bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidermal β-catenin activation remodels the dermis via paracrine signalling to distinct fibroblast lineages
Authors: Lichtenberger Beate M. , Mastrogiannaki Maria , Watt Fiona M.
Published: February 2016

Sustained epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signalling expands the stem cell compartment and induces ectopic hair follicles (EFs). This is accompanied by extensive fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in the underlying dermis. Here we show that epidermal Hedgehog (Hh) and Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling mediate the dermal changes. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of these pathways prevents β-catenin-induced dermal reprogramming and EF formation. Epidermal Shh stimulates proliferation of the papillary fibroblast lineage, whereas TGF-β2 controls proliferation, differentiation and ECM production by reticular fibroblasts. Hh inhibitors do not affect TGF-β target gene expression in reticular fibroblasts, and TGF-β inhibition does not prevent Hh target gene induction in papillary fibroblasts. However, when Hh signalling is inhibited the reticular dermis does not respond to epidermal β-catenin activation. We conclude that the dermal response to epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signalling depends on distinct fibroblast lineages responding to different paracrine signals.
Diapause is associated with a change in the polarity of secretion of insulin-like peptides
Authors: Matsunaga Yohei , Honda Yoko , Honda Shuji , Iwasaki Takashi , Qadota Hiroshi , Benian Guy M. , Kawano Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2016

The insulin/IGF-1 signalling (IIS) pathway plays an important role in the regulation of larval diapause, the long-lived growth arrest state called dauer arrest, in Caenorhabditis elegans. In this nematode, 40 insulin-like peptides (ILPs) have been identified as putative ligands of the IIS pathway; however, it remains unknown how ILPs modulate larval diapause. Here we show that the secretory polarity of INS-35 and INS-7, which suppress larval diapause, is changed in the intestinal epithelial cells at larval diapause. These ILPs are secreted from the intestine into the body cavity during larval stages. In contrast, they are secreted into the intestinal lumen and degraded during dauer arrest, only to be secreted into the body cavity again when the worms return to developmental growth. The process that determines the secretory polarity of INS-35 and INS-7, thus, has an important role in the modulation of larval diapause.
Liver-derived ketone bodies are necessary for food anticipation
Authors: Chavan Rohit , Feillet Céline , Costa Sara S. Fonseca , Delorme James E. , Okabe Takashi , Ripperger Jürgen A. , Albrecht Urs
Published: February 2016

The circadian system has endowed animals with the ability to anticipate recurring food availability at particular times of day. As daily food anticipation (FA) is independent of the suprachiasmatic nuclei, the central pacemaker of the circadian system, questions arise of where FA signals originate and what role components of the circadian clock might play. Here we show that liver-specific deletion ofPer2in mice abolishes FA, an effect that is rescued by viral overexpression ofPer2in the liver. RNA sequencing indicates thatPer2regulates β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) production to induce FA leading to the conclusion that liverPer2is important for this process. Unexpectedly, we show that FA originates in the liver and not in the brain. However, manifestation of FA involves processing of the liver-derived βOHB signal in the brain, indicating that the food-entrainable oscillator is not located in a single tissue but is of systemic nature.
Steric interactions lead to collective tilting motion in the ribosome during mRNA–tRNA translocation
Authors: Nguyen Kien , Whitford Paul C.
Published: February 2016

Translocation of mRNA and tRNA through the ribosome is associated with large-scale rearrangements of the head domain in the 30S ribosomal subunit. To elucidate the relationship between 30S head dynamics and mRNA–tRNA displacement, we apply molecular dynamics simulations using an all-atom structure-based model. Here we provide a statistical analysis of 250 spontaneous transitions between the A/P–P/E and P/P–E/E ensembles. Consistent with structural studies, the ribosome samples a chimeric ap/P–pe/E intermediate, where the 30S head is rotated ∼18°. It then transiently populates a previously unreported intermediate ensemble, which is characterized by a ∼10° tilt of the head. To identify the origins of head tilting, we analyse 781 additional simulations in which specific steric features are perturbed. These calculations show that head tilting may be attributed to specific steric interactions between tRNA and the 30S subunit (PE loop and protein S13). Taken together, this study demonstrates how molecular structure can give rise to large-scale collective rearrangements.
Seamless growth of a supramolecular carpet
Authors: Kim Ju-Hyung , Ribierre Jean-Charles , Yang Yu Seok , Adachi Chihaya , Kawai Maki , Jung Jaehoon , Fukushima Takanori , Kim Yousoo
Published: February 2016

