bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential contribution of yellow cassava to dietary nutrient adequacy of primary-school children in Eastern Kenya; the use of linear programming
Authors: Talsma Elise F , Borgonjen-van den Berg Karin J , Melse-Boonstra Alida , Mayer Eva V , Verhoef Hans , Demir Ayşe Y , Ferguson Elaine L , Kok Frans J , Brouwer Inge D
Published: October 2017

Objective

Introduction of biofortified cassava as school lunch can increase vitamin A intake, but may increase risk of other deficiencies due to poor nutrient profile of cassava. We assessed the potential effect of introducing a yellow cassava-based school lunch combined with additional food-based recommendations (FBR) on vitamin A and overall nutrient adequacy using Optifood (linear programming tool).

Design

Cross-sectional study to assess dietary intakes (24 h recall) and derive model parameters (list of foods consumed, median serving sizes, food and food (sub)group frequency distributions, food cost). Three scenarios were modelled, namely daily diet including: (i) no school lunch; (ii) standard 5d school lunch with maize/beans; and (iii) 5d school lunch with yellow cassava. Each scenario and scenario 3 with additional FBR were assessed on overall nutrient adequacy using recommended nutrient intakes (RNI).

Setting

Eastern Kenya.

Subjects

Primary-school children (n150) aged 7–9 years.

Results

Best food pattern of yellow cassava-based lunch scenario achieved 100 % RNI for six nutrients compared with no lunch (three nutrients) or standard lunch (five nutrients) scenario. FBR with yellow cassava and including small dried fish improved nutrient adequacy, but could not ensure adequate intake of fat (52 % of average requirement), riboflavin (50 % RNI), folate (59 % RNI) and vitamin A (49 % RNI).

Conclusions

Introduction of yellow cassava-based school lunch complemented with FBR potentially improved vitamin A adequacy, but alternative interventions are needed to ensure dietary adequacy. Optifood is useful to assess potential contribution of a biofortified crop to nutrient adequacy and to develop additional FBR to address remaining nutrient gaps.
War at sea: Nineteenth-century laws for twenty-first century wars?
Authors: Haines Steven
Published: October 2017

While most law on the conduct of hostilities has been heavily scrutinized in recent years, the law dealing with armed conflict at sea has been largely ignored. This is not surprising. There have been few naval conflicts since 1945, and those that have occurred have been limited in scale; none has involved combat between major maritime powers. Nevertheless, navies have tripled in number since then, and today there are growing tensions between significant naval powers. There is a risk of conflict at sea. Conditions have changed since 1945, but the law has not developed in that time. Elements of it, especially that regulating economic warfare at sea, seem outdated and it is not clear that the law is well placed to regulate so-called “hybrid” warfare at sea. It seems timely to review the law, to confirm that which is appropriate and to develop that which is not. Perhaps a new edition of theSan Remo Manualwould be timely.
Developing capacity-building activities for mental health system strengthening in low- and middle-income countries for service users and caregivers, service planners, and researchers
Authors: Semrau M. , Alem A. , Abdulmalik J. , Docrat S. , Evans-Lacko S. , Gureje O. , Kigozi F. , Lempp H. , Lund C. , Petersen I. , Shidhaye R. , Thornicroft G. , Hanlon C.
Published: October 2017

There is increasing international recognition of the need to build capacity to strengthen mental health systems. This is a fundamental goal of the ‘Emerging mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries’ (Emerald) programme, which is being implemented in six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda). This paper discusses Emerald's capacity-building approaches and outputs for three target groups in mental health system strengthening: (1) mental health service users and caregivers, (2) service planners and policy-makers, and (3) mental health researchers. When planning the capacity-building activities, the approach taken included a capabilities/skills matrix, needs assessments, a situational analysis, systematic reviews, qualitative interviews and stakeholder meetings, as well as the application of previous theory, evidence and experience. Each of the Emerald LMIC partners was found to have strengths in aspects of mental health system strengthening, which were complementary across the consortium. Furthermore, despite similarities across the countries, capacity-building interventions needed to be tailored to suit the specific needs of individual countries. The capacity-building outputs include three publicly and freely available short courses/workshops in mental health system strengthening for each of the target groups, 27 Masters-level modules (also open access), nine Emerald-linked PhD students, two MSc studentships, mentoring of post-doctoral/mid-level researchers, and ongoing collaboration and dialogue with the three groups. The approach taken by Emerald can provide a potential model for the development of capacity-building activities across the three target groups in LMICs.
Aeromonas hydrophila utilizes TLR4 topology for synchronous activation of MyD88 and TRIF to orchestrate anti-inflammatory responses in zebrafish
Authors: Srivastava Nidhi , Shelly Asha , Kumar Manmohan , Pant Archana , Das Bhabatosh , Majumdar Tanmay , Mazumder Shibnath
Published: October 2017

