bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A serine protease KLK8 emerges as a regulator of regulators in memory: Microtubule protein dependent neuronal morphology and PKA-CREB signaling
Authors: Konar Arpita , Kumar Ashish , Maloney Bryan , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Thakur Mahendra K.
Published: June 2018

The multitude of molecular pathways underlying memory impairment in neurological disorders and aging-related disorders has been a major hurdle against therapeutic targeting. Over the years, neuronal growth promoting factors, intracellular kinases, and specific transcription factors, particularly cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), have emerged as crucial players of memory storage, and their disruption accompanies many cognitive disabilities. However, a molecular link that can influence these major players and can be a potential recovery target has been elusive. Recent reports suggest that extracellular cues at the synapses might evoke an intracellular signaling cascade and regulate memory function. Herein, we report novel function of an extracellular serine protease, kallikrein 8 (KLK8/Neuropsin) in regulating the expression of microtubule associated dendrite growth marker microtubule-associated protein (MAP2)c, dendrite architecture and protein kinase A (PKA)-CREB signaling. Both knockdown of KLK8 via siRNA transfection in mouse primary hippocampal neurons and via intra-hippocampal administration of KLK8 antisense oligonucleotides in vivo reduced expression of MAP2c, dendrite length, dendrite branching and spine density. The KLK8 mediated MAP2c deficiency in turn inactivated PKA and downstream transcription factor phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), leading to downregulation of memory-linked genes and consequent impaired memory consolidation. These findings revealed a protease associated novel pathway of memory impairment in which KLK8 may act as a “regulator of regulators”, suggesting its exploration as an important therapeutic target of memory disorders.
T315I mutation of BCR-ABL1 into human Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia cell lines by homologous recombination using the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Tamai Minori , Inukai Takeshi , Kojika Satoru , Abe Masako , Kagami Keiko , Harama Daisuke , Shinohara Tamao , Watanabe Atsushi , Oshiro Hiroko , Akahane Koshi , Goi Kumiko , Sugihara Eiji , Nakada Shinichiro , Sugita Kanji
Published: June 2018

In many cancers, somatic mutations confer tumorigenesis and drug-resistance. The recently established clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is a potentially elegant approach to functionally evaluate mutations in cancers. To reproduce mutations by homologous recombination (HR), the HR pathway must be functional, but DNA damage repair is frequently impaired in cancers. Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for BCR-ABL1 in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia, and development of resistance due to kinase domain mutation is an important issue. We attempted to introduce the T315I gatekeeper mutation into three Ph+ myeloid leukemia cell lines with a seemingly functional HR pathway due to resistance to the inhibitor for poly (ADP) ribose polymerase1. Imatinib-resistant sublines were efficiently developed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system after short-term selection with imatinib; resulting sublines acquired the T315I mutation after HR. Thus, the usefulness of CRISPR/Cas9 system for functional analysis of somatic mutations in cancers was demonstrated.
Death-associated protein kinase 1 mediates interleukin-1β production through regulating inlfammasome activation in Bv2 microglial cells and mice
Authors: Song Limin , Pei Lei , Hu Lisha , Pan Shangwen , Xiong Wei , Liu Min , Wu Yan , Shang You , Yao Shanglong
Published: June 2018

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays a crucial role in mediating inflammation and innate immunity response in the central nervous system. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) was shown to be involved in several cellular processes. Here, we investigated the effects of DAPK1 on IL-1β production in microglial cells. We used a combination of in vitro (Bv2 microglial cell cultures) and in vivo (mice injected with amyloid-β (Aβ)) techniques to address the role of caspase-1 activation in release of IL-1β. DAPK1 involvement was postulated through genetic approaches and pharmacological blockade of this enzyme. We found that Aβ25–35 stimulation induced IL-1β production and caspase-1 activation in LPS-primed Bv2 cells and mice. DAPK1 knockdown and catalytic activity inhibition reduced IL-1β maturation and caspase-1 activation, nevertheless, DAPK1 overexpression attenuated these effects. Aβ25–35-induced lysosomal cathepsin B leakage was required for DAPK1 activation. Furthermore, repeated DAPK1 inhibitor treatment ameliorated the memory impairment in Aβ25–35-injected mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that DAPK1 facilitates Aβ25–35-induced IL-1β production through regulating caspase-1 activation in microglial cells.
An ultra-fast mechanically active cell culture substrate
Authors: Poulin Alexandre , Imboden Matthias , Sorba Francesca , Grazioli Serge , Martin-Olmos Cristina , Rosset Samuel , Shea Herbert
Published: June 2018

We present a mechanically active cell culture substrate that produces complex strain patterns and generates extremely high strain rates. The transparent miniaturized cell stretcher is compatible with live cell microscopy and provides a very compact and portable alternative to other systems. A cell monolayer is cultured on a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) made of a 30 μm thick silicone membrane sandwiched between stretchable electrodes. A potential difference of several kV’s is applied across the electrodes to generate electrostatic forces and induce mechanical deformation of the silicone membrane. The DEA cell stretcher we present here applies up to 38% tensile and 12% compressive strain, while allowing real-time live cell imaging. It reaches the set strain in well under 1 ms and generates strain rates as high as 870 s−1, or 87%/ms. With the unique capability to stretch and compress cells, our ultra-fast device can reproduce the rich mechanical environment experienced by cells in normal physiological conditions, as well as in extreme conditions such as blunt force trauma. This new tool will help solving lingering questions in the field of mechanobiology, including the strain-rate dependence of axonal injury and the role of mechanics in actin stress fiber kinetics.
Three-stage vertical distribution of seawater conductivity
Authors: Zheng Zeyu , Fu Yang , Liu Kaizhou , Xiao Rui , Wang Xiaohui , Shi Haibo
Published: June 2018

