bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular HSP60 triggers tissue regeneration and wound healing by regulating inflammation and cell proliferation
Authors: Pei Wuhong , Tanaka Katsuya , Huang Sunny C , Xu Lisha , Liu Baoying , Sinclair Jason , Idol Jennifer , Varshney Gaurav K , Huang Haigen , Lin Shuo , Nussenblatt Robert B , Mori Ryoichi , Burgess Shawn M
Published: October 2016

After injury, zebrafish can restore many tissues that do not regenerate well in mammals, making it a useful vertebrate model for studying regenerative biology. We performed a systematic screen to identify genes essential for hair cell regeneration in zebrafish, and found that the heat shock protein Hspd1 (Hsp60) has a critical role in the regeneration of hair cells and amputated caudal fins. We showed HSP60-injected extracellularly promoted cell proliferation and regeneration in both hair cells and caudal fins. We showed that hspd1 mutant was deficient in leukocyte infiltration at the site of injury. Topical application of HSP60 in a diabetic mouse skin wound model dramatically accelerated wound healing compared with controls. Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with HSP60 triggered a specific induction of M2 phase CD163-positive monocytes. Our results demonstrate that the normally intracellular chaperonin HSP60 has an extracellular signalling function in injury inflammation and tissue regeneration, likely through promoting the M2 phase for macrophages.
Diverse Colletotrichum species cause anthracnose of tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) in China
Authors: Wang Yu-Chun , Hao Xin-Yuan , Wang Lu , Bin Xiao  , Wang Xin-Chao , Yang Ya-Jun
Published: October 2016

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum is one of the most severe diseases that can afflict Camellia sinensis. However, research on the diversity and geographical distribution of Colletotrichum in China remain limited. In this study, 106 Colletotrichum isolates were collected from diseased leaves of Ca. sinensis cultivated in the 15 main tea production provinces in China. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis coupled with morphological identification showed that the collected isolates belonged to 11 species, including 6 known species (C. camelliae, C. cliviae, C. fioriniae, C. fructicola, C. karstii, and C. siamense), 3 new record species (C. aenigma, C. endophytica, and C. truncatum), 1 novel species (C. wuxiense), and 1 indistinguishable strain, herein described as Colletotrichum sp. Of these species, C. camelliae and C. fructicola were the dominant species causing anthracnose in Ca. sinensis. In addition, our study provided further evidence that phylogenetic analysis using a combination of ApMat and GS sequences can be used to effectively resolve the taxonomic relationships within the C. gloeosporioides species complex. Finally, pathogenicity tests suggested that C. camelliae, C. aenigma, and C. endophytica are more invasive than other species after the inoculation of the leaves of Ca. sinensis.
Problems and Solutions in Click Chemistry Applied to Drug Probes
Authors: Zhong Weilong , Sun Bo , Lu Cheng , Yu Hengheng , Wang Changhua , He Lingfei , Gu Ju , Chen Shuang , Liu Yanrong , Jing Xiangyan , Bi Zhun , Yang Guang , Zhou Honggang , Sun Tao , Yang Cheng
Published: October 2016

Small-molecule fluorescent probes have been widely used in target identification, but this method has many disadvantages. For example, the identified proteins are usually complex, and additional biochemical studies are needed to distinguish real targets from interference results. To address this problem, we propose a series of strategies for improving the efficiency of target identification. First, pretreatment with a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide can shield against thiol interference. Second, the use of benzophenone as a photo-affinity group is not appropriate, and diazirines are preferred. Third, if cytoskeleton proteins or stress proteins are captured, the interference must be carefully eliminated. The specificity of target identification can be improved by optimizing these three strategies. In this paper, we discuss the problems associated with the use of the click reaction in living cells and provide important complementary techniques for photo-affinity probes based on the click chemistry reaction.
Specific inhibition of ICAM-1 effectively reduces bladder inflammation in a rat model of severe non-bacterial cystitis
Authors: Zhang Xiang , He Hongchao , Lu Guoliang , Xu Tianyuan , Qin Liang , Wang Xianjin , Jin Xingwei , Liu Boke , Zhao Zhonghua , Shen Zhoujun , Shao Yuan
Published: October 2016

The development and progression of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is closely related to bladder inflammation. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is associated with bladder inflammation in BPS/IC. We investigated the effect of specific inhibition of ICAM-1 using an anti-ICAM-1 antibody (AIA) on bladder inflammation in a rat model of severe non-bacterial cystitis (NBC) resembling BPS/IC by evaluating the bladder inflammation grade, mast cell infiltration and related cytokines and receptors. We also compared the effects of AIA with the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib and the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) inhibitor aprepitant. Our NBC model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide combined with intravesical protamine/lipopolysaccharide, which resulted in severe bladder inflammation and increased mast cell infiltration, similar to the pathological changes of BPS/IC. Inhibition of ICAM-1 by AIA significantly decreased the bladder inflammation grade and mast cell counts, which was accompanied by a reduction of purinergic receptors (P2X2/P2X3), prostaglandin E2, EP1/EP2 receptors, TNF-α, NK1R, and ICAM-1. Moreover, AIA showed superior effects to those of celecoxib and aprepitant treatment in improving the bladder inflammatory response. Our results suggest that ICAM-1 may play a critical role in bladder inflammation in severe NBC and may be used as a novel therapeutic target in non-bacterial bladder inflammation such as BPS/IC.
Discrimination of transgenic soybean seeds by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Changhong , Chen Feng , Yang Jianbo , Zheng Lei
Published: October 2016

