bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can cognitive processes help explain the success of instructional techniques recommended by behavior analysts?
Authors: Markovits Rebecca A. , Weinstein Yana
Published: January 2018

The fields of cognitive psychology and behavior analysis have undertaken separate investigations into effective learning strategies. These studies have led to several recommendations from both fields regarding teaching techniques that have been shown to enhance student performance. While cognitive psychology and behavior analysis have studied student performance independently from their different perspectives, the recommendations they make are remarkably similar. The lack of discussion between the two fields, despite these similarities, is surprising. The current paper seeks to remedy this oversight in two ways: first, by reviewing two techniques recommended by behavior analysts—guided notes and response cards—and comparing them to their counterparts in cognitive psychology that are potentially responsible for their effectiveness; and second, by outlining some other areas of overlap that could benefit from collaboration. By starting the discussion with the comparison of two specific recommendations for teaching techniques, we hope to galvanize a more extensive collaboration that will not only further the progression of both fields, but also extend the practical applications of the ensuing research.
Mapping the operational landscape of microRNAs in synthetic gene circuits
Authors: Quarton Tyler , Ehrhardt Kristina , Lee James , Kannan Srijaa , Li Yi , Ma Lan , Bleris Leonidas
Published: January 2018

MicroRNAs are a class of short, noncoding RNAs that are ubiquitous modulators of gene expression, with roles in development, homeostasis, and disease. Engineered microRNAs are now frequently used as regulatory modules in synthetic biology. Moreover, synthetic gene circuits equipped with engineered microRNA targets with perfect complementarity to endogenous microRNAs establish an interface with the endogenous milieu at the single-cell level. The function of engineered microRNAs and sensor systems is typically optimized through extensive trial-and-error. Here, using a combination of synthetic biology experimentation in human embryonic kidney cells and quantitative analysis, we investigate the relationship between input genetic template abundance, microRNA concentration, and output under microRNA control. We provide a framework that employs the complete operational landscape of a synthetic gene circuit and enables the stepwise development of mathematical models. We derive a phenomenological model that recapitulates experimentally observed nonlinearities and contains features that provide insight into the microRNA function at various abundances. Our work facilitates the characterization and engineering of multi-component genetic circuits and specifically points to new insights on the operation of microRNAs as mediators of endogenous information and regulators of gene expression in synthetic biology.
Bi-valent polysaccharides of Vi capsular and O9 O-antigen in attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium induce strong immune responses against these two antigens
Authors: Li Pei , Liu Qing , Luo Hongyan , Liang Kang , Han Yue , Roland Kenneth L. , Curtiss Roy , Kong Qingke
Published: January 2018

SalmonellaTyphi is the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans, responsible for approximately 21 million infections and 222,000 deaths globally each year. The current licensed vaccines provide moderate protection to recipients aged >2 years. Prior work on typhoid vaccines has focused on injectable Vi capsular polysaccharide or Vi–protein conjugates and live, oral attenuatedS. Typhi vaccines to induce humoral anti-Vi antibodies, while the value and importance of anti-O9 antibodies is less well established. In this study, we constructed aS. Typhimurium strain that synthesizes Vi capsular antigen in vivo and produces the immunodominant O9-antigen polysaccharide instead of its native O4-antigen. The live recombinant attenuatedS. Typhimurium mutants were effective in stimulating anti-Vi and anti-O9 antibodies in a mouse model, and the surface Vi capsular expression did not affect the immune responses against the O9 O-antigen polysaccharide. Moreover, the resulting anti-Vi and anti-O9 antibodies were effective at killingS. Typhi and otherSalmonellaspp. expressing Vi or O9 antigen polysaccharides and provided efficient protection against lethal challenge byS. Typhimurium andS. Enteritidis. Our work highlights the strategy of developing live attenuatedS. Typhimurium vaccines to prevent typhoid fever by targeting the both Vi capsular and O9 O-polysaccharide antigens simultaneously.
Effect of rhythmic auditory cueing on parkinsonian gait: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghai Shashank , Ghai Ishan , Schmitz Gerd , Effenberg Alfred O.
Published: January 2018

The use of rhythmic auditory cueing to enhance gait performance in parkinsonian patients’ is an emerging area of interest. Different theories and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms have been suggested for ascertaining the enhancement in motor performance. However, a consensus as to its effects based on characteristics of effective stimuli, and training dosage is still not reached. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to analyze the effects of different auditory feedbacks on gait and postural performance in patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. Systematic identification of published literature was performed adhering to PRISMA guidelines, from inception until May 2017, on online databases; Web of science, PEDro, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE and PROQUEST. Of 4204 records, 50 studies, involving 1892 participants met our inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed an overall positive effect on gait velocity, stride length, and a negative effect on cadence with application of auditory cueing. Neurophysiological mechanisms, training dosage, effects of higher information processing constraints, and use of cueing as an adjunct with medications are thoroughly discussed. This present review bridges the gaps in literature by suggesting application of rhythmic auditory cueing in conventional rehabilitation approaches to enhance motor performance and quality of life in the parkinsonian community.
Assessing kinetic fractionation in brachiopod calcite using clumped isotopes
Authors: Bajnai David , Fiebig Jens , Tomašových Adam , Milner Garcia Sara , Rollion-Bard Claire , Raddatz Jacek , Löffler Niklas , Primo-Ramos Cristina , Brand Uwe
Published: January 2018