Organic/metal interfaces play crucial roles in the formation of intermolecular networks on metal surfaces and the performance of organic devices. Although their purity and uniformity have profound effects on the operation of organic devices, the formation of organic thin films with high interfacial uniformity on metal surfaces has suffered from the intrinsic limitation of molecular ordering imposed by irregular surface structures. Here we demonstrate a supramolecular carpet with widely uniform interfacial structure and high adaptability on a metal surface via a one-step process. The high uniformity is achieved with well-balanced interfacial interactions and site-specific molecular rearrangements, even on a pre-annealed amorphous gold surface. Co-existing electronic structures show selective availability corresponding to the energy region and the local position of the system. These findings provide not only a deeper insight into organic thin films with high structural integrity, but also a new way to tailor interfacial geometric and electronic structures.
Genome-scale study reveals reduced metabolic adaptability in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Jerby Livnat , Petäjä Elina M. , Mattila Ismo , Jäntti Sirkku , Auvinen Petri , Gastaldelli Amalia , Yki-Järvinen Hannele , Ruppin Eytan , Orešič Matej
Published: February 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major risk factor leading to chronic liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Here we chart liver metabolic activity and functionality in NAFLD by integrating global transcriptomic data, from human liver biopsies, and metabolic flux data, measured across the human splanchnic vascular bed, within a genome-scale model of human metabolism. We show that an increased amount of liver fat induces mitochondrial metabolism, lipolysis, glyceroneogenesis and a switch from lactate to glycerol as substrate for gluconeogenesis, indicating an intricate balance of exacerbated opposite metabolic processes in glycemic regulation. These changes were associated with reduced metabolic adaptability on a network level in the sense that liver fat accumulation puts increasing demands on the liver to adaptively regulate metabolic responses to maintain basic liver functions. We propose that failure to meet excessive metabolic challenges coupled with reduced metabolic adaptability may lead to a vicious pathogenic cycle leading to the co-morbidities of NAFLD.
Reducing antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections in family practice: results of a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating a multifaceted peer-group-based intervention
Authors: Vervloet Marcia , Meulepas Marianne A , Cals Jochen W L , Eimers Mariëtta , van der Hoek Lucas S , van Dijk Liset
Published: February 2016

Irrational antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections (RTI) is a major driver of bacterial resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted peer-group based intervention aiming to reduce RTI-related antibiotic prescriptions in family practice. This was a cluster randomized controlled trial with pre- and follow-up measurement. The intervention was implemented through PharmacoTherapy Audit Meetings (PTAM) in which family physicians (FPs) and pharmacists collaborate. Four PTAM groups received the intervention consisting of: (1) FP communication skills training, including communication about delayed prescribing; (2) implementation of antibiotic prescribing agreements in FPs’ Electronic Prescribing Systems; (3) quarterly feedback figures for FPs. Four other PTAM groups were matched controls. Primary outcome measure was the number of RTI-related antibiotic prescriptions after the intervention, assessed with multilevel linear regression analyses. Total number and number of prescriptions stratified by age (under/over 12 years) were analysed. At baseline, the average total number of RTI-related antibiotic prescriptions per 1,000 patients was 207.9 and 176.7 in the intervention and control PTAM groups, respectively. At follow-up, FPs in both the intervention and control groups prescribed significantly less antibiotics. For adolescents and adults, the drop in number of antibiotic prescription was significantly larger in the intervention groups (−27.8 per 1,000 patients) than the control groups (−7.2 per 1,000 patients; P<0.05). This multifaceted peer-group-based intervention was effective in reducing the number of RTI-related antibiotic prescriptions for adolescents and adults. To affect antibiotic prescribing in children other methods are needed.
Interpersonal interactions and empathy modulate perception of threat and defensive responses
Authors: Fossataro C. , Sambo C. F. , Garbarini F. , Iannetti G. D.
Published: February 2016

The defensive peripersonal space (DPPS) is a vital “safety margin” surrounding the body. When a threatening stimulus is delivered inside the DPPS, subcortical defensive responses like the hand-blink reflex (HBR) are adjusted depending on the perceived threat content. In three experiments, we explored whether and how defensive responses are affected by the interpersonal interaction within the DPPS of the face. In Experiment 1, we found that the HBR is enhanced when the threat is brought close to the face not only by one’s own stimulated hand, but also by another person’s hand, although to a significantly lesser extent. In Experiments 2 and 3, we found that the HBR is also enhanced when the hand of the participant enters the DPPS of another individual, either in egocentric or in allocentric perspective. This enhancement is larger in participants with strong empathic tendency when the other individual is in a third person perspective. These results indicate that interpersonal interactions shape perception of threat and defensive responses. These effects are particularly evident in individuals with greater tendency to having empathic concern to other people.
Curcumin Nanoformulation for Cervical Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zaman Mohd S. , Chauhan Neeraj , Yallapu Murali M. , Gara Rishi K. , Maher Diane M. , Kumari Sonam , Sikander Mohammed , Khan Sheema , Zafar Nadeem , Jaggi Meena , Chauhan Subhash C.
Published: February 2016

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Current standards of care for cervical cancer includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Conventional chemotherapy fails to elicit therapeutic responses and causes severe systemic toxicity. Thus, developing a natural product based, safe treatment modality would be a highly viable option. Curcumin (CUR) is a well-known natural compound, which exhibits excellent anti-cancer potential by regulating many proliferative, oncogenic and chemo-resistance associated genes/proteins. However, due to rapid degradation and poor bioavailability, its translational and clinical use has been limited. To improve these clinically relevant parameters, we report a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) based curcumin nanoparticle formulation (Nano-CUR). This study demonstrates that in comparison to free CUR, Nano-CUR effectively inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis and arrests the cell cycle in cervical cancer cell lines. Nano-CUR treatment modulated entities such as miRNAs, transcription factors and proteins associated with carcinogenesis. Moreover, Nano-CUR effectively reduced the tumor burden in a pre-clinical orthotopic mouse model of cervical cancer by decreasing oncogenic miRNA-21, suppressing nuclear β-catenin and abrogating expression of E6/E7 HPV oncoproteins including smoking compound benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) induced E6/E7 and IL-6 expression. These superior pre-clinical data suggest that Nano-CUR may be an effective therapeutic modality for cervical cancer.
Exploring Carbon Nanomaterial Diversity for Nucleation of Protein Crystals
Authors: Govada Lata , Leese Hannah S. , Saridakis Emmanuel , Kassen Sean , Chain Benny , Khurshid Sahir , Menzel Robert , Hu Sheng , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Chayen Naomi E.
Published: February 2016

