bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of GSM and UMTS mobile telephony signals on neuron degeneration and blood-brain barrier permeation in the rat brain
Authors: Poulletier de Gannes Florence , Masuda Hiroshi , Billaudel Bernard , Poque-Haro Emmanuelle , Hurtier Annabelle , Lévêque Philippe , Ruffié Gilles , Taxile Murielle , Veyret Bernard , Lagroye Isabelle
Published: November 2017

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation and neuron degeneration were assessed in the rat brain following exposure to mobile communication radiofrequency (RF) signals (GSM-1800 and UMTS-1950). Two protocols were used: (i) single 2 h exposure, with rats sacrificed immediately, and 1 h, 1, 7, or 50 days later, and (ii) repeated exposures (2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks) with the effects assessed immediately and 50 days after the end of exposure. The rats′ heads were exposed at brain-averaged specific absorption rates (BASAR) of 0.026, 0.26, 2.6, and 13 W/kg. No adverse impact in terms of BBB leakage or neuron degeneration was observed after single exposures or immediately after the end of repeated exposure, with the exception of a transient BBB leakage (UMTS, 0.26 W/kg). Fifty days after repeated exposure, the occurrence of degenerating neurons was unchanged on average. However, a significant increased albumin leakage was detected with both RF signals at 13 W/kg. In this work, the strongest, delayed effect was induced by GSM-1800 at 13 W/kg. Considering that 13 W/kg BASAR in the rat head is equivalent to 4 times as much in the human head, deleterious effects may occur following repeated human brain exposure above 50 W/kg.
Transcriptomic analysis of the regulation of stalk development in flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris) by RNA sequencing
Authors: Huang Xinmin , Lei Yuling , Guan Hongling , Hao Yanwei , Liu Houcheng , Sun Guangwen , Chen Riyuan , Song Shiwei
Published: November 2017

Flowering Chinese cabbage is a stalk vegetable whose quality and yield are directly related to stalk development. However, no comprehensive investigations on stalk development have been performed. To address this issue, the present study used RNA sequencing to investigate transcriptional regulation at three key stages (seedling, bolting, and flowering) of stalk development in flowering Chinese cabbage. Anatomical analysis revealed that cell division was the main mode of stalk thickening and elongation at all key stages. Among the 35,327 genes expressed in shoot apices, 34,448 were annotated and 879 were identified as novel transcripts. We identified 11,514 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the three stages of stalk development. Functional analysis revealed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in ‘ribosome’ and ‘plant hormone signal transduction’ pathways and were involved in hormone signal transduction, cell cycle progression, and the regulation of flowering time. The roles of these genes in stalk development were explored, and a putative gene-regulation network for the stalk flowering time was established. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of stalk development in flowering Chinese cabbage that provides a new theoretical basis for stalk vegetable breeding.
Visualizing the GPCR Network: Classification and Evolution
Authors: Hu Geng-Ming , Mai Te-Lun , Chen Chi-Ming
Published: November 2017

In this study, we delineate an unsupervised clustering algorithm, minimum span clustering (MSC), and apply it to detect G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) sequences and to study the GPCR network using a base dataset of 2770 GPCR and 652 non-GPCR sequences. High detection accuracy can be achieved with a proper dataset. The clustering results of GPCRs derived from MSC show a strong correlation between their sequences and functions. By comparing our level 1 MSC results with the GPCRdb classification, the consistency is 87.9% for the fourth level of GPCRdb, 89.2% for the third level, 98.4% for the second level, and 100% for the top level (the lowest resolution level of GPCRdb). The MSC results of GPCRs can be well explained by estimating the selective pressure of GPCRs, as exemplified by investigating the largest two subfamilies, peptide receptors (PRs) and olfactory receptors (ORs), in class A GPCRs. PRs are decomposed into three groups due to a positive selective pressure, whilst ORs remain as a single group due to a negative selective pressure. Finally, we construct and compare phylogenetic trees using distance-based and character-based methods, a combination of which could convey more comprehensive information about the evolution of GPCRs.
Excessive fuel availability amplifies the FTO-mediated obesity risk: results from the TUEF and Whitehall II studies
Authors: Wagner Róbert , Tabák Ádám G. , Fehlert Ellen , Fritsche Louise , Jaghutriz Benjamin A. , Bánhegyi Róbert J. , Schmid Sebastian M. , Staiger Harald , Machicao Fausto , Peter Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin
Published: November 2017

Variation in FTO is the most important common genetic determinant of body weight. Altered energy metabolism could underlie this association. We hypothesized that higher circulating glucose or triglycerides can amplify the FTO impact on BMI. In 2671 subjects of the TUEF study, we investigated the interaction effect of fasting glucose and triglyceride levels with rs9939609 in FTO on BMI. We analysed the same interaction effect by longitudinally utilizing mixed effect models in the prospective Whitehall II study. In TUEF, we detected an interaction effect between fasting glucose and fasting triglycerides with rs9939609 on BMI (p = 0.0005 and p = 5 × 10−7, respectively). The effect size of one risk allele was 1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 2.2 ± 0.44 kg/m² in persons with fasting glucose levels below and above the median, respectively. Fasting triglycerides above the median increased the per-allele effect from 1.4 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.4 kg/m2. In the Whitehall II study, body weight increased by 2.96 ± 6.5 kg during a follow-up of 13.5 ± 4.6 yrs. Baseline fasting glucose and rs9939609 interacted on weight change (p = 0.009). Higher fasting glucose levels may amplify obesity-risk in FTO carriers and lead to an exaggerated weight gain over time. Since weight gain perpetuates metabolic alterations, this interplay may trigger a vicious circle that leads to obesity and diabetes.
The prognostic value of AGR2 expression in solid tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Shao-bo , Tao Kai-xiong , Hu Jia , Liu Zhi-bo , Ding Xue-liang , Chu Ya-nan , Cui Jin-yuan , Shuai Xiao-ming , Gao Jin-bo , Cai Kai-lin , Wang Ji-liang , Wang Guo-bin , Wang Lin , Wang Zheng
Published: November 2017

