bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topographic enhancement of vertical turbulent mixing in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Mashayek A. , Ferrari R. , Merrifield S. , Ledwell J. R. , St Laurent L. , Garabato A. Naveira
Published: March 2017

It is an open question whether turbulent mixing across density surfaces is sufficiently large to play a dominant role in closing the deep branch of the ocean meridional overturning circulation. The diapycnal and isopycnal mixing experiment in the Southern Ocean found the turbulent diffusivity inferred from the vertical spreading of a tracer to be an order of magnitude larger than that inferred from the microstructure profiles at the mean tracer depth of 1,500 m in the Drake Passage. Using a high-resolution ocean model, it is shown that the fast vertical spreading of tracer occurs when it comes in contact with mixing hotspots over rough topography. The sparsity of such hotspots is made up for by enhanced tracer residence time in their vicinity due to diffusion toward weak bottom flows. The increased tracer residence time may explain the large vertical fluxes of heat and salt required to close the abyssal circulation.
A microRNA-initiated DNAzyme motor operating in living cells
Authors: Peng Hanyong , Li Xing-Fang , Zhang Hongquan , Le X. Chris
Published: March 2017

Synthetic DNA motors have great potential to mimic natural protein motors in cells but the operation of synthetic DNA motors in living cells remains challenging and has not been demonstrated. Here we report a DNAzyme motor that operates in living cells in response to a specific intracellular target. The whole motor system is constructed on a 20 nm gold nanoparticle (AuNP) decorated with hundreds of substrate strands serving as DNA tracks and dozens of DNAzyme molecules each silenced by a locking strand. Intracellular interaction of a target molecule with the motor system initiates the autonomous walking of the motor on the AuNP. An example DNAzyme motor responsive to a specific microRNA enables amplified detection of the specific microRNA in individual cancer cells. Activated by specific intracellular targets, these self-powered DNAzyme motors will have diverse applications in the control and modulation of biological functions.
Liquid-state carbon-13 hyperpolarization generated in an MRI system for fast imaging
Authors: Schmidt A. B. , Berner S. , Schimpf W. , Müller C. , Lickert T. , Schwaderlapp N. , Knecht S. , Skinner J. G. , Dost A. , Rovedo P. , Hennig J. , von Elverfeldt D. , Hövener J. -B.
Published: March 2017

Hyperpolarized (HP) tracers dramatically increase the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor metabolism non-invasively and in vivo. Their production, however, requires an extra polarizing device (polarizer) whose complexity, operation and cost can exceed that of an MRI system itself. Furthermore, the lifetime of HP tracers is short and some of the enhancement is lost during transfer to the application site. Here, we present the production of HP tracers in water without an external polarizer: by Synthesis Amid the Magnet Bore, A Dramatically Enhanced Nuclear Alignment (SAMBADENA) is achieved within seconds, corresponding to a hyperpolarization of ∼20%. As transfer of the tracer is no longer required, SAMBADENA may permit a higher polarization at the time of detection at a fraction of the cost and complexity of external polarizers. This development is particularly promising in light of the recently extended portfolio of biomedically relevant para-hydrogen-tracers and may lead to new diagnostic applications.
Genomic characterisation of Eμ-Myc mouse lymphomas identifies Bcor as a Myc co-operative tumour-suppressor gene
Authors: Lefebure Marcus , Tothill Richard W. , Kruse Elizabeth , Hawkins Edwin D. , Shortt Jake , Matthews Geoffrey M. , Gregory Gareth P. , Martin Benjamin P. , Kelly Madison J. , Todorovski Izabela , Doyle Maria A. , Lupat Richard , Li Jason , Schroeder Jan , Wall Meaghan , Craig Stuart , Poortinga Gretchen , Cameron Don , Bywater Megan , Kats Lev , Gearhart Micah D. , Bardwell Vivian J. , Dickins Ross A. , Hannan Ross D. , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Johnstone Ricky W.
Published: March 2017

The Eμ-Myc mouse is an extensively used model of MYC driven malignancy; however to date there has only been partial characterization of MYC co-operative mutations leading to spontaneous lymphomagenesis. Here we sequence spontaneously arising Eμ-Myc lymphomas to define transgene architecture, somatic mutations, and structural alterations. We identify frequent disruptive mutations in the PRC1-like component and BCL6-corepressor gene Bcor. Moreover, we find unexpected concomitant multigenic lesions involving Cdkn2a loss and other cancer genes including Nras, Kras and Bcor. These findings challenge the assumed two-hit model of Eμ-Myc lymphoma and demonstrate a functional in vivo role for Bcor in suppressing tumorigenesis.
Motor neurons control blood vessel patterning in the developing spinal cord
Authors: Himmels Patricia , Paredes Isidora , Adler Heike , Karakatsani Andromachi , Luck Robert , Marti Hugo H. , Ermakova Olga , Rempel Eugen , Stoeckli Esther T. , Ruiz de Almodóvar Carmen
Published: March 2017

Formation of a precise vascular network within the central nervous system is of critical importance to assure delivery of oxygen and nutrients and for accurate functionality of neuronal networks. Vascularization of the spinal cord is a highly stereotypical process. However, the guidance cues controlling blood vessel patterning in this organ remain largely unknown. Here we describe a new neuro-vascular communication mechanism that controls vessel guidance in the developing spinal cord. We show that motor neuron columns remain avascular during a developmental time window, despite expressing high levels of the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We describe that motor neurons express the VEGF trapping receptor sFlt1 via a Neuropilin-1-dependent mechanism. Using a VEGF gain-of-function approach in mice and a motor neuron-specific sFlt1 loss-of-function approach in chicken, we show that motor neurons control blood vessel patterning by an autocrine mechanism that titrates motor neuron-derived VEGF via their own expression of sFlt1.
Management of E. coli sister chromatid cohesion in response to genotoxic stress
Authors: Vickridge Elise , Planchenault Charlene , Cockram Charlotte , Junceda Isabel Garcia , Espéli Olivier
Published: March 2017

