bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The implications of cocaine use and associated behaviors on adverse cardiovascular outcomes among veterans: Insights from the VA Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) Program
Authors: Gunja Ateka , Stanislawski Maggie A. , Barón Anna E. , Maddox Thomas M. , Bradley Steven M. , Vidovich Mladen I.
Published: April 2018

Background

Cocaine use has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is unclear whether this is due to direct effects of cocaine or other factors.

Hypothesis

Cocaine use is associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization

Methods

We used the Veterans Affairs database to identify veterans undergoing coronary catheterization between 2007 and 2014. We analyzed association between cocaine use and 1‐year all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) among veterans with obstructive CAD (N = 122 035). To explore factors contributing to these associations, we sequentially adjusted for cardiac risk factors, risky behaviors, and clinical conditions directly affected by cocaine.

Results

3082 (2.5%) veterans were cocaine users. Cocaine users were younger (median 58.2 vs 65.3 years; P < 0.001), more likely to be African American (58.9% vs 10.6%; P < 0.001), and had fewer traditional cardiac risk factors. After adjustment for cardiac risk factors, cocaine was associated with increased risk of mortality (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.39), MI (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.83), and CVA (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.38‐2.57). With continued adjustment, increased CVA risk remained significantly associated with cocaine use, whereas MI risk was mediated by risky behaviors and mortality was fully explained by conditions directly affected by cocaine.

Conclusions

Cocaine use is associated with adverse cardiac events in veterans with CAD. Contributors to this association are multifaceted and specific to individual cardiovascular outcomes, including associated risky behaviors and direct effects of cocaine. Effective intervention programs to reduce cardiac events in this population will require multiple components addressing these factors.
A novel dynamic opto‐thermo‐mechanical stress testing device 1: Design of the device
Authors: Sokkar T. Z. N. , El‐Farahaty K. A. , El‐Bakary M. A. , Raslan M. I. , Hanash F. E.
Published: April 2018

This article presents a dynamic opto‐thermo‐mechanical stress testing device to characterize fiber properties. The device has multi‐modes and consists of many functions. These modes include stretching, bending, rotating, twisting, and heating processes. Every process can be controlled by micro‐controller unit via software programs specially designed for this purpose. The micro‐controller unit can execute two different processes at the same time. Such as, dynamic stretching process under the effect of thermal treatment, dynamic stretching process and relaxation, bending process under the effect of thermal treatment, and so forth. Software programs with their flow charts are designed for the application of these processes. The advantage of this device is that it can be done statically and dynamically to characterize all types of fibers (polymer and optical). The device is designed to be attached with two‐beam polarizing interference microscope to investigate the dynamic opto‐thermo‐mechanical properties of the tested fiber under the effect of different applied stresses. Isotactic polypropylene, iPP, fiber is used for some applications of this device, as examples, in stretching, rotation, and twisting modes. Interferograms and graphs are given for illustration.
Development of chemotherapy and significance of conversion surgery after chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Furuse Junji , Shibahara Junji , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: April 2018

While surgery currently remains the only potentially curative treatment available for pancreatic cancer, only 20% to 30% of patients have resectable disease at diagnosis. Recently, with the introduction of intensive chemotherapy regimens such as oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluorouracil plus leucovorin (FOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine plus nab‐paclitaxel, for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer, the antitumor activity and overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer have dramatically improved. These advances in intensive chemotherapy have led to the possibility of conversion of unresectable disease to resectable disease, and it has been reported that more than 20% of pancreatic cancer patients with unresectable locally advanced disease at diagnosis undergo successful conversion surgery after FOLFIRINOX therapy. In metastatic pancreatic cancer, resection for the primary lesion of pancreatic cancer may show some benefits for some patients with complete resolution of metastases by chemotherapy. Furthermore, surgical resection in some patients with only a few metastases, so‐called oligometastases, have also been reported. Conversion surgery is becoming increasingly possible with the introduction of intensive chemotherapies, however, the actual clinical benefits of resection in such cases has not yet been sufficiently investigated. The long‐term safety, feasibility and outcomes still need to be investigated in well‐designed, multi‐institutional studies on a large number of patients.
Evaluation of gaseous allyl isothiocyanate against the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxin production in corn stored for 6 months
Authors: Nazareth Tiago M , Corrêa Jessica A F , Pinto Anne C S M , Palma Juliano B , Meca Giuseppe , Bordin Keliani , Luciano Fernando B
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Brazil produces approximately 63 million tons of corn kernels annually, which is commonly contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gaseous allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus and Fusarium verticillioides, and mycotoxin production (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, fumonisins B1 and B2) in corn during 180 days of storage.

