bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-and lesion number-dependent difference in “atherogenic index of plasma” in Chinese people with coronary heart disease
Authors: Ni Wei , Zhou Zhenyu , Liu Tao , Wang Haoyu , Deng Jianping , Liu Xiaoyan , Xing Guoqiang
Published: October 2017

Few studies has investigated the interrelationship between Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and coronary heart disease (CHD) especially in Asians. AIP is the logarithmically transformed ratio of triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and is thought to be associated with arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Of the 463 patients from Central Hospital of Nanchong in 2011–2014 diagnosed with angiograms, 229 CHD (>50% stenosis in one or more arteries) and the rest 234 were the controls (maximum stenosis < 10% in any artery) according to the world health organization (who) diagnostic criteria. The multiple regression analysis showed that AIP was independently associated with CHD in men (odds ratio (OR) = 4.44, 95%CI 1.62–12.21, P = 0.004) after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose(FBG), homocysteine (Hcy), and smoking, but not in women (OR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.11–2.08, P = 0.318). Subgroup analysis showed that the significant difference in AIP between the CHD and the controls only exists in patients with multi-vessel lesions but not in those with single-vessel lesion. Further large-scale studies with balanced sex ratio and vessel lesion numbers should verify the present findings.
Broadband dual-anisotropic solid metamaterials
Authors: Cheng Yong , Zhou Xiaoming , Hu Gengkai
Published: October 2017

We have proposed solid elastic metamaterials with anisotropic stiffness and inertial mass simultaneously, denoted as the dual anisotropy, for the potential use of elastic wave controlling. The dual anisotropy has been designed weakly dispersive in a broad frequency range, wherein broadband anisotropic mass is achieved by employing the sliding-interface concept in fluid-solid composites. Results have been validated through the band-structure, effective-medium, and modal-field analyses. We have further found that the proposed solid metamaterial, when its shear stiffness is diminished until neglected, would reduce to the pentamode-inertial material model. This reduced model is the general form of mediums following transformation acoustic theory, which has been proved vital for acoustic wave controlling. Our studies are expected to pave a new route toward broadband acoustic and elastic wave controlling using dual-anisotropic solid metamaterials.
Specificity of surface EMG recordings for gastrocnemius during upright standing
Authors: Vieira Taian Martins , Botter Alberto , Muceli Silvia , Farina Dario
Published: October 2017

The relatively large pick-up volume of surface electrodes has for long motivated the concern that muscles other than that of interest may contribute to surface electromyograms (EMGs). Recent findings suggest however the pick-up volume of surface electrodes may be smaller than previously appreciated, possibly leading to the detection of surface EMGs insensitive to muscle activity. Here we combined surface and intramuscular recordings to investigate how comparably action potentials from gastrocnemius and soleus are represented in surface EMGs detected with different inter-electrode distances. We computed the firing instants of motor units identified from intramuscular EMGs detected from gastrocnemius and soleus while five participants stood upright. We used these instants to trigger and average surface EMGs detected from multiple skin regions along gastrocnemius. Results from 66 motor units (whereof 31 from gastrocnemius) revealed the surface-recorded amplitude of soleus action potentials was 6% of that of gastrocnemius and did not decrease for inter-electrode distances smaller than 4 cm. Gastrocnemius action potentials were more likely detected for greater inter-electrode distances and their amplitude increased steeply up to 5 cm inter-electrode distance. These results suggest that reducing inter-electrode distance excessively may result in the detection of surface EMGs insensitive to gastrocnemius activity without substantial attenuation of soleus crosstalk.
Structural variability and complexity of the giant Pithovirus sibericum particle revealed by high-voltage electron cryo-tomography and energy-filtered electron cryo-microscopy
Authors: Okamoto Kenta , Miyazaki Naoyuki , Song Chihong , Maia Filipe R. N. C. , Reddy Hemanth K. N. , Abergel Chantal , Claverie Jean-Michel , Hajdu Janos , Svenda Martin , Murata Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2017

The Pithoviridae giant virus family exhibits the largest viral particle known so far, a prolate spheroid up to 2.5 μm in length and 0.9 μm in diameter. These particles show significant variations in size. Little is known about the structure of the intact virion due to technical limitations with conventional electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) when imaging thick specimens. Here we present the intact structure of the giant Pithovirus sibericum particle at near native conditions using high-voltage electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) and energy-filtered cryo-EM. We detected a previously undescribed low-density outer layer covering the tegument and a periodical structuring of the fibres in the striated apical cork. Energy-filtered Zernike phase-contrast cryo-EM images show distinct substructures inside the particles, implicating an internal compartmentalisation. The density of the interior volume of Pithovirus particles is three quarters lower than that of the Mimivirus. However, it is remarkably high given that the 600 kbp Pithovirus genome is only half the size of the Mimivirus genome and is packaged in a volume up to 100 times larger. These observations suggest that the interior is densely packed with macromolecules in addition to the genomic nucleic acid.
Ottogi Inhibits Wnt/β-catenin Signaling by Regulating Cell Membrane Trafficking of Frizzled8
Authors: Kim Hyun-Taek , Lee Mi-Sun , Jeong Yun-Mi , Ro Hyunju , Kim Dong-Il , Shin Yong-Hwan , Kim Ji-Eun , Hwang Kyu-Seok , Choi Jung-Hwa , Bahn Minjin , Lee Jeong-Ju , Lee Sang H. , Bae Young-Ki , Lee Jin-Soo , Choi Joong-Kook , Kim Nam-Soon , Yeo Chang-Yeol , Kim Cheol-Hee
Published: October 2017