Aberrant DNA replication is a major source of the mutations and chromosomal rearrangements associated with pathological disorders. In bacteria, several different DNA lesions are repaired by homologous recombination, a process that involves sister chromatid pairing. Previous work in Escherichia coli has demonstrated that sister chromatid interactions (SCIs) mediated by topological links termed precatenanes, are controlled by topoisomerase IV. In the present work, we demonstrate that during the repair of mitomycin C-induced lesions, topological links are rapidly substituted by an SOS-induced sister chromatid cohesion process involving the RecN protein. The loss of SCIs and viability defects observed in the absence of RecN were compensated by alterations in topoisomerase IV, suggesting that the main role of RecN during DNA repair is to promote contacts between sister chromatids. RecN also modulates whole chromosome organization and RecA dynamics suggesting that SCIs significantly contribute to the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).
A class of liquid anode for rechargeable batteries with ultralong cycle life
Authors: Yu Juezhi , Hu Yong-Sheng , Pan Feng , Zhang Zhizhen , Wang Qing , Li Hong , Huang Xuejie , Chen Liquan
Published: March 2017

Low cost, highly efficient and safe devices for energy storage have long been desired in our society. Among these devices, electrochemical batteries with alkali metal anodes have attracted worldwide attention. However, the practical application of such systems is limited by dendrite formation and low cycling efficiency of alkali metals. Here we report a class of liquid anodes fabricated by dissolving sodium metal into a mixed solution of biphenyl and ethers. Such liquid anodes are highly safe and have a low redox potential of 0.09 V versus sodium, exhibiting a high conductivity of 1.2 × 10−2 S cm−1. When coupled with polysulfides dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide as the cathode, a battery is demonstrated to sustain over 3,500 cycles without measureable capacity loss at room temperature. This work provides a base for exploring a family of liquid anodes for rechargeable batteries that potentially meet the requirements for grid-scale electrical energy storage.
Control of randomly scattered surface plasmon polaritons for multiple-input and multiple-output plasmonic switching devices
Authors: Choi Wonjun , Jo Yonghyeon , Ahn Joonmo , Seo Eunsung , Park Q-Han , Jhon Young Min , Choi Wonshik
Published: March 2017

Merging multiple microprocessors with high-speed optical networks has been considered a promising strategy for the improvement of overall computation power. However, the loss of the optical communication bandwidth is inevitable when interfacing between optical and electronic components. Here we present an on-chip plasmonic switching device consisting of a two-dimensional (2D) disordered array of nanoholes on a thin metal film that can provide multiple-input and multiple-output channels for transferring information from a photonic to an electronic platform. In this device, the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) generated at individual nanoholes become uncorrelated on their way to the detection channel due to random multiple scattering. We exploit this decorrelation effect to use individual nanoholes as independent antennas, and demonstrated that more than 40 far-field incident channels can be delivered simultaneously to the SPP channels, an order of magnitude improvement over conventional 2D patterned devices.
Regulation of phagocyte triglyceride by a STAT-ATG2 pathway controls mycobacterial infection
Authors: Péan Claire B. , Schiebler Mark , Tan Sharon W. S. , Sharrock Jessica A. , Kierdorf Katrin , Brown Karen P. , Maserumule M. Charlotte , Menezes Shinelle , Pilátová Martina , Bronda Kévin , Guermonprez Pierre , Stramer Brian M. , Andres Floto R. , Dionne Marc S.
Published: March 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a global threat to human health, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating immunity remain poorly understood. Cytokines can promote or inhibit mycobacterial survival inside macrophages and the underlying mechanisms represent potential targets for host-directed therapies. Here we show that cytokine-STAT signalling promotes mycobacterial survival within macrophages by deregulating lipid droplets via ATG2 repression. In Drosophila infected with Mycobacterium marinum, mycobacterium-induced STAT activity triggered by unpaired-family cytokines reduces Atg2 expression, permitting deregulation of lipid droplets. Increased Atg2 expression or reduced macrophage triglyceride biosynthesis, normalizes lipid deposition in infected phagocytes and reduces numbers of viable intracellular mycobacteria. In human macrophages, addition of IL-6 promotes mycobacterial survival and BCG-induced lipid accumulation by a similar, but probably not identical, mechanism. Our results reveal Atg2 regulation as a mechanism by which cytokines can control lipid droplet homeostasis and consequently resistance to mycobacterial infection in Drosophila.
Community-Associated Staphylococcus aureus from Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany: A Cross-Sectional Geographic Correlation Study
Authors: Ruffing Ulla , Alabi Abraham , Kazimoto Theckla , Vubil Delfino C. , Akulenko Ruslan , Abdulla Salim , Alonso Pedro , Bischoff Markus , Germann Anja , Grobusch Martin P. , Helms Volkhard , Hoffmann Jonas , Kern Winfried V. , Kremsner Peter G. , Mandomando Inacio , Mellmann Alexander , Peters Georg , Schaumburg Frieder , Schubert Sabine , Strauß Lena , Tanner Marcel , Briesen Hagen von , Wende Laura , Müller Lutz von , Herrmann Mathias
Published: March 2017