Controlling crystal nucleation is a crucial step in obtaining high quality protein crystals for structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and carbon black provide a range of surface topographies, porosities and length scales; functionalisation with two different approaches, gas phase radical grafting and liquid phase reductive grafting, provide routes to a range of oligomer functionalised products. These grafted materials, combined with a range of controls, were used in a large-scale assessment of the effectiveness for protein crystal nucleation of 20 different carbon nanomaterials on five proteins. This study has allowed a direct comparison of the key characteristics of carbon-based nucleants: appropriate surface chemistry, porosity and/or roughness are required. The most effective solid system tested in this study, carbon black nanoparticles functionalised with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of mean molecular weight 5000, provides a novel highly effective nucleant, that was able to induce crystal nucleation of four out of the five proteins tested at metastable conditions.
The discriminatory capability of existing scores to predict advanced colorectal neoplasia: a prospective colonoscopy study of 5,899 screening participants
Authors: Wong Martin C. S. , Ching Jessica Y. L. , Ng Simpson , Lam Thomas Y. T. , Luk Arthur K. C. , Wong Sunny H. , Ng Siew C. , Ng Simon S. M. , Wu Justin C. Y. , Chan Francis K. L. , Sung Joseph J. Y.
Published: February 2016

We evaluated the performance of seven existing risk scoring systems in predicting advanced colorectal neoplasia in an asymptomatic Chinese cohort. We prospectively recruited 5,899 Chinese subjects aged 50–70 years in a colonoscopy screening programme(2008–2014). Scoring systems under evaluation included two scoring tools from the US; one each from Spain, Germany and Poland; the Korean Colorectal Screening(KCS) scores; and the modified Asia Pacific Colorectal Screening(APCS) scores. The c-statistics, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values(PPVs) and negative predictive values(NPVs) of these systems were evaluated. The resources required were estimated based on the Number Needed to Screen(NNS) and the Number Needed to Refer for colonoscopy(NNR). Advanced neoplasia was detected in 364 (6.2%) subjects. The German system referred the least proportion of subjects (11.2%) for colonoscopy, whilst the KCS scoring system referred the highest (27.4%). The c-statistics of all systems ranged from 0.56–0.65, with sensitivities ranging from 0.04–0.44 and specificities from 0.74–0.99. The modified APCS scoring system had the highest c-statistics (0.65, 95% C.I. 0.58–0.72). The NNS (12–19) and NNR (5-10) were similar among the scoring systems. The existing scoring systems have variable capability to predict advanced neoplasia among asymptomatic Chinese subjects and further external validation should be performed.
Altered Carbohydrates Allocation by Associated Bacteria-fungi Interactions in a Bark Beetle-microbe Symbiosis
Authors: Zhou Fangyuan , Lou Qiaozhe , Wang Bo , Xu Letian , Cheng Chihang , Lu Min , Sun Jianghua
Published: February 2016

Insect-microbe interaction is a key area of research in multiplayer symbiosis, yet little is known about the role of microbe-microbe interactions in insect-microbe symbioses. The red turpentine beetle (RTB) has destroyed millions of healthy pines in China and forms context-dependent relationships with associated fungi. The adult-associated fungusLeptographium procerumhave played key roles in RTB colonization. However, common fungal associates (L. procerumandOphiostoma minus) with RTB larvae compete for carbohydrates. Here, we report that dominant bacteria associated with RTB larvae buffer the competition by inhibiting the growth and D-glucose consumption ofO. minus. However, they didn’t inhibit the growth ofL. procerumand forced this fungus to consume D-pinitol before consuming D-glucose, even though D-glucose was available and a better carbon source not only forL. procerumbut also for RTB larvae and associated bacteria. This suggests the most frequently isolated bacteria associated with RTB larvae could affect fungal growth and the sequence of carbohydrate consumption. Thus, this regulates carbohydrate allocation in the RTB larva-microbe community, which may in turn benefit RTB larvae development. We also discuss the mechanism of carbohydrate allocation in the RTB larva-microbe community and its potential contribution to the maintenance of a symbiotic community.
Spatial isolation and environmental factors drive distinct bacterial and archaeal communities in different types of petroleum reservoirs in China
Authors: Gao Peike , Tian Huimei , Wang Yansen , Li Yanshu , Li Yan , Xie Jinxia , Zeng Bing , Zhou Jiefang , Li Guoqiang , Ma Ting
Published: February 2016