Brachiopod shells are the most widely used geological archive for the reconstruction of the temperature and the oxygen isotope composition of Phanerozoic seawater. However, it is not conclusive whether brachiopods precipitate their shells in thermodynamic equilibrium. In this study, we investigated the potential impact of kinetic controls on the isotope composition of modern brachiopods by measuring the oxygen and clumped isotope compositions of their shells. Our results show that clumped and oxygen isotope compositions depart from thermodynamic equilibrium due to growth rate-induced kinetic effects. These departures are in line with incomplete hydration and hydroxylation of dissolved CO2. These findings imply that the determination of taxon-specific growth rates alongside clumped and bulk oxygen isotope analyses is essential to ensure accurate estimates of past ocean temperatures and seawater oxygen isotope compositions from brachiopods.
Genome-based classification of micromonosporae with a focus on their biotechnological and ecological potential
Authors: Carro Lorena , Nouioui Imen , Sangal Vartul , Meier-Kolthoff Jan P. , Trujillo Martha E. , Montero-Calasanz Maria del Carmen , Sahin Nevzat , Smith Darren Lee , Kim Kristi E. , Peluso Paul , Deshpande Shweta , Woyke Tanja , Shapiro Nicole , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Klenk Hans-Peter , Göker Markus , Goodfellow Michael
Published: January 2018

There is a need to clarify relationships within the actinobacterial genus Micromonospora, the type genus of the family Micromonosporaceae, given its biotechnological and ecological importance. Here, draft genomes of 40 Micromonospora type strains and two non-type strains are made available through the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea project and used to generate a phylogenomic tree which showed they could be assigned to well supported phyletic lines that were not evident in corresponding trees based on single and concatenated sequences of conserved genes. DNA G+C ratios derived from genome sequences showed that corresponding data from species descriptions were imprecise. Emended descriptions include precise base composition data and approximate genome sizes of the type strains. antiSMASH analyses of the draft genomes show that micromonosporae have a previously unrealised potential to synthesize novel specialized metabolites. Close to one thousand biosynthetic gene clusters were detected, including NRPS, PKS, terpenes and siderophores clusters that were discontinuously distributed thereby opening up the prospect of prioritising gifted strains for natural product discovery. The distribution of key stress related genes provide an insight into how micromonosporae adapt to key environmental variables. Genes associated with plant interactions highlight the potential use of micromonosporae in agriculture and biotechnology.
Issues with the Specificity of Immunological Reagents for NLRP3: Implications for Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kosmidou Cassandra , Efstathiou Nikolaos E. , Hoang Mien V. , Notomi Shoji , Konstantinou Eleni K. , Hirano Masayuki , Takahashi Kosuke , Maidana Daniel E. , Tsoka Pavlina , Young Lucy , Gragoudas Evangelos S. , Olsen Timothy W. , Morizane Yuki , Miller Joan W. , Vavvas Demetrios G.
Published: January 2018

Contradictory data have been presented regarding the implication of the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in the Western world. Recognizing that antibody specificity may explain this discrepancy and in line with recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines requiring authentication of key biological resources, the specificity of anti-NLRP3 antibodies was assessed to elucidate whether non-immune RPE cells express NLRP3. Using validated resources, NLRP3 was not detected in human primary or human established RPE cell lines under multiple inflammasome-priming conditions, including purported NLRP3 stimuli in RPE such as DICER1 deletion and Alu RNA transfection. Furthermore, NLRP3 was below detection limits in ex vivo macular RPE from AMD patients, as well as in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE from patients with overactive NLRP3 syndrome (Chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articulate, CINCA syndrome). Evidence presented in this study provides new data regarding the interpretation of published results reporting NLRP3 expression and upregulation in RPE and addresses the role that this inflammasome plays in AMD pathogenesis.
Optimizing human Treg immunotherapy by Treg subset selection and E-selectin ligand expression
Authors: Donnelly Conor , Dykstra Brad , Mondal Nandini , Huang Junning , Kaskow Belinda J. , Griffin Russell , Sackstein Robert , Baecher-Allan Clare
Published: January 2018

While human Tregs hold immense promise for immunotherapy, their biologic variability poses challenges for clinical use. Here, we examined clinically-relevant activities of defined subsets of freshly-isolated and culture-expanded human PBMC-derived Tregs. Unlike highly suppressive but plastic memory Tregs (memTreg), naïve Tregs (nvTreg) exhibited the greatest proliferation, suppressive capacity after stimulation, and Treg lineage fidelity. Yet, unlike memTregs, nvTregs lack Fucosyltransferase VII and display low sLeXexpression, with concomitant poor homing capacity.In vitronvTreg expansion augmented their suppressive function, but did not alter the nvTreg sLeX-l°wglycome. However, exofucosylation of the nvTreg surface yielded high sLeXexpression, promoting endothelial adhesion and enhanced inhibition of xenogeneic aGVHD. These data indicate that the immature Treg glycome is under unique regulation and that adult PBMCs can be an ideal source of autologous-derived therapeutic Tregs, provided that subset selection and glycan engineering are engaged to optimize both their immunomodulation and tropism for inflammatory sites.
Assembly of an atypical α-macroglobulin complex from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zouhir Samira , Robert-Genthon Mylène , Trindade Daniel Maragno , Job Viviana , Nedeljković Marko , Breyton Cécile , Ebel Christine , Attrée Ina , Dessen Andréa
Published: January 2018