Seawater conductivity is an important indicator of ocean electromagnetic properties and directly impacts the electromagnetic attenuation characteristics and phase distribution features of the ocean. Few studies have considered how the combined effects of salinity, temperature and pressure affect the vertical conductivity distribution and its formation mechanisms. Here, we analyse the vertical distributions of seawater conductivity from the sea surface to a maximum depth of 7062 m at five different locations. Electric conductivity profiles show similar vertical structures at all locations. Electric conductivity decreases with increasing depth first and then slowly increases from approximately 2000 m to the seabed. We observe an exponential relationship between the conductivity minimum and the water depth. At all five measurement locations, seawater conductivity measurements show a stable three-stage vertical distribution on logarithmic scales, with the middle stage satisfying a power law relationship. We analyse the vertical distribution of temperature in the second stage and investigate the relationship between temperature and conductivity. The results show that temperature also exhibits a power-law relationship with depth and a high linear correlation exists between temperature and conductivity. Our findings suggest that the vertical structure of conductivity is largely temperature dependent.
Variability Assessment of Aromatic Rice Germplasm by Pheno-Genomic traits and Population Structure Analysis
Authors: Islam M. Z. , Khalequzzaman M. , Bashar M. K. , Ivy N. A. , Mian M. A. K. , Pittendrigh B. R. , Haque M. M. , Ali M. P.
Published: June 2018

While the pleasant scent of aromatic rice is making it more popular, with demand for aromatic rice expected to rise in future, varieties of this have low yield potential. Genetic diversity and population structure of aromatic germplasm provide valuable information for yield improvement which has potential market value and farm profit. Here, we show diversity and population structure of 113 rice germplasm based on phenotypic and genotypic traits. Phenotypic traits showed that considerable variation existed across the germplasm. Based on Shannon–Weaver index, the most variable phenotypic trait was lemma-palea color. Detecting 140 alleles, 11 were unique and suitable as a germplasm diagnostic tool. Phylogenetic cluster analysis using genotypic traits classified germplasm into three major groups. Moreover, model-based population structure analysis divided all germplasm into three groups, confirmed by principal component and neighbors joining tree analyses. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and pairwise FST test showed significant differentiation among all population pairs, ranging from 0.023 to 0.068, suggesting that all three groups differed. Significant correlation coefficient was detected between phenotypic and genotypic traits which could be valuable to select further improvement of germplasm. Findings from this study have the potential for future use in aromatic rice molecular breeding programs.
Effects of Mild Blast Traumatic Brain Injury on Cognitive- and Addiction-Related Behaviors
Authors: Muelbl Matthew J. , Slaker Megan L. , Shah Alok S. , Nawarawong Natalie N. , Gerndt Clayton H. , Budde Matthew D. , Stemper Brian D. , Olsen Christopher M.
Published: June 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly results in cognitive and psychiatric problems. Cognitive impairments occur in approximately 30% of patients suffering from mild TBI (mTBI), and correlational evidence from clinical studies indicates that substance abuse may be increased following mTBI. However, understanding the lasting cognitive and psychiatric problems stemming from mTBI is difficult in clinical settings where pre-injury assessment may not be possible or accurate. Therefore, we used a previously characterized blast model of mTBI (bTBI) to examine cognitive- and addiction-related outcomes. We previously demonstrated that this model leads to bilateral damage of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a region critical for cognitive function and addiction. Rats were exposed to bTBI and tested in operant learning tasks several weeks after injury. bTBI rats made more errors during acquisition of a cue discrimination task compared to sham treated rats. Surprisingly, we observed no differences between groups in set shifting and delayed matching to sample, tasks known to require the mPFC. Separate rats performed cocaine self-administration. No group differences were found in intake or extinction, and only subtle differences were observed in drug-primed reinstatement 3–4 months after injury. These findings indicate that bTBI impairs acquisition of a visual discrimination task and that bTBI does not significantly increase the ability of cocaine exposure to trigger drug seeking.
Different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide regulate barrier function through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Zheng Xia , Zhang Wang , Hu Xiaotong
Published: June 2018

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can lead to vascular endothelial barrier dysfunction, which often results in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, the effects of different concentrations of LPS on human pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier function and the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway in this process remain unclear. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were stimulated with different doses of LPS, and barrier function was examined by determining cell monolayer permeability, cell migration, and the expression of intercellular junction proteins (VE-Cadherin, Claudin-5, and Connexin-43). LY294002 was used to inhibit PI3K to verify the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the regulation of barrier function in HPMECs stimulated by LPS. Low doses of LPS increased HPMEC migration, up-regulated VE-Cadherin and Claudin-5 expression, down-regulated Connexin-43 expression, and promoted Akt phosphorylation, which could collectively decrease monolayer permeability. In contrast, high doses of LPS suppressed HPMEC migration, down-regulated the expression of VE-Cadherin and Claudin-5, up-regulated Connexin-43 expression, and reduced Akt phosphorylation, which could collectively increase monolayer permeability. LPS has a biphasic effect on HPMEC barrier function through the PI3K/Akt pathway, and this effect is concentration-dependent.
Ascertaining when a basin is Wada: the merging method
Authors: Daza Alvar , Wagemakers Alexandre , Sanjuán Miguel A. F.
Published: June 2018