The prognostic value of anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) in tumours remains inconclusive. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature evidence and assessed the association between AGR2 expression and prognosis in solid tumours. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS)/progression-free survival (PFS). All analyses were performed by STATA 12.0, with the hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect size estimate. A total of 20 studies containing 3285 cases were included. Pooled analyses revealed that AGR2 overexpression had an unfavourable impact on OS (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.32–2.81) and time to tumour progression (TTP) (DFS/RFS/PFS) (HR 1.60 95% CI 1.06–2.40) in solid tumour patients. Subgroup analyses indicated that AGR2 overexpression in breast cancer patients was significantly associated with poor OS (HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.03–8.81) and TTP (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.17–3.20). Excluding breast cancer, AGR2 overexpression was also found to have a significant correlation with poor OS in the remaining solid tumour patients (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04–2.19). Overall, AGR2 might be a potential biomarker to predict prognosis in solid tumour patients.
The M25 gene products are critical for the cytopathic effect of mouse cytomegalovirus
Authors: Kutle Ivana , Sengstake Sarah , Templin Corinna , Glaß Mandy , Kubsch Tobias , Keyser Kirsten A. , Binz Anne , Bauerfeind Rudolf , Sodeik Beate , Čičin-Šain Luka , Dezeljin Martina , Messerle Martin
Published: November 2017

Cell rounding is a hallmark of the cytopathic effect induced by cytomegaloviruses. By screening a panel of deletion mutants of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) a mutant was identified that did not elicit cell rounding and lacked the ability to form typical plaques. Altered cell morphology was assigned to the viral M25 gene. We detected an early 2.8 kb M25 mRNA directing the synthesis of a 105 kDa M25 protein, and confirmed that a late 3.1 kb mRNA encodes a 130 kDa M25 tegument protein. Virions lacking the M25 tegument protein were of smaller size because the tegument layer between capsid and viral envelope was reduced. The ΔM25 mutant did not provoke the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton observed after wild-type MCMV infection, and isolated expression of the M25 proteins led to cell size reduction, confirming that they contribute to the morphological changes. Yields of progeny virus and cell-to-cell spread of the ΔM25 mutant in vitro were diminished and replication in vivo was impaired. The identification of an MCMV gene involved in cell rounding provides the basis for investigating the role of this cytopathic effect in CMV pathogenesis.
Adoptive Transfer of Ceramide Synthase 6 Deficient Splenocytes Reduces the Development of Colitis
Authors: Scheffel Matthew J. , Helke Kristi , Lu Ping , Bowers Jacob S. , Ogretmen Besim , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Paulos Chrystal M. , Voelkel-Johnson Christina
Published: November 2017

Sphingolipids regulate critical cellular processes including inflammation. Ceramide, which serves a central role in sphingolipid metabolism, is generated by six ceramide synthases (CerS) that differ in substrate specificity. CerS6 preferentially generates C16-ceramide and its mRNA is highly expressed in immune tissues. In this study we analyzed how deficiency of CerS6 impacts on the development of colitis using an adoptive transfer model. Adoptive transfer of CerS6-deficient splenocytes, which have significantly decreased levels of C16-ceramide, showed that CerS6-deficiency protected against the development of colitis. However, adoptively transferred cells isolated from the lamina propria of the large intestine from wild type or CerS6-deficient groups showed no differences in the percentages of immune-suppressive regulatory T cells, pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, or their ability to express IL-17. In vitro polarization of wild type or CerS6-deficient splenocytes also revealed no defects in the development of T cell subsets. Our data suggest that protection from colitis following adoptive transfer of CerS6-deficient splenocytes maybe related to their ability to migrate and proliferate in vivo rather than subset development or cytokine expression.
Systems pathology by multiplexed immunohistochemistry and whole-slide digital image analysis
Authors: Blom Sami , Paavolainen Lassi , Bychkov Dmitrii , Turkki Riku , Mäki-Teeri Petra , Hemmes Annabrita , Välimäki Katja , Lundin Johan , Kallioniemi Olli , Pellinen Teijo
Published: November 2017

