bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixotrophy drives niche expansion of verrucomicrobial methanotrophs
Authors: Carere Carlo R , Hards Kiel , Houghton Karen M , Power Jean F , McDonald Ben , Collet Christophe , Gapes Daniel J , Sparling Richard , Boyd Eric S , Cook Gregory M , Greening Chris , Stott Matthew B
Published: August 2017

Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria have evolved a specialist lifestyle dependent on consumption of methane and other short-chain carbon compounds. However, their apparent substrate specialism runs contrary to the high relative abundance of these microorganisms in dynamic environments, where the availability of methane and oxygen fluctuates. In this work, we provide in situ and ex situ evidence that verrucomicrobial methanotrophs are mixotrophs. Verrucomicrobia-dominated soil communities from an acidic geothermal field in Rotokawa, New Zealand rapidly oxidised methane and hydrogen simultaneously. We isolated and characterised a verrucomicrobial strain from these soils, Methylacidiphilum sp. RTK17.1, and showed that it constitutively oxidises molecular hydrogen. Genomic analysis confirmed that this strain encoded two [NiFe]-hydrogenases (group 1d and 3b), and biochemical assays revealed that it used hydrogen as an electron donor for aerobic respiration and carbon fixation. While the strain could grow heterotrophically on methane or autotrophically on hydrogen, it grew optimally by combining these metabolic strategies. Hydrogen oxidation was particularly important for adaptation to methane and oxygen limitation. Complementary to recent findings of hydrogenotrophic growth by Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV, our findings illustrate that verrucomicrobial methanotrophs have evolved to simultaneously utilise hydrogen and methane from geothermal sources to meet energy and carbon demands where nutrient flux is dynamic. This mixotrophic lifestyle is likely to have facilitated expansion of the niche space occupied by these microorganisms, allowing them to become dominant in geothermally influenced surface soils. Genes encoding putative oxygen-tolerant uptake [NiFe]-hydrogenases were identified in all publicly available methanotroph genomes, suggesting hydrogen oxidation is a general metabolic strategy in this guild.
Sulfide production and oxidation by heterotrophic bacteria under aerobic conditions
Authors: Xia Yongzhen , Lü Chuanjuan , Hou Ningke , Xin Yufeng , Liu Jihua , Liu Honglei , Xun Luying
Published: August 2017

Sulfide (H2S, HS− and S2−) oxidation to sulfite and thiosulfate by heterotrophic bacteria, using sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) and persulfide dioxygenase (PDO), has recently been reported as a possible detoxification mechanism for sulfide at high levels. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the sqr and pdo genes were common in sequenced bacterial genomes, implying the sulfide oxidation may have other physiological functions. SQRs have previously been classified into six types. Here we grouped PDOs into three types and showed that some heterotrophic bacteria produced and released H2S from organic sulfur into the headspace during aerobic growth, and others, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, with sqr and pdo did not release H2S. When the sqr and pdo genes were deleted, the mutants also released H2S. Both sulfide-oxidizing and non-oxidizing heterotrophic bacteria were readily isolated from various environmental samples. The sqr and pdo genes were also common in the published marine metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data, indicating that the genes are present and expressed. Thus, heterotrophic bacteria actively produce and consume sulfide when growing on organic compounds under aerobic conditions. Given their abundance on Earth, their contribution to the sulfur cycle should not be overlooked.
Translational considerations in injectable cell-based therapeutics for neurological applications: concepts, progress and challenges
Authors: Amer Mahetab H. , Rose Felicity R. A. J. , Shakesheff Kevin M. , Modo Michel , White Lisa J.
Published: August 2017

Significant progress has been made during the past decade towards the clinical adoption of cell-based therapeutics. However, existing cell-delivery approaches have shown limited success, with numerous studies showing fewer than 5% of injected cells persisting at the site of injection within days of transplantation. Although consideration is being increasingly given to clinical trial design, little emphasis has been given to tools and protocols used to administer cells. The different behaviours of various cell types, dosing accuracy, precise delivery, and cell retention and viability post-injection are some of the obstacles facing clinical translation. For efficient injectable cell transplantation, accurate characterisation of cellular health post-injection and the development of standardised administration protocols are required. This review provides an overview of the challenges facing effective delivery of cell therapies, examines key studies that have been carried out to investigate injectable cell delivery, and outlines opportunities for translating these findings into more effective cell-therapy interventions.
Progress in genome-wide association studies of schizophrenia in Han Chinese populations
Authors: Yue Weihua , Yu Xin , Zhang Dai
Published: August 2017

