bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The calmodulin fused kinase novel gene family is the major system in plants converting Ca2+ signals to protein phosphorylation responses
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhang Liangsheng , Cheng Zong-Ming
Published: June 2017

Eukaryotes utilize Ca2+ as a universal second messenger to convert and multiply environmental and developmental signals to downstream protein phosphorylation responses. However, the phylogenetic relationships of the genes that convert Ca2+ signal (CS) to protein phosphorylation responses (PPRs) remain highly controversial, and their origin and evolutionary trajectory are unclear, which greatly hinders functional studies. Here we examined the deep phylogeny of eukaryotic CS converter gene families and identified a phylogenetically and structurally distinctive monophyly in Archaeplastida. This monophyly can be divided into four subfamilies, and each can be traced to ancestral members that contain a kinase domain and a calmodulin-like domain. This strongly indicates that the ancestor of this monophyly originated by a de novo fusion of a kinase gene and a calmodulin gene. This gene family, with a proposed new name, Calmodulin Fused Kinase (CFK), had expanded and diverged significantly both in sizes and in structures for efficient and accurate Ca2+ signalling, and was shown to play pivotal roles in all the six major plant adaptation events in evolution. Our findings elucidated the common origin of all CS-PPR converter genes except CBL-CIPK converter genes, and revealed that CFKs act as the main CS conversion system in plants.
Three-Dimensional Multi-Doped Porous Carbon/Graphene Derived from Sewage Sludge with Template-Assisted Fe-pillared Montmorillonite for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Meiqing , Wu Pingxiao , Chen Liya , Yang Shanshan , Yu Langfeng , Ding Yuefei , Zhu Nengwu , Shi Zhenqing , Liu Zehua
Published: June 2017

Three-dimensional multi-doped porous carbon/graphene (Fe-Mt-SS-C) was prepared by carbonization of sewage sludge with template-assisted Fe-pillared montmorillonite. The material consisted of nanosheet- and particle- carbon had a high specific surface area (784.46 m2·g−1) and hierarchical porous structure of micro-, meso- and macropores. The prepared Fe-Mt-SS-C had a high degree of graphitization and large amount of defect atoms. The pyrolysis process made full use of the C, N, Fe, and S by turning them into the carbon framework of the as-obtained material in situ. Template-assisted Fe-pillared montmorillonite contributed to more characteristics of morphology and composition on Fe-Mt-SS-C than other three materials (SS-C, Mt-SS-C and Fe-SS-C), and enhanced the electrocatalytic ORR activity by providing more adsorption sites and the electronic structure, resulting in the increase of conductivity and electrochemical activity. The ORR activity performance of Fe-Mt-SS-C, including the value of onset potential (0.03 V) and E1/2 (−0.09 V), was better than that of commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (−0.02 V and −0.18 V, respectively). Moreover, the Fe-Mt-SS-C possessed excellent durability and outstanding immunity toward methanol crossover effects. Therefore, the resultant Fe-Mt-SS-C has great potential to applied as a high-efficiency ORR electrocatalyst, more importantly, it realizes the utilization of the sludge at the same time.
Triphenyltin recognition by primary structures of effector proteins and the protein network of Bacillus thuringiensis during the triphenyltin degradation process
Authors: Wang Linlin , Ye Jinshao , Ou Huase , Qin Huaming , Long Yan , Ke Jing
Published: June 2017

Herein, triphenyltin (TPT) biodegradation efficiency and its transformation pathway have been elucidated. To better understand the molecular mechanism of TPT degradation, the interactions between amino acids, primary structures, and quaternary conformations of effector proteins and TPT were studied. The results verified that TPT recognition and binding depended on amino acid sequences but not on secondary, tertiary or quaternary protein structure. During this process, TPT could change the molecular weight and isoelectric point of effector proteins, induce their methylation or demethylation, and alter their conformation. The effector proteins, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, recognizing TPT were crucial to TPT degradation. Electron transfer flavoprotein subunit alpha, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, aconitate hydratase, branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase E1 component, biotin carboxylase and superoxide dismutase were related to energy and carbon metabolism, which was consistent with the results in vivo. The current findings develop a new approach for investigating the interactions between proteins and target compounds.
Using Fractional Intensities of Time-resolved Fluorescence to Sensitively Quantify NADH/NAD+ with Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors
Authors: Chang Mengfang , Li Lei , Hu Hanyang , Hu Qingxun , Wang Aoxue , Cao Xiaodan , Yu Xiantong , Zhang Sanjun , Zhao Yuzheng , Chen Jinquan , Yang Yi , Xu Jianhua
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a novel and sensitive ratiometric analysis method that uses the fractional intensities of time-resolved fluorescence of genetically encoded fluorescent NADH/NAD+ biosensors, Peredox, SoNar, and Frex. When the conformations of the biosensors change upon NADH/NAD+ binding, the fractional intensities (α
i
τ
i
) have opposite changing trends. Their ratios could be exploited to quantify NADH/NAD+ levels with a larger dynamic range and higher resolution versus commonly used fluorescence intensity and lifetime methods. Moreover, only one excitation and one emission wavelength are required for this ratiometric measurement. This eliminates problems of traditional excitation-ratiometric and emission-ratiometric methods. This method could be used to simplify the design and achieve highly sensitive analyte quantification of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors. Wide potential applications could be developed for imaging live cell metabolism based on this new method.
A GPU-accelerated algorithm for biclustering analysis and detection of condition-dependent coexpression network modules
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindya , Cui Yan
Published: June 2017

