the potential to be applied in treating enamel deminerlisation.
A seven-lncRNA signature predicts overall survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mao Yu , Fu Zhanzhao , Zhang Yunjie , Dong Lixin , Zhang Yanqiu , Zhang Qiang , Li Xin , Liu Jia
Published: June 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common types of cancer and the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, especially in Eastern Asia. Here, we downloaded the microarray data of lncRNA expression profiles of ESCC patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets and divided into training, validation and test set. The random survival forest (RSF) algorithm and Cox regression analysis were applied to identify a seven-lncRNA signature. Then the predictive ability of the seven-lncRNA signature was evaluated in the validation and test set using Kaplan-Meier test, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and dynamic area under curve (AUC). Stratified analysis and multivariate Cox regression also demonstrated the independence of the signature in prognosis prediction from other clinical factors. Besides, the predict accuracy of lncRNA signature was much better than that of tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage in all the three sets. LncRNA combined with TNM displayed better prognostic predict ability than either alone. The role of LINC00173 from the signature in modulating the proliferation and cell cycle of ESCC cells was also observed. These results indicated that this seven-lncRNA signature could be used as an independent prognostic biomarker for prognosis prediction of patients with ESCC.
PARP1 activation increases expression of modified tumor suppressors and pathways underlying development of aggressive hepatoblastoma
Authors: Valanejad Leila , Cast Ashley , Wright Mary , Bissig Karl-Dimiter , Karns Rebekah , Weirauch Matthew T. , Timchenko Nikolai
Published: June 2018

Hepatoblastoma (HBL) is a pediatric liver cancer that affects children under the age of three. Reduction of tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs) is commonly seen in liver cancer. However, in our studies we find that aggressive, chemo-resistant HBLs exhibit an elevation of TSPs. HBL patients with a classic phenotype have reduced TSP levels, but patients with aggressive HBL express elevated TSPs that undergo posttranslational modifications, eliminating their tumor suppression activities. Here we identify unique aggressive liver cancer domains (ALCDs) that are activated in aggressive HBL by PARP1-mediated chromatin remodeling leading to elevation of modified TSPs and activation of additional cancer pathways: WNT signaling and β-catenin. Inhibition of PARP1 blocks activation of ALCDs and normalizes expression of corresponding genes, therefore reducing cell proliferation. Our studies reveal PARP1 activation as a mechanism for the development of aggressive HBL, further suggesting FDA-approved PARP1 inhibitors might be used for treatment of patients with aggressive HBL.
Global gene expression profiling for fruit organs and pathogen infections in the pepper, Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Kim Myung-Shin , Kim Seungill , Jeon Jongbum , Kim Ki-Tae , Lee Hyun-Ah , Lee Hye-Young , Park Jieun , Seo Eunyoung , Kim Saet-Byul , Yeom Seon-In , Lee Yong-Hwan , Choi Doil
Published: June 2018

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) is one of the most consumed vegetable crops in the world and useful to human as it has many nutritional and medicinal values. Genomic resources of pepper are publically available since the pepper genomes have been completed and massive data such as transcriptomes have been deposited. Nevertheless, global transcriptome profiling is needed to identify molecular mechanisms related to agronomic traits in pepper, but limited analyses are published. Here, we report the comprehensive analysis of pepper transcriptomes during fruit ripening and pathogen infection. For the ripening, transcriptome data were obtained from placenta and pericarp at seven developmental stages. To reveal global transcriptomic landscapes during infection, leaves at six time points post-infection by one of three pathogens (Phytophthora infestans, Pepper mottle virus, and Tobacco mosaic virus P0 strain) were profiled. The massive parallel transcriptome profiling in this study will serve as a valuable resource for detection of molecular networks of fruit development and disease resistance in Capsicum annuum.
Correction: Corrigendum: The orientation selectivity of face identification
Authors: Goffaux Valerie , Greenwood John A.
Published: June 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34204; published online: 28 September 2016; updated: 05 June 2018 In the original version of this Article, the authors erroneously reported the standard deviation (SD) of the Gaussian fits as the full width at half maximum (FWHM). In the Abstract, “Performance was well described by a Gaussian function with a bandwidth around 25°.
Selective recovery of lithium from spent lithium iron phosphate batteries: a sustainable process
Authors: Yang Yongxia , Meng Xiangqi , Cao Hongbin , Lin Xiao , Liu Chenming , Sun Yong , Zhang Yi , Sun Zhi
Published: June 2018