Since 2006, genome-wide association studies of schizophrenia have led to the identification of numerous novel risk loci for this disease. However, there remains a geographical imbalance in genome-wide association studies, which to date have primarily focused on Western populations. During the last 6 years, genome-wide association studies in Han Chinese populations have identified both the sharing of susceptible loci across ethnicities and genes unique to Han Chinese populations. Here, we review recent progress in genome-wide association studies of schizophrenia in Han Chinese populations. Researchers have identified and replicated the sharing of susceptible genes, such as within the major histocompatibility complex, microRNA 137 (MIR137), zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A), vaccinia related kinase 2 (VRK2), and arsenite methyltransferase (AS3MT), across both European and East Asian populations. Several copy number variations identified in European populations have also been validated in the Han Chinese, including duplications at 16p11.2, 15q11.2-13.1, 7q11.23, and VIPR2 and deletions at 22q11.2, 1q21.1-q21.2, and NRXN1. However, these studies have identified some potential confounding factors, such as genetic heterogeneity and the effects of natural selection on tetraspanin 18 (TSPAN18) or zinc finger protein 323 (ZNF323), which may explain the population differences in genome-wide association studies. In the future, genome-wide association studies in Han Chinese populations should include meta-analyzes or mega-analyses with enlarged sample sizes across populations, deep sequencing, precision medicine treatment, and functional exploration of the risk genes for schizophrenia.
Erratum: Fish oil, lard and soybean oil differentially shape gut microbiota of middle-aged rats
Authors: Li He , Zhu Yingying , Zhao Fan , Song Shangxin , Li Yingqiu , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong , Li Chunbao
Published: August 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Low Serum Albumin level as a Predictor of Hemorrhage Transformation after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Che Ruiwen , Huang Xiaoqin , Zhao Wenbo , Jiang Fang , Wu Longfei , Zhang Zhen , Bian Tingting , Ma Qingfeng , Yu Zhipeng , Zhang Qian , Dong Kai , Song Haiqing , Ji Xunming
Published: August 2017

Serum albumin levels has been shown to predict outcome in ischemic stroke patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum albumin levels and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with acute stroke. 428 patients receiving intravenous rt-PA therapy were included from 2013 to 2016 and were categorized into two groups: low level (<35 mmol/L) and normal level (35–55 mmol/L) group. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information, HT and functional outcomes were analyzed. Hemorrhagic transformation was comfirmed by CT scan or MRI within 7 days. The functional outcome was measured by modified Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 7 days and 90 days. Patients with lower albumin had significantly higher risk of HT (15.3% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.002) and sICH (6.2% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.03) than those with normal level of albumin. In univariate analysis for HT, atrial fibrillation and level of albumin were identified as significant factors (P < 0.001, P = 0.001 respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum albumin level remained independent predictor of HT (OR = 4.369, 95% CI = 1.626–11.742, P = 0.003). No significantly difference were found in the clinical outcome at 7 days and 90 days between two groups ﻿(P > 0.05). Low level of serum albumin within 24 hours may be an independent predictor of post-thrombolytic HT.
Radiation Interception, Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Senescence of Flag leaves in Winter Wheat under Supplemental Irrigation
Authors: Man Jianguo , Yu Zhenwen , Shi Yu
Published: August 2017

Water shortage threatens agricultural sustainability in China, effective water-saving technologies urgently need to be developed. In this study, five treatments were conducted: rainfed (W0), a local supplemental irrigation (SI) practice (W1), and three treatments in which soil water content was tested prior to SI, specifically at 0–20 (W2), 0–40 (W3) and 0–60 cm (W4) soil layers. Soil water consumption in W3 had no differ with W2 but was higher than W1 and W4. Crop evapotranspiration in W1, W3 and W4 treatments were higher than that in W2. W3 treatment had higher leaf area index than W1 and W4 at later grain filling stages. The mean photosynthetically active radiation capture ratio in W3, especially at 20, 40 and 60 cm plant heights, were significantly higher than those in W1, W2 and W4. The chlorophyll content index, actual photosynthetic activities, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of flag leaves from W3 were the highest after the middle grain filling stages. W3 treatment obtained the highest grain yield (9169 kg ha−1) and water use efficiency (20.8 kg ha−1 mm−1) in the two seasons. These benefits likely accrued through created a suitable soil moisture environment in W3 treatment.
MicroRNA-132 promotes fibroblast migration via regulating RAS p21 protein activator 1 in skin wound healing
Authors: Li Xi , Li Dongqing , Wikstrom Jakob D. , Pivarcsi Andor , Sonkoly Enikö , Ståhle Mona , Landén Ning Xu
Published: August 2017

MicroRNA (miR)-132 has been identified as a top up-regulated miRNA during skin wound healing and its inhibition impairs wound repair. In a human in vivo surgical wound model, we showed that miR-132 was induced in epidermal as well as in dermal wound–edge compartments during healing. Moreover, in a panel of cells isolated from human skin wounds, miR-132 was found highly expressed in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). In HDFs, miR-132 expression was upregulated by TGF-β1. By overexpression or inhibition of miR-132, we showed that miR-132 promoted HDF migration. Mechanistically, global transcriptome analysis revealed that RAS signaling pathway was regulated by miR-132 in HDFs. We found that RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1), a known target of miR-132, was downregulated in HDFs upon miR-132 overexpression. Silencing of RASA1 phenocopied the pro-migratory effect of miR-132. Collectively, our study reveals an important role for miR-132 in HDFs during wound healing and indicates a therapeutic potential of miR-132 in hard-to-heal skin wounds.
Perception of facial expressions reveals selective affect-biased attention in humans and orangutans
Authors: Pritsch Carla , Telkemeyer Silke , Mühlenbeck Cordelia , Liebal Katja
Published: August 2017