In the analysis of large-scale gene expression data, it is important to identify groups of genes with common expression patterns under certain conditions. Many biclustering algorithms have been developed to address this problem. However, comprehensive discovery of functionally coherent biclusters from large datasets remains a challenging problem. Here we propose a GPU-accelerated biclustering algorithm, based on searching for the largest Condition-dependent Correlation Subgroups (CCS) for each gene in the gene expression dataset. We compared CCS with thirteen widely used biclustering algorithms. CCS consistently outperformed all the thirteen biclustering algorithms on both synthetic and real gene expression datasets. As a correlation-based biclustering method, CCS can also be used to find condition-dependent coexpression network modules. We implemented the CCS algorithm using C and implemented the parallelized CCS algorithm using CUDA C for GPU computing. The source code of CCS is available from https://github.com/abhatta3/Condition-dependent-Correlation-Subgroups-CCS.
Upregulation of circulating microRNA-134 in adult-onset Still’s disease and its use as potential biomarker
Authors: Liao Tsai-Ling , Chen Yi-Ming , Hsieh Chia-Wei , Chen Hsin-Hua , Lee Hsiu-Chin , Hung Wei-Ting , Tang Kuo-Tung , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: June 2017

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a multi-systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. To date, no single diagnostic test is available for AOSD. Herein, we investigated the pathogenic role of microRNAs in AOSD. MicroRNA profiles in plasma from AOSD patients and healthy controls were analyzed by microarray analysis, followed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR validation. The biological functions of microRNAs were evaluated usingin vitrocell-based assay. Among the differentially expressed microRNAs, microRNA-134 (miR-134) expression was positively correlated with AOSD activity scores and significantly decreased after effective treatment. An increased miR-134 level is significantly associated with the activation of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). The reporter assay identified IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) as the target of miR-134. A negative correlation between miR-134 expression and IL-18BP mRNA levels were detected in peripheral blood cells following TLR3 ligand treatment. Lower plasma IL-18BP levels and higher IL-18 levels were also observed in active AOSD patients who had higher miR-134 expression than inactive patients. Upregulation of circulating miR-134 was associated with elevated IL-18 levels by targeting IL-18BP in AOSD patients and was positively correlated with disease activity, suggesting its involvement in AOSD pathogenesis. MiR-134 may be a novel activity indicator or potential prognostic biomarker in AOSD.
Inter-annual variability of transparent exopolymer particles in the Arctic Ocean reveals high sensitivity to ecosystem changes
Authors: Engel Anja , Piontek Judith , Metfies Katja , Endres Sonja , Sprong Pim , Peeken Ilka , Gäbler-Schwarz Steffi , Nöthig Eva-Maria
Published: June 2017

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are a class of marine gel particles and important links between surface ocean biology and atmospheric processes. Derived from marine microorganisms, these particles can facilitate the biological pumping of carbon dioxide to the deep sea, or act as cloud condensation and ice nucleation particles in the atmosphere. Yet, environmental controls on TEP abundance in the ocean are poorly known. Here, we investigated some of these controls during the first multiyear time-series on TEP abundance for the Fram Strait, the Atlantic gateway to the Central Arctic Ocean. Data collected at the Long-Term Ecological Research observatory HAUSGARTEN during 2009 to 2014 indicate a strong biological control with highest abundance co-occurring with the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis pouchetii. Higher occurrence of P. pouchetii in the Arctic Ocean has previously been related to northward advection of warmer Atlantic waters, which is expected to increase in the future. Our study highlights the role of plankton key species in driving climate relevant processes; thus, changes in plankton distribution need to be accounted for when estimating the ocean’s biogeochemical response to global change.
The Microbiome of Endophytic, Wood Colonizing Bacteria from Pine Trees as Affected by Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Proença Diogo Neves , Francisco Romeu , Kublik Susanne , Schöler Anne , Vestergaard Gisle , Schloter Michael , Morais Paula V.
Published: June 2017

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a devastating forest disease present worldwide. In this study we analyzed the effects of the invasion of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the major pathogen causing PWD, on the endophytic microbiome of adult P. pinaster trees. Wood samples from trees with different degrees of PWD disease were collected at two sites (A and M) in Portugal. Endophytic bacteria were characterized based on directly extracted DNA by fingerprinting and barcoding using the 16S rRNA gene as marker. Furthermore, cultivation-based approaches were used to obtain isolates of the major taxa to study their ecophysiology. The endophytic microbiome from P. pinaster trees differed significantly between the two sampling sites. Main bacterial OTUs belonged to the Proteobacteria (39% (site M) - 97% (site A)), and Firmicutes (0.70% (site A) - 44% (site M)). However, consequences of the invasion with the pathogen were comparable. Interestingly diversity of wood endophytic bacteria increased with the severity of the diseases, with highest diversity levels observed in in the most affected trees. Our results suggest that in the first stages of the disease, the defence mechanisms of plants are repressed by the pathogen, resulting in a colonization of the wood interior by soil microorganisms.
Carbon footprint of grain production in China
Authors: Zhang Dan , Shen Jianbo , Zhang Fusuo , Li Yu’e , Zhang Weifeng
Published: June 2017

