bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cinaciguat ameliorates glomerular damage by reducing ERK1/2 activity and TGF-ß expression in type-1 diabetic rats
Authors: Czirok Szabina , Fang Lilla , Radovits Tamás , Szabó Gábor , Szénási Gábor , Rosivall László , Merkely Béla , Kökény Gábor
Published: September 2017

Decreased soluble guanylate cyclase activity and cGMP levels in diabetic kidneys were shown to influence the progression of nephropathy. The regulatory effects of soluble guanylate cyclase activators on renal signaling pathways are still unknown, we therefore investigated the renal molecular effects of the soluble guanylate cyclase activator cinaciguat in type-1 diabetic (T1DM) rats. Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups after induction of T1DM with 60 mg/kg streptozotocin: DM, untreated (DM, n = 8) and 2) DM + cinaciguat (10 mg/kg per os daily, DM-Cin, n = 8). Non-diabetic untreated and cinaciguat treated rats served as controls (Co (n = 10) and Co-Cin (n = 10), respectively). Rats were treated for eight weeks, when renal functional and molecular analyses were performed. Cinaciguat attenuated the diabetes induced proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and renal collagen-IV expression accompanied by 50% reduction of TIMP-1 expression. Cinaciguat treatment restored the glomerular cGMP content and soluble guanylate cyclase expression, and ameliorated the glomerular apoptosis (TUNEL positive cell number) and podocyte injury. These effects were accompanied by significantly reduced TGF-ß overexpression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cinaciguat treated diabetic kidneys. We conclude that the soluble guanylate cyclase activator cinaciguat ameliorated diabetes induced glomerular damage, apoptosis, podocyte injury and TIMP-1 overexpression by suppressing TGF-ß and ERK1/2 signaling.
Omega-3 fatty acids correlate with gut microbiome diversity and production of N-carbamylglutamate in middle aged and elderly women
Authors: Menni Cristina , Zierer Jonas , Pallister Tess , Jackson Matthew A. , Long Tao , Mohney Robert P. , Steves Claire J. , Spector Tim D. , Valdes Ana M.
Published: September 2017

Omega-3 fatty acids may influence human physiological parameters in part by affecting the gut microbiome. The aim of this study was to investigate the links between omega-3 fatty acids, gut microbiome diversity and composition and faecal metabolomic profiles in middle aged and elderly women. We analysed data from 876 twins with 16S microbiome data and DHA, total omega-3, and other circulating fatty acids. Estimated food intake of omega-3 fatty acids were obtained from food frequency questionnaires. Both total omega-3and DHA serum levels were significantly correlated with microbiome alpha diversity (Shannon index) after adjusting for confounders (DHA Beta(SE) = 0.13(0.04), P = 0.0006 total omega-3: 0.13(0.04), P = 0.001). These associations remained significant after adjusting for dietary fibre intake. We found even stronger associations between DHA and 38 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), the strongest ones being with OTUs from the Lachnospiraceae family (Beta(SE) = 0.13(0.03), P = 8 × 10−7). Some of the associations with gut bacterial OTUs appear to be mediated by the abundance of the faecal metabolite N-carbamylglutamate. Our data indicate a link between omega-3 circulating levels/intake and microbiome composition independent of dietary fibre intake, particularly with bacteria of the Lachnospiraceae family. These data suggest the potential use of omega-3 supplementation to improve the microbiome composition.
Development of a novel surface assisted volume negative hydrogen ion source
Authors: Kakati B. , Kausik S. S. , Bandyopadhyay M. , Saikia B. K. , Kaw P. K.
Published: September 2017

H− ion based neutral beam injector is a critical heating and current drive system in a fusion reactor. However, the present H− ion source configuration has limitations in terms of production, extraction, cesium (Cs) inventory and management. To overcome these limitations, a proof-of-principle experiment based on a novel concept regarding surface assisted volume H− ions production by sprinkling Cs coated tungsten (W) dust grains (low work function surface) into a hydrogen plasma is carried out. Four different diagnostics have been used to validate the concept. The H− ion fraction is estimated from (a) Langmuir probe diagnostic, (b) phase velocity of ion acoustic waves, (c) dust current and confirmed by the measurement of (d) Balmer line ratio. The measured H− ion fraction with respect to the plasma density for different discharge conditions varies from ~0.2 to 0.3 in presence of Cs coated W dust particles. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical estimation.
D-serine, a novel uremic toxin, induces senescence in human renal tubular cells via GCN2 activation
Authors: Okada Akira , Nangaku Masaomi , Jao Tzu-Ming , Maekawa Hiroshi , Ishimono Yu , Kawakami Takahisa , Inagi Reiko
Published: September 2017

