bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A methanotrophic archaeon couples anaerobic oxidation of methane to Fe(III) reduction
Authors: Cai Chen , Leu Andy O , Xie Guo-Jun , Guo Jianhua , Feng Yuexing , Zhao Jian-Xin , Tyson Gene W , Yuan Zhiguo , Hu Shihu
Published: April 2018

Microbially mediated anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is a key process in the regulation of methane emissions to the atmosphere. Iron can serve as an electron acceptor for AOM, and it has been suggested that Fe(III)-dependent AOM potentially comprises a major global methane sink. Although it has been proposed that anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea can facilitate this process, their active metabolic pathways have not been confirmed. Here we report the enrichment and characterisation of a novel archaeon in a laboratory-scale bioreactor fed with Fe(III) oxide (ferrihydrite) and methane. Long-term performance data, in conjunction with the 13C- and 57Fe-labelling batch experiments, demonstrated that AOM was coupled to Fe(III) reduction to Fe(II) in this bioreactor. Metagenomic analysis showed that this archaeon belongs to a novel genus within family Candidatus Methanoperedenaceae, and possesses genes encoding the “reverse methanogenesis” pathway, as well as multi-heme c-type cytochromes which are hypothesised to facilitate dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction. Metatranscriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of these genes, supporting that this archaeon can independently mediate AOM using Fe(III) as the terminal electron acceptor. We propose the name Candidatus “Methanoperedens ferrireducens” for this microorganism. The potential role of “M. ferrireducens” in linking the carbon and iron cycles in environments rich in methane and iron should be investigated in future research.
Micro-scale intermixing: a requisite for stable and synergistic co-establishment in a four-species biofilm
Authors: Liu Wenzheng , Russel Jakob , Burmølle Mette , Sørensen Søren J , Madsen Jonas S
Published: April 2018

Microorganisms frequently coexist in complex multispecies communities, where they distribute non-randomly, reflective of the social interactions that occur. It is therefore important to understand how social interactions and local spatial organization influences multispecies biofilm succession. Here the localization of species pairs was analyzed in three dimensions in a reproducible four-species biofilm model, to study the impact of spatial positioning of individual species on the temporal development of the community. We found, that as the biofilms developed, species pairs exhibited distinct intermixing patterns unique to the four-member biofilms. Higher biomass and more intermixing were found in four-species biofilms compared to biofilms with fewer species. Intriguingly, in local regions within the four member biofilms where Microbacterium oxydans was scant, both biomass and intermixing of all species were lowered, compared to regions where M. oxydans was present at typical densities. Our data suggest that Xanthomonas retroflexus and M. oxydans, both low abundant biofilm-members, intermixed continuously during the development of the four-species biofilm, hereby facilitating their own establishment. In turn, this seems to have promoted distinct spatial organization of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila and Paenibacillus amylolyticus enabling enhanced growth of all four species. Here local intermixing of bacteria advanced the temporal development of a multi-species biofilm.
Cryo-EM structure of the RC-LH core complex from an early branching photosynthetic prokaryote
Authors: Xin Yueyong , Shi Yang , Niu Tongxin , Wang Qingqiang , Niu Wanqiang , Huang Xiaojun , Ding Wei , Yang Lei , Blankenship Robert E. , Xu Xiaoling , Sun Fei
Published: April 2018

Photosynthetic prokaryotes evolved diverse light-harvesting (LH) antennas to absorb sunlight and transfer energy to reaction centers (RC). The filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs (FAPs) are important early branching photosynthetic bacteria in understanding the origin and evolution of photosynthesis. How their photosynthetic machinery assembles for efficient energy transfer is yet to be elucidated. Here, we report the 4.1 Å structure of photosynthetic core complex from Roseiflexus castenholzii by cryo-electron microscopy. The RC–LH complex has a tetra-heme cytochrome c bound RC encompassed by an elliptical LH ring that is assembled from 15 LHαβ subunits. An N-terminal transmembrane helix of cytochrome c inserts into the LH ring, not only yielding a tightly bound cytochrome c for rapid electron transfer, but also opening a slit in the LH ring, which is further flanked by a transmembrane helix from a newly discovered subunit X. These structural features suggest an unusual quinone exchange model of prokaryotic photosynthetic machinery.
Hard magnetic properties in nanoflake van der Waals Fe3GeTe2
Authors: Tan Cheng , Lee Jinhwan , Jung Soon-Gil , Park Tuson , Albarakati Sultan , Partridge James , Field Matthew R. , McCulloch Dougal G. , Wang Lan , Lee Changgu
Published: April 2018

Two-dimensional van der Waals materials have demonstrated fascinating optical and electrical characteristics. However, reports on magnetic properties and spintronic applications of van der Waals materials are scarce by comparison. Here, we report anomalous Hall effect measurements on single crystalline metallic Fe3GeTe2 nanoflakes with different thicknesses. These nanoflakes exhibit a single hard magnetic phase with a near square-shaped magnetic loop, large coercivity (up to 550 mT at 2 K), a Curie temperature near 200 K and strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Using criticality analysis, the coupling length between van der Waals atomic layers in Fe3GeTe2 is estimated to be ~5 van der Waals layers. Furthermore, the hard magnetic behaviour of Fe3GeTe2 can be well described by a proposed model. The magnetic properties of Fe3GeTe2 highlight its potential for integration into van der Waals magnetic heterostructures, paving the way for spintronic research and applications based on these devices.
Fighting biofilms with lantibiotics and other groups of bacteriocins
Authors: Mathur Harsh , Field Des , Rea Mary C. , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: April 2018