Discrimination of genetically modified organisms is increasingly demanded by legislation and consumers worldwide. The feasibility of a non-destructive discrimination of glyphosate-resistant and conventional soybean seeds and their hybrid descendants was examined by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system combined with chemometrics. Principal component analysis (PCA), least squares-support vector machines (LS-SVM) and PCA-back propagation neural network (PCA-BPNN) models with the first and second derivative and standard normal variate (SNV) transformation pre-treatments were applied to classify soybean seeds based on genotype. Results demonstrated clear differences among glyphosate-resistant, hybrid descendants and conventional non-transformed soybean seeds could easily be visualized with an excellent classification (accuracy was 88.33% in validation set) using the LS-SVM and the spectra with SNV pre-treatment. The results indicated that THz spectroscopy techniques together with chemometrics would be a promising technique to distinguish transgenic soybean seeds from non-transformed seeds with high efficiency and without any major sample preparation.
The Southampton-York Natural Scenes (SYNS) dataset: Statistics of surface attitude
Authors: Adams Wendy J. , Elder James H. , Graf Erich W. , Leyland Julian , Lugtigheid Arthur J. , Muryy Alexander
Published: October 2016

Recovering 3D scenes from 2D images is an under-constrained task; optimal estimation depends upon knowledge of the underlying scene statistics. Here we introduce the Southampton-York Natural Scenes dataset (SYNS: https://syns.soton.ac.uk), which provides comprehensive scene statistics useful for understanding biological vision and for improving machine vision systems. In order to capture the diversity of environments that humans encounter, scenes were surveyed at random locations within 25 indoor and outdoor categories. Each survey includes (i) spherical LiDAR range data (ii) high-dynamic range spherical imagery and (iii) a panorama of stereo image pairs. We envisage many uses for the dataset and present one example: an analysis of surface attitude statistics, conditioned on scene category and viewing elevation. Surface normals were estimated using a novel adaptive scale selection algorithm. Across categories, surface attitude below the horizon is dominated by the ground plane (0° tilt). Near the horizon, probability density is elevated at 90°/270° tilt due to vertical surfaces (trees, walls). Above the horizon, probability density is elevated near 0° slant due to overhead structure such as ceilings and leaf canopies. These structural regularities represent potentially useful prior assumptions for human and machine observers, and may predict human biases in perceived surface attitude.
Fluorescent protein tagging of endogenous protein in brain neurons using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in and in utero electroporation techniques
Authors: Uemura Takeshi , Mori Takuma , Kurihara Taiga , Kawase Shiori , Koike Rie , Satoga Michiru , Cao Xueshan , Li Xue , Yanagawa Toru , Sakurai Takayuki , Shindo Takayuki , Tabuchi Katsuhiko
Published: October 2016

Genome editing is a powerful technique for studying gene functions. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knock-in has recently been applied to various cells and organisms. Here, we successfully knocked in an EGFP coding sequence at the site immediately after the first ATG codon of the β-actin gene in neurons in the brain by the combined use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and in utero electroporation technique, resulting in the expression of the EGFP-tagged β-actin protein in cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. We detected EGFP fluorescence signals in the soma and neurites of EGFP knock-in neurons. These signals were particularly abundant in the head of dendritic spines, corresponding to the localization of the endogenous β-actin protein. EGFP knock-in neurons showed no detectable changes in spine density and basic electrophysiological properties. In contrast, exogenously overexpressed EGFP-β-actin showed increased spine density and EPSC frequency, and changed resting membrane potential. Thus, our technique provides a potential tool to elucidate the localization of various endogenous proteins in neurons by epitope tagging without altering neuronal and synaptic functions. This technique can be also useful for introducing a specific mutation into genes to study the function of proteins and genomic elements in brain neurons.
von Willebrand factor contributes to poor outcome in a mouse model of intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Zhu Ximin , Cao Yongliang , Wei Lixiang , Cai Ping , Xu Haochen , Luo Haiyu , Bai Xiaofei , Lu Lu , Liu Jian-Ren , Fan Wenying , Zhao Bing-Qiao
Published: October 2016

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating stroke subtype and has no proven treatment. von Willebrand factor (VWF) has recently been demonstrated to promote inflammation processes. The present study investigated the pathophysiological role of VWF after experimental ICH. Functional outcomes, brain edema, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, cerebral inflammation and levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were measured in a mouse model of ICH induced by autologous blood injection. We show that VWF were increased in the plasma and was accumulated in the perihematomal regions of mice subjected to ICH. Injection of VWF resulted in incerased expression of proinflammatory mediators and activation of ICAM-1 and MMP-9, associated with elevated myeloperoxidase, recruitment of neutrophils and microglia. Moreover, mice treated with VWF showed dramatically decreased pericyte coverage, more severe BBB damage and edema formation, and neuronal injury was increased compared with controls. In contrast, blocking antibodies against VWF reduced BBB damage and edema formation and improved neurological function. Together, these data identify a critical role for VWF in cerebral inflammation and BBB damage after ICH. The therapeutic interventions targeting VWF may be a novel strategy to reduce ICH-related injury.
Genome-wide methylation analysis identified sexually dimorphic methylated regions in hybrid tilapia
Authors: Wan Zi Yi , Xia Jun Hong , Lin Grace , Wang Le , Lin Valerie C. L. , Yue Gen Hua
Published: October 2016