Trying to imagine three regions separated by a unique boundary seems a difficult task. However, this is exactly what happens in many dynamical systems showing Wada basins. Here, we present a new perspective on the Wada property: A Wada boundary is the only one that remains unaltered under the action of merging the basins. This observation allows to develop a new method to test the Wada property, which is much faster than the previous ones. Furthermore, another major advantage of the merging method is that a detailed knowledge of the dynamical system is not required.
Investigation of drug release modulation from poly(2-oxazoline) micelles through ultrasound
Authors: Salgarella Alice Rita , Zahoranová Anna , Šrámková Petra , Majerčíková Monika , Pavlova Ewa , Luxenhofer Robert , Kronek Juraj , Lacík Igor , Ricotti Leonardo
Published: June 2018

Among external stimuli used to trigger release of a drug from a polymeric carrier, ultrasound has gained increasing attention due to its non-invasive nature, safety and low cost. Despite this attention, there is only limited knowledge about how materials available for the preparation of drug carriers respond to ultrasound. This study investigates the effect of ultrasound on the release of a hydrophobic drug, dexamethasone, from poly(2-oxazoline)-based micelles. Spontaneous and ultrasound-mediated release of dexamethasone from five types of micelles made of poly(2-oxazoline) block copolymers, composed of hydrophilic poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and hydrophobic poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazoline) or poly(2-butyl-2-oxazoline-co-2-(3-butenyl)-2-oxazoline), was studied. The release profiles were fitted by zero-order and Ritger-Peppas models. The ultrasound increased the amount of released dexamethasone by 6% to 105% depending on the type of copolymer, the amount of loaded dexamethasone, and the stimulation time point. This study investigates for the first time the interaction between different poly(2-oxazoline)-based micelle formulations and ultrasound waves, quantifying the efficacy of such stimulation in modulating dexamethasone release from these nanocarriers.
Recognition of candidate transcription factors related to bilberry fruit ripening by de novo transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses
Authors: Nguyen Nga , Suokas Marko , Karppinen Katja , Vuosku Jaana , Jaakola Laura , Häggman Hely
Published: June 2018

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits are an excellent natural resource for human diet because of their special flavor, taste and nutritional value as well as medical properties. Bilberries are recognized for their high anthocyanin content and many of the genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis have been characterized. So far, neither genomic nor RNA-seq data have been available for the species. In the present study, we de novo sequenced two bilberry fruit developmental stages, unripe green (G) and ripening (R). A total of 57,919 unigenes were assembled of which 80.2% were annotated against six public protein databases. The transcriptome served as exploratory data to identify putative transcription factors related to fruit ripening. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between G and R stages were prominently upregulated in R stage with the functional annotation indicating their main roles in active metabolism and catalysis. The unigenes encoding putative ripening-related regulatory genes, including members of NAC, WRKY, LOB, ERF, ARF and ABI families, were analysed by qRT-PCR at five bilberry developmental stages. Our de novo transcriptome database contributes to the understanding of the regulatory network associated with the fruit ripening in bilberry and provides the first dataset for wild Vaccinium species acquired by NGS technology.
Dependence and Homeostasis of Membrane Impedance on Cell Morphology in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Matsumura Ryosuke , Yamamoto Hideaki , Hayakawa Takeshi , Katsurabayashi Shutaro , Niwano Michio , Hirano-Iwata Ayumi
Published: June 2018

The electrical impedance of cell membranes is important for excitable cells, such as neurons, because it strongly influences the amount of membrane potential change upon a flow of ionic current across the membrane. Here, we report on an investigation of how neuronal morphology affects membrane impedance of cultured hippocampal neurons. Microfabricated substrates with patterned scaffolding molecules were used to restrict the neurite growth of hippocampal neurons, and the impedance was measured via whole-cell patch-clamp recording under the inhibition of voltage-dependent ion channels. Membrane impedance was found to depend inversely on the dendrite length and soma area, as would be expected from the fact that its electrical property is equivalent to a parallel RC circuit. Moreover, we found that in biological neurons, the membrane impedance is homeostatically regulated to impede changes in the membrane area. The findings provide direct evidence on cell-autonomous regulation of neuronal impedance and pave the way towards elucidating the mechanism responsible for the resilience of biological neuronal networks.
Predicting reference soil groups using legacy data: A data pruning and Random Forest approach for tropical environment (Dano catchment, Burkina Faso)
Authors: Hounkpatin Kpade O. L. , Schmidt Karsten , Stumpf Felix , Forkuor Gerald , Behrens Thorsten , Scholten Thomas , Amelung Wulf , Welp Gerhard
Published: June 2018