To investigate the spatial distribution of microbial communities and their drivers in petroleum reservoir environments, we performed pyrosequencing of microbial partial 16S rRNA, derived from 20 geographically separated water-flooding reservoirs and two reservoirs that had not been flooded, in China. The results indicated that distinct underground microbial communities inhabited the different reservoirs. Compared with the bacteria, archaeal alpha-diversity was not strongly correlated with the environmental variables. The variation of the bacterial and archaeal community compositions was affected synthetically, by the mining patterns, spatial isolation, reservoir temperature, salinity and pH of the formation brine. The environmental factors explained 64.22% and 78.26% of the total variance for the bacterial and archaeal communities, respectively. Despite the diverse community compositions, shared populations (48 bacterial and 18 archaeal genera) were found and were dominant in most of the oilfields. Potential indigenous microorganisms, including Carboxydibrachium, Thermosinus and Neptunomonas, were only detected in a reservoir that had not been flooded with water. This study indicates that: 1) the environmental variation drives distinct microbial communities in different reservoirs; 2) compared with the archaea, the bacterial communities were highly heterogeneous within and among the reservoirs; and 3) despite the community variation, some microorganisms are dominant in multiple petroleum reservoirs.
Intrinsically motivated oculomotor exploration guided by uncertainty reduction and conditioned reinforcement in non-human primates
Authors: Daddaoua Nabil , Lopes Manuel , Gottlieb Jacqueline
Published: February 2016

Intelligent animals have a high degree of curiosity – the intrinsic desire to know – but the mechanisms of curiosity are poorly understood. A key open question pertains to the internal valuation systems that drive curiosity. What are the cognitive and emotional factors that motivate animals to seek information when this is not reinforced by instrumental rewards? Using a novel oculomotor paradigm, combined with reinforcement learning (RL) simulations, we show that monkeys are intrinsically motivated to search for and look at reward-predictive cues and that their intrinsic motivation is shaped by a desire to reduce uncertainty, a desire to obtain conditioned reinforcement from positive cues and individual variations in decision strategy and the cognitive costs of acquiring information. The results suggest that free-viewing oculomotor behavior reveals cognitive and emotional factors underlying the curiosity driven sampling of information.
Notch-regulated miR-223 targets the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway and increases cytokine production in macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ogando Jesús , Tardáguila Manuel , Díaz-Alderete Andrea , Usategui Alicia , Miranda-Ramos Vanessa , Martínez-Herrera Dannys Jorge , de la Fuente Lorena , García-León María J. , Moreno María C. , Escudero Sara , Cañete Juan D. , Toribio María L. , Cases Ildefonso , Pascual-Montano Alberto , Pablos José Luis , Mañes Santos
Published: February 2016

Evidence links aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, although results are inconsistent. AHR agonists inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages, pivotal cells in RA aetiopathogenesis, which hints at specific circuits that regulate the AHR pathway in RA macrophages. We compared microRNA (miR) expression in CD14+ cells from patients with active RA or with osteoarthritis (OA). Seven miR were downregulated and one (miR-223) upregulated in RA compared to OA cells. miR-223 upregulation correlated with reduced Notch3 and Notch effector expression in RA patients. Overexpression of the Notch-induced repressor HEY-1 and co-culture of healthy donor monocytes with Notch ligand-expressing cells showed direct Notch-mediated downregulation of miR-223. Bioinformatics predicted the AHR regulator ARNT (AHR nuclear translocator) as a miR-223 target. Pre-miR-223 overexpression silenced ARNT 3’UTR-driven reporter expression, reduced ARNT (but not AHR) protein levels and prevented AHR/ARNT-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. miR-223 counteracted AHR/ARNT-induced Notch3 upregulation in monocytes. Levels of ARNT and of CYP1B1, an AHR/ARNT signalling effector, were reduced in RA compared to OA synovial tissue, which correlated with miR-223 levels. Our results associate Notch signalling to miR-223 downregulation in RA macrophages and identify miR-223 as a negative regulator of the AHR/ARNT pathway through ARNT targeting.
Low lattice thermal conductivity of stanene
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhang Hao , Shao Hezhu , Xu Yuchen , Zhang Xiangchao , Zhu Heyuan
Published: February 2016

A fundamental understanding of phonon transport in stanene is crucial to predict the thermal performance in potential stanene-based devices. By combining first-principle calculation and phonon Boltzmann transport equation, we obtain the lattice thermal conductivity of stanene. A much lower thermal conductivity (11.6 W/mK) is observed in stanene, which indicates higher thermoelectric efficiency over other 2D materials. The contributions of acoustic and optical phonons to the lattice thermal conductivity are evaluated. Detailed analysis of phase space for three-phonon processes shows that phonon scattering channels LA + LA/TA/ZA ↔ TA/ZA are restricted, leading to the dominant contributions of high-group-velocity LA phonons to the thermal conductivity. The size dependence of thermal conductivity is investigated as well for the purpose of the design of thermoelectric nanostructures.
Optical properties of drug metabolites in latent fingermarks
Authors: Shen Yao , Ai Qing
Published: February 2016

Drug metabolites usually have structures of split-ring resonators (SRRs), which might lead to negative permittivity and permeability in electromagnetic field. As a result, in the UV-vis region, the latent fingermarks images of drug addicts and non drug users are inverse. The optical properties of latent fingermarks are quite different between drug addicts and non-drug users. This is a technic superiority for crime scene investigation to distinguish them. In this paper, we calculate the permittivity and permeability of drug metabolites using tight-binding model. The latent fingermarks of smokers and non-smokers are given as an example.
Reducing central serotonin in adulthood promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Song Ning-Ning , Jia Yun-Fang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Qiong , Huang Ying , Liu Xiao-Zhen , Hu Ling , Lan Wei , Chen Ling , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Chen Xiaoyan , Xu Lin , Ding Yu-Qiang
Published: February 2016

