bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AV2 protein of tomato leaf curl Palampur virus promotes systemic necrosis in Nicotiana benthamiana and interacts with host Catalase2
Authors: Roshan Poonam , Kulshreshtha Aditya , Kumar Surender , Purohit Rituraj , Hallan Vipin
Published: January 2018

Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV) is a whitefly-transmitted, bipartite begomovirus. Here, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of AV2 from a Potato virus X (PVX)-based vector accelerated systemic necrosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana. Furthermore, 10 amino acids from N-terminal region of AV2 were found to be associated with the systemic necrosis symptom/phenotype. Mutational studies of ToLCPalV infectious clones lacking the AV2 revealed that AV2 is essential for the systemic movement of DNA-A, symptom severity and viral DNA accumulation. In a yeast two-hybrid assay, Catalase2 (Cat2) was found to associate with AV2 protein. Further, silencing of Cat2 resulted in appearance of necrotic lesions on N. benthamiana and these plants were highly susceptible to ToLCPalV infection in comparison to control plants. Infection ToLCPalV on Solanum lycopersicum resulted in downregulation of Cat2 transcripts, followed by accumulation of ROS and stress marker transcripts. The AV2 protein also suppressed virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the Phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene. Our results show that AV2 is essential for the pathogenicity, systemic movement and suppression of gene silencing in the host. Altogether, our findings suggest that interactions between AV2 and Cat2 might play a crucial role in the establishment of ToLCPalV infection.
Genetic fingerprinting of salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) populations in the North-East Atlantic using a random forest classification approach
Authors: Jacobs A. , De Noia M. , Praebel K. , Kanstad-Hanssen Ø. , Paterno M. , Jackson D. , McGinnity P. , Sturm A. , Elmer K. R. , Llewellyn M. S.
Published: January 2018

Caligid sea lice represent a significant threat to salmonid aquaculture worldwide. Population genetic analyses have consistently shown minimal population genetic structure in North Atlantic Lepeophtheirus salmonis, frustrating efforts to track louse populations and improve targeted control measures. The aim of this study was to test the power of reduced representation library sequencing (IIb-RAD sequencing) coupled with random forest machine learning algorithms to define markers for fine-scale discrimination of louse populations. We identified 1286 robustly supported SNPs among four L. salmonis populations from Ireland, Scotland and Northern Norway. Only weak global structure was observed based on the full SNP dataset. The application of a random forest machine-learning algorithm identified 98 discriminatory SNPs that dramatically improved population assignment, increased global genetic structure and resulted in significant genetic population differentiation. A large proportion of SNPs found to be under directional selection were also identified to be highly discriminatory. Our data suggest that it is possible to discriminate between nearby L. salmonis populations given suitable marker selection approaches, and that such differences might have an adaptive basis. We discuss these data in light of sea lice adaption to anthropogenic and environmental pressures as well as novel approaches to track and predict sea louse dispersal.
Binder-free sheet-type all-solid-state batteries with enhanced rate capabilities and high energy densities
Authors: Yamamoto Mari , Terauchi Yoshihiro , Sakuda Atsushi , Takahashi Masanari
Published: January 2018

All-solid-state batteries using inorganic solid electrolytes are considered promising energy storage systems because of their safety and long life. Stackable and compact sheet-type all-solid-state batteries are urgently needed for industrial applications such as smart grids and electric vehicles. A binder is usually indispensable to the construction of sheet-type batteries; however, it can decrease the power and cycle performance of the battery. Here we report the first fabrication of a binder-free sheet-type battery. The key to this development is the use of volatile poly(propylene carbonate)-based binders; used to fabricate electrodes, solid electrolyte sheets, and a stacked three-layered sheet, these binders can also be removed by heat treatment. Binder removal leads to enhanced rate capability, excellent cycle stability, and a 2.6-fold increase in the cell-based-energy-density over previously reported sheet-type batteries. This achievement is the first step towards realizing sheet-type batteries with high energy and power density.
Magnetically sensitive nanodiamond-doped tellurite glass fibers
Authors: Ruan Yinlan , Simpson David A. , Jeske Jan , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Lau Desmond W. M. , Ji Hong , Johnson Brett C. , Ohshima Takeshi , Afshar V. Shahraam , Hollenberg Lloyd , Greentree Andrew D. , Monro Tanya M. , Gibson Brant C.
Published: January 2018

Traditional optical fibers are insensitive to magnetic fields, however many applications would benefit from fiber-based magnetometry devices. In this work, we demonstrate a magnetically sensitive optical fiber by doping nanodiamonds containing nitrogen vacancy centers into tellurite glass fibers. The fabrication process provides a robust and isolated sensing platform as the magnetic sensors are fixed in the tellurite glass matrix. Using optically detected magnetic resonance from the doped nanodiamonds, we demonstrate detection of local magnetic fields via side excitation and longitudinal collection. This is a first step towards intrinsically magneto-sensitive fiber devices with future applications in medical magneto-endoscopy and remote mineral exploration sensing.
Compositional Bias in Naïve and Chemically-modified Phage-Displayed Libraries uncovered by Paired-end Deep Sequencing
Authors: He Bifang , Tjhung Katrina F. , Bennett Nicholas J. , Chou Ying , Rau Andrea , Huang Jian , Derda Ratmir
Published: January 2018