Wnt signaling controls critical developmental processes including tissue/body patterning. Here we report the identification of a novel regulator of Wnt signaling, OTTOGI (OTG), isolated from a large-scale expression screening of human cDNAs in zebrafish embryos. Overexpression of OTG in zebrafish embryos caused dorso-anteriorized phenotype, inhibited the expression of Wnt target genes, and prevented nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. Conversely, knockdown of zebrafish otg using specific antisense morpholino promoted nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and caused ventralization. However, OTG failed to rescue headless-like phenotype induced by inhibition of GSK-3β activity, suggesting that OTG acts upstream of GSK-3β. OTG bound specifically to Frizzled8 (Fz8) receptor and caused retention of Fz8 in the endoplasmic reticulum possibly by preventing N-linked glycosylation of Fz8. Taken together, our data indicate that OTG functions as a novel negative regulator of Wnt signaling during development by the modulation of cell surface expression of Fz receptor.
MCM2-regulated functional networks in lung cancer by multi-dimensional proteomic approach
Authors: Cheung Chantal Hoi Yin , Hsu Chia-Lang , Chen Kai-Pu , Chong Siao-Ting , Wu Chang-Hsun , Huang Hsuan-Cheng , Juan Hsueh-Fen
Published: October 2017

DNA replication control is vital for maintaining genome stability and the cell cycle, perhaps most notably during cell division. Malignancies often exhibit defective minichromosome maintenance protein 2 (MCM2), a cancer proliferation biomarker that serves as a licensing factor in the initiation of DNA replication. MCM2 is also known to be one of the ATPase active sites that facilitates conformational changes and drives DNA unwinding at the origin of DNA replication. However, the biological networks of MCM2 in lung cancer cells via protein phosphorylation remain unmapped. The RNA-seq datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that MCM2 overexpression is correlated with poor survival rate in lung cancer patients. To uncover MCM2-regulated functional networks in lung cancer, we performed multi-dimensional proteomic approach by integrating analysis of the phosphoproteome and proteome, and identified a total of 2361 phosphorylation sites on 753 phosphoproteins, and 4672 proteins. We found that the deregulation of MCM2 is involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, the cell cycle, and migration. Furthermore, HMGA1S99 phosphorylation was found to be differentially expressed under MCM2 perturbation in opposite directions, and plays an important role in regulating lung cancer cell proliferation. This study therefore enhances our capacity to therapeutically target cancer-specific phosphoproteins.
Spin-polarised electrons in a one-magnet-only Mott spin junction
Authors: De Pietro L. , Bertolini G. , Peter Q. , Cabrera H. , Vindigni A. , Gürlü O. , Pescia D. , Ramsperger U.
Published: October 2017

The current flowing through a Mott spin junction depends on the relative spin orientation of the two ferromagnetic layers comprising the “source” and “drain” sides of the junction. The resulting current asymmetry is detected as giant or tunnelling magnetoresistance depending on whether the two ferromagnets are separated by a metal or an insulator. Based on the fundamental principles of reciprocity for spin-dependent electron scattering, one can envisage a one-magnet-only spin junction in which the source is non-magnetic, and the spin information is encoded by the spin polarisation of the electrons that have crossed or are backscattered from the drain magnetic layer. The practical significance of using an unpolarised source is that the state of the magnetic layer can be modified without affecting the process of probing it. Whether this reciprocity is realised in the actual junctions is not yet known. Here, we demonstrate a nano-sized, one-magnet-only Mott spin junction by measuring the finite spin polarisation of the backscattered electrons. Based on this finding, we conclude that since the junction acts as a spin filter, the magnetic layer must experience a spin transfer that could become detectable in view of the high current densities achievable in this technology.
Oyster reproduction is compromised by acidification experienced seasonally in coastal regions
Authors: Boulais Myrina , Chenevert Kyle John , Demey Ashley Taylor , Darrow Elizabeth S. , Robison Madison Raine , Roberts John Park , Volety Aswani
Published: October 2017

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have been rising during the past century, leading to ocean acidification (OA). Coastal and estuarine habitats experience annual pH variability that vastly exceeds the magnitude of long-term projections in open ocean regions. Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reproduction season coincides with periods of low pH occurrence in estuaries, thus we investigated effects of moderate (pH 7.5, pCO2 2260 µatm) and severe OA (pH 7.1, pCO2 5584 µatm; and 6.7, pCO2 18480 µatm) on oyster gametogenesis, fertilization, and early larval development successes. Exposure at severe OA during gametogenesis caused disruption in oyster reproduction. Oogenesis appeared to be more sensitive compared to spermatogenesis. However, Eastern oyster reproduction was resilient to moderate OA projected for the near-future. In the context of projected climate change exacerbating seasonal acidification, OA of coastal habitats could represent a significant bottleneck for oyster reproduction which may have profound negative implications for coastal ecosystems reliant on this keystone species.
Synthetic nanocomposite MgH2/5 wt. % TiMn2 powders for solid-hydrogen storage tank integrated with PEM fuel cell
Authors: El-Eskandarany M. Sherif , Shaban Ehab , Aldakheel Fahad , Alkandary Abdullah , Behbehani Montaha , Al-Saidi M.
Published: October 2017