Due to the increasing environmental impact of food production, carbon footprint as an indicator can guide farmland management. This study established a method and estimated the carbon footprint of grain production in China based on life cycle analysis (LCA). The results showed that grain production has a high carbon footprint in 2013, i.e., 4052 kg ce/ha or 0.48 kg ce/kg for maize, 5455 kg ce/ha or 0.75 kg ce/kg for wheat and 11881 kg ce/ha or 1.60 kg ce/kg for rice. These footprints are higher than that of other countries, such as the United States, Canada and India. The most important factors governing carbon emissions were the application of nitrogen fertiliser (8–49%), straw burning (0–70%), energy consumption by machinery (6–40%), energy consumption for irrigation (0–44%) and CH4 emissions from rice paddies (15–73%). The most important carbon sequestration factors included returning of crop straw (41–90%), chemical nitrogen fertiliser application (10–59%) and no-till farming practices (0–10%). Different factors dominated in different crop systems in different regions. To identity site-specific key factors and take countermeasures could significantly lower carbon footprint, e.g., ban straw burning in northeast and south China, stopping continuous flooding irrigation in wheat and rice production system.
Single molecule and multiple bond characterization of catch bond associated cytoadhesion in malaria
Authors: Lim Ying Bena , Thingna Juzar , Cao Jianshu , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: June 2017

The adhesion of malaria infected red blood cells (iRBCs) to host endothelial receptors in the microvasculature, or cytoadhesion, is associated with severe disease pathology such as multiple organ failure and cerebral malaria. Malaria iRBCs have been shown to bind to several receptors, of which intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) upregulation in brain microvasculature is the only one correlated to cerebral malaria. We utilize a biophysical approach to study the interactions between iRBCs and ICAM-1. At the single molecule level, force spectroscopy experiments reveal that ICAM-1 forms catch bond interactions with Plasmodium falciparum parasite iRBCs. Flow experiments are subsequently conducted to understand multiple bond behavior. Using a robust model that smoothly transitions between our single and multiple bond results, we conclusively demonstrate that the catch bond behavior persists even under flow conditions. The parameters extracted from these experimental results revealed that the rate of association of iRBC-ICAM-1 bonds are ten times lower than iRBC-CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36), a receptor that shows no upregulation in the brains of cerebral malaria patients. Yet, the dissociation rates are nearly the same for both iRBC-receptor interactions. Thus, our results suggest that ICAM-1 may not be the sole mediator responsible for cytoadhesion in the brain.
Rapamycin adjuvant and exacerbation of severe influenza in an experimental mouse model
Authors: Huang Ching-Tai , Hung Chen-Yiu , Chen Tse-Ching , Lin Chun-Yen , Lin Yung-Chang , Chang Chia-Shiang , He Yueh-Chia , Huang Yu-Lin , Dutta Avijit
Published: June 2017

Influenza virus infection often causes severe disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is a common belief that overwhelming immune response contributes to the severe illness. Physicians and researchers have put forth immune modulation as salvage therapy for better recovery. However, empiric corticosteroid failed in both humans and animal models. Reported success with Rapamycin in humans prompted a comprehensive animal study and mechanistic dissection. Here we report the effect of Rapamycin alone or in combination with Oseltamivir for severe influenza in BALB/c mice. We found that Rapamycin had no antiviral effect against H1N1, H3N2 and novel-H1N1 influenza viruses in vitro. Rapamycin alone aggravated the severe disease of PR8 H1N1 influenza virus infection in mice. Timely Oseltamivir anti-viral therapy abolished the disease. Delayed Oseltamivir treatment could not prevent severe illness and Rapamycin adjuvant was associated with exacerbated disease. Rapamycin adjuvant suppressed influenza hemagglutinin antigen-specific T cell immunity and impaired virus clearance from the lungs. It also resulted in intensified lung pathology with increased intra-alveolar edema and hyaline deposition. Rapamycin may work as the salvage therapy for severe influenza but it is very difficult to define the appropriate window for such treatment to take effect.
Whole organ vascular casting and microCT examination of the human placental vascular tree reveals novel alterations associated with pregnancy disease
Authors: Junaid Toluwalope O. , Bradley Robert S. , Lewis Rohan M. , Aplin John D. , Johnstone Edward D.
Published: June 2017

Experimental methods that allow examination of the intact vascular network of large organs, such as the human placenta are limited, preventing adequate comparison of normal and abnormal vascular development in pregnancy disease. Our aims were (i) to devise an effective technique for three-dimensional analyses of human placental vessels; (ii) demonstrate the utility of the technique in the comparison of placental vessel networks in normal and fetal growth restriction (FGR) complicated pregnancies. Radiopaque plastic vessel networks of normal and FGR placentas (n = 12/group) were created by filling the vessels with resin and corroding the surrounding tissues. Subsequently, each model was scanned in a microCT scanner, reconstructed into three-dimensional virtual objects and analysed in visualisation programmes. MicroCT imaging of the models defined vessel anatomy to our analyses threshold of 100 µm diameter. Median vessel length density was significantly shorter in arterial but longer in venous FGR networks compared to normals. No significant differences were demonstrable in arterial or venous tortuosity, diameter or branch density. This study demonstrates the potential effectiveness of microCT for ex-vivo examination of human placental vessel morphology. Our findings show significant discrepancies in vessel length density in FGR placentas. The effects on fetoplacental blood flow, and hence nutrient transfer to the fetus, are unknown.
IL-1β increases asporin expression via the NF-κB p65 pathway in nucleus pulposus cells during intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Shengjie , Liu Chao , Sun Zhongyi , Yan Peng , Liang He , Huang Kai , Li Changwei , Tian Jiwei
Published: June 2017

