bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millet manuring as a driving force for the Late Neolithic agricultural expansion of north China
Authors: Wang Xin , Fuller Benjamin T. , Zhang Pengcheng , Hu Songmei , Hu Yaowu , Shang Xue
Published: March 2018

Research in to the nature of Neolithic agriculture in China is often focused on topics such as the domestication and spread of cereal crops and the reconstruction of human and animal diets in the past. Field management practices, such as organic manuring, have not been systematically investigated in Chinese archaeology. Here we present an isotopic dataset for archaeological foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and common millet (Panicum miliaceum) grains as well as associated faunal remains (both domesticated and wild) from seven sites in the Baishui Valley of north China, in order to find direct evidence of organic manuring during the Late Neolithic period. The elevated nitrogen isotope values of the millet grains (5500-3500 cal BP) in comparison with the estimated local vegetation indicates that millets were organically manured by animal dung, mostly likely originating from domestic pigs. Considering the low nitrogen contents of loess soils and their unsuitability for intensive cultivation, this organic manuring by animal dung would have played a key role in maintaining soil productivity and crop yield, which was necessary to support the demands of agriculture and cultural expansion during the Late Neolithic on the Loess Plateau of China.
Author Correction: Midgut bacteria in deltamethrin-resistant, deltamethrin-susceptible, and field-caught populations of Plutella xylostella, and phenomics of the predominant midgut bacterium Enterococcus mundtii
Authors: Li Wenhong , Jin Daochao , Shi Caihua , Li Fengliang
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Genetic homogeneity of the invasive lionfish across the Northwestern Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Pérez-Portela R. , Bumford A. , Coffman B. , Wedelich S. , Davenport M. , Fogg A. , Swenarton M. K. , Coleman F. , Johnston M. A. , Crawford D. L. , Oleksiak M. F.
Published: March 2018

Despite the devastating impact of the lionfish (Pterois volitans) invasion on NW Atlantic ecosystems, little genetic information about the invasion process is available. We applied Genotyping by Sequencing techniques to identify 1,220 single nucleotide polymorphic sites (SNPs) from 162 lionfish samples collected between 2013 and 2015 from two areas chronologically identified as the first and last invaded areas in US waters: the east coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. We used population genomic analyses, including phylogenetic reconstruction, Bayesian clustering, genetic distances, Discriminant Analyses of Principal Components, and coalescence simulations for detection of outlier SNPs, to understand genetic trends relevant to the lionfish’s long-term persistence. We found no significant differences in genetic structure or diversity between the two areas (FSTp-values > 0.01, and t-test p-values > 0.05). In fact, our genomic analyses showed genetic homogeneity, with enough gene flow between the east coast of Florida and Gulf of Mexico to erase previous signals of genetic divergence detected between these areas, secondary spreading, and bottlenecks in the Gulf of Mexico. These findings suggest rapid genetic changes over space and time during the invasion, resulting in one panmictic population with no signs of divergence between areas due to local adaptation.
Galantamine anti-colitic effect: Role of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in modulating Jak/STAT3, NF-κB/HMGB1/RAGE and p-AKT/Bcl-2 pathways
Authors: Wazea Shakeeb A. , Wadie Walaa , Bahgat Ashraf K. , El-Abhar Hanan S.
Published: March 2018

Vagal stimulation controls systemic inflammation and modulates the immune response in different inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The released acetylcholine binds to alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. This provides a new range of potential therapeutic approaches for controlling inflammatory responses. The present study aimed to assess whether galantamine (Galan) anti-inflammatory action involves α7 nAChR in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) model of colitis and to estimate its possible molecular pathways. Rats were assigned into normal, TNBS, sulfasalazine (Sulfz), Galan treated (10 mg/kg), methyllycaconitine (MLA; 5.6 mg/kg), and MLA + Galan groups. Drugs were administered orally once per day (11 days) and colitis was induced on the 8thday. Galan reduced the TNBS-induced ulceration, colon mass index, colonic MDA, neutrophils adhesion and infiltration (ICAM-1/MPO), inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, TNF-α, HMGB1, and RAGE), while increased the anti-apoptotic pathway (p-Akt/Bcl-2). Mechanistic study revealed that Galan increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, phosphorylated Jak2, while reduced the inflammation controller SOCS3. However, combining MLA with Galan abrogated the beneficial anti-inflammatory/anti-apoptotic signals. The results of the present study indicate that Galan anti-inflammatory/-apoptotic/ -oxidant effects originate from the stimulation of the peripheral α7 nAChR, with the involvement of the Jak2/SOCS3 signaling pathway.
Abrupt Climate Change in an Oscillating World
Authors: Bathiany S. , Scheffer M. , van Nes E. H. , Williamson M. S. , Lenton T. M.
Published: March 2018