Storing hydrogen gas into cylinders under high pressure of 350 bar is not safe and still needs many intensive studies dedic ated for tank’s manufacturing. Liquid hydrogen faces also severe practical difficulties due to its very low density, leading to larger fuel tanks three times larger than traditional gasoline tank. Moreover, converting hydrogen gas into liquid phase is not an economic process since it consumes high energy needed to cool down the gas temperature to −252.8 °C. One practical solution is storing hydrogen gas in metal lattice such as Mg powder and its nanocomposites in the form of MgH2. There are two major issues should be solved first. One related to MgH2 in which its inherent poor hydrogenation/dehydrogenation kinetics and high thermal stability must be improved. Secondly, related to providing a safe tank. Here we have succeeded to prepare a new binary system of MgH2/5 wt. % TiMn2 nanocomposite powder that show excellent hydrogenation/dehydrogenation behavior at relatively low temperature (250 °C) with long cycle-life-time (1400 h). Moreover, a simple hydrogen storage tank filled with our synthetic nanocomposite powders was designed and tested in electrical charging a battery of a cell phone device at 180 °C through a commercial fuel cell.
Environmental and behavioral changes may influence the exposure of an Arctic apex predator to pathogens and contaminants
Authors: Atwood Todd C. , Duncan Colleen , Patyk Kelly A. , Nol Pauline , Rhyan Jack , McCollum Matthew , McKinney Melissa A. , Ramey Andrew M. , Cerqueira-Cézar Camila K. , Kwok Oliver C. H. , Dubey Jitender P. , Hennager Steven
Published: October 2017

Recent decline of sea ice habitat has coincided with increased use of land by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the southern Beaufort Sea (SB), which may alter the risks of exposure to pathogens and contaminants. We assayed blood samples from SB polar bears to assess prior exposure to the pathogensBrucellaspp.,Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii,Francisella tularensis, andNeospora caninum, estimate concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and evaluate risk factors associated with exposure to pathogens and POPs. We found that seroprevalence ofBrucellaspp. andT. gondiiantibodies likely increased through time, and provide the first evidence of exposure of polar bears toC. burnetii,N. caninum, andF. tularensis. Additionally, the odds of exposure toT. gondiiwere greater for bears that used land than for bears that remained on the sea ice during summer and fall, while mean concentrations of the POP chlordane (ΣCHL) were lower for land-based bears. Changes in polar bear behavior brought about by climate-induced modifications to the Arctic marine ecosystem may increase exposure risk to certain pathogens and alter contaminant exposure pathways.
Precise measurement of hyperfine structure in the 3S1/2 state of 7Li
Authors: Kumar Pushpander , Natarajan Vasant
Published: October 2017

We report a precise measurement of hyperfine structure in the 3S1/2 state of the odd isotope of Li, namely 7Li. The state is excited from the ground 2S1/2 state (which has the same parity) using two single-photon transitions via the intermediate 2P3/2 state. The value of the hyperfine constant we measure is A = 93.095(52) MHz, which resolves two discrepant values reported in the literature measured using other techniques. Our value is also consistent with theoretical calculations.
Gene delivery of hypoxia-inducible VEGF targeting collagen effectively improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Xia Jing-Bo , Wu Hai-Yan , Lai Bing-Lin , Zheng Li , Zhou Deng-Cheng , Chang Zao-Shang , Mao Cheng-Zhou , Liu Guang-Hui , Park Kyu-Sang , Zhao Hui , Kim Soo-Ki , Song Guo-Hua , Cai Dong-Qing , Qi Xu-Feng
Published: October 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays important roles in improvement of cardiac function following myocardial infarction (MI). However, the lack of a steerable delivery system of VEGF targeting the infarcted myocardium reduces the therapeutic efficacy and safety. Here, we constructed a series of lentiviral vector systems which could express a fusion protein consisted of a collagen-binding domain (CBD) and hVEGF (CBDhVEGF), under the control of 5HRE-hCMVmp (5HRE), the hypoxia-inducible promoter consists of five copies of the hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) and a human cytomegalovirus minimal promoter (hCMVmp). We demonstrated that 5HRE has the comparable ability to strongly drive CBDhVEGF under hypoxic condition as the ubiquitous CMV promoter, but it can hardly drive target gene under normoxic condition. 5HRE-drived CBDhVEGF specifically bound to type I collagen and significantly promoted the viability of HUVEC cells. Moreover, after injection of lentivirus into heart of mouse with MI, CBDhVEGF was mainly retained in infarcted myocardium where containing rich collagen and significantly improved angiogenesis and cardiac function when compared with hVEGF. Moreover, CBDhVEGF mediated by lentivirus has little leakage from infarcted zone into blood than hVEGF. Taken together, our results indicate that 5HRE-CBDhVEGF lentiviral vector system could improve cardiac function in the collagen-targeting and hypoxia-inducible manners.
Synthesis of single-phase L10-FeNi magnet powder by nitrogen insertion and topotactic extraction
Authors: Goto Sho , Kura Hiroaki , Watanabe Eiji , Hayashi Yasushi , Yanagihara Hideto , Shimada Yusuke , Mizuguchi Masaki , Takanashi Koki , Kita Eiji
Published: October 2017