Disc degeneration (DD) is a multifaceted chronic process that alters the structure and function of intervertebral discs. The pathophysiology of degeneration is not completely understood, but the consensus is that changes in genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the disc are the leading factors contributing to DD. Asporin is an ECM protein that has been shown to be increased in degenerated intervertebral discs, but little is known about how asporin is regulated during DD. In exploring the intricate mechanism, we confirmed that asporin was abundantly increased in patients’ degenerated nucleus pulposus. Consistently, the increased asporin expression with degeneration was also proved by rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) model. Mechanistically, IL-1β upregulated asporin expression by activating the p65 pathway in human nucleus pulposus cells. Furthermore, p65 mediated asporin expression by binding to −41/−31 bp onasporinpromoter. Functionally, asporin was the intermediator of IL-1β-inhibited aggrecan and collagen Π expression and played a negative role in TGF-β-induced aggrecan and collagen Π formation in human nucleus pulposus cells. Therefore, identifying asporin as a negative regulator of aggrecan and collagen Π and elucidating its induction mechanisms in human nucleus pulposus cells provides new insight for asporin induction during IDD.
Circulating exosomal miR-125a-3p as a novel biomarker for early-stage colon cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Yan Feihu , Zhao Qi , Zhan Fei , Wang Ruitao , Wang Liang , Zhang Yanqiao , Huang Xiaoyi
Published: June 2017

Circulating exosome holds great potentials as biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. Previously, we have applied small RNA sequencing to identify aberrantly expressed exosomal miRNAs as candidates for diagnostic markers in colon cancer patients. In this validation cohort, plasma derived exosomal miRNA was isolated from 50 early-stage colon cancer patients and 50 matched healthy volunteers. Real-time qRT-PCR revealed that miR-125a-3p, miR-320c were significantly up-regulated in plasma exosomes of the patients with early stage colon cancer. ROC curve showed that miR-125a-3p abundant level may predict colon cancer with an area of under the curve (AUC) of 68.5%, in comparison to that of CEA at 83.6%. Combination of miR-125a-3P and CEA improved the AUC to 85.5%. In addition, plasma exosome level of miR-125a-3p and miR-320c showed significant correlation with nerve infiltration (P < 0.01), but not with tumor size, infiltration depth, and differentiation degree (P > 0.05). On the contrary, plasma CEA level is correlated with tumor size, infiltration depth, and differentiation degree (P < 0.05, r = 0.3009–0.7270), but not with nerve infiltration (P = 0.744). In conclusion, this follow-up study demonstrated circulating plasma exosomal miR-125a-3p is readily accessible as diagnosis biomarker for early-stage colon cancer. When combined with conventional diagnostic markers, miR-125a-3p can improve the diagnostic power.
Increasing cell density globally enhances the biogenesis of Piwi-interacting RNAs in Bombyx mori germ cells
Authors: Honda Shozo , Loher Phillipe , Morichika Keisuke , Shigematsu Megumi , Kawamura Takuya , Kirino Yoriko , Rigoutsos Isidore , Kirino Yohei
Published: June 2017

Piwi proteins and their bound Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are predominantly expressed in the germline and play crucial roles in germline development by silencing transposons and other targets. Bombyx mori BmN4 cells are culturable germ cells that equip the piRNA pathway. Because of the scarcity of piRNA-expressing culturable cells, BmN4 cells are being utilized for the analyses of piRNA biogenesis. We here report that the piRNA biogenesis in BmN4 cells is regulated by cell density. As cell density increased, the abundance of Piwi proteins and piRNA biogenesis factors was commonly upregulated, resulting in an increased number of perinuclear nuage-like granules where Piwi proteins localize. Along with these phenomena, the abundance of mature piRNAs also globally increased, whereas levels of long piRNA precursor and transposons decreased, suggesting that increasing cell density promotes piRNA biogenesis pathway and that the resultant accumulation of mature piRNAs is functionally significant for transposon silencing. Our study reveals a previously uncharacterized link between cell density and piRNA biogenesis, designates cell density as a critical variable in piRNA studies using BmN4 cell system, and suggests the alteration of cell density as a useful tool to monitor piRNA biogenesis and function.
Mitochondrial haplotypes influence metabolic traits across bovine inter- and intra-species cybrids
Authors: Wang Jikun , Xiang Hai , Liu Langqing , Kong Minghua , Yin Tao , Zhao Xingbo
Published: June 2017

In bovine species, mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms and their correlation to productive or reproductive performances have been widely reported across breeds and individuals. However, experimental evidence of this correlation has never been provided. In order to identify differences among bovine mtDNA haplotypes, transmitochondrial cybrids were generated, with the nucleus from MAC-T cell line, derived from a Holstein dairy cow (Bos taurus) and mitochondria from either primary cell line derived from a domestic Chinese native beef Luxi cattle breed or central Asian domestic yak (Bos grunniens). Yak primary cells illustrated a stronger metabolic capacity than that of Luxi. However, all yak cybrid parameters illustrated a drop in relative yak mtDNA compared to Luxi mtDNA, in line with a mitonuclear imbalance in yak interspecies cybrid. Luxi has 250 divergent variations relative to the mitogenome of Holsteins. In cybrids there were generally higher rates of oxygen consumption (OCR) and extracellular acidification (ECAR), and lower mRNA expression levels of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, potentially reflecting active energy metabolism and cellular stress resistance. The results demonstrate that functional differences exist between bovine cybrid cells. While cybrid viability was similar between Holstein and Luxi breeds, the mitonuclear mismatch caused a marked metabolic dysfunction in cattle:yak cybrid species.
The causal relationship between dyslexia and motion perception reconsidered
Authors: Joo Sung Jun , Donnelly Patrick M. , Yeatman Jason D.
Published: June 2017