Understanding the composition of a genetically-encoded (GE) library is instrumental to the success of ligand discovery. In this manuscript, we investigate the bias in GE-libraries of linear, macrocyclic and chemically post-translationally modified (cPTM) tetrapeptides displayed on the M13KE platform, which are produced via trinucleotide cassette synthesis (19 codons) and NNK-randomized codon. Differential enrichment of synthetic DNA {S}, ligated vector {L} (extension and ligation of synthetic DNA into the vector), naïve libraries {N} (transformation of the ligated vector into the bacteria followed by expression of the library for 4.5 hours to yield a “naïve” library), and libraries chemically modified by aldehyde ligation and cysteine macrocyclization {M} characterized by paired-end deep sequencing, detected a significant drop in diversity in {L} → {N}, but only a minor compositional difference in {S} → {L} and {N} → {M}. Libraries expressed at the N-terminus of phage protein pIII censored positively charged amino acids Arg and Lys; libraries expressed between pIII domains N1 and N2 overcame Arg/Lys-censorship but introduced new bias towards Gly and Ser. Interrogation of biases arising from cPTM by aldehyde ligation and cysteine macrocyclization unveiled censorship of sequences with Ser/Phe. Analogous analysis can be used to explore library diversity in new display platforms and optimize cPTM of these libraries.
Fabrication of multiple nanopores in a SiNx membrane via controlled breakdown
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Ying Cuifeng , Zhou Wenyuan , de Vreede Lennart , Liu Zhibo , Tian Jianguo
Published: January 2018

This paper reports a controlled breakdown (CBD) method to fabricate multiple nanopores in a silicon nitride (SiNx) membrane with control over both nanopore count and nanopore diameter. Despite the stochastic process of the breakdown, we found that the nanopores created via CBD, tend to be of the same diameter. We propose a membrane resistance model to explain and control the multiple nanopores forming in the membrane. We prove that the membrane resistance can reflect the number of nanopores in the membrane and that the diameter of the nanopores is controlled by the exposure time and strength of the electric field. This controllable multiple nanopore formation via CBD avoids the utilization of complicated instruments and time-intensive manufacturing. We anticipate CBD has the potential to become a nanopore fabrication technique which, integrated into an optical setup, could be used as a high-throughput and multichannel characterization technique.
Tracking the Evolution of Transiently Transfected Individual Cells in a Microfluidic Platform
Authors: Vitor Micaela Tamara , Sart Sébastien , Barizien Antoine , Torre Lucimara Gaziola De La , Baroud Charles N.
Published: January 2018

Transient gene expression (TGE) technology enables the rapid production of large amount of recombinant proteins, without the need of fastidious screening of the producing cells required for stable transfection (ST). However, several barriers must be overcome before reaching the production yields using ST. For optimizing the production yields from suspended cells using TGE, a better understanding of the transfection conditions at the single cell level are required. In this study, a universal droplet microfluidic platform was used to assess the heterogeneities of CHO-S population transiently transfected with cationic liposomes (CL) (lipoplexes) complexed with GFP-coding plasmid DNA (pDNA). A single cell analysis of GFP production kinetics revealed the presence of a subpopulation producing higher levels of GFP compared with the main population. The size of high producing (HP) cells, their relative abundance, and their specific productivity were dependent on the charge and the pDNA content of the different lipoplexes: HPs showed increased cell size in comparison to the average population, lipoplexes with positive charge produced more HPs, and lipoplexes carrying a larger amount of pDNA yielded a higher specific productivity of HPs. This study demonstrates the potential for time-resolved single-cell measurements to explain population dynamics from a microscopic point of view.
Molecular characterization of the grape seeds extract’s effect against chemically induced liver cancer: In vivo and in vitro analyses
Authors: Hamza Alaaeldin Ahmed , Heeba Gehan Hussein , Elwy Hanan Mohamed , Murali Chandraprabha , El-Awady Raafat , Amin Amr
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer property of grape seed extract (GSE) during early stages of developing liver cancer using a two-stage carcinogenic model combining diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-Acetyl Aminofluorene (2-AAF). Administration of GSE at doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg per day started at the beginning of promotion periods and continued for 14 weeks. GSE dramatically inhibited pre-neoplastic foci formation as well as significantly decreased the number and the area of placental glutathione-S-transferase in livers of DEN-2AAF-treated rats by approximately 4 & 10 fold deductions, respectively. GSE’s effects were associated with induced apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation, decreased oxidative stress and down regulation of histone deacetylase activity and inflammation makers, such as cyclooxygenase 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-kappa B-p65 and p- phosphorylated tumor necrosis factor receptor expressions in liver. GSE treatment also decreased the viability of HepG2 cells and induced early and late apoptosis through activating caspase-3 and Bax. Furthermore, GSE induced G2/M and G1/S cell cycle arrest. The present study provides evidence that the GSE’s anticancer effect is mediated through the inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, modulating oxidative damage and suppressing inflammatory response.
Pre-conception maternal erythrocyte saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio predicts pregnancy after natural cycle frozen embryo transfer
Authors: Onyiaodike Christopher C. , Murray Heather M. , Zhang Ruiqi , Meyer Barbara J. , Jordan Fiona , Brown E. Ann , Nibbs Robert J. B. , Lyall Helen , Sattar Naveed , Nelson Scott M. , Freeman Dilys J.
Published: January 2018