The notion that small changes can have large consequences in the climate or ecosystems has become popular as the concept of tipping points. Typically, tipping points are thought to arise from a loss of stability of an equilibrium when external conditions are slowly varied. However, this appealingly simple view puts us on the wrong foot for understanding a range of abrupt transitions in the climate or ecosystems because complex environmental systems are never in equilibrium. In particular, they are forced by diurnal variations, the seasons, Milankovitch cycles and internal climate oscillations. Here we show how abrupt and sometimes even irreversible change may be evoked by even small shifts in the amplitude or time scale of such environmental oscillations. By using model simulations and reconciling evidence from previous studies we illustrate how these phenomena can be relevant for ecosystems and elements of the climate system including terrestrial ecosystems, Arctic sea ice and monsoons. Although the systems we address are very different and span a broad range of time scales, the phenomena can be understood in a common framework that can help clarify and unify the interpretation of abrupt shifts in the Earth system.
Comparison of the Biological Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from the Human Placenta and Umbilical Cord
Authors: Wu Mingjun , Zhang Ruifan , Zou Qing , Chen Yaoyao , Zhou Min , Li Xingjie , Ran Ran , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2018

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) derived from placental tissue show great therapeutic potential and have been used in medical treatment, but the similarity and differences between the MSCs derived from various parts of the placenta remain unclear. In this study, we compared MSCs derived from different perinatal tissues, including the umbilical cord (UC), amniotic membrane (AM), chorionic plate (CP) and decidua parietalis (DP). Using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing and karyotype analysis, we found that the first three cell types were derived from the foetus, while the MSCs from the decidua parietalis were derived from the maternal portion of the placental tissue. Our results indicate that both foetal and maternal MSCs share a similar phenotype and multi-lineage differentiation potential, but foetal MSCs show a significantly higher expansion capacity than do maternal MSCs. Furthermore, MSCs from all sources showed significant differences in the levels of several paracrine factors.
Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-3689 reduces vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus persistence and promotes Bacteroidetes resilience in the gut following antibiotic challenge
Authors: Crouzet Laureen , Derrien Muriel , Cherbuy Claire , Plancade Sandra , Foulon Mélanie , Chalin Benjamin , van Hylckama Vlieg Johan E. T. , Grompone Gianfranco , Rigottier-Gois Lionel , Serror Pascale
Published: March 2018

Enterococci, in particular vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), are a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Promoting intestinal resistance against enterococci could reduce the risk of VRE infections. We investigated the effects of two Lactobacillus strains to prevent intestinal VRE. We used an intestinal colonisation mouse model based on an antibiotic-induced microbiota dysbiosis to mimic enterococci overgrowth and VRE persistence. Each Lactobacillus spp. was administered daily to mice starting one week before antibiotic treatment until two weeks after antibiotic and VRE inoculation. Of the two strains, Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-3689 decreased significantly VRE numbers in the feces demonstrating an improvement of the reduction of VRE. Longitudinal microbiota analysis showed that supplementation with L. paracasei CNCM I-3689 was associated with a better recovery of members of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Bile salt analysis and expression analysis of selected host genes revealed increased level of lithocholate and of ileal expression of camp (human LL-37) upon L. paracasei CNCM I-3689 supplementation. Although a direct effect of L. paracasei CNCM I-3689 on the VRE reduction was not ruled out, our data provide clues to possible anti-VRE mechanisms supporting an indirect anti-VRE effect through the gut microbiota. This work sustains non-antibiotic strategies against opportunistic enterococci after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis.
Landau-Zener-Stückelberg interference in coherent charge oscillations of a one-electron double quantum dot
Authors: Ota Takeshi , Hitachi Kenichi , Muraki Koji
Published: March 2018

Landau-Zener (LZ) transition has received renewed interest as an alternative approach to control single-qubit states. An LZ transition occurs when a system passes through an avoided crossing that arises from quantum mechanical coupling of two levels, taking the system to a coherent superposition of the two states. Then, multiple LZ transitions induce interference known as Landau-Zener-Stückelberg (LZS) interference whose amplitude strongly depends on the velocity or adiabaticity of the passage. Here, we study the roles of LZ transitions and LZS interference in coherent charge oscillations of a one-electron semiconductor double quantum dot by time-domain experiments using standard rectangular voltage pulses. By employing density matrix simulations, we show that, in the standard setup using rectangular pulses, even a small distortion of the pulse can give rise to LZ transitions and hence LZS interference, which significantly enhances the measured oscillation amplitude. We further show experimentally that the nature of the coherent charge oscillations changes from Rabi-type to LZS oscillations with increasing pulse distortion. Our results thus demonstrate that it is essential to take into account LZS interference for both precise control of charge qubits and correct interpretation of measurement results.
Adaptive nodes enrich nonlinear cooperative learning beyond traditional adaptation by links
Authors: Sardi Shira , Vardi Roni , Goldental Amir , Sheinin Anton , Uzan Herut , Kanter Ido
Published: March 2018

Physical models typically assume time-independent interactions, whereas neural networks and machine learning incorporate interactions that function as adjustable parameters. Here we demonstrate a new type of abundant cooperative nonlinear dynamics where learning is attributed solely to the nodes, instead of the network links which their number is significantly larger. The nodal, neuronal, fast adaptation follows its relative anisotropic (dendritic) input timings, as indicated experimentally, similarly to the slow learning mechanism currently attributed to the links, synapses. It represents a non-local learning rule, where effectively many incoming links to a node concurrently undergo the same adaptation. The network dynamics is now counterintuitively governed by the weak links, which previously were assumed to be insignificant. This cooperative nonlinear dynamic adaptation presents a self-controlled mechanism to prevent divergence or vanishing of the learning parameters, as opposed to learning by links, and also supports self-oscillations of the effective learning parameters. It hints on a hierarchical computational complexity of nodes, following their number of anisotropic inputs and opens new horizons for advanced deep learning algorithms and artificial intelligence based applications, as well as a new mechanism for enhanced and fast learning by neural networks.
Evaluating the efficacy of a landscape scale feral cat control program using camera traps and occupancy models
Authors: Comer Sarah , Speldewinde Peter , Tiller Cameron , Clausen Lucy , Pinder Jeff , Cowen Saul , Algar Dave
Published: March 2018