Biofilms are sessile communities of bacteria typically embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix. Bacterial cells embedded in biofilms are inherently recalcitrant to antimicrobials, compared to cells existing in a planktonic state, and are notoriously difficult to eradicate once formed. Avenues to tackle biofilms thus far have largely focussed on attempting to disrupt the initial stages of biofilm formation, including adhesion and maturation of the biofilm. Such an approach is advantageous as the concentrations required to inhibit formation of biofilms are generally much lower than removing a fully established biofilm. The crisis of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings worldwide has been further exacerbated by the ability of certain pathogenic bacteria to form biofilms. Perhaps the most notorious biofilm formers described from a clinical viewpoint have been methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus mutans, the latter of which is found in oral biofilms. Due to the dearth of novel antibiotics in recent decades, compounded by the increasing rate of emergence of resistance amongst pathogens with a propensity for biofilm formation, solutions are urgently required to mitigate these crises. Bacteriocins are a class of antimicrobial peptides, which are ribosomally synthesised and often are more potent than their antibiotic counterparts. Here, we review a selection of studies conducted with bacteriocins with the ultimate objective of inhibiting biofilms. Overall, a deeper understanding of the precise means by which a biofilm forms on a substrate as well as insights into the mechanisms by which bacteriocins inhibit biofilms is warranted.
Detection of endogenous S1292 LRRK2 autophosphorylation in mouse tissue as a readout for kinase activity
Authors: Kluss Jillian H. , Conti Melissa M. , Kaganovich Alice , Beilina Aleksandra , Melrose Heather L. , Cookson Mark R. , Mamais Adamantios
Published: April 2018

Parkinson’s disease-linked mutations in LRRK2 enhance the kinase activity of the protein, therefore targeting LRRK2 kinase activity is a promising therapeutic approach. Phosphorylation at S935 of LRRK2 and of its Rab GTPase substrates have proven very useful biomarkers to monitor its kinase activity. Complementary to these approaches autophosphorylation of LRRK2 can be used as a direct kinase activity readout but to date detection of autophosphorylation at endogenous levels in vivo has been limited. We developed a fractionation-based enrichment method to successfully detect endogenous S1292 LRRK2 autophosphorylation in mouse tissues and highlight S1292 as a physiological readout candidate for LRRK2 kinase activity in vivo.
The role of whistleblowers in protecting the safety and integrity of the food supply
Authors: Moy Gerald G.
Published: April 2018

The unsafe, illegal, and unethical practices, especially food fraud, by various actors along the food supply chain are old problems that have been made even more challenging by today’s international agri-food network. To combat these practices, the internal reporting to upper management or the external disclosure to regulators or media by persons who become aware of such practices is essential. These persons are colloquially known as whistleblowers. However, a number of impediments to whistleblowing, especially retribution by employers, have limited their contribution to ensuring the safety and integrity of the food supply. This paper presents recent examples of whistleblowing and legislation adopted by countries around the world to encourage and protect whistleblowers, especially from retaliation. Several impediments to whistleblowing are described and suggestions for overcoming them are proposed.
Comparative High-Resolution Transcriptome Sequencing of Lymphoma Cell Lines and de novo Lymphomas Reveals Cell-Line-Specific Pathway Dysregulation
Authors: Taher Leila , Beck Julia , Liu Wen , Roolf Catrin , Soller Jan T. , Rütgen Barbara C. , Hammer Sabine E. , Chodisetti Murali , Sender Sina , Sterenczak Katharina A. , Fuellen Georg , Junghanss Christian , Brenig Bertram , Nolte Ingo , Schütz Ekkehard , Murua Escobar Hugo
Published: April 2018

In dogs as well as humans, lymphoma is one of the most common hematopoietic malignancies. Furthermore, due to its characteristics, canine lymphoma is recognized as a clinically relevant in vivo model to study the corresponding human disease. Immortalized cell lines are widely used as in vitro models to evaluate novel therapeutic agents and characterize their molecular mechanisms. However, it is known that long-term cultivation leads to clonal selection, genetic instability, and loss of the initial heterogenic character, limiting the usefulness of cell lines as preclinical models. Herein, we present a systematic characterization and comparison of the transcriptomic landscape of canine primary B- and T-cell lymphomas, five lymphoid cell lines (CLBL-1, CLBL-1M, GL-1, CL-1, and OSW) and four non-neoplastic control samples. We found that lymphomas and cell lines exhibit a common “differentiation and proliferation signature”. However, our analysis also showed that, independently of the cell of origin, the transcriptional signatures of lymphomas are more similar to each other than they are to those of cell lines. In particular, we observed that not all common therapeutic targets are similarly expressed between lymphomas and lymphoid cell lines, and provide evidence that different lymphoid cell-lines should be used to model distinct aspects of lymphoma dysregulation.
Author Correction: disLocate: tools to rapidly quantify local intermolecular structure to assess two-dimensional order in self-assembled systems
Authors: Bumstead Matt , Liang Kunyu , Hanta Gregory , Hui Lok Shu , Turak Ayse
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Oxygen-doped carbon nanotubes for near-infrared fluorescent labels and imaging probes
Authors: Iizumi Yoko , Yudasaka Masako , Kim Jaeho , Sakakita Hajime , Takeuchi Tsukasa , Okazaki Toshiya
Published: April 2018