Clonal clusters and gene repertoires of Staphylococcus aureus are essential to understand disease and are well characterized in industrialized countries but poorly analysed in developing regions. The objective of this study was to compare the molecular-epidemiologic profiles of S. aureus isolates from Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. S. aureus isolates from 600 staphylococcal carriers and 600 patients with community-associated staphylococcal disease were characterized by DNA hybridization, clonal complex (CC) attribution, and principal component (PCA)-based gene repertoire analysis. 73% of all CCs identified representing 77% of the isolates contained in these CCs were predominant in either African or German region. Significant differences between African versus German isolates were found for alleles encoding the accessory gene regulator type, enterotoxins, the Panton-Valentine leukocidin, immune evasion gene cluster, and adhesins. PCA in conjunction with silhouette analysis distinguished nine separable PCA clusters, with five clusters primarily comprising of African and two clusters of German isolates. Significant differences between S. aureus lineages in Africa and Germany may be a clue to explain the apparent difference in disease between tropical/(so-called) developing and temperate/industrialized regions. In low-resource countries further clinical-epidemiologic research is warranted not only for neglected tropical diseases but also for major bacterial infections.
Oscillations and accelerations of ice crystal growth rates in microgravity in presence of antifreeze glycoprotein impurity in supercooled water
Authors: Furukawa Yoshinori , Nagashima Ken , Nakatsubo Shun-ichi , Yoshizaki Izumi , Tamaru Haruka , Shimaoka Taro , Sone Takehiko , Yokoyama Etsuro , Zepeda Salvador , Terasawa Takanori , Asakawa Harutoshi , Murata Ken-ichiro , Sazaki Gen
Published: March 2017

The free growth of ice crystals in supercooled bulk water containing an impurity of glycoprotein, a bio-macromolecule that functions as ‘antifreeze’ in living organisms in a subzero environment, was observed under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station. We observed the acceleration and oscillation of the normal growth rates as a result of the interfacial adsorption of these protein molecules, which is a newly discovered impurity effect for crystal growth. As the convection caused by gravity may mitigate or modify this effect, secure observations of this effect were first made possible by continuous measurements of normal growth rates under long-term microgravity condition realized only in the spacecraft. Our findings will lead to a better understanding of a novel kinetic process for growth oscillation in relation to growth promotion due to the adsorption of protein molecules and will shed light on the role that crystal growth kinetics has in the onset of the mysterious antifreeze effect in living organisms, namely, how this protein may prevent fish freezing.
D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 peptide exerts higher antimicrobial properties than its L-form counterpart via an association with bacterial cell wall components
Authors: Manabe Takayuki , Kawasaki Kiyoshi
Published: March 2017

The antimicrobial peptide KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 was developed based on sapesin B, and synthesized using D-amino acids. Biochemical properties of the D-form and L-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 peptides were compared. In order to limit the effects due to bacterial resistance to proteolysis, antimicrobial activities of the peptides were evaluated after short-term exposure to bacteria. D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 exhibited higher antimicrobial activities than L-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 against bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In contrast, both the D-form and L-form of other antimicrobial peptides, including Mastoparan M and Temporin A, exhibited similar antimicrobial activities. Both the D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 and L-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 peptides preferentially disrupted S. aureus-mimetic liposomes over mammalian-mimetic liposomes. Furthermore, the D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 increased the membrane permeability of S. aureus more than the L-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2. Thus suggesting that the enhanced antimicrobial activity of the D-form was likely due to its interaction with bacterial cell wall components. S. aureus peptidoglycan preferentially inhibited the antimicrobial activity of the D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 relative to the L-form. Furthermore, the D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 showed higher affinity for S. aureus peptidoglycan than the L-form. Taken together, these results indicate that the D-form KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 peptide has higher antimicrobial activity than the L-form via a specific association with bacterial cell wall components, including peptidoglycan.
Brillouin Optomechanics in Coupled Silicon Microcavities
Authors: Espinel Y. A. V. , Santos F. G. S. , Luiz G. O. , Alegre T. P. Mayer , Wiederhecker G. S.
Published: March 2017

The simultaneous control of optical and mechanical waves has enabled a range of fundamental and technological breakthroughs, from the demonstration of ultra-stable frequency reference devices, to the exploration of the quantum-classical boundaries in optomechanical laser-cooling experiments. More recently, such an optomechanical interaction has been observed in integrated nano-waveguides and microcavities in the Brillouin regime, where short-wavelength mechanical modes scatter light at several GHz. Here we engineer coupled optical microcavities to enable a low threshold excitation of mechanical travelling-wave modes through backward stimulated Brillouin scattering. Exploring the backward scattering we propose silicon microcavity designs based on laterally coupled single and double-layer cavities, the proposed structures enable optomechanical coupling with very high frequency modes (11 to 25 GHz) and large optomechanical coupling rates (g0/2π) from 50 kHz to 90 kHz.
Molecular Analysis of BRCA1 in Human Breast Cancer Cells Under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Gilmore Brian L. , Liang Yanping , Winton Carly E. , Patel Kaya , Karageorge Vasilea , Varano A. Cameron , Dearnaley William , Sheng Zhi , Kelly Deborah F.
Published: March 2017