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a critical role in host immunity against Gram-negative bacteria. It transduces signals through two distinct TIR-domain-containing adaptors, MyD88 and TRIF, which function at the plasma membrane and endosomes, respectively. Using zebrafish Aeromonas hydrophila infection model, we demonstrate that synchronization of MyD88 and TRIF dependent pathways is critical for determining the fate of infection. Zebrafish were infected with A. hydrophila, and bacterial recovery studies suggested its effective persistence inside the host. Histopathological assessment elucidates that A. hydrophila did not provoke inflammatory responses in the spleen. Immunofluorescence revealed the presence of TLR4-bound A. hydrophila on the plasma membrane at 3 h post-infection (p.i.), and inside endosomes 1 day p.i. Quantitative PCR studies suggest that TLR4 activates the downstream pathway of MyD88–IRAK4 axis at early stages followed by a shift to TRIF–TRAF6 axis at late stages of infection coupled with fold increase in NFκB. Our results implicated the involvement of p110δ isoform of PI(3)Kinase in this transition. Coupled to this, we noted that the TLR4–TRIF–NFκB axis prompted burgeoned secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. We observed that A. hydrophila inhibits endosome maturation and escapes to cytoplasm. Significant downregulation of cytosolic-NLR receptors further suggested that A. hydrophila represses pro-inflammatory responses in cytosol aiding its persistence. Our findings suggest a novel role of ‘TLR4 topology’ in A. hydrophila-induced pathogenesis. We propose that A. hydrophila manipulates translocation of TLR4 and migrates to endosome, where it triggers TRIF-dependent anti-inflammatory responses, interferes with endosomal maturation and escapes to cytosol. Inside the cytosol, A. hydrophila avoids detection by suppressing NLRs, facilitating its survival and ensuing pathogenesis.
Combination curcumin and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits colorectal carcinoma microenvironment-induced angiogenesis by JAK/STAT3/IL-8 pathway
Authors: Jin G , Yang Y , Liu K , Zhao J , Chen X , Liu H , Bai R , Li X , Jiang Y , Zhang X , Lu J , Dong Z
Published: October 2017

Tumor microenvironment has a crucial role in cancer development and progression, whereas the mechanism of how it regulates angiogenesis is unclear. In this study, we simulated the colorectal carcinoma microenvironment by conditioned medium (CM) of colorectal carcinoma cell lines (SW620, HT-29, HCT116) supernatant or colorectal carcinoma tissue homogenate supernatant to induce normal endothelial cells (NECs). We found that colorectal carcinoma CM promoted tumor angiogenesis by coercing NECs toward tumor endothelial cells (TECs) with the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Antibody array analysis showed HT-29 supernatant contained numerous angiogenesis-related proteins, especially IL-8. Interestingly, the production of IL-8 in NECs induced by HT-29 CM was also increased. We also verified the crucial role of IL-8 in promoting the CM-induced angiogenesis, as IL-8 repression by neutralizing antibody abolished the transition of NECs toward TECs. Curcumin and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are broadly investigated in cancer chemoprevention. However, poor bioavailability hurdles their application alone, and the mechanism of their anti-angiogenesis still need to be illuminated. Here, we found that curcumin combination with EGCG attenuated the tumor CM-induced transition of NECs toward TECs by inhibiting JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the combination of curcumin and EGCG markedly reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in the colorectal carcinoma PDX mouse model, and the combined anti-angiogenic effect was better than that of curcumin or EGCG alone. Taken together, our findings provide a new mechanism of tumor angiogenesis, and the combination of curcumin and EGCG represents a potential anti-angiogenic therapeutic method for colorectal carcinoma.
Synchronized conductivity modulation to realize broadband lossless magnetic-free non-reciprocity
Authors: Dinc Tolga , Tymchenko Mykhailo , Nagulu Aravind , Sounas Dimitrios , Alu Andrea , Krishnaswamy Harish
Published: October 2017

Recent research has explored the spatiotemporal modulation of permittivity to break Lorentz reciprocity in a manner compatible with integrated-circuit fabrication. However, permittivity modulation is inherently weak and accompanied by loss due to carrier injection, particularly at higher frequencies, resulting in large insertion loss, size, and/or narrow operation bandwidths. Here, we show that the presence of absorption in an integrated electronic circuit may be counter-intuitively used to our advantage to realize a new generation of magnet-free non-reciprocal components. We exploit the fact that conductivity in semiconductors provides a modulation index several orders of magnitude larger than permittivity. While directly associated with loss in static systems, we show that properly synchronized conductivity modulation enables loss-free, compact and extremely broadband non-reciprocity. We apply these concepts to obtain a wide range of responses, from isolation to gyration and circulation, and verify our findings by realizing a millimeter-wave (25 GHz) circulator fully integrated in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology.
Mammalian APE1 controls miRNA processing and its interactome is linked to cancer RNA metabolism
Authors: Antoniali Giulia , Serra Fabrizio , Lirussi Lisa , Tanaka Mikiei , D’Ambrosio Chiara , Zhang Shiheng , Radovic Slobodanka , Dalla Emiliano , Ciani Yari , Scaloni Andrea , Li Mengxia , Piazza Silvano , Tell Gianluca
Published: October 2017

Mammalian apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 is a DNA repair enzyme involved in genome stability and expression of genes involved in oxidative stress responses, tumor progression and chemoresistance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 in these processes are still unclear. Recent findings point to a novel role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 in RNA metabolism. Through the characterization of the interactomes of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 with RNA and other proteins, we demonstrate here a role for apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 in pri-miRNA processing and stability via association with the DROSHA-processing complex during genotoxic stress. We also show that endonuclease activity of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 is required for the processing of miR-221/222 in regulating expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN. Analysis of a cohort of different cancers supports the relevance of our findings for tumor biology. We also show that apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 participates in RNA-interactomes and protein-interactomes involved in cancer development, thus indicating an unsuspected post-transcriptional effect on cancer genes.
Predicting the effect of habitat modification on networks of interacting species
Authors: Staniczenko Phillip P. A. , Lewis Owen T. , Tylianakis Jason M. , Albrecht Matthias , Coudrain Valérie , Klein Alexandra-Maria , Reed-Tsochas Felix
Published: October 2017