Rapid detection and recognition of another individual’s emotional state plays a pivotal role for humans and, most likely, other social species. Proper reactions contribute to an individual’s survival in potentially dangerous situations; this is ensured by a preferential attention towards salient cues. The predisposition to attend to certain categories of affectively salient stimuli– also referred to as affect-biased attention - is likely shared with other species, since fast detection of and appropriate reaction to threats is crucial to survival. We compared human children and one of our close relatives, Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii), and predicted that both look more attentively and longer at emotionally salient facial expressions of their own and corresponding other species, compared to neutral faces. However, in contrast to a bias towards emotions providing relevant information by indicating a threat, both species preferentially looked at the fear-related, but not the angry faces of humans and consistently preferred the silent-bared teeth espressions in orangutans. The differential attention towards certain expressions might derive from their social function and the need to detect a potential threat in the environment. Our findings are consistent with claims rooting this affect-biased attention characteristic of human perception in our evolutionary history.
The proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8) shows cardioprotective effects against myocardial infarction
Authors: Nagasaka Akiomi , Mogi Chihiro , Ono Hiroki , Nishi Toshihide , Horii Yuma , Ohba Yuki , Sato Koichi , Nakaya Michio , Okajima Fumikazu , Kurose Hitoshi
Published: August 2017

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an ischaemic heart condition caused by the occlusion of coronary arteries. Following MI, lactic acid from anaerobic glycolysis increases and infiltrating immune cells produce severe inflammation, which leads to acidosis in the ischaemic heart. However, the physiological implication of this pH reduction remains largely unknown. T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8) is a proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor found on cardiac macrophages that recognise increases in extracellular protons. We demonstrated that TDAG8 negatively regulates the transcription of the chemokine Ccl20. The infarcted hearts of TDAG8 KO mice showed an increase in CCL20 expression and the number of infiltrating IL-17A-producing γδT cells that express CCR6, a receptor for CCL20. Accordingly, excessive IL-17A production, which is linked to the functional deterioration after MI, was observed in MI-operated TDAG8 KO mice. The survival rate and cardiac function significantly decreased in TDAG8 KO mice compared with those in wild-type mice after MI. Thus, our results suggest that TDAG8 is a key regulator of MI and a potential therapeutic target.
A time-varying biased random walk approach to human growth
Authors: Suki Béla , Frey Urs
Published: August 2017

Growth and development are dominated by gene-environment interactions. Many approaches have been proposed to model growth, but most are either descriptive or describe population level phenomena. We present a random walk-based growth model capable of predicting individual height, in which the growth increments are taken from time varying distributions mimicking the bursting behaviour of observed saltatory growth. We derive analytic equations and also develop a computational model of such growth that takes into account gene-environment interactions. Using an independent prospective birth cohort study of 190 infants, we predict height at 6 years of age. In a subset of 27 subjects, we adaptively train the model to account for growth between birth and 1 year of age using a Bayesian approach. The 5-year predicted heights compare well with actual data (measured height = 0.838*predicted height + 18.3; R2 = 0.51) with an average error of 3.3%. In one patient, we also exemplify how our growth prediction model can be used for the early detection of growth deficiency and the evaluation of the effectiveness of growth hormone therapy.
A large family with inherited optic disc anomalies: a correlation between a new genetic locus and complex ocular phenotypes
Authors: Wang Decai , Pan Xinyuan , Ji Jiangdong , Gu Shun , Sun Xiantao , Jiang Chao , Xia Weiyi , Qiu Zhihua , Kang Xiaoli , Ding Sijia , Liu Qinghuai , Chen Xue , Lu Fang , Zhao Chen
Published: August 2017

Congenital cavitary optic disc anomalies (CODA) is clinically typified by an enlarged excavation of optic disc in diverse degrees. Here, we report the clinical and genetic findings in a four-generation Chinese family with a complicated form of autosomal dominant CODA. Cardinal manifestations included bilateral excavated optic disc with multiple cilioretinal vessels emerging and bilateral retinoschisis with great variability in the range of extension and severity. Other intra-familial phenotypic diversities were also noted, including severity in retinal atrophy, onset age of visual impairment and presence of congenital nystagmus and strabismus. Genome-wide linkage analysis and fine mapping mapped a novel locus for CODA to a 34.3 cM interval between D14S972 and D14S139 at 14q12-q22.1. A maximum multi-point log odds score of 3.901 was reached at D14S275. However, no mutation was identified by exome sequencing or direct sequencing of PAX6 and PAX2 genes, suggesting that the mutation may reside within a regulatory element. In conclusion, we find retinoschisis as a necessary consequence of optic nerve head (ONH) anomalies. The complicated phenotype observed in the family provided additional insights into the inherited ONH anomalies. Mapping of a novel locus, 14q12-q22.1, implies a new disease-causing gene and potential distinct pathogenesis for CODA.
Portable wireless electrocorticography system with a flexible microelectrodes array for epilepsy treatment
Authors: Xie Kejun , Zhang Shaomin , Dong Shurong , Li Shijian , Yu Chaonan , Xu Kedi , Chen Wanke , guo Wei , Luo Jikui , Wu Zhaohui
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we present a portable wireless electrocorticography (ECoG) system. It uses a high resolution 32-channel flexible ECoG electrodes array to collect electrical signals of brain activities and to stimulate the lesions. Electronic circuits are designed for signal acquisition, processing and transmission using Bluetooth Low Energy 4 (LTE4) for wireless communication with cell phone. In-vivo experiments on a rat show that the flexible ECoG system can accurately record electrical signals of brain activities and transmit them to cell phone with a maximal sampling rate of 30 ksampling/s per channel. It demonstrates that the epilepsy lesions can be detected, located and treated through the ECoG system. The wireless ECoG system has low energy consumption and high brain spatial resolution, thus has great prospects for future application.
Small amphipathic peptides are responsible for the assembly of cruciferin nanoparticles
Authors: Hong Hui , Akbari Ali , Wu Jianping
Published: August 2017