Chronic administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which up-regulates central serotonin (5-HT) system function, enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis. However, the relationship between central 5-HT system and adult neurogenesis has not fully been understood. Here, we report that lowering 5-HT level in adulthood is also able to enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We used tamoxifen (TM)-induced Cre in Pet1-CreERT2 mice to either deplete central serotonergic (5-HTergic) neurons or inactivate 5-HT synthesis in adulthood and explore the role of central 5-HT in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. A dramatic increase in hippocampal neurogenesis is present in these two central 5-HT-deficient mice and it is largely prevented by administration of agonist for 5-HTR2c receptor. In addition, the survival of new-born neurons in the hippocampus is enhanced. Furthermore, the adult 5-HT-deficient mice showed reduced depression-like behaviors but enhanced contextual fear memory. These findings demonstrate that lowering central 5-HT function in adulthood can also enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis, thus revealing a new aspect of central 5-HT in regulating adult neurogenesis.
Lignocellulosic ethanol production by starch-base industrial yeast under PEG detoxification
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Xu Wenjuan , Mao Liaoyuan , Zhang Chao , Yan Peifang , Xu Zhanwei , Zhang Z. Conrad
Published: February 2016

Cellulosic ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass offers a sustainable solution for transition from fossil based fuels to renewable alternatives. However, a few long-standing technical challenges remain to be addressed in the development of an economically viable fermentation process from lignocellulose. Such challenges include the needs to improve yeast tolerance to toxic inhibitory compounds and to achieve high fermentation efficiency with minimum detoxification steps after a simple biomass pretreatment. Here we report an in-situ detoxification strategy by PEG exo-protection of an industrial dry yeast (starch-base). The exo-protected yeast cells displayed remarkably boosted vitality with high tolerance to toxic inhibitory compounds and with largely improved ethanol productivity from crude hydrolysate derived from a pretreated lignocellulose. The PEG chemical exo-protection makes the industrial S. cerevisiae yeast directly applicable for the production of cellulosic ethanol with substantially improved productivity and yield, without of the need to use genetically modified microorganisms.
Physiological lipid composition is vital for homotypic ER membrane fusion mediated by the dynamin-related GTPase Sey1p
Authors: Sugiura Shintaro , Mima Joji
Published: February 2016

Homotypic fusion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is required for generating and maintaining the characteristic reticular ER membrane structures. This organelle membrane fusion process depends on the ER-bound dynamin-related GTPases, such as atlastins in animals and Sey1p in yeast. Here, to investigate whether specific lipid molecules facilitate GTPase-dependent ER membrane fusion directly, we comprehensively evaluated membrane docking and lipid mixing of reconstituted proteoliposomes bearing purified Sey1p and a set of ER-mimicking lipids, including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid and ergosterol. Remarkably, we revealed that each specific lipid species contributed little to membrane docking mediated by Sey1p. Nevertheless, Sey1p-dependent lipid mixing was strongly reduced by omitting three major acidic lipids from the ER-mimicking set and, moreover, was entirely abolished by omitting either phosphatidylethanolamine or ergosterol. Our reconstitution studies thus established that physiological lipid composition is vital for lipid bilayer rearrangements in GTPase-mediated homotypic ER membrane fusion.
Promotion of mitotic catastrophe via activation of PTEN by paclitaxel with supplement of mulberry water extract in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Chen Nien-Cheng , Chyau Charng-Cherng , Lee Yi-Ju , Tseng Hsien-Chun , Chou Fen-Pi
Published: February 2016

Paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy. Mulberry fruit is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids and exhibits chemopreventive activities. In this study, mulberry water extract (MWE) was used as a supplement to synergize with the effects of paclitaxel in the treatment of the TSGH 8301 human bladder cancer cell line. Treatment with paclitaxel combined with MWE (paclitaxel/MWE) enhanced the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel and induced severe G2/M arrest, mitotic catastrophe and subsequent apoptosis, as shown by MTT assay, HE staining and flow cytometry analyses. Differences in the expression and activation of Aurora A and Plk1between cells treated with paclitaxel/MWE and paclitaxel alone suggested that the combined treatment caused a defect in the early steps of cytokinesis. Paclitaxel/MWE decreased EEA1immunofluorescence staining and increased the expression of PTEN, indicating that the regimen inhibited the formation of the recycling endosome, which is required for cytokinesis. Paclitaxel/MWE also retarded tumor growth in a TSGH 8301 xenograft model via activation of PTEN and Caspase 3. These data demonstrated a synergistic effect on the anticancer efficacy of paclitaxel through MWE supplementation by promoting mitotic catastrophe through the activation of PTEN, providing a novel and effective therapeutic option for bladder cancer treatment strategies.
MicroRNA-130b improves renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis via repression of Snail-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Bai Xiaoyan , Geng Jian , Zhou Zhanmei , Tian Jianwei , Li Xiao
Published: February 2016