RESULTS

AITC at 50 µL L−1 resulted in a significant reduction of the fungal population (P < 0.05) after 180 days, decreasing 3.17 log(CFU g−1) and 3.9 log(CFU g−1) of A. parasiticus and F. verticillioides respectively in comparison with the control. In addition, 10 and 50 µL L−1 treatments prevented the production of fumonisin B1 for the whole period. Aflatoxins were not detected in either control or treated groups. Residual levels of AITC in corn treated with 10 µL L−1 and 50 µL L−1 were detected up to 14 days and 30 days respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic treatment with AITC reduced the fungal population and inhibited fumonisin B1 production in stored corn, exhibiting great potential to be applied in corn silos to prevent fungi contamination and minimize mycotoxin levels. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of thermal processing towards lipid oxidation and non‐enzymatic browning reactions of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) meal
Authors: Liu Yanzi , Cong Peixu , Li Beijia , Song Yu , Liu Yanjun , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Antarctic krill is a huge source of biomass and prospective high‐quality lipid source. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), nutritionally important lipid components with poor oxidative stability, were used as markers of oxidation during thermal processing of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) meal by evaluating the lipolysis, lipid oxidation, and non‐enzymatic browning reactions.

RESULT

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry of the phospholipids and the main oxidation products of free fatty acids and phosphatidylcholine (PC) was effective for evaluating the oxidation of EPA and DHA. During boiling, oxidation of EPA and DHA in the free fatty acid and PC fractions and hydrolysis of the fatty acids at the sn‐2 position of the phospholipids were predominant. The changes in PC during drying were mainly attributed to the oxidation of EPA and DHA. Heat treatment increased the oxidation products and concentration of hydrophobic pyrrole owing to pyrrolization between phosphatidylethanolamine and the lipid oxidation products.

CONCLUSION

The lipid oxidation level of Antarctic krill increased after drying, owing to prolonged heating under the severe conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Quick changes of milk fatty acids after inclusion or suppression of linseed oil in the diet of goats
Authors: Gómez‐Cortés Pilar , Cívico Alfonso , de la Fuente Miguel Angel , Núñez Sánchez Nieves , Juárez Manuela , Peña Blanco Francisco , Martínez Marín Andrés L
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Lipid supplementation of ruminant diet is an excellent tool to improve the nutritional quality of dairy fat. The purpose of this research was to monitor in detail the goat milk fatty acid (FA) profile during the first 24 h after linseed oil (LO) supplementation or suppression in the diet. Particular emphasis was placed in the changes of FA with bioactive properties. Milk fat was analysed by gas chromatography from milkings at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after diet shift.

RESULTS

The α‐linolenic acid levels increased 12 h after LO incorporation in the diet and decreased 3 h after oil suppression. Most of the milk 10:0 to 16:0 saturated FA decreased 24 h after LO supplementation, whereas oil suppression raised their levels after 6 h. Similarly, raising of mono‐ and polyunsaturated trans‐FA after LO inclusion was delayed in comparison with their decrease after oil suppression.

CONCLUSION

This study supports that ruminal bacteria and mammary glands would exhibit a fast responsiveness after the inclusion or suppression of LO in ruminant rations. Milk with an improved FA profile could be collected between 12 h after LO supplementation and the last milking before LO suppression in the diet. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The difference of equilibrium melting point between poly(l‐lactic acid) and poly(l‐lactic acid)/poly(d‐lactic acid) blends: cases with three molecular weights
Authors: Guo Weijie , Shao Jun , Ye Xinxin , Sun Peng , Meng Chunfeng , Li Zhaolei , Zheng Zhiping , Yan Chao
Published: April 2018

In order to explore the origin of the higher melting point of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stereocomplex crystal (SC) than that of homo‐crystal (HC), the equilibrium melting point () differential between SC and HC was determined using the Hoffman–Weeks method. The results showed that, for PLA samples with Mn around 16, 20 and 65 kg mol−1, the differential between SC and HC is around 36, 42 and 55 °C, respectively. Thus, the higher melting point of SC compared to HC does not stem from differential only. For PLA samples with lower Mn, the supercooling differential between poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly(d‐lactic acid) (PDLA) blends and PLLA is smaller than that with higher Mn, which means chain diffusion behavior is crucial for SC formation in PLLA/PDLA blends. The fact that the SC adopts the intermolecular parallel arrangement rather than the adjacent chain folding is verified by the greater slope of the melting point of SC versus crystallization temperature fitting curve when Mn is relative higher. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Minimizing Post‐operative Complications of Groin Dissection Using Modified Skin Bridge Technique: A Single‐Centre Descriptive Study Showing Post‐operative and Early Oncological Outcomes
Authors: Ray Mukur Dipi , Jakhetiya Ashish , Kumar Sunil , Mishra Ashutosh , Singh Seema , Shukla Nootan Kumar
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Historically, groin dissections are associated with high morbidity. Various modifications have been described in the literature with inconsistent outcomes. The aim of this paper is to highlight modified skin bridge technique to minimize all post‐operative complications of groin dissection without compromising early oncological outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study of the computerized cancer database was performed to retrieve details of all the cancer patients who had undergone groin dissections during January 2012 to September 2016. Data pertaining to clinical profile including demographics, clinical and histopathological details, treatment profile, procedure‐related morbidity and relapse patterns were extracted and analysed.

Results

A total of 75 patients underwent 105 groin dissections during this period. Out of 105 groin dissections, 43 were inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) and 62 were combined ilio‐inguinal lymph node dissection (IILND). The most common diagnosis was carcinoma penis (25%) followed by malignant melanoma (14.6%) and squamous cell carcinoma (13.33%) of lower extremities. Overall, the most common complications were seroma (14.28%) and skin edge necrosis (7.61%) followed by surgical site infection (4.76%). After a median follow‐up of 17.64 months (IQR 5–61.53), a total of 18 patients (24%) developed recurrence.

