bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Label-free analysis of physiological hyaluronan size distribution with a solid-state nanopore sensor
Authors: Rivas Felipe , Zahid Osama K. , Reesink Heidi L. , Peal Bridgette T. , Nixon Alan J. , DeAngelis Paul L. , Skardal Aleksander , Rahbar Elaheh , Hall Adam R.
Published: March 2018

Hyaluronan (or hyaluronic acid, HA) is a ubiquitous molecule that plays critical roles in numerous physiological functions in vivo, including tissue hydration, inflammation, and joint lubrication. Both the abundance and size distribution of HA in biological fluids are recognized as robust indicators of various pathologies and disease progressions. However, such analyses remain challenging because conventional methods are not sufficiently sensitive, have limited dynamic range, and/or are only semi-quantitative. Here we demonstrate label-free detection and molecular weight discrimination of HA with a solid-state nanopore sensor. We first employ synthetic HA polymers to validate the measurement approach and then use the platform to determine the size distribution of as little as 10 ng of HA extracted directly from synovial fluid in an equine model of osteoarthritis. Our results establish a quantitative method for assessment of a significant molecular biomarker that bridges a gap in the current state of the art.
TRiC controls transcription resumption after UV damage by regulating Cockayne syndrome protein A
Authors: Pines Alex , Dijk Madelon , Makowski Matthew , Meulenbroek Elisabeth M. , Vrouwe Mischa G. , van der Weegen Yana , Baltissen Marijke , French Pim J. , van Royen Martin E. , Luijsterburg Martijn S. , Mullenders Leon H. , Vermeulen Michiel , Vermeulen Wim , Pannu Navraj S. , van Attikum Haico
Published: March 2018

Transcription-blocking DNA lesions are removed by transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) to preserve cell viability. TC-NER is triggered by the stalling of RNA polymerase II at DNA lesions, leading to the recruitment of TC-NER-specific factors such as the CSA–DDB1–CUL4A–RBX1 cullin–RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRLCSA). Despite its vital role in TC-NER, little is known about the regulation of the CRLCSA complex during TC-NER. Using conventional and cross-linking immunoprecipitations coupled to mass spectrometry, we uncover a stable interaction between CSA and the TRiC chaperonin. TRiC’s binding to CSA ensures its stability and DDB1-dependent assembly into the CRLCSA complex. Consequently, loss of TRiC leads to mislocalization and depletion of CSA, as well as impaired transcription recovery following UV damage, suggesting defects in TC-NER. Furthermore, Cockayne syndrome (CS)-causing mutations in CSA lead to increased TRiC binding and a failure to compose the CRLCSA complex. Thus, we uncover CSA as a TRiC substrate and reveal that TRiC regulates CSA-dependent TC-NER and the development of CS.
Inhibition of neuronal FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase alleviates peripheral neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Rivat Cyril , Sar Chamroeun , Mechaly Ilana , Leyris Jean-Philippe , Diouloufet Lucie , Sonrier Corinne , Philipson Yann , Lucas Olivier , Mallié Sylvie , Jouvenel Antoine , Tassou Adrien , Haton Henri , Venteo Stéphanie , Pin Jean-Philippe , Trinquet Eric , Charrier-Savournin Fabienne , Mezghrani Alexandre , Joly Willy , Mion Julie , Schmitt Martine , Pattyn Alexandre , Marmigère Frédéric , Sokoloff Pierre , Carroll Patrick , Rognan Didier , Valmier Jean
Published: March 2018

Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is a debilitating and intractable chronic disease, for which sensitization of somatosensory neurons present in dorsal root ganglia that project to the dorsal spinal cord is a key physiopathological process. Here, we show that hematopoietic cells present at the nerve injury site express the cytokine FL, the ligand of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 receptor (FLT3). FLT3 activation by intra-sciatic nerve injection of FL is sufficient to produce pain hypersensitivity, activate PNP-associated gene expression and generate short-term and long-term sensitization of sensory neurons. Nerve injury-induced PNP symptoms and associated-molecular changes were strongly altered inFlt3-deficient mice or reversed after neuronal FLT3 downregulation in wild-type mice. A first-in-class FLT3 negative allosteric modulator, discovered by structure-based in silico screening, strongly reduced nerve injury-induced sensory hypersensitivity, but had no effect on nociception in non-injured animals. Collectively, our data suggest a new and specific therapeutic approach for PNP.
Natural variation of chronological aging in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae species reveals diet-dependent mechanisms of life span control
Authors: Jung Paul P. , Zhang Zhi , Paczia Nicole , Jaeger Christian , Ignac Tomasz , May Patrick , Linster Carole L.
Published: March 2018