A pressing challenge for ecologists is predicting how human-driven environmental changes will affect the complex pattern of interactions among species in a community. Weighted networks are an important tool for studying changes in interspecific interactions because they record interaction frequencies in addition to presence or absence at a field site. Here we show that changes in weighted network structure following habitat modification are, in principle, predictable. Our approach combines field data with mathematical models: the models separate changes in relative species abundance from changes in interaction preferences (which describe how interaction frequencies deviate from random encounters). The models with the best predictive ability compared to data requirement are those that capture systematic changes in interaction preferences between different habitat types. Our results suggest a viable approach for predicting the consequences of rapid environmental change for the structure of complex ecological networks, even in the absence of detailed, system-specific empirical data.
Galectin-3 captures interferon-gamma in the tumor matrix reducing chemokine gradient production and T-cell tumor infiltration
Authors: Gordon-Alonso Monica , Hirsch Thibault , Wildmann Claude , van der Bruggen Pierre
Published: October 2017

The presence of T cells in tumors predicts overall survival for cancer patients. However, why most tumors are poorly infiltrated by T cells is barely understood. T-cell recruitment towards the tumor requires a chemokine gradient of the critical IFNγ-induced chemokines CXCL9/10/11. Here, we describe how tumors can abolish IFNγ-induced chemokines, thereby reducing T-cell attraction. This mechanism requires extracellular galectin-3, a lectin secreted by tumors. Galectins bind the glycans of glycoproteins and form lattices by oligomerization. We demonstrate that galectin-3 binds the glycans of the extracellular matrix and those decorating IFNγ. In mice bearing human tumors, galectin-3 reduces IFNγ diffusion through the tumor matrix. Galectin antagonists increase intratumoral IFNγ diffusion, CXCL9 gradient and tumor recruitment of adoptively transferred human CD8+T cells specific for a tumor antigen. Transfer of T cells reduces tumor growth only if galectin antagonists are injected. Considering that most human cytokines are glycosylated, galectin secretion could be a general strategy for tumor immune evasion.
The telomere binding protein Pot1 maintains haematopoietic stem cell activity with age
Authors: Hosokawa Kentaro , MacArthur Ben D. , Ikushima Yoshiko Matsumoto , Toyama Hirofumi , Masuhiro Yoshikazu , Hanazawa Shigemasa , Suda Toshio , Arai Fumio
Published: October 2017

Repeated cell divisions and aging impair stem cell function. However, the mechanisms by which this occurs are not fully understood. Here we show that protection of telomeres 1A (Pot1a), a component of the Shelterin complex that protects telomeres, improves haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity during aging. Pot1a is highly expressed in young HSCs, but declines with age. In mouse HSCs, Pot1a knockdown increases DNA damage response (DDR) and inhibits self-renewal. Conversely, Pot1a overexpression or treatment with POT1a protein prevents DDR, maintained self-renewal activity and rejuvenated aged HSCs upon ex vivo culture. Moreover, treatment of HSCs with exogenous Pot1a inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species, suggesting a non-telomeric role for Pot1a in HSC maintenance. Consistent with these results, treatment with exogenous human POT1 protein maintains human HSC activity in culture. Collectively, these results show that Pot1a/POT1 sustains HSC activity and can be used to expand HSC numbers ex vivo.
Bik reduces hyperplastic cells by increasing Bak and activating DAPk1 to juxtapose ER and mitochondria
Authors: Mebratu Yohannes A. , Leyva-Baca Ivan , Wathelet Marc G. , Lacey Neal , Chand Hitendra S. , Choi Augustine M. K. , Tesfaigzi Yohannes
Published: October 2017

Bik reduces hyperplastic epithelial cells by releasing calcium from endoplasmic reticulum stores and causing apoptosis, but the detailed mechanisms are not known. Here we report that Bik dissociates the Bak/Bcl-2 complex to enrich for ER-associated Bak and interacts with the kinase domain of DAPk1 to form Bik–DAPk1–ERK1/2–Bak complex. Bik also disrupts the Bcl2–IP3R interaction to cause ER Ca2+ release. The ER-associated Bak interacts with the kinase and calmodulin domains of DAPk1 to increase the contact sites of ER and mitochondria, and facilitate ER Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria. Although the Bik BH3 helix was sufficient to enrich for ER-Bak and elicit ER Ca2+ release, Bik-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is blocked with reduced Bak levels. Further, the Bik-derived peptide reduces allergen- and cigarette smoke-induced mucous cell hyperplasia in mice and in differentiated primary human airway epithelial cultures. Therefore, Bik peptides may have therapeutic potential in airway diseases associated with chronic mucous hypersecretion.
A Novel Mouse Model of iNKT Cell-deficiency Generated by CRISPR/Cas9 Reveals a Pathogenic Role of iNKT Cells in Metabolic Disease
Authors: Ren Yue , Sekine-Kondo Etsuko , Shibata Risa , Kato-Itoh Megumi , Umino Ayumi , Yanagida Ayaka , Satoh Masashi , Inoue Komaki , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Mochida Keiichi , Nakae Susumu , Van Kaer Luc , Iwabuchi Kazuya , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Watarai Hiroshi
Published: October 2017

iNKT cells play important roles in immune regulation by bridging the innate and acquired immune systems. The functions of iNKT cells have been investigated in mice lacking the Traj18 gene segment that were generated by traditional embryonic stem cell technology, but these animals contain a biased T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire that might affect immune responses. To circumvent this confounding factor, we have generated a new strain of iNKT cell-deficient mice by deleting the Traj18 locus using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and these animals contain an unbiased TCR repertoire. We employed these mice to investigate the contribution of iNKT cells to metabolic disease and found a pathogenic role of these cells in obesity-associated insulin-resistance. The new Traj18-deficient mouse strain will assist in studies of iNKT cell biology.
Generation of micro-droplet arrays by dip-coating of biphilic surfaces; the dependence of entrained droplet volume on withdrawal velocity
Authors: Mandsberg Nikolaj Kofoed , Hansen Ole , Taboryski Rafael
Published: October 2017