The paradigm of molecular histopathology is shifting from a single-marker immunohistochemistry towards multiplexed detection of markers to better understand the complex pathological processes. However, there are no systems allowing multiplexed IHC (mIHC) with high-resolution whole-slide tissue imaging and analysis, yet providing feasible throughput for routine use. We present an mIHC platform combining fluorescent and chromogenic staining with automated whole-slide imaging and integrated whole-slide image analysis, enabling simultaneous detection of six protein markers and nuclei, and automatic quantification and classification of hundreds of thousands of cells in situ in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. In the first proof-of-concept, we detected immune cells at cell-level resolution (n = 128,894 cells) in human prostate cancer, and analysed T cell subpopulations in different tumour compartments (epithelium vs. stroma). In the second proof-of-concept, we demonstrated an automatic classification of epithelial cell populations (n = 83,558) and glands (benign vs. cancer) in prostate cancer with simultaneous analysis of androgen receptor (AR) and alpha-methylacyl-CoA (AMACR) expression at cell-level resolution. We conclude that the open-source combination of 8-plex mIHC detection, whole-slide image acquisition and analysis provides a robust tool allowing quantitative, spatially resolved whole-slide tissue cytometry directly in formalin-fixed human tumour tissues for improved characterization of histology and the tumour microenvironment.
Phagocytosis of environmental or metabolic crystalline particles induces cytotoxicity by triggering necroptosis across a broad range of particle size and shape
Authors: Honarpisheh Mohsen , Foresto-Neto Orestes , Desai Jyaysi , Steiger Stefanie , Gómez Lidia Anguiano , Popper Bastian , Boor Peter , Anders Hans-Joachim , Mulay Shrikant R.
Published: November 2017

In crystallopathies, crystals or crystalline particles of environmental and metabolic origin deposit within tissues, induce inflammation, injury and cell death and eventually lead to organ-failure. The NLRP3-inflammasome is involved in mediating crystalline particles-induced inflammation, but pathways leading to cell death are still unknown. Here, we have used broad range of intrinsic and extrinsic crystal- or crystalline particle-sizes and shapes, e.g. calcium phosphate, silica, titanium dioxide, cholesterol, calcium oxalate, and monosodium urate. As kidney is commonly affected by crystallopathies, we used human and murine renal tubular cells as a model system. We showed that all of the analysed crystalline particles induce caspase-independent cell death. Deficiency of MLKL, siRNA knockdown of RIPK3, or inhibitors of necroptosis signaling e.g. RIPK-1 inhibitor necrostatin-1s, RIPK3 inhibitor dabrafenib, and MLKL inhibitor necrosulfonamide, partially protected tubular cells from crystalline particles cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we identify phagocytosis of crystalline particles as an upstream event in their cytotoxicity since a phagocytosis inhibitor, cytochalasin D, prevented their cytotoxicity. Taken together, our data confirmed the involvement of necroptosis as one of the pathways leading to cell death in crystallopathies. Our data identified RIPK-1, RIPK3, and MLKL as molecular targets to limit tissue injury and organ failure in crystallopathies.
Bacillus Classification Based on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry—Effects of Culture Conditions
Authors: Shu Lin-Jie , Yang Yu-Liang
Published: November 2017

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a reliable and rapid technique applied widely in the identification and classification of microbes. MALDI-TOF MS has been used to identify many endospore-forming Bacillus species; however, endospores affect the identification accuracy when using MALDI-TOF MS because they change the protein composition of samples. Since culture conditions directly influence endospore formation and Bacillus growth, in this study we clarified how culture conditions influence the classification of Bacillus species by using MALDI-TOF MS. We analyzed members of the Bacillus subtilis group and Bacillus cereus group using different incubation periods, temperatures and media. Incubation period was found to affect mass spectra due to endospores which were observed mixing with vegetative cells after 24 hours. Culture temperature also resulted in different mass spectra profiles depending on the temperature best suited growth and sporulation. Conversely, the four common media for Bacillus incubation, Luria-Bertani agar, nutrient agar, plate count agar and brain-heart infusion agar did not result in any significant differences in mass spectra profiles. Profiles in the range m/z 1000–3000 were found to provide additional data to the standard ribosomal peptide/protein region m/z 3000–15000 profiles to enable easier differentiation of some highly similar species and the identification of new strains under fresh culture conditions. In summary, control of culture conditions is vital for Bacillus identification and classification by MALDI-TOF MS.
Functional annotation of structural ncRNAs within enhancer RNAs in the human genome: implications for human disease
Authors: Ren Chao , Liu Feng , Ouyang Zhangyi , An Gaole , Zhao Chenghui , Shuai Jun , Cai Shuhong , Bo Xiaochen , Shu Wenjie
Published: November 2017

Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules transcribed from the DNA sequences of enhancer regions. Despite extensive efforts devoted to revealing the potential functions and underlying mechanisms of eRNAs, it remains an open question whether eRNAs are mere transcriptional noise or relevant biologically functional species. Here, we identified a catalogue of eRNAs in a broad range of human cell/tissue types and extended our understanding of eRNAs by demonstrating their multi-omic signatures. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that eRNAs play key roles in human cell identity. Furthermore, we detected numerous known and novel functional RNA structures within eRNA regions. To better characterize the cis-regulatory effects of non-coding variation in these structural ncRNAs, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the genetic variants of structural ncRNAs in eRNA regions that are associated with inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Disease-associated variants of the structural ncRNAs were disproportionately enriched in immune-specific cell types. We also identified riboSNitches in lymphoid eRNAs and investigated the potential pathogenic mechanisms by which eRNAs might function in autoimmune diseases. Collectively, our findings offer valuable insights into the function of eRNAs and suggest that eRNAs might be effective diagnostic and therapeutic targets for human diseases.
FOXA2 alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by protecting hepatocytes in mice
Authors: Wang Wei , Yao Li-Jia , Shen Weifeng , Ding Kai , Shi Pei-Mei , Chen Fei , He Jin , Ding Jin , Zhang Xin , Xie Wei-Fen
Published: November 2017