The impact of introduced predators is a major factor limiting survivorship and recruitment of many native Australian species. In particular, the feral cat and red fox have been implicated in range reductions and population declines of many conservation dependent species across Australia, including ground-nesting birds and small to medium-sized mammals. The impact of predation by feral cats since their introduction some 200 years ago has altered the structure of native fauna communities and led to the development of landscape-scale threat abatement via baiting programs with the feral cat bait, Eradicat. Demonstrating the effectiveness of broad-scale programs is essential for managers to fine tune delivery and timing of baiting. Efficacy of feral cat baiting at the Fortescue Marsh in the Pilbara, Western Australia was tested using camera traps and occupancy models. There was a significant decrease in probability of site occupancy in baited sites in each of the five years of this study, demonstrating both the effectiveness of aerial baiting for landscape-scale removal of feral cats, and the validity of camera trap monitoring techniques for detecting changes in feral cat occupancy during a five-year baiting program.
Predicting Urban Reservoir Levels Using Statistical Learning Techniques
Authors: Obringer Renee , Nateghi Roshanak
Published: March 2018

Urban water supplies are critical to the growth of the city and the wellbeing of its citizens. However, these supplies can be vulnerable to hydrological extremes, such as droughts and floods, especially if they are the main source of water for the city. Maintaining these supplies and preparing for future conditions is a crucial task for water managers, but predicting hydrological extremes is a challenge. This study tested the abilities of eight statistical learning techniques to predict reservoir levels, given the current hydroclimatic conditions, and provide inferences on the key predictors of reservoir levels. The results showed that random forest, an ensemble, tree-based method, was the best algorithm for predicting reservoir levels. We initially developed the models using Lake Sidney Lanier (Atlanta, Georgia) as the test site; however, further analysis demonstrated that the model based on the random forest algorithm was transferable to other reservoirs, specifically Eagle Creek (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Lake Travis (Austin, Texas). Additionally, we found that although each reservoir was impacted differently, streamflow, city population, and El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index were repeatedly among the most important predictors. These are critical variables which can be used by water managers to recognize the potential for reservoir level changes.
Direct antiviral properties of TLR ligands against HBV replication in immune-competent hepatocytes
Authors: Lucifora Julie , Bonnin Marc , Aillot Ludovic , Fusil Floriane , Maadadi Sarah , Dimier Laura , Michelet Maud , Floriot Océane , Ollivier Anaïs , Rivoire Michel , Ait-Goughoulte Malika , Daffis Stéphane , Fletcher Simon P. , Salvetti Anna , Cosset François-Loïc , Zoulim Fabien , Durantel David
Published: March 2018

Current therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are effective at decreasing the viral load in serum, but do not lead to viral eradication. Recent studies highlighted the therapeutic or “adjuvant” potential of immune-modulators. Our aim was to explore the direct anti-HBV effect of Toll-Like-Receptors (TLR) agonists in hepatocytes. HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHH) or differentiated HepaRG cells (dHepaRG) were treated with various TLR agonists. Amongst all TLR ligands tested, Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2-ligand) and poly(I:C)-(HMW) (TLR3/MDA5-ligand) were the best at reducing all HBV parameters. No or little viral rebound was observed after treatment arrest, implying a long-lasting effect on cccDNA. We also tested Riboxxol that features improved TLR3 specificity compared to poly(I:C)-(HMW). This agonist demonstrated a potent antiviral effect in HBV-infected PHH. Whereas, poly(I:C)-(HMW) and Pam3CSK4 mainly induced the expression of classical genes from the interferon or NF-κB pathway respectively, Riboxxol had a mixed phenotype. Moreover, TLR2 and TLR3 ligands can activate hepatocytes and immune cells, as demonstrated by antiviral cytokines produced by stimulated hepatocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In conclusion, our data highlight the potential of innate immunity activation in the direct control of HBV replication in hepatocytes, and support the development of TLR-based antiviral strategies.
Analysis of protein structure changes and quality regulation of surimi during gelation based on infrared spectroscopy and microscopic imaging
Authors: Wei Wei , Hu Wei , Zhang Xian-Yi , Zhang Feng-Ping , Sun Su-Qin , Liu Yuan , Xu Chang-Hua
Published: March 2018