Conclusion

Groin dissection still remains an important diagnostic as well as therapeutic procedure justifying its potential of morbidity. Modified skin bridge technique is a very effective method to minimize all post‐operative complications with optimal early oncological outcomes.
Gender Differences in the Consequences of Divorce: A Study of Multiple Outcomes
Authors: Leopold Thomas
Published: April 2018

In this study, I examined gender differences in the consequences of divorce by tracing annual change in 20 outcome measures covering four domains: economic, housing and domestic, health and well-being, and social. I used data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) and fixed-effects panel regression models on a sample of N = 18,030 individuals initially observed in a marital union, N = 1,220 of whom divorced across the observation period (1984–2015). Three main findings emerged from the analysis. First, men were more vulnerable to short-term consequences of divorce for subjective measures of well-being, but postdivorce adaptation alleviated gender differences in these outcomes. Second, a medium-term view on multiple outcomes showed more similarity than differences between women and men. The medium-term consequences of divorce were similar in terms of subjective economic well-being; mental health, physical health, and psychological well-being; residential moves, homeownership, and satisfaction with housework; and chances of repartnering, social integration with friends and relatives, and feelings of loneliness. Third, the key domain in which large and persistent gender differences emerged were women’s disproportionate losses in household income and associated increases in their risk of poverty and single parenting. Taken together, these findings suggest that men’s disproportionate strain of divorce is transient, whereas women’s is chronic.
Pre‐treatment with proton pump inhibitors decreases the success of primary Helicobacter pylori eradication using a vonoprazan‐based regimen
Authors: Shinozaki Satoshi , Osawa Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Hirotsugu , Hayashi Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Yasutoshi , Miura Yoshimasa , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: April 2018

Vonoprazan‐based regimens have improved the rate of successful Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, but it has not reached 100%. The aim of this study is to clarify significant predictors of successful H. pylori eradication using a vonoprazan‐based regimen. In this retrospective cohort study, 174 patients who underwent primary H. pylori eradication therapy were included. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy before treatment. The vonoprazan‐based regimen includes amoxicillin 750 mg, clarithromycin 200 mg and vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily for one week. Pre‐treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was defined as continued PPI use for more than four weeks prior to eradication therapy. The rates of successful eradication were 83% (145/174) in intention‐to‐treat analysis and 85% (145/171) in per‐protocol analysis. Predictors of successful eradication among 171 patients were evaluated in per‐protocol analysis. In univariate analysis, male gender was a significant positive predictor of successful eradication (odds ratio [OR] 3.813, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.363–10.663, p = 0.010) and pre‐treatment with PPIs was a negative predictor (OR 0.193, 95%CI 0.076–0.485, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, male gender remained a positive predictor (OR 3.826, 95%CI 1.317–11.116, p = 0.013), and pre‐treatment with PPIs (OR 0.232, 95%CI 0.087–0.615, p = 0.003) remained a negative predictor. In conclusion, pre‐treatment with PPIs before eradication therapy decreases the rate of successful eradication. Therefore, it may be desirable to discontinue pre‐treatment with PPIs prior to eradication therapy, because of the potential to improve the rate of successful eradication.
Live music network in Larnaca, Cyprus: from musicians to audience and back (to the venue) again
Authors: Kouvarou Maria
Published: April 2018

This article discusses the development of a live music network in Larnaca, Cyprus. It is the result of a 9 month field research project centred on a specific music venue and it is based on interviews with members of four local prominent rock bands and the venue manager. These interviews were further informed by several discussions with numerous audience members, the result of the author's participatory involvement in this network. The emphasis of the discussion lies in the experiences of the performers and their views concerning the growth of this live music network, which in itself is an indicator of the dynamic relationship between underground musical tastes and the presence of mainstream currents in the city. The purpose of this research is to highlight that the development and preservation of such live music networks depend on various factors and to argue that the study of transformations of a locality's musical life can lead to sociological readings regarding its music-related past and present.
Managing the Labour Market in an Open Economy: From the International Labour Organisation to the European Communities
Authors: MECHI LORENZO
Published: April 2018

Since their foundation, the European Communities were characterised by a specific recipe for the labour market, centred on the promotion of labour mobility and a marked focus on vocational training and social dialogue. Drawing on an extensive range of primary sources, this article retraces the roots of that recipe in the reformist thinking of the interwar years, with a special point of reference in the International Labour Office. Identified within that body since the 1920s, the recipe evolved through the experiences of the great crisis and post-war demobilisation. It was then adapted to the needs of European economic integration.
Enveloping Europe: Plans and Practices in Postal Governance, 1929–1959
Authors: LABORIE LÉONARD
Published: April 2018