The environment for embryo implantation and fetal growth and development is affected by maternal nutritional, metabolic and health status. The aim of this prospective, cohort study was to test whether plasma metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers can predict pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Women with a natural menstrual cycle undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) were recruited and fasting baseline blood samples were collected a mean of 3.4 days prior to the luteinising hormone (LH) surge and a non-fasting blood sample was taken on the day of FET. Ongoing pregnancy was defined by positive fetal heartbeat on ultrasound scan at day 45 post LH surge. Thirty-six pregnancies resulted from FET in 143 women. In an overall stepwise multivariable analysis, erythrocyte saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio was positively associated with ongoing pregnancy. A similar model incorporating day of FET covariates found that erythrocyte saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio, erythrocyte fatty acid average chain length and plasma log-triglycerides predicted ongoing pregnancy. In conclusion, a higher peri-conceptional saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio predicted ongoing pregnancy after natural cycle frozen embryo transfer and may reflect a maternal nutritional status that facilitates pregnancy success in this assisted conception scenario.
Mechanical behavior of a soft hydrogel reinforced with three-dimensional printed microfibre scaffolds
Authors: Castilho Miguel , Hochleitner Gernot , Wilson Wouter , van Rietbergen Bert , Dalton Paul D. , Groll Jürgen , Malda Jos , Ito Keita
Published: January 2018

Reinforcing hydrogels with micro-fibre scaffolds obtained by a Melt-Electrospinning Writing (MEW) process has demonstrated great promise for developing tissue engineered (TE) constructs with mechanical properties compatible to native tissues. However, the mechanical performance and reinforcement mechanism of the micro-fibre reinforced hydrogels is not yet fully understood. In this study, FE models, implementing material properties measured experimentally, were used to explore the reinforcement mechanism of fibre-hydrogel composites. First, a continuum FE model based on idealized scaffold geometry was used to capture reinforcement effects related to the suppression of lateral gel expansion by the scaffold, while a second micro-FE model based on micro-CT images of the real construct geometry during compaction captured the effects of load transfer through the scaffold interconnections. Results demonstrate that the reinforcement mechanism at higher scaffold volume fractions was dominated by the load carrying-ability of the fibre scaffold interconnections, which was much higher than expected based on testing scaffolds alone because the hydrogel provides resistance against buckling of the scaffold. We propose that the theoretical understanding presented in this work will assist the design of more effective composite constructs with potential applications in a wide range of TE conditions.
Cucumber mosaic virus coat protein induces the development of chlorotic symptoms through interacting with the chloroplast ferredoxin I protein
Authors: Qiu Yanhong , Zhang Yongjiang , Wang Chaonan , Lei Rong , Wu Yupin , Li Xinshi , Zhu Shuifang
Published: January 2018

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infection could induce mosaic symptoms on a wide-range of host plants. However, there is still limited information regarding the molecular mechanism underlying the development of the symptoms. In this study, the coat protein (CP) was confirmed as the symptom determinant by exchanging the CP between a chlorosis inducing CMV-M strain and a green-mosaic inducing CMV-Q strain. A yeast two-hybrid analysis and bimolecular fluorescence complementation revealed that the chloroplast ferredoxin I (Fd I) protein interacted with the CP of CMV-M both in vitro and in vivo, but not with the CP of CMV-Q. The severity of chlorosis was directly related to the expression of Fd1, that was down-regulated in CMV-M but not in CMV-Q. Moreover, the silencing of Fd I induced chlorosis symptoms that were similar to those elicited by CMV-M. Subsequent analyses indicated that the CP of CMV-M interacted with the precursor of Fd I in the cytoplasm and disrupted the transport of Fd I into chloroplasts, leading to the suppression of Fd I functions during a viral infection. Collectively, our findings accentuate that the interaction between the CP of CMV and Fd I is the primary determinant for the induction of chlorosis in tobacco.
High content analysis identifies unique morphological features of reprogrammed cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sutcliffe Matthew D. , Tan Philip M. , Fernandez-Perez Antonio , Nam Young-Jae , Munshi Nikhil V. , Saucerman Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2018

Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes is a promising approach for cardiac regeneration but still faces challenges in efficiently generating mature cardiomyocytes. Systematic optimization of reprogramming protocols requires scalable, objective methods to assess cellular phenotype beyond what is captured by transcriptional signatures alone. To address this question, we automatically segmented reprogrammed cardiomyocytes from immunofluorescence images and analyzed cell morphology. We also introduce a method to quantify sarcomere structure using Haralick texture features, called SarcOmere Texture Analysis (SOTA). We show that induced cardiac-like myocytes (iCLMs) are highly variable in expression of cardiomyocyte markers, producing subtypes that are not typically seen in vivo. Compared to neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes, iCLMs have more variable cell size and shape, have less organized sarcomere structure, and demonstrate reduced sarcomere length. Taken together, these results indicate that traditional methods of assessing cardiomyocyte reprogramming by quantifying induction of cardiomyocyte marker proteins may not be sufficient to predict functionality. The automated image analysis methods described in this study may enable more systematic approaches for improving reprogramming techniques above and beyond existing algorithms that rely heavily on transcriptome profiling.
Mechanical phenotyping of K562 cells by the Micropipette Aspiration Technique allows identifying mechanical changes induced by drugs
Authors: Di Cerbo Alessandro , Rubino Valentina , Morelli Francesca , Ruggiero Giuseppina , Landi Rosaria , Guidetti Gianandrea , Canello Sergio , Terrazzano Giuseppe , Alessandrini Andrea
Published: January 2018