The liver-enriched transcription factor Forkhead Box A2 (FOXA2) has been reported to be involved in bile acid homeostasis and bile duct development. However, the role of FOXA2 in liver fibrogenesis remains undefined. In this study, we found that the abundance of FOXA2 was significantly lower in fibrotic livers of patients and mice treated with CCl4 than in controls. Interestingly, the expression level of FOXA2 decreased in hepatocytes, whereas FOXA2 was elevated in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mouse fibrotic livers. Hepatocyte-specific ablation of FOXA2 in adult mice exacerbated liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. Either lentivirus LV-CMV-FOXA2 mediated FOXA2 overexpression in the liver or adeno-associated virus AAV8-TBG-FOXA2-mediated hepatocyte-specific upregulation of FOXA2 alleviated hepatic fibrosis. Overexpression of FOXA2 in HSCs did not obviously affect hepatic fibrogenesis. Additionally, FOXA2 knockout in hepatocytes resulted in aberrant transcription of metabolic genes. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific knockout of FOXA2 enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and the apoptosis of hepatocytes, whereas FOXA2 overexpression in hepatocytes suppressed ER stress and hepatocyte apoptosis in mouse fibrotic livers. In conclusion, our findings suggested that FOXA2-mediated hepatocyte protection has a therapeutic role in hepatic fibrosis, and thus may be a new, promising anti-fibrotic option for treating chronic liver diseases.
Targeting a non-oncogene addiction to the ATR/CHK1 axis for the treatment of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Doerr Fabian , George Julie , Schmitt Anna , Beleggia Filippo , Rehkämper Tim , Hermann Sarah , Walter Vonn , Weber Jean-Philip , Thomas Roman K. , Wittersheim Maike , Büttner Reinhard , Persigehl Thorsten , Reinhardt H. Christian
Published: November 2017

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a difficult to treat subtype of lung cancer. One of the hallmarks of SCLC is its almost uniform chemotherapy sensitivity. However, chemotherapy response is typically transient and patients frequently succumb to SCLC within a year following diagnosis. We performed a transcriptome analysis of the major human lung cancer entities. We show a significant overexpression of genes involved in the DNA damage response, specifically in SCLC. Particularly CHEK1, which encodes for the cell cycle checkpoint kinase CHK1, is significantly overexpressed in SCLC, compared to lung adenocarcinoma. In line with uncontrolled cell cycle progression in SCLC, we find that CDC25A, B and C mRNAs are expressed at significantly higher levels in SCLC, compared to lung adenocarcinoma. We next profiled the efficacy of compounds targeting CHK1 and ATR. Both, ATR- and CHK1 inhibitors induce genotoxic damage and apoptosis in human and murine SCLC cell lines, but not in lung adenocarcinoma cells. We further demonstrate that murine SCLC tumors were highly sensitive to ATR- and CHK1 inhibitors, while Kras
G12D
-driven murine lung adenocarcinomas were resistant against these compounds and displayed continued growth under therapy. Altogether, our data indicate that SCLC displays an actionable dependence on ATR/CHK1-mediated cell cycle checkpoints.
Proteome-wide identification of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation reveals conserved and novel histone modifications in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Yu Zhiming , Ni Jun , Sheng Wei , Wang Zhikun , Wu Yuhuan
Published: November 2017

Protein lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a newly identified post-translational modification found in animal and yeast cells. Previous research suggested that histone Khib is involved in male cell differentiation and plays a critical role in the regulation of chromatin functions in animals. However, information regarding protein Khib in plants is still limited. In this study, using a specific antibody and LC-MS/MS methods, we identified 11,976 Khib sites in 3,001 proteins in Physcomitrella patens. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that these Khib-modified proteins were involved in a wide range of molecular functions and cellular processes, and showed diverse subcellular localizations. Furthermore, an comparism of Khib sites in histone proteins among human, mouse and P. patens found conserved sites in the H3 and H4 histone proteins and novel sites in H1, H2A and H2B histone proteins in P. patens. This is the first report on Khib post-translational modifications in plants, and the study provides a comprehensive profile of Khib sites in histone and non-histone proteins in Physcomitrella patens.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors drive ontogeny of early-life at-sea behaviour in a marine top predator
Authors: Carter Matt I. D. , Russell Deborah J. F. , Embling Clare B. , Blight Clint J. , Thompson David , Hosegood Philip J. , Bennett Kimberley A.
Published: November 2017

Young animals must learn to forage effectively to survive the transition from parental provisioning to independent feeding. Rapid development of successful foraging strategies is particularly important for capital breeders that do not receive parental guidance after weaning. The intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of variation in ontogeny of foraging are poorly understood for many species. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are typical capital breeders; pups are abandoned on the natal site after a brief suckling phase, and must develop foraging skills without external input. We collected location and dive data from recently-weaned grey seal pups from two regions of the United Kingdom (the North Sea and the Celtic and Irish Seas) using animal-borne telemetry devices during their first months of independence at sea. Dive duration, depth, bottom time, and benthic diving increased over the first 40 days. The shape and magnitude of changes differed between regions. Females consistently had longer bottom times, and in the Celtic and Irish Seas they used shallower water than males. Regional sex differences suggest that extrinsic factors, such as water depth, contribute to behavioural sexual segregation. We recommend that conservation strategies consider movements of young naïve animals in addition to those of adults to account for developmental behavioural changes.
Nitric oxide contributes to high-salt perception in a blood-sucking insect model
Authors: Cano Agustina , Pontes Gina , Sfara Valeria , Anfossi Diego , Barrozo Romina B.
Published: November 2017