Amphipathic peptides are versatile building blocks for fabricating well-ordered nanostructures, which have gained much attention owing to their enormous design possibilities and bio-functionalities. However, using amphipathic peptides from natural proteins to create tunable nanostructures is challenging because of their heterogeneity and great tendency to form aggregates. Here we fabricated two well-defined nanoparticles from cruciferin amphipathic peptides by integrating top-down and bottom-up approach. Alkali hydrolysis (pH 12, 120 °C for 30 min) was introduced to break down intact cruciferin into peptides (top–down). The cruciferin peptides and their fractions were then assembled into nanoparticles (bottom–up) in the presence of calcium ions. The permeate fraction from 10 kDa cut-off membrane formed smaller nanoparticles (F1-NPs) (around 82 nm) than that of unfractionated cruciferin peptides (CRU-NPs, around 185 nm); the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions were the main driving forces for particle formation. LC-MS/MS analysis characterised that the small amphipathic peptides (Xn1Zn2Xn3Zn4, n1–4 = 0~5), composed of alternating hydrophobic (X) and hydrophilic (Z) amino acid with a length of 5–15 and 5–20 residues for F1-NPs and CRU-NPs, respectively, were responsible for particle formation. Our study established the mechanism of particle formation of the cold gelation is through assembly of amphipathic peptides.
Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) links hypoxia to altered mechanical properties in cancer cells as measured by an optical tweezer
Authors: Khakshour S. , Labrecque M. P. , Esmaeilsabzali H. , Lee F. J. S. , Cox M. E. , Park E. J. , Beischlag T. V.
Published: August 2017

Hypoxia modulates actin organization via multiple pathways. Analyzing the effect of hypoxia on the biophysical properties of cancer cells is beneficial for studying modulatory signalling pathways by quantifying cytoskeleton rearrangements. We have characterized the biophysical properties of human LNCaP prostate cancer cells that occur in response to loss of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) under hypoxic stress using an oscillating optical tweezer. Hypoxia and Rb-loss increased cell stiffness in a fashion that was dependent on activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the protein kinase B (AKT)- mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of MEK1/2, AKT or MTOR impeded hypoxia-inducible changes in the actin cytoskeleton and inhibited cell migration in Rb-deficient cells conditioned with hypoxia. These results suggest that loss of Rb in transformed hypoxic cancer cells affects MEK1/2-ERK/AKT-MTOR signalling and promotes motility. Thus, the mechanical characterization of cancer cells using an optical tweezer provides an additional technique for cancer diagnosis/prognosis and evaluating therapeutic performance.
Characterization of Circulating Low-Density Neutrophils Intrinsic Properties in Healthy and Asthmatic Horses
Authors: Herteman Nicolas , Vargas Amandine , Lavoie Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2017

Low-density neutrophils (LDNs) are a subset of neutrophils first described in the bloodstream upon pathological conditions, and recently, in the blood of healthy humans. LDNs may have an enhanced pro-inflammatory (low-density granulocytes, LDGs) or an immunosuppressive (Granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, G-MDSCs) profile. Whether these characteristics are specific to LDNs or related to disease states is unknown. Thus, we sought to investigate the properties of LDNs in both health and disease states, and to compare them to those of autologous normal-density neutrophils (NDNs). We studied 8 horses with severe equine asthma and 11 healthy animals. LDNs were smaller and contained more N-formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine receptors than NDNs, but the myeloperoxidase content was similar in both cell populations. They also had an increased capacity to produce neutrophil extracellular traps, and were more sensitive to activation by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. This profile is suggestive of LDGs. These characteristics were similar in both healthy and diseased animals, indicating that these are intrinsic properties of LDNs. Furthermore, these results suggest that LDNs represent a population of primed and predominantly mature cells. This study is the first to characterize LDNs in health, and to compare their properties with those of NDNs and of animals with a naturally occurring disease.
Flavonoid glycosides isolated from Epimedium brevicornum and their estrogen biosynthesis-promoting effects
Authors: Li Fu , Du Bao-Wen , Lu Dan-Feng , Wu Wen-Xuan , Wongkrajang Kanjana , Wang Lun , Pu Wen-Chen , Liu Chang-Lu , Liu Han-Wei , Wang Ming-Kui , Wang Fei
Published: August 2017