MicroRNA-130b (miR-130b) downregulation has been identified in diabetes, but the role and mechanisms for miR-130b in mediating renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remain unknown. We demonstrated that plasma miR-130b downregulation exhibited clinical and biological relevance as it was linked to increased serum creatinine, β2-microglobulin and proteinuria, increased Snail expression and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in renal biopsies of DN patients. MiR-130b inhibitor caused Snail upregulation and enhanced molecular features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in high glucose (30 mM) cultured NRK-52E cells. In contrast, miR-130b mimic downregulated Snail expression and increased epithelial hallmarks. Notably, Snail was identified as an miR-130b direct target and inversely correlated with E-CADHERIN expression. Furthermore, the miR-130b-dependent effects were due to Snail suppression that in turn deregulated E-CADHERIN, VIMENTIN, COLLAGEN IV and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), key mediators of EMT. These effects were reproduced in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thus, we propose a novel role of the miR-130b-SNAIL axis in fostering EMT and progression toward increased tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DN. Detection of plasma miR-130b and its association with SNAIL can be extrapolated to quantifying the severity of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Targeting miR-130b could be evaluated as a potential therapeutic approach for DN.
Multiplex Strand Invasion Based Amplification (mSIBA) assay for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Eboigbodin Kevin E. , Hoser Mark J.
Published: February 2016

Nucleic acid amplification tests have become a common method for diagnosis of STIs due to their improved sensitivity over immunoassays and traditional culture-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods offer significant advantages over polymerase chain reaction (PCR) because they do not require sophisticated instruments needed for thermal cycling of PCR. We recently reported a novel isothermal nucleic acid amplification method, Strand Invasion-Based Amplification (SIBA), which exhibited high analytical sensitivity and specificity for amplification of DNA. However, because the reactions were detected using an intercalating dye, this method was only suitable for amplifying a single genomic target. Here, we report the development of multiplexed SIBA (mSIBA) that allows simultaneous detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and an internal control in the same reaction tube. SIBA is compatible with probes, allowing the detection of multiple DNA targets in the same reaction tube. The IC was developed to assess the quality of the isolated DNA and the integrity of the enzyme system, as well as to test oligonucleotides. The mSIBA assay retained high analytical sensitivity and specificity for the detection of CT and NG. The development of mSIBA enables rapid screening for CT and NG within point-of-care or central laboratory settings.
2, 3-Dimethylmaleic anhydride (3, 4-Dimethyl-2, 5-furandione): A plant derived insecticidal molecule from Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta (L.) Schott
Authors: Rajashekar Yallappa , Tonsing Ngaihlun , Shantibala Tourangbam , Manjunath Javagal R.
Published: February 2016

The phasing out of methyl bromide as a fumigant, resistance problems with phosphine and other fumigants in stored product beetles and serious concern with human health and environmental safety have triggered the search for alternative biofumigants of plant origin. Despite the identification of a large number of plants that show insecticidal activity and the diversity of natural products with inherent eco-friendly nature, newer biofumigants of plant origin have eluded discovery. Using a bioassay driven protocol, we have now isolated a bioactive molecule from the root stock of Colocasia esculenta (L.) and characterized it as 2, 3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (3, 4-dimethyl-2, 5-furandione) based on various physico-chemical and spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass). The molecule proved to be an efficient biofumigant which is highly toxic to insect pests for stored grains even at very low concentration, but has no adverse effect on seed germination. We finally address the potential for this molecule to become a, effective biofumigant.
Metal ion transport quantified by ICP-MS in intact cells
Authors: Figueroa Julio A. Landero , Stiner Cory A. , Radzyukevich Tatiana L. , Heiny Judith A.
Published: February 2016

The use of ICP-MS to measure metal ion content in biological tissues offers a highly sensitive means to study metal-dependent physiological processes. Here we describe the application of ICP-MS to measure membrane transport of Rb and K ions by the Na,K-ATPase in mouse skeletal muscles and human red blood cells. The ICP-MS method provides greater precision and statistical power than possible with conventional tracer flux methods. The method is widely applicable to studies of other metal ion transporters and metal-dependent processes in a range of cell types and conditions.
New multi-scale perspectives on the stromatolites of Shark Bay, Western Australia
Authors: Suosaari E. P. , Reid R. P. , Playford P. E. , Foster J. S. , Stolz J. F. , Casaburi G. , Hagan P. D. , Chirayath V. , Macintyre I. G. , Planavsky N. J. , Eberli G. P.
Published: February 2016

A recent field-intensive program in Shark Bay, Western Australia provides new multi-scale perspectives on the world’s most extensive modern stromatolite system. Mapping revealed a unique geographic distribution of morphologically distinct stromatolite structures, many of them previously undocumented. These distinctive structures combined with characteristic shelf physiography define eight ‘Stromatolite Provinces’. Morphological and molecular studies of microbial mat composition resulted in a revised growth model where coccoid cyanobacteria predominate in mat communities forming lithified discrete stromatolite buildups. This contradicts traditional views that stromatolites with the best lamination in Hamelin Pool are formed by filamentous cyanobacterial mats. Finally, analysis of internal fabrics of stromatolites revealed pervasive precipitation of microcrystalline carbonate (i.e. micrite) in microbial mats forming framework and cement that may be analogous to the micritic microstructures typical of Precambrian stromatolites. These discoveries represent fundamental advances in our knowledge of the Shark Bay microbial system, laying a foundation for detailed studies of stromatolite morphogenesis that will advance our understanding of benthic ecosystems on the early Earth.
Bcl2 is a critical regulator of bile acid homeostasis by dictating Shp and lncRNA H19 function
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Liu Chune , Barbier Olivier , Smalling Rana , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Lee Sangmin , Delker Don , Zou An , Hagedorn Curt H. , Wang Li
Published: February 2016