Mechanical properties of living cells can be used as reliable markers of their state, such as the presence of a pathological state or their differentiation phase. The mechanical behavior of cells depends on the organization of their cytoskeletal network and the main contribution typically comes from the actomyosin contractile system, in both suspended and adherent cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a pharmaceutical formulation (OTC – Ossitetraciclina liquida 20%) used as antibiotic, on the mechanical properties of K562 cells by using the Micropipette Aspiration Technique (MAT). This formulation has been shown to increase in a time dependent way the inflammation and toxicity in terms of apoptosis inin vitroexperiments on K562 and other types of cells. Here we show that by measuring the mechanical properties of cells exposed to OTC for different incubation times, it is possible to infer modifications induced by the formulation to the actomyosin contractile system. We emphasize that this system is involved in the first stages of the apoptotic process where an increase of the cortical tension leads to the formation of blebs. We discuss the possible relation between the observed mechanical behavior of cells aspirated inside a micropipette and apoptosis.
Towards an experimental classification system for membrane active peptides
Authors: Brand G. D. , Ramada M. H. S. , Genaro-Mattos T. C. , Bloch C.
Published: January 2018

Mature proteins can act as potential sources of encrypted bioactive peptides that, once released from their parent proteins, might interact with diverse biomolecular targets. In recent work we introduced a systematic methodology to uncover encrypted intragenic antimicrobial peptides (IAPs) within large protein sequence libraries. Given that such peptides may interact with membranes in different ways, resulting in distinct observable outcomes, it is desirable to develop a predictive methodology to categorize membrane active peptides and establish a link to their physicochemical properties. Building upon previous work, we explored the interaction of a range of IAPs with model membranes probed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. The biophysical data were submitted to multivariate statistical methods and resulting peptide clusters were correlated to peptide structure and to their antimicrobial activity. A re-evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the peptides was conducted based on peptide cluster memberships. Our data indicate that membranolytic peptides produce characteristic thermal transition (DSC) profiles in model vesicles and that this can be used to categorize novel molecules with unknown biological activity. Incremental expansion of the model presented here might result in a unified experimental framework for the prediction of novel classes of membrane active peptides.
Compliance-Free, Digital SET and Analog RESET Synaptic Characteristics of Sub-Tantalum Oxide Based Neuromorphic Device
Authors: Abbas Yawar , Jeon Yu-Rim , Sokolov Andrey Sergeevich , Kim Sohyeon , Ku Boncheol , Choi Changhwan
Published: January 2018

A two terminal semiconducting device like a memristor is indispensable to emulate the function of synapse in the working memory. The analog switching characteristics of memristor play a vital role in the emulation of biological synapses. The application of consecutive voltage sweeps or pulses (action potentials) changes the conductivity of the memristor which is considered as the fundamental cause of the synaptic plasticity. In this study, a neuromorphic device using an in-situ growth of sub-tantalum oxide switching layer is fabricated, which exhibits the digital SET and analog RESET switching with an electroforming process without any compliance current (compliance free). The process of electroforming and SET is observed at the positive sweeps of +2.4 V and +0.86 V, respectively, while multilevel RESET is observed with the consecutive negative sweeps in the range of 0 V to −1.2 V. The movement of oxygen vacancies and gradual change in the anatomy of the filament is attributed to digital SET and analog RESET switching characteristics. For the Ti/Ta2O3−x/Pt neuromorphic device, the Ti top and Pt bottom electrodes are considered as counterparts of the pre-synaptic input terminal and a post-synaptic output terminal, respectively.
Chaski, a novel Drosophila lactate/pyruvate transporter required in glia cells for survival under nutritional stress
Authors: Delgado María Graciela , Oliva Carlos , López Estefanía , Ibacache Andrés , Galaz Alex , Delgado Ricardo , Barros L. Felipe , Sierralta Jimena
Published: January 2018

The intercellular transport of lactate is crucial for the astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS), a model of brain energetics according to which neurons are fueled by astrocytic lactate. In this study we show that theDrosophila chaski geneencodes a monocarboxylate transporter protein (MCT/SLC16A) which functions as a lactate/pyruvate transporter, as demonstrated by heterologous expression in mammalian cell culture using a genetically encoded FRET nanosensor.chaskiexpression is prominent in theDrosophilacentral nervous system and it is particularly enriched in glia over neurons.chaskimutants exhibit defects in a high energy demanding process such as synaptic transmission, as well as in locomotion and survival under nutritional stress. Remarkably, locomotion and survival under nutritional stress defects are restored bychaskiexpression in glia cells. Our findings are consistent with a major role for intercellular lactate shuttling in the brain metabolism ofDrosophila.
Oral administration of Proteus mirabilis damages dopaminergic neurons and motor functions in mice
Authors: Choi Jin Gyu , Kim Namkwon , Ju In Gyoung , Eo Hyeyoon , Lim Su-Min , Jang Se-Eun , Kim Dong-Hyun , Oh Myung Sook
Published: January 2018