An effective and sustainable approach is demonstrated for selective leaching of lithium from spent lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Rapid synthesis of polysubstituted phenanthridines from simple aliphatic/aromatic nitriles and iodo arenes via Pd(ii) catalyzed domino C–C/C–C/C–N bond formation
Authors: Jaiswal Yogesh , Kumar Yogesh , Pal Jagannath , Subramanian Ranga , Kumar Amit
Published: June 2018

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of polysubstituted phenanthridiene via palladium catalyzed nucleophilic addition of aryl iodides to nitriles followed by dual C–H activation.
Live-cell imaging of multiple endogenous mRNAs permits the direct observation of RNA granule dynamics
Authors: Yatsuzuka Kenji , Sato Shin-ichi , Pe Kathleen Beverly , Katsuda Yousuke , Takashima Ippei , Watanabe Mizuki , Uesugi Motonari
Published: June 2018

A multicolor RNA imaging technology permits the direct observation of stress granule formation in living cells.
An insight into the effects of transition metals on the thermal expansion of complex perovskite compounds: an experimental and density functional theory investigation
Authors: Wang Xiao , Han Ye , Song Xiaojie , Liu Weihui , Jin Yinxi , Liu Wentao , Cui Hongzhi
Published: June 2018

The doping of transition-metals can suppress the growth of the perovskite grain and decrease the TECs of the compounds. The mechanisms were studied using experimental methods and theoretical calculations.
Anharmonic contribution to the stabilization of Mg(OH)2from first principles
Authors: Treviño P. , Garcia-Castro A. C. , López-Moreno S. , Bautista-Hernández A. , Bobocioiu E. , Reynard B. , Caracas R. , Romero A. H.
Published: June 2018

Geometrical and vibrational characterization of magnesium hydroxide was performed using density functional theory.
Excitation spectroscopic and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of the origin of aggregation-induced emission in N,N-diphenyl-1-naphthylamine-o-carborane derivatives
Authors: Kim So-Yoen , Lee Jong-Dae , Cho Yang-Jin , Son Mi Rang , Son Ho-Jin , Cho Dae Won , Kang Sang Ook
Published: June 2018

Excitation spectroscopy is one of the most suitable methods to classify the aggregation patterns in AIE.
Efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen gas evolution by a cobalt–porphyrin-based crystalline polymer
Authors: Wu Yanyu , Veleta José M. , Tang Diya , Price Alex D. , Botez Cristian E. , Villagrán Dino
Published: June 2018

Herein, we report a crystalline CoTcPP-based [TcPP = the anion of meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin] polymeric system, 1, as a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst in acidic aqueous media.
Four-electron reduction chemistry using a uranium(iii) phosphido complex
Authors: Rungthanaphatsophon Pokpong , Barnes Charles L. , Kelley Steven P. , Walensky Justin R.
Published: June 2018

The first uranium(iii) phosphido complex is reported.
Ultrasound-promoted Brønsted acid ionic liquid-catalyzed hydrothiocyanation of activated alkynes under minimal solvent conditions
Authors: Wu Chao , Lu Ling-Hui , Peng Ai-Zhong , Jia Guo-Kai , Peng Cun , Cao Zhong , Tang Zilong , He Wei-Min , Xu Xinhua
Published: June 2018

A facile, practical and eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of various Z-vinyl thiocyanates under minimal solvent conditions was developed.
Scalable production of double emulsion drops with thin shells
Authors: Vian A. , Reuse B. , Amstad E.
Published: June 2018

The microfluidic aspiration device reduces the shell thickness of double emulsions down to 240 nm at a high throughput.
Role of ZIP8 in regulating cell morphology and NF-κB/Snail2 signaling
Authors: Geng Xiangrong , Liu Liu , Banes-Berceli Amy , Yang Zhouyuan , Kang Pengde , Shen Jian , Tsai Kan-Jen , Liu Zijuan
Published: June 2018

ZIP8 plays a role in regulating cell morphology, cytoskeleton arrangement and proliferation through activation of NF-κB, as well as upregulating Snail2 and downregulating E-cadherin.
Gga-let-7f-3p promotes apoptosis in selenium deficiency-induced skeletal muscle by targeting selenoprotein K
Authors: Fan Rui-Feng , Cao Chang-Yu , Chen Meng-Hao , Shi Qun-Xiang , Xu Shi-Wen
Published: June 2018

SELENOK was directly targeted by gga-let-7f-3p, and overexpression of gga-let-7f-3p induced oxidative stress, ERS and apoptosis in chicken myoblasts.