Predicting taxonomic classes can be challenging with dataset subject to substantial irregularities due to the involvement of many surveyors. A data pruning approach was used in the present study to reduce such source errors by exploring whether different data pruning methods, which result in different subsets of a major reference soil groups (RSG) – the Plinthosols – would lead to an increase in prediction accuracy of the minor soil groups by using Random Forest (RF). This method was compared to the random oversampling approach. Four datasets were used, including the entire dataset and the pruned dataset, which consisted of 80% and 90% respectively, and standard deviation core range of the Plinthosols data while cutting off all data points belonging to the outer range. The best prediction was achieved when RF was used with recursive feature elimination along with the non-oversampled 90% core range dataset. This model provided a substantial agreement to observation, with a kappa value of 0.57 along with 7% to 35% increase in prediction accuracy for smaller RSG. The reference soil groups in the Dano catchment appeared to be mainly influenced by the wetness index, a proxy for soil moisture distribution.
Analysis of Purines and Pyrimidines distribution over miRNAs of Human, Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Mouse and Rat
Authors: Das Jayanta Kumar , Choudhury Pabitra Pal , Chaudhuri Adwitiya , Hassan Sk. Sarif , Basu Pallab
Published: June 2018

Meaningful words in English need vowels to break up the sounds that consonants make. The Nature has encoded her messages in RNA molecules using only four alphabets A, U, C and G in which the nine member double-ring bases (adenine (A) and Guanine (G)) are purines, while the six member single-ring bases (cytosine (C) and uracil (U)) are pyrimidines. Four bases A, U, C and G of RNA sequences are divided into three kinds of classifications according to their chemical properties. One of the three classifications, the purine-pyrimidine class is important. In understanding the distribution (organization) of purines and pyrimidines over some of the non-coding RNAs, all miRNAs of the three species (human, gorilla and chimpanzee) of Hominidae family and two species (mouse and rat) from of Muridae family are considered. The distribution of purines and pyrimidines over miRNA shows deviation from randomness. Based on the quantitative metrics (fractal dimension, Hurst exponent, Hamming distance, distance pattern of purine-pyrimidine, density distribution of purine-pyrimidine and Shannon entropy) five different clusters have been made for the five species. We have observed some couple of results including the closeness of different clusters among the five species.
Identification of Biomarkers Based on Differentially Expressed Genes in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Han Jun , Chen Meijun , Wang Yihan , Gong Boxuan , Zhuang Tianwei , Liang Lingyu , Qiao Hong
Published: June 2018

The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing rapidly throughout the world. Hence, there is an urgent need for identifying more specific and sensitive biomarkers to explorate the pathogenesis of PTC. In this study, three pairs of stage I PTC tissues and matched normal adjacent tissues were sequenced by RNA-Seq, and 719 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in 28 pathways. A total of 18 nodes consisting of 20 DEGs were identified in the top 10% of KEGG integrated networks. The functions of DEGs were further analysed by GO. The 13 selected genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR in 16 stage I PTC patients and by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The relationship interactions between DEGs were analysed by protein-protein interaction networks and chromosome localizations. Finally, four newly discovered genes, COMP, COL3A1, ZAP70, and CD247, were found to be related with PTC clinical phenotypes, and were confirmed by Spearman’s correlation analyses in TCGA database. These four DEGs might be promising biomarkers for early-stage PTC, and provide an experimental foundation for further exploration of the pathogenesis of early-stage PTC.
Social information can potentiate understanding despite inhibiting cognitive effort
Authors: Derex Maxime , Boyd Robert
Published: June 2018

Both reasoning ability and social learning play a crucial role in human adaptation. Cognitive abilities like enhanced reasoning skills have combined with cumulative cultural adaptation to allow our species to dominate the world like no other. Thus, understanding how social learning interacts with individual reasoning ability is crucial for unravelling our evolutionary history. Here we describe a laboratory experiment designed to investigate the effect of social learning on individuals’ ability to infer a general rule about unfamiliar problems. In this experiment, social information had both positive and negative effects on individuals’ likelihood of inferring the rule. Social learners required more evidence to infer the rule than did individual learners, suggesting that social learning inhibits cognitive effort but social learning provided individuals with information that individual learners were unlikely to gather on their own, especially as the task became more difficult. When individuals are unlikely to discover useful information by themselves, social learning can potentiate understanding even though it reduces individual cognitive effort.
Higher mortality and hospital charges in patients with cirrhosis and acute respiratory illness: a population-based study
Authors: Zou Biyao , Yeo Yee Hui , Jeong Donghak , Sheen Edward , Park Haesuk , Nguyen Pauline , Hsu Yao-Chun , Garcia Gabriel , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: June 2018

Both cirrhosis and acute respiratory illness (ARI) carry substantial disease and financial burden. To compare hospitalized patients with cirrhosis with ARI to cirrhotic patients without ARI, a retrospective cohort study was conducted using the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database. To balance the groups, propensity score matching (PSM) was used. We identified a total of 46,192 cirrhotic patients during the three study periods (14,049, 15,699, and 16,444 patients, respectively). Among patients hospitalized with cirrhosis, the ARI prevalence was higher in older age groups (p < 0.001), the Asian population (p = 0.002), non-Hispanic population (p = 0.001), and among Medicare patients (p < 0.001). Compared to controls, patients with ARI had 53.8% higher adjusted hospital charge ($122,555 vs. $79,685 per patient per admission, p < 0.001) and 35.0% higher adjusted in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). Older patients, patients with alcoholic liver disease or liver cancer were at particularly higher risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.94 (95% CI: 2.26–3.83), 1.22 (95% CI: 1.02–1.45), and 2.17 (95% CI: 1.76–2.68) respectively, p = 0.028 to <0.001). Mortality rates and hospital charges in hospitalized cirrhotic patients with ARI were higher than in cirrhotic controls without ARI. Preventive efforts such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, especially in older patients and those with liver cancer, or alcoholic liver disease, would be of value.
Risk stratifiers for arrhythmic and non-arrhythmic mortality after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Gañán-Calvo Alfonso M. , Hnatkova Katerina , Romero-Calvo Álvaro , Fajardo-López Juan , Malik Marek
Published: June 2018