This article sets out why and how plans to build Europe on mail, both commercially (rates) and symbolically (stamps), were discussed from the end of the 1920s and have failed up to today. The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication Administrations (CEPT) was created during the intense phase of European integration in the 1950s. In the 1980s it was a key resource for the European Commission for building a Single Market in the telecommunication sector. As this article argues, however, the CEPT did not emerge from the multiple plans for postal integration. Rather, it was a new envelope hiding governance practices inherited from the nineteenth century.
Statesmen of Independence: The International Fabric of Europe's Way of Political Legitimacy
Authors: VAUCHEZ ANTOINE
Published: April 2018

Scholars generally agree that ‘independent’ institutions such as the European Commission, the European Court of Justice and European Central Bank have created a space and role for themselves that has no equivalent in national political settings. However, we still lack a better understanding of the importance of this independent branch in the EU polity. This article contends that the central relevance of independence is connected to the historically rooted connection between ‘independence’ and ‘international government’ – a relationship the history of which can be traced back to the League of Nations’ foundational period as the inaugural scene for the nexus between power and knowledge in international politics. Ultimately, this article questions the extent to which this specific grammar of international government has been constitutive of the EC polity in terms of valued modes of legitimacy and types of authority.
Anorexia nervosa bei Jungen
Authors: Heimann Pola Maria , Konrad Kerstin , Vloet Timo D.
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Anorexia nervosa (AN) stellt beim männlichen Geschlecht eine seltene und im Vergleich zur AN bei Mädchen und Frauen bislang kaum erforschte psychiatrische Störung dar. Aufgrund der Änderung der Diagnosekriterien im DSM-5 sowie gesellschaftlicher Veränderungen ist allerdings zu erwarten, dass es in der Zukunft zu einer Prävalenzzunahme der AN beim männlichen Geschlecht kommt. Die vorliegende Arbeit soll einen Überblick über die bestehende Datenlage u. a. hinsichtlich Epidemiologie, Ätiologie und Symptomatik geben, wobei insbesondere die Unterschiede zwischen den Geschlechtern betrachtet werden. Ziel der Übersichtsarbeit ist es, im klinischen Alltag auf die Besonderheiten der männlichen AN aufmerksam zu machen und gleichzeitig den Forschungsbedarf bei diesem Störungsbild zu unterstreichen.
Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic dysfunction in mania: an emerging hypothesis from animal model studies
Authors: Lee Yeunkum , Zhang Yinhua , Kim Shinhyun , Han Kihoon
Published: April 2018

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent mood swings between depression and mania, and is associated with high treatment costs. The existence of manic episodes is the defining feature of BD, during which period, patients experience extreme elevation in activity, energy, and mood, with changes in sleep patterns that together severely impair their ability to function in daily life. Despite some limitations in recapitulating the complex features of human disease, several rodent models of mania have been generated and characterized, which have provided important insights toward understanding its underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Among the mechanisms, neuronal excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) synaptic dysfunction in some brain regions, including the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, is an emerging hypothesis explaining mania. In this review, we highlight recent studies of rodent manic models having impairments in the E/I synaptic development and function. We also summarize the molecular and functional changes of E/I synapses by some mood stabilizers that may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Furthermore, we discuss potential future directions in the study of this emerging hypothesis to better connect the outcomes of basic research to the treatment of patients with this devastating mental illness.
Olfactory marker protein regulates prolactin secretion and production by modulating Ca2+ and TRH signaling in lactotrophs
Authors: Kang Chan Woo , Han Ye Eon , Lee Mi Kyung , Cho Yoon Hee , Kang NaNa , Koo JaeHyung , Ku Cheol Ryong , Lee Eun Jig
Published: April 2018

Olfactory marker protein (OMP) is a marker of olfactory receptor-mediated chemoreception, even outside the olfactory system. Here, we report that OMP expression in the pituitary gland plays a role in basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin (PRL) production and secretion. We found that OMP was expressed in human and rodent pituitary glands, especially in PRL-secreting lactotrophs. OMP knockdown in GH4 rat pituitary cells increased PRL production and secretion via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling. Real-time PCR analysis and the Ca2+ influx assay revealed that OMP was critical for TRH-induced PRL secretion. OMP-knockout mice showed lower fertility than control mice, which was associated with increased basal PRL production via activation of ERK1/2 signaling and reduced TRH-induced PRL secretion. However, both in vitro and in vivo results indicated that OMP was only required for hormone production and secretion because ERK1/2 activation failed to stimulate cell proliferation. Additionally, patients with prolactinoma lacked OMP expression in tumor tissues with hyperactivated ERK1/2 signaling. These findings indicate that OMP plays a role in PRL production and secretion in lactotrophs through the modulation of Ca2+ and TRH signaling.
Publisher Correction: Inflammation induces two types of inflammatory dendritic cells in inflamed lymph nodes
Authors: Min Jiyoun , Yang Dongchan , Kim Mirang , Haam Keeok , Yoo Anji , Choi Jae-Hoon , Schraml Barbara U , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Dongsup , Kang Suk-Jo
Published: April 2018

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error in the author name Dongchan Yang, which was incorrectly given as Dongchan Yang Sung.
Super enhancer inhibitors suppress MYC driven transcriptional amplification and tumor progression in osteosarcoma
Authors: Chen Demeng , Zhao Zhiqiang , Huang Zixin , Chen Du-Chu , Zhu Xin-Xing , Wang Yi-Ze , Yan Ya-Wei , Tang Shaojun , Madhavan Subha , Ni Weiyi , Huang Zhan-peng , Li Wen , Ji Weidong , Shen Huangxuan , Lin Shuibin , Jiang Yi-Zhou
Published: April 2018

