bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for development of new skin neoplasms in patients with past history of skin cancer: A survival analysis
Authors: Duarte Ana Filipa , Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Haneke Eckart , Correia Osvaldo
Published: October 2018

We conducted a retrospective study aiming to assess the risk, and associated risk factors, of developing subsequent skin cancers after having a first diagnosis of skin cancer. We included all patients with biopsy-proven skin cancer attending a dermatology clinic between July 2007 and July 2017. We assessed the frequency of new skin cancers, as well as potential demographic and clinical factors significantly associated with occurrence of such neoplasms, that were identified by means of a survival analysis. We analyzed 969 patients with a total of 1584 skin neoplasms (1122 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 310 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 143 melanomas and 9 other neoplasms). 165 patients (17.0%) developed subsequent skin neoplasms. Factors identified in multivariable models to be significantly associated with development of new skin cancers included older age (adjusted HR = 1.04 per year; 95%CI = 1.02–1.05; p < 0.001), and presence of synchronous neoplasms (adjusted HR = 2.25; 95%CI = 1.61–3.14; p < 0.001). Having a history of a BCC was significantly associated with development of new BCC (adjusted HR = 1.63; 95%CI = 1.05–2.54; p = 0.030), while having a previous SCC was associated with occurrence of subsequent SCC (adjusted HR = 3.60; 95%CI = 1.93–6.72; p < 0.001). These findings point to the importance of careful follow-up (e.g., skin self-examination and full body examination) of skin cancer patients.
Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman criticality of 3D superinsulators
Authors: Diamantini M. C. , Gammaitoni L. , Trugenberger C. A. , Vinokur V. M.
Published: October 2018

It has been believed that the superinsulating state, which is the low-temperature charge Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) phase, can exist only in two dimensions. We develop a general gauge description of the superinsulating state and the related deconfinement transition of Cooper pairs and predict the existence of the superinsulating state in three dimensions (3d). We find that 3d superinsulators exhibit Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) critical behavior at the phase transition. This is the 3d string analog of the Berezinski-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) criticality for logarithmically and linearly interacting point particles in 2d. Our results show that singular exponential scaling behaviors of the BKT type are generic for phase transitions associated with the condensation of topological excitations.
Multisensory integration in rodent tactile but not visual thalamus
Authors: Bieler Malte , Xu Xiaxia , Marquardt Annette , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L.
Published: October 2018

Behavioural performance requires a coherent perception of environmental features that address multiple senses. These diverse sensory inputs are integrated in primary sensory cortices, yet it is still largely unknown whether their convergence occurs even earlier along the sensory tract. Here we investigate the role of putatively modality-specific first-order (FO) thalamic nuclei (ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM), dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN)) and their interactions with primary sensory cortices (S1, V1) for multisensory integration in pigmented rats in vivo. We show that bimodal stimulation (i.e. simultaneous light flash and whisker deflection) enhances sensory evoked activity in VPM, but not dLGN. Moreover, cross-modal stimuli reset the phase of thalamic network oscillations and strengthen the coupling efficiency between VPM and S1, but not between dLGN and V1. Finally, the information flow from VPM to S1 is enhanced. Thus, FO tactile, but not visual, thalamus processes and relays sensory inputs from multiple senses, revealing a functional difference between sensory thalamic nuclei during multisensory integration.
Homeostatic plasticity and emergence of functional networks in a whole-brain model at criticality
Authors: Rocha Rodrigo P. , Koçillari Loren , Suweis Samir , Corbetta Maurizio , Maritan Amos
Published: October 2018

Understanding the relationship between large-scale structural and functional brain networks remains a crucial issue in modern neuroscience. Recently, there has been growing interest in investigating the role of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms, across different spatiotemporal scales, in regulating network activity and brain functioning against a wide range of environmental conditions and brain states (e.g., during learning, development, ageing, neurological diseases). In the present study, we investigate how the inclusion of homeostatic plasticity in a stochastic whole-brain model, implemented as a normalization of the incoming node’s excitatory input, affects the macroscopic activity during rest and the formation of functional networks. Importantly, we address the structure-function relationship both at the group and individual-based levels. In this work, we show that normalization of the node’s excitatory input improves the correspondence between simulated neural patterns of the model and various brain functional data. Indeed, we find that the best match is achieved when the model control parameter is in its critical value and that normalization minimizes both the variability of the critical points and neuronal activity patterns among subjects. Therefore, our results suggest that the inclusion of homeostatic principles lead to more realistic brain activity consistent with the hallmarks of criticality. Our theoretical framework open new perspectives in personalized brain modeling with potential applications to investigate the deviation from criticality due to structural lesions (e.g. stroke) or brain disorders.
Case studies on potential G-quadruplex-forming sequences from the bacterial orders Deinococcales and Thermales derived from a survey of published genomes
Authors: Ding Yun , Fleming Aaron M. , Burrows Cynthia J.
Published: October 2018