Recently, studies on the relationship between gut dysbiosis and Parkinson’s disease (PD) have increased, but whether a specific gut bacterium may cause PD remains unexplored. Here, we report, for the first time, that a specific gut bacterium directly induces PD symptoms and dopaminergic neuronal damage in the mouse brain. We found that the number of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Proteus mirabilis, markedly and commonly increased in PD mouse models. Administration of P. mirabilis isolated from PD mice significantly induced motor deficits, selectively caused dopaminergic neuronal damage and inflammation in substantia nigra and striatum, and stimulated α-synuclein aggregation in the brain as well as in the colon. We found that lipopolysaccharides, a virulence factor of P. mirabilis, may be associated in these pathological changes via gut leakage and inflammatory actions. Our results suggest a role of P. mirabilis on PD pathogenesis in the brain.
Ribosomal protein uS7/Rps5 serine-223 in protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation and ribosomal small subunit maturation
Authors: Tomioka Makoto , Shimobayashi Mitsugu , Kitabatake Makoto , Ohno Mutsuhito , Kozutsumi Yasunori , Oka Shogo , Takematsu Hiromu
Published: January 2018

Cellular translation should be precisely controlled in response to extracellular cues. However, knowledge is limited concerning signal transduction-regulated translation. In the present study, phosphorylation was identified in the 40S small subunit ribosomal protein uS7 (Yjr123w/previously called as Rps5) by Ypk1 and Pkc1, AGC family protein kinases in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Serine residue 223 (Ser223) of uS7 in the conserved C-terminal region was crucial for this phosphorylation event. S223A mutant uS7 caused severe reduction of small ribosomal subunit production, likely due to compromised interaction with Rio2, resulting in both reduced translation and reduced cellular proliferation. Contrary to optimal culture conditions, heat stressed S223A mutant cells exhibited increased heat resistance and induced heat shock proteins. Taken together, an intracellular signal transduction pathway involving Ypk1/Pkc1 seemed to play an important role in ribosome biogenesis and subsequent cellular translation, utilizing uS7 as a substrate.
A very large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Pt/Co/MgO trilayers fabricated by controlling the MgO sputtering power and its thickness
Authors: Gweon Hyung Keun , Yun Seok Jin , Lim Sang Ho
Published: January 2018

The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) properties of Pt/Co/MgO trilayers are investigated as a function of the MgO sputtering power (PMgO) and its thickness (tMgO), both of which are important parameters affecting the degree of oxygen interpenetration into Co during sputtering. A strong PMA is achieved at small values of PMgO and tMgO, where the oxygen interpenetration into Co is expected to be small. The range of oxygen interpenetration is relatively extended in such a way that it affects both the Pt/Co and Co/MgO interfaces. The PMA properties of as-deposited samples are improved by post-annealing for temperatures up to 400 °C examined in this study, probably due to the diffusion of the interpenetrated oxygen atoms toward the Co/MgO interface. In a structure of Pt/Co (0.6 nm)/MgO (2 nm), which is fabricated at PMgO = 50 W and then annealed at 400 °C, a huge saturation field is achieved (over 40 kOe) indicating a very strong PMA. Between the two interfaces of Pt/Co and Co/MgO, the PMA is mainly due to the former in the as-deposited state, but the contribution of the latter increases with the increase in the annealing temperature.
Differential effects of SUMO1 and SUMO3 on PKR activation and stability
Authors: Maarifi Ghizlane , El Asmi Faten , Maroui Mohamed Ali , Dianoux Laurent , Chelbi-Alix Mounira K.
Published: January 2018

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is a serine/threonine kinase that exerts its own phosphorylation and the phosphorylation of the α subunit of the protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-2α. PKR was identified as a target of SUMOylation and the triple PKR-SUMO deficient mutant on Lysine residues K60-K150-K440 has reduced PKR activity. We report that SUMO1 and SUMO3 expression exert differential effects on PKR localization, activation and stability. SUMO1 or SUMO3 did not alter the repartition of PKR in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. However, in SUMO3-expressing cells PKR was found more concentrated around the perinuclear membrane and was recruited from small speckles to nuclear dots. Interestingly, SUMO1 expression alone resulted in PKR and eIF-2α activation, whereas SUMO3 reduced PKR and eIF-2α activation upon viral infection or dsRNA transfection. In addition, encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) enhanced PKR conjugation to SUMO1 and SUMO3 but only SUMO3 expression promoted caspase-dependent EMCV-induced PKR degradation. Furthermore, the higher EMCV-induced PKR activation by SUMO1 was correlated with an inhibition of EMCV. Importantly SUMO1, by inducing PKR activation in the absence of viral infection, and SUMO3, by counteracting both PKR activation and stability upon viral infection, shed a new light on the differential effects of SUMO-modified PKR.
Effect of in vitro storage duration on measured mechanical properties of brain tissue
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Li-fu , Xiong Yue-jiao , Liu Yi-fan , Yu Sheng-bo , Wu Cheng-wei , Guo Weihong
Published: January 2018