Droplet array chips were realized using an alignment-free fabrication process in silicon. The chips were textured with a homogeneous nano-scale surface roughness but were partially covered with a self-assembled monolayer of perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS), resulting in a super-biphilic surface. When submerged in water and withdrawn again, microliter sized droplets are formed due to pinning of water on the hydrophilic spots. The entrained droplet volumes were investigated under variation of spot size and withdrawal velocity. Two regimes of droplet formation were revealed: at low speeds, the droplet volume achieved finite values even for vanishing speeds, while at higher speeds the volume was governed by fluid inertia. A simple 2D boundary layer model describes the behavior at high speeds well. Entrained droplet volume could be altered, post-fabrication, by more than a factor of 15, which opens up for more applications of the dip-coating technique due to the significant increase in versatility of the micro-droplet array platform.
Fenugreek supplementation during high-fat feeding improves specific markers of metabolic health
Authors: Knott Eric J. , Richard Allison J. , Mynatt Randall L. , Ribnicky David , Stephens Jacqueline M. , Bruce-Keller Annadora
Published: October 2017

To assess the metabolically beneficial effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), C57BL/6J mice were fed a low- or high-fat diet for 16 weeks with or without 2% (w/w) fenugreek supplementation. Body weight, body composition, energy expenditure, food intake, and insulin/glucose tolerance were measured regularly, and tissues were collected for histological and biochemical analysis after 16 weeks of diet exposure. Fenugreek did not alter body weight, fat mass, or food intake in either group, but did transiently improve glucose tolerance in high fat-fed mice. Fenugreek also significantly improved high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratios in high fat-fed mice without affecting circulating total cholesterol, triglycerides, or glycerol levels. Fenugreek decreased hepatic expression of fatty acid-binding protein 4 and increased subcutaneous inguinal adipose tissue expression of adiponectin, but did not prevent hepatic steatosis. Notably, fenugreek was not as effective at improving glucose tolerance as was four days of voluntary wheel running. Overall, our results demonstrate that fenugreek promotes metabolic resiliency via significant and selected effects on glucose regulation, hyperlipidemia, and adipose pathology; but may not be as effective as behavioral modifications at preventing the adverse metabolic consequences of a high fat diet.
Measuring molecular frequencies in the 1–10 μm range at 11-digits accuracy
Authors: Insero G. , Borri S. , Calonico D. , Pastor P. Cancio , Clivati C. , D’Ambrosio D. , De Natale P. , Inguscio M. , Levi F. , Santambrogio G.
Published: October 2017

High-resolution spectroscopy in the 1–10 μm region has never been fully tackled for the lack of widely-tunable and practical light sources. Indeed, all solutions proposed thus far suffer from at least one of three issues: they are feasible only in a narrow spectral range; the power available for spectroscopy is limited; the frequency accuracy is poor. Here, we present a setup for high-resolution spectroscopy, whose approach can be applied in the whole 1–10 μm range. It combines the power of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and the accuracy achievable by difference frequency generation using an orientation patterned GaP crystal. The frequency is measured against a primary frequency standard using the Italian metrological fibre link network. We demonstrate the performance of the setup by measuring a vibrational transition in a highly-excited metastable state of CO around 6 μm with 11 digits of precision.
Imaging Atomic Scale Dynamics on III–V Nanowire Surfaces During Electrical Operation
Authors: Webb J. L. , Knutsson J. , Hjort M. , McKibbin S. R. , Lehmann S. , Thelander C. , Dick K. A. , Timm R. , Mikkelsen A.
Published: October 2017

As semiconductor electronics keep shrinking, functionality depends on individual atomic scale surface and interface features that may change as voltages are applied. In this work we demonstrate a novel device platform that allows scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging with atomic scale resolution across a device simultaneously with full electrical operation. The platform presents a significant step forward as it allows STM to be performed everywhere on the device surface and high temperature processing in reactive gases of the complete device. We demonstrate the new method through proof of principle measurements on both InAs and GaAs nanowire devices with variable biases up to 4 V. On InAs nanowires we observe a surprising removal of atomic defects and smoothing of the surface morphology under applied bias, in contrast to the expected increase in defects and electromigration-related failure. As we use only standard fabrication and scanning instrumentation our concept is widely applicable and opens up the possibility of fundamental investigations of device surface reliability as well as new electronic functionality based on restructuring during operation.
Counterbalancing anti-adhesive effects of Tenascin-C through fibronectin expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Radwanska Agata , Grall Dominique , Schaub Sébastien , Divonne Stéphanie Beghelli-de la Forest , Ciais Delphine , Rekima Samah , Rupp Tristan , Sudaka Anne , Orend Gertraud , Van Obberghen-Schilling Ellen
Published: October 2017