Genomes provide a platform for storage of chemical information that must be stable under the context in which an organism thrives. The 2‘-deoxyguanosine (G) nucleotide has the potential to provide additional chemical information beyond its Watson-Crick base-pairing capacity. Sequences with four or more runs of three G nucleotides each are potential G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQSs) that can adopt G-quadruplex folds. Herein, we analyzed sequenced genomes from the NCBI database to determine the PQS densities of the genome sequences. First, we found organisms with large genomes, including humans, alligators, and maize, have similar densities of PQSs (~300 PQSs/Mbp), and the genomes are significantly enriched in PQSs with more than four G tracks. Analysis of microorganism genomes found a greater diversity of PQS densities. In general, PQS densities positively tracked with the GC% of the genome. Exceptions to this observation were the genomes from thermophiles that had many more PQSs than expected by random chance. Analysis of the location of these PQSs in annotated genomes from the order Thermales showed these G-rich sequences to be randomly distributed; in contrast, in the order Deinococcales the PQSs were enriched and biased around transcription start sites of genes. Four representative PQSs, two each from the Thermales and Deinococcales, were studied by biophysical methods to establish the ability of them to fold to G-quadruplexes. The experiments found the two PQSs in the Thermales did not adopt G-quadruplex folds, while the two most common in the Deinococcales adopted stable parallel-stranded G-quadruplexes. The findings lead to a hypothesis that thermophilic organisms are enriched with PQSs as an unavoidable consequence to stabilize thermally their genomes to live at high temperature; in contrast, the genomes from stress-resistant bacteria found in the Deinococcales may utilize PQSs for gene regulatory purposes.
Long-term safety, health and mental status in men with vasectomy
Authors: Zhao Kai , Wu Li , Kong Xiangbin , Chen Yaoping , Li Honggang , Gu Yiqun , Shang Xuejun , Xiong Chengliang
Published: October 2018

Vasectomy is an efficient male contraceptive method, but the long-term effects of this technology in a large population are unclear. To investigate the influence of vasectomy on long-term health effects, we recruited 485 men with a vasectomy and 1940 men without vasectomy in China. After obtaining basic information from the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale and other questionnaires, peripheral blood was drawn to assess the hormone levels, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and blood biochemistry. Using multiple linear regression analysis, these factors had no relationship with vasectomy except for four factors including the Somatic score (0.31, 0.02 and 0.61) in AMS, SF-36 score (−18.8, −32.00 and −5.60), “Role emotional” (−6.28, −10.34 and −2.22) and “Mental health” (−1.55, −3.08 and −0.02). A stratified analysis showed that with increased age, smoking and drinking, residence in township or a higher level of education, the mental health of men was worse. Vasectomy had no long-term effect on the level of sexual hormones in men, and it did not increase the level of PSA. The impact of the vasectomy on quality of life in men were mainly reflected in psychological effects, which suggests that men with vasectomy groups many benefit from professional psychological counseling.
Effect of Multiple Factors on Foam Stability in Foam Sclerotherapy
Authors: Bai Taoping , Jiang Wentao , Chen Yu , Yan Fei , Xu Zhi , Fan Yubo
Published: October 2018

Foam sclerotherapy is a widely used treatment for varicose veins. However, complications caused by poor foam stability still remain. Most studies ignore multiple influencing factors and only study a single factor. Furthermore, a stable foam preparation using different preparation conditions has not been developed. This study aimed to explore the changing laws of foam stability under multifactorial conditions, and to determine the influence of various factors and optimal preparation conditions on the half-life of foam. A two-level orthogonal test was conducted using four factors (syringe size, surfactant, preparation temperature, and pump speed). Classifications were established as follows: syringe sizes, 2.5 mL and 5 mL; surfactant concentrations, 6% and 0%; preparation temperatures, 20 °C and 10 °C; and pump speeds, 250 mm/s and 125 mm/s, respectively. Eight experimental group (EG) multi-factor combinations were tested. Half-life and drainage time were recorded for analysis. The initial drainage time was within 200 s, but the difference between the groups was also about 200 s. The drainage rate curves of all EGs gradually increased over time. Conversely, the foam half-life extended by about 10 times for the four factors. In addition, the analyses revealed that the order of influence was surfactant >temperature >pump speed >syringe size. The most stable foam preparation was determined. Syringe size, surfactant, temperature, and pump speed had markedly observable influences on foam half-life. A combination of multiple factors can be used to prepare a more stable foam in clinical scenarios and to suitably superimpose favorable conditions to avoid unfavorable conditions.
Amplification of the Melanocortin-1 Receptor in Nephrotic Syndrome Identifies a Target for Podocyte Cytoskeleton Stabilization
Authors: Bergwall Lovisa , Wallentin Hanna , Elvin Johannes , Liu Peidi , Boi Roberto , Sihlbom Carina , Hayes Kyle , Wright Dale , Haraldsson Börje , Nyström Jenny , Buvall Lisa
Published: October 2018

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) in podocytes has been suggested as the mediator of the ACTH renoprotective effect in patients with nephrotic syndrome with the mechanism of action beeing stabilization of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton. To understand how melanocortin receptors are regulated in nephrotic syndrome and how they are involved in restoration of filtration barrier function, melanocortin receptor expression was evaluated in patients and a rat model of nephrotic syndrome in combination with cell culture analysis. Phosphoproteomics was applied and identified MC1R pathways confirmed using biochemical analysis. We found that glomerular MC1R expression was increased in nephrotic syndrome, both in humans and in a rat model. A MC1R agonist protected podocytes from protamine sulfate induced stress fiber loss with the top ranked phoshoproteomic MC1R activated pathway beeing actin cytoskeleton signaling. Actin stabilization through the MC1R consisted of ERK1/2 dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of EGFR signaling with stabilization of synaptopodin and stressfibers in podocytes. These results further explain how patients with nephrotic syndrome show responsiveness to MC1R receptor activation by decreasing EGFR signaling and as a consequence restore filtration barrier function by stabilizing the podocyte actin cytoskeleton.
Assessment of the distribution of load on the lower limbs and balance before and after ankle arthrodesis with the Ilizarov method
Authors: Morasiewicz Piotr , Konieczny Grzegorz , Dejnek Maciej , Urbański Wiktor , Dragan Szymon Łukasz , Kulej Mirosław , Dragan Szymon Feliks , Pawik Łukasz
Published: October 2018