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by progressive renal dysfunction with tubulointerstitial fibrosis, is increasing because of societal aging. Uremic toxins, accumulated during renal dysfunction, cause kidney damage, leading to renal deterioration. A recent metabolomic analysis revealed that plasma D-serine accumulation is associated with faster progression of renal dysfunction in CKD patients. However, the causal relationship and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that D-serine markedly induced cellular senescence and apoptosis in a human proximal tubular cell line, HK-2, and primary culture of human renal tubular cells. The former was accompanied by G2/M cell cycle arrest and senescence-associated secretory phenotype, including pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory factors, contributing to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Integrated stress response mediated by the general control nonderepressible 2 played an important role in D-serine-induced tubular cell toxicity and pro-fibrotic phenotypes, accelerating CKD progression and kidney aging. D-serine upregulated the L-serine synthesis pathway. Furthermore, D-serine-induced suppression of tubular cell proliferation was ameliorated by L-serine administration, indicating that D-serine exposure induced an L-serine-deprived state in tubular cells, compensated by L-serine synthesis. Thus, this study unveils molecular mechanisms underlying D-serine-induced tubular damage and pro-fibrotic phenotypes, suggesting that D-serine is a uremic toxin involved in CKD pathogenesis.
Investigation on the Conductive Filament Growth Dynamics in Resistive Switching Memory via a Universal Monte Carlo Simulator
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Meiyun , Long Shibing , Teng Jiao , Liu Qi , Lv Hangbing , Miranda Enrique , Suñé Jordi , Liu Ming
Published: September 2017

In resistive random access memories, modeling conductive filament growing dynamics is important to understand the switching mechanism and variability. In this paper, a universal Monte Carlo simulator is developed based on a cell switching model and a tunneling-based transport model. Driven by external electric field, the growing process of the nanoscale filament occurring in the gap region is actually dominated by cells’ conductive/insulating switching, modeled through a phenomenological physics-based probability function. The electric transport through the partially formed CF is considered as current tunneling in the framework of the Quantum Point Contact model, and the potential barrier is modulated during cells’ evolution. To demonstrate the validity and universality of our simulator, various operation schemes are simulated, with the simulated I − V characteristics well explaining experimental observations. Furthermore, the statistical analyses of simulation results in terms of Weibull distribution and conductance evolution also nicely track previous experimental results. Representing a simulation scale that links atomic-scale simulations to compact modeling, our simulator has the advantage of being much faster comparing with other atomic-scale models. Meanwhile, our simulator shows good universality since it can be applied to various operation signals, and also to different electrodes and dielectric layers dominated by different switching mechanisms.
Contributions of cuticle permeability and enzyme detoxification to pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Yahouédo Gildas A. , Chandre Fabrice , Rossignol Marie , Ginibre Carole , Balabanidou Vasileia , Mendez Natacha Garcia Albeniz , Pigeon Olivier , Vontas John , Cornelie Sylvie
Published: September 2017

To tackle the problem of insecticide resistance, all resistance mechanisms need to be studied. This study investigated the involvement of the cuticle in pyrethroid resistance in a strain of Anopheles gambiae, MRS, free of kdr mutations. Bioassays revealed MRS to be resistant to pyrethroids and DDT, indicated by increasing knockdown times and resistance ratios. Moreover, biochemical analysis indicated that metabolic resistance based on enhanced CYP450 activity may also play a role. Insecticide penetration assays showed that there were significantly lower amounts of insecticide in the MRS strain than in the susceptible control. Analysis of the levels of the selected transcripts by qPCR showed that CYP6M2, a major pyrethroid metaboliser, CYP4G16, a gene implicated in resistance via its contribution to the biosynthesis of elevated epicuticular hydrocarbons that delay insecticide uptake, and the cuticle genes CPAP3-E and CPLCX1 were upregulated after insecticide exposure. Other metabolic (CYP6P3, GSTe2) and cuticle (CPLCG3, CPRs) genes were also constitutively upregulated. Microscopic analysis showed that the cuticle layers of the MRS strain were significantly thicker than those of the susceptible strain. This study allowed us to assess the contribution made by the cuticle and metabolic mechanisms to pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae without target-site mutations.
Flavonoid allosteric modulation of mutated visual rhodopsin associated with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Herrera-Hernández María Guadalupe , Ramon Eva , Lupala Cecylia S. , Tena-Campos Mercè , Pérez Juan J. , Garriga Pere
Published: September 2017

Dietary flavonoids exhibit many biologically-relevant functions and can potentially have beneficial effects in the treatment of pathological conditions. In spite of its well known antioxidant properties, scarce structural information is available on the interaction of flavonoids with membrane receptors. Advances in the structural biology of a specific class of membrane receptors, the G protein-coupled receptors, have significantly increased our understanding of drug action and paved the way for developing improved therapeutic approaches. We have analyzed the effect of the flavonoid quercetin on the conformation, stability and function of the G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin, and the G90V mutant associated with the retinal degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa. By using a combination of experimental and computational methods, we suggest that quercetin can act as an allosteric modulator of opsin regenerated with 9-cis-retinal and more importantly, that this binding has a positive effect on the stability and conformational properties of the G90V mutant associated with retinitis pigmentosa. These results open new possibilities to use quercetin and other flavonoids, in combination with specific retinoids like 9-cis-retinal, for the treatment of retinal degeneration associated with retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, the use of flavonoids as allosteric modulators may also be applicable to other members of the G protein-coupled receptors superfamily.
Overlapping and Specific Functions of the Hsp104 N Domain Define Its Role in Protein Disaggregation
Authors: Lee Jungsoon , Sung Nuri , Mercado Jonathan M. , Hryc Corey F. , Chang Changsoo , Lee Sukyeong , Tsai Francis T. F.
Published: September 2017