Aging is a complex trait of broad scientific interest, especially because of its intrinsic link with common human diseases. Pioneering work on aging-related mechanisms has been made in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mainly through the use of deletion collections isogenic to the S288c reference strain. In this study, using a recently published high-throughput approach, we quantified chronological life span (CLS) within a collection of 58 natural strains across seven different conditions. We observed a broad aging variability suggesting the implication of diverse genetic and environmental factors in chronological aging control. Two major Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) were identified within a biparental population obtained by crossing two natural isolates with contrasting aging behavior. Detection of these QTLs was dependent upon the nature and concentration of the carbon sources available for growth. In the first QTL, the RIM15 gene was identified as major regulator of aging under low glucose condition, lending further support to the importance of nutrient-sensing pathways in longevity control under calorie restriction. In the second QTL, we could show that the SER1 gene, encoding a conserved aminotransferase of the serine synthesis pathway not previously linked to aging, is causally associated with CLS regulation, especially under high glucose condition. These findings hint toward a new mechanism of life span control involving a trade-off between serine synthesis and aging, most likely through modulation of acetate and trehalose metabolism. More generally it shows that genetic linkage studies across natural strains represent a promising strategy to further unravel the molecular basis of aging.
Vaccination route can significantly alter the innate lymphoid cell subsets: a feedback between IL-13 and IFN-γ
Authors: Li Zheyi , Jackson Ronald J. , Ranasinghe Charani
Published: March 2018

This study demonstrates that the fate of a vaccine is influenced by the cytokines produced by the innate lymphoid cells (ILC) recruited to the vaccination site, and it is vaccine route and adjuvant dependent. Intranasal virus vaccination induced ST2/IL-33R+ ILC2 in lung, while intramuscular vaccination induced exclusively IL-25R+ ILC2 in muscle. Interestingly, a larger proportion of IL-13+ ILC2s were detected in muscle following i.m. viral vector vaccination compared to lung post i.n. delivery. These observations revealed that ILC2 were the main source of IL-13 at the vaccination site (24 h post vaccination) responsible for inducing T cells of varying avidities. Moreover, recombinant fowlpox viral vector-based vaccines expressing adjuvants that transiently block IL-13 signalling at the vaccination site using different mechanisms (IL-4R antagonist or IL-13Rα2 adjuvants), revealed that the level of IL-13 present in the milieu also significantly influenced IFN-γ, IL-22 or IL-17A expression by ILC1/ILC3. Specifically, an early IL-13 and IFN-γ co-dependency at the ILC level may also be associated with shaping the downstream antibody responses, supporting the notion that differentially regulating IL-13 signalling via STAT6 or IL-13Rα2 pathways can modify ILC function and the resulting adaptive T- and B-cell immune outcomes reported previously. Moreover, unlike chronic inflammatory or experimentally induced conditions, viral vector vaccination induced uniquely different ILC profiles (i.e., expression of CD127 only on ILC2 not ILC1/ILC3; expression of IFN-γ in both NKP46+ and NKp46− ILCs). Collectively, our data highlight that tailoring a vaccine vector/adjuvant to modulate the ILC cytokine profile according to the target pathogen, may help design more efficacious vaccines in the future.
One-pot synthesis of purple benzene-derived MnO2-carbon hybrids and synergistic enhancement for the removal of cationic dyes
Authors: Kim Hyemin , Saito Nagahiro
Published: March 2018

MnO2-carbon hybrid (MnO2-C-PBz) was simultaneously synthesized by a one-step solution plasma process (SPP) using a single precursor referred to as “purple benzene”, which was derived from the K+(dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 ether) complex. To clarify the synergistic effects on the cationic dye removal, MnO2-free carbon and carbon-free MnO2 samples were concurrently investigated. The results of adsorption for cationic dyes (methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B)) and anionic dye (methyl orange (MO)) revealed remarkably high affinity for cationic dyes. In particular, MnO2-C-PBz exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for MB, i.e., ~3 times greater than that of the others. In addition, MnO2-C-PBz exhibited a rapid, high decolorization ability at C0 = 10 mg L−1 (within a few seconds, ~99%) and at C0 = 100 mg L−1 (within 30 min, ~81%), and the theoretical maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 357.14 mg g−1 as calculated from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. Furthermore, compared with carbon-free MnO2, MnO2-C-PBz exhibited quite a good cyclic stability. We expect that our findings give rise to the understanding of the synergistic effects of MnO2-carbon hybrid, as well as role of each components for the cationic dye adsorption, and may open an innovative synthesis approach to inorganic-organic hybrid materials.
Modulation of functional pendant chains within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels for refined control of protein release
Authors: Kim Mirae , Cha Chaenyung
Published: March 2018

Hydrogels are highly attractive delivery vehicles for therapeutic proteins. Their innate biocompatibility, hydrophilicity and aqueous permeability allow stable encapsulation and release of proteins. The release rates also can be controlled simply by altering the crosslinking density of the polymeric network. However, the crosslinking density also influences the mechanical properties of hydrogels, generally opposite to the permeability. In addition, the release of larger proteins may be hindered below critically diminished porosity determined by the crosslinking density. Herein, the physical properties of the hydrogels are tuned by presenting functional pendant chains, independent of crosslinking density. Heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (PEGMA) with various end functional groups is synthesized and copolymerized with PEG dimethacrylate (PEGDA) to engineer PEG hydrogels with pendant PEG chains. The pendant chains of the PEG hydrogels consisting of sulfonate, trimethylammonium chloride, and phenyl groups are utilized to provide negative charge, positive charge and hydrophobicity, respectively, to the hydrogels. The release rates of proteins with different isoelectric points are controlled in a wide range by the type and the density of functional pendant chains via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.
Large anisotropy of ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties in heteroepitaxial oxide layers
Authors: Moalla R. , Cueff S. , Penuelas J. , Vilquin B. , Saint-Girons G. , Baboux N. , Bachelet R.
Published: March 2018