Ankle arthrodesis with the Ilizarov method is an accepted form of treatment of advanced degenerative changes of the ankle joint. Incorrect balance and load distribution on the lower limbs may result in pain and dysfunction. The aim of the study was to assess the change of balance and load distribution in lower extremities in patients before and after ankle arthrodesis with the Ilizarov method. Between 2013 and 2016, ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov method was performed on 21 patients. The evaluation of balance and percentage of load in each lower limb was performed before the surgery and during the follow-ups. The evaluation was performed using a Zebris pedobarographic platform. Before the surgery, the patients exhibited an average load of 41.9% of body weight in the affected limb, whereas the load in the healthy limb was 58.1%. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0,000031). In two years follow-up, the average load in the treated limbs was 48.19%, whereas the healthy limbs were subjected to an average load of 51.81%. In preoperative tests, the average path length of the center of gravity was 161.55 cm; postoperatively, the average path length of the center of gravity was 129.7 cm (p = 0.00003206). Preoperatively, the average area of the center of gravity was 18.85 cm2; it decreased to 6.19 cm2 (p = 0.000032) postoperatively. Arthrodesis of the ankle with the Ilizarov method improved the statics of the musculoskeletal system by improving the distribution of loads in the lower limbs as well as balance. However, it failed to restore the parameters of a healthy person. Advanced degenerative changes of the ankle disturb the biomechanics of the entire lower limb.
The roles of IL-17C in T cell-dependent and -independent inflammatory diseases
Authors: Yamaguchi Sachiko , Nambu Aya , Numata Takafumi , Yoshizaki Takamichi , Narushima Seiko , Shimura Eri , Hiraishi Yoshihisa , Arae Ken , Morita Hideaki , Matsumoto Kenji , Hisatome Ichiro , Sudo Katsuko , Nakae Susumu
Published: October 2018

IL-17C, which is a member of the IL-17 family of cytokines, is preferentially produced by epithelial cells in the lung, skin and colon, suggesting that IL-17C may be involved in not only host defense but also inflammatory diseases in those tissues. In support of that, IL-17C was demonstrated to contribute to development of T cell-dependent imiquimod-induced psoriatic dermatitis and T cell-independent dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis using mice deficient in IL-17C and/or IL-17RE, which is a component of the receptor for IL-17C. However, the roles of IL-17C in other inflammatory diseases remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the contributions of IL-17C to development of certain disease models usingIl17c−/−mice, which we newly generated. Those mice showed normal development of T cell-dependent inflammatory diseases such as FITC- and DNFB-induced contact dermatitis/contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and concanavalin A-induced hepatitis, and T cell-independent inflammatory diseases such as bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, papain-induced airway eosinophilia and LPS-induced airway neutrophilia. On the other hand, those mice were highly resistant to LPS-induced endotoxin shock, indicating that IL-17C is crucial for protection against that immunological reaction. Therefore, IL-17C neutralization may represent a novel therapeutic approach for sepsis, in addition to psoriasis and acute colitis.
Author Correction: Direct RNA Sequencing of the Coding Complete Influenza A Virus Genome
Authors: Keller Matthew W. , Rambo-Martin Benjamin L. , Wilson Malania M. , Ridenour Callie A. , Shepard Samuel S. , Stark Thomas J. , Neuhaus Elizabeth B. , Dugan Vivien G. , Wentworth David E. , Barnes John R.
Published: October 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
How body motion influences echolocation while walking
Authors: Tonelli Alessia , Campus Claudio , Brayda Luca
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the influence of body motion on an echolocation task. We asked a group of blindfolded novice sighted participants to walk along a corridor, made with plastic sound-reflecting panels. By self-generating mouth clicks, the participants attempted to understand some spatial properties of the corridor, i.e. a left turn, a right turn or a dead end. They were asked to explore the corridor and stop whenever they were confident about the corridor shape. Their body motion was captured by a camera system and coded. Most participants were able to accomplish the task with the percentage of correct guesses above the chance level. We found a mutual interaction between some kinematic variables that can lead to optimal echolocation skills. These variables are head motion, accounting for spatial exploration, the motion stop-point of the person and the amount of correct guesses about the spatial structure. The results confirmed that sighted people are able to use self-generated echoes to navigate in a complex environment. The inter-individual variability and the quality of echolocation tasks seems to depend on how and how much the space is explored.
Biochemistry, hormones and adipocytokines in prepubertal children born with IUGR evoke metabolic, hepatic and renal derangements
Authors: Sidiropoulou Elpida J. , Paltoglou George , Valsamakis George , Margeli Alexandra , Mantzou Aimilia , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Hassiakos Dimitrios , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Mastorakos George
Published: October 2018