Alpha-2-macroglobulins (A2Ms) are large spectrum protease inhibitors that are major components of the eukaryotic immune system. Pathogenic and colonizing bacteria, such as the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also carry structural homologs of eukaryotic A2Ms. Two types of bacterial A2Ms have been identified: Type I, much like the eukaryotic form, displays a conserved thioester that is essential for protease targeting, and Type II, which lacks the thioester and to date has been poorly studied despite its ubiquitous presence in Gram-negatives. Here we show that MagD, the Type II A2M from P. aeruginosa that is expressed within the six-gene mag operon, specifically traps a target protease despite the absence of the thioester motif, comforting its role in protease inhibition. In addition, analytical ultracentrifugation and small angle scattering show that MagD forms higher order complexes with proteins expressed in the same operon (MagA, MagB, and MagF), with MagB playing the key stabilization role. A P. aeruginosa strain lacking magB cannot stably maintain MagD in the bacterial periplasm, engendering complex disruption. This suggests a regulated mechanism of Mag complex formation and stabilization that is potentially common to numerous Gram-negative organisms, and that plays a role in periplasm protection from proteases during infection or colonization.
Xyloglucan Fucosylation Modulates Arabidopsis Cell Wall Hemicellulose Aluminium binding Capacity
Authors: Wan Jiang-Xue , Zhu Xiao-Fang , Wang Yu-Qi , Liu Lin-Yu , Zhang Bao-Cai , Li Gui-Xin , Zhou Yi-Hua , Zheng Shao-Jian
Published: January 2018

Although xyloglucan (XyG) is reported to bind Aluminium (Al), the influence of XyG fucosylation on the cell wall Al binding capacity and plant Al stress responses is unclear. We show that Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutants with reduced AXY3 (XYLOSIDASE1) function and consequent reduced levels of fucosylated XyG are more sensitive to Al than wild-type Col-0 (WT). In contrast, T-DNA insertion mutants with reduced AXY8 (FUC95A) function and consequent increased levels of fucosylated XyG are more Al resistant. AXY3 transcript levels are strongly down regulated in response to 30 min Al treatment, whilst AXY8 transcript levels also repressed until 6 h following treatment onset. Mutants lacking AXY3 or AXY8 function exhibit opposing effects on Al contents of root cell wall and cell wall hemicellulose components. However, there was no difference in the amount of Al retained in the pectin components between mutants and WT. Finally, whilst the total sugar content of the hemicellulose fraction did not change, the altered hemicellulose Al content of the mutants is shown to be a likely consequence of their different XyG fucosylation levels. We conclude that variation in XyG fucosylation levels influences the Al sensitivity of Arabidopsis by affecting the Al-binding capacity of hemicellulose.
Conditional punishment is a double-edged sword in promoting cooperation
Authors: Huang Feng , Chen Xiaojie , Wang Long
Published: January 2018

Punishment is widely recognized as an effective approach for averting from exploitation by free-riders in human society. However, punishment is costly, and thus rational individuals are unwilling to take the punishing action, resulting in the second-order free-rider problem. Recent experimental study evidences that individuals prefer conditional punishment, and their punishing decision depends on other members’ punishing decisions. In this work, we thus propose a theoretical model for conditional punishment and investigate how such conditional punishment influences cooperation in the public goods game. Considering conditional punishers only take the punishing action when the number of unconditional punishers exceeds a threshold number, we demonstrate that such conditional punishment induces the effect of a double-edged sword on the evolution of cooperation both in well-mixed and structured populations. Specifically, when it is relatively easy for conditional punishers to engage in the punishment activity corresponding to a low threshold value, cooperation can be promoted in comparison with the case without conditional punishment. Whereas when it is relatively difficult for conditional punishers to engage in the punishment activity corresponding to a high threshold value, cooperation is inhibited in comparison with the case without conditional punishment. Moreover, we verify that such double-edged sword effect exists in a wide range of model parameters and can be still observed in other different punishment regimes.
Glutathione S-transferase (GST) of American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana: Classes, Isoforms, and Allergenicity
Authors: Sookrung Nitat , Reamtong Onrapak , Poolphol Rojana , Indrawattana Nitaya , Seesuay Watee , Saelim Nawannaporn , Tantilipikorn Pongsakorn , Bunnag Chaweewan , Chaicumpa Wanpen , Tungtrongchitr Anchalee
Published: January 2018