It is well established that visual sensitivity to motion is correlated with reading skills. Yet, the causal relationship between motion sensitivity and reading skills has been debated for more than thirty years. One hypothesis posits that dyslexia is caused by deficits in the motion processing pathway. An alternative hypothesis explains the motion processing deficit observed in dyslexia as the consequence of a lack, or poor quality, of reading experience. Here we used an intensive reading intervention program to test the causal relationship between learning to read and motion processing in children. Our data show that, while the reading intervention enhanced reading abilities, learning to read did not affect motion sensitivity. Motion sensitivity remained stable over the course of the intervention. Furthermore, the motion sensitivity deficit did not negatively impact the learning process. Children with poor motion sensitivity showed the same improvement in reading skills as children with typical motion sensitivity. Our findings call into question the view that motion processing deficits are due to poor reading experience. We propose that the correlation between the two measures arises from other common mechanisms, or that motion processing deficits are among a collection of correlated risk factors for reading difficulties.
Efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in preventing vertical transmission of hepatitis B in pregnancies with high viral load
Authors: Chen Jun-Ze , Liao Zuo-Wei , Huang Fei-Long , Su Ru-Kui , Wang Wen-Bo , Cheng Xue-Yuan , Chen Jie-Qing , Liu Jia-Qi , Huang Zhong
Published: June 2017

This study was a meta-analysis of the literature on the efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in preventing vertical transmission of hepatitis B in pregnancies with high viral load. Four observational studies and one randomized controlled trial involving 585 pregnant women and 595 newborns were included in the meta-analysis. TDF was more effective than the placebo in reducing vertical transmission in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) pregnancies with high serum HBV-DNA levels (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.07–0.61) at 4–12 months, infant HBV DNA seropositivity at delivery (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.07–0.37), and a severe flair in maternal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19–0.95) during pregnancy. In addition, TDF showed more improvement in HBV DNA suppression at delivery (OR = 254.46, 95% CI = 28.39–2280.79). No significant differences were found in HBeAg seroconversion or ALT normalization; or in rates of cesarean section, emergent cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, prematurity, congenital malformations, or infant death. However, TDF induced more drug-related adverse events (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.39–3.89) and elevated creatine kinase (CK) (OR = 9.56, 95% CI = 1.17–78.09) than in controls. The available evidence suggests that TDF is effective and safe in preventing vertical transmission of hepatitis B in pregnancies exhibiting a high viral load.
Heterogeneous environments shape invader impacts: integrating environmental, structural and functional effects by isoscapes and remote sensing
Authors: Hellmann Christine , Große-Stoltenberg André , Thiele Jan , Oldeland Jens , Werner Christiane
Published: June 2017

Spatial heterogeneity of ecosystems crucially influences plant performance, while in return plant feedbacks on their environment may increase heterogeneous patterns. This is of particular relevance for exotic plant invaders that transform native ecosystems, yet, approaches integrating geospatial information of environmental heterogeneity and plant-plant interaction are lacking. Here, we combined remotely sensed information of site topography and vegetation cover with a functional tracer of the N cycle, δ15N. Based on the case study of the invasion of an N2-fixing acacia in a nutrient-poor dune ecosystem, we present the first model that can successfully predict (R2 = 0.6) small-scale spatial variation of foliar δ15N in a non-fixing native species from observed geospatial data. Thereby, the generalized additive mixed model revealed modulating effects of heterogeneous environments on invader impacts. Hence, linking remote sensing techniques with tracers of biological processes will advance our understanding of the dynamics and functioning of spatially structured heterogeneous systems from small to large spatial scales.
Associations between Global DNA Methylation and Telomere Length in Healthy Adolescents
Authors: Dong Yutong , Huang Ying , Gutin Bernard , Raed Anas , Dong Yanbin , Zhu Haidong
Published: June 2017

Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetics regulates telomere dynamics in adults. However, the relationship between these pathways in children and youth remains unknown. Thus, we examined this association in 542 healthy adolescents aged 14 to 18 years old (44.8% African Americans; 55.2% females). Global DNA methylation level (%5-mC) was quantified using ELISA method. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was defined as relative telomere to single copy gene (T/S) ratio. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, Tanner stage, BMI, PA, and batch effect, revealed that %5 mC was associated with LTL (adjusted β = 0.17, p < 0.01). %5 mC accounted for 5.0% of the variation for LTL. A significant gender interaction was identified (p < 0.01). There was an association between %5 mC and LTL in females (all ps < 0.01), but not in males. Further sensitivity analyses by race revealed similar associations in African Americans and whites (all ps < 0.03). The present study, for the first time, shows that lower levels of global DNA methylation are associated with shorter telomere lengths in youth, which may decrease genome stability and augment the susceptibility to diseases. Longitudinal studies are warranted to establish the effects of global DNA methylation on LTL maintenance over time.
Loss of Gαi proteins impairs thymocyte development, disrupts T-cell trafficking, and leads to an expanded population of splenic CD4+PD-1+CXCR5+/− T-cells
Authors: Hwang Il-Young , Harrison Kathleen , Park Chung , Kehrl John H.
Published: June 2017