Tetrataenite (L10-FeNi) is a promising candidate for use as a permanent magnet free of rare-earth elements because of its favorable properties. In this study, single-phase L10-FeNi powder with a high degree of order was synthesized through a new method, nitrogen insertion and topotactic extraction (NITE). In the method, FeNiN, which has the same ordered arrangement as L10-FeNi, is formed by nitriding A1-FeNi powder with ammonia gas. Subsequently, FeNiN is denitrided by topotactic reaction to derive single-phase L10-FeNi with an order parameter of 0.71. The transformation of disordered-phase FeNi into the L10 phase increased the coercive force from 14.5 kA/m to 142 kA/m. The proposed method not only significantly accelerates the development of magnets using L10-FeNi but also offers a new synthesis route to obtain ordered alloys in non-equilibrium states.
miR-29b regulates expression of collagens I and III in chondrogenically differentiating BMSC in an osteoarthritic environment
Authors: Mayer Ute , Benditz Achim , Grässel Susanne
Published: October 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a slowly progressing, irreversible loss of articular cartilage. Tissue engineering approaches for cartilage regeneration include stem cell-based strategies but not much is known about their repair capacity in an OA microenvironment. The aim of the present study was to identify factors regulating collagen expression during chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) in an OA microenvironment. Coculture with OA cartilage induced miR-29b expression in BMSC which inhibited collagen I and III expression. Elevated miR-29b expression resulted in higher caspase 3/7 activity and promoted apoptosis of BMSC in part by directly inhibiting the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Stimulation with IFN-γ induced miR-29b expression in BMSC. Our results suggest that miR-29b affects BMSC-based OA cartilage regeneration because expression of collagen III, mainly produced by undifferentiated BMSC, and collagen I, a marker for dedifferentiated chondrocytes, are inhibited by miR-29b thus influencing composition of the newly formed ECM. This might be critical to avoid formation of inferior fibrocartilage instead of hyaline cartilage. Furthermore, higher miR-29b expression promotes apoptosis either preventing excessive cell growth or reducing the number of BMSC undergoing chondrogenesis. Thus, miR-29b has both supportive but possibly also unfavourable effects on BMSC-based OA cartilage regeneration.
The contribution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae replicative age to the variations in the levels of Trx2p, Pdr5p, Can1p and Idh isoforms
Authors: Azbarova Aglaia V. , Galkina Kseniia V. , Sorokin Maxim I. , Severin Fedor F. , Knorre Dmitry A.
Published: October 2017

Asymmetrical division can be a reason for microbial populations heterogeneity. In particular, budding yeast daughter cells are more vulnerable to stresses than the mothers. It was suggested that yeast mother cells could also differ from each other depending on their replicative age. To test this, we measured the levels of Idh1-GFP, Idh2-GFP, Trx2-GFP, Pdr5-GFP and Can1-GFP proteins in cells of the few first, most represented, age cohorts. Pdr5p and Can1p were selected because of the pronounced mother-bud asymmetry for these proteins distributions, Trx2p as indicator of oxidative stress. Isocitrate dehydrogenase subunits Idh1p and Idh2p were assessed because their levels are regulated by mitochondria. We found a small negative correlation between yeast replicative age and Idh1-GFP or Idh2-GFP but not Trx2-GFP levels. Mitochondrial network fragmentation was also confirmed as an early event of replicative aging. No significant difference in the membrane proteins levels Pdr5p and Can1p was found. Moreover, the elder mother cells showed lower coefficient of variation for Pdr5p levels compared to the younger ones and the daughters. Our data suggest that the levels of stress-response proteins Pdr5p and Trx2p in the mother cells are stable during the first few cell cycles regardless of their mother-bud asymmetry.
Replacing conventional decontamination of hatching eggs with a natural defense strategy based on antimicrobial, volatile pyrazines
Authors: Kusstatscher Peter , Cernava Tomislav , Liebminger Stefan , Berg Gabriele
Published: October 2017

The treatment of hatching eggs relies on classic yet environmentally harmful decontamination methods such as formaldehyde fumigation. We evaluated bacteria-derived volatiles as a replacement within a fundamentally novel approach based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are naturally involved in microbial communication and antagonism due to their high antimicrobial efficiency. Pyrazine (5-isobutyl-2,3-dimethylpyrazine) was applied passively and actively in prototypes of a pre-industry-scale utilization. Altogether, pyrazine decontamination rates of up to 99.6% were observed, which is comparable to formaldehyde fumigation. While active evaporation was highly efficient in all experiments, passive treatment showed reducing effects in two of four tested groups only. These results were confirmed by visualization using LIVE/DEAD staining microscopy. The natural egg shell microbiome was characterized by an unexpected bacterial diversity of Pseudomonadales, Enterobacteriales, Sphingomonadales, Streptophyta, Burkholderiales, Actinomycetales, Xanthomonadales, Rhizobiales, Bacillales, Clostridiales, Lactobacillales, and Flavobacteriales members. Interestingly, we found that especially low pyrazine concentrations lead to a microbiome shift, which can be explained by varying antimicrobial effects on different microorganisms. Micrococcus spp., which are linked to embryonic death and reduced hatchability, was found to be highly sensitive to pyrazines. Taken together, pyrazine application was shown to be a promising, environmentally friendly alternative for fumigation treatments of hatchery eggs.
Small-scale variation of ammonia oxidisers within intertidal sediments dominated by ammonia-oxidising bacteria Nitrosomonas sp. amoA genes and transcripts
Authors: Duff Aoife M. , Zhang Li-Mei , Smith Cindy J.
Published: October 2017