The effective discrimination between patients at risk of Arrhythmic Mortality (AM) and Non-Arrhythmic Mortality (NAM) constitutes one of the important unmet clinical needs. Successful risk assessment based on Electrocardiography (ECG) records is greatly improved by the combination of different indices reflecting not only the pathological substrate but also the autonomic regulation of cardiac electrophysiology. This study assesses the cardiac risk stratification capacity of two new Heart Rate Variability (HRV) parameters, Breath Concurrence 6 (BC6) -sinusoidal RR variability of 6 heart beats per breath cycle- and Primary Ectopia (PE) -presence of early ventricular contractions of any etiology- together with the Deceleration Capacity (DC). While BC6 characterizes the response to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli, PE qualifies autonomic cardiac electrophysiology. The analysis of the European Myocardial Infarct Amiodarone Trial (EMIAT) database indicates that BC6 is related with the risk of Arrhythmic Mortality (AM) and PE with the risk of Non-Arrhythmic Mortality. BC6 is the only single parameter that significantly discriminates between AM and NAM. While the combination of BC6 and DC contributes to the identification of AM risk, PE together with DC improves the prediction of NAM in patients with severe ischemic heart disease.
Severely low serum magnesium is associated with increased risks of positive anti-thyroglobulin antibody and hypothyroidism: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Kunling , Wei Hongyan , Zhang Wanqi , Li Zhen , Ding Li , Yu Tong , Tan Long , Liu Yaxin , Liu Tong , Wang Hao , Fan Yuxin , Zhang Peng , Shan Zhongyan , Zhu Mei
Published: June 2018

Trace elements, such as iodine and selenium, are closely related to autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid function. Low serum magnesium is associated with several chronic diseases; however, its associations with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid function are unclear. We investigated the relationships between low serum magnesium, autoimmune thyroiditis, and thyroid function in 1,257 Chinese participants. Demographic data were collected via questionnaires, and levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody, anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), free thyroxine, serum magnesium, serum iodine, and urinary iodine concentration were measured. Participants were divided into serum magnesium level quartiles (≤0.55, 0.551–0.85, 0.851–1.15, and >1.15 mmol/L). The median serum magnesium level was 0.89 (0.73–1.06) mmol/L; levels ≤0.55 mmol/L were considered severely low (5.9% of participants). The risks of TGAb positivity and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) diagnosed using ultrasonography in the lowest quartile group were higher than those in the adequate magnesium group (0.851–1.15 mmol/L) (p < 0.01, odds ratios [ORs] = 2.748–3.236). The risks of total and subclinical-only hypothyroidism in the lowest quartile group were higher than those in the adequate magnesium group (0.851–1.15 mmol/L) (p < 0.01, ORs = 4.482–4.971). Severely low serum magnesium levels are associated with an increased rate of TGAb positivity, HT, and hypothyroidism.
HECIL: A Hybrid Error Correction Algorithm for Long Reads with Iterative Learning
Authors: Choudhury Olivia , Chakrabarty Ankush , Emrich Scott J.
Published: June 2018

Second-generation DNA sequencing techniques generate short reads that can result in fragmented genome assemblies. Third-generation sequencing platforms mitigate this limitation by producing longer reads that span across complex and repetitive regions. However, the usefulness of such long reads is limited because of high sequencing error rates. To exploit the full potential of these longer reads, it is imperative to correct the underlying errors. We propose HECIL—Hybrid Error Correction with Iterative Learning—a hybrid error correction framework that determines a correction policy for erroneous long reads, based on optimal combinations of decision weights obtained from short read alignments. We demonstrate that HECIL outperforms state-of-the-art error correction algorithms for an overwhelming majority of evaluation metrics on diverse, real-world data sets including E. coli, S. cerevisiae, and the malaria vector mosquito A. funestus. Additionally, we provide an optional avenue of improving the performance of HECIL’s core algorithm by introducing an iterative learning paradigm that enhances the correction policy at each iteration by incorporating knowledge gathered from previous iterations via data-driven confidence metrics assigned to prior corrections.
Raman spectral signature reflects transcriptomic features of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Germond Arno , Ichimura Taro , Horinouchi Takaaki , Fujita Hideaki , Furusawa Chikara , Watanabe Tomonobu M.
Published: June 2018

To be able to predict antibiotic resistance in bacteria from fast label-free microscopic observations would benefit a broad range of applications in the biological and biomedical fields. Here, we demonstrate the utility of label-free Raman spectroscopy in monitoring the type of resistance and the mode of action of acquired resistance in a bacterial population of Escherichia coli, in the absence of antibiotics. Our findings are reproducible. Moreover, we identified spectral regions that best predicted the modes of action and explored whether the Raman signatures could be linked to the genetic basis of acquired resistance. Spectral peak intensities significantly correlated (False Discovery Rate, p < 0.05) with the gene expression of some genes contributing to antibiotic resistance genes. These results suggest that the acquisition of antibiotic resistance leads to broad metabolic effects reflected through Raman spectral signatures and gene expression changes, hinting at a possible relation between these two layers of complementary information.
A low-cost screen printed glass electrode with silver nano-ink for electrochemical detection of H2O2
Authors: Ghosale Archana , Shrivas Kamlesh , Deb Manas Kanti , Ganesan Vellaichamy , Karbhal Indrapal , Bajpai P. K. , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2018