The precise manner in which physical changes to the breast cancer susceptibility protein (BRCA1) affect its role in DNA repair events remain unclear. Indeed, cancer cells harboring mutations in BRCA1 suffer from genomic instability and increased DNA lesions. Here, we used a combination of molecular imaging and biochemical tools to study the properties of the BRCA1 in human cancer cells. Our results reveal new information for the manner in which full-length BRCA1 engages its binding partner, the BRCA1-associated Ring Domain protein (BARD1) under oxidative stress conditions. We also show how physical differences between wild type and mutated BRCA15382insC impact the cell’s response to oxidative damage. Overall, we demonstrate how clinically relevant changes to BRCA1 affect its structure-function relationship in hereditary breast cancer.
A Cobalt Supramolecular Triple-Stranded Helicate-based Discrete Molecular Cage
Authors: Mai Hien Duy , Kang Philjae , Kim Jin Kyung , Yoo Hyojong
Published: March 2017

We report a strategy to achieve a discrete cage molecule featuring a high level of structural hierarchy through a multiple-assembly process. A cobalt (Co) supramolecular triple-stranded helicate (Co-TSH)-based discrete molecular cage (1) is successfully synthesized and fully characterized. The solid-state structure of 1 shows that it is composed of six triple-stranded helicates interconnected by four linking cobalt species. This is an unusual example of a highly symmetric cage architecture resulting from the coordination-driven assembly of metallosupramolecular modules. The molecular cage 1 shows much higher CO2 uptake properties and selectivity compared with the separate supramolecular modules (Co-TSH, complex 2) and other molecular platforms.
Chronic alcohol consumption decreases brown adipose tissue mass and disrupts thermoregulation: a possible role for altered retinoid signaling
Authors: Blaner William S. , Gao Madeleine A. , Jiang Hongfeng , Dalmer Timothy R. A. , Hu Xueyuan J. , Ginsberg Henry N. , Clugston Robin D.
Published: March 2017

Retinoic acid, an active metabolite of dietary vitamin A, acts as a ligand for nuclear receptor transcription factors with more than 500 known target genes. It is becoming increasingly clear that alcohol has a significant impact on cellular retinoic acid metabolism, with resultant effects on its function. Here, we test the hypothesis that chronic alcohol consumption impairs retinoic acid signaling in brown adipose tissue (BAT), leading to impaired BAT function and thermoregulation. All studies were conducted in age-matched, male mice consuming alcohol-containing liquid diets. Alcohol’s effect on BAT was assessed by histology, qPCR, HPLC, LC/MS and measures of core body temperature. Our data show that chronic alcohol consumption decreases BAT mass, with a resultant effect on thermoregulation. Follow-up mechanistic studies reveal a decreased triglyceride content in BAT, as well as impaired retinoic acid homeostasis, associated with decreased BAT levels of retinoic acid in alcohol-consuming mice. Our work highlights a hitherto uncharacterized effect of alcohol on BAT function, with possible implications for thermoregulation and energy metabolism in drinkers. Our data indicate that alcohol’s effects on brown adipose tissue may be mediated through altered retinoic acid signaling.
Visualization of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer’s disease by polarization-sensitive optical coherence microscopy
Authors: Baumann Bernhard , Woehrer Adelheid , Ricken Gerda , Augustin Marco , Mitter Christian , Pircher Michael , Kovacs Gabor G. , Hitzenberger Christoph K.
Published: March 2017

One major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is the deposition of extracellular senile plaques and vessel wall deposits composed of amyloid-beta (Aβ). In AD, degeneration of neurons is preceded by the formation of Aβ plaques, which show different morphological forms. Most of them are birefringent owing to the parallel arrangement of amyloid fibrils. Here, we present polarization sensitive optical coherence microscopy (PS-OCM) for imaging mature neuritic Aβ plaques based on their birefringent properties. Formalin-fixed, post-mortem brain samples of advanced stage AD patients were investigated. In several cortical brain regions, neuritic Aβ plaques were successfully visualized in tomographic and three-dimensional (3D) images. Cortical grey matter appeared polarization preserving, whereas neuritic plaques caused increased phase retardation. Consistent with the results from PS-OCM imaging, the 3D structure of senile Aβ plaques was computationally modelled for different illumination settings and plaque sizes. Furthermore, the birefringent properties of cortical and meningeal vessel walls in CAA were investigated in selected samples. Significantly increased birefringence was found in smaller vessels. Overall, these results provide evidence that PS-OCM is able to assess amyloidosis based on intrinsic birefringent properties.
WEE1 inhibition targets cell cycle checkpoints for triple negative breast cancers to overcome cisplatin resistance
Authors: Zheng Hongping , Shao Fangyuan , Martin Scots , Xu Xiaoling , Deng Chu-Xia
Published: March 2017