Children born with IUGR develop features of the metabolic syndrome and exhibit deranged markers of hepatorenal physiology. Metabolic and hepatorenal biochemistry and the rs9939609 FTO polymorphism were investigated in prepubertal children born with IUGR. Ninety-eight prepubertal children (46 IUGR and 52 AGA), subdivided in <5 years and >5 years old groups were included. Anthropometry; creatinine, eGFR, urea, AST, ALT, triglycerides, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, glucose, C-peptide, insulin and glucagon z-scores; HOMA-IR; leptin and adiponectin concentrations; rs9939609 FTO polymorphism frequency were measured. In males, weight and ALT were higher and adiponectin was lower, in IUGR < 5 years; C-peptide, insulin and leptin were higher in IUGR > 5 years; C-peptide was higher in all IUGR, than the respective AGA. In females, creatinine and triglycerides were higher in IUGR < 5 years old; creatinine was higher and eGFR was lower in all IUGR, than the respective AGA. In males and females, creatinine was higher in all IUGR, than the respective AGA; C-peptide, insulin and HOMA-IR were lower, and AST was higher in IUGR < 5 than in IUGR > 5 years old. FTO rs9939609 frequency did not differ between IUGR and AGA. In conclusion prepubertal males born with IUGR increased weight, insulin and leptin and decreased adiponectin, as compared to males born AGA, emerge as early metabolic syndrome characteristics. The concentrations of these hormones do not differ between prepubertal males and females born with IUGR. Weight control, healthy nutrition and physical exercise should be recommended to these children. The deranged renal (particularly evident in females below the age of 5) and liver biochemistry in prepubertal children born with IUGR suggests that hepatorenal derangements might commence in utero. Regular checkup of biochemical and lipid profile is recommended for all children born with IUGR.
Longitudinal monoaminergic PET imaging of chronic proteasome inhibition in minipigs
Authors: Lillethorup Thea P. , Glud Andreas N. , Alstrup Aage K. O. , Noer Ove , Nielsen Erik H. T. , Schacht Anna C. , Landeck Natalie , Kirik Deniz , Orlowski Dariusz , Sørensen Jens Christian H. , Doudet Doris J. , Landau Anne M.
Published: October 2018

Impairment of the ubiquitin proteasome system has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease. We used positron emission tomography to investigate longitudinal effects of chronic intracerebroventricular exposure to the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin on monoaminergic projections and neuroinflammation. Göttingen minipigs were implanted in the cisterna magna with a catheter connected to a subcutaneous injection port. Minipigs were imaged at baseline and after cumulative doses of 200 and 400 μg lactacystin, respectively. Main radioligands included [11C]-DTBZ (vesicular monoamine transporter type 2) and [11C]-yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor). [11C]-DASB (serotonin transporter) and [11C]-PK11195 (activated microglia) became available later in the study and we present their results in a smaller subset of animals for information purposes only. Striatal [11C]-DTBZ binding potentials decreased significantly by 16% after 200 μg compared to baseline, but the decrease was not sustained after 400 μg (n = 6). [11C]-yohimbine volume of distribution increased by 18–25% in the pons, grey matter and the thalamus after 200 μg, which persisted at 400 μg (n = 6). In the later subset of minipigs, we observed decreased [11C]-DASB (n = 5) and increased [11C]-PK11195 (n = 3) uptake after 200 μg. These changes may mimic monoaminergic changes and compensatory responses in early Parkinson’s disease.
Locating human splenic capillary sheaths in virtual reality
Authors: Steiniger B. S. , Wilhelmi V. , Berthold M. , Guthe M. , Lobachev O.
Published: October 2018

Stromal capillary sheath cells in human spleens strongly express CD271, the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75. Serial sections of a representative adult human spleen were double-stained for CD271 versus smooth muscle alpha actin (SMA) plus CD34 to visualise capillary sheaths, the arterial tree and endothelial cells by transmitted light. Preliminary three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of single regions were inspected in virtual reality (VR). This method showed that a large number of CD271+ sheaths occur in a post-arteriolar position often surrounding capillaries located close to divisions of arterioles. The length and diameter of capillary sheaths are rather heterogeneous. Long sheaths were observed to accompany one or two generations of capillary branches. We hypothesise that human splenic capillary sheaths may attract recirculating B-lymphocytes from the open circulation of the red pulp to start their migration into white pulp follicles along branches of the arterial tree. In addition, they may provide sites of interaction among sheath macrophages and B-lymphocytes. Our innovative approach allows stringent quality control by inserting the original immunostained serial sections into the 3D model for viewing and annotation in VR. Longer series of sections will allow to unequivocally localise most of the capillary sheaths in a given volume.
Reconfigurable sound anomalous absorptions in transparent waveguide with modularized multi-order Helmholtz resonator
Authors: Long Houyou , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun
Published: October 2018

Helmholtz resonators offer an ideal platform for advanced sound absorbers, but their utility has been impeded by inherent frequency range limitations and the lack of function reconfiguration. Here, we introduce a multi-order Helmholtz resonator (MHR) that allows multiple monopolar resonant modes theoretically and experimentally. The combination of these modularized MHRs further creates reconfigurable multi-band anomalous absorbers in a two-port transparent waveguide while maintaining undisturbed air ventilation. In asymmetric absorption state through coupling of artificial sound soft boundary with preposed MHR, sound energy is almost totally absorbed in multiple frequency ranges when sound waves are incident from one side while it is largely reflected back from the opposite side. Interestingly, the original asymmetric absorber would turn into symmetric bidirectional absorber if one post MHR concatenates after the soft boundary. Using combination of identical MHRs, we demonstrate function selective asymmetric/symmetric absorber in multi-bands, highlighting the potential to use MHRs in the design of diverse devices for more versatile applications.
Diversity and relationships among strains of culturable yeasts in agricultural soils in Cameroon
Authors: Aljohani Renad , Samarasinghe Himeshi , Ashu Tabi , Xu Jianping
Published: October 2018