Chemical modification of carbon nanotube surface can controllably modulate their optical properties. Here we report a simple and effective synthesis method of oxygen-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes (o-SWCNTs), in which a thin film of SWCNTs is just irradiated under the UV light for a few minutes in air. By using this method, the epoxide-type oxygen-adducts (ep-SWCNTs) were produced in addition to the ether-type oxygen-adducts (eth-SWCNTs). The Treated (6, 5) ep-SWCNTs show a red-shifted luminescence at ~1280 nm, which corresponds to the most transparent regions for bio-materials. Immunoassay, fluorescence vascular angiography and observation of the intestinal contractile activity of mice were demonstrated by using the produced o-SWCNTs as infrared fluorescent labels and imaging agents.
Pair bond endurance promotes cooperative food defense and inhibits conflict in coral reef butterflyfish
Authors: Nowicki Jessica P. , Walker Stefan P. W. , Coker Darren J. , Hoey Andrew S. , Nicolet Katia J. , Pratchett Morgan S.
Published: April 2018

Pair bonding is generally linked to monogamous mating systems, where the reproductive benefits of extended mate guarding and/or of bi-parental care are considered key adaptive functions. However, in some species, including coral reef butterflyfishes (f. Chaetodonitidae), pair bonding occurs in sexually immature and homosexual partners, and in the absence of parental care, suggesting there must be non-reproductive adaptive benefits of pair bonding. Here, we examined whether pair bonding butterflyfishes cooperate in defense of food, conferring direct benefits to one or both partners. We found that pairs ofChaetodon lunulatusandC.baronessause contrasting cooperative strategies. InC.lunulatus, both partners mutually defend their territory, while inC.baronessa, males prioritize territory defence; conferring improvements in feeding and energy reserves in both sexes relative to solitary counterparts. We further demonstrate that partner fidelity contributes to this function by showing that re-pairing invokes intra-pair conflict and inhibits cooperatively-derived feeding benefits, and that partner endurance is required for these costs to abate. Overall, our results suggest that in butterflyfishes, pair bonding enhances cooperative defense of prey resources, ultimately benefiting both partners by improving food resource acquisition and energy reserves.
Short-term visual deprivation boosts the flexibility of body representation
Authors: Radziun Dominika , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: April 2018

Short-term visual deprivation by blindfolding influences tactile acuity and orientation in space and, on a neural level, leads to enhanced excitability of visual and motor cortices. However, to the best of our knowledge, the possible effects of short-term visual deprivation on body representation have not been examined. In the present study, we tested two groups of 30 healthy participants with the somatic rubber hand illusion, a well-established paradigm to probe the dynamic plasticity of body representation. Before the start of the procedure, the experimental group was blindfolded for 120 minutes, while the control group wore transparent goggles for the same amount of time. We found that although there was no difference in the subjective feeling of ownership of the rubber hand during the illusion, the blindfolded group showed a significantly larger recalibration of hand position sense towards the location of the rubber hand than the control group. This finding suggests that short-term visual deprivation boosts plasticity of body representation in terms of multisensory spatial recalibration of hand position sense.
Complete genome analysis of Gluconacetobacter xylinus CGMCC 2955 for elucidating bacterial cellulose biosynthesis and metabolic regulation
Authors: Liu Miao , Liu Lingpu , Jia Shiru , Li Siqi , Zou Yang , Zhong Cheng
Published: April 2018

Complete genome sequence of Gluconacetobacter xylinus CGMCC 2955 for fine control of bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesis is presented here. The genome, at 3,563,314 bp, was found to contain 3,193 predicted genes without gaps. There are four BC synthase operons (bcs), among which only bcsI is structurally complete, comprising bcsA, bcsB, bcsC, and bcsD. Genes encoding key enzymes in glycolytic, pentose phosphate, and BC biosynthetic pathways and in the tricarboxylic acid cycle were identified. G. xylinus CGMCC 2955 has a complete glycolytic pathway because sequence data analysis revealed that this strain possesses a phosphofructokinase (pfk)-encoding gene, which is absent in most BC-producing strains. Furthermore, combined with our previous results, the data on metabolism of various carbon sources (monosaccharide, ethanol, and acetate) and their regulatory mechanism of action on BC production were explained. Regulation of BC synthase (Bcs) is another effective method for precise control of BC biosynthesis, and cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is the key activator of BcsA–BcsB subunit of Bcs. The quorum sensing (QS) system was found to positively regulate phosphodiesterase, which decomposed c-di-GMP. Thus, in this study, we demonstrated the presence of QS in G. xylinus CGMCC 2955 and proposed a possible regulatory mechanism of QS action on BC production.
The impact of storage buffer, DNA extraction method, and polymerase on microbial analysis
Authors: Hallmaier-Wacker Luisa K. , Lueert Simone , Roos Christian , Knauf Sascha
Published: April 2018

