bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: Normothermic Microwave Irradiation Induces Death of HL-60 Cells through Heat-Independent Apoptosis
Authors: Asano Mamiko , Tanaka Satoshi , Sakaguchi Minoru , Matsumura Hitoshi , Yamaguchi Takako , Fujita Yoshikazu , Tabuse Katsuyoshi
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Spillover modes in multiplex games: double-edged effects on cooperation and their coevolution
Authors: Khoo Tommy , Fu Feng , Pauls Scott
Published: April 2018

In recent years, there has been growing interest in studying games on multiplex networks that account for interactions across linked social contexts. However, little is known about how potential cross-context interference, or spillover, of individual behavioural strategy impact overall cooperation. We consider three plausible spillover modes, quantifying and comparing their effects on the evolution of cooperation. In our model, social interactions take place on two network layers: repeated interactions with close neighbours in a lattice, and one-shot interactions with random individuals. Spillover can occur during the learning process with accidental cross-layer strategy transfer, or during social interactions with errors in implementation. Our analytical results, using extended pair approximation, are in good agreement with extensive simulations. We find double-edged effects of spillover: increasing the intensity of spillover can promote cooperation provided cooperation is favoured in one layer, but too much spillover is detrimental. We also discover a bistability phenomenon: spillover hinders or promotes cooperation depending on initial frequencies of cooperation in each layer. Furthermore, comparing strategy combinations emerging in each spillover mode provides good indication of their co-evolutionary dynamics with cooperation. Our results make testable predictions that inspire future research, and sheds light on human cooperation across social domains.
Electrophysiological dynamics of Chinese phonology during visual word recognition in Chinese-English bilinguals
Authors: Wen Yun , Filik Ruth , van Heuven Walter J. B.
Published: April 2018

Silent word reading leads to the activation of orthographic (spelling), semantic (meaning), as well as phonological (sound) information. For bilinguals, native language information can also be activated automatically when they read words in their second language. For example, when Chinese-English bilinguals read words in their second language (English), the phonology of the Chinese translations is automatically activated. Chinese phonology, however, consists of consonants and vowels (segmental) and tonal information. To what extent these two aspects of Chinese phonology are activated is yet unclear. Here, we used behavioural measures, event-related potentials and oscillatory EEG to investigate Chinese segmental and tonal activation during word recognition. Evidence of Chinese segmental activation was found when bilinguals read English words (faster responses, reduced N400, gamma-band power reduction) and when they read Chinese words (increased LPC, gamma-band power reduction). In contrast, evidence for Chinese tonal activation was only found when bilinguals read Chinese words (gamma-band power increase). Together, our converging behavioural and electrophysiological evidence indicates that Chinese segmental information is activated during English word reading, whereas both segmental and tonal information are activated during Chinese word reading. Importantly, gamma-band oscillations are modulated differently by tonal and segmental activation, suggesting independent processing of Chinese tones and segments.
Preparatory activity for purposeful arm movements in the dorsomedial parietal area V6A: Beyond the online guidance of movement
Authors: Santandrea Elisa , Breveglieri Rossella , Bosco Annalisa , Galletti Claudio , Fattori Patrizia
Published: April 2018

Over the years, electrophysiological recordings in macaque monkeys performing visuomotor tasks brought about accumulating evidence for the expression of neuronal properties (e.g., selectivity in the visuospatial and somatosensory domains, encoding of visual affordances and motor cues) in the posterior parietal area V6A that characterize it as an ideal neural substrate for online control of prehension. Interestingly, neuroimaging studies suggested a role of putative human V6A also in action preparation; moreover, pre-movement population activity in monkey V6A has been recently shown to convey grip-related information for upcoming grasping. Here we directly test whether macaque V6A neurons encode preparatory signals that effectively differentiate between dissimilar actions before movement. We recorded the activity of single V6A neurons during execution of two visuomotor tasks requiring either reach-to-press or reach-to-grasp movements in different background conditions, and described the nature and temporal dynamics of V6A activity preceding movement execution. We found striking consistency in neural discharges measured during pre-movement and movement epochs, suggesting that the former is a preparatory activity exquisitely linked to the subsequent execution of particular motor actions. These findings strongly support a role of V6A beyond the online guidance of movement, with preparatory activity implementing suitable motor programs that subsequently support action execution.
(Poly)phenol-digested metabolites modulate alpha-synuclein toxicity by regulating proteostasis
Authors: Macedo Diana , Jardim Carolina , Figueira Inês , Almeida A. Filipa , McDougall Gordon J. , Stewart Derek , Yuste Jose E. , Tomás-Barberán Francisco A. , Tenreiro Sandra , Outeiro Tiago F. , Santos Cláudia N.
Published: April 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease associated with the misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn). The molecular underpinnings of PD are still obscure, but nutrition may play an important role in the prevention, onset, and disease progression. Dietary (poly)phenols revert and prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in model systems. However, only limited attempts were made to evaluate the impact of digestion on the bioactivities of (poly)phenols and determine their mechanisms of action. This constitutes a challenge for the development of (poly)phenol-based nutritional therapies. Here, we subjected (poly)phenols from Arbutus unedo to in vitro digestion and tested the products in cell models of PD based on the cytotoxicity of aSyn. The (poly)phenol-digested metabolites from A. unedo leaves (LPDMs) effectively counteracted aSyn and H2O2 toxicity in yeast and human cells, improving viability by reducing aSyn aggregation and inducing its clearance. In addition, LPDMs modulated pathways associated with aSyn toxicity, such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial impairment, and SIR2 expression. Overall, LPDMs reduced aSyn toxicity, enhanced the efficiency of ER-associated protein degradation by the proteasome and autophagy, and reduced oxidative stress. In total, our study opens novel avenues for the exploitation of (poly)phenols in nutrition and health.
Development of a generic β-lactamase screening system for improved signal peptides for periplasmic targeting of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Selas Castiñeiras Tania , Williams Steven G. , Hitchcock Antony , Cole Jeffrey A. , Smith Daniel C. , Overton Tim W.
Published: April 2018