A developed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to investigate changes of protein conformation, which played significant roles in maintaining stable protein networks of white croaker surimi gel, exploring the relationship between protein conformation and surimi gel networks. Spectra of surimi and gels with different grades (A, AA, FA and SA) were analyzed by tri-step FT-IR method and peak-fitting of deconvolved and baseline corrected amide I bands (1600~1700 cm−1). The result showed that α-helix was the main conformation of surimi proteins. During surimi gelation, α-helix of myosin partially transformed into β-sheet, β-turn and random coil structures. β-sheet and random coil structures were the main protein conformations maintaining the structure of surimi gel, of which β-sheet made the main contribution to gel strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) result revealed that surimi gels had a fibrous and homogeneous network structure. Moreover, ordered interconnections between three-dimensional proteins networks of gels were inclined to emerge in higher grade surimi, in agreement with the gel strength results. It was demonstrated that the tri-step FT-IR spectroscopy combined with peak-fitting could be applicable for exploration of surimi protein conformation changes during gelation to deepen understanding of its effect on gel quality.
Identification of The Aberrantly Expressed LncRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bioinformatics Analysis Based on RNA-sequencing
Authors: Liao Hao-Tian , Huang Ji-Wei , Lan Tian , Wang Jin-Ju , Zhu Bo , Yuan Ke-Fei , Zeng Yong
Published: March 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent subtypes of liver cancer worldwide. LncRNAs have been demonstrated to be associated with the progression of HCC, but a systematic identification and characterization of their clinical roles and molecular mechanisms in HCC has not been conducted. In this study, the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in HCC tissues were analyzed based on TCGA RNA-seq data. 1162 lncRNAs were found to be aberrantly expressed in HCC tissues, including 232 down-regulated lncRNAs and 930 up-regulated lncRNAs. The top 5 lncRNAs with the highest diagnostic accuracy were further analyzed to evaluate their clinical value and potential mechanism in HCC. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that higher expressions of DDX11-AS1 and AC092171.4 were in correlation with poorer survival in HCC patients. Significant difference was also observed when comparing the expression levels of DDX11-AS1 and SFTA1P in different clinical parameters (p < 0.05). GO analysis showed that genes regulated by the 5 lncRNAs were enriched in certain pathways, such as PI3K pathway. Moreover, GSEA analysis on the expression of DDX11-AS1 showed that DDX11-AS1 affected the gene expressions involved in HCC proliferation, differentiation and cell cycle, indicating an essential role of DDX11-AS1 in hepatocarcinogenesis.
A multi-step transcriptional cascade underlies vascular regeneration in vivo
Authors: Shirali Aditya S. , Romay Milagros C. , McDonald Austin I. , Su Trent , Steel Michelle E. , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa
Published: March 2018

The molecular mechanisms underlying vascular regeneration and repair are largely unknown. To gain insight into this process, we developed a method of intima denudation, characterized the progression of endothelial healing, and performed transcriptome analysis over time. Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNAseq) provided a quantitative and unbiased gene expression profile during in vivo regeneration following denudation injury. Our data indicate that shortly after injury, cells immediately adjacent to the wound mount a robust and rapid response with upregulation of genes like Jun, Fos, Myc, as well as cell adhesion genes. This was quickly followed by a wave of proliferative genes. After completion of endothelial healing a vigorous array of extracellular matrix transcripts were upregulated. Gene ontology enrichment and protein network analysis were used to identify transcriptional profiles over time. Further data mining revealed four distinct stages of regeneration: shock, proliferation, acclimation, and maturation. The transcriptional signature of those stages provides insight into the regenerative machinery responsible for arterial repair under normal physiologic conditions.
Outer membrane vesicles from β-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli enable the survival of β-lactam-susceptible E. coli in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Kim Si Won , Park Seong Bin , Im Se Pyeong , Lee Jung Seok , Jung Jae Wook , Gong Tae Won , Lazarte Jassy Mary S. , Kim Jaesung , Seo Jong-Su , Kim Jong-Hwan , Song Jong-Wook , Jung Hyun Suk , Kim Gwang Joong , Lee Young Ju , Lim Suk-Kyung , Jung Tae Sung
Published: March 2018

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) containing various bacterial compounds are released from mainly gram-negative bacteria. Secreted OMVs play important roles in the ability of a bacterium to defend itself, and thus contribute to the survival of bacteria in a community. In this study, we collected OMVs from β-lactam antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli established by conjugation assay and the parental β-lactam antibiotic-susceptible strain, and performed comparative proteomic analysis to examine whether these OMVs carried β-lactam-resistant compounds. We also investigated whether both types of OMVs could protect susceptible cells from β-lactam-induced death and/or directly degrade β-lactam antibiotics. Several proteins that can be involved in degrading β-lactam antibiotics were more abundant in OMVs from β-lactam-resistant E. coli, and thus OMVs from β-lactam resistant E. coli could directly and dose-dependently degrade β-lactam antibiotics and fully rescue β-lactam-susceptible E. coli and other bacterial species from β-lactam antibiotic-induced growth inhibition. Taken together, present study demonstrate that OMVs from β-lactam-resistant E. coli play important roles in survival of antibiotic susceptible bacteria against β-lactam antibiotics. This finding may pave the way for new efforts to combat the current global spread of antibiotic resistances, which is considered to be a significant public health threat.
Hybridization and differential introgression associated with environmental shifts in a mistletoe species complex
Authors: Baena-Díaz Fernanda , Ramírez-Barahona Santiago , Ornelas Juan Francisco
Published: March 2018