Cisplatin is one of the most commonly used therapeutic drugs for cancer therapy, yet prolonged cisplatin treatment frequently results in drug resistance. To enhance therapeutic effect of cisplatin, we conducted a high throughput screening using a kinase library containing 704 kinases against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We demonstrated that cisplatin activates ATR, CHK1 and WEE1, which shut down DNA replication and attenuate cisplatin induced-lethality. WEE1 inhibition sensitizes TNBCs and cisplatin resistant cancer cells to cisplatin-induced lethality, because it not only impairs DNA replication checkpoint more profoundly than inhibition of ATR or CHK1, but also defects G2-M cell cycle checkpoint. Finally, we demonstrated that combined cisplatin treatment and WEE1 inhibition synergistically inhibits xenograft cancer growth accompanied by markedly reduced expression of TNBC signature genes. Thus targeting DNA replication and G2-M cell cycle checkpoint simultaneously by cisplatin and WEE1 inhibition is promising for TNBCs treatment, and for overcoming their cisplatin resistance.
Transplantation of hUC-MSCs seeded collagen scaffolds reduces scar formation and promotes functional recovery in canines with chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Xing , Tan Jun , Xiao Zhifeng , Zhao Yannan , Han Sufang , Liu Dingyang , Yin Wen , Li Jing , Li Juan , Wanggou Siyi , Chen Bing , Ren Caiping , Jiang Xingjun , Dai Jianwu
Published: March 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to locomotor deficits, and the repair of chronic SCI is considered one of the most challenging clinical problems. Although extensive studies have evaluated treatments for acute SCI in small animals, comparatively fewer studies have been conducted on large-animal SCI in the chronic phase, which is more clinically relevant. Here, we used a collagen-based biomaterial, named the NeuroRegen scaffold, loaded with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in a canine chronic SCI model. To generate chronic SCI, the T8 spinal cord segment was removed by complete transection of the spinal cord. Two months later, glial scar tissue was removed and a NeuroRegen scaffold was transplanted into the lesion area. Functionalized NeuroRegen scaffold implantation promoted both locomotor recovery and endogenous neurogenesis in the lesion area. Moreover, some newly generated neurons successfully matured into 5-HT-positive neurons at 1 year post-injury. In addition, many regenerated axon fibers in the lesion area exhibited remyelination and synapse formation at 1 year post-injury in the functionalized NeuroRegen scaffold group. In conclusion, the NeuroRegen scaffold functionalized with hUC-MSCs is a promising potential therapeutic approach to chronic SCI that promotes neuronal regeneration, reduces glial scar formation, and ultimately improves locomotor recovery.
The rhythms of predictive coding? Pre-stimulus phase modulates the influence of shape perception on luminance judgments
Authors: Han Biao , VanRullen Rufin
Published: March 2017

Predictive coding is an influential model emphasizing interactions between feedforward and feedback signals. Here, we investigated the temporal dynamics of these interactions. Two gray disks with different versions of the same stimulus, one enabling predictive feedback (a 3D-shape) and one impeding it (random-lines), were simultaneously presented on the left and right of fixation. Human subjects judged the luminance of the two disks while EEG was recorded. The choice of 3D-shape or random-lines as the brighter disk was used to assess the influence of feedback signals on sensory processing in each trial (i.e., as a measure of post-stimulus predictive coding efficiency). Independently of the spatial response (left/right), we found that this choice fluctuated along with the pre-stimulus phase of two spontaneous oscillations: a ~5 Hz oscillation in contralateral frontal electrodes and a ~16 Hz oscillation in contralateral occipital electrodes. This pattern of results demonstrates that predictive coding is a rhythmic process, and suggests that it could take advantage of faster oscillations in low-level areas and slower oscillations in high-level areas.
Exosomes function in antigen presentation during an in vivo Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Smith Victoria L. , Cheng Yong , Bryant Barry R. , Schorey Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macrophages and dendritic cells are limited in their ability to present antigen to CD4+ T cells suggesting that other mechanism of antigen presentation are driving the robust T cell response observed during an M. tuberculosis infection. These mechanisms could include antigens present in apoptotic bodies, necrotic debris, exosomes or even release of non-vesicular antigen from infected cells. However, there is limited data to support any of these mechanisms as important in driving T cell activation in vivo. In the present study we use Rab27a-deficient mice which show diminished trafficking of mycobacterial components to exosomes as well as M. tuberculosis strains that express recombinant proteins which traffic or fail to traffic to exosomes. We observed that exosomes released during a mouse M. tuberculosis infection contribute significantly to its T cell response. These finding imply that exosomes function to promote T cell immunity during a bacterial infection and are an important source of extracellular antigen.
The interaction between farming/rural environment and TLR2, TLR4, TLR6 and CD14 genetic polymorphisms in relation to early- and late-onset asthma
Authors: Lau Melisa Y. Z. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Burgess John A. , Win Aung K. , Lowe Adrian J. , Lodge Caroline , Perret Jennifer , Hui Jennie , Thomas Paul S. , Morrison Stephen , Giles Graham G. , Hopper John , Abramson Michael J. , Walters E. Haydn , Matheson Melanie C.
Published: March 2017

Asthma phenotypes based on age-of-onset may be differently influenced by the interaction between variation in toll-like receptor (TLR)/CD14 genes and environmental microbes. We examined the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the TLR/CD14 genes and asthma, and their interaction with proxies of microbial exposure (childhood farm exposure and childhood rural environment). Ten SNPs in four genes (TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, CD14) were genotyped for 1,116 participants from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS). Using prospectively collected information, asthma was classified as never, early- (before 13 years) or late-onset (after 13 years). Information on childhood farm exposure/childhood rural environment was collected at baseline. Those with early-onset asthma were more likely to be males, had a family history of allergy and a personal history of childhood atopy. We found significant interaction between TLR6 SNPs and childhood farm exposure. For those with childhood farm exposure, carriers of the TLR6-rs1039559 T-allele (p-interaction = 0.009) and TLR6-rs5743810 C-allele (p-interaction = 0.02) were associated with lower risk of early-onset asthma. We suggest the findings to be interpreted as hypothesis-generating as the interaction effect did not withstand correction for multiple testing. In this large, population-based longitudinal study, we found that the risk of early- and late-onset asthma is differently influenced by the interaction between childhood farming exposure and genetic variations.
Quantifying Fenton reaction pathways driven by self-generated H2O2 on pyrite surfaces
Authors: Gil-Lozano C. , Davila A. F. , Losa-Adams E. , Fairén A. G. , Gago-Duport L.
Published: March 2017