Cellular fibronectin (FN) and tenascin-C (TNC) are prominent development- and disease-associated matrix components with pro- and anti-adhesive activity, respectively. Whereas both are present in the tumour vasculature, their functional interplay on vascular endothelial cells remains unclear. We have previously shown that basally-oriented deposition of a FN matrix restricts motility and promotes junctional stability in cultured endothelial cells and that this effect is tightly coupled to expression of FN. Here we report that TNC induces FN expression in endothelial cells. This effect counteracts the potent anti-adhesive activity of TNC and leads to the assembly of a dense highly-branched subendothelial matrix that enhances tubulogenic activity. These findings suggest that pro-angiogenic remodelling of the perivascular matrix may involve TNC-induced upregulation of FN in endothelial cells.
Autocrine DUSP28 signaling mediates pancreatic cancer malignancy via regulation of PDGF-A
Authors: Lee Jungwhoi , Lee Jungsul , Yun Jeong Hun , Choi Chulhee , Cho Sayeon , Kim Seung Jun , Kim Jae Hoon
Published: October 2017

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly cancers with a grave prognosis. Despite continuous efforts to improve remedial values, limited progress has been made. We have reported that dual specificity phosphatase 28 (DUSP28) has a critical role of chemo-resistance and migration in pancreatic cancers. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Here, we further clarify the function of DUSP28 in pancreatic cancers. Analysis using a public microarray database and in vitro assay indicated a critical role of platelet derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) in pancreatic cancer malignancy. PDGF-A was positively regulated by DUSP28 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Enhanced DUSP28 sensitized pancreatic cancer cells to exogenous PDGF-A treatment in migration, invasion, and proliferation. Transfection with siRNA targeting DUSP28 blunted the influence of administered PDGF-A by inhibition of phosphorylation of FAK, ERK1/2, and p38 signalling pathways. In addition, DUSP28 and PDGF-A formed an acquired autonomous autocrine-signaling pathway. Furthermore, targeting DUSP28 inhibited the tumor growth and migratory features through the blockade of PDGF-A expression and intracellular signaling in vivo. Our results establish novel insight into DUSP28 and PDGF-A related autonomous signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer.
Use of pulmonary CT angiography with low tube voltage and low-iodine-concentration contrast agent to diagnose pulmonary embolism
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Ma Liya , Zhang Jinhua , Li Zhen , Shen Yaqi , Hu Daoyu
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary CT angiography (CTPA) is regarded as the preferred imaging method in diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Considering the harm of radiation exposure and the side effect of iodinated contrast agent, CTPA protocol with low tube voltage and low dose of contrast agent became research hotspot in last decade. The present study evaluates the image quality, radiation dose, positive rate of PE and the location of PE with a CTPA protocol using low tube voltage (80 kVp) and low-iodine-concentration contrast agent (270 mg I/ml) in patients suspected of PE compared to a conventional CTPA protocol (120 kVp, 350 mg I/ml). The results showed that 80 kVp CTPA protocol with 40 ml 270 mg I/ml achieved equally subjective image quality and a positive rate for diagnosing PE, though the quantitative image quality was reduced compared to the 120 kVp CTPA protocol with 40 ml 350 mg I/ml administered, with a 63.6% decrease in radiation dose and a 22.9% reduction in iodine content of contrast agent. Our results document that CTPA protocol with low tube voltage and low iodine concentration of contrast agent is satisfied to the clinical application.
Determination of a potential quantitative measure of the state of the lung using lung ultrasound spectroscopy
Authors: Demi Libertario , van Hoeve Wim , van Sloun Ruud J. G. , Soldati Gino , Demi Marcello
Published: October 2017

B-lines are ultrasound-imaging artifacts, which correlate with several lung-pathologies. However, their understanding and characterization is still largely incomplete. To further study B-lines, lung-phantoms were developed by trapping a layer of microbubbles in tissue-mimicking gel. To simulate the alveolar size reduction typical of various pathologies, 170 and 80 µm bubbles were used for phantom-type 1 and 2, respectively. A normal alveolar diameter is approximately 280 µm. A LA332 linear-array connected to the ULA-OP platform was used for imaging. Standard ultrasound (US) imaging at 4.5 MHz was performed. Subsequently, a multi-frequency approach was used where images were sequentially generated using orthogonal sub-bands centered at different frequencies (3, 4, 5, and 6 MHz). Results show that B-lines appear predominantly with phantom-type 2. Moreover, the multi-frequency approach revealed that the B-lines originate from a specific portion of the US spectrum. These results can give rise to significant clinical applications since, if further confirmed by extensive in-vivo studies, the native frequency of B-lines could provide a quantitative-measure of the state of the lung.
Fractional Laser Releases Tumor-Associated Antigens in Poorly Immunogenic Tumor and Induces Systemic Immunity
Authors: Kawakubo Masayoshi , Cunningham Trevor J. , Demehri Shadmehr , Manstein Dieter
Published: October 2017