Yeasts are unicellular fungi; they are found in a diverse range of natural habitats, including soil, aquatic environments, the surface of plants, and the skin and mucosal surfaces of animal hosts. A variety of yeasts have been found in the soil environment. However, most studies of soil yeasts have come from developed countries, and there is a dearth of research on soil yeasts in Africa. In this study, we analyzed 493 soil samples from nine geographical locations in Cameroon for yeasts, using a culture - based method. A total of 110 yeast isolates were obtained. Based on their sequences at the fungal barcode locus, the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster, the 110 yeast isolates were putatively identified as belonging to 16 yeast species, including 15 Ascomycetes and one Basidiomycete. Differences in yeast species distribution were observed among the analyzed geographic regions. PCR fingerprinting analyses identified a large number of genotypes among strains within each of the obtained yeast species. Significantly, there was little evidence of geographic clustering among yeast strains from any of the yeast species. Our results suggest that Cameroon contains significant yeast diversity and that gene flow is common among local and regional soil yeast populations.
Quasi-Crystal Metasurface for Simultaneous Half- and Quarter-Wave Plate Operation
Authors: Mustafa Meraj-E- , Amin Muhammad , Siddiqui Omar , Tahir Farooq A.
Published: October 2018

We present a quasi-crystal metasurface that can simultaneously work as efficient cross-polarizer and circular polarizer for wide range of frequencies. The quasi-crystal technique benefits from individual resonant response of anisotropic patch and the coupled response due to periodic perturbations in the square lattice. It is shown that quasi-crystals offer broadband response for cross-polarization as well as high efficiency circular-polarization conversion of reflected fields. The quasi-crystal metasurface achieves cross-polarization (above −3 dB) for two broad frequency bands between 10.28–15.50 GHz and 16.21–18.80 GHz. Furthermore, the proposed metasurface can simultaneously work as high efficiency circular-polarizer from 10.15–10.27 GHz and 15.51–16.20 GHz. The metasurface design is also optimized to suppress co-polarization below −10 dB between 10.5–15.5 GHz. This metasurface can find potential applications in reflector antennas, imaging microscopy, remote sensing, and control of radar cross-section etc.
Loss of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 promotes hepatic steatosis via the induced de novo lipogenesis
Authors: Lee Sang R. , Kwon Sun Woo , Kaya Pelin , Lee Young Ho , Lee Jong Geol , Kim Globinna , Lee Geun-Shik , Baek In-Jeoung , Hong Eui-Ju
Published: October 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from triglyceride accumulation within the liver and some of them advances to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is important to note that in NAFLD development, hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) derives from excess carbohydrates and fats under a condition of excess energy through β-oxidation. As a main regulator for DNL, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (Srebp-1) forms complex with progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (Pgrmc1). To investigate whether Pgrmc1 may have a notable effect on DNL via SREBP-1 activation, we generated Pgrmc1 knockout (KO) mice and fed a high fat diet for one month. High-fat-fed Pgrmc1 KO mice showed a substantial increase in levels of hepatic TG accumulation, and they were predisposed to NAFLD when compared to WT mice. Loss of Pgrmc1 increased mature SREBP-1 protein level, suggesting that induction of hepatic steatosis in Pgrmc1 KO mice might be triggered by de novo lipogenesis. Moreover, Pgrmc1 KO mice were also more vulnerable to early stage of NASH, showing high levels of alanine aminotransferase, obesity-linked pro-inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis markers. This is interesting because Pgrmc1 involves with the first step in regulating the hepatic de novo lipogenesis under an excess energy condition.
Stabilized coronavirus spikes are resistant to conformational changes induced by receptor recognition or proteolysis
Authors: Kirchdoerfer Robert N. , Wang Nianshuang , Pallesen Jesper , Wrapp Daniel , Turner Hannah L. , Cottrell Christopher A. , Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Graham Barney S. , McLellan Jason S. , Ward Andrew B.
Published: October 2018

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged in 2002 as a highly transmissible pathogenic human betacoronavirus. The viral spike glycoprotein (S) utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a host protein receptor and mediates fusion of the viral and host membranes, making S essential to viral entry into host cells and host species tropism. As SARS-CoV enters host cells, the viral S is believed to undergo a number of conformational transitions as it is cleaved by host proteases and binds to host receptors. We recently developed stabilizing mutations for coronavirus spikes that prevent the transition from the pre-fusion to post-fusion states. Here, we present cryo-EM analyses of a stabilized trimeric SARS-CoV S, as well as the trypsin-cleaved, stabilized S, and its interactions with ACE2. Neither binding to ACE2 nor cleavage by trypsin at the S1/S2 cleavage site impart large conformational changes within stabilized SARS-CoV S or expose the secondary cleavage site, S2′.
DeepTag: inferring diagnoses from veterinary clinical notes
Authors: Nie Allen , Zehnder Ashley , Page Rodney L. , Zhang Yuhui , Pineda Arturo Lopez , Rivas Manuel A. , Bustamante Carlos D. , Zou James
Published: October 2018