Insect glutathioneS-transferases (GSTs) play important roles in insecticide/drug resistance and stress response. Medically, GSTs of house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinusandBlomia tropicalis) and German cockroach (Blattella germanica) are human allergens. In this study, classes, isoforms and B-cell and allergenic epitopes of GST of American cockroach,Periplaneta americana, the predominant species in the tropics and subtropics were investigated for the first time. Enzymatically active native and recombinantP.americana-GSTs bound to IgE in sera of allP.americanaallergic patients that were tested. By gel-based proteomics and multiple sequence alignments, the native GST comprises three isoforms of delta and sigma classes. All isoforms interacted with serum IgE of the cockroach allergic subjects. Molecularly, the protein contains six B-cell epitopes; two epitopes located at β1-α1 and β4-α3 regions bound to patients’ serum IgE, indicating that they are allergenic.P.americanaare ubiquitous and their GST can sensitize humans to allergic diseases; thus, the protein should be included in the allergen array for component resolved diagnosis (CRD) of allergic patients, either by skin prick test or specific IgE determination. The GST is suitable also as a target of environmental allergen detection and quantification for intervention of cockroach sensitization and allergic morbidity.
Canopy nitrogen distribution is optimized to prevent photoinhibition throughout the canopy during sun flecks
Authors: Kitao Mitsutoshi , Kitaoka Satoshi , Harayama Hisanori , Tobita Hiroyuki , Agathokleous Evgenios , Utsugi Hajime
Published: January 2018

As photoinhibition primarily reduces the photosynthetic light use efficiency at low light, sunfleck-induced photoinhibition might result in a fatal loss of carbon gain in the shade leaves within a canopy with barely positive carbon balance. We hypothesized that shade leaves at the lower canopy might retain a certain amount of leaf nitrogen (NL) to maintain energy consumption via electron transport, which contributes to circumventing photoinhibition during sunflecks to keep efficient utilization of low light during the rest period of daytime. We investigated excess energy production, a potential measure of susceptibility to photoinhibition, as a function of NL distribution within a Japanese oak canopy. Optimal NL distribution, which maximizes canopy carbon gain, may lead to a higher risk of photoinhibition in shade leaves during sunflecks. Conversely, uniform NL distribution would cause a higher risk of photoinhibition in sun leaves under the direct sunlight. Actual NL distribution equalized the risk of photoinhibition throughout the canopy indicated by the constant excess energy production at the highest light intensities that the leaves received. Such a homeostatic adjustment as a whole canopy concerning photoinhibition would be a key factor to explain why actual NL distribution does not maximize canopy carbon gain.
Temperature-induced surface reconstruction and interface structure evolution on ligament of nanoporous copper
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Cheng Peng , Yan Jiazhen , Li Ning , Shi Sanqiang , Zhang Shichao
Published: January 2018

Micromorphology and atomic arrangement on ligament surface of nanoporous metals play a vital role in maintaining the structural stability, adjusting the reaction interface and endowing the functionality. Here we offer an instructive scientific understanding for temperature-induced surface reconstruction and interface structure evolution on ligament of nanoporous copper (NPC) based on systematically experimental observations and theoretical calculations. The results show that with dealloying temperature increasing, ligament surface micromorphology of NPC evolves from smooth to irregularity and to uniformly compressed semisphere, and finally to dispersed single-crystal nanoparticles accompanying with significant changes of interface structure from coherence to semi-coherence and to noncoherence. It can guide us to impart multifunctionality and enhanced reaction activity to porous materials just through surface self-modification of homogeneous atoms rather than external invasion of heteroatoms that may bring about unexpected ill effects, such as shortened operation life owing to poisoning.
High co-expression of IL-34 and M-CSF correlates with tumor progression and poor survival in lung cancers
Authors: Baghdadi Muhammad , Endo Hiraku , Takano Atsushi , Ishikawa Kozo , Kameda Yosuke , Wada Haruka , Miyagi Yohei , Yokose Tomoyuki , Ito Hiroyuki , Nakayama Haruhiko , Daigo Yataro , Suzuki Nao , Seino Ken-ichiro
Published: January 2018

Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancers, the 5-year survival rate remains unsatisfactory, which necessitates the identification of novel factors that associates with disease progression and malignant degree for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Recent progress in cancer immunology research has unveiled critical roles for colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) in multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment. CSF1R is expressed on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and mediates important pro-tumorigenic functions. CSF1R also provides critical autocrine signals that promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. Activation of CSF1R can be achieved by two independent ligands; macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin 34 (IL-34). Accordingly, the expression of these ligands in cancer is expected to result in poor prognosis. In this study, we show that IL-34 and M-CSF expression correlates with poor survival in a cohort of lung cancer patients. Importantly, high co-expression of IL-34 and M-CSF associates with the poorest survival compared to cancers that show weak or absent expression of the two ligands. Furthermore, high expression of IL-34 and M-CSF associates with advanced stages of lung cancers. Together, these results indicate a correlation between IL-34/M-CSF expression with poor survival and disease progression in lung cancer patients.
Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes influencing lipids and diterpenes contents in Coffea arabica L
Authors: Sant’Ana Gustavo C. , Pereira Luiz F. P. , Pot David , Ivamoto Suzana T. , Domingues Douglas S. , Ferreira Rafaelle V. , Pagiatto Natalia F. , da Silva Bruna S. R. , Nogueira Lívia M. , Kitzberger Cintia S. G. , Scholz Maria B. S. , de Oliveira Fernanda F. , Sera Gustavo H. , Padilha Lilian , Labouisse Jean-Pierre , Guyot Romain , Charmetant Pierre , Leroy Thierry
Published: January 2018