Hsp104 is a ring-forming protein disaggregase that rescues stress-damaged proteins from an aggregated state. To facilitate protein disaggregation, Hsp104 cooperates with Hsp70 and Hsp40 chaperones (Hsp70/40) to form a bi-chaperone system. How Hsp104 recognizes its substrates, particularly the importance of the N domain, remains poorly understood and multiple, seemingly conflicting mechanisms have been proposed. Although the N domain is dispensable for protein disaggregation, it is sensitive to point mutations that abolish the function of the bacterial Hsp104 homolog in vitro, and is essential for curing yeast prions by Hsp104 overexpression in vivo. Here, we present the crystal structure of an N-terminal fragment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp104 with the N domain of one molecule bound to the C-terminal helix of the neighboring D1 domain. Consistent with mimicking substrate interaction, mutating the putative substrate-binding site in a constitutively active Hsp104 variant impairs the recovery of functional protein from aggregates. We find that the observed substrate-binding defect can be rescued by Hsp70/40 chaperones, providing a molecular explanation as to why the N domain is dispensable for protein disaggregation when Hsp70/40 is present, yet essential for the dissolution of Hsp104-specific substrates, such as yeast prions, which likely depends on a direct N domain interaction.
IL-7 plays a critical role for the homeostasis of allergen-specific memory CD4 T cells in the lung and airways
Authors: Yeon Seung-min , Halim Lea , Chandele Anmol , Perry Curtis J. , Kim Sang Hoon , Kim Sun-Uk , Byun Youngjoo , Yuk Soon Hong , Kaech Susan M. , Jung Yong Woo
Published: September 2017

Memory T cells respond rapidly to repeated antigen exposure and can maintain their population for extended periods through self-renewal. These characteristics of memory T cells have mainly been studied during viral infections, whereas their existence and functions in allergic diseases have been studied incompletely. Since allergic patients can suffer repeated relapses caused by intermittent allergen exposure, we hypothesized that allergen- specific memory Th2 cells are present and the factors necessary for the maintenance of these cells are provided by the lung and airways. Using a murine model of airway inflammation, we found that allergen-specific CD4 T cells survived longer than 70 days in the lung and airways in an IL-7 dependent fashion. These T cells showing homeostatic proliferation were largely found in the mediastinal lymph node (mLN), rather than the airways; however, cells residing in the lung and airways developed recall responses successfully. We also found that CD4 T cells exhibited differential phenotypes in the mLN and in the lung. Altogether, we believe that allergen-specific memory T cells reside and function in the lung and airways, while their numbers are replenished through homeostatic turnover in the mLNs. Furthermore, we determined that IL-7 signaling is important for the homeostasis of these cells.
Chronic treatment with Tempol during acquisition or withdrawal from CPP abolishes the expression of cocaine reward and diminishes oxidative damage
Authors: Beiser Tehila , Numa Ran , Kohen Ron , Yaka Rami
Published: September 2017

In previous studies, we reported that pretreatment with the antioxidant Tempol attenuated the development and expression of cocaine-induced psychomotor sensitization in rats and diminished cocaine-induced oxidative stress (OS) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), suggesting a potential role for Tempol in interfering with cocaine-related psychomotor sensitization. The aim of the current study was to examine the role of Tempol in reward and reinforcement using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. We found that administration of Tempol during the conditioning session abolished the expression of cocaine-induced CPP. We also found that OS was significantly elevated following the establishment of CPP, and that cocaine-induced OS was significantly diminished by pretreatment with Tempol during conditioning. Furthermore, we found that repeated, but not single, administration of Tempol for seven days during withdrawal from CPP resulted in significant attenuation in the expression of CPP. Moreover, Tempol did not affect the expression of food reward. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for the involvement of Tempol in regulating cocaine rewarding properties without affecting natural rewards. Since Tempol was found to be effective in reducing OS and expression of CPP following withdrawal, it may be a potential treatment for cocaine addiction.
Microbial communities in placentas from term normal pregnancy exhibit spatially variable profiles
Authors: Parnell Lindsay A. , Briggs Catherine M. , Cao Bin , Delannoy-Bruno Omar , Schrieffer Andrew E. , Mysorekar Indira U.
Published: September 2017

The placenta is the principal organ nurturing the fetus during pregnancy and was traditionally considered to be sterile. Recent work has suggested that the placenta harbours microbial communities, however the location and possible function of these microbes remain to be confirmed and elucidated. Here, we employed genomic DNA sequencing of multiple variable (V) regions of the bacterial 16S ribosomal gene, to interrogate microbial profiles in term pregnancies, from the basal plate, which is in direct contact with maternal uterine, endothelial, and immune cells; placental villi, which are bathed in maternal blood, and fetal membranes, which encapsulate the amniotic cavity. QIIME, R package “Phyloseq” analysis was used to assess alpha and beta diversity and absolute abundance of the 16S rRNA gene per location. We demonstrate that (1) microbiota exhibit spatially distinct profiles depending on the location within the placenta and (2) “semi-composite” 16S profiles using multiple V regions validated by quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that distinct bacterial taxa dominate in different placental niches. Finally, profiles are not altered by mode of delivery. Together these findings suggest that there is niche-specificity to the placental microbiota and placental microbiome studies should consider regional differences, which may affect maternal, fetal, and/or neonatal health and physiology.
Direct laser writing of a new type of waveguides in silver containing glasses
Authors: Abou Khalil Alain , Bérubé Jean-Philippe , Danto Sylvain , Desmoulin Jean-Charles , Cardinal Thierry , Petit Yannick , Vallée Réal , Canioni Lionel
Published: September 2017