Targeting of recombinant proteins to the Escherichia coli periplasm is a desirable industrial processing tool to allow formation of disulphide bonds, aid folding and simplify recovery. Proteins are targeted across the inner membrane to the periplasm by an N-terminal signal peptide. The sequence of the signal peptide determines its functionality, but there is no method to predict signal peptide function for specific recombinant proteins, so multiple signal peptides must be screened for their ability to translocate each recombinant protein, limiting throughput. We present a screening system for optimising signal peptides for translocation of a single chain variable (scFv) antibody fragment employing TEM1 β-lactamase (Bla) as a C-terminal reporter of periplasmic localisation. The Pectobacterium carotovorum PelB signal peptide was selected as the starting point for a mutagenic screen. β-lactamase was fused to the C-terminal of scFv and β-lactamase activity was correlated against scFv translocation. Signal peptide libraries were generated and screened for β-lactamase activity, which correlated well to scFv::Bla production, although only some high activity clones had improved periplasmic translocation of scFv::Bla. Selected signal peptides were investigated in fed-batch fermentations for production and translocation of scFv::Bla and scFv without the Bla fusion. Improved signal peptides increased periplasmic scFv activity by ~40%.
Drosophila Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel α1-Subunits Regulate Cardiac Function in the Aging Heart
Authors: Lam Alexander , Karekar Priyanka , Shah Kajol , Hariharan Girija , Fleyshman Michelle , Kaur Harmehak , Singh Harpreet , Gururaja Rao Shubha
Published: April 2018

Ion channels maintain numerous physiological functions and regulate signaling pathways. They are the key targets for cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), acting as signaling switches between ROS and ionic homeostasis. We have carried out a paraquat (PQ) screen in Drosophila to identify ion channels regulating the ROS handling and survival in Drosophila melanogaster. Our screen has revealed that α1-subunits (D-type, T-type, and cacophony) of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) handle PQ-mediated ROS stress differentially in a gender-based manner. Since ROS are also involved in determining the lifespan, we discovered that the absence of T-type and cacophony decreased the lifespan while the absence of D-type maintained a similar lifespan to that of the wild-type strain. VGCCs are also responsible for electrical signaling in cardiac cells. The cardiac function of each mutant was evaluated through optical coherence tomography (OCT), which revealed that α1-subunits of VGCCs are essential in maintaining cardiac rhythmicity and cardiac function in an age-dependent manner. Our results establish specific roles of α1-subunits of VGCCs in the functioning of the aging heart.
Modulation of Haemophilus influenzae interaction with hydrophobic molecules by the VacJ/MlaA lipoprotein impacts strongly on its interplay with the airways
Authors: Fernández-Calvet Ariadna , Rodríguez-Arce Irene , Almagro Goizeder , Moleres Javier , Euba Begoña , Caballero Lucía , Martí Sara , Ramos-Vivas José , Bartholomew Toby Leigh , Morales Xabier , Ortíz-de-Solórzano Carlos , Yuste José Enrique , Bengoechea José Antonio , Conde-Álvarez Raquel , Garmendia Junkal
Published: April 2018

Airway infection by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) associates to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and asthma neutrophilic airway inflammation. Lipids are key inflammatory mediators in these disease conditions and consequently, NTHi may encounter free fatty acids during airway persistence. However, molecular information on the interplay NTHi-free fatty acids is limited, and we lack evidence on the importance of such interaction to infection. Maintenance of the outer membrane lipid asymmetry may play an essential role in NTHi barrier function and interaction with hydrophobic molecules. VacJ/MlaA-MlaBCDEF prevents phospholipid accumulation at the bacterial surface, being the only system involved in maintaining membrane asymmetry identified in NTHi. We assessed the relationship among the NTHi VacJ/MlaA outer membrane lipoprotein, bacterial and exogenous fatty acids, and respiratory infection. The vacJ/mlaA gene inactivation increased NTHi fatty acid and phospholipid global content and fatty acyl specific species, which in turn increased bacterial susceptibility to hydrophobic antimicrobials, decreased NTHi epithelial infection, and increased clearance during pulmonary infection in mice with both normal lung function and emphysema, maybe related to their shared lung fatty acid profiles. Altogether, we provide evidence for VacJ/MlaA as a key bacterial factor modulating NTHi survival at the human airway upon exposure to hydrophobic molecules.
Wolbachia significantly impacts the vector competence of Aedes aegypti for Mayaro virus
Authors: Pereira Thiago Nunes , Rocha Marcele Neves , Sucupira Pedro Henrique Ferreira , Carvalho Fabiano Duarte , Moreira Luciano Andrade
Published: April 2018