Large scale veterinary clinical records can become a powerful resource for patient care and research. However, clinicians lack the time and resource to annotate patient records with standard medical diagnostic codes and most veterinary visits are captured in free-text notes. The lack of standard coding makes it challenging to use the clinical data to improve patient care. It is also a major impediment to cross-species translational research, which relies on the ability to accurately identify patient cohorts with specific diagnostic criteria in humans and animals. In order to reduce the coding burden for veterinary clinical practice and aid translational research, we have developed a deep learning algorithm, DeepTag, which automatically infers diagnostic codes from veterinary free-text notes. DeepTag is trained on a newly curated dataset of 112,558 veterinary notes manually annotated by experts. DeepTag extends multitask LSTM with an improved hierarchical objective that captures the semantic structures between diseases. To foster human-machine collaboration, DeepTag also learns to abstain in examples when it is uncertain and defers them to human experts, resulting in improved performance. DeepTag accurately infers disease codes from free-text even in challenging cross-hospital settings where the text comes from different clinical settings than the ones used for training. It enables automated disease annotation across a broad range of clinical diagnoses with minimal preprocessing. The technical framework in this work can be applied in other medical domains that currently lack medical coding resources.
Modified cantilever arrays improve sensitivity and reproducibility of nanomechanical sensing in living cells
Authors: Patil Samadhan B. , Al-Jehani Rajai M. , Etayash Hashem , Turbe Valerian , Jiang Keren , Bailey Joe , Al-Akkad Walid , Soudy Rania , Kaur Kamaljit , McKendry Rachel A. , Thundat Thomas , Ndieyira Joseph W.
Published: October 2018

Mechanical signaling involved in molecular interactions lies at the heart of materials science and biological systems, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we use nanomechanical sensors and intact human cells to provide unique insights into the signaling pathways of connectivity networks, which deliver the ability to probe cells to produce biologically relevant, quantifiable and reproducible signals. We quantify the mechanical signals from malignant cancer cells, with 10 cells per ml in 1000-fold excess of non-neoplastic human epithelial cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that a direct link between cells and molecules creates a continuous connectivity which acts like a percolating network to propagate mechanical forces over both short and long length-scales. The findings provide mechanistic insights into how cancer cells interact with one another and with their microenvironments, enabling them to invade the surrounding tissues. Further, with this system it is possible to understand how cancer clusters are able to co-ordinate their migration through narrow blood capillaries.
Light actuated swarming and breathing-like motion of graphene oxide colloidal particles
Authors: Qin Hong , Wu Xiaoran , Xue Xiang , Liu Hewen
Published: October 2018

Synthetic microparticles that can be propelled under light stimulus and generate collective behaviors via interaction among these particles may lead to applications in numerous fields. Here we show that aqueous graphene oxide (GO) particles can move autonomously to a light source. These self-propelled multilayer GO particles swarm but periodically “stop to take a breath” under continuous light stimulus. UV light causes a movement velocity of approximately 25 μm s−1 and oscillating frequency of approximately two times per minute for multilayer GO particles. Light with a wavelength longer than green light causes neither locomotion nor oscillation. Only multilayer GO particles exhibit the oscillating behavior. This unusual oscillating mode suggests that multilayer GO particles may undergo non-equilibrium dynamic processes in their light-actuated collective motion.
Energy Sources and Supply Grids – The Growing Need for Storage
Authors: Duffy Peter , Fitzpatrick Colin , Conway Thomas , Lynch Robert P.
Published: October 2018

Efficiently exploiting renewable, sustainable and green energy resources is one of the most critical challenges facing our world today. For example, as part of this challenge, Germany aims to generate 65% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and Ireland aims to generate 40%. Renewable energy sources, e.g. solar and wind energy, are plentiful and sufficient to power our ever-increasing demand for more devices, technology and transportation. However, the increased demand for electricity at peak times, the increased instantaneous penetration of the grid by energy from non-conventional generation systems (such as wind turbines and solar photovoltaic) and the intermittent and non-dispatchable nature of renewable energy sources are threatening the stability of the electricity grid and limiting the ability of the transmission system operator to respond to sudden changes in generation or demand. This is particularly an issue in isolated grids such as on the island of Ireland, where the failure of a single generator results in the loss of a significant fraction of the overall grid capacity in an instant. However, in mainland Europe, the electricity grid of each nation is interconnected and synchronised, allowing the loss of a single generator in one region to be compensated for by increasing the output of the many other generators on the continent by a small amount. In the future, there will be a need for significant grid-scale storage, load levelling and stabilisation of the grid. Electric vehicles will become more prevalent and the fraction of renewables on the grid will increase significantly. These technologies and the way in which they interact with the grid will greatly affect the stability of the electricity grid. Smart and innovative interaction of these technologies with the grid raises the possibility of optimising the level of energy storage required for stable and reliable grid operation. However, lack of planning in these areas could make future cost-effective, sustainable and reliable energy solutions hard to achieve.
Thermal and Thermochemical Storage
Authors: Kato Yukitaka , Nomura Takahiro
Published: October 2018