Currently ablative fractional photothermolysis (aFP) with CO2 laser is used for a wide variety of dermatological indications. This study presents and discusses the utility of aFP for treating oncological indications. We used a fractional CO2 laser and anti-PD-1 inhibitor to treat a tumor established unilaterally by the CT26 wild type (CT26WT) colon carcinoma cell line. Inoculated tumors grew significantly slower in aFP-treated groups (aFP and aFP + anti-PD-1 groups) and complete remission was observed in the aFP-treated groups. Flow cytometric analysis showed aFP treatment elicited an increase of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ vand epitope specific CD8+ T cells. Moreover, the ratio of CD8+ T cells to Treg increased in the aFP-treated groups. Additionally, we established a bilateral CT26WT-inoculated mouse model, treating tumors on one-side and observing both tumors. Interestingly, tumors grew significantly slower in the aFP + anti-PD-1 groups and complete remission was observed for tumors on both aFP-treated and untreated sides. This study has demonstrated a potential role of aFP treatments in oncology.
Cyclophilin D ablation is associated with increased end-ischemic mitochondrial hexokinase activity
Authors: Nederlof Rianne , van den Elshout Mark A. M. , Koeman Anneke , Uthman Laween , Koning Iris , Eerbeek Otto , Weber Nina C. , Hollmann Markus W. , Zuurbier Coert J.
Published: October 2017

Both the absence of cyclophilin D (CypD) and the presence of mitochondrial bound hexokinase II (mtHKII) protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. It is unknown whether CypD determines the amount of mtHKII in the heart. We examined whether CypD affects mtHK in normoxic, ischemic and preconditioned isolated mouse hearts. Wild type (WT) and CypD−/− mouse hearts were perfused with glucose only and subjected to 25 min ischemia and reperfusion. At baseline, cytosolic and mtHK was similar between hearts. CypD ablation protected against I/R injury and increased ischemic preconditioning (IPC) effects, without affecting end-ischemic mtHK. When hearts were perfused with glucose, glutamine, pyruvate and lactate, the preparation was more stable and CypD ablation−resulted in more protection that was associated with increased mtHK activity, leaving little room for additional protection by IPC. In conclusion, in glucose only-perfused hearts, deletion of CypD is not associated with end-ischemic mitochondrial-HK binding. In contrast, in the physiologically more relevant multiple-substrate perfusion model, deletion of CypD is associated with an increased mtHK activity, possibly explaining the increased protection against I/R injury.
Statistical analysis and a case study of tropical cyclones that trigger the onset of the South China Sea summer monsoon
Authors: Huangfu Jingliang , Huang Ronghui , Chen Wen
Published: October 2017

This paper addresses whether a tropical cyclone can trigger the onset of the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon (SM). We conducted a statistical analysis of tropical cyclones (TCs) generated over the western North Pacific (WNP) between late-April and May. The results showed that there were cases in which TCs were generated before the onset of the SCSSM, accounting for 43.2% of the TCs generated during this season. This study examined a representative case, Super Typhoon Chanchu (0601), which was determined to be influential in the onset of the SCSSM. With a northwestward track, Chanchu brought strong convection and westerly winds to the SCS on 12 May, which triggered the intrusion of the southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal and the eastward retreat of the western Pacific subtropical high. Super Typhoon Chanchu provides an example in which a TC triggered the onset of the SCSSM. The negative correlation between the onset date of the SCSSM and the number of TCs generated over the WNP used to be interpreted as the influence of the monsoon trough on TC genesis. This work provides a supplementary illustration that this relationship also includes the impact of TCs on the onset of the SCSSM.
Activation-Induced Conformational Changes of Dopamine D3 Receptor Promote the Formation of the Internal Water Channel
Authors: Weng Wei-Hsiang , Li Ya-Tzu , Hsu Hao-Jen
Published: October 2017

The atomic-level dopamine activation mechanism for transmitting extracellular ligand binding events through transmembrane helices to the cytoplasmic G protein remains unclear. In the present study, the complete dopamine D3 receptor (D3R), with a homology-modeled N-terminus, was constructed to dock different ligands to simulate conformational alterations in the receptor’s active and inactive forms during microsecond-timescale molecular dynamic simulations. In agonist-bound systems, the D3R N-terminus formed a “lid-like” structure and lay flat on the binding site opening, whereas in antagonist and inverse agonist-bound systems, the N-terminus exposed the binding cavity. Receptor activation was characterized using the different molecular switch residue distances, and G protein-binding site volumes. A continuous water pathway was observed only in the dopamine-Gαi-bound system. In the inactive D3Rs, water entry was hindered by the hydrophobic layers. Finally, a complete activation mechanism of D3R was proposed. Upon agonist binding, the “lid-like” conformation of the N-terminus induces a series of molecular switches to increase the volume of the D3R cytoplasmic binding part for G protein association. Meanwhile, water enters the transmembrane region inducing molecular switches to assist in opening the hydrophobic layers to form a continuous water channel, which is crucial for maintaining a fully active conformation for signal transduction.
Association between MGMT Promoter Methylation and Risk of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Ru , Zheng Yonglan , Zhuo Lin , Wang Shengfeng
Published: October 2017

The role of the promoter methylation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) remains controversial for breast and gynecologic cancers. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between hypermethylation of MGMT promoter and the risk of breast and gynecologic cancers. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Embase electronic databases up to 19th August 2017 for studies about the association between MGMT promoter hypermethylation and breast and gynecologic cancers. A total of 28 articles including 2,171 tumor tissues and 1,191 controls were involved in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that MGMT promoter methylation status was significantly associated with an increased risk of breast and gynecologic cancers (OR = 4.37, 95% CI: 2.68–7.13, P < 0.05). The associations were robust in subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, cancer type, methylation detection method, and control source. This meta-analysis indicated that MGMT hypermethylation was significantly associated with the risk of breast and gynecological cancers, and it may be utilized as a valuable biomarker in early diagnostics and prognostication of these cancers. Further efforts are needed to identify and validate this finding in prospective studies, especially in situation with new methylation testing methods and samples from plasma circulating DNA.
A high-density linkage map and QTL mapping of fruit-related traits in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.)
Authors: Zhong Yu-Juan , Zhou Yang-Yang , Li Jun-Xing , Yu Ting , Wu Ting-Quan , Luo Jian-Ning , Luo Shao-Bo , Huang He-Xun
Published: October 2017