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma that mostly occurs in young adults. The causes of osteosarcoma are heterogeneous and still not fully understood. Identification of novel, important oncogenic factors in osteosarcoma and development of better, effective therapeutic approaches are in urgent need for better treatment of osteosarcoma patients. In this study, we uncovered that the oncogene MYC is significantly upregulated in metastastic osteosarcoma samples. In addition, high MYC expression is associated with poor survival of osteosarcoma patients. Analysis of MYC targets in osteosarcoma revealed that most of the osteosarcoma super enhancer genes are bound by MYC. Treatment of osteosarcoma cells with super enhancer inhibitors THZ1 and JQ1 effectively suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, THZ1 treatment suppresses a large group of super enhancer containing MYC target genes including CDK6 and TGFB2. These findings revealed that the MYC-driven super enhancer signaling is crucial for the osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and targeting the MYC/super enhancer axis represents as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of osteosarcoma patients.
A proteomics landscape of circadian clock in mouse liver
Authors: Wang Yunzhi , Song Lei , Liu Mingwei , Ge Rui , Zhou Quan , Liu Wanlin , Li Ruiyang , Qie Jingbo , Zhen Bei , Wang Yi , He Fuchu , Qin Jun , Ding Chen
Published: April 2018

As a circadian organ, liver executes diverse functions in different phase of the circadian clock. This process is believed to be driven by a transcription program. Here, we present a transcription factor (TF) DNA-binding activity-centered multi-dimensional proteomics landscape of the mouse liver, which includes DNA-binding profiles of different TFs, phosphorylation, and ubiquitylation patterns, the nuclear sub-proteome, the whole proteome as well as the transcriptome, to portray the hierarchical circadian clock network of this tissue. The TF DNA-binding activity indicates diurnal oscillation in four major pathways, namely the immune response, glucose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and the cell cycle. We also isolate the mouse liver Kupffer cells and measure their proteomes during the circadian cycle to reveal a cell-type resolved circadian clock. These comprehensive data sets provide a rich data resource for the understanding of mouse hepatic physiology around the circadian clock.
Evolutionary plasticity of the NHL domain underlies distinct solutions to RNA recognition
Authors: Kumari Pooja , Aeschimann Florian , Gaidatzis Dimos , Keusch Jeremy J. , Ghosh Pritha , Neagu Anca , Pachulska-Wieczorek Katarzyna , Bujnicki Janusz M. , Gut Heinz , Großhans Helge , Ciosk Rafal
Published: April 2018

RNA-binding proteins regulate all aspects of RNA metabolism. Their association with RNA is mediated by RNA-binding domains, of which many remain uncharacterized. A recently reported example is the NHL domain, found in prominent regulators of cellular plasticity like the C. elegans LIN-41. Here we employ an integrative approach to dissect the RNA specificity of LIN-41. Using computational analysis, structural biology, and in vivo studies in worms and human cells, we find that a positively charged pocket, specific to the NHL domain of LIN-41 and its homologs (collectively LIN41), recognizes a stem-loop RNA element, whose shape determines the binding specificity. Surprisingly, the mechanism of RNA recognition by LIN41 is drastically different from that of its more distant relative, the fly Brat. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that this reflects a rapid evolution of the domain, presenting an interesting example of a conserved protein fold that acquired completely different solutions to RNA recognition.
Aggressive natural killer-cell leukemia mutational landscape and drug profiling highlight JAK-STAT signaling as therapeutic target
Authors: Dufva Olli , Kankainen Matti , Kelkka Tiina , Sekiguchi Nodoka , Awad Shady Adnan , Eldfors Samuli , Yadav Bhagwan , Kuusanmäki Heikki , Malani Disha , Andersson Emma I , Pietarinen Paavo , Saikko Leena , Kovanen Panu E. , Ojala Teija , Lee Dean A. , Loughran Thomas P. , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Suzumiya Junji , Suzuki Ritsuro , Ko Young Hyeh , Kim Won Seog , Chuang Shih-Sung , Aittokallio Tero , Chan Wing C. , Ohshima Koichi , Ishida Fumihiro , Mustjoki Satu
Published: April 2018

Aggressive natural killer-cell (NK-cell) leukemia (ANKL) is an extremely aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis and lack of targeted therapies. Here, we elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of ANKL using a combination of genomic and drug sensitivity profiling. We study 14 ANKL patients using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and identify mutations inSTAT3(21%) and RAS-MAPK pathway genes (21%) as well as inDDX3X(29%) and epigenetic modifiers (50%). Additional alterations include JAK-STAT copy gains and tyrosine phosphatase mutations, which we show recurrent also in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTCL) through integration of public genomic data. Drug sensitivity profiling further demonstrates the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in the pathogenesis of NK-cell malignancies, identifying NK cells to be highly sensitive to JAK and BCL2 inhibition compared to other hematopoietic cell lineages. Our results provide insight into ANKL genetics and a framework for application of targeted therapies in NK-cell malignancies.
Reduced oxidative capacity in macrophages results in systemic insulin resistance
Authors: Jung Saet-Byel , Choi Min Jeong , Ryu Dongryeol , Yi Hyon-Seung , Lee Seong Eun , Chang Joon Young , Chung Hyo Kyun , Kim Yong Kyung , Kang Seul Gi , Lee Ju Hee , Kim Koon Soon , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Cuk-Seong , Lee Chul-Ho , Williams Robert W. , Kim Hail , Lee Heung Kyu , Auwerx Johan , Shong Minho
Published: April 2018