Bile acid (BA) metabolism is tightly controlled by nuclear receptor signaling to coordinate regulation of BA synthetic enzymes and transporters. Here we reveal a molecular cascade consisting of the antiapoptotic protein BCL2, nuclear receptor Shp and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 to maintain BA homeostasis. Bcl2 was overexpressed in liver of C57BL/6J mice using adenovirus mediated gene delivery for two weeks. Hepatic overexpression of Bcl2 caused drastic accumulation of serum BA and bilirubin levels and dysregulated BA synthetic enzymes and transporters. Bcl2 reactivation triggered severe liver injury, fibrosis and inflammation, which were accompanied by a significant induction of H19. Bcl2 induced rapid SHP protein degradation via the activation of caspase-8 pathway. The induction of H19 in Bcl2 overexpressed mice was contributed by a direct loss of Shp transcriptional repression. H19 knockdown or Shp re-expression largely rescued Bcl2-induced liver injury. Strikingly different than Shp, the expression of Bcl2 and H19 was hardly detectable in adult liver but was markedly increased in fibrotic/cirrhotic human and mouse liver. We demonstrated for the first time a detrimental effect of Bcl2 and H19 associated with cholestatic liver fibrosis and an indispensable role of Shp to maintain normal liver function.
Catalytically active tissue transglutaminase colocalises with Aβ pathology in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Authors: Wilhelmus Micha M. M. , de Jager Mieke , Smit August B. , van der Loo Rolinka J. , Drukarch Benjamin
Published: February 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein deposition in the brain. Posttranslational modifications in Aβ play an important role in Aβ deposition. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is an enzyme involved in posttranslational cross-linking of proteins. tTG levels and activity are increased in AD brains and tTG is associated with Aβ deposits and lesion-associated astrocytes in AD cases. Furthermore, Aβ is a substrate of tTG-catalysed cross-linking. To study the role of tTG in Aβ pathology, we compared tTG distribution and activity in both the APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 and APP23 mice models with human AD. Using immunohistochemistry, we found association of both tTG and in situ active tTG with Aβ plaques and vascular Aβ, in early and late stages of Aβ deposition. In addition, tTG staining colocalised with Aβ-associated reactive astrocytes. Thus, alike human AD cases, tTG was associated with Aβ depositions in these AD models. Although, distribution pattern and spatial overlay of both tTG and its activity with Aβ pathology was substantially different from human AD cases, our findings provide evidence for an early role of tTG in Aβ pathology. Yet, species differences should be taken into account when using these models to study the role of tTG in Aβ pathology.
Converting bulk sugars into prebiotics: semi-rational design of a transglucosylase with controlled selectivity
Authors: Verhaeghe Tom , De Winter Karel , Berland Magali , De Vreese Rob , D'hooghe Matthias , Offmann Bernard , Desmet Tom
Published: February 2016

Bad sugars in, good sugar out: an engineered sucrose phosphorylase for the production of kojibiose from sucrose and glucose.
In vitro analysis of partially hydrolyzed guar gum fermentation differences between six individuals
Authors: Carlson Justin , Esparza Julian , Swan Jonathan , Taussig David , Combs Jerry , Slavin Joanne
Published: February 2016

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a fermentable, soluble, non-gelling fiber consumed as both a supplement and ingredient.
Nano-clustering of ligands on surrogate antigen presenting cells modulates T cell membrane adhesion and organization
Authors: Dillard Pierre , Pi Fuwei , Lellouch Annemarie C. , Limozin Laurent , Sengupta Kheya
Published: February 2016

Artificial antigen presenting cells with clustered T cell ligands were prepared and used to reveal a dual scale of T cell response: a local nano-scale response in which the cell redistributes key signalling molecules, and a global cell scale response according to the average ligand density.
Transcriptional changes are involved in phenotype switching in Streptococcus equi subspecies equi
Authors: Steward Karen F. , Robinson Carl , Waller Andrew S.
Published: February 2016

Phenotypic heterogeneity within a population of bacteria, through genetic or transcriptional variation, enables survival and persistence in challenging and changing environments.
Core–shell magnetic Ag/AgCl@Fe2O3 photocatalysts with enhanced photoactivity for eliminating bisphenol A and microbial contamination
Authors: Xu Yuanguo , Huang Shuquan , Xie Meng , Li Yeping , Jing Liquan , Xu Hui , Zhang Qi , Li Huaming
Published: February 2016

Core–shell magnetic Ag/AgCl@Fe2O3 photocatalysts showed much higher photocatalytic activity for degrading bisphenol A and could completely kill the E. coli.
Controlled synthesis and photocatalysis of sea urchin-like Fe3O4@TiO2@Ag nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Yilin , Tao Chengran , Xiao Gang , Wei Guipeng , Li Linghui , Liu Changxia , Su Haijia
Published: February 2016

Based on the synergistic photocatalytic activities of nano-sized TiO2and Ag, as well as the magnetic properties of Fe3O4, a sea urchin-like Fe3O4@TiO2@Ag nanocomposite (Fe3O4@TiO2@Ag NCs) is controllably synthesized with tunable cavity size, adjustable shell layer of TiO2nanofiber, higher structural stability and larger specific surface area.
One-step process to form a nickel-based/carbon nanofoam composite supercapacitor electrode using Na2SO4 as an eco-friendly electrolyte
Authors: Della Noce R. , Eugénio S. , Boudard M. , Rapenne L. , Silva T. M. , Carmezim M. J. , Donne S. W. , Montemor M. F.
Published: February 2016