Epitaxial PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) layers were integrated on Si(001) with single PZT {001} orientation, mosaïcity below 1° and a majority of a-oriented ferroelectric domains (∼65%). Ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties are determined along both the out-of-plane and in-plane directions through parallel-plate capacitor and coplanar interdigital capacitor along the <100>PZT direction. A large anisotropy in these properties is observed. The in-plane remnant polarization (21.5 µC.cm−2) is almost twice larger than that measured along the out-of-plane direction (13.5 µC.cm−2), in agreement with the domain orientation. Oppositely, the in-plane pyroelectric coefficient (−285 µC.m−2.K−1) is much lower than that measured out-of-plane (−480 µC.m−2.K−1). The pyroelectric anisotropy is explicated in term of degree of structural freedom with temperature. In particular, the low in-plane pyroelectric coefficient is explained by a two-dimensional clamping of the layers on the substrate which induces tensile stress (from thermal expansion), competing with the decreasing tetragonality of a-domains (shortening of the polar c-axis lattice parameter). Temperature-dependent XRD measurements have revealed an increased fraction of a-domains with temperature, attesting the occurrence of a partial two-dimensional clamping. These observed properties are of critical importance for integrated pyroelectric devices.
Improved water use efficiency and shorter life cycle of Nicotiana tabacum due to modification of guard and vascular companion cells
Authors: Müller Gabriela L. , Lara María V. , Oitaven Pablo , Andreo Carlos S. , Maurino Verónica G. , Drincovich María F.
Published: March 2018

Severe droughts are predicted for the twenty-first century, which contrast with the increased demand for plant materials. Thus, to sustain future generations, a great challenge is to improve crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE), which is the carbon gained per water lost. Here, expression of maize NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) in the guard and vascular companion cells of Nicotiana tabacum results in enhanced WUE, earlier flowering and shorter life cycle. Transgenic lines exhibit reduced stomatal aperture than wild-type (WT). Nevertheless, an increased net CO2 fixation rate is observed, which results in less water consumption and more biomass production per water used. Transgenic lines export sugars to the phloem at higher rate than WT, which leads to higher sugars levels in phloem exudates and veins. Leaf quantitative proteomic profiling revealed drastic differences in proteins related to cell cycle, flowering, hormone signaling and carbon metabolism between transgenic lines and WT. We propose that the increased sugar export from leaves in the transgenic lines alleviates sugar negative feedback on photosynthesis and thus, stomatal closure takes place without a penalty in CO2 assimilation rate. This results in improved WUE and accelerated overall life cycle, key traits for plant productivity in the near future world.
Understanding the prebiotic potential of different dietary fibers using an in vitro continuous adult fermentation model (PolyFermS)
Authors: Poeker Sophie A. , Geirnaert Annelies , Berchtold Laura , Greppi Anna , Krych Lukasz , Steinert Robert E. , de Wouters Tomas , Lacroix Christophe
Published: March 2018

Consumption of fermentable dietary fibers (DFs), which can induce growth and/or activity of specific beneficial populations, is suggested a promising strategy to modulate the gut microbiota and restore health in microbiota-linked diseases. Until today, inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are the best studied DFs, while little is known about the gut microbiota-modulating effects of β-glucan, α-galactooligosaccharide (α-GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS). Here, we used three continuous in vitro fermentation PolyFermS model to study the modulating effect of these DFs on two distinct human adult proximal colon microbiota, independently from the host. Supplementation of DFs, equivalent to a 9 g daily intake, induced a consistent metabolic response depending on the donor microbiota. Irrespective to the DF supplemented, the Bacteroidaceae-Ruminococcaceae dominated microbiota produced more butyrate (up to 96%), while the Prevotellaceae-Ruminococcaceae dominated microbiota produced more propionate (up to 40%). Changes in abundance of specific bacterial taxa upon DF supplementation explained the observed changes in short-chain fatty acid profiles. Our data suggest that the metabolic profile of SCFA profile may be the most suitable and robust read-out to characterize microbiota-modulating effects of a DF and highlights importance to understand the inter-individual response to a prebiotic treatment for mechanistic understanding and human application.
Influence of the Nitrogen Content on the Carbide Transformation of AISI M42 High-Speed Steels during Annealing
Authors: Luo Yi-Wa , Guo Han-Jie , Sun Xiao-Lin , Guo Jing
Published: March 2018

Attempts were made to elucidate the effect of nitrogen on primary eutectic carbides in as-cast and annealed AISI M42 high-speed steel. Particular emphasis was placed on the transformation of carbides during forging and annealing in steels with different nitrogen concentrations and the influence of final carbides on the impact toughness of the steel. Microstructural observation, electrolytic extraction method, X-ray diffraction analysis, automated inclusion analysis (INCASteel), and impact toughness measurement combined with fractographic observation were conducted on the specimens. Primary M2C carbides were found to be dominant precipitates in the as-cast ingot, with a certain amount of V(C,N). Nitrogen addition promoted the formation of fibrous M2C, whereas lamellar M2C predominated in M42 steel with a low nitrogen concentration (w[N]% = 0.006). Fibrous carbides M2C tend to decompose into more stable carbides M6C and MC during forging and annealing compared to lamellar M2C. Nitrogen alloying only affected the morphologies and dimensions of carbides, but did not change the types of carbides. These improvements in the dimensions and fractions of carbides naturally increased the impact toughness of annealed steel. Hence, it was suggested that the addition of nitrogen to AISI M42 high-speed steel was required to achieve homogeneous distribution of carbides and sufficient impact toughness.
Rational Modification of a Metallic Substrate for CVD Growth of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Li Xu , Baker-Fales Montgomery , Almkhelfe Haider , Gaede Nolan R. , Harris Tyler S. , Amama Placidus B.
Published: March 2018