Sexual dimorphism is an interesting biological phenomenon. Previous studies showed that DNA methylation might play a role in sexual dimorphism. However, the overall picture of the genome-wide methylation landscape in sexually dimorphic species remains unclear. We analyzed the DNA methylation landscape and transcriptome in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). We found 4,757 sexually dimorphic differentially methylated regions (DMRs), with significant clusters of DMRs located on chromosomal regions associated with sex determination. CpG methylation in promoter regions was negatively correlated with the gene expression level. MAPK/ERK pathway was upregulated in male tilapia. We also inferred active cis-regulatory regions (ACRs) in skeletal muscle tissues from WGBS datasets, revealing sexually dimorphic cis-regulatory regions. These results suggest that DNA methylation contribute to sex-specific phenotypes and serve as resources for further investigation to analyze the functions of these regions and their contributions towards sexual dimorphisms.
Broadband Focusing Acoustic Lens Based on Fractal Metamaterials
Authors: Song Gang Yong , Huang Bei , Dong Hui Yuan , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: October 2016

Acoustic metamaterials are artificial structures which can manipulate sound waves through their unconventional effective properties. Different from the locally resonant elements proposed in earlier studies, we propose an alternate route to realize acoustic metamaterials with both low loss and large refractive indices. We describe a new kind of acoustic metamaterial element with the fractal geometry. Due to the self-similar properties of the proposed structure, broadband acoustic responses may arise within a broad frequency range, making it a good candidate for a number of applications, such as super-resolution imaging and acoustic tunneling. A flat acoustic lens is designed and experimentally verified using this approach, showing excellent focusing abilities from 2 kHz and 5 kHz in the measured results.
System analysis of gene mutations and clinical phenotype in Chinese patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Jin Meiling , Xie Yuansheng , Chen Zhiqiang , Liao Yujie , Li Zuoxiang , Hu Panpan , Qi Yan , Yin Zhiwei , Li Qinggang , Fu Ping , Chen Xiangmei
Published: October 2016

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disorder mainly caused by mutation in PKD1/PKD2. However, ethnic differences in mutations, the association between mutation genotype/clinical phenotype, and the clinical applicable value of mutation detection are poorly understood. We made systematically analysis of Chinese ADPKD patients based on a next-generation sequencing platform. Among 148 ADPKD patients enrolled, 108 mutations were detected in 127 patients (85.8%). Compared with mutations in Caucasian published previously, the PKD2 mutation detection rate was lower, and patients carrying the PKD2 mutation invariably carried the PKD1 mutation. The definite pathogenic mutation detection rate was lower, whereas the multiple mutations detection rate was higher in Chinese patients. Then, we correlated PKD1/PKD2 mutation data and clinical data: patients with mutation exhibited a more severe phenotype; patients with >1 mutations exhibited a more severe phenotype; patients with pathogenic mutations exhibited a more severe phenotype. Thus, the PKD1/PKD2 mutation status differed by ethnicity, and the PKD1/PKD2 genotype may affect the clinical phenotype of ADPKD. Furthermore, it makes sense to detect PKD1/PKD2 mutation status for early diagnosis and prognosis, perhaps as early as the embryo/zygote stage, to facilitate early clinical intervention and family planning.
Particulate matter emissions from biochar-amended soils as a potential tradeoff to the negative emission potential
Authors: Ravi Sujith , Sharratt Brenton S. , Li Junran , Olshevski Stuart , Meng Zhongju , Zhang Jianguo
Published: October 2016

Novel carbon sequestration strategies such as large-scale land application of biochar may provide sustainable pathways to increase the terrestrial storage of carbon. Biochar has a long residence time in the soil and hence comprehensive studies are urgently needed to quantify the environmental impacts of large-scale biochar application. In particular, black carbon emissions from soils amended with biochar may counteract the negative emission potential due to the impacts on air quality, climate, and biogeochemical cycles. We investigated, using wind tunnel experiments, the particulate matter emission potential of a sand and two agriculturally important soils amended with different concentrations of biochar, in comparison to control soils. Our results indicate that biochar application considerably increases particulate emissions possibly by two mechanisms–the accelerated emission of fine biochar particles and the generation and emission of fine biochar particles resulting from abrasion of large biochar particles by sand grains. Our study highlights the importance of considering the background soil properties (e.g., texture) and geomorphological processes (e.g., aeolian transport) for biochar-based carbon sequestration programs.
Functional kinomics establishes a critical node of volume-sensitive cation-Cl− cotransporter regulation in the mammalian brain
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Gao Geng , Begum Gulnaz , Wang Jinhua , Khanna Arjun R. , Shmukler Boris E. , Daubner Gerrit M. , de los Heros Paola , Davies Paul , Varghese Joby , Bhuiyan Mohammad Iqbal H. , Duan Jinjing , Zhang Jin , Duran Daniel , Alper Seth L. , Sun Dandan , Elledge Stephen J. , Alessi Dario R. , Kahle Kristopher T.
Published: October 2016