Next-generation sequencing approaches used to characterize microbial communities are subject to technical caveats that can lead to major distortion of acquired data. Determining the optimal sample handling protocol is essential to minimize the bias for different sample types. Using a mock community composed of 22 bacterial strains of even concentration, we studied a combination of handling conditions to determine the optimal conditions for swab material. Examining a combination of effects simulates the reality of handling environmental samples and may thus provide a better foundation for the standardization of protocols. We found that the choice of storage buffer and extraction kit affects the detected bacterial composition, while different 16S rRNA amplification methods only had a minor effect. All bacterial genera present in the mock community were identified with minimal levels of contamination independent of the choice of sample processing. Despite this, the observed bacterial profile for all tested conditions were significantly different from the expected abundance. This highlights the need for proper validation and standardization for each sample type using a mock community and blank control samples, to assess the bias in the protocol and reduce variation across the datasets.
Difference in virulence and composition of a cariogenic biofilm according to substratum direction
Authors: Dang Minh-Huy , Jung Ji-Eun , Choi Hyeon-Mi , Jeon Jae-Gyu
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in composition and virulence of Streptococcus mutans biofilms according to substratum direction. S. mutans biofilms (46-h-old) were formed on three different saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (sHA) disc direction groups: downward (discs placed in the direction of gravity), vertical (discs placed parallel to gravity direction), and upward (discs placed opposite to gravity). The 46-h-old biofilms on sHA discs in the upward direction showed the highest biofilm accumulation, colony forming unit (CFU) count, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) amount, followed by those in the vertical and downward directions. In the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) study, the biofilms in the upward direction also showed the highest bacterial count (live or dead cells) and EPS biovolume. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the microbiological and biochemical results. In addition, biofilm density and acid production were higher in the upward direction than those in the other directions. Our findings suggest that substratum direction, which might be related to gravity, strongly influences the formation and virulence of cariogenic biofilms and subsequent initiation of dental caries. Collectively, the differences in the formation and virulence of cariogenic biofilms are related to the direction of tooth surface (occlusal surfaces of mandibular teeth > proximal surfaces > occlusal surfaces of maxillary teeth).
Characteristics determining host suitability for a generalist parasite
Authors: Stokke Bård G. , Ratikainen Irja I. , Moksnes Arne , Røskaft Eivin , Schulze-Hagen Karl , Leech David I. , Møller Anders Pape , Fossøy Frode
Published: April 2018

Host quality is critical for parasites. The common cuckooCuculus canorusis a generalist avian brood parasite, but individual females show strong preference for a specific host species. Here, we use three extensive datasets to investigate different host characteristics determining cuckoo host selection at the species level: (i) 1871 population-specific parasitism rates collected across Europe; (ii) 14 K cases of parasitism in the United Kingdom; and (iii) 16 K cases of parasitism in Germany, with data collected during the period 1735–2013. We find highly consistent effects of the different host species traits across our three datasets: the cuckoo prefers passerine host species of intermediate size that breed in grass- or shrubland and that feed their nestlings with insects, and avoids species that nest in cavities. Based on these results, we construct a novel host suitability index for all passerine species breeding in Europe, and show that host species known to have a corresponding cuckoo host race (gens) rank among the most suitable hosts in Europe. The distribution of our suitability index shows that host species cannot be classified as suitable or not but rather range within a continuum of suitability.
Birth size and gestational age in opposite-sex twins as compared to same-sex twins: An individual-based pooled analysis of 21 cohorts
Authors: Jelenkovic Aline , Sund Reijo , Yokoyama Yoshie , Hur Yoon-Mi , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Almqvist Catarina , Magnusson Patrik KE , Willemsen Gonneke , Bartels Meike , Beijsterveldt Catharina EM van , Bogl Leonie H. , Pietiläinen Kirsi H , Vuoksimaa Eero , Ji Fuling , Ning Feng , Pang Zengchang , Nelson Tracy L , Whitfield Keith E. , Rebato Esther , Llewellyn Clare H. , Fisher Abigail , Bayasgalan Gombojav , Narandalai Danshiitsoodol , Bjerregaard-Andersen Morten , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Sodemann Morten , Tarnoki Adam D. , Tarnoki David L. , Ooki Syuichi , Stazi Maria A. , Fagnani Corrado , Brescianini Sonia , Dubois Lise , Boivin Michel , Brendgen Mara , Dionne Ginette , Vitaro Frank , Cutler Tessa L , Hopper John L. , Krueger Robert F. , McGue Matt , Pahlen Shandell , Craig Jeffrey M. , Saffery Richard , Haworth Claire MA , Plomin Robert , Knafo-Noam Ariel , Mankuta David , Abramson Lior , Burt S Alexandra , Klump Kelly L. , Vlietinck Robert F. , Derom Catherine A. , Loos Ruth JF , Boomsma Dorret I. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: April 2018