Host specialization after host shifting is traditionally viewed as the pathway to speciation in parasitic plants. However, geographical and environmental changes can also influence parasite speciation, through hybridization processes. Here we investigated the impact of past climatic fluctuations, environment, and host shifts on the genetic structure and patterns of hybridization and gene flow betweenPsittacanthus calyculatusandP.schiedeanus, a Mesoamerican species complex. Using microsatellites (408 individuals), we document moderate genetic diversity but high genetic differentiation between widespread parental clusters,calyculatusin dry pine-oak forests andschiedeanusin cloud forests. Bayesian analyses identified a third cluster, with admixture between parental clusters in areas of xeric and tropical dry forests and high levels of migration rates following secondary contact. Coincidently host associations in these areas differ from those in areas of parental species, suggesting that past hybridization played a role in environmental and host shifts. Overall, the observed genetic and geographic patterns suggest that thesePsittacanthuspopulations could have entered a distinct evolutionary pathway. The results provide evidence for highlights on the importance of the Pleistocene climate changes, habitat differences, and potential host shifts in the evolutionary history of Neotropical mistletoes.
Lentiviral vector delivery of short hairpin RNA to NgR1 promotes nerve regeneration and locomotor recovery in injured rat spinal cord
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyang , Peng Zhiming , Long Lingli , Chen Ningning , Zheng Haichong , Deng David Y. B. , Wan Yong
Published: March 2018

Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) is a high-affinity receptor of myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs), and suppresses neurogenesis. Lentiviral vector are commonly used to alter the expression of targeted genes. However, little is known about the potential function of lentiviral vector harboring NgR1 shRNA (LV-NgR1 shRNA) on neurogenesis in spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, the rats were randomly divided into three groups: including the LN (LV-NgR1 shRNA injection), LC (LV-control shRNA injection) and Sham (laminectomy only). Eight weeks post-injection of LV, spinal cords were examined by histology for changes in cavity size and by immunohistochemistry for changes in expression of NgR1, cell apoptosis, astrocytes, neurons and myelination. Motor function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale. Animals that received LV-NgR1 shRNA remarkably improved the motor function. These animals also showed an increase in levels of nerve fibers, synapses and myelination, a decrease in levels of lesion cavity and cell apoptosis at 8 weeks post-treatment. These findings give evidence that NgR1 may be a promising target for SCI treatment.
A statistical method for analyzing and comparing spatiotemporal cortical activation patterns
Authors: Krauss Patrick , Metzner Claus , Schilling Achim , Tziridis Konstantin , Traxdorf Maximilian , Wollbrink Andreas , Rampp Stefan , Pantev Christo , Schulze Holger
Published: March 2018

Information in the cortex is encoded in spatiotemporal patterns of neuronal activity, but the exact nature of that code still remains elusive. While onset responses to simple stimuli are associated with specific loci in cortical sensory maps, it is completely unclear how the information about a sustained stimulus is encoded that is perceived for minutes or even longer, when discharge rates have decayed back to spontaneous levels. Using a newly developed statistical approach (multidimensional cluster statistics (MCS)) that allows for a comparison of clusters of data points in n-dimensional space, we here demonstrate that the information about long-lasting stimuli is encoded in the ongoing spatiotemporal activity patterns in sensory cortex. We successfully apply MCS to multichannel local field potential recordings in different rodent models and sensory modalities, as well as to human MEG and EEG data, demonstrating its universal applicability. MCS thus indicates novel ways for the development of powerful read-out algorithms of spatiotemporal brain activity that may be implemented in innovative brain-computer interfaces (BCI).
Analysis of the CaMKIIα and β splice-variant distribution among brain regions reveals isoform-specific differences in holoenzyme formation
Authors: Cook Sarah G. , Bourke Ashley M. , O’Leary Heather , Zaegel Vincent , Lasda Erika , Mize-Berge Janna , Quillinan Nidia , Tucker Chandra L. , Coultrap Steven J. , Herson Paco S. , Bayer K. Ulrich
Published: March 2018

Four CaMKII isoforms are encoded by distinct genes, and alternative splicing within the variable linker-region generates additional diversity. The α and β isoforms are largely brain-specific, where they mediate synaptic functions underlying learning, memory and cognition. Here, we determined the α and β splice-variant distribution among different mouse brain regions. Surprisingly, the nuclear variant αB was detected in all regions, and even dominated in hypothalamus and brain stem. For CaMKIIβ, the full-length variant dominated in most regions (with higher amounts of minor variants again seen in hypothalamus and brain stem). The mammalian but not fish CaMKIIβ gene lacks exon v3N that encodes the nuclear localization signal in αB, but contains three exons not found in the CaMKIIα gene (exons v1, v4, v5). While skipping of exons v1 and/or v5 generated the minor splice-variants β’, βe and βe’, essentially all transcripts contained exon v4. However, we instead detected another minor splice-variant (now termed βH), which lacks part of the hub domain that mediates formation of CaMKII holoenzymes. Surprisingly, in an optogenetic cellular assay of protein interactions, CaMKIIβH was impaired for binding to the β hub domain, but still bound CaMKIIα. This provides the first indication for isoform-specific differences in holoenzyme formation.
GLYI and D-LDH play key role in methylglyoxal detoxification and abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Jain Muskan , Nagar Preeti , Sharma Ayush , Batth Rituraj , Aggarwal Sakshi , Kumari Sumita , Mustafiz Ananda
Published: March 2018