Anodic electrodeposition of NiOx (NiO + NiOOH) onto carbon nanofoam forming a supercapacitor electrode. The resulting composite electrode operates at 2.2 V in Na2SO4 aqueous medium.
Sulfonated poly(arylene thioether phosphine oxide)s (sPTPO) and sPTPO/sulfonated polybenzothiazole blends as proton exchange membranes
Authors: Tan Yunlong , Zhang Ke , Liao Huiying , Liu Di , Xiao Guyu , Sun Guoming , Yan Deyue
Published: February 2016

Blends of sulfonated poly(arylene thioether phosphine oxide)s and sulfonated polybenzothiazoles exhibited excellent overall properties as proton exchange membranes.
Facile synthesis of BiOI/CdWO4 p–n junctions: enhanced photocatalytic activities and photoelectrochemistry
Authors: Feng Yi , Liu Chunbo , Chen Jibin , Che Huinan , Xiao Lisong , Gu Wei , Shi Weidong
Published: February 2016

In this work, a series of novel BiOI/CdWO4 p–n junction photocatalysts were successfully fabricated via a facile ultrasonic and stirring process.
Smart design of hollow AuPt nanospheres with a porous shell as superior electrocatalysts for ethylene glycol oxidation
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Wei Changting , Sun Litai , ALOthman Zeid A. , Malgras Victor , Yamauchi Yusuke , Wang Hongjing , Wang Liang
Published: February 2016

Hollow AuPt spherical nanoelectrocatalysts for ethylene glycol oxidation were synthesized by a facile and effective method.
Facile synthesis of MOF 235 and its superior photocatalytic capability under visible light irradiation
Authors: Li Yingjie , Hou Guangshun , Yang Juan , Xie Jin , Yuan Xiaoli , Yang Hua , Wang Miaomiao
Published: February 2016

MOF 235 was fabricated by a facile microwave-assisted method. It showed excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity in the presence of H2O2. It displays a high chemical stability for repeated RhB degradation reactions.
Shape-controlled synthesis of 3D copper nicotinate hollow microstructures and their catalytic properties
Authors: Fu Shanshan , Xia Qingdong , Li Shuang , Ren Guojuan , Chai Fang , Wang Chungang , Qu Fengyu
Published: February 2016

View of the process of preparation and catalysis of Cu hollow microstructures.
Advances in click chemistry for silica-based material construction
Authors: Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Hassanzadeh Zahra , Gholamzadeh Parisa , Asadi Shima , Badiei Alireza
Published: February 2016

Click chemistry is undoubtedly the most powerful 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction in organic synthesis.
Edge functionalization and doping effects on the stability, electronic and magnetic properties of silicene nanoribbons
Authors: Aghaei S. M. , Monshi M. M. , Torres I. , Calizo I.
Published: February 2016

A spectacular SGS character with 100% spin polarized currents around the Fermi level is found in z2–1 functionalized with Cl.
Fabrication and surface stochastic analysis of enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of a tuneable MoS2–CdS thin film heterojunction
Authors: Zirak M. , Ebrahimi M. , Zhao M. , Moradlou O. , Samadi M. , Bayat A. , Zhang H.-L. , Moshfegh A. Z.
Published: February 2016

CdS/MoS2(t)/ITO thin films were prepared via a facile method with controllable surface properties, and a model was proposed to describe the enhancement of photoelectrochemical activity from a stochastic view point.
Influence of the precursor on the porous structure and CO2 adsorption characteristics of MgO
Authors: Song Gan , Zhu Xun , Chen Rong , Liao Qiang , Ding Yu-Dong , Chen Lin
Published: February 2016

MgO is promising for CO2 capture. The effect of precursor source on the porous structure and CO2 adsorption of MgO was investigated. The adsorption performance of MgO could be enhanced through the regulation of precursor source and its morphology.
Spin-dependent transport properties in a pyrene–graphene nanoribbon device
Authors: Wu QiuHua , Zhao Peng , Liu DeSheng
Published: February 2016

We investigate the spin-dependent transport properties of a pyrene–zigzag graphene nanoribbon system. The results show that the system can exhibit multiple high-performance spin-dependent effects.
Phenylcarboxyl-decorated tetraphenylethene with diverse molecular RIM-induced emission from host–guest inclusion and aggregation formation
Authors: Gao Yan , Han Bin , Chen Yuting , Wang Xi , Bai Ming
Published: February 2016

Basing on an amphiphilic TPE molecule, host–guest complexation with α-CD could be obtained. For the cavity restrict the motions of AIE molecules the RIM induced fluorescence could be confirmed which clarified the slightly difference from AIE process.
Colorimetric chemosensor for multiple targets, Cu2+, CN−and S2−
Authors: Ryu Ka Young , Lee Jae Jun , Kim Jin Ah , Park Dae Yul , Kim Cheal
Published: February 2016

New Schiff-base was developed as colorimetric sensor for Cu2+, CN−and S2−with the detection limits lower than the given guidelines.
Enhanced optical and piezoelectric characteristics of transparent Ni-doped BiFeO3 thin films on a glass substrate
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Cho Ahra , Cho Yong Soo
Published: February 2016

Very thin and highly transparent BiFeO3 films are attractive owing to their potential application as ferroelectric photovoltaic devices.