In all organisms, salts produce either appetitive or aversive responses depending on the concentration. While low-salt concentration in food elicits positive responses to ingest, high-salt triggers aversion. Still the mechanisms involved in this dual behavior have just started to be uncovered in some organisms. In Rhodnius prolixus, using pharmacological and behavioral assays, we demonstrated that upon high-salt detection in food a nitric oxide (NO) dependent cascade is activated. This activation involves a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Thus, appetitive responses to low-salt diets turn to aversion whenever this cascade is activated. Conversely, insects feed over aversive high-salt solutions when it is blocked by reducing NO levels or by affecting the sGC activity. The activation of NO/sGC/cGMP cascade commands the avoidance feeding behavior in R. prolixus. Investigations in other insect species should examine the possibility that high-salt aversion is mediated by NO/sSG/cGMP signaling.
Increasing frequency and spatial extent of concurrent meteorological droughts and heatwaves in India
Authors: Sharma Shailza , Mujumdar Pradeep
Published: November 2017

The impacts of concurrent droughts and heatwaves could be more serious compared to their individual occurrence. Meteorological drought condition is generally characterized by low rainfall, but impact of such an event is amplified with simultaneous occurrence of heatwaves. Positive feedback between these two extremes can worsen the rainfall deficit situation to serious soil moisture depletion due to enhanced evapotranspiration. In this study, the concurrence of meteorological droughts and heatwaves is investigated in India using Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) high resolution gridded data over a period of 60 years. Significant changes are observed in concurrent meteorological droughts and heatwaves defined at different percentile based thresholds and durations during the period 1981–2010 relative to the base period 1951–1980. There is substantial increase in the frequency of concurrent meteorological droughts and heatwaves across whole India. Statistically significant trends in the spatial extent of droughts are observed in Central Northeast India and West Central India; however, the spatial extent affected by concurrent droughts and heatwaves is increasing across whole India. Significant shifts are identified in the distribution of spatial extent of concurrent drought and heatwaves in India compared to the base period.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound improves behavioral and histological outcomes after experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Su Wei-Shen , Wu Chun-Hu , Chen Szu-Fu , Yang Feng-Yi
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on behavioral and histological outcomes in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice subjected to controlled cortical impact injury were treated with LIPUS in the injured region daily for a period of 4 weeks. The effects of LIPUS on edema were observed by MR imaging in the mouse brain at 1 and 4 days following TBI. Brain water content, blood-brain barrier permeability, histology analysis, and behavioral studies were performed to assess the effects of LIPUS. Two-way analysis of variance and Student t test were used for statistical analyses, with a significant level of 0.05. Treatment with LIPUS significantly attenuated brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, and neuronal degeneration beginning at day 1. Compared with the TBI group, LIPUS also significantly improved functional recovery and reduced contusion volumes up to post-injury day 28. Post-injury LIPUS treatment reduced brain edema and improved behavioral and histological outcomes following TBI. The neuroprotective effects of LIPUS may be a promising new technique for treating TBI.
Bidirectional modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by Dopaminergic D4-receptors in the CA1 area of hippocampus
Authors: Navakkode Sheeja , Chew Katherine C. M. , Tay Sabrina Jia Ning , Lin Qingshu , Behnisch Thomas , Soong Tuck Wah
Published: November 2017

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the persistent increase in the strength of the synapses. However, the neural networks would become saturated if there is only synaptic strenghthening. Synaptic weakening could be facilitated by active processes like long-term depression (LTD). Molecular mechanisms that facilitate the weakening of synapses and thereby stabilize the synapses are also important in learning and memory. Here we show that blockade of dopaminergic D4 receptors (D4R) promoted the formation of late-LTP and transformed early-LTP into late-LTP. This effect was dependent on protein synthesis, activation of NMDA-receptors and CaMKII. We also show that GABAA-receptor mediated mechanisms are involved in the enhancement of late-LTP. We could show that short-term plasticity and baseline synaptic transmission were unaffected by D4R inhibition. On the other hand, antagonizing D4R prevented both early and late forms of LTD, showing that activation of D4Rs triggered a dual function. Synaptic tagging experiments on LTD showed that D4Rs act as plasticity related proteins rather than the setting of synaptic tags. D4R activation by PD 168077 induced a slow-onset depression that was protein synthesis, NMDAR and CaMKII dependent. The D4 receptors, thus exert a bidirectional modulation of CA1 pyramidal neurons by restricting synaptic strengthening and facilitating synaptic weakening.
Structure/Property/Processing Relationships for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Dyson Matthew , Kroon Renee , Sieval Alexander B. , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Müller Christian , Stingelin Natalie
Published: November 2017