Growth of high quality, dense carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays via catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) has been largely limited to catalysts supported on amorphous alumina or silica. To overcome the challenge of conducting CNT growth from catalysts supported on conductive substrates, we explored a two-step surface modification that involves ion beam bombardment to create surface porosity and deposition of a thin AlxOy barrier layer to make the surface basic. To test the efficacy of our approach on a non-oxide support, we focus on modification of 316 stainless steel (SS), a well-known inactive substrate for CNT growth. Our study reveals that ion beam bombardment of SS has the ability to reduce film thickness of the AlxOy barrier layer required to grow CNTs from Fe catalysts to $$ \sim $$

~

5 nm, which is within the threshold for the substrate to remain conductive. Additionally, catalysts supported on ion beam-damaged SS with the same AlxOy thickness show improved particle formation, catalyst stability, and CNT growth efficiency, as well as producing CNTs with higher quality and density. Under optimal reaction conditions, this modification approach can lead to CNT growth on other nontraditional substrates and potentially benefit applications that require CNTs be grown on a conductive substrate.
Influence of fecal collection conditions and 16S rRNA gene sequencing at two centers on human gut microbiota analysis
Authors: Penington Jocelyn Sietsma , Penno Megan A. S. , Ngui Katrina M. , Ajami Nadim J. , Roth-Schulze Alexandra J. , Wilcox Stephen A. , Bandala-Sanchez Esther , Wentworth John M. , Barry Simon C. , Brown Cheryl Y. , Couper Jennifer J. , Petrosino Joseph F. , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Harrison Leonard C. ,   ENDIA Study Group*, Colman Peter G. , Cotterill Andrew , Craig Maria E. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Harris Mark , Haynes Aveni , Giles Lynne , Morahan Grant , Morbey Claire , Rawlinson William D. , Sinnott Richard O. , Soldatos Georgia , Thomson Rebecca L. , Vuillermin Peter J.
Published: March 2018

To optimise fecal sampling for reproducible analysis of the gut microbiome, we compared different methods of sample collection and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes at two centers. Samples collected from six individuals on three consecutive days were placed in commercial collection tubes (OMNIgeneGut OMR-200) or in sterile screw-top tubes in a home fridge or home freezer for 6–24 h, before transfer and storage at −80 °C. Replicate samples were shipped to centers in Australia and the USA for DNA extraction and sequencing by their respective PCR protocols, and analysed with the same bioinformatic pipeline. Variation in gut microbiome was dominated by differences between individuals. Minor differences in the abundance of taxa were found between collection-processing methods and day of collection, and between the two centers. We conclude that collection with storage and transport at 4 °C within 24 h is adequate for 16S rRNA analysis of the gut microbiome. Other factors including differences in PCR and sequencing methods account for relatively minor variation compared to differences between individuals.
Latitudinal effects on phenology near the northern limit of figs in China
Authors: Chen Huanhuan , Zhang Yuan , Peng Yanqiong , Corlett Richard T.
Published: March 2018

The interaction between pollinating wasps and figs is an obligate plant-insect mutualism, and the ca. 750 Ficus species are mainly tropical. Climatic constraints may limit species distributions through their phenology and this seems particularly likely for figs, where phenological mismatches can cause local extinction of the short-lived pollinators. We therefore compared the phenologies of Ficus altissima, F. racemosa and F. semicordata in tropical Xishuangbanna (21°55′N) and subtropical Liuku (25°50′N), SW China, to understand what factors limit fig distributions near their northern limits. All species produced synchronous crops of syconia in Xishuangbanna but production in Liuku was continuous, which may help maintain pollinator populations. However, in general, we found decreased fitness at the northern site: slower syconium development, so fewer crops each year; fewer seeds per syconium (two species); and fewer pollinators and more non-pollinators per syconium, so less pollen is dispersed. This is most easily explained by colder winters, although low humidities may also contribute, and suggests the northern limit is set by temperature constraints on reproductive phenology. If so, the warming predicted for future decades is expected to enhance the fitness of northern populations of figs and, in the longer term, allow them to shift their range limits northwards.
Prevalence and correlates of hyperuricemia in the middle-aged and older adults in China
Authors: Song Peige , Wang He , Xia Wei , Chang Xinlei , Wang Manli , An Lin
Published: March 2018