Methylglyoxal(MG) is a potent cytotoxin that is produced as a byproduct of various metabolic reactions in the cell. The major enzymes for MG detoxification are Glyoxalase I(GLYI), Glyoxalase II(GLYII) and D-lactate dehydrogenase(D-LDH). These three enzymes work together and convert MG into D-pyruvate, which directly goes to TCA cycle. Here, a comparative study of the ability of MG detoxification of these three enzymes has been done in both E. coli and yeast. Ectopic expression of these three genes from Arabidopsis in E. coli in presence of different abiotic stress revealed the contribution of each of these genes in detoxifying MG. Yeast mutants of MG detoxification enzymes were also grown in different stress conditions to record the effect of each gene. These mutants were also used for complementation assays using the respective MG detoxifying genes from Arabidopsis in presence of various stress conditions. The MG content and the corresponding growth of cells was measured in all the bacterial as well as yeast strains. This study reveals differential contribution of MG detoxification enzymes in mitigating MG levels and alleviating stress in both prokaryotes as well as eukaryotes. GLYI and D-LDH were found to be key enzymes in MG detoxification under various abiotic stresses.
A water-based green approach to large-scale production of aqueous compatible graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Ding Ji-Heng , Zhao Hong-Ran , Yu Hai-Bin
Published: March 2018

The unique properties of graphene are highly desired for printing electronics, coatings, energy storage, separation membranes, biomedicine, and composites. However, the high efficiency exfoliation of graphene into single- or few-layered nanoplates remains a grand challenge and becomes the bottleneck in essential studies and applications of graphene. Here, we report a scalable and green method to exfoliate graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) from nature graphite in pure water without using any chemicals or surfactants. The essence of this strategy lies in the facile liquid exfoliation route with the assistance of vapor pretreatment for the preparation of edge hydroxylated graphene. The produced graphene consisted primarily of fewer than ten atomic layers. Such the water soluble graphene can be stored in the form of dispersion (~0.55 g L−1) or filter cake for more than 6 months without the risk of re-stacking. This method paves the way for the environmentally friendly and cost-effective production of graphene-based materials.
Numerical simulations of the effects of regional topography on haze pollution in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Ziyin , Xu Xiangde , Qiao Lin , Gong Daoyi , Kim Seong-Joong , Wang Yinjun , Mao Rui
Published: March 2018

In addition to weather conditions and pollutant emissions, the degree to which topography influences the occurrence and development of haze pollution in downtown Beijing and the mechanisms that may be involved remain open questions. A series of atmospheric chemistry simulations are executed by using the online-coupled Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model for November-December 2015 with different hypothetical topographic height scenarios. The simulation results show that topography exerts an important influence on haze pollution in downtown Beijing, particularly the typical development of haze pollution. A possible mechanism that underlies the response of haze pollution to topography is that the mountains that surround Beijing tend to produce anomalous southerly winds, high relative humidity, low boundary layer heights, and sinking motion over most of Beijing. These conditions favor the formation and development of haze pollution in downtown Beijing. Furthermore, the reduction percentage in PM2.5 concentrations due to reduced terrain height in the southerly wind (S) mode is almost three times larger than that in the northerly wind (N) mode. In the context of the regional topography, the simple S and N modes represent useful indicators for haze prediction in Beijing to some extent, especially over medium to long time scales.
Engineered optical and electrical performance of rf–sputtered undoped nickel oxide thin films for inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lee Hyeonseok , Huang Yu-Ting , Horn Mark W. , Feng Shien-Ping
Published: March 2018

Inverted perovskite solar cells incorporating RF sputtered NiO thin films as a hole transport layer and window layer are demonstrated. The electrical and optical properties of the NiO thin films are engineered using varied sputtering conditions. The localized states within bandgap owing to its crystal disorder and nonstoichiometric features affect the transmittance and the optical bandgap of the NiO thin films which in turn influences the Jsc of the perovskite solar cells. In addition, the electrical properties of the NiO thin films can be also varied during sputtering condition affecting the concentration of nickel vacancies and the resulting hole concentration. The conductivity largely originates from the hole concentration relating to the density of states in the NiO thin films which influence the fill factor (FF) of the solar cells. The solar cells fabricated with the NiO thin films made at 4 Pa of deposition pressure show highest performance owing to excellent transmittance and wider bandgap along with moderate conductivity. With further optimization, the perovskite solar cells exhibit ~20 mA/cm2 of Jsc and a 12.4% PCE (11.3% of averaged PCE).
Rapid evaluation of seed vigor by the absolute content of protein in seed within the same crop
Authors: Wen Daxing , Hou Hongcun , Meng Aiju , Meng Jie , Xie Liuyong , Zhang Chunqing
Published: March 2018