Rapid developments in the field of organic solar cells have been driven by this technology’s potentially advantageous traits: the environmentally friendly, low-cost generation of energy with the possibility of large area manufacturing of flexible, lightweight, semi-transparent devices, with predicted low energy payback times. Major step changes leading to vastly improved devices with ever-increasing performance have been achieved through new insights into materials design and an improved understanding of the often complex microstructure and phase morphology of organic solar cell systems. This chapter summarises the advances in synthesis, concentrating on the relevant structure/property relations and how the chemical structure affects processing and the microstructure. This is followed by a detailed discussion of classical materials science approaches that assist in gaining insights into complex materials systems, such as organic solar cell blends from the molecular to the micrometre scale, with a focus on polymer-based systems and how to apply this knowledge to future larger area processing of organic photovoltaic architectures.
Dye-sensitised Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Y. , Ivaturi A. , Robertson N.
Published: November 2017

This chapter gives a systematic account of state-of-the-art dye-sensitised solar cells by considering each of the main components of the cell in turn: the transparent conducting substrate; the mesoporous metal oxide; the sensitiser dye; the solid or liquid state hole transporting medium; and the counter electrode. The key aspects of each of these components are discussed in the context of the efficiency, stability and fabrication of dye-sensitised solar cells. We describe methodologies for the scale-up of devices into modules and give representative examples of current commercialisation activities and the markets addressed.
Charge Dynamics in Colloidal Quantum Dots: Recombination, Trapping and Multiple Exciton Generation
Authors: Leontiadou Marina A. , Smith Charles T. , Lydon Claire , Binks David J.
Published: November 2017

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are semiconductor crystals, the nanometre-scale size of which both allows their absorption edge to be controlled during growth and enhances the yield of multiple exciton generation. These properties, combined with the facile and scalable solution-phase methods by which they can be made and processed, make CQDs promising candidates for the light-absorbing species in third-generation photovoltaic devices. However, the effectiveness of CQDs in this role depends crucially on the relative rates of a number processes affecting the charges photogenerated in CQDs. We describe the most important of these processes and how they can be optimised to enhance solar cell efficiency by engineering the structure and composition of CQDs.
New phenazine based AIE probes for selective detection of aluminium(iii) ions in presence of other trivalent metal ions in living cells
Authors: Balamurugan Gopal , Velmathi Sivan , Thirumalaivasan Natesan , Wu Shu Pao
Published: November 2017

Phenazine fluorophore based imidazole derivatives (S1 and S2) were showed Aggregation induced enhanced emission for Al3+ and applied for bio-imaging.
Quantitative chemoproteomic profiling reveals multiple target interactions of spongiolactone derivatives in leukemia cells
Authors: Wright M. H. , Tao Y. , Drechsel J. , Krysiak J. , Chamni S. , Weigert-Munoz A. , Harvey N. L. , Romo D. , Sieber S. A.
Published: November 2017

Identifying the covalent targets of a natural product-derivative in cancer cells.
Gold-catalyzed [2+2+2+2]-annulation of 1,3,5-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazines with alkoxyallenes
Authors: Peng Shiyong , Ji Danqing , Sun Jiangtao
Published: November 2017

A gold-catalyzed regioselective [2+2+2+2]-cycloaddition of allenes with 1,3,5-hexadydro-1,3,5-triazines has been developed.
Permeation pathways through lateral domains in model membranes of skin lipids
Authors: Del Regno Annalaura , Notman Rebecca
Published: November 2017

Lateral organisation of skin lipids in membranes produces regions with different permeability; water permeation is favoured through cholesterol-rich regions.
Visualizing rotational wave functions of electronically excited nitric oxide molecules by using an ion imaging technique
Authors: Mizuse Kenta , Chizuwa Nao , Ikeda Dai , Imajo Takashi , Ohshima Yasuhiro
Published: November 2017

Rotational eigenstates in electronically excited NO molecules have been visualized by a photoion spatial-slice imaging technique.
Legacy organochlorine pollutants in glacial watersheds: a review
Authors: Miner K. R. , Blais J. , Bogdal C. , Villa S. , Schwikowski M. , Pavlova P. , Steinlin C. , Gerbi C. , Kreutz K. J.
Published: November 2017

Alpine glaciers are a point of concentration and reemergence of legacy organochlorine pollutants (OCPs) with potential ecosystem implications.
Evidence for negative effects of ZnO nanoparticles on leaf litter decomposition in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Du Jingjing , Zhang Yuyan , Cui Minghui , Yang Jingchao , Lin Zhongdian , Zhang Hongzhong
Published: November 2017

We investigated the negative effects of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on ecosystem function by focusing on the process of leaf litter decomposition in an aquatic ecosystem.
Independent validation and regulatory agency approval for high rate algal ponds to treat wastewater from rural communities
Authors: Fallowfield Howard J. , Young Paul , Taylor Michael J. , Buchanan Neil , Cromar Nancy , Keegan Alex , Monis Paul
Published: November 2017

This is the first validation of a HRAP accepted by a regulatory agency and resulted in the system being incorporated into the South Australian Community Wastewater Management Scheme – as depicted.
Co/CoP embedded in a hairy nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedron as an advanced tri-functional electrocatalyst
Authors: Hao Yongchao , Xu Yuqi , Liu Wen , Sun Xiaoming
Published: November 2017

The hairy Co/CoP–HNC derived from common MOFs exhibits excellent tri-functional catalytic activity for ORR, OER, and HER in an alkaline solution.
A convenient way to reduce the hysteresis width of VO2(M) nanomaterials
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Zhang Siwei , Yang Liuqing , Li Xiongjian , Chen Jiaqi , Huang Chi
Published: November 2017