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim has a long history of use in the treatment of estrogen deficiency-related diseases. However, the chemical constituents and mechanism of action of this medicinal plant are not fully understood. In the present study, we isolated four new isoprenylated flavonoid glycosides, as well as 16 known flavonoids (13 isoprenylated flavonoids), from this plant. The chemical structures of the new flavonoid glycosides were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The new compounds 1–4 were potent promoters of estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa-like KGN cells. ZW1, an isoprenylated flavonoid analogue and a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), was synthesized and used to explore the mechanism of the isoprenylated analogues on estrogen biosynthesis. ZW1 treatment increased estrogen production by upregulation of aromatase mRNA and protein expression. ZW1 increased the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Further study showed that the inhibition of PDE5 by ZW1 increased estrogen biosynthesis partly through suppression of phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3). Our results suggested that the isoprenylated flavonoids from E. brevicornum may produce beneficial health effects through the promotion of estrogen biosynthesis. PDE5 warrants further investigation as a new therapeutic target for estrogen biosynthesis in the prevention and treatment of estrogen-deficiency related diseases.
Identification of competing endogenous RNAs of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN: A probabilistic approach
Authors: Zarringhalam Kourosh , Tay Yvonne , Kulkarni Prajna , Bester Assaf C. , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Kulkarni Rahul V.
Published: August 2017

Regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) and modulation of miRNA activity are critical components of diverse cellular processes. Recent research has shown that miRNA-based regulation of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN can be modulated by the expression of other miRNA targets acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, the key sequence-based features enabling a transcript to act as an effective ceRNA are not well understood and a quantitative model associating statistical significance to such features is currently lacking. To identify and assess features characterizing target recognition by PTEN-regulating miRNAs, we analyze multiple datasets from PAR-CLIP experiments in conjunction with RNA-Seq data. We consider a set of miRNAs known to regulate PTEN and identify high-confidence binding sites for these miRNAs on the 3′ UTR of protein coding genes. Based on the number and spatial distribution of these binding sites, we calculate a set of probabilistic features that are used to make predictions for novel ceRNAs of PTEN. Using a series of experiments in human prostate cancer cell lines, we validate the highest ranking prediction (TNRC6B) as a ceRNA of PTEN. The approach developed can be applied to map ceRNA networks of critical cellular regulators and to develop novel insights into crosstalk between different pathways involved in cancer.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition Promotes White Matter Integrity and Long-Term Functional Recovery after chronic hypoperfusion in mice
Authors: Chen Yuxue , Tian Hao , Yao Ensheng , Tian Yeye , Zhang Huaqiu , Xu Li , Yu Zhiyuan , Fang Yongkang , Wang Wei , Du Peng , Xie Minjie
Published: August 2017

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced cerebrovascular white matter lesions (WMLs) are closely associated with cognitive impairment and other neurological deficits. The mechanism of demyelination in response to hypoperfusion has not yet been fully clarified. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an endogenous key enzyme in the metabolic conversion and degradation of P450 eicosanoids called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Inhibition of sEH has been suggested to represent a prototype “combination therapy” targeting multiple mechanisms of stroke injury with a single agent. However, its role in the pathological process after WMLs has not been clarified. The present study was to investigate the role of a potent sEH inhibitor, 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU), on multiple elements in white matter of mice brain after chronic hypoperfusion. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) to induce WMLs. Administration of TPPU significantly inhibited microglia activation and inflammatory response, increased M2 polarization of microglial cells, enhanced oligodendrogenesis and differentiation of oligodendrocytes, promoted white matter integrity and remyelination following chronic hypoperfusion. Moreover, these cellular changes were translated into a remarkable functional restoration. The results suggest that sEH inhibition could exert multi-target protective effects and alleviate cognitive impairment after chronic hypoperfusion induced WMLs in mice.
Elevated serum antibody against Schistosoma japonicum HSP60 as a promising biomarker for liver pathology in schistosomiasis
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Li Wei , Li Yalin , Xu Lei , Zhou Sha , Zhu Jifeng , Xu Zhipeng , Liu Feng , Lin Dandan , Hu Fei , Liu Yuemin , Jiang Wen , Cui Liwang , Su Chuan
Published: August 2017

The pathology associated with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection in humans is attributed to parasite egg-induced granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis in the host liver. Currently, a marker that is reliable, cheap, less device-dependent, and can be easily and repeatedly used on a large scale to monitor the progression of liver pathology in schistosomiasis japonica endemic areas is lacking. The levels of serum S. japonicum heat shock protein 60 (SjHSP60)-specific IgG and its subtype antibodies in animals (mice and rabbits) or patients with schistosomiasis were measured by ELISA. Liver pathologies in mice and rabbits were evaluated by gross pathology and histopathology, and hepatic fibrosis in patients was examined with ultrasound imaging. The results revealed that the titers of the total IgG and subtype IgG1 anti-SjHSP60 antibodies were positively correlated with the severity of liver pathology after S. japonicum infection. Our findings indicate that the SjHSP60 IgG and IgG1 antibody levels can be used as potential candidate biomarkers for evaluation of liver pathology in schistosomiasis; however, validation remains to be explored in further work.
Sleep mediates the association between homocysteine and oxidative status in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Sanchez-Espinosa Mayely P. , Atienza Mercedes , Cantero Jose L.
Published: August 2017