Accurate characterization of the mechanical properties of brain tissue is essential for understanding the mechanisms of traumatic brain injuries and developing protective gears or facilities. However, how storage conditions might affect the mechanical properties of brain tissue remains unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of in vitro storage duration on the mechanical performance of brain tissue since measurements are usually carried out in vitro. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements and uniaxial compression mechanical experiments are carried out. The results indicate that, for brain tissue stored at 1 °C without any liquid medium, the bio-molecular interactions and the mechanical strength of both white and grey matter deteriorate with prolonged storage duration. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) results reveal the degeneration of myelin sheaths and the vacuolization of cristae with prolonged storage duration, suggesting that the in vitro storage duration should be carefully controlled. The findings from this study might facilitate the development of guidelines and standards for the in vitro storage of brain tissue.
Offline stimulation of human parietal cortex differently affects resting EEG microstates
Authors: Croce Pierpaolo , Zappasodi Filippo , Capotosto Paolo
Published: January 2018

The interference effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on several electroencephalographic (EEG) measures in both temporal and frequency domains have been reported. We tested the hypothesis whether the offline external inhibitory interference, although focal, could result in a global reorganization of the functional brain state, as assessed by EEG microstates. In 16 healthy subjects, we inhibited five parietal areas and used a pseudo stimulation (Sham) at rest. The EEG microstates were extracted before and after each stimulation. The canonical A, B, C and D templates were found before and after all stimulation conditions. The Sham, as well as the stimulation of a ventral site did not modify any resting EEG microstates’ topography. On the contrary, interfering with parietal key-nodes of both dorsal attention (DAN) and default mode networks (DMN), we observed that the microstate C clearly changes, whereas the other three topographies are not affected. These results provide the first causal evidence of a microstates modification following magnetic interference. Since the microstate C has been associated to the activity in regions belonging to the cingulo-opercular network (CON), the regional specificity of such inhibition seems to support the theory of a link between CON and both DAN and DMN at rest.
Dexamethasone induced miR-155 up-regulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes does not affect adipogenesis
Authors: Peshdary Vian , Atlas Ella
Published: January 2018

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that is widely used as an adipogenic inducer in both murine and human in vitro models. Glucocorticoids have been shown to regulate early transcriptional events in adipogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been also implicated in the regulation of preadipocyte differentiation; however, the effects of glucocorticoids on miRNA expression levels during this process have not been studied. In this study we investigated the effects of glucocorticoids on the expression levels of miR-155 in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We found that miR-155 levels were up-regulated (2.4-fold) by glucocorticoids in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and this enhancement was abolished in the presence of RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. In contrast, treatment with rosiglitazone, another adipogenic inducer decreased the expression levels of miR-155 in these cells. Further, our data show that endogenous miR-155 is unlikely to be involved in adipogenesis as we show that both dexamethasone and rosiglitazone induced adipogenesis to similar levels. Furthermore, using miR-155 inhibitor, we showed that the dexamethasone mediated miR-155 enhancement did not alter adipogenesis. Our data show that dexamethasone but not rosiglitazone increases miR-155 expression and that the increased expression of miR-155 is not involved in the dexamethasone-mediated adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 model.
Dual Band Metamaterial Antenna For LTE/Bluetooth/WiMAX System
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: January 2018

A compact metamaterial inspired antenna operate at LTE, Bluetooth and WiMAX frequency band is introduced in this paper. For the lower band, the design utilizes an outer square metallic strip forcing the patch to radiate as an equivalent magnetic-current loop. For the upper band, another magnetic current loop is created by adding metamaterial structure near the feed line on the patch. The metamaterial inspired antenna dimension of 42 × 32 mm2 compatible to wireless devices. Finite integration technique based CST Microwave Studio simulator has been used to design and numerical investigation as well as lumped circuit model of the metamaterial antenna is explained with proper mathematical derivation. The achieved measured dual band operation of the conventional antenna are sequentially, 0.561~0.578 GHz, 2.346~2.906 GHz, and 2.91~3.49 GHz, whereas the metamaterial inspired antenna shows dual-band operation from 0.60~0.64 GHz, 2.67~3.40 GHz and 3.61~3.67 GHz, respectively. Therefore, the metamaterial antenna is applicable for LTE and WiMAX applications. Besides, the measured metamaterial antenna gains of 0.15~3.81 dBi and 3.47~3.75 dBi, respectively for the frequency band of 2.67~3.40 GHz and 3.61~3.67 GHz.
Elucidating the mechanism of the considerable mechanical stiffening of DNA induced by the couple Zn2+/Calix[4]arene-1,3-O-diphosphorous acid
Authors: Tauran Yannick , Tarhan Mehmet C. , Mollet Laurent , Gerves Jean Baptiste , Kumemura Momoko , Jalabert Laurent , Lafitte Nicolas , Byun Ikjoo , Kim Beomjoon , Fujita Hiroyuki , Collard Dominique , Perret Florent , Desbrosses Mickael , Leonard Didier , Goutaudier Christelle , Coleman Anthony W.
Published: January 2018