Lipids, including the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, are key compounds that contribute to the quality of coffee beverages. We determined total lipid content and cafestol and kahweol concentrations in green beans and genotyped 107 Coffea arabica accessions, including wild genotypes from the historical FAO collection from Ethiopia. A genome-wide association study was performed to identify genomic regions associated with lipid, cafestol and kahweol contents and cafestol/kahweol ratio. Using the diploid Coffea canephora genome as a reference, we identified 6,696 SNPs. Population structure analyses suggested the presence of two to three groups (K = 2 and K = 3) corresponding to the east and west sides of the Great Rift Valley and an additional group formed by wild accessions collected in western forests. We identified 5 SNPs associated with lipid content, 4 with cafestol, 3 with kahweol and 9 with cafestol/kahweol ratio. Most of these SNPs are located inside or near candidate genes related to metabolic pathways of these chemical compounds in coffee beans. In addition, three trait-associated SNPs showed evidence of directional selection among cultivated and wild coffee accessions. Our results also confirm a great allelic richness in wild accessions from Ethiopia, especially in accessions originating from forests in the west side of the Great Rift Valley.
MiR-152 Regulates Apoptosis and Triglyceride Production in MECs via Targeting ACAA2 and HSD17B12 Genes
Authors: Yang Yuwei , Fang Xibi , Yang Runjun , Yu Haibin , Jiang Ping , Sun Boxing , Zhao Zhihui
Published: January 2018

Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) affect milk production capacity during lactation and are critical for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Our previous studies have revealed that the expression of miR-152 was increased significantly in MECs of cows with high milk production. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis identified ACAA2 and HSD17B12 as the potential targets of miR-152, which were further validated by dual-luciferase repoter assay. In addition, the expressions of miR-152 was shown to be negatively correlated with levels of mRNA and protein of ACAA2, HSD17B12 genes by qPCR and western bot analysis. Furthermore, transfection with miR-152 significantly up-regulated triglyceride production, promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in MECs. Furthermore, overexpression of ACAA2 and HSD17B12 could inhibit triglyceride production, cells proliferation and induce apoptosis; but sh234-ACAA2-181/sh234-HSD17B12-474 could reverse the trend. These findings suggested that miR-152 could significantly influence triglyceride production and suppress apoptosis, possibly via the expression of target genes ACAA2 and HSD17B12.
Microwave measurement of giant unilamellar vesicles in aqueous solution
Authors: Cui Yan , Delaney William F. , Darroudi Taghi , Wang Pingshan
Published: January 2018

A microwave technique is demonstrated to measure floating giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) membranes in a 25 μm wide and 18.8 μm high microfluidic channel. The measurement is conducted at 2.7 and 7.9 GHz, at which a split-ring resonator (SRR) operates at odd modes. A 500 nm wide and 100 μm long SRR split gap is used to scan GUVs that are slightly larger than 25 μm in diameter. The smaller fluidic channel induces flattened GUV membrane sections, which make close contact with the SRR gap surface. The used GUVs are synthesized with POPC (16:0–18:1 PC 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), SM (16:0 Egg Sphingomyelin) and cholesterol at different molecular compositions. It is shown that SM and POPC bilayers have different dielectric permittivity values, which also change with measurement frequencies. The obtained membrane permittivity values, e.g. 73.64-j6.13 for POPC at 2.7 GHz, are more than 10 times larger than previously reported results. The discrepancy is likely due to the measurement of dielectric polarization parallel with, other than perpendicular to, the membrane surface. POPC and SM-rich GUV surface sections are also clearly identified. Further work is needed to verify the obtained large permittivity values and enable accurate analysis of membrane composition.
Large-scale transcriptome changes in the process of long-term visual memory formation in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris
Authors: Li Li , Su Songkun , Perry Clint J. , Elphick Maurice R. , Chittka Lars , Søvik Eirik
Published: January 2018

Many genes have been implicated in mechanisms of long-term memory formation, but there is still much to be learnt about how the genome dynamically responds, transcriptionally, during memory formation. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to examine how transcriptome profiles change during visual memory formation in the bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). Expression of fifty-five genes changed immediately after bees were trained to associate reward with a single coloured chip, and the upregulated genes were predominantly genes known to be involved in signal transduction. Changes in the expression of eighty-one genes were observed four hours after learning a new colour, and the majority of these were upregulated and related to transcription and translation, which suggests that the building of new proteins may be the predominant activity four hours after training. Several of the genes identified in this study (e.g. Rab10, Shank1 and Arhgap44) are interesting candidates for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of long-term memory formation. Our data demonstrate the dynamic gene expression changes after associative colour learning and identify genes involved in each transcriptional wave, which will be useful for future studies of gene regulation in learning and long-term memory formation.
Tailoring Lattice Strain and Ferroelectric Polarization of Epitaxial BaTiO3 Thin Films on Si(001)
Authors: Lyu Jike , Fina Ignasi , Solanas Raul , Fontcuberta Josep , Sánchez Florencio
Published: January 2018