Thymocyte and T cell trafficking relies on signals initiated by G-protein coupled receptors. To address the importance of the G-proteins Gαi2and Gαi3in thymocyte and T cell function, we developed several mouse models. Gαi2deficiency in hematopoietic progenitors led to a small thymus, a double negative (DN)1/DN2 thymocyte transition block, and an accumulation of mature single positive (SP) thymocytes. Loss at the double positive (DP) stage of thymocyte development caused an increase in mature cells within the thymus. In both models an abnormal distribution of memory and naïve CD4 T cells occurred, and peripheral CD4 and CD8 T cells had reduced chemoattractant responses. The loss of Gαi3had no discernable impact, however the lack of both G-proteins commencing at the DP stage caused a severe T cell phenotype. These mice lacked a thymic medullary region, exhibited thymocyte retention, had a peripheral T cell deficiency, and lacked T cell chemoattractant responses. Yet a noteworthy population of CD4+PD-1+CXCR5+/−cells resided in the spleen of these mice likely due to a loss of regulatory T cell function. Our results delineate a role for Gαi2in early thymocyte development and for Gαi2/3in multiple aspects of T cell biology.
Effects of chemical alternation on damage accumulation in concentrated solid-solution alloys
Authors: Ullah Mohammad W. , Xue Haizhou , Velisa Gihan , Jin Ke , Bei Hongbin , Weber William J. , Zhang Yanwen
Published: June 2017

Single-phase concentrated solid-solution alloys (SP-CSAs) have recently gained unprecedented attention due to their promising properties. To understand effects of alloying elements on irradiation-induced defect production, recombination and evolution, an integrated study of ion irradiation, ion beam analysis and atomistic simulations are carried out on a unique set of model crystals with increasing chemical complexity, from pure Ni to Ni80Fe20, Ni50Fe50, and Ni80Cr20 binaries, and to a more complex Ni40Fe40Cr20 alloy. Both experimental and simulation results suggest that the binary and ternary alloys exhibit higher radiation resistance than elemental Ni. The modeling work predicts that Ni40Fe40Cr20 has the best radiation tolerance, with the number of surviving Frenkel pairs being factors of 2.0 and 1.4 lower than pure Ni and the 80:20 binary alloys, respectively. While the reduced defect mobility in SP-CSAs is identified as a general mechanism leading to slower growth of large defect clusters, the effect of specific alloying elements on suppression of damage accumulation is clearly demonstrated. This work suggests that concentrated solid-solution provides an effective way to enhance radiation tolerance by creating elemental alternation at the atomic level. The demonstrated chemical effects on defect dynamics may inspire new design principles of radiation-tolerant structural alloys for advanced energy systems.
Coronal mass ejections are not coherent magnetohydrodynamic structures
Authors: Owens M. J. , Lockwood M. , Barnard L. A.
Published: June 2017

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are episodic eruptions of solar plasma and magnetic flux that travel out through the solar system, driving extreme space weather. Interpretation of CME observations and their interaction with the solar wind typically assumes CMEs are coherent, almost solid-like objects. We show that supersonic radial propagation of CMEs away from the Sun results in geometric expansion of CME plasma parcels at a speed faster than the local wave speed. Thus information cannot propagate across the CME. Comparing our results with observed properties of over 400 CMEs, we show that CMEs cease to be coherent magnetohydrodynamic structures within 0.3 AU of the Sun. This suggests Earth-directed CMEs are less like billiard balls and more like dust clouds, with apparent coherence only due to similar initial conditions and quasi homogeneity of the medium through which they travel. The incoherence of CMEs suggests interpretation of CME observations requires accurate reconstruction of the ambient solar wind with which they interact, and that simple assumptions about the shape of the CMEs are likely to be invalid when significant spatial/temporal gradients in ambient solar wind conditions are present.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Contrasting the complexity of the climate of the past 122,000 years and recent 2000 years
Authors: Shao Zhi-Gang
Published: June 2017

The complexity of the climate of the past 122;000 years and recent 2000 years was investigated by analyzing the δ18O records of ice cores based on the sample entropy (SampEn) method and Lempel-Ziv (LZ) complexity. In using SampEn method, the climate complexity is measured by the sample entropy, which is a modified approximate entropy defined in terms of the occurring probability of new modes in a record. A larger sample entropy reflects a higher probability to spot a new mode in the data, and in this sense signals a larger complexity of the sample. The δ18O record of the past 122,000-year is found to have smaller SampEn than the recent 2000-year. This result suggests that the climate of the past 122;000-year has less complexity than that of the recent 2000 years, even though the record for the former exhibits stronger fluctuations and multifractality than the latter. This diagnosis is additionally supported by calculations of LZ complexity, which has smaller value for the record of the past 122;000 years than the recent 2000 years. Our theoretical findings may further contribute to ongoing explorations into the nonlinear statistical character of the climate change.
Differentiating Thamnocalamus Munro from Fargesia Franchet emend. Yi (Bambusoideae, Poaceae): novel evidence from morphological and neural-network analyses
Authors: Liu Shiliang , Yang Rongjie , Yang Jun , Yi Tongpei , Song Huixing , Jiang Mingyan , Tripathi Durgesh K. , Ma Mingdong , Chen Qibing
Published: June 2017