Wolbachia, an intracellular endosymbiont present in up to 70% of all insect species, has been suggested as a sustainable strategy for the control of arboviruses such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. As Mayaro virus outbreaks have also been reported in Latin American countries, the objective of this study was to evaluate the vector competence of Brazilian field-collected Ae. aegypti and the impact of Wolbachia (wMel strain) upon this virus. Our in vitro studies with Aag2 cells showed that Mayaro virus can rapidly multiply, whereas in wMel-infected Aag2 cells, viral growth was significantly impaired. In addition, C6/36 cells seem to have alterations when infected by Mayaro virus. In vivo experiments showed that field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are highly permissive to Mayaro virus infection, and high viral prevalence was observed in the saliva. On the other hand, Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes showed significantly impaired capability to transmit Mayaro virus. Our results suggest that the use of Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes may represent an effective mechanism for the reduction of Mayaro virus transmission throughout Latin America.
Compound heterozygous TYK2 mutations underlie primary immunodeficiency with T-cell lymphopenia
Authors: Nemoto Michiko , Hattori Hiroyoshi , Maeda Naoko , Akita Nobuhiro , Muramatsu Hideki , Moritani Suzuko , Kawasaki Tomonori , Maejima Masami , Ode Hirotaka , Hachiya Atsuko , Sugiura Wataru , Yokomaku Yoshiyuki , Horibe Keizo , Iwatani Yasumasa
Published: April 2018

Complete tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency has been previously described in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. The patients were infected with various pathogens, including mycobacteria and/or viruses, and one of the patients developed hyper-IgE syndrome. A detailed immunological investigation of these patients revealed impaired responses to type I IFN, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-23, which are associated with increased susceptibility to mycobacterial and/or viral infections. Herein, we report a recessive partial TYK2 deficiency in two siblings who presented with T-cell lymphopenia characterized by low naïve CD4+ T-cell counts and who developed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphoma. Targeted exome-sequencing of the siblings’ genomes demonstrated that both patients carried novel compound heterozygous mutations (c.209_212delGCTT/c.691C > T, p.Cys70Serfs*21/p.Arg231Trp) in the TYK2. The TYK2 protein levels were reduced by 35% in the T cells of the patient. Unlike the response under complete TYK2 deficiency, the patient’s T cells responded normally to type I IFN, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12, whereas the cells displayed an impaired response to IL-23. Furthermore, the level of STAT1 was low in the cells of the patient. These studies reveal a new clinical entity of a primary immunodeficiency with T-cell lymphopenia that is associated with compound heterozygous TYK2 mutations in the patients.
Isothermal folding of a light-up bio-orthogonal RNA origami nanoribbon
Authors: Torelli Emanuela , Kozyra Jerzy Wieslaw , Gu Jing-Ying , Stimming Ulrich , Piantanida Luca , Voïtchovsky Kislon , Krasnogor Natalio
Published: April 2018

RNA presents intringuing roles in many cellular processes and its versatility underpins many different applications in synthetic biology. Nonetheless, RNA origami as a method for nanofabrication is not yet fully explored and the majority of RNA nanostructures are based on natural pre-folded RNA. Here we describe a biologically inert and uniquely addressable RNA origami scaffold that self-assembles into a nanoribbon by seven staple strands. An algorithm is applied to generate a synthetic De Bruijn scaffold sequence that is characterized by the lack of biologically active sites and repetitions larger than a predetermined design parameter. This RNA scaffold and the complementary staples fold in a physiologically compatible isothermal condition. In order to monitor the folding, we designed a new split Broccoli aptamer system. The aptamer is divided into two nonfunctional sequences each of which is integrated into the 5′ or 3′ end of two staple strands complementary to the RNA scaffold. Using fluorescence measurements and in-gel imaging, we demonstrate that once RNA origami assembly occurs, the split aptamer sequences are brought into close proximity forming the aptamer and turning on the fluorescence. This light-up ‘bio-orthogonal’ RNA origami provides a prototype that can have potential for in vivo origami applications.
Exploring Leptospiral proteomes to identify potential candidates for vaccine design against Leptospirosis using an immunoinformatics approach
Authors: Lata Kumari Snehkant , Kumar Swapnil , Vaghasia Vibhisha , Sharma Priyanka , Bhairappanvar Shivarudrappa B. , Soni Subhash , Das Jayashankar
Published: April 2018

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonotic disease, estimated to cause severe infection in more than one million people each year, particularly in developing countries of tropical areas. Several factors such as variable and nonspecific clinical manifestation, existence of large number of serovars and asymptomatic hosts spreading infection, poor sanitation and lack of an effective vaccine make prophylaxis difficult. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop an effective vaccine to halt its spread all over the world. In this study, an immunoinformatics approach was employed to identify the most vital and effective immunogenic protein from the proteome ofLeptospira interrogansserovar Copenhageni strain L1-130 that may be suitable to stimulate a significant immune response aiding in the development of peptide vaccine against leptospirosis. Both B-cell and T-cell (Helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)) epitopes were predicted for the conserved and most immunogenic outer membrane lipoprotein. Further, the binding interaction of CTL epitopes with Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) was evaluated using docking techniques. A Molecular Dynamics Simulation study was also performed to evaluate the stability of the resulting epitope-MHC-I complexes. Overall, this study provides novel vaccine candidates and may prompt further development of vaccines against leptospirosis.
Effects of precipitates and dislocation loops on the yield stress of irradiated iron
Authors: Lehtinen Arttu , Laurson Lasse , Granberg Fredric , Nordlund Kai , Alava Mikko J.
Published: April 2018