Direct laser writing in glasses is a growing field of research in photonics since it provides a robust and efficient way to directly address 3D material structuring. Generally, direct laser writing in glasses induces physical modifications such as refractive index changes that have been classified under three different types (Type I, II & III). In a silver-containing zinc phosphate glass, direct laser writing additionally proceeds via the formation of silver clusters at the periphery of the interaction voxel. In this paper, we introduce a novel type of refractive index modification based on the creation of the photo-induced silver clusters allowing the inscription of a new type of optical waveguides. Various waveguides as well as a 50–50 beam splitter were written inside bulk glasses and characterized. The waveguiding properties observed in the bulk of such silver-containing glass samples were further transposed to ribbon shaped fibers made of the same material. Our results pave the way for the fabrication of 3D integrated circuits and fiber sensors with original fluorescent, nonlinear optical and plasmonic properties. The universality of these new findings should further extend in any silver-containing glasses that show similar laser-induced behavior in terms of silver cluster production.
Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Production of Nitric Oxide:A multi-cell and multi-donor analysis
Authors: Holliman Graham , Lowe Donna , Cohen Howard , Felton Sarah , Raj Ken
Published: September 2017

Increasing evidence regarding positive effects of exposure to sunlight has led to suggestions that current advice may be overly weighted in favour of avoidance. UV-A has been reported to lower blood pressure, possibly through nitric oxide (NO) production in skin. Here, we set out to investigate effects of UV-A and solar-simulated radiation on the potential source of dermal NO, the effective doses and wavelengths, the responsiveness of different human skin cells, the magnitude of inter-individual differences and the potential influence of age. We utilised isogenic keratinocytes, microvascular endothelial cells, melanocytes and fibroblasts isolated from 36 human skins ranging from neonates to 86 years old. We show that keratinocytes and microvascular endothelial cells show greatest NO release following biologically relevant doses of UV-A. This was consistent across multiple neonatal donors and the effect is maintained in adult keratinocytes. Our observations are consistent with a bi-phasic mechanism by which UV-A can trigger vasodilatory effects. Analyses of NO-production spectra adds further evidence that nitrites in skin cells are the source of UV-mediated NO release. These potentially positive effects of ultraviolet radiation lend support for objective assessment of environmental influence on human health and the idea of “healthy sun exposure”.
Analyzing intrinsic plasmonic chirality by tracking the interplay of electric and magnetic dipole modes
Authors: Hu Li , Huang Yingzhou , Pan Lujun , Fang Yurui
Published: September 2017

Plasmonic chirality represents significant potential for novel nanooptical devices due to its association with strong chiroptical responses. Previous reports on plasmonic chirality mechanism mainly focus on phase retardation and coupling. In this paper, we propose a model similar to the chiral molecules for explaining the intrinsic plasmonic chirality mechanism of varies 3D chiral structures quantitatively based on the interplay and mixing of electric and magnetic dipole modes (directly from electromagnetic field numerical simulations), which forms mixed electric and magnetic polarizability.
Theta waves in children’s waking electroencephalogram resemble local aspects of sleep during wakefulness
Authors: Fattinger Sara , Kurth Salome , Ringli Maya , Jenni Oskar G. , Huber Reto
Published: September 2017

Vyazovskiy and colleagues found in rats’ multi-unit recordings brief periods of silence (off-states) in local populations of cortical neurons during wakefulness which closely resembled the characteristic off-states during sleep. These off-states became more global and frequent with increasing sleep pressure and were associated with the well-known increase of theta activity under sleep deprivation in the surface EEG. Moreover, the occurrence of such off-states was related to impaired performance. While these animal experiments were based on intracranial recordings, we aimed to explore whether the human surface EEG may also provide evidence for such a local sleep-like intrusion during wakefulness. Thus, we analysed high-density wake EEG recordings during an auditory attention task in the morning and evening in 12 children. We found that, theta waves became more widespread in the evening and the occurrence of widespread theta waves was associated with slower reaction times in the attention task. These results indicate that widespread theta events measured on the scalp might be markers of local sleep in humans. Moreover, such markers of local sleep, seem to be related to the well described performance decline under high sleep pressure.
Multi-characterization of LiCoO2 cathode films using advanced AFM-based techniques with high resolution
Authors: Wu Jiaxiong , Yang Shan , Cai Wei , Bi Zhuanfang , Shang Guangyi , Yao Junen
Published: September 2017