Silver nanoparticles modified with poly(vinyl alcohol) (AgNP–PVA) were used to prepare a printed glass electrode for electrochemical application.
Biocompatibility of polymer-based biomaterials and medical devices – regulations,in vitroscreening and risk-management
Authors: Bernard Mélisande , Jubeli Emile , Pungente Michael D. , Yagoubi Najet
Published: June 2018

Biomaterials play an increasing role in modern health care systems.
Spontaneous separation of on-surface synthesized tris-helicenes into two-dimensional homochiral domains
Authors: Li Jingyi , Martin Kévin , Avarvari Narcis , Wäckerlin Christian , Ernst Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2018

The on-surface Ullmann coupling of 2,3-dibromo[4]helicene molecules is studied on Au(111) and Cu(111) surfaces.
Charge effects regulate reversible CO2 reduction catalysis
Authors: Geri Jacob B. , Ciatti Joanna L. , Szymczak Nathaniel K.
Published: June 2018

Modular but geometrically constrained ligands were used to investigate the impact of key ligand design parameters (charge and bite angle) on CO2 hydrogenation and formic acid dehydrogenation activity.
On mechanisms of mesocrystal formation: magnesium ions and water environments regulate the crystallization of amorphous minerals
Authors: Huang Yu-Chieh , Gindele Maxim Benjamin , Knaus Jennifer , Rao Ashit , Gebauer Denis
Published: June 2018

Elucidating the emergence of crystalline superstructures from amorphous precursors, hydration environments and ionic constituents can guide transformation and structuration reactions towards distinct micro- and nano-structures.
Surface chemistry, rheology and microstructure of purified natural and synthetic hectorite suspensions
Authors: Du Mingyong , Liu Jishan , Clode Peta L. , Leong Yee-Kwong
Published: June 2018

Natural (N-) and synthetic (S-) hectorite suspensions display significant time-dependent structural recovery behavior.
Investigation of copper precursors in the synthesis of higher alcohols from syngas over CuZnAl catalysts without promoters
Authors: Liu Yong-Jun , Deng Xuan , Jia Lei , Huang Wei
Published: June 2018

The catalytic performances of different CuZnAl catalysts prepared using copper nitrate, copper acetate and copper citrate for CO hydrogenation to higher alcohols (C2+OH) were studied in a slurry bed reactor.
The role of the metal in the dual-metal catalysed hydrophenoxylation of diphenylacetylene
Authors: González-Belman Oscar F. , Jiménez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Nahra Fady , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Poater Albert
Published: June 2018

Computational studies on homo- and heterobimetallic group 11 metal-NHC complexes were carried out, providing insights into the catalysed-hydrophenoxylation of alkynes.
The application of a nickel(ii) Schiff base complex in water oxidation: the importance of nanosized materials
Authors: Feizi Hadi , Shiri Farshad , Bagheri Robabeh , Singh Jitendra Pal , Chae Keun Hwa , Song Zhenlun , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: June 2018

The role of Ni oxide in the electrocatalytic water oxidation of a nickel(ii) Schiff base (N,N′-bis (salicylidene) ethylenediamino nickel(ii)) is investigated.
Crystalline, room-temperature stable phosphine–SO2 adducts: generation of sulfur monoxide from sulfur dioxide
Authors: Buß Florenz , Rotering Philipp , Mück-Lichtenfeld Christian , Dielmann Fabian
Published: June 2018

Particularly basic phosphines form isolable Lewis base adducts with SO2 that readily release SO at room temperature driven by the formation of the corresponding phosphine oxides.
Tuning the micro-structure of germanosilicate glass to control Bi0/Bi+ and promote efficient Ho3+ fluorescence
Authors: Cao Wenqian , Wang Tongwei , Huang Feifei , Wang Zheng , Hua Youjie , Lei Ruoshan , Xu Shiqing
Published: June 2018

Bi can exist in a variety of chemical states (with varying ionic charges) and the microstructure of the glass surrounding the ions can be engineered to manipulate the chemical state to promote Ho3+ fluorescence.
Preparation of polynuclear NHC complexes by post-synthetic modification of half-sandwich rhodium and iridium complexes bearing C-azolato ligands
Authors: Aznarez Francisco , Gao Wen-Xi , Lin Yue-Jian , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: June 2018

Synthesis of polymetallic structures via rational N-functionalization of half-sandwich rhodium and iridium complexes featuring C-azolato ligands.
Elucidating the performance and unexpected stability of partially coated water-splitting silicon photoanodes
Authors: Oh Kiseok , Mériadec Cristelle , Lassalle-Kaiser Benedikt , Dorcet Vincent , Fabre Bruno , Ababou-Girard Soraya , Joanny Loïc , Gouttefangeas Francis , Loget Gabriel
Published: June 2018