Plastic deformation of crystalline materials is governed by the features of stress-driven motion of dislocations. In the case of irradiated steels subject to applied stresses, small dislocation loops as well as precipitates are known to interfere with the dislocation motion, leading to an increased yield stress as compared to pure crystals. We study the combined effect of precipitates and interstitial glissile $$\frac{{\bf{1}}}{{\bf{2}}}\langle {\bf{111}}\rangle $$

1
2

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111
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dislocation loops on the yield stress of iron, using large-scale three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics simulations. Precipitates are included in the simulations using our recent multi-scale implementation [A. Lehtinen et al., Phys. Rev. E 93 (2016) 013309], where the strengths and pinning mechanisms of the precipitates are determined from molecular dynamics simulations. In the simulations we observe dislocations overcoming precipitates with an atypical Orowan mechanism which results from pencil-glide of screw segments in iron. Even if the interaction mechanisms with dislocations are quite different, our results suggest that in relative terms, precipitates and loops of similar sizes contribute equally to the yield stress in multi-slip conditions.
Characterizing the role of atrial natriuretic peptide signaling in the development of embryonic ventricular conduction system
Authors: Govindapillai Arun , Hotchkiss Adam , Baguma-Nibasheka Mark , Rose Robert A. , Miquerol Lucile , Smithies Oliver , Maeda Nobuyo , Pasumarthi Kishore B. S.
Published: April 2018

Patients born with congenital heart defects frequently encounter arrhythmias due to defects in the ventricular conduction system (VCS) development. Although recent studies identified transcriptional networks essential for the heart development, there is scant information on the mechanisms regulating VCS development. Based on the association of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression with VCS forming regions, it was reasoned that ANP could play a critical role in differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs) toward a VCS cell lineage. The present study showed that treatment of embryonic ventricular cells with ANP or cell permeable 8-Br-cGMP can induce gene expression of important VCS markers such as hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel-4 (HCN4) and connexin 40 (Cx40). Inhibition of protein kinase G (PKG) via Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS further confirmed the role of ANP/NPRA/cGMP/PKG pathway in the regulation of HCN4 and Cx40 gene expression. Additional experiments indicated that ANP may regulate VCS marker gene expression by modulating levels of miRNAs that are known to control the stability of transcripts encoding HCN4 and Cx40. Genetic ablation of NPRA revealed significant decreases in VCS marker gene expression and defects in Purkinje fiber arborisation. These results provide mechanistic insights into the role of ANP/NPRA signaling in VCS formation.
Author Correction: Sensorimotor adaptation as a behavioural biomarker of early spinocerebellar ataxia type 6
Authors: Panouillères Muriel T. N. , Joundi Raed A. , Benitez-Rivero Sonia , Cheeran Binith , Butler Christopher R. , Németh Andrea H. , Miall R. Chris , Jenkinson Ned
Published: April 2018

A correction has been published and is appended to both the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
mTOR complexes differentially orchestrates eosinophil development in allergy
Authors: Zhu Chen , Xia Lixia , Li Fei , Zhou Lingren , Weng Qingyu , Li Zhouyang , Wu Yinfang , Mao Yuanyuan , Zhang Chao , Wu Yanping , Li Miao , Ying Songmin , Chen Zhihua , Shen Huahao , Li Wen
Published: April 2018

Eosinophil infiltration is considered a hallmark in allergic airway inflammation, and the blockade of eosinophil differentiation may be an effective approach for treating eosinophil-related disorders. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a vital modulator in cell growth control and related diseases, and we have recently demonstrated that rapamycin can suppress eosinophil differentiation in allergic airway inflammation. Considering its critical role in haematopoiesis, we further investigated the role of mTOR in eosinophil differentiation in the context of asthmatic pathogenesis. Intriguingly, the inhibition of mTOR, either by genetic deletion or by another pharmacological inhibitor torin-1, accelerated the eosinophil development in the presence of IL-5. However, this was not observed to have any considerable effect on eosinophil apoptosis. The effect of mTOR in eosinophil differentiation was mediated by Erk signalling. Moreover, myeloid specific knockout of mTOR or Rheb further augmented allergic airway inflammation in mice after allergen exposure. Ablation of mTOR in myeloid cells also resulted in an increased number of eosinophil lineage-committed progenitors (Eops) in allergic mice. Collectively, our data uncovered the differential effects of mTOR in the regulation of eosinophil development, likely due to the distinct functions of mTOR complex 1 or 2, which thus exerts a pivotal implication in eosinophil-associated diseases.
The acoustic adaptation hypothesis in a widely distributed South American frog: Southernmost signals propagate better
Authors: Velásquez Nelson A. , Moreno-Gómez Felipe N. , Brunetti Enzo , Penna Mario
Published: April 2018