Abstarct

The thin film Li-ion batteries have been extensively used in micro-electronic devices due to their miniaturization, high capacity density and environmental friendliness, etc. In order to further prolong the lifetime of the film batteries, one of important tasks is to explore the aging mechanisms of the cathode films. In this paper, we especially focused on the multi-characterization of the LiCoO2 film in nanoscale, which is carried out by combining advanced AFM-based techniques with capacity measurement. The surface morphology, contact stiffness as well as surface potential were measured by amplitude modulation-frequency modulation (AM-FM) and kelvin probe force microscope (KPFM), respectively. Remarkable changes after different numbers of charge/discharge cycling were observed and the intrinsic reasons of them were discussed in detail. To acknowledge the relationship with these microscopic changes, the macro-capacity of the thin films was also measured by the galvanostatic charge/discharge method. These comprehensive results would provide a deep insight into the fading mechanism of the cathode film, being helpful for the design and selection of the cathode film materials for high performance batteries.
Role of sonication pre-treatment and cation valence in the sol-gel transition of nano-cellulose suspensions
Authors: Maestri C. A. , Abrami M. , Hazan S. , Chistè E. , Golan Y. , Rohrer J. , Bernkop-Schnürch A. , Grassi M. , Scarpa M. , Bettotti P.
Published: September 2017

Sol-gel transition of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals has been investigated using rheology, SAXS, NMR and optical spectroscopies to unveil the distinctive roles of ultrasound treatments and addition of various cations. Besides cellulose fiber fragmentation, sonication treatment induces fast gelling of the solution. The gelation is independent of the addition of cations, while the final rheological properties are highly influenced by the type, concentration and sequence of the operations since the cations must be added prior to sonication to produce stiff gels. The gel elastic modulus was found to increase proportionally to the ionic charge rather than the cationic size. In cases where ions were added after sonication, SAXS analysis of the Na+ hydrogel and Ca2+ hydrogel indicated the presence of structurally ordered domains in which water is confined, and 1H-NMR investigation showed the dynamics of water exchange within the hydrogels. Conversely, separated phases containing essentially free water were characteristic of the hydrogels obtained by sonication after Ca2+ addition, confirming that this ion induces irreversible fiber aggregation. The rheological properties of the hydrogels depend on the duration of the ultrasound treatments, enabling the design of programmed materials with tailored energy dissipation response.
Functional characterization of Vip3Ab1 and Vip3Bc1: Two novel insecticidal proteins with differential activity against lepidopteran pests
Authors: Zack Marc D. , Sopko Megan S. , Frey Meghan L. , Wang Xiujuan , Tan Sek Yee , Arruda Jennifer M. , Letherer Ted T. , Narva Kenneth E.
Published: September 2017

In this work, we characterized 2 novel insecticidal proteins; Vip3Ab1 and Vip3Bc1. These proteins display unique insecticidal spectra and have differential rates of processing by lepidopteran digestive enzymes. Furthermore, we have found that both proteins exist as tetramers in their native state before and after proteolysis. In addition, we expressed truncated forms and protein chimeras to gain a deeper understanding of toxin specificity and stability. Our study confirms a role for the C-terminal 65 kDa domain in directing insect specificity. Importantly, these data also indicate a specific interaction between the 20 kDa amino terminus and 65 kDa carboxy terminus, after proteolytic processing. We demonstrate the C-terminal 65 kDa to be labile in native proteolytic conditions in absence of the 20 kDa N-terminus. Thus, the 20 kDa fragment functions to provide stability to the C-terminal domain, which is necessary for lethal toxicity against lepidopteran insects.
T-cell tolerance and exhaustion in the clearance of Echinococcus multilocularis: role of inoculum size in a quantitative hepatic experimental model
Authors: Zhang Chuanshan , Shao Yingmei , Yang Shuting , Bi Xiaojuan , Li Liang , Wang Hui , Yang Ning , Li Zhide , Sun Cheng , Li Liang , Lü Guodong , Aji Tuerganaili , Vuitton Dominique A. , Lin Renyong , Wen Hao
Published: September 2017

The local immune mechanisms responsible for either self-healing or sustained chronic infection are not clear, in the development ofE. multilocularislarvae. Here, we developed a suitable experimental model that mimics naturally infected livers, according to the parasite load. We demonstrated that local cellular immunity and fibrogenesis are actually protective and fully able to limit metacestode growth in the liver of low or medium dose-infected mice (LDG or MDG), or even to clear it, while impairment of cellular immunity is followed by a more rapid and severe course of the disease in high dose-infected mice (HDG). And recruitment and/ or proliferation of memory T cells (including CD4 Tem, CD8 Tcm and CD8 Tem) and imbalance of T1/T2/T17/Treg-type T cells in liver were not only associated with clearance of the parasite infection in LDG, but also with increased hepatic injury in HDG; in particular the dual role of CD8 T cells depending on the parasite load and the various stages of metacestode growth. Besides, we first demonstrate the association between LAG3- or 2B4-expressing T cells exhaustion and HD inocula in late stages. Our quantitative experimental model appears fully appropriate to study immunomodulation as a therapeutic strategy for patients with Alveolar Echinococcosis.
Prognostic significance of high GFI1 expression in AML of normal karyotype and its association with a FLT3-ITD signature
Authors: Volpe Giacomo , Walton David S. , Grainger David E. , Ward Carl , Cauchy Pierre , Blakemore Daniel , Coleman Daniel J. L. , Cockerill Peter N. , Garcia Paloma , Frampton Jon
Published: September 2017