Oxidation of pyrite (FeS2) plays a significant role in the redox cycling of iron and sulfur on Earth and is the primary cause of acid mine drainage (AMD). It has been established that this process involves multi-step electron-transfer reactions between surface defects and adsorbed O2 and H2O, releasing sulfoxy species (e.g., S2O32−, SO42−) and ferrous iron (Fe2+) to the solution and also producing intermediate by-products, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, our understanding of the kinetics of these transient species is still limited. We investigated the kinetics of H2O2 formation in aqueous suspensions of FeS2 microparticles by monitoring, in real time, the H2O2 and dissolved O2 concentration under oxic and anoxic conditions using amperometric microsensors. Additional spectroscopic and structural analyses were done to track the dependencies between the process of FeS2 dissolution and the degradation of H2O2 through the Fenton reaction. Based on our experimental results, we built a kinetic model which explains the observed trend of H2O2, showing that FeS2 dissolution can act as a natural Fenton reagent, influencing the oxidation of third-party species during the long term evolution of geochemical systems, even in oxygen-limited environments.
Fecal Bacterial Communities in treated HIV infected individuals on two antiretroviral regimens
Authors: Pinto-Cardoso Sandra , Lozupone Catherine , Briceño Olivia , Alva-Hernández Selma , Téllez Norma , Adriana Aguilar , Murakami-Ogasawara Akio , Reyes-Terán Gustavo
Published: March 2017

Intestinal microbiome changes that occur in HIV positive individuals on different antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens are important to understand, as they are potentially linked with chronic inflammation and microbiome-linked comorbidities that occur at increased incidence in this population. We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing the fecal microbiomes of HIV-uninfected (HIV SN) to HIV-infected individuals on long-term ART (HIV+ LTART) from Mexico using 16S ribosomal RNA (16sRNA) targeted sequencing. These individuals were on two ART regimens based on either Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (EFV) or ritonavir-boosted Protease Inhibitors (PI) with the same backbone of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors. Microbiome diversity was reduced in treated HIV infection compared to HIV SN (p < 0.05). Several operational taxonomic units (OTUs) related to the Ruminococcaceae family including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were depleted in EFV and PI compared to HIV SN and negatively correlated with intestinal gut dysfunction as measured by the intestinal fatty binding protein (p < 0.05). This is the first report to address the fecal bacterial communities in HIV-infected individuals on two ARV regimens from Mexico.
Identification and functional analysis of the ICK gene family in maize
Authors: Xiao Qianlin , Zhang Chunxia , Li Hui , Wei Bin , Wang Yongbin , Huang Huanhuan , Li Yangping , Yu Guowu , Liu Hanmei , Zhang Junjie , Liu Yinghong , Hu Yufeng , Huang Yubi
Published: March 2017

Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (ICKs) are key regulators of cyclin-dependent kinase activities and cell division. Herein, we identified eight ICKs in maize, which we named Zeama;ICKs (ZmICKs). Primary sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were used to divide the ZmICK family into two classes: group B and group C. Subcellular localization analysis of ZmICK:enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) fusion constructs in tobacco leaf cells indicated that ZmICKs are principally nuclear. Co-localization analysis of the ZmICKs and maize A-type cyclin-dependent kinase (ZmCDKA) was also performed using enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and red fluorescent protein (RFP) fusion constructs. The ZmICKs and ZmCDKA co-localized in the nucleus. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the ZmICKs showed that they were expressed at different levels in all tissues examined and shared similar expression patterns with cell cycle-related genes. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that ZmICK1, ZmICK2, ZmICK3, and ZmICK4 interact with ZmCDKA1 and ZmCDKA3. Interestingly, ZmICK7 interacts with D-type cyclins. Transformed and expressed ZmCDKA1 and ZmICKs together in fission yeast revealed that ZmICK1, ZmICK3, and ZmICK4 can affect ZmCDKA1 function. Moreover, the C-group of ZmICKs could interact with ZmCDKA1 directly and affect ZmCDKA1 function, suggesting that C-group ZmICKs are important for cell division regulation.
Inhibiting histone deacetylases suppresses glucose metabolism and hepatocellular carcinoma growth by restoring FBP1 expression
Authors: Yang Jing , Jin Xin , Yan Yuqian , Shao Yingjie , Pan Yunqian , Roberts Lewis R. , Zhang Jun , Huang Haojie , Jiang Jingting
Published: March 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. Elevated glucose metabolism in the availability of oxygen, a phenomenon called the Warburg effect, is important for cancer cell growth. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis and is frequently lost in various types of cancer. Here, we demonstrated that expression of FBP1 was downregulated in HCC patient specimens and decreased expression of FBP1 associated with poor prognosis. Low expression of FBP1 correlated with high levels of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC2 proteins in HCC patient tissues. Treatment of HCC cells with HDAC inhibitors or knockdown of HDAC1 and/or HDAC2 restored FBP1 expression and inhibited HCC cell growth. HDAC-mediated suppression of FBP1 expression correlated with decreased histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27Ac) in the FBP1 enhancer. Restored expression of FBP1 decreased glucose reduction and lactate secretion and inhibited HCC cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in mice. Our data reveal that loss of FBP1 due to histone deacetylation associates with poor prognosis of HCC and restored FBP1 expression by HDAC inhibitors suppresses HCC growth. Our findings suggest that repression of FBP1 by HDACs has important implications for HCC prognosis and treatment.
Citizen science shows systematic changes in the temperature difference between air and inland waters with global warming
Authors: Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Mackay Murray , Stockwell Jason D. , Thiery Wim , Grossart Hans-Peter , Augusto-Silva Pétala B. , Baulch Helen M. , de Eyto Elvira , Hejzlar Josef , Kangur Külli , Kirillin Georgiy , Pierson Don C. , Rusak James A. , Sadro Steven , Woolway R. Iestyn
Published: March 2017