Animal communication occurs in environments that affect the properties of signals as they propagate from senders to receivers. We studied the geographic variation of the advertisement calls of male Pleurodema thaul individuals from eight localities in Chile. Furthermore, by means of signal propagation experiments, we tested the hypothesis that local calls are better transmitted and less degraded than foreign calls (i.e. acoustic adaptation hypothesis). Overall, the advertisement calls varied greatly along the distribution of P. thaul in Chile, and it was possible to discriminate localities grouped into northern, central and southern stocks. Propagation distance affected signal amplitude and spectral degradation in all localities, but temporal degradation was only affected by propagation distance in one out of seven localities. Call origin affected signal amplitude in five out of seven localities and affected spectral and temporal degradation in six out of seven localities. In addition, in northern localities, local calls degraded more than foreign calls, and in southern localities the opposite was observed. The lack of a strict optimal relationship between signal characteristics and environment indicates partial concordance with the acoustic adaptation hypothesis. Inter-population differences in selectivity for call patterns may compensate for such environmental constraints on acoustic communication.
Changes in total homocysteine levels after acute stroke and recurrence of stroke
Authors: Shi Zhihong , Liu Shuling , Guan Yalin , Zhang Meilin , Lu Hui , Yue Wei , Zhang Biao , Li Mingzi , Xue Jing , Ji Yong
Published: April 2018

It is not known how total homocysteine (tHcy) levels change during the transition from acute stroke to post-stroke convalescence or whether tHcy changes occurring after the acute period are associated with recurrence of cerebro-cardiovascular events. Levels of tHcy were measured during acute ischemia and again after three months. Patients were followed for a median of 18 (range: 12–36) months. A total of 2800 patients who had at least two tHcy measurements were enrolled between February 2012 and June 2014; 2587 patients presented with ischemic stroke and 213 presented with cerebral hemorrhage. During the follow-up period, 220 (7.9%) patients experienced another ischemic event. After adjusting for additional cardiovascular risk factors, patients with the highest levels of tHcy (fourth quartile; >15.5 μmol/L) had a 1.76-fold increased risk of a recurrence (adjusted HR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.11–3.08) as compared to patients with the lowest levels of tHcy (lowest quartile; ≤9.65 μmol/L). Additional analysis by subgroup indicated that this correlation was only significant for patients with large-artery atherosclerosis ischemia (adjusted HR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.13–3.55). Elevated tHcy during the convalescent phase of acute stroke was independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, especially in those patients with large-vessel atherosclerosis ischemia.
Tumor cure by radiation therapy and checkpoint inhibitors depends on pre-existing immunity
Authors: Crittenden Marka R. , Zebertavage Lauren , Kramer Gwen , Bambina Shelly , Friedman David , Troesch Victoria , Blair Tiffany , Baird Jason R. , Alice Alejandro , Gough Michael J.
Published: April 2018

Radiation therapy is a source of tumor antigen release that has the potential to serve as an endogenous tumor vaccination event. In preclinical models radiation therapy synergizes with checkpoint inhibitors to cure tumors via CD8 T cell responses. To evaluate the immune response initiated by radiation therapy, we used a range of approaches to block the pre-existing immune response artifact initiated by tumor implantation. We demonstrate that blocking immune responses at tumor implantation blocks development of a tumor-resident antigen specific T cell population and prevents tumor cure by radiation therapy combined with checkpoint immunotherapy. These data demonstrate that this treatment combination relies on a pre-existing immune response to cure tumors, and may not be a solution for patients without pre-existing immunity.
On the manifestation of electron-electron interactions in the thermoelectric response of semicrystalline conjugated polymers with low energetic disorder
Authors: Statz M. , Venkateshvaran D. , Jiao X. , Schott S. , McNeill C. R. , Emin D. , Sirringhaus H. , Di Pietro R.
Published: April 2018

The development of semicrystalline polymer semiconductors with field-effect mobilities comparable to or even exceeding those of amorphous silicon has exposed limitations of describing charge transport in these materials with disorder-based models developed originally for more disordered, lower mobility polymers. Here, we show that the charge carrier density and temperature dependence of the field-effect electron mobility and Seebeck coefficient in the semicrystalline polymer P(NDI2OD-T2) with varying degrees of crystallinity are incompatible with a description of charge transport being limited by energetic disorder effects. We provide instead direct evidence of low disorder, narrow band conduction. A spatially inhomogeneous density of states and the inclusion of short range electron–electron interactions allow to consistently explain both the measured mobility and Seebeck coefficient. These results provide a rationale for improving thermoelectric efficiency of polymer semiconductors via increasing the extension of the crystalline domains.
Metabolomics analysis of multidrug-resistant breast cancer cellsin vitrousing methyl-tert-butyl ether method
Authors: Zong Li , Pi Zifeng , Liu Shu , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui
Published: April 2018

MTBE-based cellular lipidomics to investigate the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of breast cancer.
84% efficiency improvement in all-inorganic perovskite light-emitting diodes assisted by a phosphorescent material
Authors: Gao Chun-Hong , Ma Xing-Juan , Zhang Yue , Yu Fu-Xing , Xiong Zi-Yang , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Wang Run , Jia Ya-Lan , Zhou Dong-Ying , Xiong Zu-Hong
Published: April 2018

Remarkable EL performance is achieved in CsPbBr3:FIrpic perovskite light-emitting diodes assisted by a phosphorescent material.
Metal complexes of folic acid for lithium ion storage
Authors: Jiang Fangqing , Ye Haijun , Li Hongqin , Sun Kang , Yin Jiao , Zhu Hui
Published: April 2018