Seed vigor, an important index of seed quality, determines the potential for rapid and uniform emergence of plants. The objective of this study was to explore a rapid method for evaluating seed vigor. To analyze the correlation of seed traits and seedling traits related to seed vigor, we designed five experiments including nitrogen fertilizer, irrigation and seed sorting treatments in wheat. The results showed that only the absolute content of protein (ACP) in wheat seed was significantly correlated with plant dry weight in five experiments. Subsequently, another experiment including 30 wheat seed lots was used to validate the above results. Although 100-grain weight was also correlated with plant dry weight (R = 0.799, p < 0.01), the correlation coefficient was lower than that between ACP in seed and plant dry weight (R = 0.897, p < 0.01). Moreover, the results of three experiments using maize seeds was similar with above. The relative content of protein in seed detected by near-infrared spectrum combining with seed weight could realize rapid and nondestructive testing ACP in seed. Collectively, ACP in crop seed could be applied in rapid evaluation of seed vigor and could potentially be used for processing and screening high vigor seeds.
Preventive Effect of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound against Experimental Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Apoptosis Reduction and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Induction
Authors: Chen Chang-Mu , Wu Cheng-Tien , Yang Ting-Hua , Liu Shing-Hwa , Yang Feng-Yi
Published: March 2018

Stroke is known as the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Development of effectively neuroprotective or preventive strategies for ischemia stroke is imperative. For the purpose of stroke prevention, we tested the neuroprotective effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on ischemic stroke. Adult C57BL/6 mice were used to daily treatment with LIPUS for 5 days on left hemisphere before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the protein expressions of signaling molecules. Pretreatment with LIPUS significantly ameliorated the brain ischemic damage, including the reduction of neurological deficit score, infarct area, histopathological score, and showed a better performance in neurological and behavior functions. LIPUS pretreatment could also significantly decrease the neuronal cell apoptosis and upregulation of apoptosis-related signaling molecules and downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain tissues of MCAO-treated mice. Furthermore, LIPUS significantly prevented the decreased cell viability, the increased caspase-3 cleavage, and the decreased BDNF expression in ischemia/reperfusion-treated microglial cells. These results demonstrate that LIPUS effectively prevented the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through apoptosis reduction and BDNF induction in a MCAO mouse model. The neuroprotective potential of LIPUS may provide a novel preventive strategy for ischemic stroke in high-risk patients.
Real-time Detection and Monitoring of Loop Mediated Amplification (LAMP) Reaction Using Self-quenching and De-quenching Fluorogenic Probes
Authors: Gadkar Vijay J. , Goldfarb David M. , Gantt Soren , Tilley Peter A. G.
Published: March 2018

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification (iNAAT) technique known for its simplicity, sensitivity and speed. Its low-cost feature has resulted in its wide scale application, especially in low resource settings. The major disadvantage of LAMP is its heavy reliance on indirect detection methods like turbidity and non-specific dyes, which often leads to the detection of false positive results. In the present work, we have developed a direct detection approach, whereby a labelled loop probe quenched in its unbound state, fluoresces only when bound to its target (amplicon). Henceforth, referred to as Fluorescence of Loop Primer Upon Self Dequenching-LAMP (FLOS-LAMP), it allows for the sequence-specific detection of LAMP amplicons. The FLOS-LAMP concept was validated for rapid detection of the human pathogen, Varicella-zoster virus, from clinical samples. The FLOS-LAMP had a limit of detection of 500 copies of the target with a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 96.8% and 100%, respectively. The high level of specificity is a major advance and solves one of the main shortcomings of the LAMP technology, i.e. false positives. Self-quenching/de-quenching probes were further used with other LAMP primer sets and different fluorophores, thereby demonstrating its versatility and adaptability.
Development and application of new composite grouting material for sealing groundwater inflow and reinforcing wall rock in deep mine
Authors: Jinpeng Zhang , Limin Liu , Futao Zhang , Junzhi Cao
Published: March 2018

With cement, bentonite, water glass, J85 accelerator, retarder and water as raw materials, a new composite grouting material used to seal groundwater inflow and reinforce wall rock in deep fractured rock mass was developed in this paper. Based on the reaction mechanism of raw material, the pumpable time, stone rate, initial setting time, plastic strength and unconfined compressive strength of multi-group proportion grouts were tested by orthogonal experiment. Then, the optimum proportion of composite grouting material was selected and applied to the grouting engineering for sealing groundwater inflow and reinforcing wall rock in mine shaft lining. The results show the mixing proportion of the maximum pumpable time, maximum stone rate and minimum initial setting time of grout are AK4BK1CK4DK2, AK3BK1CK1DK4 and AK3BK3CK4DK1, respectively. The mixing proportion of the maximum plastic strength and unconfined compressive strength of grouts concretion bodies are AK1BK1CK1DK3 and AK1BK1CK1DK1, respectively. Balanced the above 5 indicators overall and determined the optimum proportion of grouts: bentonite-cement ratio of 1.0, water-solid ratio of 3.5, accelerator content of 2.9% and retarder content of 1.45%. This new composite grouting material had good effect on the grouting engineering for sealing groundwater inflow and reinforcing wall rock in deep fractured rock mass.
Phosphorous fertilization alleviates drought effects on Alnus cremastogyne by regulating its antioxidant and osmotic potential
Authors: Tariq Akash , Pan Kaiwen , Olatunji Olusanya Abiodun , Graciano Corina , Li Zilong , Sun Feng , Zhang Lin , Wu Xiaogang , Chen Wenkai , Song Dagang , Huang Dan , Xue Tan , Zhang Aiping
Published: March 2018