Tremendous progress has been made over the last few years in understanding how sleep and amyloid-β (Aβ) cooperate to speed up the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it remains unknown whether sleep deficits also interact with other risk factors that exacerbate the pathological cascade of AD. Based on evidence showing that higher levels of homocysteine (HCY) and sleep loss increase oxidative damage, we here investigate whether the relationship between HCY and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is mediated by changes in objective sleep in healthy older (HO, N = 21) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI, N = 21) subjects. Results revealed that reduced TAC levels in MCI was significantly correlated with increased HCY, shorter sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency, and reduced volume of temporal regions. However, only the HCY-TAC association showed diagnostic value, and this relationship was mediated by poorer sleep quality in MCI patients. We further showed that HCY-related cerebral volume loss in MCI depended on the serial relationship between poorer sleep quality and lower TAC levels. These findings provide novel insights into how impaired sleep may contribute to maintain the relationship between HCY and oxidative stress in prodromal AD, and offer empirical foundations to design therapeutic interventions aimed to weaken this link.
3D biomimetic artificial bone scaffolds with dual-cytokines spatiotemporal delivery for large weight-bearing bone defect repair
Authors: Bao Xiaogang , Zhu Lingjun , Huang Xiaodong , Tang Dezhi , He Dannong , Shi Jiangang , Xu Guohua
Published: August 2017

It is a great challenge to prepare “functional artificial bone” for the repair of large segmental defect, especially in weight-bearing bones. In this study, bioactive HA/PCL composite scaffolds that possess anatomical structure as autogenous bone were fabricated by CT-guided fused deposition modeling technique. The scaffolds can provide mechanical support and possess osteoconduction property. Then the VEGF-165/BMP-2 loaded hydrogel was filled into biomimetic artificial bone spatially to introduce osteoinduction and angioinduction ability via sustained release of these cytokines. It has been revealed that the cytokine-loaded hydrogel possessed good biodegradability and could release the VEGF-165/BMP-2 sustainedly and steadily. The synergistic effect of these two cytokines showed significant stimulation on the osteogenic gene expresssion of osteoblast in vitro and ectopic ossification in vivo. The scaffolds were then implanted into the rabbit tibial defect sites (1.2 cm) for bone regeneration for 12 weeks, indicating the best repair of defect in vivo, which was superior to the pure hydrogel/scaffolds or one-cytokine loaded hydrogel/scaffolds and close to autogenous bone graft. The strategy to construct an “anatomy-structure-function” trinity system as functional artificial bone shows great potential in replacing autogenous bone graft and applying in large bone defect repair clinically in future.
Glycolipid and Hormonal Profiles in Young Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita A. , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: August 2017

Hormonal and metabolic abnormalities have been reported in men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Although this has been ascribed to the existence of a male polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-equivalent, data on this topic are inconsistent and this syndrome has not been already acknowledged. To evaluate if, already before the age of 35 years, any difference occurs in the glycolipid and hormonal profiles and in the body weight in men with AGA compared to age-matched controls, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of all the available observational case-control studies of literature, using MEDLINE, Google Schoolar and Scopus databases. Among 10596 papers retrieved, seven studies were finally included, enrolling a total of 1009 participants. Our findings demonstrate that young men with AGA have a slightly but significantly worse glycolipid profile compared to controls and a hormonal pattern resembling those of women with PCOS, already before the age of 35 years. Therefore, early-onset AGA might represent a phenotypic sign of the male PCOS-equivalent. The acknowledgement of this syndrome would be of importance to prevent the long-term consequences on health in the affected men. The glycolipid profile and the body weight should be monitored in men with AGA starting from the second decade of life.
Simultaneous label-free screening of G-quadruplex active ligands from natural medicine via a microfluidic chip electrophoresis-based energy transfer multi-biosensor strategy
Authors: Lu Yi , Yu Shiyong , Lin Fengming , Lin Fankai , Zhao Xiaocao , Wu Liqing , Miao Yunfei , Li Huanjun , Deng Yulin , Geng Lina
Published: August 2017

Chip-electrophoresis-based separation was combined with an RET optical sensor to establish a new sense of a simultaneous label-free multi-drug screening method.
H2-Driven biocatalytic hydrogenation in continuous flow using enzyme-modified carbon nanotube columns
Authors: Zor Ceren , Reeve Holly A. , Quinson Jonathan , Thompson Lisa A. , Lonsdale Thomas H. , Dillon Frank , Grobert Nicole , Vincent Kylie A.
Published: August 2017

We describe the implementation of a system of immobilised enzymes for H2-driven NADH recycling coupled to a selective biotransformation to enable H2-driven biocatalysis in flow.
Effects of Al addition to Si-based flux on the growth of 4H-SiC films by vapour–liquid–solid pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Yamaguchi R. , Osumi A. , Onuma A. , Nakano K. , Maruyama S. , Mitani T. , Kato T. , Okumura H. , Matsumoto Y.
Published: August 2017

High-speed growth of 4H-SiC films by VLS-PLD with Si/Al flux at a growth temperature lower than 1300 °C.
Water and CO (co-)adsorption on pseudomorphic Pt films on Ru(0001) – a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy study
Authors: Schilling Martin , Brimaud Sylvain , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: August 2017

Co-adsorption of CO and water on a bimetallic Pt/Ru(0001) model surface differs distinctly on bilayer and trilayer Pt films.
Excited state dynamics and conformations of a Cu(ii)-phthalocyanine-perylenebisimide dyad
Authors: Wilma K. , Unger T. , Tuncel Kostakoğlu S. , Hollfelder M. , Hunger C. , Lang A. , Gürek A. G. , Thelakkat M. , Köhler J. , Köhler A. , Gekle S. , Hildner R.
Published: August 2017