Oxidative functions of adipose tissue macrophages control the polarization of M1-like and M2-like phenotypes, but whether reduced macrophage oxidative function causes systemic insulin resistance in vivo is not clear. Here, we show that mice with reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) due to myeloid-specific deletion of CR6-interacting factor 1 (Crif1), an essential mitoribosomal factor involved in biogenesis of OxPhos subunits, have M1-like polarization of macrophages and systemic insulin resistance with adipose inflammation. Macrophage GDF15 expression is reduced in mice with impaired oxidative function, but induced upon stimulation with rosiglitazone and IL-4. GDF15 upregulates the oxidative function of macrophages, leading to M2-like polarization, and reverses insulin resistance in ob/ob mice and HFD-fed mice with myeloid-specific deletion of Crif1. Thus, reduced macrophage oxidative function controls systemic insulin resistance and adipose inflammation, which can be reversed with GDF15 and leads to improved oxidative function of macrophages.
Design and optimization of a compact laser-driven proton beamline
Authors: Scisciò M. , Migliorati M. , Palumbo L. , Antici P.
Published: April 2018

Laser-accelerated protons, generated by irradiating a solid target with a short, energetic laser pulse at high intensity (I > 1018 W·cm−2), represent a complementary if not outperforming source compared to conventional accelerators, due  to their intrinsic features, such as high beam charge and short bunch duration. However, the broadband energy spectrum of these proton sources is a bottleneck that precludes their use in applications requiring a more reduced energy spread. Consequently, in recent times strong effort has been put to overcome these limits and to develop laser-driven proton beamlines with low energy spread. In this paper, we report on beam dynamics simulations aiming at optimizing a laser-driven beamline - i.e. a laser-based proton source coupled to conventional magnetic beam manipulation devices - producing protons with a reduced energy spread, usable for applications. The energy range of investigation goes from 2 to 20 MeV, i.e. the typical proton energies that can be routinely obtained using commercial TW-power class laser systems. Our beamline design is capable of reducing the energy spread below 20%, still keeping the overall transmission efficiency around 1% and producing a proton spot-size in the range of 10 mm2. We briefly discuss the results in the context of applications in the domain of Cultural Heritage.
iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of embryonic developmental stages in Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii
Authors: Jin Shubo , Sun Dajiang , Song Dan , Wang Nianmin , Fu Hongtuo , Ji Feng , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2018

The Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii, is an important aquaculture species in China with annual production of about 150 thousand tons in 2015. In this study, we investigated the regulatory proteins and pathways affecting embryonic development of Amur sturgeon, by analyzing of the differential proteomes among four embryonic developmental stages using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ), combined with the analysis of effects of microelements and antioxidants on embryonic development. Seventy-four, 77, and 76 proteins were differentially expressed according to iTRAQ analysis between the fertilized egg and blastula, blastula and neurula, and neurula and heart-beat stages, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that Gluconeogenesis, Ribosome and Proteasome were the most enriched pathways, which may promote energy formation, immune system protection and protein synthesis process in A. schrenckii. The measurement of microelements indicated that Mn, Cu and Fe were obtained from their parents or water environment in A. schrenckii, while Zn plays vital roles throughout embryonic development. The dramatically high level of malondialdehyde (MDA) across the embryonic development may be the main reason leading to a low hatching rate in A. schrenckii. This study provides the basis for further proteome analysis of embryonic development in A. schrenckii.
Aloperine Protects Mice against Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Attenuating Fibroblast Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Yin Wanling , Han Jing , Zhang Zhijun , Han Zaomu , Wang Siyuan
Published: April 2018

Aloperine is a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides. It has been proven to alleviate oxidative stress and effectively promote tumor cell apoptosis in mice. Herein, we investigated whether aloperine could also mediate its protective effects on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Pathological staining, western blot, RT-PCR and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the impact of aloperine on the development of pulmonary fibrosis. The effect of aloperine on fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and related signaling pathways were next investigated to demonstrate the underlying mechanisms. In the present report, we showed that aloperine provided protection for mice against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis as manifested by the attenuated lung injury and reduced fibrosis along with alleviated fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, we provided in vitro evidence revealing that aloperine inhibited cellular proliferation in PDGF-BB-stimulated mouse lung fibroblasts by repressed PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation by repressed TGF-β/Smad signaling. Overall, our data showed that aloperine could protect the mice against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by attenuated fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, which indicated that aloperine may be therapeutically beneficial for IPF patients.
Author Correction: Next generation sequencing reveals changes of the γδ T cell receptor repertoires in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Cheng Chaofei , Wang Bei , Gao Lei , Liu Jianmin , Chen Xinchun , Huang He , Zhao Zhendong
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 not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Selection of reference genes for microRNA analysis associated to early stress response to handling and confinement in Salmo salar
Authors: Zavala Eduardo , Reyes Daniela , Deerenberg Robert , Vidal Rodrigo
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 not been fixed in the paper.
Proteomics Studies on the three Larval Stages of Development and Metamorphosis of Babylonia areolata
Authors: Shen Minghui , Di Guilan , Li Min , Fu Jingqiang , Dai Qi , Miao Xiulian , Huang Miaoqin , You Weiwei , Ke Caihuan
Published: April 2018