The couple Calix[4]arene-1,3-O-diphosphorous acid (C4diP) and zinc ions (Zn2+) acts as a synergistic DNA binder. Silicon NanoTweezer (SNT) measurements show an increase in the mechanical stiffness of DNA bundles by a factor of >150, at Zn2+ to C4diP ratios above 8, as compared to Zinc alone whereas C4diP alone decreases the stiffness of DNA. Electroanalytical measurements using 3D printed devices demonstrate a progression of events in the assembly of C4diP on DNA promoted by zinc ions. A mechanism at the molecular level can be deduced in which C4diP initially coordinates to DNA by phosphate-phosphate hydrogen bonds or in the presence of Zn2+ by Zn2+ bridging coordination of the phosphate groups. Then, at high ratios of Zn2+ to C4diP, interdigitated dimerization of C4diP is followed by cross coordination of DNA strands through Zn2+/C4diP inter-strand interaction. The sum of these interactions leads to strong stiffening of the DNA bundles and increased inter-strand binding.
Renal scattered tubular-like cells confer protective effects in the stenotic murine kidney mediated by release of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zou Xiangyu , Kwon Soon Hyo , Jiang Kai , Ferguson Christopher M. , Puranik Amrutesh S. , Zhu Xiangyang , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: January 2018

To test the hypothesis that intrinsic renal scattered tubular cells (STC-like cells) contribute to repairing injured tubular epithelial cells (TEC) by releasing extracellular vesicle (EV). EV released from primary cultured pig STC-like cells were confirmed by electron microscopy. Antimycin-A (AMA)-induced injured proximal TEC (PK1 cells) were co-cultured with STC-like cells, STC-like cells-derived EV, or EV-free conditioned-medium for 3 days. Cellular injury, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function were assessed. Transfer of mitochondria from STC-like cells to TEC was assessed using Mito-trackers, and their viability by mitochondrial membrane potential assays. STC-like cells-derived EV were intra-arterially injected into mice 2 weeks after induction of unilateral renal artery stenosis. Two weeks later, renal hemodynamics were studied using magnetic-resonance-imaging, and renal fibrosis assessed ex-vivo. Cultured STC-like cells released EV that were uptaken by TEC. A protective effect conferred by STC-like cells in AMA-induced TEC injury was partly mimicked by their EV. Furthermore, STC-like cells-EV carried and transferred mitochondrial material to injured TEC, which partly restored mitochondrial function. In vivo, STC-like cells-derived EV engrafted in the stenotic kidney, and improved its perfusion and oxygenation. STC-like cells-EV exert protective effects on injured tubular cells in vitro and in vivo, partly by transferring STC-like cells mitochondria, which remain at least partly functional in recipient TEC.
A prolonged run-in period of standard subcutaneous microdialysis ameliorates quality of interstitial glucose signal in patients after major cardiac surgery
Authors: Moser Othmar , Münzker Julia , Korsatko Stefan , Pachler Christoph , Smolle Karlheinz , Toller Wolfgang , Augustin Thomas , Plank Johannes , Pieber Thomas R. , Mader Julia K. , Ellmerer Martin
Published: January 2018

We evaluated a standard subcutaneous microdialysis technique for glucose monitoring in two critically ill patient populations and tested whether a prolonged run-in period improves the quality of the interstitial glucose signal. 20 surgical patients after major cardiac surgery (APACHE II score: 10.1 ± 3.2) and 10 medical patients with severe sepsis (APACHE II score: 31.1 ± 4.3) were included in this investigation. A microdialysis catheter was inserted in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdominal region. Interstitial fluid and arterial blood were sampled in hourly intervals to analyse glucose concentrations. Subcutaneous adipose tissue glucose was prospectively calibrated to reference arterial blood either at hour 1 or at hour 6. Median absolute relative difference of glucose (MARD), calibrated at hour 6 (6.2 (2.6; 12.4) %) versus hour 1 (9.9 (4.2; 17.9) %) after catheter insertion indicated a significant improvement in signal quality in patients after major cardiac surgery (p < 0.001). Prolonged run-in period revealed no significant improvement in patients with severe sepsis, but the number of extreme deviations from the blood plasma values could be reduced. Improved concurrence of glucose readings via a 6-hour run-in period could only be achieved in patients after major cardiac surgery.
Degree of severity of molar incisor hypomineralization and its relation to dental caries
Authors: Negre-Barber A. , Montiel-Company J. M. , Catalá-Pizarro M. , Almerich-Silla J. M.
Published: January 2018

Molar incisor hypomineralization is a developmental defect of dental enamel associated with rapid caries progression. In order to discover whether molar incisor hypomineralization predisposes to dental caries, a cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in a sample of 414 children aged between eight and nine years. It was found that 24.2% of the children presented molar incisor hypomineralization. Of these, 72% had a mild form and 28% a severe form. Caries prevalence was greater among the children with severe form (60.7%) than in those with mild form (43.1%) or no molar incisor hypomineralization (45.5%). The caries indices were higher in out molar incisor hypomineralization (1.18) or with mild form (1.08). The tooth-surface caries ratio was significantly higher in surfaces with severe hypomineralization than in those with no hypomineralization or mild hypomineralization. A linear regression model showed that cariogenic food intake and the presence of severe molar incisor hypomineralization were significantly associated with DMFS. Consequently, an association was found to exist between dental caries and the presence of surfaces affected by severe molar incisor hypomineralization, which should be considered a risk factor within the multifactorial etiology of caries.
Non-coding RNA fragments account for the majority of annotated piRNAs expressed in somatic non-gonadal tissues
Authors: Tosar Juan Pablo , Rovira Carlos , Cayota Alfonso
Published: January 2018