Citizen science projects have a long history in ecological studies. The research usefulness of such projects is dependent on applying simple and standardized methods. Here, we conducted a citizen science project that involved more than 3500 Swedish high school students to examine the temperature difference between surface water and the overlying air (Tw-Ta) as a proxy for sensible heat flux (QH). If QH is directed upward, corresponding to positive Tw-Ta, it can enhance CO2 and CH4 emissions from inland waters, thereby contributing to increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The students found mostly negative Tw-Ta across small ponds, lakes, streams/rivers and the sea shore (i.e. downward QH), with Tw-Ta becoming increasingly negative with increasing Ta. Further examination of Tw-Ta using high-frequency temperature data from inland waters across the globe confirmed that Tw-Ta is linearly related to Ta. Using the longest available high-frequency temperature time series from Lake Erken, Sweden, we found a rapid increase in the occasions of negative Tw-Ta with increasing annual mean Ta since 1989. From these results, we can expect that ongoing and projected global warming will result in increasingly negative Tw-Ta, thereby reducing CO2 and CH4 transfer velocities from inland waters into the atmosphere.
RUG3 and ATM synergistically regulate the alternative splicing of mitochondrial nad2 and the DNA damage response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Su Chao , Zhao Hongtao , Zhao Yankun , Ji Hongtao , Wang Youning , Zhi Liya , Li Xia
Published: March 2017

The root apical meristem (RAM) determines both RAM activity and the growth of roots. Plant roots are constantly exposed to adverse environmental stresses that can cause DNA damage or cell cycle arrest in the RAM; however, the mechanism linking root meristematic activity and RAM size to the DNA damage response (DDR) is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a loss of function in RCC1/UVR8/GEF-Like 3 (RUG3) substantially augmented the DDR and produced a cell cycle arrest in the RAM in rug3 mutant, leading to root growth retardation. Furthermore, the mutation of RUG3 caused increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and ROS scavengers improved the observed cell cycle arrest and reduced RAM activity level in rug3 plants. Most importantly, we detected a physical interaction between RUG3 and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a key regulator of the DDR, suggesting that they synergistically modulated the alternative splicing of nad2. Our findings reveal a novel synergistic effect of RUG3 and ATM on the regulation of mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and the DDR in the RAM, and outline a protective mechanism for DNA damage repair and the restoration of mitochondrial function that involves RUG3-mediated mitochondrial retrograde signaling and the activation of an ATM-mediated DDR pathway.
Cargo self-assembly rescues affinity of cell-penetrating peptides to lipid membranes
Authors: Weinberger Andreas , Walter Vivien , MacEwan Sarah R. , Schmatko Tatiana , Muller Pierre , Schroder André P. , Chilkoti Ashutosh , Marques Carlos M.
Published: March 2017

Although cationic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are able to bind to cell membranes, thus promoting cell internalization by active pathways, attachment of cargo molecules to CPPs invariably reduces their cellular uptake. We show here that CPP binding to lipid bilayers, a simple model of the cell membrane, can be recovered by designing cargo molecules that self-assemble into spherical micelles and increase the local interfacial density of CPP on the surface of the cargo. Experiments performed on model giant unilamellar vesicles under a confocal laser scanning microscope show that a family of thermally responsive elastin-like polypeptides that exhibit temperature-triggered micellization can promote temperature triggered attachment of the micelles to membranes, thus rescuing by self-assembly the cargo-induced loss of the CPP affinity to bio-membranes.
In-situ preparation of hierarchical flower-like TiO2/carbon nanostructures as fillers for polymer composites with enhanced dielectric properties
Authors: Xu Nuoxin , Zhang Qilong , Yang Hui , Xia Yuting , Jiang Yongchang
Published: March 2017

Novel three-dimensional hierarchical flower-like TiO2/carbon (TiO2/C) nanostructures were in-situ synthesized via a solvothermal method involving calcination of organic precursor under inert atmosphere. The composite films comprised of P (VDF-HFP) and as-prepared hierarchical flower-like TiO2/C were fabricated by a solution casting and hot-pressing approach. The results reveal that loading the fillers with a small amount of carbon is an effective way to improve the dielectric constant and suppress the dielectric loss. In addition, TiO2/C particles with higher carbon contents exhibit superiority in promoting the dielectric constants of composites when compared with their noncarbon counterparts. For instance, the highest dielectric constant (330.6) of the TiO2/C composites is 10 times over that of noncarbon-TiO2-filled ones at the same filler volume fraction, and 32 times over that of pristine P (VDF-HFP). The enhancement in the dielectric constant can be attributed to the formation of a large network, which is composed of local micro-capacitors with carbon particles as electrodes and TiO2 as the dielectric in between.
Increasing flame ionization detector (FID) sensitivity using post-column oxidation–methanation
Authors: Spanjers Charles S. , Beach Connor A. , Jones Andrew J. , Dauenhauer Paul J.
Published: March 2017