It is well established that boys are born heavier and longer than girls, but it remains unclear whether birth size in twins is affected by the sex of their co-twin. We conducted an individual-based pooled analysis of 21 twin cohorts in 15 countries derived from the COllaborative project of Development of Anthropometrical measures in Twins (CODATwins), including 67,850 dizygotic twin individuals. Linear regression analyses showed that boys having a co-twin sister were, on average, 31 g (95% CI 18 to 45) heavier and 0.16 cm (95% CI 0.045 to 0.274) longer than those with a co-twin brother. In girls, birth size was not associated (5 g birth weight; 95% CI −8 to −18 and −0.089 cm birth length; 95% CI −0.202 to 0.025) with the sex of the co-twin. Gestational age was slightly shorter in boy-boy pairs than in boy-girl and girl-girl pairs. When birth size was standardized by gestational age, the magnitude of the associations was attenuated in boys, particularly for birth weight. In conclusion, boys with a co-twin sister are heavier and longer at birth than those with a co-twin brother. However, these differences are modest and partly explained by a longer gestation in the presence of a co-twin sister.
Quantifying MRI frequency shifts due to structures with anisotropic magnetic susceptibility using pyrolytic graphite sheet
Authors: Cronin Matthew J. , Bowtell Richard
Published: April 2018

Magnetic susceptibility is an important source of contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with spatial variations in the susceptibility of tissue affecting both the magnitude and phase of the measured signals. This contrast has generally been interpreted by assuming that tissues have isotropic magnetic susceptibility, but recent work has shown that the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of ordered biological tissues, such as myelinated nerves and cardiac muscle fibers, gives rise to unexpected image contrast. This behavior occurs because the pattern of field variation generated by microstructural elements formed from material of anisotropic susceptibility can be very different from that predicted by modelling the effects in terms of isotropic susceptibility. In MR images of tissue, such elements are manifested at a sub-voxel length-scale, so the patterns of field variation that they generate cannot be directly visualized. Here, we used pyrolytic graphite sheet which has a large magnetic susceptibility anisotropy to form structures of known geometry with sizes large enough that the pattern of field variation could be mapped directly using MRI. This allowed direct validation of theoretical expressions describing the pattern of field variation from anisotropic structures with biologically relevant shapes (slabs, spherical shells and cylindrical shells).
Light-induced propulsion of a giant liposome driven by peptide nanofibre growth
Authors: Inaba Hiroshi , Uemura Akihito , Morishita Kazushi , Kohiki Taiki , Shigenaga Akira , Otaka Akira , Matsuura Kazunori
Published: April 2018

Light-driven nano/micromotors are attracting much attention, not only as molecular devices but also as components of bioinspired robots. In nature, several pathogens such as Listeria use actin polymerisation machinery for their propulsion. Despite the development of various motors, it remains challenging to mimic natural systems to create artificial motors propelled by fibre formation. Herein, we report the propulsion of giant liposomes driven by light-induced peptide nanofibre growth on their surface. Peptide-DNA conjugates connected by a photocleavage unit were asymmetrically introduced onto phase-separated giant liposomes. Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation cleaved the conjugates and released peptide units, which self-assembled into nanofibres, driving the translational movement of the liposomes. The velocity of the liposomes reflected the rates of the photocleavage reaction and subsequent fibre formation of the peptide-DNA conjugates. These results showed that chemical design of the light-induced peptide nanofibre formation is a useful approach to fabricating bioinspired motors with controllable motility.
Amino Acid Signature in Human Melanoma Cell Lines from Different Disease Stages
Authors: Wasinger Christine , Hofer Alexandra , Spadiut Oliver , Hohenegger Martin
Published: April 2018

Cancer cells rewire metabolism to sustain high proliferation rates. Beside glycolysis and glutaminolysis, amino acids substitute as energy source, feed fatty acid biosynthesis and represent part of the secretome of transformed cells, including melanoma. We have therefore investigated acetate, pyruvate and the amino acid composition of the secretome of human melanoma cells representing the early slow (WM35, WM278, WM793b and VM21) and metastatic fast (A375, 518a2, 6F and WM8) growth phase in order to identify possible signalling components within these profiles. Proliferation assays and a principle component analysis revealed a stringent difference between the fast and slow growing melanoma cells. Moreover, upon inhibition of the mevalonate pathway, glutamic acid and alanine were identified as the central difference in the conditional media. A supplementation of the media with glutamic acid and the combination with alanine significantly accelerated the proliferation, migration and invasion of early stage melanoma cells, but not metastatic cells. Finally, the inhibition of the mevalonate pathway abolished the growth advantage of the melanoma cells in a time dependent manner. Taken together, these data corroborate a stage specific response in growth and aggressiveness to extracellular glutamic acid and alanine, indicative for microenvironmental signalling of individual amino acids.
Characterization of the most frequent ATP7B mutation causing Wilson disease in hepatocytes from patient induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Parisi Silvia , Polishchuk Elena V. , Allocca Simona , Ciano Michela , Musto Anna , Gallo Maria , Perone Lucia , Ranucci Giusy , Iorio Raffaele , Polishchuk Roman S. , Bonatti Stefano
Published: April 2018