Growth Factor Independence 1 (GFI1) is a transcriptional repressor that plays a critical role during both myeloid and lymphoid haematopoietic lineage commitment. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of GFI1 in haematological malignancies and have suggested that low expression of GFI1 is a negative indicator of disease progression for both myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In this study, we have stratified AML patients into those defined as having a normal karyotype (CN-AML). Unlike the overall pattern in AML, those patients with CN-AML have a poorer survival rate when GFI1 expression is high. In this group, high GFI1 expression is paralleled by higher FLT3 expression, and, even when the FLT3 gene is not mutated, exhibit a FLT3-ITD signature of gene expression. Knock-down of GFI1 expression in the human AML Fujioka cell line led to a decrease in the level of FLT3 RNA and protein and to the down regulation of FLT3-ITD signature genes, thus linking two major prognostic indicators for AML.
Seasonal variation of the dominant allergenic fungal aerosols – One year study from southern Indian region
Authors: Priyamvada Hema , Singh Raj Kamal , Akila M. , Ravikrishna R. , Verma Rama Shanker , Gunthe Sachin S.
Published: September 2017

Quantitative estimations of fungal aerosols are important to understand their role in causing respiratory diseases to humans especially in the developing and highly populated countries. In this study we sampled and quantified the three most dominantly found allergenic airborne fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Alternaria alternata from ambient PM10 samples using the quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique in a southern tropical Indian region, for one full year. Highest concentrations of A. fumigatus and C. cladosporioides were observed during monsoon whereas A. alternata displayed an elevated concentration in winter. The meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation exhibited a substantial influence on the atmospheric concentrations of allergenic fungal aerosols. The morphological features of various allergenic fungal spores present in the PM10 were investigated and the spores were found to possess distinct structural features. In a maiden attempt over this region we correlate the ambient fungal concentrations with the epidemiological allergy occurrence to obtain firsthand and preliminary information about the causative fungal allergen to the inhabitants exposed to bioaerosols. Our findings may serve as an important reference to atmospheric scientists, aero-biologists, doctors, and general public.
An Affordable Wet Chemical Route to Grow Conducting Hybrid Graphite-Diamond Nanowires: Demonstration by A Single Nanowire Device
Authors: Shellaiah Muthaiah , Chen Tin Hao , Simon Turibius , Li Liang-Chen , Sun Kien Wen , Ko Fu-Hsiang
Published: September 2017

We report an affordable wet chemical route for the reproducible hybrid graphite-diamond nanowires (G-DNWs) growth from cysteamine functionalized diamond nanoparticles (ND-Cys) via pH induced self-assembly, which has been visualized through SEM and TEM images. Interestingly, the mechanistic aspects behind that self-assembly directed G-DNWs formation was discussed in details. Notably, above self-assembly was validated by AFM and TEM data. Further interrogations by XRD and Raman data were revealed the possible graphite sheath wrapping over DNWs. Moreover, the HR-TEM studies also verified the coexistence of less perfect sp2 graphite layer wrapped over the sp3 diamond carbon and the impurity channels as well. Very importantly, conductivity of hybrid G-DNWs was verified via fabrication of a single G-DNW. Wherein, the better conductivity of G-DNW portion L2 was found as 2.4 ± 1.92 × 10−6 mS/cm and revealed its effective applicability in near future. In addition to note, temperature dependent carrier transport mechanisms and activation energy calculations were reported in details in this work. Ultimately, to demonstrate the importance of our conductivity measurements, the possible mechanism behind the electrical transport and the comparative account on electrical resistivities of carbon based materials were provided.
Synchronous precipitation reduction in the American Tropics associated with Heinrich 2
Authors: Medina-Elizalde Martín , Burns Stephen J. , Polanco-Martinez Josué , Lases-Hernández Fernanda , Bradley Raymond , Wang Hao-Cheng , Shen Chuan-Chou
Published: September 2017

During the last ice age temperature in the North Atlantic oscillated in cycles known as Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) events. The magnitude of Caribbean hydroclimate change associated with D-O variability and particularly with stadial intervals, remains poorly constrained by paleoclimate records. We present a 3.3 thousand-year long stalagmite δ18O record from the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) that spans the interval between 26.5 and 23.2 thousand years before present. We estimate quantitative precipitation variability and the high resolution and dating accuracy of this record allow us to investigate how rainfall in the region responds to D-O events. Quantitative precipitation estimates are based on observed regional amount effect variability, last glacial paleotemperature records, and estimates of the last glacial oxygen isotopic composition of precipitation based on global circulation models (GCMs). The new precipitation record suggests significant low latitude hydrological responses to internal modes of climate variability and supports a role of Caribbean hydroclimate in helping Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation recovery during D-O events. Significant in-phase precipitation reduction across the equator in the tropical Americas associated with Heinrich event 2 is suggested by available speleothem oxygen isotope records.
Host Expression of the CD8 Treg/NK Cell Restriction Element Qa-1 is Dispensable for Transplant Tolerance
Authors: Stocks Blair T. , Wilson Christopher S. , Marshall Andrew F. , Brewer Lauren A. , Moore Daniel J.
Published: September 2017