While numerous studies have investigated the abundance of ammonia oxidising bacteria and archaea (AOB/AOA) via the ammonia monooxygenase gene amoA, less is known about their small-scale variation and if amoA gene abundance equates to activity. Here we present a spatial and temporal study of ammonia oxidation in two small intertidal bays, Rusheen and Clew bay, Ireland. Potential Nitrification Rate (PNR) was ten-fold higher in Rusheen bay (Clew: 0.27 ± SD 0.55; Rusheen: 2.46 ± SD 3.4 NO2− µg−1 g−1 day−1, P < 0.001) than in Clew bay but amoA gene abundances were similar between bays, and comparable to those in other coastal ecosystems. Within bays AOB genes increased towards the muddy sediments and were positively correlated with PNR and pH. Less spatial variation was observed in AOA abundances which nevertheless positively correlated with pH and temperature and negatively with salinity and ammonia. Transcriptionally active AOB and AOA were quantified from all sites in Rusheen bay, February 2014, following the general trends observed at DNA level. AOB phylotypes predominantly from the known Nitrosomonas group were distributed across the bay, while Nitrosomonas group B phylotypes were absent from low salinity sites. AOA genes and transcripts were primarily affiliated with Thaumarchaeota group I.1a.
Bacteriome genetic structures of urban deposits are indicative of their origin and impacted by chemical pollutants
Authors: Marti Romain , Bécouze-Lareure Céline , Ribun Sébastien , Marjolet Laurence , Bernardin Souibgui Claire , Aubin Jean-Baptiste , Lipeme Kouyi Gislain , Wiest Laure , Blaha Didier , Cournoyer Benoit
Published: October 2017

Urban activities generate surface deposits over impervious surfaces that can represent ecological and health hazards. Bacteriome genetic structures of deposits washed off during rainfall events, over an urban industrial watershed, were inferred from 16 S rRNA gene (rrs) sequences generated by high throughput sequencing. Deposits were sampled over a 4 year-period from a detention basin (DB). Major shifts, matching key management practices, in the structure of these urban bacteriomes, were recorded. Correlation analyses of rrs similarities between samples and their respective concentrations in chemical pollutants, markers of human fecal contaminations (HF183) and antimicrobial resistances (integrons), were performed. Harsher environmental constraints building up in the older deposits led to an increase number of rrs reads from extremophiles such as Acidibacter and Haliangium. Deposits accumulating in the decantation pit of the DB showed an increase in rrs reads from warm blooded intestinal tract bacteria such as Bacteroides and Prevotella. This enrichment matched higher concentrations of Bacteroides HF183 genotypes normally restricted to humans. Bacteriomes of urban deposits appeared good indicators of human-driven environmental changes. Their composition was found representative of their origin. Soil particles and rain appeared to be major contributors of the inferred bacterial taxa recovered from recent deposits.
Higher-order Network Analysis of Fine Particulate Matter (PM
2.5) Transport in China at City Level
Authors: Wang Yufang , Wang Haiyan , Chang Shuhua , Liu Maoxing
Published: October 2017

Specification of PM2.5 transmission characteristics is important for pollution control and policymaking. We apply higher-order organization of complex networks to identify major potential PM2.5 contributors and PM2.5 transport pathways of a network of 189 cities in China. The network we create in this paper consists of major cities in China and contains information on meteorological conditions of wind speed and wind direction, data on geographic distance, mountains, and PM2.5 concentrations. We aim to reveal PM2.5 mobility between cities in China. Two major conclusions are revealed through motif analysis of complex networks. First, major potential PM2.5 pollution contributors are identified for each cluster by one motif, which reflects movements from source to target. Second, transport pathways of PM2.5 are revealed by another motif, which reflects transmission routes. To our knowledge, this is the first work to apply higher-order network analysis to study PM2.5 transport.
Size effect on the deformation mechanisms of nanocrystalline platinum thin films
Authors: Shu Xinyu , Kong Deli , Lu Yan , Long Haibo , Sun Shiduo , Sha Xuechao , Zhou Hao , Chen Yanhui , Mao Shengcheng , Liu Yinong
Published: October 2017

This paper reports a study of time-resolved deformation process at the atomic scale of a nanocrystalline Pt thin film captured in situ under a transmission electron microscope. The main mechanism of plastic deformation was found to evolve from full dislocation activity-enabled plasticity in large grains (with grain size d > 10 nm), to partial dislocation plasticity in smaller grains (with grain size 10 nm < d < 6 nm), and grain boundary-mediated plasticity in the matrix with grain sizes d < 6 nm. The critical grain size for the transition from full dislocation activity to partial dislocation activity was estimated based on consideration of stacking fault energy. For grain boundary-mediated plasticity, the possible contributions to strain rate of grain creep, grain sliding and grain rotation to plastic deformation were estimated using established models. The contribution of grain creep is found to be negligible, the contribution of grain rotation is effective but limited in magnitude, and grain sliding is suggested to be the dominant deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline Pt thin films. This study provided the direct evidence of these deformation processes at the atomic scale.
Patterns and underlying mechanisms of non-volant small mammal richness along two contrasting mountain slopes in southwestern China
Authors: Chen Zhongzheng , He Kai , Cheng Feng , Khanal Laxman , Jiang Xuelong
Published: October 2017