The principles and potential of latent heat storage (LHS) and thermochemical energy storage (TCES) are introduced. LHS is a reliable technology for heat storage over a wide range of temperatures from low to high, and for cold storage such as ice storage. Phase-change material (PCM) development is a key technology for LHS. Technologies for overcoming the major PCM problems of low thermal conductivity and high corrosivity are reviewed. TCES can be operated as a thermally driven chemical heat pump and for heat transformation (upgrading) and cold heat production, and also to store heat with low loss, although TCES has not been commercialized. The principle of heat pump operation is outlined. TCES material generally has low thermal conductivity, and thermal conductivity enhancement methodology and the benefits of the methodology are reviewed.
Celastrol binds to its target protein via specific noncovalent interactions and reversible covalent bonds
Authors: Zhang Duo , Chen Ziwen , Hu Chaochao , Yan Siwei , Li Zhuoer , Lian Baohuan , Xu Yang , Ding Rong , Zeng Zhiping , Zhang Xiao-kun , Su Ying
Published: October 2018

Celastrol binding to its target protein Nur77 requires specific noncovalent interactions that position celastrol close to a specific cysteine and furthermore confer its binding specificity.
Synthesis and characterization of diamonds with different nitrogen concentrations under high pressure and high temperature conditions
Authors: Chen Liangchao , Miao Xinyuan , Ma Hongan , Guo Longsuo , Wang Zhanke , Yang Zhiqiang , Fang Chao , Jia XiaoPeng
Published: October 2018

In this study, {111}-oriented diamond crystals with different nitrogen concentrations were successfully synthesized in a series of experiments at 5.8 GPa pressure and 1380–1400 °C temperature.
Assessment of electronic transitions involving intermolecular charge transfer in complexes formed by fullerenes and donor–acceptor nanohoops
Authors: González-Veloso Iván , Rodríguez-Otero Jesús , Cabaleiro-Lago Enrique M.
Published: October 2018

Inserting an anthraquinone or tetracyanoanthraquinone unit in cycloparaphenylene nanohoops facilitates intermolecular electron transfer to a fullerene guest.
Beyond olefins: new metathesis directions for synthesis
Authors: Becker Marc R. , Watson Rebecca B. , Schindler Corinna S.
Published: October 2018

This tutorial review provides an introduction to metathesis reactions between carbonyls and olefins or alkynes and their application in natural product synthesis.
Ru and Ag promoted Co/Al2O3 catalysts for the gas-phase amination of aliphatic alcohols with ammonia
Authors: Ibáñez J. , Kusema B. T. , Paul S. , Pera-Titus M.
Published: October 2018

The present paper describes the synthesis of primary amines from long-chain aliphatic alcohols and ammonia using alumina-supported noble metal doped cobalt formulations with moderate cobalt loading (5 wt%).
Iridium–NHC-based catalyst for ambient pressure storage and low temperature release of H2via the CO2/HCO2H couple
Authors: Semwal Shrivats , Kumar Abhishek , Choudhury Joyanta
Published: October 2018

An imidazolylidene-based abnormal NHC ligand partnering with a proton-responsive benzimidazolato motif renders an Ir-catalyst highly efficient in both ambient-pressure CO2-hydrogenation and low-temperature HCO2H-dehydrogenation pertinent to hydrogen storage/delivery processes.
Structure activity relationship of 2-arylalkynyl-adenine derivatives as human A3 adenosine receptor antagonists
Authors: Yu Jinha , Mannes Philip , Jung Young-Hwan , Ciancetta Antonella , Bitant Amelia , Lieberman David I. , Khaznadar Sami , Auchampach John A. , Gao Zhan-Guo , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: October 2018

Adenines that incorporate known agonist affinity-enhancing substituents are A3AR-selective antagonists.
The cellular economy of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae zinc proteome
Authors: Wang Yirong , Weisenhorn Erin , MacDiarmid Colin W. , Andreini Claudia , Bucci Michael , Taggart Janet , Banci Lucia , Russell Jason , Coon Joshua J. , Eide David J.
Published: October 2018

We cataloged the zinc proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and analyzed how it responds to changing zinc status.
Computational biochemical investigation of the binding energy interactions between an estrogen receptor and its agonists
Authors: Lima Costa Aranthya H. , Clemente Washington S. , Bezerra Katyanna S. , Lima Neto José X. , Albuquerque Eudenilson L. , Fulco Umberto L.
Published: October 2018

We present the energy profiles of estrogen receptor–agonist ligand interactions in atomic detail using a quantum biochemical approach.
Flavopiridol as cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor: a review
Authors: Deep Aakash , Marwaha Rakesh Kumar , Marwaha Minakshi Gupta , Jyoti Jyoti , Nandal Rimmy , Sharma Arun Kumar
Published: October 2018

Flavopiridol (alvocidib) is a synthetic flavonoid based on the extract from an Indian plant developed for potential treatment of cancer whose first clinical trials were initiated in 1994 as a frontline combination therapy for leukaemia.
Adjusting the energy levels and bandgaps of conjugated polymers via Lewis acid–base reactions
Authors: Li Yongchun , Meng Huifeng , Li Yuqing , Pang Bo , Luo Genggeng , Huang Jianhua
Published: October 2018

Stoichiometry of the Lewis acid–base coordination between polymers and BCF and the effects on the optoelectronic properties.
Codelivery of a cytotoxin and photosensitiserviaa liposomal nanocarrier: a novel strategy for light-triggered cytosolic release
Authors: Yaghini Elnaz , Dondi Ruggero , Edler Karen J. , Loizidou Marilena , MacRobert Alexander J. , Eggleston Ian M.
Published: October 2018

Light-triggered intracellular delivery of a protein toxin was achieved by codeliveryviaa liposomal nanocarrier, targeted with a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)–photosensitiser conjugate.
Electrically gated nanoporous membranes for smart molecular flow control
Authors: Kim Sungho , Ozalp Ece Isenbike , Darwish Mohamed , Weldon Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2018