The ivory shell, Babylonia areolata, is a commercially important aquaculture species in the southeast coast of mainland China. The middle veliger stage, later veliger stage, and juvenile stage are distinct larval stages in B. areolata development. In this study, we used label-free quantification proteomics analysis of the three developmental stages of B. areolata. We identified a total of 5,583 proteins, of which 1,419 proteins expression level showed significant differential expression. The results of gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the number of proteins involved in metabolic and cellular processes were the most abundant. Those proteins mostly had functions such as binding, catalytic activity and transporter activity. The results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that the number of proteins involved in the ribosome, carbon metabolism, and lysosome pathways were the most abundant, indicating that protein synthesis and the immune response were active during the three stages of development. This is the first study to use proteomics and real-time PCR to study the early developmental stages of B. areolata, which could provide relevant data on gastropod development. Our results provide insights into the novel aspects of protein function in shell formation, body torsion, changes in feeding habits, attachment and metamorphosis, immune-related activities in B. areolata larvae.
Population structure of Environmental and Clinical Legionella pneumophila isolates in Catalonia
Authors: Quero Sara , Párraga-Niño Noemí , Barrabeig Irene , Sala Maria Rosa , Pedro-Botet M. Luisa , Monsó Eduard , Jané Mireia , Sabrià Miquel , Garcia-Núñez Marian
Published: April 2018

Legionella is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD). In Spain, Catalonia is the region with the highest incidence of LD cases. The characterisation of clinical and environmental isolates using molecular epidemiology techniques provides epidemiological data for a specific geographic region and makes it possible to carry out phylogenetic and population-based analyses. The aim of this study was to describe and compare environmental and clinical isolates of Legionella pneumophila in Catalonia using sequence-based typing and monoclonal antibody subgrouping. A total of 528 isolates were characterised. For data analysis, the isolates were filtered to reduce redundancies, and 266 isolates (109 clinical and 157 environmental) were finally included. Thirty-two per cent of the clinical isolates were ST23, ST37 and ST1 while 40% of the environmental isolates were ST284 and ST1. Although the index of diversity was higher in clinical than in environmental ST isolates, we observed that clinical STs were similar to those recorded in other regions but that environmental STs were more confined to particular study areas. This observation supports the idea that only certain STs trigger cases or outbreaks in humans. Therefore, comparison of the genomes of clinical and environmental isolates could provide important information about the traits that favour infection or environmental persistence.
Surface modification effects on defect-related photoluminescence in colloidal CdS quantum dots
Authors: Lee TaeGi , Shimura Kunio , Kim DaeGwi
Published: April 2018

We investigated the effects of surface modification on the defect-related PL in colloidal CdS QDs.
Nanoscale thermal diffusion during the laser interference ablation using femto-, pico-, and nanosecond pulses in silicon
Authors: Gedvilas Mindaugas , Indrišiūnas Simonas , Voisiat Bogdan , Stankevičius Evaldas , Selskis Algirdas , Račiukaitis Gediminas
Published: April 2018

New semi-empirical equation combining thermal modulation depth, interference period, laser pulse duration and thermal diffusivity for LIA quality is introduced.
New coordination networks containing trinuclear lanthanide complexes and hexacyanometallates
Authors: Escobedo-Cruz Francisco V. , Hughbanks Timothy
Published: April 2018

Three new families of 3d–4f heteronuclear compounds containing lanthanide and hexa-cyanometallate tectons and magnetic properties of the selected compounds.
Growth of vertically aligned nanowires in metal–oxide nanocomposites: kinetic Monte-Carlo modeling versus experiments
Authors: Hennes M. , Schuler V. , Weng X. , Buchwald J. , Demaille D. , Zheng Y. , Vidal F.
Published: April 2018

We developed a kinetic Monte-Carlo approach to model the self-assembly of ultrathin metallic nanowires during the growth of hybrid Ni–SrTiO3 thin films.
Regiospecific alkyl addition of (hetero)arene-fused thiophenes enabled by a visible-light-mediated photocatalytic desulfuration approach
Authors: Di Jiamei , He Huan , Wang Falu , Xue Fei , Liu Xiao-Yu , Qin Yong
Published: April 2018

A unique photoredox desulfuration approach enabling the regiospecific alkyl addition of (hetero)arene-fused thiophenes is presented.
Effects of graphene/BN encapsulation, surface functionalization and molecular adsorption on the electronic properties of layered InSe: a first-principles study
Authors: Kistanov Andrey A. , Cai Yongqing , Zhou Kun , Dmitriev Sergey V. , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: April 2018