The species richness patterns of small mammals and the processes shaping them in two gradients of a mountain with different spatial and climatic characteristics were examined using standard sampling scheme. We trapped 2,006 small mammals representing 37 species, along elevational gradients on both western and eastern slopes of the Ailao Mountains, Southwest China. Using mid-domain effect model, model selection and model averaging, we examined the effects of slope, area, mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual humidity (MAH), productivity, plant species richness (PSR) and the mid-domain effect (MDE) on the patterns of small mammal diversity. The hump-shaped patterns were favored along the elevational gradient, but shapes of diversity curves were different on the contrasting slopes. Area and productivity were the most important factors in explaining the variation of total species richness. However, for each specific group of small mammals (i.e. insectivores vs. rodents, large-ranged vs. small-ranged species, endemic vs. non-endemic species), the peaks of species richness and their primary drivers varied. The major explanatory factors for richness pattern of each small mammal group were not significantly different between the slopes, suggesting the existence of the general underlying mechanisms on two slopes of a mountain.
Genomics alterations of metastatic and primary tissues across 15 cancer types
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhan Xiaohui , Dong Chuanpeng , Liu Lei
Published: October 2017

Metastasis is an important event for cancer evolution and prognosis. In this article, we analyzed the differences in genomic alterations between primary and metastatic tissues at hotspot regions in 15 cancer types and 10,456 samples. Differential somatic mutations at the amino acid, protein domain and gene levels, mutational exclusiveness, and copy number variations were identified in these cancers, while no significant nucleotide and gene fusion differences were detected. The homogeneity and heterogeneity of these differences in cancers were also detected. By characterizing the genomic alterations of these genes, important signaling pathways during metastasis were also identified. In summary, the metastatic cancer tissues retained most genomic features of the primary tumor at the biological level and acquired new signatures during cancer cell migration.
Climate and permafrost effects on the chemistry and ecosystems of High Arctic Lakes
Authors: Roberts K. E. , Lamoureux S. F. , Kyser T. K. , Muir D. C. G. , Lafrenière M. J. , Iqaluk D. , Pieńkowski A. J. , Normandeau A.
Published: October 2017

Permafrost exerts an important control over hydrological processes in Arctic landscapes and lakes. Recent warming and summer precipitation has the potential to alter water availability and quality in this environment through thermal perturbation of near surface permafrost and increased mobility of previously frozen solutes to Arctic freshwaters. We present a unique thirteen-year record (2003–16) of the physiochemical properties of two High Arctic lakes and show that the concentration of major ions, especially SO42−, has rapidly increased up to 500% since 2008. This hydrochemical change has occurred synchronously in both lakes and ionic ratio changes in the lakes indicate that the source for the SO42− is compositionally similar to terrestrial sources arising from permafrost thaw. Record summer temperatures during this period (2003–16) following over 100 years of warming and summer precipitation in this polar desert environment provide likely mechanisms for this rapid chemical change. An abrupt limnological change is also reflected in the otolith chemistry and improved relative condition of resident Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and increased diatom diversity point to a positive ecosystem response during the same period.
Advanced Silicon-on-Insulator: Crystalline Silicon on Atomic Layer Deposited Beryllium Oxide
Authors: Min Lee Seung , Hwan Yum Jung , Larsen Eric S. , Chul Lee Woo , Keun Kim Seong , Bielawski Christopher W. , Oh Jungwoo
Published: October 2017

Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology improves the performance of devices by reducing parasitic capacitance. Devices based on SOI or silicon-on-sapphire technology are primarily used in high-performance radio frequency (RF) and radiation sensitive applications as well as for reducing the short channel effects in microelectronic devices. Despite their advantages, the high substrate cost and overheating problems associated with complexities in substrate fabrication as well as the low thermal conductivity of silicon oxide prevent broad applications of this technology. To overcome these challenges, we describe a new approach of using beryllium oxide (BeO). The use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) for producing this material results in lowering the SOI wafer production cost. Furthermore, the use of BeO exhibiting a high thermal conductivity might minimize the self-heating issues. We show that crystalline Si can be grown on ALD BeO and the resultant devices exhibit potential for use in advanced SOI technology applications.
Li2MnO3 domain size and current rate dependence on the electrochemical properties of 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiCoO2 cathode material
Authors: Kaewmala Songyoot , Chantrasuwan Patcharapohn , Wiriya Narinthron , Srilomsak Sutham , Limphirat Wanwisa , Limthongkul Pimpa , Meethong Nonglak
Published: October 2017