Cell volume homeostasis requires the dynamically regulated transport of ions across the plasmalemma. While the ensemble of ion transport proteins involved in cell volume regulation is well established, the molecular coordinators of their activities remain poorly characterized. We utilized a functional kinomics approach including a kinome-wide siRNA-phosphoproteomic screen, a high-content kinase inhibitor screen, and a kinase trapping-Orbitrap mass spectroscopy screen to systematically identify essential kinase regulators of KCC3 Thr991/Thr1048phosphorylation – a key signaling event in cell swelling-induced regulatory volume decrease (RVD). In the mammalian brain, we found the Cl−-sensitive WNK3-SPAK kinase complex, required for cell shrinkage-induced regulatory volume decrease (RVI) via the stimulatory phosphorylation of NKCC1 (Thr203/Thr207/Thr212), is also essential for the inhibitory phosphorylation of KCC3 (Thr991/Thr1048). This is mediatedin vivoby an interaction between the CCT domain in SPAK and RFXV/I domains in WNK3 and NKCC1/KCC3. Accordingly, genetic or pharmacologic WNK3-SPAK inhibition prevents cell swelling in response to osmotic stress and ameliorates post-ischemic brain swelling through a simultaneous inhibition of NKCC1-mediated Cl−uptake and stimulation of KCC3-mediated Cl−extrusion. We conclude that WNK3-SPAK is an integral component of the long-sought “Cl−/volume-sensitive kinase” of the cation-Cl−cotransporters, and functions as a molecular rheostat of cell volume in the mammalian brain.
Mesenchymal stem cells with Sirt1 overexpression suppress breast tumor growth via chemokine-dependent natural killer cells recruitment
Authors: Yu Yang , Liu Yan , Zong Chen , Yu Qingbo , Yang Xue , Liang Lei , Ye Fei , Nong Li , Jia Yuxian , Lu Yongkui , Han Zhipeng
Published: October 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are generally used in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and therapy for immune disorder diseases. However, due to the immunosuppressive function of MSCs, the application of MSCs in breast cancer therapy remains limited. Sirt1 is the closest mammalian homologue of the yeast enzyme Sir2 which has an established capacity to influence yeast replicative lifespan. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of MSCs with Sirt1 overexpression (MSCs-Sirt1) in mice bearing 4T1 breast cancer and investigated the underlying mechanism. Firstly, we found that MSCs could accelerate breast tumor growth with promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, whereas MSCs-Sirt1 significantly suppressed tumor growth with proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion. Moreover, we detected that NK cells were the prominent antitumor effectors for the MSCs-Sirt1-induced antitumor activity. Besides that, CXCL10 and IFN-γ showed the high level expression in MSCs-Sirt1 treatment group. The impulsive effect of MSCs-Sirt1 on 4T1 cells in vivo could be reversed by inhibition of CXCL10 and IFN-γ. Overall, our results suggest that MSCs-Sirt1 can effectively inhibit breast tumor growth via the recruitment of NK cells in tumor inflammatory microenvironment.
Maltodextrin enhances biofilm elimination by electrochemical scaffold
Authors: Sultana Sujala T. , Call Douglas R. , Beyenal Haluk
Published: October 2016

Electrochemical scaffolds (e-scaffolds) continuously generate low concentrations of H2O2 suitable for damaging wound biofilms without damaging host tissue. Nevertheless, retarded diffusion combined with H2O2 degradation can limit the efficacy of this potentially important clinical tool. H2O2 diffusion into biofilms and bacterial cells can be increased by damaging the biofilm structure or by activating membrane transportation channels by exposure to hyperosmotic agents. We hypothesized that e-scaffolds would be more effective against Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in the presence of a hyperosmotic agent. E-scaffolds polarized at −600 mVAg/AgCl were overlaid onto preformed biofilms in media containing various maltodextrin concentrations. E-scaffold alone decreased A. baumannii and S. aureus biofilm cell densities by (3.92 ± 0.15) log and (2.31 ± 0.12) log, respectively. Compared to untreated biofilms, the efficacy of the e-scaffold increased to a maximum (8.27 ± 0.05) log reduction in A. baumannii and (4.71 ± 0.12) log reduction in S. aureus biofilm cell densities upon 10 mM and 30 mM maltodextrin addition, respectively. Overall ~55% decrease in relative biofilm surface coverage was achieved for both species. We conclude that combined treatment with electrochemically generated H2O2 from an e-scaffold and maltodextrin is more effective in decreasing viable biofilm cell density.
Integrated presentation of ecological risk from multiple stressors
Authors: Goussen Benoit , Price Oliver R. , Rendal Cecilie , Ashauer Roman
Published: October 2016

Current environmental risk assessments (ERA) do not account explicitly for ecological factors (e.g. species composition, temperature or food availability) and multiple stressors. Assessing mixtures of chemical and ecological stressors is needed as well as accounting for variability in environmental conditions and uncertainty of data and models. Here we propose a novel probabilistic ERA framework to overcome these limitations, which focusses on visualising assessment outcomes by construct-ing and interpreting prevalence plots as a quantitative prediction of risk. Key components include environmental scenarios that integrate exposure and ecology, and ecological modelling of relevant endpoints to assess the effect of a combination of stressors. Our illustrative results demonstrate the importance of regional differences in environmental conditions and the confounding interactions of stressors. Using this framework and prevalence plots provides a risk-based approach that combines risk assessment and risk management in a meaningful way and presents a truly mechanistic alternative to the threshold approach. Even whilst research continues to improve the underlying models and data, regulators and decision makers can already use the framework and prevalence plots. The integration of multiple stressors, environmental conditions and variability makes ERA more relevant and realistic.
Oocyte aging-induced Neuronatin (NNAT) hypermethylation affects oocyte quality by impairing glucose transport in porcine
Authors: Gao Ying-Ying , Chen Li , Wang Tao , Nie Zheng-Wen , Zhang Xia , Miao Yi-Liang
Published: October 2016