With the cooperation of metal ions and folic acid, the fabricated complexes presented an enhancement in lithium ion storage.
Anisotropic convergence of dendritic macromolecules facilitated by a heteroleptic metal–organic polyhedron scaffold
Authors: Omoto Kenichiro , Hosono Nobuhiko , Gochomori Mika , Albrecht Ken , Yamamoto Kimihisa , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: April 2018

Anisotropic dendrimers with bipolar shapes were systematically obtained using a heteroleptic metal–organic polyhedron (MOP) as a robust core scaffold.
A novel three-dimensional pyridine-pillared graphene assembly for enhanced electron transfer and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Linxia , Qin Lixia , Kang Shi-Zhao , Li Guodong , Li Xiangqing
Published: April 2018

Novel 1,2-di(pyridine-4-ly)ethyne pillared GO composites with high photocatalytic activity were achieved with rare earth ions as interfacial linkers.
Peyer's patch-specificLactobacillus reuteristrains increase extracellular microbial DNA and antimicrobial peptide expression in the mouse small intestine
Authors: Qi Ce , Sun Jin , Li Ya , Gu Min , Goulette Tim , You Xiaomeng , Sela David A. , Wang Xingguo , Xiao Hang
Published: April 2018

Peyer's patch-specificL. reuterialters gut microbiota, promotes the release of bacterial extracellular DNA and increases antibacterial peptide expression in the small intestine crypts of mice.
The curcumin derivative WZ35 activates ROS-dependent JNK to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Wang Lihua , Han Lijie , Tao Zheying , Zhu Zheng , Han Lei , Yang Zhenfei , Wang Hao , Dai Dandan , Wu Liang , Yuan Zhengzhong , Chen Tongke
Published: April 2018

Tumor metastasis is the leading cause of cancer death; due to the progress made in the elucidation of the mechanism of cancer cell metastasis, there is hope for patients with severe stages of cancer.
Synthesis of an energetic polynorbornene with pendant bis-azidoacetyloxymethyl groups (PNBAA)
Authors: Jiang Kun , Deng Han-Lin , Zhang Qi , Wang Shuifeng , Wu Hao , Liu Yan , Chai Chunpeng , Huang Mu-Hua
Published: April 2018

A novel energetic polynorbornene with pendant bisazidoacetyloxymethyl (named PNBAA) was designed, by combining its intrinsic energetic properties, potential good mechanical properties, its compatibility with a plasticizer and odourless polynorbornene in one polymer.
Cooperative intermolecular S–Cl⋯O and F⋯F associations in the crystal packing of α,ω-di(sulfonyl chloride) perfluoroalkanes, ClSO2(CF2)nSO2Cl, where n = 4, 6
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , McMillen Colin D. , Thrasher Joseph S.
Published: April 2018

Halogen bonding between neighboring sulfonyl chloride groups and short fluorine–fluorine contacts supports crystal formation in the title compounds.
Correction: Nanocrystals self-assembled in superlattices directed by the solvent–organic capping interaction
Authors: Dalmaschio Cleocir José , da Silveira Firmiano Edney Geraldo , Pinheiro Antonio Narcisio , Sobrinho Diego Guedes , de Moura André Farias , Leite Edson Roberto
Published: April 2018

Correction for ‘Nanocrystals self-assembled in superlattices directed by the solvent–organic capping interaction’ by Cleocir José Dalmaschio et al., Nanoscale, 2013, 5, 5602–5610.
A sensitive probe for amyloid fibril detection with strong fluorescence and early response
Authors: Zheng Xiaolin , Xu Zhenzhen , Li Haiyang , Fu Hongbing
Published: April 2018

We synthesized a new probe, 4-[2-(2-naphthyl)-(E)-ethenyl]-benzyl(triphenyl)phosphonium bromide (NEB), to detect the formation of amyloid fibrils of bovine insulin.
Cationic nanomicelles derived from Pluronic F127 as delivery vehicles of Chinese herbal medicine active components of ursolic acid for colorectal cancer treatment
Authors: Yan Zhaokun , Wang Qingtang , Liu Xiaolong , Peng Jun , Li Qin , Wu Ming , Lin Jiumao
Published: April 2018

A cationic nanomicelle derived from Pluronic F127 as a delivery vehicle of ursolic acid for enhanced colorectal cancer treatment.
Thinking outside the box: placing hydrophilic particles in an oil phase for the formation and stabilization of Pickering emulsions
Authors: Facal Marina Paula , Xu Jie , Wu Xuan , Xu Haolan
Published: April 2018

Unconventionally, by placing hydrophilic particles in an oil phase before emulsification, the energy barrier is successfully eliminated and Pickering emulsions are easily formed.
A highly crystalline bismuth superstructure for ultrastable and high-performance flexible aqueous nickel–bismuth batteries
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zeng Yinxiang , Wang Mengying , Xu Wei , Liu Yi , Lu Xihong
Published: April 2018

This work constitutes a facile and realizable electrochemical approach to prepare a three-dimensional (3D) highly crystalline Bi superstructure as a high-performance anode for aqueous nickel–bismuth batteries.
One-pot hydrothermal preparation of gadolinium-doped silicon nanoparticles as a dual-modal probe for multicolor fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Li Si , Wang Feng , He Xi-Wen , Li Wen-You , Zhang Yu-Kui
Published: April 2018

One-pot hydrothermal preparation of gadolinium-doped silicon nanoparticles as a dual-modal probe for multicolor fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging.
Silencing SUMO2 promotes protection against degradation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells through p53 signaling pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Jin Liu-Zhong , Lu Ji-Shou , Gao Jian-Wen
Published: April 2018

Objective: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), as a common cause of back pain, is related to the promotion of cellular senescence and reduction in proliferation. Based on recent studies, small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins have been implicated in various biological functions. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of SUMO2 on proliferation and senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) via mediation of p53 signaling pathway in rat models of IDD.