Alnus cremastogyne, a broad-leaved tree endemic to south-western China, has both commercial and restoration importance. However, little is known of its morphological, physiological and biochemical responses to drought and phosphorous (P) application. A randomized experimental design was used to investigate how drought affected A. cremastogyne seedlings, and the role that P applications play in these responses. Drought had significant negative effects on A. cremastogyne growth and metabolism, as revealed by reduced biomass (leaf, shoot and root), leaf area, stem diameter, plant height, photosynthetic rate, leaf relative water content, and photosynthetic pigments, and a weakened antioxidative defence mechanism and high lipid peroxidation level. However, the reduced leaf area and enhanced osmolyte (proline and soluble sugars) accumulation suggests drought avoidance and tolerance strategies in this tree. Applying P significantly improved the leaf relative water content and photosynthetic rate of drought-stressed seedlings, which may reflect increased anti-oxidative enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) activities, osmolyte accumulation, soluble proteins, and decreased lipid peroxidation levels. However, P had only a slight or negligible effect on the well-watered plants. A. cremastogyne is sensitive to drought stress, but P facilitates and improves its metabolism primarily via biochemical and physiological rather than morphological adjustments, regardless of water availability.
Comment on “Isomerization of the methoxy radical revisited: the impact of water dimers” by B. Bandyopadhyay et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 27728 and “Isomerization of methoxy radical in the troposphere: competition between acidic, neutral and basic catalysts” by P. Kumar, B. Bandyopadhyay et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 278
Authors: Dibble Theodore S.
Published: March 2018

Isomerization would be unimportant even if it was not slow.
Micropassage-embedding composite hydrogel fibers enable quantitative evaluation of cancer cell invasion under 3D coculture conditions
Authors: Sugimoto Manami , Kitagawa Yoichi , Yamada Masumi , Yajima Yuya , Utoh Rie , Seki Minoru
Published: March 2018

A new system for quantitatively evaluating cancer cell invasion in a three-dimensional environment was developed using composite hydrogel microfibers having a micropassage.
Catalytic synthesis of 3-aminooxindoles via addition to isatin imine: an update
Authors: Kaur Jasneet , Chimni Swapandeep Singh
Published: March 2018

3-Substituted-3-aminooxindoles have attracted the attention of organic chemist to develop different synthetic methodologies for their synthesis using catalysts. This review covers the recent developments.
Telomerase activity detection in cancer cellsviaprimer extension-mediated fluorescence enhancement of silver nanoclusters
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Wenxiang , Yang Desong , Wu Jie , Zhang Baihua , Wu Zhining , Tang Jinming
Published: March 2018

Telomerase activity was detected based on primer extension-mediated fluorescence enhancement of silver nanoclusters.
Synthesis, characterization and properties of a glycol-coordinated ε-Keggin-type Al13 chloride
Authors: Gu Bin , Sun Chenglin , Fettinger James C. , Casey William H. , Dikhtiarenko Alla , Gascon Jorge , Koichumanova Kamila , Babu Sai Sankar Gupta Karthick , Jan Heeres Hero , He Songbo
Published: March 2018

Crystals of glycol-coordinated ε-Al13 ions were isolated for the first time as chloride salts.
Hyperpolarized long-lived nuclear spin states in monodeuterated methyl groups
Authors: Elliott Stuart J. , Meier Benno , Vuichoud Basile , Stevanato Gabriele , Brown Lynda J. , Alonso-Valdesueiro Javier , Emsley Lyndon , Jannin Sami , Levitt Malcolm H.
Published: March 2018

Dissolution-dynamic nuclear polarization is implemented to hyperpolarize long-lived nuclear spin states in monodeuterated methyl groups.
Flexible and rigid dicarboxylic acids enable the assembly of achiral and chiral 3D Co(ii) metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Gong Chunhua , Guo Haiyang , Zeng Xianghua , Xu Hao , Zeng Qingdao , Zhang Junyong , Xie Jingli
Published: March 2018

The homochirality of the 3D Co(ii) MOFs may arise from the rotation of the two phenyl rings in the biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid ligand.
The side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs: a review for chemists
Authors: Oun Rabbab , Moussa Yvonne E. , Wheate Nial J.
Published: March 2018

The platinum chemotherapy drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are known to cause seven different types of side effects in patients.
α-Cyperone inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in BV-2 cells through activation of Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 and suppression of the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Huang Bingxu , He Dewei , Chen Guangxin , Ran Xin , Guo Wenjin , Kan Xingchi , Wang Wei , Liu Dianfeng , Fu Shoupeng , Liu Juxiong
Published: March 2018

Accumulating evidence has shown that activated microglia cause inflammatory immune response, which could lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Overcoming solid handling issues in continuous flow substitution reactions through ionic liquid formation
Authors: K. Kashani Saeed , Sullivan Ryan J. , Andersen Mads , Newman Stephen G.
Published: March 2018

Continuous flow reactions, often plagued by precipitation and clogging problems, can be easily performed by selecting bases that form ionic liquids upon protonation.