We present a full characterisation of a new donor–acceptor CuPc-PBI-dyad using time-resolved spectroscopy as well as molecular dynamics simulations.
Toward high value sensing: monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles in multivariable gas and vapor sensors
Authors: Potyrailo Radislav A.
Published: August 2017

This review provides analysis of advances in multivariable sensors based on monolayer-protected nanoparticles and several principles of signal transduction that result in building non-resonant and resonant electrical sensors as well as material- and structure-based photonic sensors.
Pyridylpyrazole N^N ligands combined with sulfonyl-functionalised cyclometalating ligands for blue-emitting iridium(iii) complexes and solution-processable PhOLEDs
Authors: Benjamin Helen , Fox Mark A. , Batsanov Andrei S. , Al-Attar Hameed A. , Li Chensen , Ren Zhongjie , Monkman Andrew P. , Bryce Martin R.
Published: August 2017

A blue phosphorescent emitter for PhOLEDs with brightness of 5400 cd m−2 at 10 V and λELmax 460 nm, CIEx,y (0.15, 0.21).
Lewis basicity of relevant monoanions in a non-protogenic organic solvent using a zinc(ii) Schiff-base complex as a reference Lewis acid
Authors: Oliveri Ivan Pietro , Di Bella Santo
Published: August 2017

The Lewis basicity of relevant anions is reported for the first time and compared with that of neutral bases.
Impact of substrate diffusion and enzyme distribution in 3D-porous electrodes: a combined electrochemical and modelling study of a thermostable H2/O2enzymatic fuel cell
Authors: Mazurenko Ievgen , Monsalve Karen , Infossi Pascale , Giudici-Orticoni Marie-Thérèse , Topin Frédéric , Mano Nicolas , Lojou Elisabeth
Published: August 2017

High massic catalytic currents and long-term stability are reached in a thermostable H2/O2enzymatic fuel cell.
An intelligent universal system yields double results with half the effort for engineering a DNA “Contrary Logic Pairs” library and various DNA combinatorial logic circuits
Authors: Fan Daoqing , Wang Erkang , Dong Shaojun
Published: August 2017

We proposed the concept “Contrary Logic Pairs” (CLPs), and constructed an intelligent universal system for engineering a DNA “CLPs” library and various combinatorial logic circuits based on two fluorescent substrates of G-quadruplex DNAzyme.
Electrosynthesis of a corn flake-like NiO nanostructure on nickel foam for polymer gel electrolyte-based high performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Kumbhar Vijay S. , Cho Moo Hwan , Lee Jintae , Kim Woo Kyoung , Lee Moonyong , Lee Yong Rok , Shim Jae-Jin
Published: August 2017

A high performance asymmetric supercapacitor was fabricated with an electrodeposited corn flake-like NiO nanostructure, activated carbon, and polymer gel.
Assessment of the relevance of GaPc substituted with azido-polyethylene glycol chains for photodynamic therapy. Design, synthetic strategy, fluorescence, singlet oxygen generation, and pH-dependent spectroscopic behaviour
Authors: Koç Veysel , Topal Sevinc Zehra , Aydın Tekdaş Duygu , Ateş Özge Dilara , Önal Emel , Dumoulin Fabienne , Gürek Ayşe Gül , Ahsen Vefa
Published: August 2017

New synthetic route and PDT potential of symmetrically and asymmetrically substituted Ga(iii)Pcs with terminal azides.
Association of phenyldiboronic acids with hydrogen bond acceptors to form hydrogen bonded DD·AA-type complexes: a DFT study
Authors: Sharma Himakshi , Bhattacharyya Pradip K.
Published: August 2017

DD·AA-type complexes of phenyldiboronic acids.
A triptycene-cored perylenediimide derivative and its application in organic solar cells as a non-fullerene acceptor
Authors: Zhang Li-Peng , Zhao Wenchao , Liu Xiaoyu , Jiang Ke-Jian , Li Feng-Ting , Hou Jianhui , Yang Lian-Ming
Published: August 2017

A triptycene-cored PDI derivative with a 3D molecular structure was designed and synthesized as a promising acceptor in OSCs.
An unprecedented 3D architecture based on a Nb/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate and lanthanide–organic complex: synthesis, crystal structure and properties
Authors: Yang Mei-Si , Chen Wei-Chao , Qin Chao , Yao Wei , Yin Ying-Xue , Su Zhong-Min
Published: August 2017

For the first time, a 3D framework based on lanthanide-containing Nb/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate has been obtained by utilizing the steam-assisted conversion method.
Integrating spin-crossover nanoparticles with silver nanowires: toward magnetic and conductive bifunctional nanomaterials
Authors: Li Zhi-Hua , Wang Yu-Xia , Han Wang-Kang , Zhu Wei , Li Tao , Li Zaijun , Ren Xuehong , Gu Zhi-Guo
Published: August 2017

Unprecedented 1D coaxial heterogeneous nanocomposites with spin-crossover and conductive properties were obtained by in situ growing classic magnetic bistable compounds on silver nanowires.
Nitrile hydrogenation using nickel nanocatalysts in ionic liquids
Authors: Konnerth Hannelore , Prechtl Martin H. G.
Published: August 2017

Ni nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) have been proven to be versatile catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of benzonitrile to benzylamine with good recyclability in a biphasic system.
Well-defined triblock copolymers of polyethylene with polycaprolactone or polystyrene using a novel difunctional polyhomologation initiator
Authors: Alshumrani Reem A. , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: August 2017