Methods: After the establishment of rat models of IDD for the measurement of positive expression of SUMO2/3 protein, the mRNA and protein levels of SUMO2, molecular phenotype [matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)] and p53 signaling pathway-related genes [p21, murine double minute-2 (MDM2), growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein 45 α (GADD45α), cyclin-dependent kinase 2/4 (CDK2/4), and CyclinB1] were determined, followed by the detection of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell senescence.

Results: The rat models of IDD were successfully constructed. The results obtained showed that there was a higher positive expression of SUMO2/3 protein in IDD rats. Moreover, the silencing of the SUMO2 gene decreases the levels of SUMO2, p53, p21, MDM2, GADD45α, MMP-2, and HIF-1α expressions and p53 phosphorylation level while it increases the levels of CDK2/4 and CyclinB1 expressions. In addition, SUMO2 gene silencing enhances proliferation and suppresses apoptosis and cell senescence of NPCs.

Conclusion: In conclusion, SUMO2 gene silencing promotes proliferation, and inhibits the apoptosis and senescence of NPCs in rats with IDD through the down-regulation of the p53 signaling pathway. Thus, SUMO2 is a potential target in the treatment of IDD.
circFADS2 regulates lung cancer cells proliferation and invasion via acting as a sponge of miR-498
Authors: Zhao Fucheng , Han Yanru , Liu Zhenzhou , Zhao Zhenxia , Li Zhuoran , Jia Kui
Published: April 2018

CircRNAs could play critical functions in tumor progression. However, the expression and underlying mechanism of circRNAs in lung cancer progression remain poorly defined. In the present study, high-throughput microarray assay revealed that hsa_circRNA_100833 (identified as circFADS2) was markedly evaluated in lung cancer tissues, and it was further validated by qRT-PCR. High expression of circFADS2 was correlated with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, poor differentiation, and shorter overall survival of NSCLC patients. In vitro assays results showed that circFADS2 inhibition suppressed lung cancer cells proliferation and invasion ability. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-498 contained the complementary binding region of circFADS2, which was confirmed by Dual-luciferase reporter assay. In addition, the expression of miR-498 was down-regulated and negatively associated with circFADS2 expression in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Furthermore, rescue assays showed that miR-498 inhibitors abolished the effects of circFADS2 inhibition on lung cancer cells progression. Taken together, our findings indicated that circFADS2 was an effective tumor promoter in lung cancer progression, and its functions were performed by regulating the expression of miR-498. These data suggested that circFADS2 could act as a target for lung cancer treatment.
PVDF‐based dielectric polymers and their applications in electronic materials
Authors: Xia Weimin , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: April 2018

The attractive dielectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers are well confirmed possessing the highest electroactive response including dielectric constant, piezoelectric and ferroelectric effects, which have increasingly wide range of applications such as in energy transfer, energy generation and storage, monitoring and control, and include the development of capacitors, sensors, actuators and so on. In this study, by clarifying the reliability of dielectric performances on their crystal phase structure of various PVDF polymers, the different physical and chemical fabricating ways to achieve different forms of PVDF samples such as linear polymers, ferroelectrics, and relaxor ferroelectrics were identified and quantified. In addition, many recent advances in the PVDF‐based polymer dielectrics and some developed applications of these polymers are presented, which gives a reference in academic and engineering area to select an appropriate PVDF series dielectric polymer.
Validity of a basketball-specific complex test in female professional players
Authors: Schwesig René , Hermassi Souhail , Lauenroth Andreas , Laudner Kevin , Koke Alexander , Bartels Thomas , Delank Stefan , Schulze Stephan
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of a new basketball-specific complex test (BBCT) based on the ascertained match performance.

Fourteen female professional basketball players (ages: 23.4 ± 1.8 years) performed the BBCT and a treadmill test (TT) at the beginning of pre-season training. Lactate, heart rate (HR), time, shooting precision and number of errors were measured during the four test sequences of the BBCT (short distance sprinting with direction changes, with and without a ball; fast break; lay-up parcours; sprint endurance test). In addition, lactate threshold (LT) and HR were assessed at selected times throughout the TT and the BBCT and over 6 (TT) or 10 (BBCT) minutes after the tests. The match performance score (mps) was calculated on specific parameters (e. g. points) collected during all matches during the subsequent season (22 matches). The mps served as the “gold standard” within the validation process for the BBCT and the TT.