Layered-layered composite oxides of the form xLi2MnO3·(1−x) LiMO2 (M = Mn, Co, Ni) have received much attention as candidate cathode materials for lithium ion batteries due to their high specific capacity (>250mAh/g) and wide operating voltage range of 2.0–4.8 V. However, the cathode materials of this class generally exhibit large capacity fade upon cycling and poor rate performance caused by structural transformations. Since electrochemical properties of the cathode materials are strongly dependent on their structural characteristics, the roles of these components in 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiCoO2 cathode material was the focus of this work. In this work, the influences of Li2MnO3 domain size and current rate on electrochemical properties of 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiCoO2 cathodes were studied. Experimental results obtained showed that a large domain size provided higher cycling stability. Furthermore, fast cycling rate was also found to help reduce possible structural changes from layered structure to spinel structure that takes place in continuous cycling.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) as a novel modulator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis synovium
Authors: Terenzi Riccardo , Manetti Mirko , Rosa Irene , Romano Eloisa , Galluccio Felice , Guiducci Serena , Ibba-Manneschi Lidia , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: October 2017

Despite increasing evidence suggesting that angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) may regulate tissue inflammation, no study has yet analyzed its possible implication in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of AT2R in synovial tissue and cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA patients. AT2R expression was strongly increased in RA compared with osteoarthritis (OA) synovium, as well as in in cultured RA-FLS respect to OA-FLS and healthy FLS. Treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines was able not only to boost AT2R expression in RA-FLS and OA-FLS, but also to induce its de novo expression in healthy FLS. The stimulation of AT2R with the specific agonist CGP42112A significantly reduced gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 and activation of NF-κB in RA-FLS, while opposite effects were elicited by AT2R small interfering RNA. Moreover, AT2R agonism efficiently decreased RA-FLS proliferation and migration either at baseline or under pro-inflammatory cytokine challenge. In conclusion, AT2R is strongly expressed in key effector cells of rheumatoid synovitis, namely RA-FLS, and the activation of AT2R with a specific agonist may effectively dampen their pro-inflammatory and aggressive behavior. AT2R agonism might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with RA.
Punctate White Matter Lesions Associated With Altered Brain Development And Adverse Motor Outcome In Preterm Infants
Authors: Tusor Nora , Benders Manon J. , Counsell Serena J. , Nongena Phumza , Ederies Moegamad A. , Falconer Shona , Chew Andrew , Gonzalez-Cinca Nuria , Hajnal Joseph V. , Gangadharan Sunay , Chatzi Vasiliki , Kersbergen Karina J. , Kennea Nigel , Azzopardi Denis V. , Edwards A. David
Published: October 2017

Preterm infants who develop neurodevelopmental impairment do not always have recognized abnormalities on cerebral ultrasound, a modality routinely used to assess prognosis. In a high proportion of infants, MRI detects punctate white matter lesions that are not seen on ultrasonography. To determine the relation of punctate lesions to brain development and early neurodevelopmental outcome we used multimodal brain MRI to study a large cohort of preterm infants. Punctate lesions without other focal cerebral or cerebellar lesions were detected at term equivalent age in 123 (24.3%) (59 male) of the 506 infants, predominantly in the centrum semiovale and corona radiata. Infants with lesions had higher gestational age, birth weight, and less chronic lung disease. Punctate lesions showed a dose dependent relation to abnormalities in white matter microstructure, assessed with tract-based spatial statistics, and reduced thalamic volume (p < 0.0001), and predicted unfavourable motor outcome at a median (range) corrected age of 20.2 (18.4–26.3) months with sensitivity (95% confidence intervals) 71 (43–88) and specificity 72 (69–77). Punctate white matter lesions without associated cerebral lesions are common in preterm infants currently not regarded as at highest risk for cerebral injury, and are associated with widespread neuroanatomical abnormalities and adverse early neurodevelopmental outcome.
Development of an athyroid mouse model using 131I ablation after preparation with a low-iodine diet
Authors: Oh Ji Min , Lee Ho Won , Kalimuthu Senthilkumar , Gangadaran Prakash , Baek Se Hwan , Han Man-Hoon , Hong Chae Moon , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang-Woo , Lee Jaetae , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: October 2017

We optimized the protocol for thyroid ablation in living mice using radioactive iodine (RAI) and a low-iodine diet (LID). To examine the effect of LID on thyroid ablation, mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Vehicle, 131I 2.775 MBq, 131I 5.55 MBq, and LID + 131I 2.775 MBq. The LID group was fed a LID for up to 7 days and then mice in the 131I 2.775, 131I 5.55, and LID + 131I 2.775 MBq groups were intravenously administrated with 131I, respectively. Scintigraphy imaging with 99mTc pertechnetate was performed once in 2 weeks for 4 weeks. After establishment of athyroid mice, control or athyroid mice were injected with human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells co-expressing sodium iodine symporter and enhanced firefly luciferase (ARO/NF) to evaluate RAI uptake. Scintigraphy imaging with 99mTc pertechnetate was performed with ARO/NF tumor-bearing mice. Scintigraphy imaging showed decreased thyroid uptake in the LID + 131I 2.775 MBq group compared to other groups. Scintigraphy images showed that tumor uptake was statically higher in athyroid mice than in control mice. These data suggest that these optimized conditions for thyroid ablation could be helpful to establish an in vivo mouse model.
The Bacteroidales produce an N-acylated derivative of glycine with both cholesterol-solubilising and hemolytic activity
Authors: Lynch Alli , Crowley Elaine , Casey Eoghan , Cano Rafael , Shanahan Rachel , McGlacken Ger , Marchesi Julian R. , Clarke David J.
Published: October 2017