DNA methylation plays important roles in regulating many physiological behaviors; however, few studies were focused on the changes of DNA methylation during oocyte aging. Early studies showed that some imprinted genes’ DNA methylation had been changed in aged mouse oocytes. In this study, we used porcine oocytes to test the hypothesis that oocyte aging would alter DNA methylation pattern of genes and disturb their expression in age oocytes, which affected the developmental potential of oocytes. We compared several different types of genes and found that the expression and DNA methylation of Neuronatin (NNAT) were disturbed in aged oocytes significantly. Additional experiments demonstrated that glucose transport was impaired in aged oocytes and injection of NNAT antibody into fresh oocytes led to the same effects on glucose transport. These results suggest that the expression of NNAT was declined by elevating DNA methylation, which affected oocyte quality by decreasing the ability of glucose transport in aged oocytes.
Collective Influence of Multiple Spreaders Evaluated by Tracing Real Information Flow in Large-Scale Social Networks
Authors: Teng Xian , Pei Sen , Morone Flaviano , Makse Hernán A.
Published: October 2016

Identifying the most influential spreaders that maximize information flow is a central question in network theory. Recently, a scalable method called “Collective Influence (CI)” has been put forward through collective influence maximization. In contrast to heuristic methods evaluating nodes’ significance separately, CI method inspects the collective influence of multiple spreaders. Despite that CI applies to the influence maximization problem in percolation model, it is still important to examine its efficacy in realistic information spreading. Here, we examine real-world information flow in various social and scientific platforms including American Physical Society, Facebook, Twitter and LiveJournal. Since empirical data cannot be directly mapped to ideal multi-source spreading, we leverage the behavioral patterns of users extracted from data to construct “virtual” information spreading processes. Our results demonstrate that the set of spreaders selected by CI can induce larger scale of information propagation. Moreover, local measures as the number of connections or citations are not necessarily the deterministic factors of nodes’ importance in realistic information spreading. This result has significance for rankings scientists in scientific networks like the APS, where the commonly used number of citations can be a poor indicator of the collective influence of authors in the community.
HULC cooperates with MALAT1 to aggravate liver cancer stem cells growth through telomere repeat-binding factor 2
Authors: Wu Mengying , Lin Zhuojia , Li Xiaonan , Xin Xiaoru , An Jiahui , Zheng Qidi , Yang Yuxin , Lu Dongdong
Published: October 2016

The dysregulation of lncRNAs has increasingly been linked to many human diseases, especially in cancers. Our results demonstrate HULC, MALAT1 and TRF2 are highly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and HULC plus MALAT1 overexpression drastically promotes the growth of liver cancer stem cells. Mechanistically, both HULC and MALAT1 overexpression enhanced RNA polII, P300, CREPT to load on the promoter region of telomere repeat-binding factor 2(TRF2), triggering the overexpression, phosphorylation and SUMOylation of TRF2. Strikingly, the excessive TRF2 interacts with HULC or MALAT1 to form the complex that loads on the telomeric region, replacing the CST/AAF and recruiting POT1, pPOT1, ExoI, SNM1B, HP1 α. Accordingly, the telomere is greatly protected and enlonged. Furthermore, the excessive HULC plus MALAT1 reduced the methylation of the TERC promoter dependent on TRF2, increasing the TERC expression that causes the increase of interplay between TRET and TERC. Ultimately, the interaction between RFC and PCNA or between CDK2 and CyclinE, the telomerase activity and the microsatellite instability (MSI) are significantly increased in the liver cancer stem cells. Our demonstrations suggest that haploinsufficiency of HULC/MALAT1 plays an important role in malignant growth of liver cancer stem cell.
Opposite-sex attraction in male mice requires testosterone-dependent regulation of adult olfactory bulb neurogenesis
Authors: Schellino Roberta , Trova Sara , Cimino Irene , Farinetti Alice , Jongbloets Bart C. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen , Panzica Giancarlo , Giacobini Paolo , De Marchis Silvia , Peretto Paolo
Published: October 2016

Opposite-sex attraction in most mammals depends on the fine-tuned integration of pheromonal stimuli with gonadal hormones in the brain circuits underlying sexual behaviour. Neural activity in these circuits is regulated by sensory processing in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), the first central station of the vomeronasal system. Recent evidence indicates adult neurogenesis in the AOB is involved in sex behaviour; however, the mechanisms underlying this function are unknown. By using Semaphorin 7A knockout (Sema7A ko) mice, which show a reduced number of gonadotropin-releasing-hormone neurons, small testicles and subfertility, and wild-type males castrated during adulthood, we demonstrate that the level of circulating testosterone regulates the sex-specific control of AOB neurogenesis and the vomeronasal system activation, which influences opposite-sex cue preference/attraction in mice. Overall, these data highlight adult neurogenesis as a hub for the integration of pheromonal and hormonal cues that control sex-specific responses in brain circuits.
Pure spin current devices based on ferromagnetic topological insulators
Authors: Götte Matthias , Joppe Michael , Dahm Thomas
Published: October 2016