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is an economically worldwide crop. Few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were reported previously due to the lack of genomic and genetic resources. In this study, a high-density linkage map of C. moschata was structured by double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, using 200 F2 individuals of CMO-1 × CMO-97. By filtering 74,899 SNPs, a total of 3,470 high quality SNP markers were assigned to the map spanning a total genetic distance of 3087.03 cM on 20 linkage groups (LGs) with an average genetic distance of 0.89 cM. Based on this map, both pericarp color and strip were fined mapped to a novel single locus on LG8 in the same region of 0.31 cM with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 93.6% and 90.2%, respectively. QTL analysis was also performed on carotenoids, sugars, tuberculate fruit, fruit diameter, thickness and chamber width with a total of 12 traits. 29 QTLs distributed in 9 LGs were detected with PVE from 9.6% to 28.6%. It was the first high-density linkage SNP map for C. moschata which was proved to be a valuable tool for gene or QTL mapping. This information will serve as significant basis for map-based gene cloning, draft genome assembling and molecular breeding.
NIR hyperspectral imaging with multivariate analysis for measurement of oil and protein contents in peanut varieties
Authors: Cheng Jun-Hu , Jin Huali , Xu Zhongyue , Zheng Fuping
Published: October 2017

The potential of hyperspectral imaging in the spectral range of 1000–2500 nm with multivariate analysis for the prediction of oil and protein concentrations in five peanut cultivars was investigated.
Polyoxometalate-based gelating networks for entrapment and catalytic decontamination
Authors: Sullivan Kevin P. , Neiwert Wade A. , Zeng Huadong , Mehta Anil K. , Yin Qiushi , Hillesheim Daniel A. , Vivek Skanda , Yin Panchao , Collins-Wildman Daniel L. , Weeks Eric R. , Liu Tianbo , Hill Craig L.
Published: October 2017

A polyoxometalate-based polymer with multifunctional capabilities including rapid gelation and catalytic decontamination of toxic or odorous compounds is realized.
An argyrodite-type Ag9GaSe6 liquid-like material with ultralow thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Jiang Binbin , Qiu Pengfei , Chen Hongyi , Zhang Qihao , Zhao Kunpeng , Ren Dudi , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: October 2017

Ag9GaSe6 argyrodite-type compound is a promising thermoelectric material which exhibits ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance.
The reactivity of phenylethanethiolated gold nanoparticles with acetic acid
Authors: Xia Nan , Gan Zibao , Liao Lingwen , Zhuang Shengli , Wu Zhikun
Published: October 2017

The size-dependent reactivity of phenylethanethiolated gold nanoparticles with acetic acid is demonstrated, and a novel nanocluster with some interesting properties is reported.
An Ir-photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative Michael addition of glyoxylic acid acetal as a formyl equivalent
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Tan Zhoumei , Zhang Haonan , Liu Juanli , Xu Wentao , Xu Kun
Published: October 2017

An iridium-photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative conjugated addition of glyoxylic acid acetals with various Michael acceptors was reported. The reaction offers various types of acetal products, which are of synthetic significance as protected aldehydes.
Visible light-driven, magnetically steerable gold/iron oxide nanomotors
Authors: Zhou Dekai , Ren Liqiang , Li Yuguang C. , Xu Pengtao , Gao Yuan , Zhang Guangyu , Wang Wei , Mallouk Thomas E. , Li Longqiu
Published: October 2017

Au–Fe2O3 nanorods are propelled by visible light and steered magnetically in dilute H2O2 solutions.
meso-to-meso 2,5-Pyrrolylene bridged zig-zag porphyrin arrays
Authors: Zhang Senmiao , Oh Kim Jun , Li Yajie , Bin Wen Bin Wen , Zhou Mingbo , Liu Shubin , Aratani Naoki , Xu Ling , Kim Dongho , Song Jianxin
Published: October 2017

Novel, zig-zag porphyrin arrays have been constructed in good yields via a stepwise Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reaction, and the UV/Vis absorption and emission spectra of these oligomers were red-shifted as the number of the porphyrin units increased.
A simple route to 1,4-addition reactions by Co-catalyzed reductive coupling of organic tosylates and triflates with activated alkenes
Authors: Hsieh Jen-Chieh , Chu Yi-Hua , Muralirajan Krishnamoorthy , Cheng Chien-Hong
Published: October 2017

An efficient Co-catalyzed 1,4-addition reaction of alkyl/aryl triflates and tosylates with activated alkenes is described.
A gold(i)-catalyzed intramolecular tandem cyclization reaction of alkylidenecyclopropane-containing alkynes
Authors: Fang Wei , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: October 2017

A novel strategy for the gold(i)-catalyzed intramolecular tandem cyclization reaction of ortho-(arylethynyl)arenemethylenecyclopropanes has been developed, providing a facile access to functionalized 11H-benzo[a]fluorene derivatives.
Correction: Bio-catalytic nanocompartments for in situ production of glucose-6-phosphate
Authors: Lomora M. , Gunkel-Grabole G. , Mantri S. , Palivan C. G.
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Bio-catalytic nanocompartments for in situ production of glucose-6-phosphate’ by M. Lomora et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 10148–10151.
Simple coordination complex-derived Ni NP anchored N-doped porous carbons with high performance for reduction of nitroarenes
Authors: Xu Dan , Pan Ying , Zhu Liangkui , Yusran Yusran , Zhang Daliang , Fang Qianrong , Xue Ming , Qiu Shilun
Published: October 2017