Hyperuricemia, the physiological prerequisite for gout, is linked to the presence and severity of multiple comorbidities that affect longevity and well-being. By using the baseline data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative survey, the prevalence of hyperuricemia in general middle-aged and older Chinese was estimated. The potential effects of health behaviours and comorbidities on hyperuricemia were also explored. In 2010, the prevalence of hyperuricemia among middle-aged and older Chinese was 6.4%. Hyperuricemia was more prevalent in males than in females (7.9% vs. 4.9%). The risk of hyperuricemia increased with advanced age in both sexes. In males, current drinking, obesity and dyslipidemia were positively associated with hyperuricemia, whereas singles males and males living in North China were with lower odds of having hyperuricemia. For females, being single, at a higher economic level, living in the Southwest China, smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia were all significant risk factors for hyperuricemia, but females living in North China and Northwest China were with a lower hyperuricemia prevalence than females in East China. Therefore, hyperuricemia in China was not as prevalent as in developed countries, its prevalence varied greatly according to demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors.
Modulation of blood-brain barrier function by a heteroduplex oligonucleotide in vivo
Authors: Kuwahara Hiroya , Song Jindong , Shimoura Takahiro , Yoshida-Tanaka Kie , Mizuno Tadahaya , Mochizuki Tatsuki , Zeniya Satoshi , Li Fuying , Nishina Kazutaka , Nagata Tetsuya , Ito Shingo , Kusuhara Hiroyuki , Yokota Takanori
Published: March 2018

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is increasingly regarded as a dynamic interface that adapts to the needs of the brain, responds to physiological changes, and gets affected by and can even promote diseases. Modulation of BBB function at the molecular level in vivo is beneficial for a variety of basic and clinical studies. Here we show that our heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO), composed of an antisense oligonucleotide and its complementary RNA, conjugated to α-tocopherol as a delivery ligand, efficiently reduced the expression of organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) gene in brain microvascular endothelial cells in mice. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that intravenous administration of chemically synthesized HDO can remarkably silence OAT3 at the mRNA and protein levels. We also demonstrated modulation of the efflux transport function of OAT3 at the BBB in vivo. HDO will serve as a novel platform technology to advance the biology and pathophysiology of the BBB in vivo, and will also open a new therapeutic field of gene silencing at the BBB for the treatment of various intractable neurological disorders.
Genome-wide identification and expression analyses of genes involved in raffinose accumulation in sesame
Authors: You Jun , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Yujuan , Dossa Komivi , Li Donghua , Zhou Rong , Wang Linhai , Zhang Xiurong
Published: March 2018

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop. However, multiple abiotic stresses severely affect sesame growth and production. Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), such as raffinose and stachyose, play an important role in desiccation tolerance of plants and developing seeds. In the present study, three types of key enzymes, galactinol synthase (GolS), raffinose synthase (RafS) and stachyose synthase (StaS), responsible for the biosynthesis of RFOs were identified at the genome-wide scale in sesame. A total of 7 SiGolS and 15 SiRS genes were identified in the sesame genome. Transcriptome analyses showed that SiGolS and SiRS genes exhibited distinct expression profiles in different tissues and seed developmental stages. Comparative expression analyses under various abiotic stresses indicated that most of SiGolS and SiRS genes were significantly regulated by drought, osmotic, salt, and waterlogging stresses, but slightly affected by cold stress. The up-regulation of several SiGolS and SiRS genes by multiple abiotic stresses suggested their active implication in sesame abiotic stress responses. Taken together, these results shed light on the RFOs-mediated abiotic stress resistance in sesame and provide a useful framework for improving abiotic stress resistance of sesame through genetic engineering.
Transdifferentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells to hepatocyte-like cells is not serum-dependent when facilitated by extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Gratte Francis D. , Pasic Sara , Olynyk John K. , Yeoh George C. T. , Tosh David , Coombe Deirdre R. , Tirnitz-Parker Janina E. E.
Published: March 2018

The rising prevalence of chronic liver disease, coupled with a permanent shortage of organs for liver transplantation, has sparked enormous interest in alternative treatment strategies. Previous protocols to generate hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) via pancreas-to-liver transdifferentiation have utilised fetal bovine serum, introducing unknown variables and severely limiting study reproducibility. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to develop a protocol for transdifferentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells to HLCs in a chemically defined, serum-free culture medium. The clonal pancreatic progenitor cell line AR42J-B13 was cultured in basal growth medium on uncoated plastic culture dishes in the absence or presence of Dexamethasone on uncoated, laminin- or fibronectin-coated culture substrata, with or without serum supplementation. The hepatocytic differentiation potential was evaluated: (i) morphologically through bright-field and scanning electron microscopy, (ii) by assessing pancreatic and hepatic marker expression and (iii) by determining the function of HLCs through their ability to synthesise glycogen or take up and release indocyanine green. Here we demonstrate for the first time that transdifferentiation of pancreatic cells to HLCs is not dependent on serum. These results will assist in converting current differentiation protocols into procedures that are compliant with clinical use in future cell-based therapies to treat liver-related metabolic disorders.
An innovative methodology for the non-destructive diagnosis of architectural elements of ancient historical buildings
Authors: Fais Silvana , Casula Giuseppe , Cuccuru Francesco , Ligas Paola , Bianchi Maria Giovanna
Published: March 2018

In the following we present a new non-invasive methodology aimed at the diagnosis of stone building materials used in historical buildings and architectural elements. This methodology consists of the integrated sequential application of in situ proximal sensing methodologies such as the 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the 3D modelling of investigated objects together with laboratory and in situ non-invasive multi-techniques acoustic data, preceded by an accurate petrographical study of the investigated stone materials by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The increasing necessity to integrate different types of techniques in the safeguard of the Cultural Heritage is the result of the following two interdependent factors: 1) The diagnostic process on the building stone materials of monuments is increasingly focused on difficult targets in critical situations. In these cases, the diagnosis using only one type of non-invasive technique may not be sufficient to investigate the conservation status of the stone materials of the superficial and inner parts of the studied structures 2) Recent technological and scientific developments in the field of non-invasive diagnostic techniques for different types of materials favors and supports the acquisition, processing and interpretation of huge multidisciplinary datasets.
IMPPAT: A curated database of Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics
Authors: Mohanraj Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Bagavathy Shanmugam , Vivek-Ananth R. P. , Chand R. P. Bharath , Aparna S. R. , Mangalapandi Pattulingam , Samal Areejit
Published: March 2018