Two-dimensional topological insulators possess two counter propagating edge channels with opposite spin direction. Recent experimental progress allowed to create ferromagnetic topological insulators realizing a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) state. In the QAH state one of the two edge channels disappears due to the strong ferromagnetic exchange field. We investigate heterostructures of topological insulators and ferromagnetic topological insulators by means of numerical transport calculations. We show that spin current flow in such heterostructures can be controlled with high fidelity. Specifically, we propose spintronic devices that are capable of creating, switching and detecting pure spin currents using the same technology. In these devices electrical currents are directly converted into spin currents, allowing a high conversion efficiency. Energy independent transport properties in combination with large bulk gaps in some topological insulator materials may allow operation even at room temperature.
Visceral Adiposity and Anthropometric Indicators as Screening Tools of Metabolic Syndrome among Low Income Rural Adults in Xinjiang
Authors: Guo Shu-xia , Zhang Xiang-hui , Zhang Jing-yu , He Jia , Yan Yi-zhong , Ma Jiao-long , Ma Ru-lin , Guo Heng , Mu La-ti , Li Shu-gang , Niu Qiang , Rui Dong-sheng , Zhang Mei , Liu Jia-ming , Wang Kui , Xu Shang-zhi , Gao Xiang , Ding Yu-song
Published: October 2016

Most previous studies on metabolic syndrome (MetS) examined urban and high income settings. We thus investigated the prevalence of MetS among a multi-ethnic population living in a low income rural area and explored the use of visceral adiposity and anthropometric indicators to identify men and women with MetS. We recruited 10,029 individuals of nomadic Kazakhs, rural Uyghur and Han residents in Xinjiang, China. MetS was defined by the Joint Interim Statement criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of each index. The age-adjusted prevalence of MetS was 21.8%. The visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), body adiposity index (BAI) and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were significantly associated with MetS, independent of ethnic, age, and other covariates. The AUC of VAI, LAP and WHtR were all greater than 0.7, and the LAP was the index that most accurately identified MetS status in men (AUC = 0.853) and women (AUC = 0.817), with the optimal cut-offs of 34.7 and 27.3, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of MetS in low income rural adults of Xinjiang was high and the LAP was an effective indicator for the screening of MetS.
Improvement of Terahertz Wave Radiation for InAs Nanowires by Simple Dipping into Tap Water
Authors: Park Dong Woo , Bin Ji Young , Hwang Jehwan , Lee Cheul-Ro , Lee Sang Jun , Kim Jun Oh , Noh Sam Kyu , Oh Seung Jae , Kim Sang-Hoon , Jeon Tae-In , Jeong Kwang-Un , Kim Jin Soo
Published: October 2016

We report improvement of terahertz (THz) wave radiation for Si-based catalyst-free InAs nanowires (NWs) by simple dipping into tap water (DTW). In addition, the possibility of using InAs NWs as a cost-effective method for biomedical applications is discussed by comparison to bulk InAs. The peak-to-peak current signals (PPCSs) of InAs NWs measured from THz time-domain spectroscopy increased with increasing NW height. For example, the PPCS of 10 μm-long InAs NWs was 2.86 times stronger than that of 2.1 μm-long NWs. The THz spectra of the InAs NWs obtained by applying a fast Fourier transformation to the current signals showed a main frequency of 0.5 THz, which can be applied to a variety of medical imaging systems. After the DTW process, structural variation was not observed for 2.1 μm-long InAs NWs. However, the top region of several InAs NWs with heights of 4.6 and 5.8 μm merged into a conical structure. InAs NWs with a height of 10 μm resulted in a bundle feature forming above the conical shape, where the length of bundle region was 4 μm. After the DTW process, the PPCS for 10 μm-long InAs NWs increased by 15 percent compared to that of the as-grown case.
Dynamics of soil organic and inorganic carbon in the cropland of upper Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Guo Yang , Wang Xiujun , Li Xianglan , Wang Jiaping , Xu Minggang , Li Dongwei
Published: October 2016

Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and organic carbon (SOC) are important carbon reservoirs in terrestrial ecosystems. However, little attention was paid to SIC dynamics in cropland. We conducted a survey in the upper Yellow River Delta of North China Plain. We collected 155 soil samples from 31 profiles, and measured SOC, SIC and soluble Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents. Our results showed that mean SOC content decreased from 9.30 g kg−1 near the surface to 2.36 g kg−1 in 80–100 cm whereas mean SIC content increased from 10.48 to 12.72 g kg−1. On average, SOC and SIC stocks over 0–100 cm were 5.73 kg C m−2 and 16.89 kg C m−2, respectively. There was a significantly positive correlation (r = 0.88, P < 0.001) between SOC and SIC in the cropland. We also found that SIC had a significantly positive correlation with both soluble Ca2+ (r = 0.57, P < 0.01) and Mg2+ (r = 0.43, P < 0.05). Our study suggested that increasing SOC might lead to an increase in SIC stocks in the cropland of North China Plain. This study highlights the importance of SIC in the carbon cycle of China’s semi-arid region.
Biocatalysis on the surface of Escherichia coli: melanin pigmentation of the cell exterior
Authors: Gustavsson Martin , Hörnström David , Lundh Susanna , Belotserkovsky Jaroslav , Larsson Gen
Published: October 2016