TT parameters demonstrated an explained variance (EV) between 0 % (HR recovery) and 11 % (running speed at 6 mmol/l LT). The EV from the BBCT was higher and ranged from 0 % (HR recovery 6 minutes after end of exercise) to 28 % (sprint endurance test after 8 of 10 sprints). Ten out of 21 BBCT parameters (48 %) and 2 out of 5 TT parameters (40 %) demonstrated an EV higher than 10 %. Average EV for all parameters was 12 % (BBCT) and 6 % (TT), respectively. The BBCT had a higher validity than the TT for predicting match performance. These findings suggest that coaches and scientists should consider using the BBCT testing protocol to estimate the match performance abilities of elite female players.
microRNAs in High and Low Responders to Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hagstrom Amanda , Denham Joshua
Published: April 2018

Accounting for one in three cancer diagnoses, breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Exercise has a well-accepted role in the multi-disciplinary approach to rehabilitating breast cancer survivors. Despite the many known benefits of resistance training on women recovering from breast cancer, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that have crucial roles in growth and development. Here, we analysed the abundance of 9 miRNAs, with known roles in muscle physiology and some linked to cancer, in serum samples from 24 breast cancer survivors before and after a 16-week resistance training or usual care intervention. The resistance training group completed supervised thrice-weekly training. miRNA abundance was assessed before and after the intervention period using qPCR. There were no statistically significant changes in any of the miRNAs between groups after the intervention period (all p>0.05). After assessing miRNA abundance in context with high and low responders to resistance training, we observed that relative to low responders, high responders exhibited increased miR-133a-3p and a borderline statistically significant increase in miR-370-3p. Findings from our controlled study indicate the diverse interindividual miRNA responses to resistance training and reveal a discordant regulation between high and low responders.
Association between Hormonal Contraception and Injuries Induced by Human Papillomavirus in the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Volpato Lia Karina , Siqueira Isabela Ribeiro , Nunes Rodrigo Dias , Piovezan Anna Paula
Published: April 2018

Objective To evaluate the association between hormonal contraception and the appearance of human papillomavirus HPV-induced lesions in the uterine cervix of patients assisted at a school outpatient clinic - ObGyn outpatient service of the Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina.

Methods A case-control study, with women in fertile age, performed between 2012 and 2015. A total of 101 patients with cervical lesions secondary to HPV were included in the case group, and 101 patients with normal oncotic colpocytology, in the control group. The data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, US) software, version 24.0, using the 95% confidence interval. To test the homogeneity of the proportions, the chi-square (χ2) test was used for the qualitative variables, and the Student t-test, for the quantitative variables.

Results When comparing the occurrence of HPV lesions in users and non-users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), the association with doses of 0.03 mg or higher of ethinylestradiol (EE) was observed. Thus, a higher probability of developing cervical lesions induced by HPV was identified (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9 p = 0.039); and when these cases were separated by the degree of the lesion, the probability of these patients presenting with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was 2.1 times higher (p = 0.036), but with no impact on high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and the occurrence of invasive cancer. No significant differences were found in the other variables analyzed.

Conclusion Although the results found in the present study suggest a higher probability of the users of combined hormonal contraceptives with a concentration higher than 0.03 mg of EE to develop low-grade intraepithelial lesions, more studies are needed to conclude causality.
Diagnostik und Therapie bei Erkrankungen mit erhöhtem Frakturrisiko
Authors: Rehberg M. , Stark C. , Hoyer-Kuhn H. , Semler O.
Published: April 2018

Frakturen treten im Kindes- und Jugendalter bei vielen Kindern auf und sind meist durch adäquate Traumata verursacht. Sie können jedoch auch im Zusammenhang mit einer Kindesmisshandlung oder als Zeichen einer systemischen Skeletterkrankung beobachtet werden. Die diagnostischen Schritte umfassen neben Anamnese und klinischer Untersuchung, bildgebende Verfahren, Laboruntersuchungen und Knochendichtemessungen. In der Kinder- und Jugendmedizin ist bei allen diesen Methoden auf die Verwendung von alters- und größenkorrelierten Normwerten zu achten. Hierdurch können primäre und sekundäre Osteoporosen sowie Mineralisierungs- Synthese- und Abbaustörungen voneinander getrennt werden. Im Falle angeborener Erkrankungen können genetische Untersuchungen zur Diagnosesicherung beitragen. Eine sichere Diagnosestellung ist erforderlich, um eine kostenbewusste Diagnostik durchzuführen und letzten Endes eine zielgerichtete Therapie initiieren zu können.
Knochenmineralisationsstörungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Schnabel D.
Published: April 2018

Störungen der Knochenmineralisation können sowohl durch das stöchiometrische Missverhältnis von Kalzium und Phosphat als auch durch eine Störung der alkalischen Phosphatase entstehen. Klinische Symptome, wie z. B. Beinachsenfehlstellungen (Genua vara/Genua valga), eine progrediente Muskelschwäche oder auch eine Tetanie (Kribbeln/Missempfindungen in den Fingern, Krampfanfall), sollten eine Störung des Kalzium-/Phosphat-Stoffwechsels oder auch eine Störung der alkalischen Phosphatase differenzialdiagnostisch ausschließen.

Sind chronische Erkrankungen mit einer enteralen Resorptionsstörung oder mit einer Beeinträchtigung der Vitamin-D-Synthese/ des Vitamin-D-Metabolismus vergesellschaftet, so müssen regelmäßige Kontrollen des Kalzium-/Phosphatstoffwechsel in das Behandlungskonzept eingebunden werden.

Die Therapie der diagnostizierten Rachitis bzw. Osteomalazie erfolgt dann in Abhängigkeit von der Primärerkrankung.