Phytochemicals of medicinal plants encompass a diverse chemical space for drug discovery. India is rich with a flora of indigenous medicinal plants that have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to treat human maladies. A comprehensive online database on the phytochemistry of Indian medicinal plants will enable computational approaches towards natural product based drug discovery. In this direction, we present, IMPPAT, a manually curated database of 1742IndianMedicinalPlants, 9596Phytochemicals,And 1124Therapeutic uses spanning 27074 plant-phytochemical associations and 11514 plant-therapeutic associations. Notably, the curation effort led to a non-redundantin silicolibrary of 9596 phytochemicals with standard chemical identifiers and structure information. Using cheminformatic approaches, we have computed the physicochemical, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) and drug-likeliness properties of the IMPPAT phytochemicals. We show that the stereochemical complexity and shape complexity of IMPPAT phytochemicals differ from libraries of commercial compounds or diversity-oriented synthesis compounds while being similar to other libraries of natural products. Within IMPPAT, we have filtered a subset of 960 potential druggable phytochemicals, of which majority have no significant similarity to existing FDA approved drugs, and thus, rendering them as good candidates for prospective drugs. IMPPAT database is openly accessible at:https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat.
Predicting 131I-avidity of metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer using 18F-FDG PET/CT in postoperative patients with elevated thyroglobulin
Authors: Liu Min , Cheng Lingxiao , Jin Yuchen , Ruan Maomei , Sheng Shiwei , Chen Libo
Published: March 2018

The quantitative relationship between iodine and glucose metabolism in metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains unknown. Aim of the prospective study was to establish the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in predicting 131I-avidity of metastases from DTC before the first radioiodine therapy. A total of 121 postoperative DTC patients with elevated stimulated serum thyroglobulin (ssTg) who underwent 131I adjuvant therapy or therapy after 18F-FDG PET/CT scan were enrolled. The Receiver operating characteristic curve was established to create an optimal cut-off point and evaluate the value of SUVmax for predicting 131I-avidity. In our study, the median SUVmax in 131I-nonavid metastatic target lesions was also significantly higher than that in 131I-avid metastatic target lesions (5.37 vs. 3.30; P = 0.000). At a cut-off value of 4.0 in SUVmax, the area under curve was 0.62 with the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 75.3%, 56.7%, 76.1%, and 54.8%, respectively. These results suggest that 18F-FDG PET/CT may be of great value in identifying metastases in postoperative DTC patients with elevated ssTg before 131I administration, leading to an improved management of disease. 18F-FDG positive metastatic DTC with SUVmax of greater than 4.0 possesses higher probability of non-avidity to radioiodine.
Experimental study and new three-dimensional kinetic modeling of foamy solution-gas drive processes
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Zhang Yanyu , Wang Shilin , Song Zhaoyao , Li Peng , Wang Changfa
Published: March 2018

Foamy solution-gas drive processes in heavy oil reservoirs are very complex. The influence of some microscopic factors on this process is not fully understood due to limitations of traditional depletion tests. This study aims to investigate foamy solution-gas drive by experiments and simulations. First, the effects of the pressure depletion rate on critical gas saturation and foamy solution-gas drive processes were investigated by laboratory experiments. Second, a new three-dimensional foamy oil model that captures many important characteristics of foamy solution-gas drive, such as non-equilibrium behavior, gas evolution kinetics, and the effect of viscous forces on gas mobility, was developed. Last, the effects of some important parameters on foamy solution-gas drive were systematically investigated,and a model application was conducted in a typical foamy oil reservoir. The results indicate that the new model is capble of simulating many of the unusual behaviors observed in foamy solution-gas drive on a laboratory and field scales. High oil recoveries were obtained with a high oil viscosity, high depletion rate, long sandpack, and low solution gas-oil ratio. Foamy solution-gas drive processes are sensitive to the depletion rate, length, and critical gas saturation. The oil viscosity, solution GOR and diffusion coefficient are not sensitive factors.
Spin-transfer torque generated in graphene based topological insulator heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Qingtian , Chan K. S. , Li Jingbo
Published: March 2018

We studied the spin-transfer torque (STT) in graphene based normal-metal/topological-insulator/ferromagnet heterostructures (N/TI/F), which is induced by the helical spin-polarized current in the quantum spin Hall insulator. We found that the STT is comparable in magnitude to the STT in ferromagnetic-normal- ferromagnetic graphene junction, while not requiring additional ferromagnetic layer with fixed magnetization, which makes it advantageous for the manipulation of magnetic devices in spintronics. More interestingly, the STT is very robust in our proposed nanostructure, as it is immune to changes in the geometry due to an asymmetrically notch or the presence of random nanopores in the quantum spin Hall insulator. Our theoretical prediction suggests that graphene based quantum spin Hall insulator could be used for very efficient magnetization manipulation for magnetic materials.
TryTransDB: A web-based resource for transport proteins in Trypanosomatidae
Authors: Sonar Krushna , Kabra Ritika , Singh Shailza
Published: March 2018