In spite of the notorious instability of Si in alkaline solutions, Si partially covered with hemispherical Ni particles show striking performances for sunlight-assisted water oxidation.
Stringed “tube on cube” nanohybrids as compact cathode matrix for high-loading and lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Gaoran , Lei Wen , Luo Dan , Deng Yaping , Deng Zhiping , Wang Deli , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: June 2018

Stringed “tube on cube” hybrid architecture is developed for high-energy-density lithium–sulfur batteries with high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte.
Dual mode detection of amifostine based on gold nanoparticles and sulfanilic acid functionalized graphene quantum dots
Authors: Li Ning , Na Weidan , Liu Hua , Su Xingguang
Published: June 2018

Visual and fluorescence detection of amifostine based on the inner filter effect of gold nanoparticles on sulfanilic acid functionalized graphene quantum dots.
A crown-ether-based moldable supramolecular gel with unusual mechanical properties and controllable electrical conductivity prepared by cation-mediated cross-linking
Authors: Park Jaehyeon , Kim Ka Young , Kim Chaelin , Lee Ji Ha , Kim Ju Hyun , Lee Shim Sung , Choi Yeonweon , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: June 2018

Supramolecular gels that possess high mechanical properties and unusual electrical conductivity were prepared by incorporating Cs+.
Synthesis of novel guanidine-based ABA triblock copolymers and their antimicrobial honeycomb films
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Yanna , Luo Ting , Zhao Qiaoling , Cui Kun , Huang Jin , Jiang Tao , Ma Zhi
Published: June 2018

Novel antimicrobial poly(methacryl guanidine hydrochloride)-block-polystyrene-block-poly(methacryl guanidine hydrochloride) triblock copolymers were synthesizedviaRAFT polymerization and fabricated into antimicrobial honeycomb films.
An immunochromatographic dipstick as an alternate for monitoring of heroin metabolites in urine samples
Authors: Mishra Priya , Banga Ivneet , Tyagi Roshika , Munjal Tanya , Goel Aditya , Capalash Neena , Sharma Prince , Suri C. R. , Gandhi Sonu
Published: June 2018

Pathway of heroin degradation post oral administration in mice.
Bioactive properties: enhancement of hepatoprotective, antioxidant and DNA damage protective effects of golden grey mullet protein hydrolysates against paracetamol toxicity
Authors: Bkhairia Intidhar , Dhibi Sabah , Nasri Rim , Elfeki Abdelfettah , Hfaiyedh Najla , Ben Amara Ibtissem , Nasri Moncef
Published: June 2018

This study was undertaken to examine the hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and DNA damage protective effects of protein hydrolysates fromLiza aurata, against paracetamol overdose induced liver injury in Wistar rats.
Separation and purification using GO and r-GO membranes
Authors: Lyu J. , Wen X. , Kumar U. , You Y. , Chen V. , Joshi R. K.
Published: June 2018

This review article outlines a comparison of GO and r-GO membranes for separation and purification applications.
Synthesis and characterization of Ca3Lu(GaO)3(BO3)4:Ce3+,Tb3+ phosphors: tunable-color emissions, energy transfer, and thermal stability
Authors: Sun Liangling , Devakumar Balaji , Li Bin , Liang Jia , Guo Heng , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: June 2018

High-efficiency and thermally stable Ca3Lu(GaO)3(BO3)4:Ce3+,Tb3+ green-emitting phosphors were developed for white LEDs.
Effects of water on a catalytic system for preparation of N-(1,4-dimethylamyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine by reductive alkylation
Authors: Yu Wenlong , Ding Junwei , Yu Shitao , Liu Fusheng
Published: June 2018

Water could restrain the formation of a Schiff base, reducing the selectivity of 7PPD and aggravating the decrease of catalytic performance.
Blast furnace slag-Mg(OH)2cements activated by sodium carbonate
Authors: Walling Sam A. , Bernal Susan A. , Gardner Laura J. , Kinoshita Hajime , Provis John L.
Published: June 2018

Novel cements can contain up to 50 wt% Mg(OH)2, offering a new route to immobilisation of this nuclear waste constituent.
Ag2O nanoparticle-catalyzed substrate-controlled regioselectivities: direct access to 3-ylidenephthalides and isocoumarins
Authors: Chaudhary Sandeep , Shyamlal Bharti Rajesh K. , Yadav Lalit , Tiwari Mohit K. , Kumar Krishan
Published: June 2018

We report the first example of an efficient, Ag2O nanoparticle-catalyzed, direct regioselective synthesis of 3-ylidenephthalides and isocoumarins via Sonogashira type coupling followed by substrate-controlled 5-exo-dig or 6-endo-dig cyclization reaction, respectively.
A flexible membrane electrode with an electrolyte-affinity surface for energy storage: effects of amphiphilic block copolymers and membrane thickness
Authors: Ran Fen , Yang Hezhen , Zhao Xiaoning , Niu Xiaoqin , Chen Yuhong , Kong Lingbin
Published: June 2018

We fabricate a porous and flexible membrane electrode composed of nano-nickel hydroxide as an electrochemically active material, a polymer as a substrate material, and a copolymer as a modification additive.
Different bending models predict different dynamics of sedimenting elastic trumbbells
Authors: Bukowicki Marek , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria L.
Published: June 2018