Disruption of the non-classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Ib molecule Qa-1 impairs CD8 Treg and natural killer (NK) cell function and promotes a lupus-like autoimmune disease. This immune perturbation would be expected to enhance anti-transplant responses and impair tolerance induction, but the effect of Qa-1 deficiency on the transplant response has not been previously reported. Qa-1 deficiency enhanced CD4 TFH and germinal center (GC) B cell numbers in naïve mice and hastened islet allograft rejection. Despite enhanced immunity in B6.Qa-1−/−mice, these mice did not generate an excessive primary CD4 TFH cell response nor an enhanced alloantibody reaction. Both CD8 Tregs and NK cells, which often regulate other cells through host Qa-1 expression, were targets of anti-CD45RB therapy that had not been previously recognized. However, B6.Qa-1−/−mice remained susceptible to anti-CD45RB mediated suppression of the alloantibody response and transplant tolerance induction to mismatched islet allografts. Overall, despite enhanced immunity as demonstrated by augmented CD4 TFH/GC B cell numbers and hastened islet allograft rejection in naïve 12-week old Qa-1 deficient mice, the CD8 Treg/NK cell restriction element Qa-1 does not regulate the primary cellular or humoral alloresponse and is not required for long-term transplant tolerance.
A novel photoelectrode based on eosin Y–rhodamine B duo-dye sensitized Au nanoparticles by in situ reduction
Authors: Yuan Y. L. , Pang G. M. , Li X. K. , Zhu W. Y. , Pan H. C.
Published: September 2017

A novel strategy for the fabrication of a photoelectrochemical system, involving a duo-dye sensitized Au NPs composite, that displays a specific response to mercury.
Emerging investigator series: As(v) in magnetite: incorporation and redistribution
Authors: Huhmann Brittany L. , Neumann Anke , Boyanov Maxim I. , Kemner Kenneth M. , Scherer Michelle M.
Published: September 2017

As coprecipitated with magnetite remained incorporated over time whereas sorbed As was redistributed and became increasingly incorporated into magnetite, both the absence and presence of aqueous Fe(ii).
Mice gut microbiota programming by using the infant food profile. The effect on growth, gut microbiota and the immune system
Authors: Sánchez-Samper Elvira , Gómez-Gallego Carlos , Andreo-Martínez Pedro , Salminen Seppo , Ros Gaspar
Published: September 2017

Infant food profile on programming of the growth, gut microbiota and immune system of C57BL/6J mice.
Nanocellulose as a sustainable biomass material: structure, properties, present status and future prospects in biomedical applications
Authors: Xue Yan , Mou Zihao , Xiao Huining
Published: September 2017

Nanocellulose, extracted from the most abundant biomass material cellulose, has proved to be an environmentally friendly material with excellent mechanical performance, great biocompatibility and biodegradability, and has been used in a variety of biomedical applications.
α-Helicomimetic foldamers as electron transfer mediators
Authors: Pulka-Ziach K. , Sęk S.
Published: September 2017

α-Helicomimetic oligoureas may act as electron transfer mediators with the domination of the tunnelling mechanism.
Healable and flexible transparent heaters
Authors: Tiwari Naveen , Ankit Ankit , Rajput Mayank , Kulkarni Mohit R. , John Rohit Abraham , Mathews Nripan
Published: September 2017

Challenges associated with the mechanical fracture of electrical conductors have hindered the realization of truly flexible high performance wearable electronics. Here, transparent healable electrodes have been developed and examined to alleviate these problems.
Catalytic and catalyst-free diboration of alkynes
Authors: Zhao Fei , Jia Xiuwen , Li Pinyi , Zhao Jingwei , Zhou Yu , Wang Jiang , Liu Hong
Published: September 2017

The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the catalytic and catalyst-free diboration of alkynes.
A redox-responsive supramolecular amphiphile fabricated by selenium-containing pillar[5]arene-based host–guest recognition
Authors: Zhou Yujuan , Jie Kecheng , Huang Feihe
Published: September 2017

A novel redox-responsive molecular recognition motif was built between a neutral selenium-containing pillar[5]arene and a pyridinium bromide salt in water. It was further used to construct the first pillararene-based selenium-containing supramolecular amphiphile with application in controlled release.
Synthesis of 3-(((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-3-yl)methyl)sulfonyl) coumarins through the reaction of 2-(allyloxy)anilines, sulfur dioxide, and aryl propiolates
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Liu Tong , Zheng Danqing , Zhong Qian , Wu Jie
Published: September 2017

A facile route to 3-(((2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-3-yl)methyl)sulfonyl) coumarins through the reaction of 2-(allyloxy)anilines, sulfur dioxide, and aryl propiolates is achieved.
Chitosan promotes ROS-mediated apoptosis and S phase cell cycle arrest in triple-negative breast cancer cells: evidence for intercalative interaction with genomic DNA
Authors: Salehi Fahimeh , Behboudi Hossein , Kavoosi Gholamreza , Ardestani Sussan K.
Published: September 2017

Chitosan (CS) is a semi-synthetic bio-based polysaccharide with promising biological and antitumor properties.
Tuning analog resistive switching and plasticity in bilayer transition metal oxide based memristive synapses
Authors: Li Jingxian , Duan Qingxi , Zhang Teng , Yin Minghui , Sun Xinhao , Cai Yimao , Li Lidong , Yang Yuchao , Huang Ru
Published: September 2017

The existence of rich suboxide phases is favorable for increasing the number of weight states in transition metal oxide synapses.
Ag modified g-C3N4 composite entrapped PES UF membrane with visible-light-driven photocatalytic antifouling performance
Authors: Zhang Manying , Liu Ziya , Gao Yong , Shu Li
Published: September 2017