H1069Q substitution represents the most frequent mutation of the copper transporter ATP7B causing Wilson disease in Caucasian population. ATP7B localizes to the Golgi complex in hepatocytes but moves in response to copper overload to the endo-lysosomal compartment to support copper excretion via bile canaliculi. In heterologous or hepatoma-derived cell lines, overexpressed ATP7B-H1069Q is strongly retained in the ER and fails to move to the post-Golgi sites, resulting in toxic copper accumulation. However, this pathogenic mechanism has never been tested in patients’ hepatocytes, while animal models recapitulating this form of WD are still lacking. To reach this goal, we have reprogrammed skin fibroblasts of homozygous ATP7B-H1069Q patients into induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated them into hepatocyte-like cells. Surprisingly, in HLCs we found one third of ATP7B-H1069Q localized in the Golgi complex and able to move to the endo-lysosomal compartment upon copper stimulation. However, despite normal mRNA levels, the expression of the mutant protein was only 20% compared to the control because of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. These results pinpoint rapid degradation as the major cause for loss of ATP7B function in H1069Q patients, and thus as the primary target for designing therapeutic strategies to rescue ATP7B-H1069Q function.
Pedobarographic Analysis following Ponseti Treatment for Unilateral Neglected Congenital Clubfoot
Authors: Xu Chao , Wei Jie , Yan Ya-Bo , Shang Lei , Yang Xiao-Jiang , Huang Lu-Yu , Lei Wei
Published: April 2018

Recent trends have led to an interest in Ponseti treatment for correcting neglected congenital clubfoot. Although good clinical and functional outcomes have been reported, the plantar pressure distribution after the treatment of neglected clubfoot has not been explored yet. The present study aimed to investigate whether plantar pressures normalized following Ponseti treatment in patients with neglected congenital clubfoot. Pedobarographic, clinical, and functional examinations were performed in 22 children (aged, 91.0 ± 40.3 months) with unilateral neglected congenital clubfeet, treated using Ponseti method at 27.8 ± 12.1 months of age. Plantar pressure parameters were recorded using a Footscan pressure plate. The contact time, contact area, peak pressure, and pressure-time integral were determined. The data of the affected feet were compared with those of the unaffected feet and healthy controls. Although clinical and functional examinations showed satisfactory results according to the Dimeglio and Pirani scores, considerable differences in plantar pressure parameters were identified among the affected feet, unaffected feet, and healthy controls. Internal foot progression angle and a load transfer from the medial forefoot and hindfoot to the lateral forefoot and midfoot were observed in the affected feet. Future studies should attempt to investigate the factors accounting for plantar pressure deviations and the possible effect of these deviations on the lower limb musculoskeletal development of children.
Acute Hyperthermia Inhibits TGF-β1-induced Cardiac Fibroblast Activation via Suppression of Akt Signaling
Authors: Narikawa Masatoshi , Umemura Masanari , Tanaka Ryo , Fujita Takayuki , Yokoyama Utako , Ishigami Tomoaki , Kimura Kazuo , Tamura Kouichi , Ishikawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2018

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induces phenotypic changes in fibroblasts to become myofibroblasts with increased production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and cytokines. It is also known that excessive activation of myofibroblasts accelerates cardiac fibrosis, remodeling, and thus cardiac dysfunction. However, no effective therapy has been established to prevent this process although recent clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of hyperthermia in cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanism of hyperthermia on TGF-β1-mediated phenotypic changes in cardiac fibroblasts. TGF-β1 increased the expression of IL-6, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). Hyperthermia (42 °C) significantly prevented these changes, i.e., increases in IL-6, α-SMA, and collagen, as induced by TGF-β1 in a time-dependent manner. Immunoblotting showed that hyperthermia decreased Akt/S6K signaling, but did not affect Smad2 and Smad3 signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt signaling mimicked these effects of hyperthermia. Furthermore, hyperthermia treatment prevented cardiac fibrosis in Ang II infusion mice model. Putting together, our findings suggest that hyperthermia directly inhibits TGF-β-mediated activation of HCFs via suppressing Akt/S6K signaling.
Author Correction: Alpha-oxoglutarate inhibits the proliferation of immortalized normal bladder epithelial cells via an epigenetic switch involving ARID1A
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Gull Nicole , Yeon Austin , Cho Eunho , Bae Jooeun , Yoon Hyun Seok , You Sungyong , Yoon Hana , Kim Minjung , Berman Benjamin P. , Kim Jayoung
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Genome–wide association study for risk taking propensity indicates shared pathways with body mass index
Authors: Clifton Emma A. D. , Perry John R. B. , Imamura Fumiaki , Lotta Luca A. , Brage Soren , Forouhi Nita G. , Griffin Simon J. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Ong Ken K. , Day Felix R.
Published: April 2018

Risk-taking propensity is a trait of significant public health relevance but few specific genetic factors are known. Here we perform a genome-wide association study of self-reported risk-taking propensity among 436,236 white European UK Biobank study participants. We identify genome-wide associations at 26 loci (P < 5 × 10−8), 24 of which are novel, implicating genes enriched in the GABA and GABA receptor pathways. Modelling the relationship between risk-taking propensity and body mass index (BMI) using Mendelian randomisation shows a positive association (0.25 approximate SDs of BMI (SE: 0.06);P = 6.7 × 10−5). The impact of individual SNPs is heterogeneous, indicating a complex relationship arising from multiple shared pathways. We identify positive genetic correlations between risk-taking and waist-hip ratio, childhood obesity, ever smoking, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, alongside a negative correlation with women’s age at first birth. These findings highlight that behavioural pathways involved in risk-taking propensity may play a role in obesity, smoking and psychiatric disorders.
Long-term partial nitritation and microbial characteristics in treating low C/N ratio domestic wastewater
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhao Mengyue , Guo Yuanyuan , Peng Yongzhen , Yuan Yue
Published: April 2018