TryTransDB is a web-based resource that stores transport protein data which can be retrieved using a standalone BLAST tool. We have attempted to create an integrated database that can be a one-stop shop for the researchers working with transport proteins of Trypanosomatidae family. TryTransDB (Trypanosomatidae Transport Protein Database) is a web based comprehensive resource that can fire a BLAST search against most of the transport protein sequences (protein and nucleotide) from Trypanosomatidae family organisms. This web resource further allows to compute a phylogenetic tree by performing multiple sequence alignment (MSA) using CLUSTALW suite embedded in it. Also, cross-linking to other databases helps in gathering more information for a certain transport protein in a single website.
Infanticide in a mammal-eating killer whale population
Authors: Towers Jared R. , Hallé Muriel J. , Symonds Helena K. , Sutton Gary J. , Morton Alexandra B. , Spong Paul , Borrowman James P. , Ford John K. B.
Published: March 2018

Infanticide can be an extreme result of sexual conflict that drives selection in species in which it occurs. It is a rarely observed behaviour but some evidence for its occurrence in cetaceans exists in three species of dolphin. Here we describe observations of an adult male killer whale (Orcinus orca) and his post-reproductive mother killing a neonate belonging to an unrelated female from the same population in the North Pacific. This is the first account of infanticide reported in killer whales and the only case committed jointly by an adult male and his mother outside of humans. Consistent with findings in other social mammals, we suggest that infanticide is a sexually selected behaviour in killer whales that could provide subsequent mating opportunities for the infanticidal male and thereby provide inclusive fitness benefits for his mother.
Shelf Life Evaluation of Clinical Grade Chondrogenic Induced Aged Adult Stem Cells for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Ude C. C. , Seet W. T. , Sharen Aini S. , Aminuddin B. S. , Ruszymah B. H. I.
Published: March 2018

The study objectives include, enhancing the proliferations of aged bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and adipose stem cells (ADSCs); and evaluating the shelf lives of clinical grade chondrogenically induced cells from both samples. ADSCs and BMSCs from 56 patients (76 ± 8 yrs) were proliferated using basal medium (FD) and at (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25) ng/ml of basal fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). They were induced to chondrogenic lineage and stored for more than 120 hrs in FD, serum, Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) and saline at 4 °C. In FD, cells stagnated and BMSCs’ population doubling time (PDT) was 137 ± 30 hrs, while ADSCs’ was 129.7 ± 40 hrs. bFGF caused PDT’s decrease to 24.5 ± 5.8 hrs in BMSCs and 22.0 ± 6.5 hrs in ADSCs (p = 0.0001). Both cells were positive to stem cell markers before inductions and thereafter, expressed significantly high chondrogenic genes (p = 0.0001). On shelf life, both cells maintained viabilities and counts above 70% in FD and serum after 120 hrs. BMSCs’ viabilities in DPBS fell below 70% after 96 hrs and saline after 72 hrs. ADSCs’ viability fell below 70% in DPBS after 24 hrs and saline within 24 hrs. Concentrations between 20 ng/ml bFGF is ideal for aged adult cells’ proliferation and delivery time of induced BMSCs and ADSCs can be 120 hrs in 4 °C serum.
Synthetic wavelength interferometry of an optical frequency comb for absolute distance measurement
Authors: Wu Guanhao , Liao Lei , Xiong Shilin , Li Guoyuan , Cai Zhijian , Zhu Zebin
Published: March 2018

We present a synthetic-wavelength based heterodyne interferometer of optical frequency combs with wide consecutive measurement range for absolute distance measurement. The synthetic wavelength is derived from two wavelengths obtained by two band-pass filters. The interferometric phase of the synthetic wavelength is used as a marker for the pulse-to-pulse alignment, which greatly improves the accuracy of traditional peak finding method. The consecutive measurement range is enlarged by using long fiber to increase the path length difference of the reference and measurement arms. The length of the long fiber is stabilized according to the interferometric phase of a CW laser. The experimental results show the present system can realize an accuracy of 75 nm in 350 mm consecutive measurement range.
Quantitative mapping of RNA-mediated nuclear estrogen receptor β interactome in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Giurato Giorgio , Nassa Giovanni , Salvati Annamaria , Alexandrova Elena , Rizzo Francesca , Nyman Tuula A. , Weisz Alessandro , Tarallo Roberta
Published: March 2018

The nuclear receptor estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2, ERβ) modulates cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth, exerting an oncosuppressive role in breast cancer (BC). Interaction proteomics by tandem affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry was previously applied in BC cells to identify proteins acting in concert with ERβ to control key cellular functions, including gene transcription, RNA splicing and post-transcriptional mRNA regulation. These studies revealed an involvement of RNA in ERβ interactome assembly and functions. By applying native protein complex purification followed by nano LC-MS/MS before and after in vitro RNA removal, we generated a large dataset of newly identified nuclear ERβ interactors, including a subset associating with the receptor via RNA bridging. These datasets will be useful to investigate further the role of ERβ, nuclear RNAs and the other proteins identified here in BC and other cell types.
Correction: Corrigendum: Long-read sequencing of the human cytomegalovirus transcriptome with the pacific biosciences RSII platform
Authors: Balázs Zsolt , Tombácz Dóra , Szűcs Attila , Snyder Michael , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: March 2018