We report a novel conductive nanoporous membrane platform for a smart drug delivery system, which allows low-power electrically controlled delivery of therapeutic drug molecules via field-effect gating.
Silica coating enhances the stability of inorganic perovskite nanocrystals for efficient and stable down-conversion in white light-emitting devices
Authors: Zhang Fei , Shi Zhi-Feng , Ma Zhuang-Zhuang , Li Ying , Li Sen , Wu Di , Xu Ting-Ting , Li Xin-Jian , Shan Chong-Xin , Du Guo-Tong
Published: October 2018

CsPbBr3 QDs/silica composites with substantially improved stability were applied as the color-converting layer for high-performance white LED fabrication.
Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy studies of the endohedral fullerene Li@C60
Authors: Stefanou M. , Chandler H. J. , Mignolet B. , Williams E. , Nanoh S. A. , Thompson J. O. F. , Remacle F. , Schaub R. , Campbell E. E. B.
Published: October 2018

PES and STM studies show that the encapsulated Li strongly influences the properties of the diffuse Li@C60SAMO excited states.
Highly (00l)-oriented Bi2Te3/Te heterostructure thin films with enhanced power factor
Authors: Shang Hong-Jing , Ding Fa-Zhu , Deng Yuan , Zhang He , Dong Ze-Bin , Xu Wen-Juan , Huang Da-Xing , Gu Hong-Wei , Chen Zhi-Gang
Published: October 2018

A high power factor was obtained in highly (00l)-oriented Bi2Te3/Te heterostructure thin films via energy-dependent carrier filtering effect.
Graphene quantum dots against human IAPP aggregation and toxicity in vivo
Authors: Wang Miaoyi , Sun Yunxiang , Cao Xueying , Peng Guotao , Javed Ibrahim , Kakinen Aleksandr , Davis Thomas P. , Lin Sijie , Liu Jingquan , Ding Feng , Ke Pu Chun
Published: October 2018

Graphene quantum dots are biocompatible zero-dimensional nanostructures, which displayed a potency in rescuing zebrafish embryos from the toxicity of human islet amyloid polypeptide.
Effect of pressure on the structural, electronic and mechanical properties of ultraincompressible W2B
Authors: Qin Zhen , Gong Weiguang , Song Xianqi , Wang Menglong , Wang Hongbo , Li Quan
Published: October 2018

The combination of superior conductivity and mechanical properties reveals that W2B can be used for hard coatings and electrical measurements.
Imparting sensitivity and selectivity to a gold nanoparticle chemiresistor through thiol monolayer functionalization for sensing acetone
Authors: Xie Zhenzhen , Ramakrishnam Raju Mandapati V. , Stewart Andrew C. , Nantz Michael H. , Fu Xiao-An
Published: October 2018

Functionalization of gold nanoparticles with a thiol monolayer containing terminal urea moieties significantly improves the resultant interdigitated electrode chemiresistor response to acetone.
High-throughput lipidomics reveal mirabilite regulating lipid metabolism as anticancer therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Hong-lian , Zhang Ai-hua , Zhou Xiao-hang , Sun Hui , Wang Xiang-qian , Liang Liu , Wang Xi-jun
Published: October 2018

Altered lipid metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancers.
Ultra-highly fluorescent N doped carbon dots-CdTe QDs nanohybrids with excitation-independent emission in the blue-violet region
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Zheng Liang , Zheng Hui , Wu Feimei , Shao Lihuan , Zheng Peng , Liu Yan , Zhang Yang
Published: October 2018

The photoluminescence quantum yield of N-doped carbon dots was brought up to 84% by hybridizing with CdTe QDs.
Use of a diatomite template to prepare a MoS2/amorphous carbon composite and exploration of its electrochemical properties as a supercapacitor
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Aijun , Cao Xi , Liu Fangfang , Cheng Siyu , Chuan Xiuyun
Published: October 2018

Amorphous carbon is partially inserted into the interlayer spaces of MoS2in the composite prepared using a template method.
Simulation of nitrogen transformation in pressurized oxy-fuel combustion of pulverized coal
Authors: Liang Xiaorui , Wang Qinhui , Luo Zhongyang , Zhang Heng , Li Kaikun , Feng Yi , Shaikh Abdul Rahim , Cen Jianmeng
Published: October 2018

Chemical kinetic modeling was applied to simulate N transformation in pressurized oxy-fuel combustion and key reaction paths were revealed.
Distance-regulating surface plasmon catalyzed coupling reaction of p-nitrophenyl disulfide
Authors: Yu Long , Wu Shiwei , Liu Yu , Song Peng , Xia Lixin
Published: October 2018

The mechanism of dimerization of PEAN: the distance between molecules had the greatest influence on the auxiliary catalytic reaction. The reduction of the intermolecular distance effectively increased the efficiency of the coupling reaction.
Polymer semiconductors incorporating head-to-head linked 4-alkoxy-5-(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thiazole
Authors: Zhou Xin , Chen Peng , Koh Chang Woo , Chen Sheng , Yu Jianwei , Zhang Xianhe , Tang Yumin , Bianchi Luca , Guo Han , Woo Han Young , Guo Xugang
Published: October 2018

A new head-to-head linked thienylthiazole was synthesized, enabling polymer semiconductors with low energy loss of 0.59 eV in solar cells.