A proper adoption of the n- or p-type dopants allows for the modulation of the work function, the Fermi level pinning, the band bending, and the photo-adsorbing efficiency near the InSe surface/interface.
Asymmetric twins in boron rich boron carbide
Authors: Yang Xiaokun , Goddard William A. , An Qi
Published: April 2018

Twin boundaries (TBs) play an essential role in enhancing the mechanical, electronic and transport properties of polycrystalline materials.
Modelling of adsorption and intercalation of hydrogen on/into tungsten disulphide multilayers and multiwall nanotubes
Authors: Martínez José I. , Laikhtman Alex , Moon Hoi Ri , Zak Alla , Alonso Julio A.
Published: April 2018

First-principles calculations, supported by new experimental evidences, have been used to clarify the different processes and mechanisms related to the interaction of hydrogen with WS2 nanomaterials.
The organic–2D transition metal dichalcogenide heterointerface
Authors: Huang Yu Li , Zheng Yu Jie , Song Zhibo , Chi Dongzhi , Wee Andrew T. S. , Quek Su Ying
Published: April 2018

Marrying organics and 2D TMDs brings benefits that are not present in either material alone, enabling better, multifunctional flexible devices.
Three new types of transition metal carboranylamidinate complexes
Authors: Rädisch Tim , Harmgarth Nicole , Liebing Phil , Beltrán-Leiva Maria J. , Páez-Hernández Dayán , Arratia-Pérez Ramiro , Engelhardt Felix , Hilfert Liane , Oehler Florian , Busse Sabine , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: April 2018

Three new types of transition metal carboranylamidinate complexes are reported.
Ultrathin amorphous cobalt–vanadium hydr(oxy)oxide catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Juzhe , Ji Yongfei , Nai Jianwei , Niu Xiaogang , Luo Yi , Guo Lin , Yang Shihe
Published: April 2018

A simple strategy to synthesize ultrathin, amorphous and alloyed structural cobalt–vanadium hydr(oxy)oxide catalysts with enhanced water oxidation catalytic activity.
Reactivity of a new aryl cycloplatinated(ii) complex containing rollover 2,2′-bipyridine N-oxide toward a series of diphosphine ligands
Authors: Shahsavari Hamid R. , Babadi Aghakhanpour Reza , Hossein-Abadi Mojdeh , Kia Reza , Halvagar Mohammad Reza , Raithby Paul R.
Published: April 2018

A new rollover cycloplatinated(ii) complex was prepared. The reactivity of this complex was investigated towards a wide range of diphosphine ligands.
Guest–guest and guest–host interactions in ethanol, propan-1-ol, and propan-2-ol clathrate hydrate forming systems
Authors: Yasuda Keita , Ohmura Ryo , Sum Amadeu K.
Published: April 2018

Guest–guest and guest–host interactions of clathrate hydrates including alcohols as guests were characterized by Raman spectroscopy.
Effective reduced graphene oxide sheets/hierarchical flower-like NiO composites for methanol sensing under high humidity
Authors: Zito Cecilia A. , Perfecto Tarcísio M. , Fonseca Cristiane S. , Volanti Diogo P.
Published: April 2018

We report the methanol sensing performance of reduced graphene oxide/hierarchical flower-like NiO under 90% of relative humidity and relatively low-temperature.
Supramolecular gel assisted synthesis of Co2P nanosheets as an efficient and stable catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wu Zexing , Song Min , Wang Jie , Liu Xien
Published: April 2018

Co2P/C, with nanosheet morphology, is prepared through a facile supramolecular-gel assisted strategy which presents excellent electrocatalytic performance for ORR.
Supramolecular control over pillararene-based LCST phase behaviour
Authors: Wang Li , Li Xing , Zhang Qiao , Luo Zheng , Deng Yan , Yang Wen , Dong Shengyi , Wang Qiu-an , Han Chengyou
Published: April 2018

Based on the supramolecular interactions between pillar[5]arenes and ionic liquids, supramolecular control was successfully introduced into thermo-responsive systems to adjust LCST phase behaviour in water.
Rieske non-heme iron-dependent oxygenases catalyse diverse reactions in natural product biosynthesis
Authors: Perry Christopher , de los Santos Emmanuel L. C. , Alkhalaf Lona M. , Challis Gregory L.
Published: April 2018

The role played by Rieske non-heme iron-dependent oxygenases in natural product biosyntheses is reviewed, with particular focus on experimentally characterised examples.
Center-iodized graphene as an advanced anode material to significantly boost the performance of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Jie , Xu Mao-Wen , Wu Jinggao , Li Chang Ming
Published: April 2018

Center-iodized graphene (CIG) exhibiting distinctly higher Li-storage activity than edge-iodized graphene (EIG) is a promising anode material in high-power LIBs.
Correction: Synthesis of pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives via asymmetric Michael addition reactions of carboxylate-substituted enones
Authors: Yin Feng , Garifullina Ainash , Tanaka Fujie
Published: April 2018

Correction for ‘Synthesis of pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives via asymmetric Michael addition reactions of carboxylate-substituted enones’ by Feng Yin et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, 15, 6089–6092.