Membrane fouling is still the main obstacle for the wider application of membrane processes.
Synthesis of magnetic polymeric ionic liquid nanocomposites by the Radziszewski reaction
Authors: Castro-Grijalba Alexander , Reyes-Gallardo Emilia M. , Wuilloud Rodolfo G. , Lucena Rafael , Cárdenas Soledad
Published: September 2017

The application of the Radziszewski reaction is proposed for the first time for the synthesis of magnetic polymeric ionic liquids. After their characterization, the sorption ability of the nanocomposites towards acidic compounds have been evaluated.
Electromagnetic wave absorption polyimide fabric prepared by coating with core–shell NiFe2O4@PANI nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Wei , Zhu Meifang , Yu Dan
Published: September 2017

The NiFe2O4@PANI/PI fabric exhibited excellent microwave attenuation performance, favorable mechanical properties and was appropriate for large-scale production.
Inhibition of mild steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid using two novel pyridine Schiff base derivatives: a comparative study of experimental and theoretical results
Authors: Meng Yue , Ning Wenbo , Xu Bin , Yang Wenzhong , Zhang Kegui , Chen Yun , Li Lihua , Liu Xi , Zheng Jinhong , Zhang Yimin
Published: September 2017

Herein, we present a comparative study of experimental and theoretical results on the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid using two novel pyridine Schiff base derivatives.
Generation of reactive cobalt oxo oxamate radical species for biomimetic oxidation of contaminants
Authors: Li Nan , Zheng Yun , Jiang Xuemei , Zhang Ran , Chen Wenxing
Published: September 2017

Bio-inspired formation of [CoIVO˙]− species: cobalt oxo radical intermediate was directly observed in ESI-MS.
Conversion of a resistant pollutant, phenol, into green fuels by gasification using supercritical water compressed up to 1000 bar
Authors: Martin-Sanchez Nicolas , Sanchez-Montero M. Jesus , Izquierdo Carmen , Salvador Francisco
Published: September 2017

High pressure supercritical water efficiently destroys and upgrades phenol by converting the pollutant into H2 and CH4.
Dye aggregation in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Lei , Cole Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2017

Dye aggregation dictates structural and optoelectronic properties of photoelectrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), thereby playing an essential role in their photovoltaic performance.
Human TorsinA can function in the yeast cytosol as a molecular chaperone
Authors: Adam Ilectra , Jossé Lyne , Tuite Mick F.
Published: September 2017

TorsinA (TorA) is an AAA+ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) ATPase linked to dystonia type 1 (DYT1), a neurological disorder that leads to uncontrollable muscular movements. Although DYT1 is linked to a 3 bp deletion in the C-terminus of TorA, the biological function of TorA remains to be established. Here, we use the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a tractable in vivo model to explore TorA function. We demonstrate that TorA can protect yeast cells against different forms of environmental stress and show that in the absence of the molecular disaggregase Hsp104, TorA can refold heat-denatured luciferase in vivo in an ATP-dependent manner. However, this activity requires TorA to be translocated to the cytoplasm from the endoplasmic reticulum in order to access and process cytoplasmic protein aggregates. Furthermore, mutational or chemical inactivation of the ATPase activity of TorA blocks this activity. We also find that TorA can inhibit the propagation of certain conformational variants of [PSI+], the aggregated prion form of the endogenous Sup35 protein. Finally, we show that while cellular localisation remains unchanged in the dystonia-linked TorA mutant ΔE302-303, the ability of this mutant form of TorA to protect against cellular stress and to facilitate protein refolding is impaired, consistent with it being a loss-of-function mutation.
Robust output‐feedback finite‐time regulator of systems with mismatched uncertainties bounded by positive functions
Authors: Shi Shang , Xu Shengyuan , Yu Xin , Lu Junwei , Chen Weimin , Zhang Zhengqiang
Published: September 2017

In this study, the authors investigate the problem of finite‐time output regulation for a class of mismatched uncertain n ‐dimensional integrator, in which only the output signal is measurable and the higher derivatives of the matched and mismatched disturbances are bounded by time‐varying functions. Based on a finite‐time extended state observer, an output feedback controller is constructed. It is shown that even in the presence of mismatched uncertainties, whose high‐order derivatives are bounded by positive functions, the output of the system can be regulated to zero in finite time without requiring the knowledge of full‐state signals. An application to mass‐spring mechanical systems is given to illustrate the effectiveness and attractive properties of the authors' proposed controller.
Consensus for non‐linear multi‐agent systems modelled by PDEs based on spatial boundary communication
Authors: Yang Chengdong , He Haibo , Huang Tingwen , Zhang Ancai , Qiu Jianlong , Cao Jinde , Li Xiaodi
Published: September 2017

There is spatio‐temporal nature for many multi‐agent systems such as infight hose‐and‐drogue aerial refuelling systems. To deal with consensus control of such cases, this study establishes a non‐linear leader‐following spatio‐temporal multi‐agent system modelled by partial differential equations. Initially, a boundary controller based on boundary coupling is studied to ensure consensus of the multi‐agent system. A sufficient condition on the existence of the controller for consensus is presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. To simplify the obtained result, a second boundary controller is studied and a simple sufficient condition of its existence is investigated. Finally, two numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The merits of the proposed controllers lie in making use of only spatial boundary communication and requiring actuators and sensors only at spatial boundary positions.