α,ω-Dihydroxy polyethylene, valuable precursor for the synthesis of polyethylene-based terpolymers with polar blocks, was synthesized by polyhomologation of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide with 9-thexyl-9-BBN, a novel difunctional initiator with two active and one blocked sites.
Heterogeneous interface adsorption of colloidal particles
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Lim Jin Hyun , Park Bum Jun
Published: August 2017

Particle adsorption to an oil–water interface depends on the electrolyte concentration in the water phase.
Robust adaptive blind equalisation in impulsive noise
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Jin , Li Bingbing
Published: August 2017

To solve the significant performance degradation of existing algorithms in the impulsive noise environment, a novel blind equalisation method called robust adaptive weighted multi‐modulus algorithm is proposed in this Letter. The authors introduce an adaptive weight coefficient to suppress the effect of large output error in the weight updating process. Theoretical analysis indicates that the proposed algorithm can suppress the impulsive noise effectively. Moreover, it can accelerate the convergence speed. Simulation results illustrate the robust performance and fast convergence speed of the proposed algorithm under α‐stable noise environment.
Robust adaptive passivity‐based control of open‐loop unstable affine non‐linear systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2017

Considering the effect of actuator saturation, a control design approach is presented for open‐loop unstable affine non‐linear systems. A feedback control law with some degrees of freedom along with a virtual output function is utilised to make the system passive. In order to achieve a fast convergence, an analytical discussion is presented to opt for the free parameters. The procedure is further developed for systems with unknown parameters, where some adaptation laws are utilised for parameter estimation. In order to enhance the convergence performance, the gains of the adaptation laws are obtained based on sensitivity analysis. Using projection technique to prevent parameter drift, it is analytically shown that the proposed scheme is robust against bounded disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is assessed through extensive simulations.
Assorted carrier‐variable frequency‐random PWM scheme for voltage source inverter
Authors: Paramasivan Muthukumar , Paulraj Melba Mary , Balasubramanian Sankaragomathi
Published: August 2017

This study presents an assorted carrier‐variable frequency random pulse width modulation (AC‐VF‐RPWM) method in which a new type of mixed carrier wave is proposed for a three‐phase voltage source inverter‐fed induction motor drive. This study has focused on the reduction of acoustic noise where a deterministic PWM strategy is replaced with a proposed RPWM. Inverted sine carrier, sine carrier and triangle carrier are used to compare with the reference sinusoidal wave to generate the pulse (lead and lag) positions. The two groups (lead and lag) each with three pulse positions are randomly selected and it aims at dispersing the harmonic voltage over a wide band area. The linear feedback shift register‐based random bit generation algorithms are used to select the three pulse positions from the lead and lag groups. In addition, a frequency modulator converts the carriers into a randomised frequency, which will give more potency to the randomisation process. The results of co‐simulation and experimental evaluation that the proposed method could provide harmonic power spectra of the voltage and current spreading over a much broader band area, as compared with the conventional schemes. In addition, Xilinx XC3S500E FPGA device synthesis results are presented.
Numeric optimal sensor configuration solutions for wind turbine gearbox based on structure analysis
Authors: GuiLan Wang , HongShan Zhao , ShuangWei Guo , ZengQiang Mi
Published: August 2017

The wind turbine gearbox, an important component of wind turbines, has a high failure rate and maintenance cost; therefore, several vibration sensors are installed to execute effective condition monitoring, fault diagnosis, and prediction, for reducing the downtime caused by faults. The sensor positions should directly and accurately reflect the gearbox operating status and provide several signals to the condition monitoring system. This article studies a gearbox model and the gear tooth faults, and builds a gearbox gear vibration model involving these faults. Using structure analysis, sensor configuration solutions rendering all the tooth faults detectable and all the faults isolable are, respectively, obtained, based on the gear vibration model. The sensor configuration solutions of the wind turbine gearbox can guide wind turbine gearbox sensor installation in practice and support common wind turbine gearbox sensor configuration solutions in theory.
Tilt sensor based on a dual‐axis microaccelerometer with maximum sensitivity and minimum uncertainty in the full measurement range
Authors: Li Enfu , Zhong Jiming , Chang Honglong
Published: August 2017

This work presents an approach to enhance the sensitivity and lower the uncertainty of a tilt sensor based on a dual‐axis accelerometer. The arctangent function arctan(a2/a1) instead of traditional arcsine function arcsin(a2/g) or arcsin(a1/g) is used to solve for tilt angle. As a result, the measured sensitivity of tilt angle is kept in the maximum constant value (17.45 mg/°) and the measurement uncertainty is kept in the minimum constant value (0.033° for the tilt sensor of this work) in the measurement range of −90° to +90°. It is also experimentally verified that the solving method has the maximum sensitivity (the average value of 17.74 mg/° with a root mean square of 0.008 mg/°) and minimum uncertainty (the average value of 0.034° with a root mean square of 0.003°) compared with other solving methods in the range of −90° to +90°]. The output of tilt sensor in the range of −90° to+90° and +90° to +270° is axial symmetry about 90°, so it is easy to extend the measurement range to 360°. Therefore, the presented approach is proved to be effective to enhance tilt sensor sensitivity and lower the uncertainty.