Partial ammonium oxidation and sludge in situ fermentation were first proposed as key factors facilitating long-term stable nitritation for treating domestic wastewater.
An Fe-MOF nanosheet array with superior activity towards the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxue , Liu Qin , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2018

Fe-MOF/NF shows superior electrocatalytic performance towards the OER in 1.0 M KOH with a low overpotential of 240 mV at 50 mA cm−2.
On peroxymonosulfate-based treatment of saline wastewater: when phosphate and chloride co-exist
Authors: Sheng Bo , Huang Ying , Wang Zhaohui , Yang Fei , Ai Luoyan , Liu Jianshe
Published: April 2018

Both chloride and phosphate are common inorganic anions in industrial wastewater, however, their effects on peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based oxidation systems are largely unknown.
Vertically-oriented graphene nanosheet as nano-bridge for pseudocapacitive electrode with ultrahigh electrochemical stability
Authors: He Pingge , Zhang Qiangqiang , Huang Qun , Huang Boyun , Chen Tengfei
Published: April 2018

Vertically-oriented graphene nanosheet as nano-bridge for pseudocapacitive electrode facilitates the ion/charge transfer efficiency, leading to ultrahigh electrochemical stability.
Optimizing the performance of photocatalytic H2 generation for ZnNb2O6 synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method
Authors: Chun Yutong , Yue Mufei , Jiang Pengfei , Chen Shijian , Gao Wenliang , Cong Rihong , Yang Tao
Published: April 2018

Nanosized ZnNb2O6 synthesized hydrothermally is highly efficient and stable in photocatalytic water reduction with an optimal AQY of 9.25%.
Notoginsenoside R1 prevents H9c2 cardiomyocytes apoptosis against hypoxia/reoxygenation via the ERs/PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Li Guang , Xing Xiaoyan , Luo Yun , Deng Xuehong , Lu Shan , Tang Shimin , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: April 2018

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is separate from Panax notoginsenosides (PNS), and plays a role similar to phytoestrogen in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
Aqueous rechargeable dual-ion battery based on fluoride ion and sodium ion electrochemistry
Authors: Zhang Zishuai , Hu Xiaoqiao , Zhou Yu , Wang Shaofeng , Yao Lingmin , Pan Hui , Su Ching-Yuan , Chen Fuming , Hou Xianhua
Published: April 2018

A novel aqueous rechargeable dual-ion battery system is demonstrated in this study, which consists of BiF3 as a fluoride ion electrochemical anode, NMO as a sodium ion electrochemical cathode, and aqueous NaF as the electrolyte.
Meta-analysis of trimetazidine treatment for cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fan Qian , Niu Zhaozhuo , Ma Liqing
Published: April 2018

To explore the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) in cardiomyopathy treatment. Literatures, related with TMZ treatment for cardiomyopathy, were retrieved between 1990 and February 2018 in the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library systems. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing [resting heart rate (RHR), peak heart rate (PHR), peak systolic blood pressure (PSBP), and resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP)] and echocardiographic results [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), systolic wall thickening score index (SWTSI), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)] were merged to detect the publication bias. Total 898 patients with cardiomyopathy were divided into two groups: TMZ-treated group (n=456) and control group (n=442). There was no difference in the improvement of cardiomyopathy between the TMZ and control group. No publication bias was shown for PHR (t= 0.9791, P=0.5067). There were significant differences in LVEF, LVESV, SWTSI, LVESD, and LVEDD between the TMZ group and the control group. TMZ-treatment significantly increased the level of LVEF (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.46–7.84, P<0.001), and reduced the level of LVESV (95% CI: −18.73 to −7.77, P<0.001), SWTSI (95% CI: −0.47 to −0.15, Z = −3.85, P=0.001), LVESD (95% CI: −1.09 to −0.08, P<0.001), and LVEDD (95% CI: −0.55 to −0.26, P=0.023). There was no publication bias except for LVEDV (t = 2.5456, P=0.0438). TMZ is effective for cardiomyopathy treatment and worth to popularize in clinic.
Platelets in preeclamptic pregnancies fail to exhibit the decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate seen in normal pregnancies
Authors: Malinow Andrew M. , Schuh Rosemary A. , Alyamani Omar , Kim Joseph , Bharadwaj Shobana , Crimmins Sarah D. , Galey Jessica L. , Fiskum Gary , Polster Brian M.
Published: April 2018