Today, it is considered state-of-the-art to engineer living organisms for various biotechnology applications. Even though this has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs, the enclosed interior of bacterial cells still restricts interactions with enzymes, pathways and products due to the mass-transfer barrier formed by the cell envelope. To promote accessibility, we propose engineering of biocatalytic reactions and subsequent product deposition directly on the bacterial surface. As a proof-of-concept, we used the AIDA autotransporter vehicle for Escherichia coli surface expression of tyrosinase and fully oxidized externally added tyrosine to the biopolymer melanin. This resulted in a color change and creation of a black cell exterior. The capture of ninety percent of a pharmaceutical wastewater pollutant followed by regeneration of the cell bound melanin matrix through a simple pH change, shows the superior function and facilitated processing provided by the surface methodology. The broad adsorption spectrum of melanin could also allow removal of other micropollutants.
The mechanical behavior dependence on the TiB whisker realignment during hot-working in titanium matrix composites
Authors: Ma Fengcang , Liu Ping , Li Wei , Liu Xinkuan , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Ke , Pan Deng , Lu Weijie
Published: October 2016

Low-cost TiB whiskers reinforced titanium matrix composite (TMCs) was fabricated with enhanced mechanical performances using in situ technologies and hot working. Morphologies observation indicates that needle-like TiB whiskers with a hexagonal transverse section grow along the [010] direction due to B27 crystal structure and its growth mechanism. Mechanical properties tests show that the mechanical behavior of the TiB whiskers reinforced TMCs is dependent on the deformation amplitudes applied in hot-working. The improvement in yield strength by hot-working is attributed to the TiB whiskers realignment and the refinement of microstructure. Models are constructed to evaluate the realignment of TiB whisker during deformation and the increase in yield strength of the composite at elevated temperatures. These models clarify the alignment effect of TiB whiskers under various deformation amplitudes applied in hot-workings and reveals the yield strength dependence on TiB whiskers orientation.
Responses of bacterial community structure and denitrifying bacteria in biofilm to submerged macrophytes and nitrate
Authors: Zhang Songhe , Pang Si , Wang Peifang , Wang Chao , Guo Chuan , Addo Felix Gyawu , Li Yi
Published: October 2016

Submerged macrophytes play important roles in constructed wetlands and natural water bodies, as these organisms remove nutrients and provide large surfaces for biofilms, which are beneficial for nitrogen removal, particularly from submerged macrophyte-dominated water columns. However, information on the responses of biofilms to submerged macrophytes and nitrogen molecules is limited. In the present study, bacterial community structure and denitrifiers were investigated in biofilms on the leaves of four submerged macrophytes and artificial plants exposed to two nitrate concentrations. The biofilm cells were evenly distributed on artificial plants but appeared in microcolonies on the surfaces of submerged macrophytes. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in all samples, accounting for 27.3–64.8% of the high-quality bacterial reads, followed by Chloroflexi (3.7–25.4%), Firmicutes (3.0–20.1%), Acidobacteria (2.7–15.7%), Actinobacteria (2.2–8.7%), Bacteroidetes (0.5–9.7%), and Verrucomicrobia (2.4–5.2%). Cluster analysis showed that bacterial community structure can be significantly different on macrophytes versus from those on artificial plants. Redundancy analysis showed that electrical conductivity and nitrate concentration were positively correlated with Shannon index and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness (log10 transformed) but somewhat negatively correlated with microbial density. The relative abundances of five denitrifying genes were positively correlated with nitrate concentration and electrical conductivity but negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen.
Current controlled switching of impedance in magnetic conductor with tilted anisotropy easy axis and its applications
Authors: Ipatov Mihail , Zhukova Valentina , Zhukov Arkady , Gonzalez Julian
Published: October 2016

We present a concept and prototype of a memory element based on current driven magneto-impedance (MI) effect that stores the binary data (0, 1) as the orientation of the magnetization. The magnetization orientation in the surface layer with tilted anisotropy easy axis can be switched controllably between two stable states by applying current pulses of the appropriate sign, and can be detected by sensing the impedance. We demonstrated the functioning of a non-volatile magnetic memory with a read speed performance up to and above 2 GHz. A prototype of a memory element was realized on a short piece of amorphous microwire, as this material exhibits the highest MI effect, and the required anisotropy can be quite easily obtained. Nevertheless, this concept can be extended to other materials and geometries exhibiting MI effect and possessing a required magnetic anisotropy.
NPNT is Expressed by Osteoblasts and Mediates Angiogenesis via the Activation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase
Authors: Kuek Vincent , Yang Zhifan , Chim Shek Man , Zhu Sipin , Xu Huazi , Chow Siu To , Tickner Jennifer , Rosen Vicki , Erber Wendy , Li Xiucheng , Qin An , Qian Yu , Xu Jiake
Published: October 2016