As a well-known inorganic thermochromic material, VO2(M) is attracting extensive attention regarding the synthetic methods and growth controls to improve its properties.
Precise synthesis of thermoresponsive polyvinylphosphonate-biomolecule conjugatesviathiol–ene click chemistry
Authors: Schwarzenböck Christina , Schaffer Andreas , Pahl Philipp , Nelson Peter J. , Huss Ralf , Rieger Bernhard
Published: November 2017

Herein we present the first smart polyvinylphosphonate-bioconjugates obtainedviaan efficient modular synthetic route.
Alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors involve the imidacloprid-induced inhibition of IgE-mediated rat and human mast cell activation
Authors: Shi Linbo , Xu Huaping , Wu Yujie , Li Xin , Zou Li , Gao Jinyan , Chen Hongbing
Published: November 2017

Although our recent study indicated that imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, inhibited IgE-mediated mast cell activation, the inhibition mechanism still remains unclear.
Pentasaccharide resin glycosides with multidrug resistance reversal activities from the seeds of Pharbitis nil
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Wen-Qiong , Tang Shuai , Song Wei-Bin , Huang Min , Xuan Li-Jiang
Published: November 2017

Pharbitins A–G (1–7) were isolated from the seeds of Pharbitis nil; 2 showed MDR reversal activity via inhibition of P-gp.
A one-step process for preparing a phenyl-modified g-C3N4 green phosphor with a high quantum yield
Authors: Chen Tianxiang , Chen Chengcheng , Liu Qiong , Zhang Zhengguo , Fang Xiaoming
Published: November 2017

Herein a simple one-step process for preparing a g-C3N4-based green phosphor was presented, which involved thermal polymerization of 2,4-diamino-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine under an atmosphere of argon, to prepare phenyl-modified g-C3N4.
Toward fast growth of large area high quality graphene using a cold-wall CVD reactor
Authors: Alnuaimi Aaesha , Almansouri Ibraheem , Saadat Irfan , Nayfeh Ammar
Published: November 2017

In this work we provide a detailed analysis on graphene synthesis by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) using a cold wall CVD reactor to achieve fast production of large area high quality graphene.
Modulating molecular structures and dielectric transitions in organic–inorganic hybrid crystals
Authors: Sun Xiao-Fen , Wang Zhongxia , Liao Wei-Qiang , Li Peng-Fei , Gao Jixing , Huang Yi-Yang , Chen Hai-Peng , Ye Heng-Yun , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2017

Three hybrids display tunable structural transitions, achieving the regulation of phase transition temperature and dielectric characteristics.
Photosensitivity of g-C3N4/S-doped carbon composites: study of surface stability upon exposure to CO2 and/or water in ambient light
Authors: Li WanLu , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: November 2017

The photoactivity of g-C3N4/S-doped carbon materials led to a change in their surface chemistry and porosity upon exposure to CO2/water in visible light.
The unique chemistry of thiuram polysulfides enables energy dense lithium batteries
Authors: Bhargav Amruth , Ma Ying , Shashikala Kollur , Cui Yi , Losovyj Yaroslav , Fu Yongzhu
Published: November 2017

Thiuram-type organopolysulfides show three discharge plateaus and high material utilization (up to 97%) throughout cycling. The mesomeric form of lithium pentamethylene dithiocarbamate with a positive nitrogen center, formed in the discharge, can act as polysulfide and sulfide anchors through strong coulombic interactions thus enabling long cycle life.
Ultrahigh-surface-area hierarchical porous carbon from chitosan: acetic acid mediated efficient synthesis and its application in superior supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Jianyu , Liang Yeru , Hu Hang , Liu Simin , Cai Yijin , Dong Hanwu , Zheng Mingtao , Xiao Yong , Liu Yingliang
Published: November 2017

Acetic acid mediated efficient synthesis of ultrahigh-surface-area hierarchical porous carbon from chitosan with very attractive capacitive properties was reported.
Elastic soft hydrogel supercapacitor for energy storage
Authors: Yin Bo-Si , Zhang Si-Wen , Ren Qing-Qing , Liu Chang , Ke Ke , Wang Zhen-Bo
Published: November 2017

The elastic soft (PVA/PPy)(−)//CNTs(+) supercapacitor is first designed who exhibits fascinating mechanical properties and realizes a high working voltage.
Robust anion conductive polymers containing perfluoroalkylene and pendant ammonium groups for high performance fuel cells
Authors: Ono Hideaki , Kimura Taro , Takano Aoi , Asazawa Koichiro , Miyake Junpei , Inukai Junji , Miyatake Kenji
Published: November 2017

Well-designed ammonium-functionalized polymers achieved high performance and durability in hydrazine alkaline fuel cells.
Recent advances in the chemistry of vat dyes for organic electronics
Authors: Morin Jean-François
Published: November 2017

This review presents an overview of recent developments in the area of vat dye chemistry for the preparation of π-conjugated molecules and polymers for organic electronic applications.
Liquid metal fiber composed of a tubular channel as a high-performance strain sensor
Authors: Wu Yun-hui , Zhen Rong-min , Liu Hai-zhou , Liu Shu-qi , Deng Zhi-fu , Wang Ping-ping , Chen Song , Liu Lan
Published: November 2017