Fargesia Franchet emend. Yi is closely allied with Thamnocalamus Munro but differs in many major morphological characteristics. Based on traditional morphological characters, it is difficult to differentiate these two genera. The current study measured 19 species in these two genera to determine whether variations in 12 categories of major characters are continuous. In addition, a self-organizing map (SOM) and cluster analysis were used together to reveal whether the known species of Fargesia represent discontinuous sampling of Thamnocalamus. The results show that 46 morphological characteristics exhibited high variation at the generic and species levels. In addition, the cluster analysis showed that 32 morphological characteristics of Thamnocalamus and Fargesia were divided between two species and well separated from the outgroup. Additionally, significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed in the reproductive structures between these two genera. The unrooted dendrogram, which was based on the SOM neural network, shows the same results as the cluster analysis of morphological characteristics. These data indicate that Fargesia is not a result of discontinuous sampling of Thamnocalamus; thus, Fargesia should not be treated as a synonym for Thamnocalamus.
Correction: Corrigendum: Developing informative microsatellite markers for non-model species using reference mapping against a model species’ genome
Authors: Hung Chih-Ming , Yu Ai-Yun , Lai Yu-Ting , Shaner Pei-Jen L.
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23087; published online: 15 March 2016; updated: 19 June 2017. The original version of this Article contained an error in the title of the paper, where the word 'markers' was incorrectly given as 'makers'. In addition, this Article contained typographical errorsin Table 1.
A novel method of nicotine quantification in electronic cigarette liquids and aerosols
Authors: Ogunwale Mumiye A. , Chen Yizheng , Theis Whitney S. , Nantz Michael H. , Conklin Daniel J. , Fu Xiao-An
Published: June 2017

Analysis of nicotine in e-liquids and aerosols of e-cigarettes by protonation of nicotine in acidic solution and direct infusion into FT-ICR-MSMS.
FTIR as a rapid tool for monitoring molecular weight distribution during enzymatic protein hydrolysis of food processing by-products
Authors: Wubshet Sileshi Gizachew , Måge Ingrid , Böcker Ulrike , Lindberg Diana , Knutsen Svein Halvor , Rieder Anne , Rodriguez Diego Airado , Afseth Nils Kristian
Published: June 2017

An FTIR-based multivariate approach is developed for monitoring molecular weight distribution during enzymatic protein hydrolysis of byproducts.
A simple and green ultrasonic-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction technique based on deep eutectic solvents for the HPLC analysis of sesamol in sesame oils
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Kangdi , Qin Yaqiong , Yu Jingjing
Published: June 2017

A liquid–liquid microextraction based on deep eutectic solvents coupled with HPLC is developed to determine sesamol in sesame oils.
Impact of the biomolecular corona on the structure of PEGylated liposomes
Authors: Digiacomo Luca , Pozzi Daniela , Amenitsch Heinz , Caracciolo Giulio
Published: June 2017

Protein corona affects the bilayer structure of PEGylated cationic liposomes thus promoting the formation of multilamellar complexes and particle aggregation.
pH-Responsive near-infrared fluorescent cyanine dyes for molecular imaging based on pH sensing
Authors: Miki Koji , Kojima Kentaro , Oride Kazuaki , Harada Hiroshi , Morinibu Akiyo , Ohe Kouichi
Published: June 2017

pH-Responsive near-infrared cyanine dyes were synthesized and applied as imaging probes of acidic intracellular compartments of living cells.
A highly emissive and stable zinc(ii) metal–organic framework as a host–guest chemopalette for approaching white-light-emission
Authors: Cai Hong , Xu Li-Li , Lai He-Yun , Liu Jing-Yi , Ng Seik Weng , Li Dan
Published: June 2017

A new adenine-containing metal–organic framework (MOF), [Zn4O(adenine)4(benzene-1,3-dicarboxylate)4Zn2] (named as ZnBDCA), was synthesized solvothermally.
Electrocatalytic activity of silver decorated ceria microspheres for the oxygen reduction reaction and their application in aluminium–air batteries
Authors: Sun Shanshan , Xue Yejian , Wang Qin , Li Shihua , Huang Heran , Miao He , Liu Zhaoping
Published: June 2017

A catalyst of silver nanoparticle decorated CeO2 microspheres was first reported for ORR and applied in an aluminum–air battery with excellent performance.
Spontaneous polarization switching and piezoelectric enhancement of PVDF through strong hydrogen bonds induced by layered double hydroxides
Authors: Tian Rui , Xu Qi , Lu Chao , Duan Xue , Xiong Ren-Gen
Published: June 2017

We present a spontaneous dipole alignment of PVDF in the film-formation process through hydrogen bonds induced by layered double hydroxides (LDHs).
Tunable photoluminescence and room temperature ferromagnetism of In2S3:Dy3+,Tb3+ nanoparticles
Authors: Li Zhifang , Yang Tianye , Zhao Qi , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: June 2017

In2S3:6%Dy3+,yTb3+ nanoparticles exhibit tunable optical properties and room temperature ferromagnetism, which have been further investigated using VASP calculations.
Dependence of homogeneous crystal nucleation in water droplets on their radii and its implication for modeling the formation of ice particles in cirrus clouds
Authors: Djikaev Yuri S. , Ruckenstein Eli
Published: June 2017

Dependence of the ice-nucleation-rate in water droplets on their radii and temperature is determined by taking into account volume-based and surface-stimulated modes.
Doping carbon nanotubes with N, S, and B for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction: a systematic investigation on single, double, and triple doped modes
Authors: Liu Sen , Li Guozhu , Gao Yuying , Xiao Zhourong , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Qingfa , Zhang Xiangwen , Wang Li
Published: June 2017