Angiogenesis plays an important role in bone development and remodeling and is mediated by a plethora of potential angiogenic factors. However, data regarding specific angiogenic factors that are secreted within the bone microenvironment to regulate osteoporosis is lacking. Here, we report that Nephronectin (NPNT), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeat superfamily proteins and a homologue of EGFL6, is expressed in osteoblasts. Intriguingly, the gene expression of NPNT is reduced in the bone of C57BL/6J ovariectomised mice and in osteoporosis patients. In addition, the protein levels of NPNT and CD31 are also found to be reduced in the tibias of OVX mice. Exogenous addition of mouse recombinant NPNT on endothelial cells stimulates migration and tube-like structure formation in vitro. Furthermore, NPNT promotes angiogenesis in an ex vivo fetal mouse metatarsal angiogenesis assay. We show that NPNT stimulates the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) in endothelial cells. Inhibition of ERK1/2 impaired NPNT-induced endothelial cell migration, tube-like structure formation and angiogenesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that NPNT is a paracrine angiogenic factor and may play a role in pathological osteoporosis. This may lead to new targets for treatment of bone diseases and injuries.
Multiple and diverse structural changes affect the breakpoint regions of polymorphic inversions across the Drosophila genus
Authors: Puerma Eva , Orengo Dorcas J. , Aguadé Montserrat
Published: October 2016

Chromosomal polymorphism is widespread in the Drosophila genus, with extensive evidence supporting its adaptive character in diverse species. Moreover, inversions are the major contributors to the genus chromosomal evolution. The molecular characterization of a reduced number of polymorphic inversion breakpoints in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila subobscura supports that their inversions would have mostly originated through a mechanism that generates duplications —staggered double-strand breaks— and has thus the potential to contribute to their adaptive character. There is also evidence for inversion breakpoint reuse at different time scales. Here, we have characterized the breakpoints of two inversions of D. subobscura —O4 and O8— involved in complex arrangements that are frequent in the warm parts of the species distribution area. The duplications detected at their breakpoints are consistent with their origin through the staggered-break mechanism, which further supports it as the prevalent mechanism in D. subobscura. The comparative analysis of inversions breakpoint regions across the Drosophila genus has revealed several genes affected by multiple disruptions due not only to inversions but also to single-gene transpositions and duplications.
Comprehensive analysis of trihelix genes and their expression under biotic and abiotic stresses in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Wang Zhanchao , Liu Quangang , Wang Hanzeng , Zhang Haizhen , Xu Xuemei , Li Chenghao , Yang Chuanping
Published: October 2016

Trihelix genes play important roles in plant growth and development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we identified 56 full-length trihelix genes in Populus trichocarpa and classified them into five groups. Most genes within a given group had similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The trihelix genes were unequally distributed across 19 different linkage groups. Fifteen paralogous pairs were identified, 14 of which have undergone segmental duplication events. Promoter cis-element analysis indicated that most trihelix genes contain stress- or phytohormone-related cis-elements. The expression profiles of the trihelix genes suggest that they are primarily expressed in leaves and roots. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that members of the trihelix gene family are significantly induced in response to osmotic, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate and pathogen infection. PtrGT10 was identified as a target gene of miR172d, which is involved in the osmotic response. Repression of PtrGT10 could increase reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and decrease cell death. This study provides novel insights into the phylogenetic relationships and functions of the P. trichocarpa trihelix genes, which will aid future functional studies investigating the divergent roles of trihelix genes belonging to other species.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: occurrence, biology, and chemical synthesis
Authors: Robertson Jeremy , Stevens Kiri
Published: October 2016

This review focuses on the isolation, biological activity, metabolism, and (bio)synthesis of natural products containing a 1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane core (January 2013 to December 2015).
Tetraphenylethene functionalized rhodamine dye for fluorescence detection of HCl vapor in the solid state
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Chao-Ying , Dong Dewen
Published: October 2016

A tetraphenylethene functionalized rhodamine chemosensor RbTPE has been developed for “naked-eye” and reversible detection of HCl and NH3 vapors.
Construction of a temperature-responsive terpolymer coating with recyclable bactericidal and self-cleaning antimicrobial properties
Authors: Wang Bailiang , Ye Zi , Xu Qingwen , Liu Huihua , Lin Quankui , Chen Hao , Nan Kaihui
Published: October 2016

Once a biomedical implant is implanted into a human body, proteins and bacteria can easily colonize the implant, and subsequently, a biofilm can grow on the surface.
Enhanced bone morphogenic property of parylene-C
Authors: Tsai Ya-Ting , Huang Chao-Wei , Liu Hui-Yu , Huang Mei-Ching , Sun Ting-Pi , Chen Wen-Chien , Wu Chih-Yu , Ding Shih-Torng , Chen Hsien-Yeh
Published: October 2016

Functional biomolecules of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, fibronectin, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are modified on parylene-C surfacesviaa protein adsorption process. The resulting surfaces are showing induced osteogenetic activities.
Synthesis of a monomolecular anionic FLP complex
Authors: Kyri A. W. , Kunzmann R. , Schnakenburg G. , Qu Z.-W. , Grimme S. , Streubel R.
Published: October 2016

Despite intense research in FLP chemistry, nothing is known about monomolecular anionic FLPs and/or complexes thereof. Herein, synthesis and reaction of the first anionic FLP complex is described using [(OC)5W{(Me3Si)2HCP(H)OLi(12-crown-4)}], Cy2BCl and subsequent deprotonation by KHMDS. The obtained anionic FLP complex reacts readily with CO2 in a concerted manner.
Rhodium-catalyzed P–P bond exchange reaction of diphosphine disulfides
Authors: Arisawa Mieko , Yamada Tomoki , Tanii Saori , Kawada Yuta , Hashimoto Hisako , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: October 2016

A rhodium-catalyzed exchange reaction of diphosphine disulfides, a diphosphine oxide, and a diphosphine is developed. Various symmetric diphosphine disulfides containing alkyl and phenyl groups are exchanged.