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are regarded as the guardians of the genome because they tackle genome stability-threatening transposable elements in the germline. Recently, piRNAs were also reported in other types of cells, including mouse brain, malignant and non-malignant somatic tissues, and human plasma. This suggests that piRNA function might be broader than previously expected. Here, we show that different piRNA databases contain a subset of sequences that correspond to piRNA-sized fragments of ncRNAs (rRNAs, tRNAs, YRNAs, snRNAs, and snoRNAs) and intermediates of miRNA biogenesis. We discuss that the biogenesis of these sequences is probably independent of the PIWI pathway, and can therefore be considered contaminants in piRNA databases. Although a minority of annotated piRNAs falls in this category, they account for the vast majority of piRNA expression in somatic non-gonadal tissues. Since ncRNA fragments are ubiquitous and abundant, their confusion with piRNAs strongly impacts the estimation of piRNA expression outside of mammalian gonads.
Acoustical structured illumination for super-resolution ultrasound imaging
Authors: Ilovitsh Tali , Ilovitsh Asaf , Foiret Josquin , Fite Brett Z. , Ferrara Katherine W.
Published: January 2018

Structured illumination microscopy is an optical method to increase the spatial resolution of wide-field fluorescence imaging beyond the diffraction limit by applying a spatially structured illumination light. Here, we extend this concept to facilitate super-resolution ultrasound imaging by manipulating the transmitted sound field to encode the high spatial frequencies into the observed image through aliasing. Post processing is applied to precisely shift the spectral components to their proper positions in k-space and effectively double the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image compared to one-way focusing. The method has broad application, including the detection of small lesions for early cancer diagnosis, improving the detection of the borders of organs and tumors, and enhancing visualization of vascular features. The method can be implemented with conventional ultrasound systems, without the need for additional components. The resulting image enhancement is demonstrated with both test objects and ex vivo rat metacarpals and phalanges.
Acidity promotes degradation of multi-species environmental DNA in lotic mesocosms
Authors: Seymour Mathew , Durance Isabelle , Cosby Bernard J. , Ransom-Jones Emma , Deiner Kristy , Ormerod Steve J. , Colbourne John K. , Wilgar Gregory , Carvalho Gary R. , de Bruyn Mark , Edwards François , Emmett Bridget A. , Bik Holly M. , Creer Simon
Published: January 2018

Accurate quantification of biodiversity is fundamental to understanding ecosystem function and for environmental assessment. Molecular methods using environmental DNA (eDNA) offer a non-invasive, rapid, and cost-effective alternative to traditional biodiversity assessments, which require high levels of expertise. While eDNA analyses are increasingly being utilized, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the dynamics of multispecies eDNA, especially in variable systems such as rivers. Here, we utilize four sets of upland stream mesocosms, across an acid–base gradient, to assess the temporal and environmental degradation of multispecies eDNA. Sampling included water column and biofilm sampling over time with eDNA quantified using qPCR. Our findings show that the persistence of lotic multispecies eDNA, sampled from water and biofilm, decays to non-detectable levels within 2 days and that acidic environments accelerate the degradation process. Collectively, the results provide the basis for a predictive framework for the relationship between lotic eDNA degradation dynamics in spatio-temporally dynamic river ecosystems.
pH-Triggered nanostructural transformations in antimicrobial peptide/oleic acid self-assemblies
Authors: Gontsarik Mark , Mohammadtaheri Mahsa , Yaghmur Anan , Salentinig Stefan
Published: January 2018

This study reports smart nanostructures based on oleic acid/peptide mixtures in water for the delivery of antimicrobial peptides.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical benzotrichalcogenophenes by N-heterocyclic carbene–palladium-catalyzed intramolecular direct C3-arylation of chalcogenophenes
Authors: Chen Shi-Yen , Pao Yu-Chieh , Sahoo Santosh K. , Huang Wen-Chia , Lai Yu-Ying , Cheng Yen-Ju
Published: January 2018

A series of new unsymmetrical benzotrichalcogenophenes (BTCs) were synthesized by the Pd–N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed intramolecular C3-arylation of furan, thiophene, selenophene and tellurophene units.
Simple preparation of magnetic field-responsive structural colored Janus particles
Authors: Teshima Midori , Seki Takahiro , Takeoka Yukikazu
Published: January 2018

We established a simple method for preparing Janus particles displaying different structural colors using submicron-sized fine silica particles and magnetic nanoparticles composed of Fe3O4.
Efficient generation of an oxidopyrylium ylide using a Pd catalyst and its [5+2] cycloadditions with several dipolarophiles
Authors: Suga Hiroyuki , Iwai Taichi , Shimizu Masahiro , Takahashi Kie , Toda Yasunori
Published: January 2018

An efficient method for the generation of an oxidopyrylium ylide from 6-acetoxy-6-acetoxymethyl-2H-pyran-3(6H)-one using a Pd catalyst was described.
Novel Cu(ii) complexes withNNO-Schiff base-like ligands – structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Dankhoff Katja , Weber Birgit
Published: January 2018

The X-ray structures and magnetic properties of 22 copper(ii) complexes, derived from six new tridentate Schiff base-like ligands and various conterions, are discussed.
Chemically accurate adsorption energies for methane and ethane monolayers on the MgO(001) surface
Authors: Alessio Maristella , Bischoff Florian A. , Sauer Joachim
Published: January 2018

Quantum chemical ab initio calculations of adsorption energies for alkane monolayers on MgO agree within chemical accuracy limits with experiment.