Combining a microreactor with the flame ionization detector (FID) greatly increases its response to highly oxidized organic molecules.
Fe3O4@PVIM@Zn(ii) magnetic microspheres for luteolin recognition via combined reflux-precipitation polymerization and metal-ion affinity strategy
Authors: Jia Qiang , Peng Yinxian , Pan Jianming , Huang Xiaobin , Niu Xiangheng , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2017

Mild ploy base on acid response affinity of Fe3O4@PVIM@Zn(ii) for luteolin extraction.
KI-mediated radical multi-functionalization of vinyl azides: a one-pot and efficient approach to β-keto sulfones and α-halo-β-keto sulfones
Authors: Chen Wenteng , Liu Xingyu , Chen En , Chen Binhui , Shao Jiaan , Yu Yongping
Published: March 2017

Transition metal-free oxidative coupling of vinyl azides with sulfonyl hydrazines is described.
Fabrication of ultra-smooth and oxide-free molecule-ferromagnetic metal interfaces for applications in molecular electronics under ordinary laboratory conditions
Authors: Senthil kumar Karuppannan , Jiang Li , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: March 2017

Direct self-assembly of n-alkanethiolate SAMs on ferromagnetic metal surface was fabricated. The stability and tunnelling characteristics of SAMs were investigated.
Targeted metabolomics analysis of fatty acids in soybean seeds using GC-MS to reveal the metabolic manipulation of shading in the intercropping system
Authors: Yang Cai-qiong , Iqbal Nasir , Hu Bao-yu , Zhang Qi-hui , Wu Hai-jun , Liu Xin , Zhang Jing , Liu Wei-guo , Yang Wen-yu , Liu Jiang
Published: March 2017

Targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted to quantify fatty acids in soybean seeds using GC-MS. PLS-DA helped to determine the appropriate row spacing in the intercropping system.
K8Ce2I18O53: a novel potassium cerium(iv) iodate with enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic activity resulting from polar zero dimensional [Ce(IO3)8]4− units
Authors: Wu Ruofei , Jiang Xingxing , Xia Mingjun , Liu Lijuan , Wang Xiaoyang , Lin Zheshuai , Chen Chuangtian
Published: March 2017

K8Ce2I18O53 shows the highest visible light driven photocatalytic activity among rare earth iodates due to asynergistic effect between the narrow band gap and polar zero-dimensional [Ce(IO3)8]4− units.
Boric acid-destabilized lithium borohydride with a 5.6 wt% dehydrogenation capacity at moderate temperatures
Authors: Wu Yong , Jiang Xiaojing , Chen Jun , Qi Yue , Zhang Yuxuan , Fu He , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: March 2017

Boric acid effectively promotes the dehydrogenation of lithium borohydride due to the interactions between protonic and hydridic hydrogen.
Rapidly accessible “click” rotaxanes utilizing a single amide hydrogen bond templating motif
Authors: Fletcher Beth E. , Peach Michael J. G. , Evans Nicholas H.
Published: March 2017

The rapid synthesis (in yields of up to 47%) and co-conformational study of hydrogen bond templated rotaxanes are presented.
A facile method for the synthesis of a C@MoO2 hollow yolk–shell structure and its electrochemical properties as a faradaic electrode
Authors: Saha Arka , Mondal Aniruddha , Maiti Sandipan , Ghosh Subhash C. , Mahanty Sourindra , Panda Asit Baran
Published: March 2017

A sucrose–CTAB-based soft template approach was used for the synthesis of a C@MoO2 hollow yolk–shell structure and its enhanced electrochemical performance has been reported.
Solubility temperature and solvent dependence and preferential solvation of citrus flavonoid naringin in aqueous DMSO mixtures: an experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Jabbari Morteza , Khosravi Negar , Feizabadi Mina , Ajloo Davood
Published: March 2017

This study describes the thermodynamics of dissolution of flavonoid naringin in different aqueous solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) containing 0–100% (w/w) under atmospheric pressure and over a temperature range of 298.15 to 325.15 K.
Synthesis of a hierarchical nanoporous carbon material with controllable pore size and effective surface area for high-performance electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Hu Bing , Kong Ling-Bin , Kang Long , Yan Kun , Zhang Tong , Li Kai , Luo Yong-Chun
Published: March 2017

There is an excellent linear relationship between E-SSA and specific capacitance of HNC-IPNs as electrode materials for EDLCs.
A novel and simple solvent-dependent fluorescent probe based on a click generated 8-aminoquinoline–steroid conjugate for multi-detection of Cu(ii), oxalate and pyrophosphate
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zou Yuan , Deng Chengquan
Published: March 2017

A novel and simple deoxycholic acid-based fluorescent probe was facilely constructed for solvent-dependent multi-detection of Cu2+, C2O42−and P2O74−.
Flow synthesis of cyclobutanones via [2 + 2] cycloaddition of keteneiminium salts and ethylene gas
Authors: Battilocchio C. , Iannucci G. , Wang S. , Godineau E. , Kolleth A. , De Mesmaeker A. , Ley S. V.
Published: March 2017

A robust and safe flow method for the synthesis of mono-substituted cyclobutanones.
Enhanced pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties of PZT with aligned porosity for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xie Mengying , Roscow James , Bao Yinxiang , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Dou , Bowen Chris R.
Published: March 2017

This paper demonstrates the significant benefits of exploiting highly aligned porosity in piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials for improved energy harvesting performance.