The contribution of the gut microbiota to the metabolism of cholesterol is not well understood. In this study, we identify 21 fosmid clones from a human gut microbiome metagenomic library that, when expressed in Escherichia coli, produce halos on LB agar supplemented with 0.01% (w/v) cholesterol (LBC agar). Analysis of 14 of these clones revealed that they all share a fragment of DNA with homology to the genome of Bacteroides vulgatus. The gene responsible for halo production on LBC agar, named choA, was identified as an N-acyltransferase known to produce an acylated glycine molecule called commendamide. In this study we show that commendamide is capable of producing a halo on LBC agar suggesting that this molecule is solubilizing the cholesterol micelles in LBC agar. We also show that commendamide is responsible for the previously described hemolytic activity associated with the choA orthologue in Bacteroides fragilis. A functional analysis of ChoA identified 2 amino acids that are important for commendamide biosynthesis and we present phylogenetic and functional data showing that orthologues of choA are found only in the order Bacteroidales. Therefore, the production of commendamide may be an adaptation to the environments colonized by the Bacteroidales, including the mammalian gut.
Chronic hepatitis C liver microenvironment: role of the Th17/Treg interplay related to fibrogenesis
Authors: Rios Daniela Alejandra , Valva Pamela , Casciato Paola Cecilia , Frias Silvia , Soledad Caldirola María , Gaillard María Isabel , Bezrodnik Liliana , Bandi Juan , Galdame Omar , Ameigeiras Beatriz , Krasniansky Diana , Brodersen Carlos , Mullen Eduardo , Matteo Elena Noemí De , Preciado María Victoria
Published: October 2017

The role of the different lymphocyte populations in liver microenvironment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients is still matter of debate. Since Th17 and Treg have opposite functions, their balance could affect disease progression. The aim was to explore liver microenvironment and its peripheral blood counterpart in adult CHC patients. CD4+ lymphocytes were predominant in the liver, with high Foxp3+ but low IL-17A+ frequency. IL-17A+ lymphocytes and IL-17A+/Foxp3+ ratio displayed association with advanced fibrosis (p = 0.0130; p = 0.0236, respectively), while Foxp3+ lymphocytes and IL-10 expression level inversely correlated with fibrosis severity (p = 0.0381, p = 0.0398, respectively). TGF-β/IL-6 ratio correlated with IL-17A+/Foxp3+ ratio (p = 0.0036, r = 0.5944) and with IL-17A+ lymphocytes (p = 0.0093; r = 0.5203). TNF-α and TGF-β were associated with hepatitis severity (p = 0.0409, p = 0.0321). Peripheral blood lymphocyte frequency was not associated with liver damage. There are functionally different immune cell populations actively involved in liver damage, but the liver cytokine milieu actually drives the pathogenesis. The intrahepatic Foxp3+ lymphocytes predominance beside the low IL-17A+ lymphocytes frequency, delineate a skewed IL-17A+/Foxp3+ balance towards Foxp3+ lymphocytes. However, the IL-17A+ lymphocytes association with advanced fibrosis denotes their role in the pathogenesis. Therefore, the interplay between Th17 and Treg conditions liver fibrogenesis.
Significantly enhanced thermal conductivity of indium arsenide nanowires via sulfur passivation
Authors: Xiong Yucheng , Tang Hao , Wang Xiaomeng , Zhao Yang , Fu Qiang , Yang Juekuan , Xu Dongyan
Published: October 2017

Abstarct

In this work, we experimentally investigated the effect of sulfur passivation on thermal transport in indium arsenide (InAs) nanowires. Our measurement results show that thermal conductivity can be enhanced by a ratio up to 159% by sulfur passivation. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements were performed on both unpassivated and S-passivated InAs nanowires to understand the mechanism of thermal conductivity enhancement. We observed a remarkable improvement in electrical conductivity upon sulfur passivation and a significant contribution of electrons to thermal conductivity, which account for the enhanced thermal conductivity of the S-passivated InAs nanowires.
A novel library of -arylketones as potential inhibitors of α-glucosidase: Their design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Luthra Tania , Agarwal Rahul , Estari Mamidala , Adepally Uma , Sen Subhabrata
Published: October 2017

α-glucosidase is an essential enzyme located at the brush border of intestines. It is an important therapeutic target for type II diabetes. Herein we have designed a library of novel α-arylketones as inhibitors of α-glucosidase (yeast origin) via scaffold hopping and bioisosteric modification of known inhibitors of α-glucosidase. The design was validated through molecular docking that revealed strong binding interactions of the newly designed compounds against α-glucosidase. A library comprising of 15 compounds was synthesized in a combinatorial fashion, where the advanced amide intermediates were accessed through “shot gun” synthesis. The final compounds were characterized by 1H, 13C-NMR and with high resolution mass spectroscopy. In vitro screening of the compounds against yeast α-glucosidase revealed substantial inhibition with IC50s in the range of 4–10 μM (the standard drug acarbose inhibits α-glucosidase with an IC50 of 9.95 μM). Reaction kinetics suggested mixed type inhibition. Finally, in vivo studies of the most active compound 3c against Streptozotocin induced male albino Wistar rats revealed that its administration in the rats for about 4 weeks lead to a highly significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the fasting blood glucose (FBG) compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Moreover, lower dose of 3c had better control over FBG in contrast to high-dose.