Cellular oxygen consumption and lactate production rates have been measured in both placental and myometrial cells to study obstetrics-related disease states such as preeclampsia. Platelet metabolic alterations indicate systemic bioenergetic changes that can be useful as disease biomarkers. We tested the hypothesis that platelet mitochondria display functional alterations in preeclampsia. Platelets were harvested from women in the third trimester of either a healthy, non-preeclamptic or preeclamptic pregnancy, and from healthy, non-pregnant women. Using Seahorse respirometry, we analyzed platelets for oxygen consumption (OCR) and extracellular acidification (ECAR) rates, indicators of mitochondrial electron transport and glucose metabolism, respectively. There was a 37% decrease in the maximal respiratory capacity measured in platelets from healthy, non-preeclamptic compared with preeclamptic pregnancy (P<0.01); this relationship held true for other measurements of OCR, including basal respiration; ATP-linked respiration; respiratory control ratio (RCR); and spare respiratory capacity. RCR, a measure of mitochondrial efficiency, was significantly lower in healthy pregnant compared with non-pregnant women. In contrast with increased OCR, basal ECAR was significantly reduced in platelets from preeclamptic pregnancies compared with either normal pregnancies (−25%; P<0.05) or non-pregnant women (−22%; P<0.01). Secondary analysis of OCR revealed reduced basal and maximal platelet respiration in normal pregnancy prior to 34 weeks’ estimated gestational age (EGA) compared with the non-pregnant state; these differences disappeared after 34 weeks. Taken together, findings suggest that in preeclampsia, there exists either a loss or early (before the third trimester) reversal of a normal biologic mechanism of platelet mitochondrial respiratory reduction associated with normal pregnancy.
UWB channel measurements and modelling for hurricanes
Authors: Khawaja Wahab , Guvenc Ismail , Chowdhury Arindam
Published: April 2018

Maintaining communications during major hurricanes is critically important for public safety operations by first responders. This requires accurate knowledge of the propagation channel during hurricane conditions. In this work, the authors have carried out ultra‐wideband (UWB) channel measurements during hurricane conditions ranging from Category‐1 to Category‐4, generated at the wall of wind facility of Florida International University. Time‐domain P410 radios are used for channel measurements. From the empirical data analysis in time domain, they developed an UWB statistical broadband channel model for hurricanes. In particular, they characterise the effects of rain and wind speed on large‐scale and small‐scale UWB propagation parameters considering both line‐of‐sight (LOS) and non‐LOS (NLOS) links. Their experimental results show that number of multipath components reduce considerably with wind driven rain (WDR) and with link obstruction (NLOS scenario). Several remarks are also provided that can help explain the behaviour of UWB propagation characteristics under WDR.
Energy storage system expansion planning in power systems: a review
Authors: Sheibani Mohammad Reza , Yousefi Gholam Reza , Latify Mohammad Amin , Hacopian Dolatabadi Sarineh
Published: April 2018

In recent two decades, the power systems have confronted with considerable changes such as the power system restructuring, growth of distributed energy sources and renewable energy sources (RESs), and emergence of smart grid concept. One of the common challenges caused by these changes is flexibility necessity of energy resources. One of the best solutions to mitigate this challenge is energy storage systems (ESSs) utilisation. The main question is how to determine size, site, and type of ESSs to maximise their benefits. This study reviews the answers to this question according to the research studies. This study first classifies the studies related to ESS expansion planning into two main categories from the viewpoint of the power system operators and the investors. Next, the first main category is divided into three subcategories: ESS expansion planning in microgrids, distribution networks, and transmission networks. The second main category is classified into two subcategories: ESS expansion planning aim to smooth RESs output power and to maximise profit. In each subcategory the modelling approaches, solving methods, and the results are evaluated. Finally, based on the existing challenges, the future research directions of ESS expansion planning are outlined.
Facile synthesis of Bi decorated 2D and 3D BiOBr micro‐nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Yingliu , Zhu Jianzhong , Yang Ruihong , Shao Min
Published: April 2018

BiOBr nanoplates and microflowers decorated with Bi nanoparticles were synthesised by a one‐pot catalytic‐solvothermal method. Using SbCl3 as additive agent, it can not only shorten the synthesis time but also control the morphology and composition of the product. The samples were characterised by various analytical techniques, indicating enhanced optical absorption and effective charge separation properties as well as abundant oxygen vacancies. The products were employed for the degradation of rhodamine B and phenol solution under visible‐light irradiation, exhibiting significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency in comparison with pure BiOBr. An investigation into the photocatalytic mechanism of Bi/BiOBr showed that peroxy radical was the main active species in the degradation process. This study provided a facile and energy saving preparation of controllable Bi/BiOBr heterojunction with oxygen vacancies.
Electro‐mechanical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) reinforced with zinc oxide nanostructure
Authors: Phooplub Kittirat , Muensit Nantakan
Published: April 2018

The piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) ((P(VDF‐HFP)) has been incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) of different forms, i.e. nanoparticles (NPs), nanorods (NRs), and microrods (MRs). The polymer has been activated the piezoelectric phase with the poling filed of 70 MV/m at 90°C for 10 min. ZnO of various particle types is grown into piezoelectric wurtzite. The addition of ZnO has slightly changed the degree of crystallinity of the polymers and clearly increased the elasticity to the best value in the case of inserted MRs. The electroactive phase of the polymer‐based film has been enhanced at 2 wt% of ZnO for both NPs and NRs cases. The dielectric constant of the films increased with ZnO concentration. Finally, a cantilever beam structure with the patch of P(VDF‐HFP) reinforced with ZnO of 2 wt% NRs shows the best performance as a microsource of the energy of about 1 µW. Development of micropower energy harvesting in P(VDF‐HFP) with ZnO NRs has been substantially and highly promising to power small‐scale electronics.‏