For elastic filaments made of beads different bending potentialsUbmay result in significantly different bending forces.
Influence of long-range forces and capillarity on the function of underwater superoleophobic wrinkled surfaces
Authors: Owais Ahmed , Smith-Palmer Truis , Gentle Angus , Neto Chiara
Published: June 2018

The forces that stabilise a thin water film in a structured surface are described, forming the basis for underwater superoleophobic behaviour.
Simultaneous conversion of carbon dioxide and methane to syngas using an oxygen transport membrane in pure CO2and CH4atmospheres
Authors: Park Jeong Hwan , Kwon Young-il , Nam Gyeong Duk , Joo Jong Hoon
Published: June 2018

The utilization of CO2, coupled with partial oxidation of methane (POM) by using an oxygen transport membrane, has been investigated.
Heterometal functionalization yields improved energy density for charge carriers in nonaqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: VanGelder Lauren E. , Matson Ellen M.
Published: June 2018

Heterometal functionalization within a polyoxovanadate-alkoxide cluster significantly increases the solubility and cell voltage, highlighting design strategies for nonaqueous, energy dense charge carriers.
A paternal methyl donor depleted diet leads to increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior in adult rat offspring
Authors: McCoy Chelsea R. , Jackson Nateka L. , Brewer Rachel L. , Moughnyeh Mohamad M. , Smith Daniel L. , Clinton Sarah M.
Published: June 2018

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation elicit lasting changes in gene expression and likely mediate gene–environment interactions that shape brain development, behavior, and emotional health. Myriad environmental factors influence DNA methylation, including methyl donor content in the paternal diet, could influence methylation in offspring via changes in the paternal germ line. The present study examines the effects of paternal methyl donor dietary deficiency on offspring’s emotional behaviors, including anxiety, social interaction, and depression-like behavior. We previously found that rats bred to display high levels of anxiety- and depression-like behavior exhibit diminished DNA methylation in the amygdala. We also observed that depleting dietary methyl donor content exacerbated the rats’ already high levels of anxiety- and depression-like behavior. Here we sought to determine whether paternal dietary methyl donor depletion elicits intergenerational effects on first generation (F1) offspring’s behavior (potentially triggering a similar increase in anxiety- and/or depression-like behavior). Thus, adult male rats prone to high anxiety/depression-like behavior, were fed either a methyl donor depleted (DEP) or control (CON) diet for 5 weeks prior to mating. They were paired with females and resultant F1 male offspring were subjected to a behavioral test battery in adulthood. F1-DEP offspring showed a similar behavioral profile to the F0 males, including greater depression-like behavior in the forced swim test (FST) and increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field test (OFT). Future work will interrogate molecular changes in the brains of F1 offspring that mediate these intergenerational effects of paternal methyl donor dietary content on offspring emotional behavior.
Game theory‐based optimal deloading control of wind turbines under scalable structures of wind farm
Authors: Zhang Jianliang , Li Yujun , Xu Zhao , Qi Donglian , Li Chaoyong
Published: June 2018

This study addresses the problem of how to harvest as much kinetic energy as possible during deloading control of variable speed wind turbines (VSWTs) by distributedly adjusting rotor speeds under scalable wind farm topology. To that end, a game theory‐based distributed control framework is investigated to enable the optimal rotor speed setting of VSWTs such that maximal kinetic energy can be stored in rotating masses of VSWTs for further system support, and meanwhile, the power dispatch objective for VSWTs can be fulfilled. It is shown that through distributedly detecting the changing network topologies within wind farm, the proposed methodology enables individual VSWT to adaptively increase its stored kinetic energy while requiring only local information sharing. It is important both theoretically and practically that the design has autonomously guaranteed maximal kinetic energy storing for all VSWTs in wind farm of time varying topologies and provides robustness, scalability and efficiency in the absence of global information sharing. Simulation results and case studies are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controls both in Matlab and DIgSILENT/PowerFactory.
Research on novel hybrid multilevel inverter with cascaded H‐bridges at alternating current side for high‐voltage direct current transmission
Authors: Zeng Xiangjun , Gong Deling , Wei Mi‐lan , Xie Jing
Published: June 2018

A novel hybrid multilevel inverter based on a low‐frequency three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped converter and high‐frequency cascaded H‐bridge converters for high‐voltage direct current transmission is presented. This structure can make full use of traditional silicon‐based power devices and a new generation of silicon‐carbide‐based power devices to fabricate a high‐voltage voltage source inverter. The topology can reduce the volume and number of power switches as compared with a modular multilevel converter. Finally, the modulation and control strategies are presented, which are verified by a full‐scale simulation system and a small‐scale experimental platform.
Hierarchical control scheme for coordinated reactive power regulation in clustered wind farms
Authors: Yuan Liang , Meng Ke , Dong Zhao Yang
Published: June 2018

Coordinated reactive power regulation is always a critical issue when it comes to a system with a high penetration level of wind energy. This study provides a distributed control scheme for wind farm reactive power regulation, aiming to coordinate the reactive power reference among wind farm clusters. Within the limited communication among neighbouring clusters, fair reactive power generation sharing is achieved. Moreover, the reactive power capability of the wind turbine (WT) is utilised to cooperate with reactive power compensation devices. The characteristics of the collector system are analysed to improve the voltage profile. Instead of averagely assigning the generation order to each WT, the reference is assigned based on voltage sensitivity. Case studies are carried out to validate the performance of the proposed control scheme.