A liquid metal fiber with low modulus, high conductivity, and that is hysteresis-free is fabricated and serves as a high-performance fiber strain sensor.
Current perspectives in fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD)
Authors: Lamoree Bas , Hubbard Roderick E.
Published: November 2017

It is over 20 years since the first fragment-based discovery projects were disclosed. The methods are now mature for most ‘conventional’ targets in drug discovery such as enzymes (kinases and proteases) but there has also been growing success on more challenging targets, such as disruption of protein–protein interactions. The main application is to identify tractable chemical startpoints that non-covalently modulate the activity of a biological molecule. In this essay, we overview current practice in the methods and discuss how they have had an impact in lead discovery – generating a large number of fragment-derived compounds that are in clinical trials and two medicines treating patients. In addition, we discuss some of the more recent applications of the methods in chemical biology – providing chemical tools to investigate biological molecules, mechanisms and systems.
The potential of cryo-electron microscopy for structure-based drug design
Authors: Boland Andreas , Chang Leifu , Barford David
Published: November 2017

Structure-based drug design plays a central role in therapeutic development. Until recently, protein crystallography and NMR have dominated experimental approaches to obtain structural information of biological molecules. However, in recent years rapid technical developments in single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have enabled the determination to near-atomic resolution of macromolecules ranging from large multi-subunit molecular machines to proteins as small as 64 kDa. These advances have revolutionized structural biology by hugely expanding both the range of macromolecules whose structures can be determined, and by providing a description of macromolecular dynamics. Cryo-EM is now poised to similarly transform the discipline of structure-based drug discovery. This article reviews the potential of cryo-EM for drug discovery with reference to protein ligand complex structures determined using this technique.
Editorial: Challenges for the usability of AR and VR for clinical neurosurgical procedures
Authors: de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Eagleson Roy
Published: November 2017

There are a number of challenges that must be faced when trying to develop AR and VR‐based Neurosurgical simulators, Surgical Navigation Platforms, and “Smart OR” systems. Trying to simulate an operating room environment and surgical tasks in Augmented and Virtual Reality is a challenge many are attempting to solve, in order to train surgeons or help them operate. What are some of the needs of the surgeon, and what are the challenges encountered (human computer interface, perception, workflow, etc). We discuss these tradeoffs and conclude with critical remarks.
Ion‐flow field calculation of HVDC overhead lines using a high‐order stabilisation technique based on Petrov–Galerkin method
Authors: Qiao Ji , Zou Jun , Zhang Jiangong , Lu Yao , Lee Jaebok , Ju Mun‐no
Published: November 2017

The ion‐flow environment is an important corona design factor of HVDC transmission lines. The space charges generated by corona form a typical convection‐dominated ion‐flow field. For this special transport phenomenon, however, standard Galerkin FEM always presents serious deficiencies. In this study, a new approach is used to solve ion‐flow field based on Petrov–Galerkin method derived from the theory of fluid computation. A high‐order stabilisation technique is used to overcome the non‐physical oscillations in the presence of highly convective effects. This algorithm is equivalent to the proper modification of weight function according to the direction and magnitude of local drift velocity. It reflects the characteristic of information propagation in flow problem. The establishment procedure of weak form and matrix gives a further explanation on the deficiency of Galerkin method. Moreover, to guarantee convergence of the iteration for this fully‐coupled non‐linear problem, a relaxation method is introduced in the iterative loop. Calculations with the Petrov–Galerkin least square method are in good agreement with analytical solution and experiment values of ground‐level values and corona losses. Results show that the proposed stabilisation technique is able to preclude the numerical spurious oscillation and has a higher‐order accuracy than the fully‐upwind treatment.
Numerical approach of impressed potential on buried pipelines near high‐voltage DC grounding electrodes
Authors: Zhang Bo , Cao Fangyuan , Meng Xiaobo , Liao Yongli , Li Ruihai
Published: November 2017

In developed area, there is not only dense electric power grid, but also dense gas pipelines. In this situation, the DC current injected into the earth through the grounding electrodes of a high‐voltage DC system would aggravate the corrosion and even destroy the protection devices of the pipelines. In this study, a numerical approach is put forward to simulate the potential distribution in gas pipeline, which is regarded as long grounding system with insulating coating on the grounding conductor. The main cathodic protection methods for the pipeline are also modelled. The approach is validated by the experiment on a reduced‐scale model. With this approach, the effectiveness of the measures to reduce the electrode potential distribution along the pipelines is analysed.
Gyrator wavelet transform
Authors: Mehra Isha , Fatima Areeba , Nishchal Naveen K.
Published: November 2017

The gyrator transform is a linear canonical transform, which generates the rotation of an optical signal in position‐spatial frequency planes. Gyrator wavelet transform is a relatively newer optical information processing tool obtained by combining the gyrator transform with the wavelet transform. This combination provides multi‐resolution analysis of an image which is twisted in spatial frequency planes. The proposed tool satisfies basic algebraic properties, such as the linearity property and Parseval's theorem. Considering the usefulness of this tool, here a study of features, applications, and implementation of the gyrator wavelet transform is presented. This work studies the features of the gyrator wavelet transform, which can find a role in different applications such as edge enhancement, image encryption, image hiding, and watermarking.