Ferroelectric BaTiO3 films with large polarization have been integrated with Si(001) by pulsed laser deposition. High quality c-oriented epitaxial films are obtained in a substrate temperature range of about 300 °C wide. The deposition temperature critically affects the growth kinetics and thermodynamics balance, resulting on a high impact in the strain of the BaTiO3 polar axis, which can exceed 2% in films thicker than 100 nm. The ferroelectric polarization scales with the strain and therefore deposition temperature can be used as an efficient tool to tailor ferroelectric polarization. The developed strategy overcomes the main limitations of the conventional strain engineering methodologies based on substrate selection: it can be applied to films on specific substrates including Si(001) and perovskites, and it is not restricted to ultrathin films.
Validity of Valence Estimation of Dopants in Glasses using XANES Analysis
Authors: Masai Hirokazu , Ina Toshiaki , Okumura Shun , Mibu Ko
Published: January 2018

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurement is one of the most powerful tools for the evaluation of a cation valence state. XANES measurement is sometimes the only available technique for the evaluation of the valence state of a dopant cation, which often occurs in phosphor materials. The validity of the core excitation process should be examined as a basis for understanding the applicability of this technique. Here, we demonstrate the validity of valence estimation of tin in oxide glasses, using Sn K-edge and L-edge XANES spectra, and compare the results with 119Sn Mössbauer analysis. The results of Sn K-edge XANES spectra analysis reveal that this approach cannot evaluate the actual valence state. On the contrary, in LII-edge absorption whose transition is 2p1/2-d, the change of the white line corresponds to the change of the valence state of tin, which is calculated from the 119Sn Mössbauer spectra. Among several analytical approaches, valence evaluation using the peak area, such as the absorption edge energy E0 at the fractions of the edge step or E0 at the zero of the second derivative, is better. The observed findings suggest that the valence state of a heavy element in amorphous materials should be discussed using several different definitions with error bars, even though L-edge XANES analyses are used.
Node of Ranvier as an Array of Bio-Nanoantennas for Infrared Communication in Nerve Tissue
Authors: Zangari Andrea , Micheli Davide , Galeazzi Roberta , Tozzi Antonio
Published: January 2018

Electromagnetic radiation, in the visible and infrared spectrum, is increasingly being investigated for its possible role in the most evolved brain capabilities. Beside experimental evidence of electromagnetic cellular interactions, the possibility of light propagation in the axon has been recently demonstrated using computational modelling, although an explanation of its source is still not completely understood. We studied electromagnetic radiation onset and propagation at optical frequencies in myelinated axons, under the assumption that ion channel currents in the node of Ranvier behave like an array of nanoantennas emitting in the wavelength range from 300 to 2500 nm. Our results suggest that the wavelengths below 1600 nm are most likely to propagate throughout myelinated segments. Therefore, a broad wavelength window exists where both generation and propagation could happen, which in turn raises the possibility that such a radiation may play some role in neurotransmission.
A Tet-Off gene expression system for validation of antifungal drug targets in a murine invasive pulmonary aspergillosis model
Authors: Peng Yutian , Zhang Hua , Xu Min , Tan Man-Wah
Published: January 2018

Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the major causes of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Novel antifungal therapy is in urgent need due to emerging resistance and adverse toxicity of current antifungal drugs. Gene products that are essential for Aspergillus viability during infection are attractive drug targets. To characterize these genes in vivo we developed a Tet-Off gene expression system in A. fumigatus, whereby the administration of doxycycline resulted in down regulation of the gene whose expression is under the control of the Tet-Off promoter. We tested the system on two potential drug targets, inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and L-ornithine N5-oxygenase (sidA) in a murine invasive pulmonary aspergillosis model. We show that depletion of IMPDH attenuated but did not completely abolish virulence in vivo whereas turning off the expression of sidA, which is required for iron acquisition, resulted in avirulence. We also investigated whether sidA expression could be controlled in a time-dependent manner in mice. Our results demonstrated that timing of doxycycline administration dramatically affects survival rate, suggesting that this genetic system can be used for testing whether an antifungal drug target is critical for fungal growth post-infection.
Effects of Bt cabbage pollen on the honeybee Apis mellifera L
Authors: Yi Dengxia , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei
Published: January 2018