N-doped hierarchical porous carbons anchored with nickel nanoparticles were prepared by using the simple coordination complex Ni(dmg)2 as a precursor.
First-principles study of Ga-vacancy induced magnetism in β-Ga2O3
Authors: Yang Ya , Zhang Jihua , Hu Shunbo , Wu Yabei , Zhang Jincang , Ren Wei , Cao Shixun
Published: October 2017

First principles calculations based on density functional theory were performed to study the electronic structure and magnetic properties of β-Ga2O3 in the presence of cation vacancies.
Ca-Embedded C2N: an efficient adsorbent for CO2 capture
Authors: Liu Yuzhen , Meng Zhaoshun , Guo Xiaojian , Xu Genjian , Rao Dewei , Wang Yuhui , Deng Kaiming , Lu Ruifeng
Published: October 2017

Multiscale simulations demonstrated that Ca-embedded C2N could be a promising adsorbent for high CO2 storage at ambient conditions.
Confined water dynamics in a hydrated photosynthetic pigment–protein complex
Authors: Kurzweil-Segev Yael , Popov Ivan , Eisenberg Ido , Yochelis Shira , Keren Nir , Paltiel Yossi , Feldman Yuri
Published: October 2017

The work presents combined dielectric and calorimetric measurements of hydrated phycocyanin with different levels of hydration in a broad temperature interval.
Dynamic encapsulation of corannulene molecules into a single-walled carbon nanotube
Authors: Joko Y. , Sasaki R. , Shintani K.
Published: October 2017

Corannulene molecules dynamically encapsulated into a single-walled carbon nanotube form an ordered stack or a partially ordered stack where concave–concave corannulene dimers are the structural motif.
Strain induced atomic structure at the Ir-doped LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Lee M. , Arras R. , Warot-Fonrose B. , Hungria T. , Lippmaa M. , Daimon H. , Casanove M. J.
Published: October 2017

Different levels of Ir doping at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface affect the strain state in LaAlO3, as investigated using atomically resolved microscopy (HAADF-STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and first-principles calculations (DFT).
Greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity by organic flexible piezoelectric PVDF induced spatial electric field
Authors: Dai Baoying , Huang Hengming , Wang Wei , Chen Yukai , Lu Chunhua , Kou Jiahui , Wang Lianzhou , Wang Fulei , Xu Zhongzi
Published: October 2017

Efficient charge separation accelerated by a spatial electric field is a vital factor for semiconductor photocatalysts to achieve high photocatalytic activity.
Fe–Zr–O catalyzed base-free aerobic oxidation of 5-HMF to 2,5-FDCA as a bio-based polyester monomer
Authors: Yan Dongxia , Xin Jiayu , Zhao Qiu , Gao Kai , Lu Xingmei , Wang Gongying , Zhang Suojiang
Published: October 2017

An environment-friendly and economical route for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) aerobic oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) in an ionic liquid (IL)-promoted base-free reaction system was reported using Fe–Zr–O as a catalyst.
Sonogashira (Cu and amine free) and Suzuki coupling in air catalyzed via nanoparticles formed in situ from Pd(ii) complexes of chalcogenated Schiff bases of 1-naphthaldehyde and their reduced forms
Authors: Bhaskar Renu , Sharma Alpesh K. , Yadav Manoj K. , Singh Ajai K.
Published: October 2017

The activation of the coupling reactions with the Pd(ii)-complexes (0.05–0.01 mol% loading) is significant in 1–2 h under mild conditions.
Three-dimensional porous V2O5 hierarchical spheres as a battery-type electrode for a hybrid supercapacitor with excellent charge storage performance
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Jing Xuyang , Wang Qiushi , Zheng Jiqi , Jiang Hanmei , Meng Changgong
Published: October 2017

Three-dimensional porous V2O5 hierarchical spheres composed of stacked platelets were fabricated by a facile, low-cost and template-free method. An AC//V2O5 HSC device delivered an excellent capacitance of 0.26 F cm−2 at 10 mV s−1.
Amidine functionalized phosphines: tuneable ligands for transition metals
Authors: Wilkins Lewis C. , Melen Rebecca L. , Platts James A. , Newman Paul D.
Published: October 2017

A diastereomeric, cationic phosphine ligand [α,β-CgPAmMe]+ composed of a chiral amidinium substituent and a racemic phosphacycle has been prepared and compared to its neutral parent α,β-CgPAm.
Anti-obesity molecular mechanism of soy isoflavones: weaving the way to new therapeutic routes
Authors: Wang Siyu , Wang Yu , Pan Min-Hsiung , Ho Chi-Tang
Published: October 2017

Obesity is ringing alarm bells globally.
Effects of the physical-form and the degree-of-saturation of oil on postprandial plasma triglycerides, glycemia and appetite of healthy Chinese adults
Authors: Tan Sze-Yen , Peh Elaine , Siow Phei Ching , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: October 2017

Ethylcellulose (EC) forms a complex oleogel network that entraps lipids.
Catalytic reduction of NO by CO molecules over Ni-doped graphene: a DFT investigation
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Saeidi Nasibeh
Published: October 2017

A Ni-doped graphene nanosheet is used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of NO by CO molecules.