Scientific Data 4:170194 doi: 10.1038/sdata.2017.194 (2017); Published: 19 December 2017; Updated: 6 March 2018 In the original version of the Data Descriptor the tables were presented in the incorrect order. This has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions.
Effects of different thickening agents on infant gut microbiota
Authors: González-Bermúdez C. A. , López-Nicolás R. , Peso-Echarri P. , Frontela-Saseta C. , Martínez-Graciá C.
Published: March 2018

Locust bean gum and modified maize and rice starches affect the development of infant microbiota.
Novel 99mTc-labelled complexes with thymidine isocyanide: radiosynthesis and evaluation as potential tumor imaging tracers
Authors: Duan Xiaojiang , Zhang Xuran , Gan Qianqian , Fang Si'an , Ruan Qing , Song Xiaoqing , Zhang Junbo
Published: March 2018

SPECT/CT image of 12 in mice bearing S180 at 1 h p.i.
Controllable synthesis of carbon encapsulated iron phosphide nanoparticles for the chemoselective hydrogenation of aromatic nitroarenes to anilines
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Yang Shuliang , Cao Changyan , Song Weiguo , Wan Li-Jun
Published: March 2018

Iron phosphide nanoparticles encapsulated in a doped carbon matrix showed high activity and good selectivity in the hydrogenation of aromatic nitroarenes to anilines.
Preventive effect of goby fish protein hydrolysates on hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease in Wistar rats fed a high-fat/fructose diet
Authors: Nasri Rim , Abdelhedi Ola , Jemil Ines , Ben Amor Ikram , Elfeki Abdelfattah , Gargouri Jalel , Boualga Ahmed , Karra-Châabouni Maha , Nasri Moncef
Published: March 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the hypolipidemic, cardioprotective and anticoagulant properties of fish goby protein hydrolysates (GPHs) in rats fed a high fat and fructose diet (HFFD).
Metabolomic estimation of the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yuan-Feng , Qiu Shi , Gao Li-Juan , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: March 2018

Metabolomics has been shown to be an effective tool for biomarker screening and pathway characterization and disease diagnosis.
Application of new eco-friendly LCMs for combating the lost circulation in heavy-weight and oil-based mud
Authors: Nasiri Alireza , Ameri Shahrabi Mohammadjavad , Keshavarz Moraveji Mostafa
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the effectiveness of different lost circulation materials (LCMs) in controlling the lost circulation of heavy-weight and oil-based mud.
A fluorine-containing hydrophobic covalent triazine framework with excellent selective CO2 capture performance
Authors: Wang Guangbo , Leus Karen , Jena Himanshu Sekhar , Krishnaraj Chidharth , Zhao Shuna , Depauw Hannes , Tahir Norini , Liu Ying-Ya , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: March 2018

In this article, a set of fluorine functionalized covalent triazine frameworks have been synthesized with 2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octafluoro-4,4′-biphenyldicarbonitrile as the monomer under ionothermal conditions.
Hierarchical MoS2/Carbon microspheres as long-life and high-rate anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Junxiong , Lu Ziheng , Li Kaikai , Cui Jiang , Yao Shanshan , Ihsan-ul Haq Muhammad , Li Baohua , Yang Quan-Hong , Kang Feiyu , Ciucci Francesco , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: March 2018

Hierarchical MoS2/C microspheres are synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, which enable reversible and fast Na storage.
Sensitization of near-infrared LnIII[Ln = Yb or Nd] ions using water-soluble, band gap tuneable 3-MPA-capped CdS nanoparticles
Authors: de Bettencourt-Dias A. , Tigaa R. A.
Published: March 2018

3-MPA capped CdS nanoparticles sensitize the NIR emission of NdIIIand YbIII.
Paracetamol metabolism, hepatotoxicity, biomarkers and therapeutic interventions: a perspective
Authors: Athersuch Toby J. , Antoine Daniel J. , Boobis Alan R. , Coen Muireann , Daly Ann K. , Possamai Lucia , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Wilson Ian D.
Published: March 2018

After over 60 years of therapeutic use in the UK, paracetamol (acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) remains the subject of considerable research into both its mode of action and toxicity. The pharmacological properties of APAP are the focus of some activity, with the role of the metabolite N-arachidonoylaminophenol (AM404) still a topic of debate. However, that the hepatotoxicity of APAP results from the production of the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI/NABQI) that can deplete glutathione, react with cellular macromolecules, and initiate cell death, is now beyond dispute. The disruption of cellular pathways that results from the production of NAPQI provides a source of potential biomarkers of the severity of the damage. Research in this area has provided new diagnostic markers such as the microRNA miR-122 as well as mechanistic biomarkers associated with apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and tissue regeneration. Additionally, biomarkers of, and systems biology models for, glutathione depletion have been developed. Furthermore, there have been significant advances in determining the role of both the innate immune system and genetic factors that might predispose individuals to APAP-mediated toxicity. This perspective highlights some of the progress in current APAP-related research.
Determination of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) and synthetic cathinones in urine using solid phase micro-extraction fibre tips and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Alsenedi Khalid A. , Morrison Calum
Published: March 2018

An optimum condition procedure applied to a SPME PDMS/DVB fiber tip in a mixture of drugs in a urine sample.