Honeybees may be exposed to insecticidal proteins from transgenic plants via pollen during their foraging activity. Assessing effects of such exposures on honeybees is an essential part of the risk assessment process for transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cabbage. Feeding trials were conducted in a laboratory setting to test for possible effects of Cry1Ba3 cabbage pollen on Italian-derived honeybees Apis mellifera L. Newly emerged A. mellifera were fed transgenic pollen, activated Cry1Ba3 toxin, pure sugar syrup (60% w/v sucrose solution), and non-transgenic cabbage pollen, respectively. Then the effects on survival, pollen consumption, weight, detoxification enzyme activity and midgut enzyme activity of A. mellifera were monitored. The results showed that there were no significant differences in survival, pollen consumption, weight, detoxification enzyme activity among all treatments. No significant differences in the activities of total proteolytic enzyme, active alkaline trypsin-like enzyme and weak alkaline trypsin-like enzyme were observed among all treatments. These results indicate that the side-effects of the Cry1Ba3 cabbage pollen on A. mellifera L. are unlikely.
IL-13 in LPS-Induced Inflammation Causes Bcl-2 Expression to Sustain Hyperplastic Mucous cells
Authors: Chand Hitendra S. , Harris Jennifer F. , Tesfaigzi Yohannes
Published: January 2018

Exposure to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) causes extensive neutrophilic inflammation in the airways followed by mucous cell hyperplasia (MCH) that is sustained by the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. To identify inflammatory factor(s) that are responsible for Bcl-2 expression, we established an organ culture system consisting of airway epithelial tissue from the rat nasal midseptum. The highest Muc5AC and Bcl-2 expression was observed when organ cultures were treated with brochoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid harvested from rats 10 h post LPS instillation. Further, because BAL harvested from rats depleted of polymorphonuclear cells compared to controls showed increased Bcl-2 expression, analyses of cytokine levels in lavages identified IL-13 as an inducer of Bcl-2 expression. Ectopic IL-13 treatment of differentiated airway epithelial cells increased Bcl-2 and MUC5AC expression in the basal and apical regions of the cells, respectively. When Bcl-2 was blocked using shRNA or a small molecule inhibitor, ABT-263, mucous cell numbers were reduced due to increased apoptosis that disrupted the interaction of Bcl-2 with the pro-apoptotic protein, Bik. Furthermore, intranasal instillation of ABT-263 reduced the LPS-induced MCH inbik+/+but notbik−/−mice, suggesting that Bik mediated apoptosis in hyperplastic mucous cells. Therefore, blocking Bcl-2 function could be useful in reducing IL-13 induced mucous hypersecretion.
The Rotation of Microrobot Simplifies 3D Control Inside Microchannels
Authors: Barbot Antoine , Decanini Dominique , Hwang Gilgueng
Published: January 2018

This paper focuses on the control of rotating helical microrobots inside microchannels. We first use a 50 μm long and 5 μm in diameter helical robot to prove that the proximity of the channel walls create a perpendicular force on the robot. This force makes the robot orbit around the channel center line. We also demonstrate experimentally that this phenomenon simplifies the robot control by guiding it on a channel even if the robot propulsion is not perfectly aligned with the channel direction. We then use numerical simulations, validated by real experimental cases, to show different implications on the microrobot control of this orbiting phenomenon. First, the robot can be centered in 3D inside an in-plane microchannel only by controlling its horizontal direction (yaw angle). This means that a rotating microrobot can be precisely controlled along the center of a microfluidic channel only by using a standard 2D microscopy technology. Second, the robot horizontal (yaw) and vertical (pitch) directions can be controlled to follow a 3D evolving channel only with a 2D feedback. We believe this could lead to simplify imaging systems for the potential in vivo integration of such microrobots.
Delivery of xenon-containing echogenic liposomes inhibits early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Miao Yi-Feng , Peng Tao , Moody Melanie R. , Klegerman Melvin E. , Aronowski Jaroslaw , Grotta James , McPherson David D. , Kim Hyunggun , Huang Shao-Ling
Published: January 2018

Xenon (Xe), a noble gas, has promising neuroprotective properties with no proven adverse side-effects. We evaluated neuroprotective effects of Xe delivered by Xe-containing echogenic liposomes (Xe-ELIP) via ultrasound-controlled cerebral drug release on early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The Xe-ELIP structure was evaluated by ultrasound imaging, electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Animals were randomly divided into five groups: Sham, SAH, SAH treated with Xe-ELIP, empty ELIP, or Xe-saturated saline. Treatments were administrated intravenously in combination with ultrasound application over the common carotid artery to trigger Xe release from circulating Xe-ELIP. Hematoma development was graded by SAH scaling and quantitated by a colorimetric method. Neurological evaluation and motor behavioral tests were conducted for three days following SAH injury. Ultrasound imaging and electron microscopy demonstrated that Xe-ELIP have a unique two-compartment structure, which allows a two-stage Xe release profile. Xe-ELIP treatment effectively reduced bleeding, improved general neurological function, and alleviated motor function damage in association with reduced apoptotic neuronal death and decreased mortality. Xe-ELIP alleviated early SAH brain injury by inhibiting neuronal death and bleeding. This novel approach provides a noninvasive strategy of therapeutic gas delivery for SAH treatment.
An epidemiological study of the risk factors associated with myopia in young adult men in Korea
Authors: Lee Dong Cheol , Lee Se Youp , Kim Yu Cheol
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of myopia has been increasing worldwide. Its causes are not completely clear, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Data were collected by the Korean Military Manpower Administration. Frequency analysis was used for comparisons of general characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to verify the correlations between possible risk factors and the prevalence of myopia or high myopia. The prevalence of myopia (50.6–53.0%) and high myopia (11.3–12.9%) increased each year. These tended to be the highest in patients born in spring, and decreased in the following order according to education level: 4- or 6-year university education or more, high school education or less, and 2- to 3-year college education. Moreover, the prevalence of myopia and high myopia was significantly higher in patients ≤ 60 kg and with a body mass index ≤ 18.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of high myopia was significantly higher in taller patients (≥175 cm). The prevalence of myopia and high myopia increased each year in Korean young adult men and was associated with birth season, education level, height, weight, and body mass index. Tall, lean men were more likely to have high myopia.
Discovery of Hepatotoxic Equivalent Combinatorial Markers from Dioscorea bulbifera tuber by Fingerprint-Toxicity Relationship Modeling
Authors: Shi Wei , Zhang Cai , Zhao Dongsheng , Wang Lingli , Li Ping , Li Huijun
Published: January 2018