Polydopamine-coated MWCNTs have been employed as reactive platforms for the anchoring of multiple heteroatom dopants.
Hydrogenolysis of alkanes: reactions of n-butane on Ru/zeolite catalysts
Authors: Bond Geoffrey C. , Garcia Juan J.
Published: June 2017

Ru/13X zeolite catalysts containing 0.6, 2 and 5.7% Ru prepared by reduction or decomposition of the hexammine complex are active and stable forn-butane hydrogenolysis between 400 and 460 K; oxidation leads to greatly increased activity.
Visible-light-induced selective synthesis of sulfoxides from alkenes and thiols using air as the oxidant
Authors: Cui Huanhuan , Wei Wei , Yang Daoshan , Zhang Yulong , Zhao Huijuan , Wang Leilei , Wang Hua
Published: June 2017

A selective synthesis of sulfoxides from alkenes and thiols was established by visible-light photoredox catalysis in air at room temperature.
Covalent derivatization of boron nitride nanotubes with peroxides and their application in polycarbonate composites
Authors: Lin Shuqiong , Ashrafi Behnam , Laqua Kurtis , Su Kim Keun , Simard Benoit
Published: June 2017

The novel derivatization of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with two organic peroxides (lauroyl peroxide and dicumyl peroxide) is presented.
Grafting CO2-responsive polymers from cellulose nanocrystals via nitroxide-mediated polymerisation
Authors: Garcia-Valdez Omar , Brescacin Tiziana , Arredondo Joaquin , Bouchard Jean , Jessop Philip G. , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: June 2017

CO2-Responsive polymers are grafted onto cellulose nanocrystals using nitroxide-mediated polymerisation.
Cross-linkable multi-stimuli responsive hydrogel inks for direct-write 3D printing
Authors: Karis Dylan G. , Ono Robert J. , Zhang Musan , Vora Ankit , Storti Duane , Ganter Mark A. , Nelson Alshakim
Published: June 2017

Triple-stimuli responsive hydrogel can be 3D printed and cross-linked in the presence of a photoradical generator and 365 nm UV light.
Preparation and adsorption behaviors of sodium alginate-based adsorbent-immobilized β-cyclodextrin and graphene oxide
Authors: Wu Yanchen , Qi Houjuan , Shi Cai , Ma Rongxiu , Liu Shouxin , Huang Zhanhua
Published: June 2017

Schematic of the probable reaction between SCGG and MB.
Synthesis of a hydrogen-bonded complex intumescent flame retardant through supramolecular complexation and its application in LDPE foam
Authors: Chen Xingyou , Chen Yinghong
Published: June 2017

A supramolecular complexation method was used to synthesize a nitrogen–phosphorus hydrogen-bonded complex intumescent flame retardant, which can impart a good flame retardancy to LDPE foam.
Synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of novel diaminothiophene scaffolds as antitumor and anti-influenza virus agents. Part 2
Authors: Bozorov Khurshed , Zhao Jiang yu , Nie Li Fei , Ma Hai-Rong , Bobakulov Khayrulla , Hu Rui , Rustamova Nigora , Huang Guozheng , Efferth Thomas , Aisa Haji A.
Published: June 2017

Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of diethyl 2,5-diaminothiophene-3,4-dicarboxylate (DDTD) derivatives as antitumor and anti-influenza virus agents.
Adsorption of H2S on graphane decorated with Fe, Co and Cu: a DFT study
Authors: Zhou Qingxiao , Su Xiangying , Ju Weiwei , Yong Yongliang , Li Xiaohong , Fu Zhibing , Wang Chaoyang
Published: June 2017

Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption of a H2S molecule on the surface of hydrogenated graphene (graphane).
Bio-based additives as renewable alternatives for polyvinylchloride formulations and application in paper coatings
Authors: Beard Ellana , Ledward Michelle , Sergeeva Natalia
Published: June 2017

Citric acid derivatives have been synthesised and incorporated into PVC formulations as sustainable alternatives, offering improved properties in paper coating applications.
Structure–property relationship study of Nafion XL membrane for high-rate, long-lifespan, and all-climate vanadium flow batteries
Authors: Yu Lihong , Lin Feng , Xu Ling , Xi Jingyu
Published: June 2017

The sandwich-structured Nafion XL membrane is promising for vanadium flow batteries to achieve high-rate performance, super-long lifespan and broad temperature adaptability.
High wet-strength, thermally stable and transparent TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril film via cross-linking with poly-amide epichlorohydrin resin
Authors: Yang Weisheng , Bian Huiyang , Jiao Liang , Wu Weibing , Deng Yulin , Dai Hongqi
Published: June 2017

TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNs) films cross-linked with different dosages of polyamide epichlorohydrin resin (PAE) show a great water-resistance and thermal stability.
Chemical reaction within a compact non-porous crystal containing molecular clusters without the loss of crystallinity
Authors: Zhang Ming , Yang Tao , Wang Zhenxing , Ma Xiong-Feng , Zhang Yuexing , Greer Samuel M. , Stoian Sebastian A. , Ouyang Zhong-Wen , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: June 2017

A yellow crystal with {FeII4O4} cubes is modified to a black crystal with {FeIII4O4} cubes via a SC–SC transformation.
Learning reduced kinetic Monte Carlo models of complex chemistry from molecular dynamics
Authors: Yang Qian , Sing-Long Carlos A. , Reed Evan J.
Published: June 2017

We propose a novel statistical learning framework for automatically and efficiently building reduced kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) models of large-scale elementary reaction networks from data generated by a single or few molecular dynamics simulations (MD).