Due to extremely chemical complexity, identification of potential toxicity-related constituents from an herbal medicine (HM) still remains challenging. Traditional toxicity-guided separation procedure suffers from time- and labor-consumption and neglects the additive effect of multi-components. In this study, we proposed a screening strategy called “hepatotoxic equivalent combinatorial markers (HECMs)” for a hepatotoxic HM, Dioscorea bulbifera tuber (DBT). Firstly, the chemical constituents in DBT extract were globally characterized. Secondly, the fingerprints of DBT extracts were established and their in vivo hepatotoxicities were tested. Thirdly, three chemometric tools including partial least squares regression (PLSR), back propagation-artificial neural network (BP-ANN) and cluster analysis were applied to model the fingerprint-hepatotoxicity relationship and to screen hepatotoxicity-related markers. Finally, the chemical combination of markers was subjected to hepatotoxic equivalence evaluation. A total of 40 compounds were detected or tentatively characterized. Two diterpenoid lactones, 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate (EEA) and diosbulbin B (DIOB), were discovered as the most hepatotoxicity-related markers. The chemical combination of EEA and DIOB, reflecting the whole hepatotoxicity of original DBT extract with considerable confidential interval, was verified as HECMs for DBT. The present study is expected not only to efficiently discover hepatotoxicity-related markers of HMs, but also to rationally evaluate/predict the hepatotoxicity of HMs.
Unsupervised Learning and Pattern Recognition of Biological Data Structures with Density Functional Theory and Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Chien-Chang , Juan Hung-Hui , Tsai Meng-Yuan , Lu Henry Horng-Shing
Published: January 2018

By introducing the methods of machine learning into the density functional theory, we made a detour for the construction ofthe most probabledensity function, which can be estimated by learning relevant features from the system of interest. Using the properties of universal functional, the vital core of density functional theory, themost probablecluster numbers and the corresponding cluster boundaries in a studying system can be simultaneously and automatically determined and the plausibility is erected on the Hohenberg-Kohn theorems. For the method validation and pragmatic applications, interdisciplinary problems from physical to biological systems were enumerated. The amalgamation of uncharged atomic clusters validated the unsupervised searching process of the cluster numbers and the corresponding cluster boundaries were exhibited likewise. High accurate clustering results of the Fisher’s iris dataset showed the feasibility and the flexibility of the proposed scheme. Brain tumor detections from low-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging datasets and segmentations of high-dimensional neural network imageries in theBrainbowsystem were also used to inspect the method practicality. The experimental results exhibit the successful connection between the physical theory and the machine learning methods and will benefit the clinical diagnoses.
Human complement receptor type 1 (CR1) protein levels and genetic variants in chronic Chagas Disease
Authors: Sandri Thaisa Lucas , Lidani Kárita Cláudia Freitas , Andrade Fabiana Antunes , Meyer Christian G. , Kremsner Peter G. , de Messias-Reason Iara J. , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P.
Published: January 2018

Complement is an essential element in both innate and acquired immunity contributing to the immunopathogenesis of many disorders, including Chagas Disease (CD). Human complement receptor 1 (CR1) plays a role in the clearance of complement opsonized molecules and may facilitate the entry of pathogens into host cells. Distinct CR1 exon 29 variants have been found associated with CR1 expression levels, increased susceptibility and pathophysiology of several diseases. In this study, CR1 plasma levels were assessed by ELISA and CR1 variants in exon 29 by sequencing in a Brazilian cohort of 232 chronic CD patients and 104 healthy controls. CR1 levels were significantly decreased in CD patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). The CR1 rs1704660G, rs17047661G and rs6691117G variants were significantly associated with CD and in high linkage disequilibrium. The CR1*AGAGTG haplotype was associated with T. cruzi infection (p = 0.035, OR 3.99, CI 1.1-14.15) whereas CR1*AGGGTG was related to the risk of chagasic cardiomyopathy (p = 0.028, OR 12.15, CI 1.13-113). This is the first study that provides insights on the role of CR1 in development and clinical presentation of chronic CD.